JP7797196B2 - Server, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a server, an information processing method, and a program.

Technology for delivering user-viewable content (e.g., manga) to devices such as smartphones has been widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Users who view such content can then interact with other users about the content on a community site (e.g., a chat room) on the Internet via their device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-200987

According to a first aspect of the present invention,
A server that communicates with a terminal,
a communication unit that receives browsing information of a user of the terminal regarding browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal;
a control unit for selecting a community site based on the browsing information;
The communication unit transmits information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal.
According to a second aspect of the present invention,
An information processing method for a server that communicates with a terminal, comprising:
receiving, by a communication unit of the server, browsing information of a user of the terminal relating to browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal;
selecting a community site based on the browsing information by a control unit of the server;
The method includes transmitting information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal by the communication unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention,
A program executed by a server in communication with a terminal,
receiving, by a communication unit of the server, browsing information of a user of the terminal relating to browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal;
selecting a community site based on the browsing information by a control unit of the server;
The server transmits information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal through the communication unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
A program executed by an information processing device,
performing control of acquiring browsing information related to browsing of content by a user by a control unit of the information processing device;
A control unit controls the selection of a community site based on the browsing information;
The information processing device executes control by the control unit to present information on the community site selected by the control unit to the user.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
a server,
a control unit for acquiring content information relating to content that can be viewed on the terminal;
The control unit performs control to set a community site in which viewing by users who have not viewed a portion of the content corresponding to the content information is restricted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a communication unit of the terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of the terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a communication unit of the server in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of the server in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a community site presented on a terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a community site presented on a terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a server according to the present embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed by each device in the first modified example (1). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a community site presented on a terminal in the first modified example (2). 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the first modified example (2). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a server in the first modified example (5). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a terminal in the first modified example (5). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a community site presented on a terminal in the first modified example (6). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of a server in a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a server according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a process executed by a server in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process by the server in the second modified example (1) in chronological order. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process by the server in the second modified example (2) in chronological order. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal of a community site in the second modified example (3). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of a server in a second modified example (4). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a server in a second modified example (4). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal showing access restrictions on the second community site in the second modified example (4). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a terminal in a second modified example (4). 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (4). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of a server in a second modified example (6). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process by the server in the second modified example (6) in chronological order. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display when a present is received from a second user to a first user in the second modified example (6). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a server in the second modified example (6). 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (6). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how survey information is displayed on a terminal in the second modified example (7). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a server in the second modified example (7). 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device in the second modified example (7). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process by the server in the second modified example (8) in chronological order. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (8). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a server in the second modified example (9). 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (9). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a terminal in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a server according to the third embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a process executed by each device in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of a server in a third modified example (1). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a question displayed on a terminal asking whether there are any messages for members of the second community site in the third modified example (1). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a message to a specific user in the second community site in the third modified example (1). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a server in a third modified example (1). 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the third modified example (1). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying user movement information within a second community site in the third modified example (3). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a message to a specific user in the second community site in the third modified example (4). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a list of members of the second community site in the third modified example (5). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a list of members of the first community site in the third modified example (5). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by a control unit of a server in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a server according to the fourth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a process executed by each device in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a list of community sites on a terminal when no browsing restrictions are imposed in the fourth modified example (1). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a list of community sites is displayed on a terminal when browsing is restricted in the fourth modified example (1). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a list of community sites is displayed on a terminal when browsing is restricted in the fourth modified example (1). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a list of community sites is displayed on a terminal when browsing is restricted in the fourth modified example (1). 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth modified example (1). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of message non-display on the terminal in the fifth modified example (2). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of hiding a message on a terminal in the fifth modified example (2). 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth modified example (2). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of lifting the viewing restriction on the terminal in the fifth modified example (3). 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth modified example (3). 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of application to a chat room. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of application to a chat room.

<Compliance with legal matters>
It should be noted that the disclosures set forth herein are subject to compliance with the laws of the country of implementation, such as communications privacy, as required for the implementation of the disclosures.

Embodiments for implementing the server, information processing method, and program disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings.

<System Configuration>
Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, in the communication system 1, a server 10 and terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, and terminal 20C) are connected via a network 30. The server 10 provides a service to the terminals 20 owned by users via the network 30, enabling the terminals 20 to send and receive messages between the terminals 20. The number of terminals 20 connected to the network 30 is not limited.

The network 30 serves to connect one or more terminals 20 with one or more servers 10. In other words, the network 30 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that the terminals 20 can send and receive data after connecting to the server 10.

One or more portions of network 30 may or may not be a wired network or a wireless network. Network 30 may include, by way of example and not limitation, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network, integrated service digital networks (ISDN), wireless LAN, long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communications, or the like, or a combination of two or more thereof. Network 30 may include one or more networks 30.

Terminal 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C) may be any information processing terminal capable of implementing the functions described in each embodiment. Examples of terminal 20 include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (including, but not limited to, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), media computer platforms (including, but not limited to, cable and satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders, etc.), handheld computing devices (including, but not limited to, personal digital assistants (PDAs), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (including, but not limited to, glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.), or other types of computers or communication platforms. Terminal 20 may also be referred to as an information processing terminal.

Because terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C have basically the same configuration, the following explanation will focus on terminal 20. Furthermore, where necessary, the terminal used by user X will be referred to as terminal 20X, and user information in a specified service associated with user X or terminal 20X will be referred to as user information X. Note that user information is user information associated with the account used by the user in a specified service. User information includes, by way of example and not limitation, information associated with the user, such as the user's name, user icon image, user age, user gender, user address, user hobbies and interests, and user identifier, which is input by the user or assigned by the specified service, and may be any one or a combination of these.

The server 10 has the function of providing predetermined services to the terminal 20. The server 10 may be any information processing device capable of implementing the functions described in each embodiment. Examples of the server 10 include, but are not limited to, a server device, a computer (such as, but not limited to, a desktop, laptop, or tablet), a media computer platform (such as, but not limited to, a cable or satellite set-top box or digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (such as, but not limited to, a PDA or email client), or other types of computers or communication platforms. The server 10 may also be referred to as an information processing device. If there is no need to distinguish between the server 10 and the terminal 20, the server 10 and the terminal 20 may or may not each be referred to as an information processing device.

<Hardware (HW) configuration>
The HW configuration of each device included in the communication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) HW Configuration of Terminal The terminal 20 includes a control unit 21 (CPU: central processing unit), a memory unit 28, a communication unit 22, an input/output unit 23, a display unit 24, a microphone 25, a speaker 26, and a camera 27. The HW components of the terminal 20 are connected to each other via a bus B, for example and not by way of limitation. It is not essential that the HW configuration of the terminal 20 includes all of the components. For example and not by way of limitation, the terminal 20 may or may not be configured such that individual components, such as the microphone 25, the camera 27, or multiple components, are detachable.

The communication unit 22 sends and receives various data via the network 30. Communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication is possible. The communication unit 22 has the function of communicating with the server 10 via the network 30. The communication unit 22 sends various data to the server 10 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21. The communication unit 22 also receives various data sent from the server 10 and transmits it to the control unit 21. The communication unit 22 may also be simply referred to as a communication unit. If the communication unit 22 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as a communication circuit.

The input/output unit 23 includes a device for inputting various operations to the terminal 20 and a device for outputting the results of processing performed by the terminal 20. The input/output unit 23 may have an integrated input and output unit, or may have separate input and output units, or may not.

The input unit is realized by any one or combination of devices of any type that can accept input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 21. Examples of input units include, but are not limited to, hardware keys such as a touch panel, touch display, and keyboard, pointing devices such as a mouse, a camera (for inputting operations via moving images), and a microphone (for inputting operations via voice).

The output unit may be any one or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the results of processing performed by the control unit 21. Examples of output units include, but are not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, speakers (audio output), lenses (for example, but not limited to, 3D (three dimensions) output and hologram output), printers, etc.

The display unit 24 is realized by any one of or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying according to the display data written to the frame buffer. Examples of the display unit 24 include, but are not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays and organic electroluminescence displays (ELDs)), head-mounted displays (HDMs), projection mapping, holograms, and devices capable of displaying images, text information, etc. in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). Note that these display units 24 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

If the input/output unit 23 is a touch panel, the input/output unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be arranged facing each other and have approximately the same size and shape.

The control unit 21 has physically structured circuitry for executing the functions realized by the code or instructions contained in the program, and is realized, for example and without limitation, by a data processing device built into hardware. As such, the control unit 21 may or may not be described as a control circuit.

The control unit 21 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

The storage unit 28 has the function of storing various programs and data required for the operation of the terminal 20. The storage unit 28 includes, but is not limited to, various storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM). Furthermore, the storage unit 28 may or may not be referred to as memory.

The terminal 20 stores the program P in the memory unit 28, and by executing this program P, the control unit 21 executes the processing of each unit included in the control unit 21. In other words, the program P stored in the memory unit 28 causes the terminal 20 to realize each function executed by the control unit 21. Furthermore, this program P may or may not be expressed as a program module.

The microphone 25 is used to input audio data. The speaker 26 is used to output audio data. The camera 27 is used to acquire video data.

(2) HW Configuration of Server The server 10 includes a control unit 11 (CPU), a storage unit 15, a communication unit 14 (interface), an input/output unit 12, and a display 13. The components of the HW of the server 10 are connected to each other via a bus B, for example and not for limitation. Note that the HW of the server 10 does not necessarily have to include all the components as the configuration of the HW of the server 10. For example and not for limitation, the HW of the server 10 may or may not be configured to detach the display 13.

The control unit 11 has circuits physically structured to execute the functions realized by the code or instructions contained in the program, and is realized, for example and without limitation, by a data processing device built into hardware.

The control unit 11 is typically a central processing unit (CPU), but may also be a microprocessor, processor core, multiprocessor, ASIC, or FPGA, or may not be one of these. In this disclosure, the control unit 11 is not limited to these.

The storage unit 15 has the function of storing various programs and data required for the operation of the server 10. The storage unit 15 is realized by various storage media such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. However, in this disclosure, the storage unit 15 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may or may not be referred to as memory.

The communication unit 14 sends and receives various data via the network 30. Communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication is possible. The communication unit 14 has the function of communicating with the terminal 20 via the network 30. The communication unit 14 transmits various data to the terminal 20 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11. The communication unit 14 also receives various data transmitted from the terminal 20 and transmits it to the control unit 11. The communication unit 14 may also be simply referred to as a communication unit. If the communication unit 14 is configured as a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as a communication circuit.

The input/output unit 12 is realized by a device that inputs various operations to the server 10. The input/output unit 12 is realized by any one or combination of all types of devices that can accept input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 11. The input/output unit 12 is typically realized by hardware keys such as a keyboard, or a pointing device such as a mouse. Note that the input/output unit 12 may or may not include, for example and without limitation, a touch panel, a camera (for inputting operations via video images), or a microphone (for inputting operations via voice). However, in the present disclosure, the input/output unit 12 is not limited to these.

The display 13 is typically realized by a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OELD)). The display 13 may or may not be a head-mounted display (HDM) or the like. These displays 13 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D. However, in the present disclosure, the display 13 is not limited to these.

The server 10 stores a program P in the memory unit 15, and by executing this program P, the control unit 11 executes the processing of each unit included in the control unit 11. In other words, the program P stored in the memory unit 15 causes the server 10 to realize each function executed by the control unit 11. This program P may or may not be expressed as a program module.

In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the CPU of the terminal 20 and/or server 10 is described as executing the program P to achieve this.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and/or the control unit 11 of the server 10 may, or may not, implement each process not only by a CPU with a control circuit, but also by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), or a dedicated circuit. These circuits may, or may not, be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may, or may not, be implemented by a single integrated circuit. LSIs are also sometimes referred to as VLSIs, super LSIs, ultra LSIs, etc., depending on the level of integration. Therefore, the control unit 21 may, or may not, be referred to as a control circuit.

Furthermore, the program P (which may be, for example, but not limited to, a software program, computer program, or program module) of each embodiment of the present disclosure may or may not be provided in a state stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may store the program P on a "non-transitory tangible medium." Furthermore, the program P may or may not be intended to realize part of the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the program P may or may not be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure in combination with a program P already recorded on a storage medium.

The storage medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such as, by way of example and not limitation, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific IC (ASIC)), a hard disk drive (HDD), a hybrid hard drive (HHD), an optical disk, an optical disk drive (ODD), a magneto-optical disk, a magneto-optical drive, a floppy diskette, a floppy disk drive (FDD), a magnetic tape, a solid-state drive (SSD), a RAM drive, a secure digital card, or a drive, any other suitable storage medium, or a suitable combination of two or more thereof. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, as appropriate. Note that the storage medium is not limited to these examples and may be any device or medium capable of storing the program P. Furthermore, the storage medium may or may not be referred to as memory.

The server 10 and/or terminal 20 can realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by reading the program P stored on the storage medium and executing the read program P.

Furthermore, the program PDD of the present disclosure may or may not be provided to the server 10 and/or terminal 20 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting a program (such as a communications network or broadcast waves). By way of example and not limitation, the server 10 and/or terminal 20 executes the program P downloaded via the Internet or the like to realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment.

Furthermore, each embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program P is embodied by electronic transmission.

At least part of the processing on the server 10 and/or terminal 20 may or may not be achieved by cloud computing consisting of one or more computers.

At least a portion of the processing on the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10. In this case, at least a portion of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10.

At least a portion of the processing in the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20. In this case, at least a portion of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 11 of the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20.

Unless explicitly stated, the determination configuration in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not essential, and a predetermined process may or may not be performed when the determination condition is met, or when the determination condition is not met.

The programs disclosed herein may be implemented using, but are not limited to, scripting languages such as ActionScript and JavaScript (registered trademark), object-oriented programming languages such as Objective-C and Java (registered trademark), and markup languages such as HTML5.

First Embodiment
In recent years, community sites that allow users to interact with other users over the Internet using their devices have become increasingly common. Community sites are websites or applications that allow users to exchange information and interact with each other. As applications, they are installed on computer devices such as mobile devices and personal computers. On community sites, users who share common hobbies, interests, and values, who want to have everyday conversations, and who want to seek advice or sympathy for a problem can interact over the Internet.

A community site may be anything, such as a chat room, a social networking service community, or an electronic bulletin board, as long as it allows two or more users to communicate with each other by posting messages (including text, audio, images, and video). A community site may also convert the voice of one user into text and transmit it to another user, or convert the text input of a specific user into the voice of a specific character or avatar, etc., and transmit it to other users. A community site may also allow multiple users to share a user's voice.

Users make various posts on community sites, and some posts may be about specific content.

For this reason, it is desirable to be able to provide users with a community site that is suited to the content.

In the first embodiment, when the server 10 receives browsing information regarding a user's browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal 20A, the server 10 selects a community site based on the browsing information and transmits information about the community site to the terminal 20A.
The description of the first embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments.

<Functional configuration>
(1) Functional Configuration of Terminal FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the communication unit 22 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 22 has a communication main processing unit 221 and an information transmission/reception unit 222.

The communication main processing unit 221 has the function of executing communication main processing, which is processing for sending and receiving content to and from the server 10, under the control of the control unit 21. For example, the communication main processing unit 221 has the function of sending to the server 10 acquisition information about content acquired by the user of the terminal 20 on the terminal 20, and receiving information about content distributed from the server 10.

Content includes, for example, manga, novels, videos, music, games, etc., which can be acquired by users for viewing, either for a fee or free of charge. However, content is not limited to these and may be other than manga, novels, and videos.

The information transmission/reception unit 222 has the function of transmitting to the server 10 the browsing information of the user of the terminal 20 regarding the browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal 20.

Viewing information is information related to a user's viewing of content, such as information indicating whether or not the user has viewed the content. By receiving this viewing information, the server 10 can determine whether or not the user has viewed the content. In addition to information indicating whether or not the user has viewed the content, the viewing information may or may not include information including the likelihood that the user will view the content, information regarding the amount of content the user has viewed (progress), and information regarding the content the user has viewed.

The information transmission/reception unit 222 has the function of receiving information about a community site selected by the control unit 11 of the server 10 (hereinafter referred to as community site information).

The community site information is information about a community site that is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. The community site information may be any information as long as it is displayed on the display unit 24 and allows the user of the terminal 20 to recognize the existence of the community site. The community site information may be, for example, information about a link that allows the user to access the community site, information about the name of the community site, or information about the name of the theme of the community site.

Figure 3 shows an example of the functions implemented by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 21 has a terminal main processing unit 211, an information transmission/reception processing unit 212, and a display processing unit 213.

The terminal main processing unit 211 has the function of executing terminal main processing, which is processing for comprehensively controlling the terminal 20, in accordance with the terminal main processing program 281 stored in the memory unit 28.

For example, the terminal main processing unit 211 has the function of transmitting, via the communication unit 22, information about content acquired by the user on the terminal 20 to the server 10, and receiving information about content distributed from the server 10.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 212 also has the function of executing a process to transmit user viewing information for content to the server 10 via the communication unit 22.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 212 performs processing to transmit information indicating whether the user has viewed the content acquired by the terminal 20 to the server 10 as viewing information.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 212 also has the function of receiving information about a community site selected by the control unit 11 of the server 10 from the server 10 via the communication unit 22.

The display processing unit 213 performs processing to display the community site information received from the server 10 on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20.

The display processing unit 213 also controls the presentation of community site information received from the server 10 to the user (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8, described below).

Figure 4 shows an example of information stored in the terminal 20 in this embodiment.

By way of example and not limitation, the storage unit 28 stores a terminal main processing program 281 that is read and executed by the control unit 21. Furthermore, the terminal main processing program 281 includes, as subroutine programs, an information transmission/reception program 282 that is read by the control unit 21 and executed as information transmission/reception processing, and a display processing program 283 that is executed as display processing.

The memory unit 28 also stores browsing information 284 for the user's content and community site information 285 received from the server 10.

(2) Functional Configuration of the Server FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the communication unit 14 of the server 10 in this embodiment.
The communication unit 14 includes, for example and not by way of limitation, a communication main processing unit 141 and an information transmitting/receiving unit 142 .

The communication main processing unit 141 has the function of executing communication main processing, which is processing for sending and receiving content to and from the terminal 20, under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the communication main processing unit 141 has the function of receiving acquisition information for content acquired by the user of the terminal 20 on the terminal 20, and transmitting information about content to be distributed to the terminal 20.

The information transmission/reception unit 142 has the function of receiving user browsing information transmitted by the terminal 20.

The information transmission/reception unit 142 also has the function of transmitting community site information selected by the control unit 11. Specifically, if community site information is selected by the control unit 11, the information transmission/reception unit 142 transmits the community site information to the terminal 20, and if community site information is not selected by the control unit 11, the information transmission/reception unit 142 does not transmit the community site information to the terminal 20.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functions implemented by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 has a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, and a selection processing unit 113.

The server main processing unit 111 has the function of executing server main processing, which is processing for overall control of the server 10, in accordance with the server main processing program 151 stored in the memory unit 15. For example, the server main processing unit 111 has the function of receiving acquisition information about content acquired by the user of the terminal 20 on the terminal 20, and transmitting information about content to be distributed to the terminal 20.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 112 has the function of executing processing to receive user browsing information transmitted from the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 112 also has the function of executing a process to transmit the community site information selected by the selection processing unit 113 to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14.

The selection processing unit 113 has the function of selecting a community site based on content browsing information of the user of the terminal 20 received via the communication unit 14. The selection processing unit 113 selects a community site from multiple community sites that have already been created in the messaging service provided by the server 10, for example.

The community sites selected by the selection processing unit 113 are community sites that contain information about content viewed by the user.

For example, if a user views content AA, the community site selected by the selection processing unit 113 will be a community site that includes content related to content AA.

For example, suppose there are three community sites related to content AA: site 1, site 2, and site 3. In this case, the selection processing unit 113 selects site 1, site 2, and site 3.

When the selection processing unit 113 selects the community site information, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 performs processing to transmit the community site information to the terminal 20.

As a result, the community site information sent by the server 10 is received by the terminal 20, and the community site information is presented to the user via the terminal 20.

For example, suppose an app for viewing various content (such as an e-book reader for viewing manga and books) is installed on terminal 20. As shown in Figure 7A, suppose the user selects content AA from the content selection screen of this app on terminal 20 and launches content AA. The content selection screen shown in Figure 7A shows an example in which content AB, content XY, content YZ, and content AA are selectable.

For example, in the case of a series of manga, novels, or the like, the content on the content selection screen may or may not be arranged in order of the volume number of the content. When content AA is launched, content AA opens and the user can view content AA. Content AA is, for example, a manga with 112 pages. In the example shown in Figure 7B, as indicated by "35/112" in the lower right, the status displayed on terminal 20 indicates that the user is viewing page 35 of content AA, which consists of 112 pages. In this case, the viewing information sent from terminal 20 to server 10 indicates that page 35 has been viewed, and server 10 recognizes that the user has viewed content AA.

Here, assume that there are a first site, a second site, and a third site as community sites related to content AA. In this case, the selection processing unit 113 selects the first site, the second site, and the third site. The communication unit 14 then transmits this community site information to the terminal 20.

As a result, when the terminal 20 receives the community site information from the server 10, information on the first site, second site, and third site is displayed on the user's terminal 20, as shown in FIG. 7C. Furthermore, the timing at which the community site information is displayed on the terminal 20 may be the same as or later than the timing at which the terminal 20 receives the community site information.

In Figure 7C, a button with the word "GO" is displayed on the far right of each site, and the user can access the corresponding site by tapping or clicking the button. Note that the button does not necessarily have to be displayed in Figure 7C.

In the example shown in Figures 7A-7C, community site information was sent based on the user having viewed at least a portion of the content, but community site information may also be sent even if the user has not viewed the content. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, suppose a user downloads content AA to an app from a website (download site) where content AA is available for download. In other words, suppose the user has acquired content AA.

As a result, as shown in Figure 8B, content AA is added to the list of content on the content selection screen of the app displayed on the user's terminal 20. As a result, the server 10 obtains viewing information indicating that the user can view content AA, the selection processing unit 113 selects the community site, and information about the selected community site is sent to the terminal 20.

After that, for example, when the app is subsequently used or content AA is launched, the community site information is displayed on the terminal 20 as shown in FIG. 8C. The timing at which the community site information is displayed on the terminal 20 may be the timing at which the terminal 20 receives the community site information, or may be later than that timing.

Furthermore, if there is no community site related to content AA, the selection processing unit 113 does not select community site information. In this case, as described above, the information transmitting/receiving unit 142 does not perform the process of transmitting community site information via the communication unit 14.

Furthermore, if the viewing information indicates that the user has not viewed content AA, the selection processing unit 113 may or may not select community site information. In this case, if the selection processing unit 113 does not select community site information, the information transmitting/receiving unit 142 will not transmit the community site information via the communication unit 14, as described above.

Figure 9 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in this embodiment.

By way of example and not limitation, the memory unit 15 stores a server main processing program 151 that is read and executed by the control unit 11. Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, the server main processing program 151 includes, as subroutine programs, an information transmission/reception program 152 that is read by the control unit 11 and executed as information transmission/reception processing, and a selection processing program 153 that is executed as selection processing.

The memory unit 15 also stores browsing information 154 received from the terminal 20 and community site information 155 selected by the selection processing unit 113.

<Information Processing>
10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of this embodiment, and some steps may not be executed, or additional steps may be added. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, the user performs an operation to acquire content via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20. This causes the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to transmit content acquisition information via the communication unit 22 (step S101).

When the server 10 receives content acquisition information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 distributes the content information to the terminal 20 (step S201).

When content information is delivered to terminal 20, control unit 21 of terminal 20 transmits content viewing information to server 10 (step S102). Note that control unit 21 of terminal 20 may or may not transmit content viewing information to server 10 after the user acquires the content, depending on the viewing progress.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 that has acquired the content viewing information selects a community site related to the content (step S202).

Once a community site is selected, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits information about the selected community site to the terminal 20 (step S203). Note that if the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not have a community site to select, the processes of steps S202 and S203 are skipped.

When the community site information is received, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays the community site information on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 (step S103). After steps S103 and S203, this control ends. Note that if the processing of steps S202 and S203 is skipped, the processing of step S103 is also skipped, and this control ends.

<Effects of First Embodiment>
According to the first embodiment configured as described above, the communication unit 14 of the server 10 receives browsing information of the user of the terminal 20 regarding browsing of content that can be browsed on the terminal 20, and the control unit 11 of the server 10 selects a community site based on the user's content browsing information. Specifically, the control unit 11 of the server 10 selects a community site that includes information on content that the user has browsed or is likely to browse.

Then, the communication unit 14 of the server 10 transmits information about the selected community site to the terminal 20, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 presents the information about the community site to the user via the display unit 24.

This allows users to be guided to community sites that are suitable for the content, making it easier for them to participate in community sites.

Furthermore, these effects may also have the following additional effects:

For example, if a content contains a community site that includes information that the user is not aware of, and the information about the community site is not provided, the user may search for that community site and mistakenly join it. Another effect of the first embodiment is that information about the community site selected by the control unit 11 of the server 10 is presented, making it easier for the user to join an appropriate community site. This prevents the user from mistakenly joining a community site that includes information that the user is not aware of, thereby preventing the leakage of content information that may result from opening the community site.

In addition, because the community site selected by the control unit 11 is a community site related to the content, information about the community site is presented to the user. As a result, users who participate in the community site can post on the community site and interact with other users, thereby improving their satisfaction with the content. As a result, it is possible to provide useful services to users.

In addition, by increasing the user's satisfaction with the content, it can encourage the user to purchase (obtain) the rest of the content.

Furthermore, as users' satisfaction with the content improves, they may encourage non-participating users who are registered on their devices but have not yet joined the community site to join. This allows non-participating users to join the community site, thereby making interactions between users on the community site more fulfilling.

In addition, as user satisfaction improves, users can communicate content information to users who have not purchased the content but are registered on their devices, thereby expanding the content purchaser base.

<First Modification Example (1)>
In the first embodiment, the communication unit 14 transmitted information about the community site selected by the control unit 11 if there was a possibility that the content could be viewed, even if the user was not viewing the content, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the first modified example (1), the communication unit 14 (information transmitting/receiving unit 142) may transmit information about the community site to the terminal 20 based on the browsing of content by the terminal 20.

That is, for example, as in the example of Figure 7, when a user launches content AA and actually views content AA, the communication unit 14 transmits information about the community site to the terminal 20. In this case, the viewing information transmitted from the terminal 20 to the server 10 is information indicating that the user has viewed content AA.

As a result, similar to the first embodiment, if a first site, a second site, and a third site exist as community sites related to content AA, the selection processing unit 113 selects the first site, the second site, and the third site. Then, the communication unit 14 transmits this community site information to the terminal 20 based on the viewing of the content by the terminal 20.

As a result, information from the first site, second site, and third site is displayed on the user's terminal 20.

<Information Processing>
11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the first modified example (1). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of this modified example. In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, the user performs an operation to acquire content via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20. This causes the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to transmit content acquisition information via the communication unit 22 (step S101).

When the server 10 receives content acquisition information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 distributes the content information to the terminal 20 (step S201).

When content information is delivered to terminal 20, control unit 21 of terminal 20 determines whether the user has viewed the content (step S1011). If the determination result shows that the user has not viewed the content (step S1011, NO), the processing of step S1011 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the user has viewed the content (step S1011, YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 transmits content viewing information to the server 10 (step S102). Note that the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not transmit the content viewing information to the server 10 even before the user views the content, depending on the progress of the viewing.

The control unit 11 of the server 10, which has acquired the content viewing information, selects a community site related to the content (step S202). Note that the control unit 11 of the server 10 may select the community site related to the content when the user views the content, or when the user acquires the content.

Once a community site is selected, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits information about the selected community site to the terminal 20 (step S203). Note that if the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not have a community site to select, the processes of steps S202 and S203 are skipped. Also, if the viewing information indicates that the user has not viewed the content, the process of step S203 is skipped.

When the community site information is received, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays the community site information on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 (step S103). After steps S103 and S203, this control ends. Note that if the processing of step S203 is skipped, the processing of step S103 is also skipped, and this control ends.

<Effects of the first modified example (1)>
In the first modified example (1), the communication unit 14 transmits community site information to the terminal 20 based on the browsing of content by the terminal 20.

This allows users to be guided to community sites that contain community site information related to the content they have viewed, making it easy for users to participate in community sites.

This further reduces the risk of users accidentally joining a community site that contains information they are not aware of, thereby preventing information leaks from content that may result from opening a community site.

<First Modification Example (2)>
In the first modified example (1), the communication unit 14 transmits community site information to the terminal 20 based on the browsing of content, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the first modified example (2), the communication unit 14 (information transmitting/receiving unit 142) may transmit community site information to the terminal 20 based on the completion of browsing of the content by the terminal 20.

The viewing information in the first variant (2) is information indicating whether the user has completed viewing the content.

For example, as shown in Figure 12, assume that a user who has acquired content AA has completed viewing content AA on terminal 20. In this case, the viewing information sent from terminal 20 to server 10 indicates that the user has completed viewing content AA. Content AA is, for example, a book with 112 pages, and in the example shown in Figure 12A, the last page (page 112) of content AA has the word "FIN" written on it, indicating the end of content AA.

As a result, similar to the first embodiment, if a first site, a second site, and a third site exist as community sites related to content AA, the selection processing unit 113 selects the first site, the second site, and the third site. Then, the communication unit 14 transmits this community site information to the terminal 20 based on the viewing of the content by the terminal 20.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, information about the first site, second site, and third site is displayed on the user's terminal 20. Furthermore, the timing at which the community site information is displayed on the terminal 20 may be the timing at which the terminal 20 receives the community site information, or may be later than that timing.

Also, Figure 12B shows an example of guidance information that reads, "Thank you for browsing. You can share your thoughts on the following site." The process of presenting information inviting users to join the presented community site may or may not be executed.

<Information Processing>
13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the first modified example (2). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of this modified example. In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 13, the user performs an operation to acquire content via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20. This causes the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to transmit content acquisition information via the communication unit 22 (step S101).

When the server 10 receives content acquisition information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 distributes the content information to the terminal 20 (step S201).

When content information is delivered to terminal 20, control unit 21 of terminal 20 determines whether the user has finished viewing the content (step S1012). If the determination result shows that the user has not finished viewing the content (step S1012, NO), the processing of step S1012 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the user has completed viewing the content (step S1012, YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 transmits content viewing information to the server 10 (step S102). Note that the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not transmit the content viewing information to the server 10 even before the user has viewed the content, depending on the progress of the viewing.

The control unit 11 of the server 10, which has acquired the content viewing information, selects a community site related to the content (step S202). Note that the control unit 11 of the server 10 may select the community site related to the content when the user has finished viewing the content, or may select it before the user has finished viewing the content.

Once a community site is selected, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits information about the selected community site to the terminal 20 (step S203). Note that if the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not have a community site to select, the processes of steps S202 and S203 are skipped.

When the community site information is received, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays the community site information on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 (step S103). After steps S103 and S203, this control ends. Note that if the processing of steps S202 and S203 is skipped, the processing of step S103 is also skipped, and this control ends.

<Effects of the first modified example (2)>
In the first modified example (2), the communication unit 14 transmits community site information to the terminal 20 based on the completion of browsing of the content by the terminal 20.
As a result, the community site information is displayed only when the user has finished viewing the content, allowing the user to participate in the community site with a complete understanding of the content.

In addition, since the user has already viewed the content, another effect is that it can reliably prevent the user from accidentally joining a community site that contains information about the content that the user is not aware of. This further reduces the risk of content information leaks caused by opening a community site.

<First Modification Example (3)>
In the first embodiment and the first variant (1), the viewing information is information indicating whether or not the user has viewed the content, and in the first variant (2), the viewing information is information indicating whether or not the user has completed viewing the content, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the first modified example (3), the viewing information may be information regarding the amount of viewing of content by the user of the terminal 20 .

The amount of content viewed refers to the progress of content viewing and the total amount of content viewed. For example, the amount of content viewed includes the amount of content viewed from the beginning of the content to the end, as well as the total amount viewed when the content is viewed locally. For example, if the content consists of multiple pages or chapters, the viewing information includes the number of pages and page numbers viewed, and the number of chapters and chapter numbers viewed. The number of pages and chapters viewed includes the number of pages viewed from the beginning to the point viewed, as well as the total number of pages or chapters partially viewed. If the content is composed of time units such as video (e.g., a movie or drama), the viewing information includes information on the range of time viewed. The information on the range of time viewed includes the range of time from the beginning to the point viewed, as well as the total time range of time partially viewed. If the content is one of multiple volumes (multiple content), such as a manga or novel, the viewing information includes the number of volumes of the manga or novel viewed in addition to the number of pages and page numbers.

The selection processing unit 113 selects a community site related to the amount of content viewed by the user, for example, based on the viewing information. Specifically, the selection processing unit 113 selects a community site that includes content related to the amount of content viewed by the user.

In this case, the selection processing unit 113 may or may not select a community site that contains only content related to the amount of content viewed by the user.

For example, suppose the viewing information is information regarding the number of volumes of a novel that have been viewed, and the user has viewed volumes 1 to 3 of a novel whose latest volume is volume 5. In this case, suppose there is a community site that includes the content of volumes 1 to 3, and another community site that includes the content of volume 4.

In this case, the selection processing unit 113 selects community sites that include the content of volumes 1 to 3, but does not select community sites that include the content of volume 4. This means that the user will be presented with community sites related to the portion they have browsed.

Note that community sites containing content from multiple volumes, such as volumes 1 to 3 as described above, include community sites containing content from one of the multiple volumes, and community sites containing content from two or more of the multiple volumes.

<Effects of the first modified example (3)>
In the first modified example (3), the viewing information is information regarding the amount of content viewed by the user of the terminal 20 .

This allows users to be presented with community sites related to the portion of the content they have browsed and progressed through. As a result, it becomes easier for users to participate in community sites for the portion of the content they have understood.

However, because each user has a different degree of content viewing, it is possible that users B and C, who have already viewed the content, may post messages on the community site about information that user A has not yet viewed. Therefore, when user A opens this community site, content information is leaked to user A. In contrast, in the first variant example (3), if the control unit 11 of the server 10 selects a community site that contains only content related to the amount of content viewed, such as content corresponding to the progress of content viewing, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally joining a community site that contains parts that the user has not yet viewed. As a result, it is possible to further prevent content information from being leaked when the user opens a community site.

Furthermore, the content includes manga or novels, and the viewing information includes information regarding the number of volumes of the manga or novels viewed.

Manga or novels, which tend to consist of multiple volumes, often have each volume as a single piece of content, and since multiple pieces of content in each volume have the same name, it is easy for a user to mistakenly join a community site corresponding to a different volume. However, in the first variant (3) (first embodiment), the viewing information is information related to the number of volumes, so a community site corresponding to the user's viewing information is selected. As a result, it is possible to prevent a user from mistakenly joining a community site corresponding to a different volume.

<First Modification Example (4)>
In the first modified example (3), the viewing information is information regarding the amount of content viewed by the user, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the first modified example (4), the viewing information may be information relating to the content viewed by the user of the terminal 20 .

The content viewed by a user refers to part of the content written in the content, such as the central content of the content or content that is likely to interest the user. For example, if the content is a series of stories such as a manga, novel, or movie, the content would be keywords that indicate important events, important characters, important items, etc. in the story. Also, if the content is a news article or some kind of column, the content would be the central content or content that indicates the conclusion of the article.

The selection processing unit 113 selects a community site related to the content viewed by the user, for example, based on the viewing information. Specifically, the selection processing unit 113 selects a community site that includes content related to the content viewed by the user.

In this case, the selection processing unit 113 may or may not select a community site that contains only content related to the content viewed by the user.

For example, suppose the content is a movie and multiple community sites have been created. In this case, suppose there are community sites where a particular scene from the movie is discussed, and community sites where that scene is not discussed.

In this case, if the user is viewing that scene, the selection processing unit 113 selects a community site where that scene is a hot topic. This makes it easier for the user to participate in community sites that specialize in that scene.

Furthermore, if the user has not viewed that scene, the selection processing unit 113 selects a community site that does not discuss that scene. This prevents the user from being presented with community sites that contain information about a scene that the user has not yet become aware of, making it possible to prevent the user from accidentally joining a community site that contains information that the user has not viewed.

<Effects of the first modified example (4)>
In the first modified example (4), the viewing information is information relating to the content viewed by the user of the terminal 20 .

This allows users to be presented with a community site that specializes in parts of the content that are likely to generate high levels of excitement among users. As a result, by participating in the community site, users can enjoy interacting with other users on the community site, which contributes to improving user satisfaction.

Furthermore, when selecting a community site that contains only content related to the content that the user has viewed, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally joining a community site that contains parts that the user has not yet viewed. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the leakage of content information that may result from opening a community site.

<First Modification Example (5)>
In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples, it was only mentioned that the communication unit 14 transmits the community site information selected by the control unit 11 to the terminal 20, but in the first modified example (5), the information transmission/reception unit 142 of the communication unit 14 transmits the community site information including identification information for identifying the community site to the terminal 20.

The identification information is, for example, information used to distinguish between multiple community sites in the messaging service provided by the server 10. The identification information may be any information as long as it allows the terminal 20 to distinguish the information of the community site selected by the selection processing unit 113 from the information of other community sites. The identification information may or may not include, for example, information consisting only of a single number, alphabet, and symbols, or information consisting of multiple randomly selected numbers, alphabets, and symbols. In addition, flag information may or may not be used as identification information to identify whether or not the community site is selected.

The identification information is assigned to the community site information, for example, by the information transmission/reception processing unit 112, and then transmitted by the information transmission/reception unit 142.

Figure 14 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in this embodiment.

The server main processing program 151 in the storage unit 15 includes, as a subroutine program, an assignment processing program 156 that executes an assignment process to assign identification information to community site information. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 stores, by way of example and not limitation, the information shown in FIG. 9 as well as identification information 157 that is assigned to community site information 155.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the memory unit 28 of the terminal 20 stores, by way of example and not limitation, identification information 286 assigned to community site information 285 in addition to the information shown in FIG. 4.

<Effects of the first modified example (5)>
In a first modified example (5), the communication unit 14 may transmit, to the terminal 20, community site information including identification information for identifying the community site.

This makes it easier for the terminal 20 to identify the community site selected by the server 10 using the identification information. As a result, the accurate community site can be presented on the terminal 20.

<First Modification Example (6)>
In the first embodiment, a list of community sites is simply displayed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the first modified example (6), the display processing unit 213 may change the display order of the list of community sites depending on the popularity of the community site, for example.

For example, the display processing unit 213 changes the display order of community sites in descending order of the number of participants in the community site.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, assume that the community sites selected by the server 10 are the first site, the second site, and the third site. If the third site has the most participants, followed by the first site and the second site, the display processing unit 213 displays the community sites in the order of the third site, the first site, and the second site from top to bottom. Figure 16A in FIG. 16 is a diagram before the display order of the community sites is changed, and Figure 16B in FIG. 16 is a diagram after the display order of the community sites has been changed.

Note that while the number of participants in a community site is used as an example of the popularity of the community site, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and any indicator may be used as long as it is an indicator that can determine the popularity of the community site, such as the number of posts to the community site, user ratings and rankings of the community site, number of searches, etc.

<Effects of the first modified example (6)>
In the first modified example (6), the display processing unit 213 changes the display order of the list of community sites depending on the popularity of the community site.

By doing this, the first variant example (6) can further increase the number of users on the community site and further promote lively conversations between users.

Second Embodiment
Community sites corresponding to the above-mentioned content are generally created by users who have viewed the content and become interested in it. However, for example, when the latest content is distributed, the content has not yet been viewed by users. Therefore, a community site corresponding to the content may not exist until it is created by a user.

The second embodiment is an embodiment in which a process for generating a community site is performed based on the distribution of content.
The contents of the second embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

The communication unit 14 of the server 10 in the second embodiment has, by way of example and not limitation, a communication main processing unit 141 and an information transmission/reception unit 142, similar to the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 5). The communication main processing unit 141 has the same functions as the first embodiment described above.

The information transmission/reception unit 142 has the function of transmitting community site information (community site information) generated by the control unit 11 of the server 10. Specifically, if the community site information is generated by the control unit 11, the information transmission/reception unit 142 transmits the community site information to the terminal 20, and if the community site information is not generated by the control unit 11, the information transmission/reception unit 142 does not transmit the community site information to the terminal 20.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the functions implemented by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 11 has a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, and a generation processing unit 114. The server main processing unit 111 has the same functions as in the first embodiment described above.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 112 has the function of executing the process of transmitting the community site information generated by the generation processing unit 114 to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14.

The generation processing unit 114 performs processing to generate a community site based on the content distributed to the user.

Note that content being delivered to a user includes content being delivered to the user's terminal 20 and content being available for delivery to the user's terminal 20. Content being available for delivery to the user's terminal 20 includes content being available for selection on a page accessed by the user when acquiring content, and, if a content delivery server exists separate from server 10, information regarding the delivery of content from the content delivery server to server 10.

When the generation processing unit 114 controls the generation processing of the community site, the information transmission/reception unit 142 of the communication unit 14 transmits the community site information to the user's terminal 20.

For example, suppose that content is updated on a content download site and becomes available for download on a user's terminal 20. In this case, at an appropriate time, such as when the content becomes available for download, the server 10 may generate a community site related to the content and transmit information about the community site to the terminal 20.

As a result, when a user acquires content on their terminal 20, the community site has already been automatically generated, eliminating the need for the user to create the community site, thereby improving user convenience.

Figure 18 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the second embodiment.

By way of example and not limitation, the memory unit 15 stores a server main processing program 151 that is read and executed by the control unit 11. Furthermore, the server main processing program 151 includes, as subroutine programs, an information transmission/reception program 152 that is read by the control unit 11 and executed as information transmission/reception processing, and a generation processing program 158 that is executed as generation processing.

The memory unit 15 also stores community site information 155 generated by the generation processing unit 114.

<Information Processing>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the server 10 in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 11 executes processing to enable content distribution (step S1201). This processing includes, for example, processing to enable the user to view the content, and processing to distribute the content to the user when the user acquires the content.

The control unit 11 executes a process to generate a community site related to the content (step S1202). Then, the control unit 11 executes a process to send information about the community site to the user (step S1203). After step S1203, this control ends.

<Effects of the Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, a process of generating a community site is performed based on the distribution of content, and information about the community site is transmitted to the terminal 20 .

This means that when content is distributed, a community site related to the content is automatically generated. This saves users the trouble of having to create a community site for the content, ultimately improving user convenience.

Furthermore, these effects may also have the following additional effects:

The community site generated by the control unit 11 is a community site related to the content, making it easier for users who have viewed the content to participate in the community site. As a result, users can post on the community site and interact with other users, thereby increasing their satisfaction with the content. As a result, it is possible to provide users with useful services.

Note that the second embodiment may or may not have the functions of the first embodiment, etc.

<Second Modification Example (1)>
In a second variation (1), the generation processing unit 114 may perform processing to generate a second community site different from the first community site based on the distribution of second content that was distributed before the first content. That is, the generation processing unit 114 may generate a community site for content each time that content is distributed. Specifically, the generation processing unit 114 generates the first community site when the first content is distributed, but if there is second content that was distributed before the first content, the generation processing unit 114 also generates the second community site when the second content is distributed. Therefore, the second community site may or may not be generated before the first community site is generated.

The first content and the second content are content that are distributed at different times and have different contents, and the first content is a continuation of the second content. The first content and the second content may, for example, be content included in multiple pieces of content related to a series of works that make up a continuous story, or they may not be such content.

For example, if the multiple contents are a movie or drama consisting of multiple episodes, and the second content is episodes 1 to 5, the first content would be, for example, episodes 6 and onwards. Also, if the multiple contents are a manga or novel consisting of multiple volumes, and the second content is any one of volumes 1 to 4, the first content would be, for example, volumes 5 and onwards.

The first community site is a community site related to the first content and is generated based on the distribution of the first content.

The second community site is a community site related to the second content, and as described above, is a community site that is generated based on the distribution of the second content.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, if the multiple contents are a manga or novel consisting of multiple volumes (e.g., five volumes), the generation processing unit 114 may generate a community site for volume 4 related to the content of volume 4 based on the distribution of the content of volume 4. For example, the generation processing unit 114 generates a community site for volume 4 at the time the content of volume 4 is distributed.

Then, when the content for volume 5 becomes available for distribution after the content for volume 4, the generation processing unit 114 may generate a community site for volume 5 related to the content for volume 5 based on the distribution of the content for volume 5. For example, the generation processing unit 114 generates a community site for volume 5 at the time the content for volume 5 is distributed.

This allows for the creation of community sites related to each of the multiple pieces of content, making it possible to prevent, for example, a user who has viewed content from volume 5, which was released after volume 4, from mistakenly joining a community site for volume 4 related to content from the past.

Note that the content of volume 5 corresponds to the first content, and the content of volume 4 corresponds to the second content. Furthermore, the community site for volume 5 corresponds to the first community site, and the community site for volume 4 corresponds to the second community site. Furthermore, in the above example, a community site for one volume is shown, but this is not limited to this, and community sites for multiple volumes may or may not be generated. Furthermore, in the above example, a community site for volume 5 is generated by distributing the content of volume 5, but this is not limited to this, and community sites for multiple volumes after volume 5 (for example, volumes 5 to 10) may or may not be generated.

<Effects of the second modified example (1)>
In the second variant (1), a second community site different from the first community site is generated based on the distribution of second content related to the first content that was distributed before the first content, and information about the second community site is sent to terminal 20.

By doing this, a community site is generated for each of the multiple pieces of content, making it possible to generate a community site corresponding to each piece of content. As a secondary effect of this, it is thought that it may be easier to prevent a user who has finished viewing a first piece of content from leaking information about the first piece of content within the second community site. Furthermore, if multiple pieces of content form a series, there is a possibility that a user may mistakenly join a community site corresponding to an older piece of content (the second piece of content) and leak information about the most recent piece of content (the first piece of content). However, in the second variant example (1), a community site is generated for each of the multiple pieces of content, making it easier to prevent such information leaks.

Furthermore, depending on the content, the latest content may be distributed as a sequel to a series, and in such cases, a community site (secondary community site) related to the previous content may already exist. Therefore, if a user who has viewed the latest content posts about that content on an existing community site, the content may be leaked (spoiled) to users who have not viewed the latest content.

In the second variant (1), the first content is a continuation of the second content. Then, a first community site related to the first content is automatically generated.

Therefore, by generating a first community site for participation by users who can understand the details of the first content, it is possible to prevent users from leaking information about the first content on the second community site corresponding to the second content.

Furthermore, by appropriately directing users who have viewed the first content to the first community site, it is possible to prevent users from participating in an old community site (not limited to, but an example of a second community site) related to old content (not limited to, but an example of second content) that was distributed before the first content. As a result, it is possible to more easily prevent users from leaking content information on the old community site.

<Second Modification Example (2)>
In a second modified example (2), the generation processing unit 114 may cause the first community site to include at least a portion of a message entered into the second community site by a user included in the second community site before the first content is distributed. In other words, a message from a previously generated community site may be copied to a newly generated community site.

For example, the first content may be content that is distributed after the second content, as in the second variant example (1), and the generation processing unit 114 may generate a first community site related to the first content and a second community site related to the second content.

At least some of the messages entered by users and included on the second community site include messages that were posted on the second community site at the time the first community site was created, messages that were posted on the second community site between the time the first community site was created and the time the first message was posted, etc.

For example, suppose a community site for a multi-volume manga is created when the latest volume is released. In this case, as shown in Figure 21, if there is a community site for previous volumes related to volumes prior to the latest volume, the community site for the latest volume will be created with messages posted on the community site for the previous volumes copied.

For example, a community site for previous volumes may be generated at time t1, and a community site for the latest volume may be generated at time t2. In this case, messages are posted and the content is updated on the community site for previous volumes between time t1 and time t2. The community site for the latest volume is generated with the messages updated on the community site for previous volumes copied.

This means that when a user moves from a community site for previous volumes to a community site for the latest volume, they will be able to join the community site for the latest volume while continuing the flow of conversations they had on the community site for previous volumes.

Note that the content of the latest volume corresponds to the first content, and the content of previous volumes corresponds to the second content. Furthermore, the community site for the latest volume corresponds to the first community site, and the community site for previous volumes corresponds to the second community site. Furthermore, in the above example, a community site for one volume is shown, but this is not limited to this, and community sites for multiple volumes may or may not be generated. Furthermore, in the above example, a community site for the latest volume is generated by distributing the content of the latest volume, but this is not limited to this, and community sites for multiple volumes after the latest volume may or may not be generated.

<Effects of the second modified example (2)>
The first community site also includes at least a portion of a message entered into the second community site by a user included in the second community site before the first content was distributed.

As a result, the first community site takes over the flow of the second community site. This allows users who have completed viewing the first content to participate in the first community site while continuing the flow of the conversation on the second community site, thereby enabling smooth participation in the first community site.

<Second Modification Example (3)>
In a second modified example (3), the control unit 11 of the server 10 may allow a user to freely move between the first community site and the second community site. In other words, a community site may be generated so that a user can move to another community site within the community site. Specifically, a predetermined community site may be generated so that a link that allows direct access to the other community site exists at a predetermined location within the predetermined community site, and the user can move to the other community site simply by switching screens at that predetermined location. Therefore, a user can access another community site without having to exit the predetermined community site, search for the other community site, and access it.

For example, the first community site, similar to the second variant (2), is a community site related to the first content and is generated based on the distribution of the first content. The second community site, similar to the second variant (2), is a community site related to the second content that is distributed before the first content and is generated before the first community site.

For example, as in the second variant example (2), suppose the community site for the latest volume is a copy of part of a message entered on the community site for a previous volume (see Figure 21).

For example, as shown in Figure 22, the posted content on the community site for the latest volume (see Figure 22A) and the community site for previous volumes (see Figure 22B) differs at the boundary indicated by dashed line L. The dashed line L indicates the point in time when the community site for the latest volume was created. Furthermore, the area above dashed line L indicates posts made before the community site for the latest volume was created, and the area below dashed line L indicates posts made after the community site for the latest volume was created.

Some users who move from the community site for past volumes to the community site for the latest volume may want to check the content of the community site for past volumes after the community site for the latest volume is created. In other words, some users may want to check the messages posted to the community site for past volumes after time t2, which is after the community site for the latest volume is created in Figure 21.

To deal with such cases, the generation processing unit 114 may perform processing that allows a portion of the community site for the latest volume that contains content from the community site for previous volumes to be moved to a portion that corresponds to the portion of the community site for previous volumes.

The processing involves automatically redirecting the user to the community site for past volumes when the user navigates to a location that includes content from the community site for past volumes, or adding a link to the community site for past volumes.

For example, in Figure 22A, at the dashed line L on the community site for the latest volume, there is a link to the community site for past volumes; clicking on this link will automatically take you to the dashed line L on the community site for past volumes shown in Figure 22B.

Furthermore, the area marked with dashed line L on the community site for previous volumes may or may not contain a link to the community site for the latest volume. The example shown in Figure 22B shows an example in which a link to the community site for the latest volume exists. When the link to the community site for the latest volume is clicked, the screen will move to the area marked with dashed line L on the community site for the latest volume shown in Figure 22C. This allows for free movement between the two community sites.

In addition, the above locations on the community site for the latest volume and the community site for past volumes may or may not display information indicating that the content of the community site will change between the time of generation and after generation.

<Effects of the second modified example (3)>
In the second modified example (3), a process is performed in which the user can freely move between the first community site and the second community site.

In this way, by performing processing that allows a location on the first community site containing content from the second community site to be moved to a location on the second community site that corresponds to that location, users can move freely between the two community sites. Specifically, users can easily access the second community site from within the first community site without having to exit the first community site and search for and access the second community site. In addition, as a result of this effect, users can easily check unconfirmed content on the second community site. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

<Second Modification Example (4)>
In a second modification (4), control may be performed to restrict a user's access to the second community site based on the access to the first content. That is, in order to prevent a user who has accessed new content from leaking information about the new content within the community site for past content, the user's access to the community site for past content may be restricted.

For example, the first content may be content that is distributed after the second content, as in the second variant example (1), and the generation processing unit 114 may generate a first community site related to the first content and a second community site related to the second content.

The communication unit 14 of the server 10 in the second modified example (4) has, by way of example and not limitation, a communication main processing unit 141 and an information transmission/reception unit 142, similar to the second embodiment described above. The communication main processing unit 141 has the same functions as the second embodiment described above.

In addition to the same functions as in the second embodiment described above, the information transmission/reception unit 142 also has the function of transmitting restriction processing information to the terminal 20 that restricts the user's viewing of the second community site.

The restriction processing information is information related to a setting command that restricts the user of terminal 20 from viewing the second community site. The setting command that restricts the user of terminal 20 from viewing the second community site may be, or may not be, a command that prevents the user from viewing the second community site itself on terminal 20, a command that disables access to the second community site, a command that forces the user to leave the second community site even if they access it, a command that disables posting even if the user can access the second community site, etc.

When terminal 20 receives the restriction processing information, which is information about this setting command, terminal 20 sets a setting to restrict the user's viewing of the second community site. In other words, a user who has viewed new content is restricted from viewing the community site for past content, for example by being denied access or being unable to view posts.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of the functions implemented by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in the second variant (4).

As shown in FIG. 23, the control unit 11 has a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, a generation processing unit 114, and a restriction processing unit 115. The server main processing unit 111 and the generation processing unit 114 have the same functions as in the second embodiment described above.

In addition to the same functions as in the second embodiment described above, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 also has the function of transmitting restriction processing information to the terminal 20 based on the control performed by the restriction processing unit 115.

The restriction processing unit 115 controls the restriction of viewing by users of the second community site based on the viewing of the first content. The control to restrict viewing is, for example, control to transmit a setting command to restrict viewing of the second community site to users of the above-mentioned terminal 20.

Furthermore, the control to restrict viewing may be performed when the user starts viewing the first content, while the user is viewing the first content, when the user has completed viewing the first content, or when the user has joined the first community site.

For example, suppose a user who has been participating in a second community site begins viewing the first content. In this case, if the user continues to participate in the second community site, there is a possibility that information about the first content may be leaked within the second community site.

For example, if the multiple pieces of content are a manga or novel consisting of multiple volumes (e.g., five volumes), and a user who viewed volume 4 of the content is participating in a community site for volume 4, when volume 5 of the content is distributed and the user begins viewing the content of volume 5, the user may continue to participate in the community site for volume 4 and post information about the content of volume 5 within the community site for volume 4.

In the second variant (4), users' viewing of the community site for volume 4 is restricted, making it possible to prevent information about the content of volume 5 from being leaked within the community site for volume 4 by users who have learned about the content of volume 5.

Note that the content of volume 5 corresponds to the first content, and the content of volume 4 corresponds to the second content. Furthermore, the community site for volume 5 corresponds to the first community site, and the community site for volume 4 corresponds to the second community site. Furthermore, in the above example, a community site for one volume is shown, but this is not limited to this, and community sites for multiple volumes may or may not be generated. Furthermore, in the above example, a community site for volume 5 is generated by distributing the content of volume 5, but this is not limited to this, and community sites for multiple volumes after volume 5 (for example, volumes 5 to 10) may or may not be generated.

Figure 24 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the second variant (4).

The server main processing program 151 in the storage unit 15 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a program similar to that in the second embodiment, as well as a viewing restriction processing program 159 as a subroutine program for executing control to restrict viewing.

In addition to the same information as in the second embodiment, the memory unit 15 also stores restriction processing information 160 related to a command to set viewing restrictions issued by the restriction processing unit 115.

The restriction processing information sent by the control unit 11 of the server 10 is received by the information transmission/reception processing unit 212 of the terminal 20. When the terminal 20 receives the restriction processing information, restrictions on viewing the second community site are set.

When such settings are made, the display processing unit 213 performs display processing that restricts viewing of the second community site.

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the display processing unit 213 applies a mosaic process or the like to posts on the second community site to prevent the user from viewing the posts. The display processing unit 213 may also hide the link for joining the second community site to prevent the user from accessing the second community site, or may force the user to leave even if they can access the second community site, or may prevent the user from posting even if they can access the site.

Figure 26 shows an example of information stored in the terminal 20 in the second variant (4).

The storage unit 28 stores a terminal main processing program 281 similar to that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the terminal main processing program 281 includes, as subroutine programs, an information transmission/reception program 282 that is read by the control unit 21 and executed as processing for transmitting and receiving restriction processing information, and a display processing program 283 that is executed as display processing, by way of example and not limitation.

The memory unit 28 also stores browsing information 284 for the user's content, community site information 285 received from the server 10, and restriction processing information 287 received from the server 10.

<Information Processing>
27 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (4). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the second modified example (4). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 27, when the user starts viewing the first content, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 transmits, as viewing information, information indicating that viewing of the first content has been completed to the server 10 via the communication unit 22 (step S1301). Note that in step S1301, the viewing information may be transmitted to the server 10 at an appropriate timing while the user is viewing the first content, or may be transmitted to the server 10 when the user has completed viewing of the first content.

When the server 10 receives the viewing information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a command to restrict viewing of the second community site (step S1401).

When the terminal 20 receives the command to restrict access, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 restricts access to the second community site (step S1302). After steps S1302 and S1401, this control ends.

<Effects of the second modified example (4)>
In the second variant (4), by restricting a user's viewing of the second community site based on the viewing of the first content, it is possible to prevent a user who has completed viewing the first content from leaking information about the first content on the second community site related to the second content.

<Second Modification Example (5)>
In the second modified example (4), attention is focused on the restriction processing unit 115 restricting the viewing of the second community site, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
For example, the restriction processing unit 115 may or may not lift the restriction on viewing after a certain period of time has elapsed. That is, if a user who has viewed new content has restricted the user's viewing on a community site for past content in order to prevent information leakage of the new content, the restriction may be lifted after a certain period of time has elapsed.

The certain period of time can be set as appropriate (e.g., three months), such as the period from when the first content (the latest content) becomes available for distribution until content newer than the first content becomes available for distribution, during which the novelty of the first content wears off.

For example, the first content may be content that is distributed after the second content, as in the second variant example (1), and the generation processing unit 114 may generate a first community site related to the first content and a second community site related to the second content.

For example, even if the restriction processing unit 115 applies mosaic processing as shown in Figure 25 to messages on a community site, after a certain period of time, the mosaic processing will be removed and the messages will be viewable from the user's terminal 20.

Furthermore, from the perspective of preventing information leakage of the first content, the restriction processing unit 115 may continue to prohibit users from posting on the second community site even after lifting the viewing restrictions.

<Effects of the second modified example (5)>
In the second modified example (5), the restriction processing unit 115 lifts the viewing restriction after a certain period of time has elapsed. This allows the user to check messages posted to the second community site during the viewing restriction. Furthermore, since the viewing restriction is imposed for at least a certain period of time, the viewing restriction is imposed immediately after viewing the first content, which is the first content that the user is most likely to want to post a message about, and therefore, the user can be prevented from posting messages to the second community site. As a result, the leakage of information about the first content can be prevented.

<Second Modification Example (6)>
If the newly distributed content (a non-limiting example of the first content) is a continuation of past content (a non-limiting example of the second content), if a first user who has not viewed the newly distributed content joins a community site (a non-limiting example of the first community site) related to that content, information about the newly distributed content will be leaked. Therefore, it is considered that the first user will not willingly join the community site until he or she views the newly distributed content.

However, there is a possibility that, for some reason, the first user may not purchase the newly distributed content after completing viewing of the past content. In this case, users who previously joined the community site for the newly distributed content and who had some interaction with the first user on the community site for the past content may lose contact with the first user.

In a second variant (6), control may be performed to enable a first user included in the second community site to view the first content based on a first input from the user of terminal 20 to a first user included in the second community site. In other words, support may be provided to encourage users who met on a community site for past content to view new content. For example, new content may be presented to a user who met on a community site for past content, allowing the user to view the new content.

For example, the first content may be content that is distributed after the second content, as in the second variant example (1), and the generation processing unit 114 may generate a first community site related to the first content and a second community site related to the second content.

Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of the functions implemented by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in the second variant (6).

As shown in FIG. 28, the control unit 11 has a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, a generation processing unit 114, a restriction processing unit 115, and a viewable processing unit 117. The server main processing unit 111, the generation processing unit 114, and the restriction processing unit 115 have the same functions as those in the second modified example (4) above.

In addition to the same functions as those in the second variant (4) above, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 also has the function of transmitting viewable information to the terminal 20 based on control performed by the viewable information processing unit 117.

The viewability information includes information for enabling the first user to view the first content, information for prompting the second user to make a first input to enable the first user to view the first content, and information for enabling the first user to view the first content when the first input is made.

Examples of information that enables viewing include information regarding purchasing the first content on behalf of the first user and giving the first content as a gift to the first user.

In addition to gifts, the information that enables viewing may also include information such as the second user paying part of the cost of the first content so that the first and second users can jointly purchase the first content, the second user purchasing part of the first content, or the first user purchasing the first content and then presenting another gift to the first user.

Another gift may be points that can be used for a specific service, a gift, an expansion of free services for other content, etc. For example, if the other content is a book such as a manga, an expansion of free services may be an increase in the number of slots available for free subscription, the ability to read previews, etc.

The first user is a user included in the second community site, and the second user is a user who moved from the second community site to the first community site. In other words, the first user and the second user were included in the community site for past content, but when the second user began viewing new content, the second user moved from the community site for past content to the community site for new content.

The viewability processing unit 117 performs processing to transmit information enabling the first user to view the first content to the terminal 20 of the second user who has moved from the second community site to the first community site via the communication unit 14.

When the second user's terminal 20 receives the information, as shown in FIG. 29, the display processing unit 213 of the terminal 20 performs display processing based on the information to prompt the second user to make an input to enable the first user to view the first content. For example, a display prompting the second user to make a first input to recommend the first content as a gift to the first user is displayed on the second user's terminal 20.

When the second user agrees to give the first content as a gift to the first user and makes an input (first input) to purchase the first content on the terminal 20, the information of the first input is sent to the server 10 via the communication unit 22 of the terminal 20.

The viewability processing unit 117 controls the first user to view the first content based on the first input to the first user. The control for making the first content viewable involves sending the first content to the first user's terminal 20 and presenting the first content to the first user. This allows the first user to view the first content.

For example, when the second user makes the first input, as shown in FIG. 30, a message is displayed on the terminal 20 of the first user indicating that the second user has sent a gift of the first content. The first user can obtain the first content by tapping or clicking on the text portion of the first content.

Furthermore, as the number of users (first users) who are able to view the first content in this manner increases, the scope of services available to the first users (for example, an expansion of the preview scope) may or may not be further expanded as information enabling the above-mentioned viewing.

Figure 31 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the second variant (6).

The server main processing program 151 in the memory unit 15 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a program similar to that of the second variant example (4), as well as a viewable processing program 163 for controlling the viewable processing as a subroutine program.

In addition to the same information as in the second variant example (4), the memory unit 15 also stores viewable processing information 164 related to viewable processing performed by the viewable processing unit 117.

<Information Processing>
32 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (6). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the first terminal, the control unit 11 of the server 10, and the control unit 21 of the second terminal.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the second modified example (6). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 32, when the user of the first terminal completes viewing the first content and performs an operation to move to the first community site, the control unit 21 of the first terminal transmits information indicating that the user has moved to the first community site to the server 10 via the communication unit 22 (step S1801).

When the server 10 receives information that the user of the first terminal has moved to the first community site, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends input information to the first terminal that enables the first user of the second terminal to view the first community site (step S1901). The input information is, for example, information encouraging the purchase of the first content as a gift.

When the user of the first terminal agrees with the input information and makes an input to purchase the first content (first input), the control unit 21 of the first terminal transmits the first input information (step S1802). Note that this flowchart is based on the assumption that the user of the first terminal makes the first input.

Based on receiving the first input, the server 10 transmits viewable information to the first user of the second terminal (step S1902). The viewable information is information that presents the first content to the first user so that the first community site can be viewed.

When the second terminal receives the viewing availability information, the control unit 21 of the second terminal makes the first content viewable (step S2001). As a result, when the first user finishes viewing the first content, the first community site becomes viewable. After steps S1802, S1902, and S2001, this control ends.

<Effects of the second modified example (6)>
In this way, in the second modified example (6), control is performed to enable the first user to view the first content based on a first input to a first user included in the second community site by the user of terminal 20. This allows the first user included in the second community site to view the first content, thereby allowing the relationship between the first user and the second user on the first community site to continue.

The first input also includes an input related to gifting the first content to the first user. In other words, the second user purchases the first content and gifts it to the first user, making it easier for the first user to view the first content. As a result, it becomes easier for the first user to participate in the first community site, making it easier to maintain the relationship between the first user and the second user.

Furthermore, by encouraging second users to give the first content as a gift, users' desire to purchase the content can be increased, which can ultimately contribute to increased sales of the content.

<Second Modification Example (7)>
In a second modified example (7), information regarding a content survey may be sent to the user of the terminal 20 based on the user of the terminal 20 viewing the distributed community site.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 in the second modified example (7) has, for example, the same configuration as the control unit 11 in the second embodiment.

The information transmission/reception processing unit 112 performs processing to transmit information regarding the content survey (survey information) to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 based on the user of the terminal 20 viewing the distributed community site.

The terminal 20 that receives the information about the survey performs a process to display the survey to users who have viewed the content and attempted to move to the content's community site, and to users who have moved to that community site.

Surveys can be anything, such as questions created by the content publisher, opinions and ratings on the content, popularity polls for characters within the content, or requests for opinions from the content creator.

The survey information may be displayed, for example, when the user enters the community site, when they have finished viewing the content, while they are viewing the content, or while they are viewing the community site.

For example, as shown in Figure 33, assume that a user has finished viewing content AA (see Figure 33A) and moved to a community site related to content AA. At this time, survey information is displayed on terminal 20 (see Figure 33B). This survey information involves answering questions Q1, Q2, and Q3 with a yes or no. By answering these questions and pressing the "submit" button, the survey results are sent to server 10.

In addition, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 may or may not receive information on the results of surveys from users, extract key parts of the content, such as popular or interesting parts, from the survey results collected from users, and present these to other users.

The key parts may be extracted from messages posted on community sites, etc. The key parts may also be extracted by other processing units (e.g., processing units related to artificial intelligence technology, etc.).

The information transmission/reception processing unit 112 may or may not perform processing to transmit information that presents at least a portion of the survey results to other users. If processing to present at least a portion of the survey results to other users is performed, processing may be performed to allow the user to select whether or not to make the survey results public when answering the survey.

Figure 34 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the second variant (7).

The server main processing program 151 in the memory unit 15 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a program similar to that in the second embodiment, as well as a similar program as a subroutine program.

In addition to the same information as in the second embodiment, the memory unit 15 also stores survey information 165 sent and received by the information sending and receiving process.

<Information Processing>
35 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the second modified example (7). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the second modified example (7). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 35, when the user completes viewing the content, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 transmits, as viewing information, information indicating that viewing of the content has been completed to the server 10 via the communication unit 22 (step S2101).

When the server 10 receives the viewing information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends survey information regarding the content (step S2201).

When the terminal 20 receives the survey information, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 transmits the survey responses in accordance with the user's survey responses (step S2102). After steps S2102 and S2201, this control ends.

<Effects of the second modified example (7)>
According to the second modification (7), information regarding a content survey is sent to the terminal 20 based on the user of the terminal 20 viewing the distributed community site. This allows the survey to be conducted on the users, so that opinions and the like can be collected directly from the users. As a result, it is possible to improve the service for the content.

In addition, by extracting key parts of the content from the survey results and presenting them to other users, the content can be promoted and advertised efficiently.

<Second Modification Example (8)>
In the second embodiment, a community site related to the first content was generated at the time the first content was distributed, but the second variant (8) may also generate a community site (third community site) related to content distributed before the first content.

Specifically, the first content may be the latest content in a series, and the generation processing unit 114 may generate a fourth community site different from the third community site based on the distribution of a third content that was distributed before the first content.

In other words, a community site for the latest work in the series may be generated based on the distribution of the first work in the series, and each time a sequel in the series is distributed, a community site for previous works may be generated. In this case, users who have viewed the latest work (not limited to this, but an example of the first content) will participate in the community site for the latest work, and users who have not viewed the latest work will participate in the community site for the previous works they have viewed (the above-mentioned community site for previous works).

Tertiary content is content that corresponds to the first work in a series. If the series is a manga or novel consisting of multiple volumes, the tertiary content corresponds to volume 1. Also, if the series is a movie or drama consisting of multiple episodes, the tertiary content corresponds to episode 1.

The fourth community site is a community site for the latest work, and is a community site that is generated when the third content is distributed. In other words, the fourth community site is a community site related to the first content, which is the latest work.

In other words, the generation processing unit 114 generates a fourth community site for the latest content in the series based on the distribution of the first content in the series.

Then, the generation processing unit 114 generates a third community site based on the distribution of the first content. The third community site is a community site for the above-mentioned past works, and, for example, at the time of generation, is a community site related to the content immediately preceding the first content.

In other words, in the second variant (8), a community site for previous works in a series is created each time the latest work in the series is released, and the community site related to the latest work is always the fourth community site.

For example, if the series is a drama, as shown in Figure 36, content corresponding to the first episode (the first content of the series) is distributed (time t3), and the server 10 generates a community site for the latest episode. At time t3, this community site corresponds to the fourth community site.

Next, assume that content corresponding to episode 2 is distributed (time t4). In this case, a community site is generated for episode 1, which is a past work. At time t4, the content corresponding to episode 2 becomes content 1, and the content corresponding to episode 1 becomes content 3, which was distributed before content 1. At time t4, the content corresponding to episode 2 is associated with the community site for the latest episode.

Next, assume that content corresponding to episode 3 is distributed (time t5). In this case, a community site is generated for episode 2, which is a past work. At time t5, the content corresponding to episode 3 becomes first content, and the content related to episodes 1 and 2 becomes third content, which was distributed before the first content. At time t5, the content corresponding to episode 3 is associated with the community site for the latest episode.

As a result, users who have not yet viewed the latest work (first content) will not join the community site for the latest episode (fourth community site), but will instead join the community site for older works (third community site) related to the content they have already viewed.

Furthermore, a process may be performed to restrict access to the fourth community site for users who have not yet viewed the first content. Furthermore, a process may be performed to restrict access to the third community site for users who have completed viewing the first content.

<Information Processing>
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the server 10 in the second modified example (8).

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the second modified example (8). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 37, the control unit 11 of the server 10 distributes the content of the first work (step S2301) and generates a community site of the latest action (step S2302). The content of the first work corresponds to the third content described above, and the community site of the latest action corresponds to the fourth community site described above.

After step S2302, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not the latest content is available for distribution (step S2303). The latest content corresponds to the first content described above.

If the determination result indicates that no new content is available (step S2303, NO), the processing of step S2303 is repeated. On the other hand, if new content is available (step S2303, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 generates a community site for past works (step S2304). The community site for past works corresponds to the third community site described above.

The community site generated in step S2304 may also be a community site for content from a previous work, for example, the work distributed immediately before the latest content distributed in step S2303.

Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the series has ended (step S2305). If the result of the determination is that the series has not ended (step S2305, NO), the process returns to step S2303. Note that a new community site for past works is generated each time the process of step S2303 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the series has ended (step S2305, YES), this control ends.

<Effects of the second modified example (8)>
In a second variant (8), the content is a first content, and the community site is a community site related to content distributed before the first content. The community site is a third community site, and a fourth community site different from the first content is generated, the fourth community site being distributed before the first content.

By doing this, users can interact on a third community site, which is different from the fourth community site, until they view the first content. As a result, it is possible to prevent information about the first content from being leaked as a result of participating in the fourth community site.

Furthermore, the first content is the latest content in the series, the community site is a third community site, and a fourth community site for the latest content in the series is generated based on the distribution of the first content in the series.

This automatically generates community sites corresponding to past content, making it easier for users who start viewing the first content in a series after distribution has progressed significantly to select a community site that will not leak content information.

<Second Modification Example (9)>
In the second variant (9), when the latest content is distributed, information notifying the community site related to the content distributed before the latest content may be sent.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 in the second modified example (9) has, for example, the same configuration as the control unit 11 in the second embodiment.

In addition, when the latest content is distributed, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 performs processing to transmit notification information to notify community sites related to content distributed before the latest content that the latest content has been distributed.

The notification information is information indicating that the latest content has been distributed, as described above. The notification information may also be a notice announcing when the latest content will be distributed.

Furthermore, since the generation processing unit 114 generates a community site related to the latest content, the notification information may be, for example, a notification that when viewing of the latest content is completed, the user will be redirected to a community site related to the latest content.

For example, the above notification information will be displayed on the user's terminal 20 when users are interacting with each other within a community site related to content that was distributed before the latest content was distributed, or when the user joins the community site.

Figure 38 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the second variant (9).

The server main processing program 151 in the memory unit 15 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a program similar to that in the second embodiment, as well as a similar program as a subroutine program.

In addition to the same information as in the second embodiment, the memory unit 15 also stores notification information 166 sent by the information transmission and reception process.

<Information Processing>
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the server 10 in the second modified example (9).

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the second modified example (9). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 39, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the latest content has been distributed (step S2401). If the determination result shows that the latest content has not been distributed (step S2401, NO), this control ends.

On the other hand, if new content has been distributed (step S2401, YES), the control unit 11 notifies the community site of the previously distributed content of this fact (step S2402). After step S2402, this control ends.

<Effects of the second modified example (9)>
In the second variant (9), when the latest content is distributed, information is sent to notify the community site related to the content distributed before the latest content that the latest content has been distributed.

This will help increase the number of participants on community sites related to the content by notifying users that the latest content has been released. This will in turn lead to increased sales of the latest content and more active interaction between users on the community site.

<Second Modification Example (10)>
In the second embodiment and the like, the process of generating a community site is performed based on the distribution of content, but no mention is made of the timing of the generation.
In the second modified example (10), the generation processing unit 114 generates a community site at a predetermined timing when the content is distributed.

For example, the generation processing unit 114 may generate a community site when content is distributed to a user. The generation processing unit 114 may also generate a community site when a notice of content distribution to a user is given. The generation processing unit 114 may also generate a community site if a community site corresponding to the content has not been generated for a certain period of time since the content was distributed to a user. If the generation processing unit 114 can determine whether a community site containing information about the content exists on a specified network, it may generate a community site based on the determination result. In this case, if the generation processing unit 114 determines that a community site does not exist, it may perform processing to generate a community site related to the content. Here, the generation processing unit 114 may determine whether community sites related to the content exist on multiple different networks (or on SNSs or platforms). For example, at least some of the multiple different networks may or may not be operated by different operators. For example, if a community site related to the content exists on one of multiple different networks, including a specified network, the generation processing unit 114 may or may not not generate a community site. On the other hand, if a community site related to the content does not exist on any of the different networks including the specified network, the generation processing unit 114 may, or may not, generate a community site. Also, if a community site related to the content does not exist on some of the different networks including the specified network, the generation processing unit 114 may generate a community site for the part of the networks where the community site does not exist. Furthermore, regardless of whether a community site related to the content exists on multiple different networks (or SNSs, or platforms), the generation processing unit 114 may, or may not, determine whether the community site exists on a specific network (or SNS, or platform) related to the content, and if the community site does not exist, may, or may not, generate a community site for the specific network related to the content.

When a community site containing content information does not exist on a specified network, it means, for example, that there are no community sites related to the content at all. Furthermore, when a community site related to the content does not exist on a specified network, this may or may not include the case where the only community site that exists is one that has not posted for a certain period of time since the last time a post was made.

<Effects of the second modified example (10)>
In the second modified example (10), the generation processing unit 114 generates a community site at a predetermined timing when the content is distributed.

This allows community sites to be generated at appropriate times, making it easier for users to join the community site at appropriate times depending on their content viewing status.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, when a user different from the user of the terminal 20 included in the community site moves to a community site different from the community site, the control unit 11 performs control to transmit information about the different user's move to the different community site to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14. In other words, when user A moves from a predetermined community site to another community site, information about the move to the other community site is notified to user B, who is also participating in the predetermined community site.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 in the third embodiment has, for example, a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, and a selection processing unit 113, similar to the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). The server main processing unit 111 and the selection processing unit 113 have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

In addition to having the same functions as in the first embodiment, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 also acquires information about the movement history of other users, different from the user, to community sites from the other users' terminals. Based on the movement history information, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 transmits to the user's terminal 20 information that the other user has moved to another community site.

For example, suppose that User A and User B are participating in a specific community site such as the one shown in Figure 40A. If User A moves to another community site, information such as "User A has moved to another community site" will be displayed within the community site at the time User A joins the new community site, as shown in Figure 40B. In Figure 40, User A's movement information is displayed at the time User A moves, but it is also possible to display the movement information after a certain period of time has passed since User A moved, or not.

User A's movement information may be displayed to all users participating in the community site, or it may be displayed to specific users rather than all users. Specific users may be users who have participated in the community site for a long time, or users who have interacted with User A, or they may not be users at all.

Figure 41 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the third embodiment.

The memory unit 15 stores, by way of example and not limitation, a server main processing program 151 that is read and executed by the control unit 11. Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, the server main processing program 151 includes, as a subroutine program, a program similar to that in the first embodiment.

In addition to the same information as in the first embodiment, the memory unit 15 also stores movement history information 167 that indicates the movement history of the user, etc.

<Information Processing>
42 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the third embodiment. From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the first terminal, the control unit 11 of the server 10, and the control unit 21 of the second terminal.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the third embodiment. In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, or additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 42, the user of the first terminal performs an operation to exit the community site via the input/output unit 23 of the first terminal (step S601). This causes the control unit 21 of the first terminal to transmit, via the communication unit 22, information indicating that the user of the first terminal has moved from the community site.

When the server 10 receives information that the user of the first terminal has moved from the community site, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits movement information indicating that the user of the first terminal has moved to the second terminal (step S701).

When the movement information is received by the second terminal, the control unit 21 of the second terminal displays the movement information of the user of the first terminal (step S801). After steps S601, S701, and S801, this control ends.

<Effects of the Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, when a user included in a community site, who is different from the user of terminal 20, moves to a community site different from the community site, control is performed so that information regarding the different user's movement to the different community site is sent to terminal 20 by communication unit 14.

This allows users to recognize the destinations of other users, making it easier for users to recognize the destinations of other users.

In addition, by visiting other users' destinations, users can further deepen their interactions with other users within the destination community site.

<Third Modification Example (1)>
For example, as in the second modified example (1), a related community site may be generated each time content is distributed. In such cases, users may frequently move between community sites. Therefore, users may wish to continue interacting with specific users they met on the community site before moving.

Therefore, the third variant example (1) may perform control to continue interactions with specific users with whom the user previously interacted on a community site in which the user participated. Specifically, the third variant example (1) may perform control to send a message sent from terminal 20 to a user included on the second community site, based on the user of terminal 20 viewing the first content.

For example, the first content may be content that is distributed after the second content, as in the second variant example (1), and the generation processing unit 114 may generate a first community site related to the first content and a second community site related to the second content.

Figure 43 shows an example of the functions implemented by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in the third variant (1).

As shown in FIG. 43, the control unit 11 has a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, a generation processing unit 114, and a message processing unit 116. The server main processing unit 111 and the generation processing unit 114 have the same functions as those in the second embodiment. Note that if the server 10 does not need to generate a community site, the generation processing unit 114 does not need to be provided.

In addition to the same functions as in the second embodiment, the information transmission/reception processing unit 112 also has the function of transmitting message information to the terminal 20 based on control performed by the message processing unit 116.

Message information is information about a message sent by a user to members of the second community site. Members of the second community site are users (specific users) included in the second community site.

The message processing unit 116 controls the transmission of messages sent from the terminal 20 to users (specific users) included in the second community site, based on the user of the terminal 20 viewing the first content.

When a user views the first content and attempts to move away from the second community site, the message processing unit 116 controls the transmission of a command via the display processing unit 213 of the user's terminal 20 to display a message asking whether or not to control the sending of the above-mentioned message. Specifically, when the user moves away from the community site, a message is displayed asking the user, for example, whether or not there are any messages for members of the second community site.

For example, as shown in FIG. 44, within the second community site, a message corresponding to the above question is displayed on the user's terminal 20, and a list of members of the second community site is displayed. In FIG. 44, a list of members such as User B and User C is displayed. In FIG. 44, for example, by tapping or clicking the "YES" button to the right of User B or User C, the corresponding user can be specified.

In response to this, when a user specifies a specific user and inputs a message to that specific user into the terminal 20, the message processing unit 116 performs processing to send the message information to the specific user's terminal 20. As a result, the message arrives at the specific user's terminal 20. This message may be displayed, for example, within the second community site, or may be displayed directly on the specific user's account.

For example, if user A sends a message to a specific user saying "You will be redirected to the first community site first," the message will be displayed on the screen of the second community site displayed on the specific user's terminal 20, as shown in FIG. 45. Note that this message will not be displayed on the terminals 20 of users other than the specific user.

Figure 46 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the third variant (1).

The server main processing program 151 in the storage unit 15 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a program similar to that in the second embodiment, as well as a message processing program 161 for controlling message processing as a subroutine program.

In addition to the same information as in the second embodiment, the memory unit 15 also stores message processing information 162 related to message processing by the message processing unit 116.

<Information Processing>
47 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the third modified example (1). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the first terminal, the control unit 11 of the server 10, and the control unit 21 of the second terminal.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the third modified example (1). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 47, when the user of the first terminal completes viewing the first content, the control unit 21 of the first terminal transmits, as viewing information, information indicating that viewing of the first content has been completed to the server 10 via the communication unit 22 (step S1501).

Next, the user of the first terminal sends a message to a specific user of the second terminal via the input/output unit 23 of the first terminal (step S1502). As a result, the control unit 21 of the first terminal sends the message information of the user of the first terminal via the communication unit 22.

When the user of the first terminal receives the viewing information and message information on the server 10, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a message to a specific user of a second terminal within the community site (step S1601).

When the second terminal receives the message information, the control unit 21 of the second terminal displays the message from the user of the first terminal (step S1701). After steps S1502, S1601, and S1701, this control ends.

<Effects of the third modified example (1)>
In the third variant example (1), based on the user of the terminal 20 viewing the first content, control is performed to send a message sent from the terminal 20 to a user included in the second community site to the second community site.

This allows other users on the second community site to be notified that the user has moved to the first community site. As a result, other users on the second community site can keep track of the user's whereabouts, making it easier to maintain a relationship with the user.

<Third Modification (2)>
In the third modified example (2), the specific users included in the second community site to which the message is sent in the third modified example (1) may be determined based on their relationship with the user of terminal 20. The relationship with the user of terminal 20 may be, for example, the degree of intimacy with the specific user, may be determined by the user of terminal 20 himself, or may simply be specific users who have had conversations with the user.

An interaction experience here refers to, for example, when a user and a specific user reply to a message from the other user, or when a user and a specific user send messages to each other specifying the other user.

The degree of intimacy with a particular user is determined, for example, by whether the frequency of interactions (replies to messages, responses) within the second community site is greater than a certain number of times, or whether the user is registered as a friend on the user's terminal 20.

For example, in Figure 44, the users shown as a list are users determined based on their relationship with the user.

<Effects of the third modified example (2)>
In the third modified example (2), the users included in the second community site to which a message is sent are determined based on the relationship with the user of the terminal 20. This makes it easier to maintain a relationship with a specific user by determining whether or not a message can be sent based on the degree of intimacy.

<Third Modification Example (3)>
In the third modified example (3), the display processing unit 213 may display information indicating where the user has moved to in addition to the message.

In other words, when the user of terminal 20 moves to the first community site, the message processing unit 116 may perform control to send information indicating that the user of terminal 20 has moved to the first community site to users included in the second community site.

For example, as shown in FIG. 48, when user A moves to the first community site, the screen of the second community site displayed on the terminal 20 of the user included in the second community site displays information such as "The user has moved to the first community site" along with a message.

In addition, users other than the user who sent the message may only see information indicating where the user has moved, or they may not see any information at all.

<Effects of the third modified example (3)>
In the third modified example (3), when the user of terminal 20 moves to the first community site, control is performed to transmit information indicating that the user of terminal 20 has moved to the first community site to a user (specific user) included in the second community site. This allows the specific user to easily understand where the user has moved by displaying a message and information indicating that the user has moved to the first community site together.

<Third Modification Example (4)>
In the third variant (4), the information indicating that the user has moved to the first community site in the third variant (3) may include information for changing the display mode of the user information of the user of the terminal 20 displayed on the second community site.

Specifically, the message processing unit 116 may perform control to change the display mode of information on the second community site indicating that the user has moved to the first community site.

The control for changing the display mode may be any control that changes the display mode from that of other users, such as changing the color of User A's message in FIG. 48 or changing the color of User A's icon. FIG. 49 shows an example of control for changing the display mode. For example, FIG. 49A shows an example in which User A's message is underlined. FIG. 49B shows an example in which the color of User A's icon has been changed. FIG. 49B shows an example in which the icons of each user in the member list of the community site are displayed, with User A's icon displayed darker than the icons of User B and User C. The color of the changed icon may be any color as long as it is distinguishable from that of other users. As shown in FIGS. 65B and 66, which will be described later, when the community site is a chat room, the color of the icon representing the user may be changed to, for example, User A's icon in FIG. 49B.

Also, as shown in Figure 49B, a message from the user (user A in Figure 49B) who is moving the community site may or may not be displayed in a location that can be seen by other users on the community site, such as a member list. In the example shown in Figure 49B, a message indicating that the community site is being moved is displayed in a manner that other users can see, such as a "note," but this is not limited to this, and the message may simply be displayed.

<Effects of the third modified example (4)>
In a third modified example (4), the information indicating that the user has moved to the first community site includes information for changing the display mode of the user information of the user of terminal 20, which is displayed on the second community site. This makes it easier for other users to understand that the user is not on the second community site and that the user has moved to the first community site.

<Third Modification Example (5)>
In the third variant (5), the control unit 11 may perform processing so that a list of users included in the second community site is displayed on the first community site (see Figure 50), and may perform processing so that a list of users who have moved to the first community site is displayed on the second community site (see Figure 51).

The message processing unit 116 may then use the list to process messages so that they can be sent to users displayed on the list.

From the perspective of preventing information leakage of the first content, the message may be, for example, a simple message, a standard phrase, an emoticon, a stamp indicating a reaction, etc. Furthermore, a user who receives a message may be able to send a simple response to the message.

Furthermore, the above message may not be sent if it relates to the leakage of information about the first content (for example, if it contains a specific keyword).

<Effects of the third modified example (5)>
Furthermore, by displaying a list of users included in each community site, it is possible to make it easier for users to easily understand which users are included in which community site.

Fourth Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the information on the community site selected by the control unit 11 of the server 10 is information on the community site to be presented to the user, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets restrictions on the viewing of the community site based on the content viewing information of the user. That is, in order to prevent a user who views a large amount of content from leaking content information, the control unit 11 restricts the user from viewing the community site.

As shown in FIG. 52, the control unit 11 in the fourth embodiment has a server main processing unit 111, an information transmission/reception processing unit 112, and a restriction processing unit 115. The server main processing unit 111 has the same functions as in the first embodiment, etc.

The restriction processing unit 115 sets restrictions on viewing of the community site based on content viewing information. As in the first embodiment, the viewing information is information related to the user's viewing of the content, and is, for example, information indicating the amount of content viewed by the user.

Specifically, when the content viewing information by the user of terminal 20 changes from first viewing information to second viewing information, the restriction processing unit 115 controls the user of terminal 20 to restrict viewing of the community site based on the settings restricting viewing of the community site.

The second viewing information indicates a larger amount of viewing than the first viewing information. For example, if the content is a movie or drama consisting of a predetermined amount of time, the second viewing information indicates information on a longer amount of time than the first viewing information. Also, if the content is a book consisting of multiple chapters, the second viewing information indicates information on a chapter later than the chapter in the first viewing information (for example, if the first viewing information is chapters 1 to 4, the second viewing information is chapter 5 or later).

As a user continues browsing content and their browsing information changes from the first browsing information to the second browsing information, the user will become aware of information that they were not aware of when they were using the first browsing information.

In this case, if a user with second viewing information posts information obtained through the second viewing information on a community site where only other users with first viewing information are present, the information will be leaked to other users.

The restriction processing unit 115 selects community sites that include only the content of the first viewing information from among community sites related to the content.

The restriction processing unit 115 sets the terminal 20 to restrict viewing of the selected community site. Specifically, the restriction processing unit 115 sends, for example, a setting command to restrict viewing of the community site to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14.

Settings that restrict viewing of a community site include, for example, settings that prohibit users from accessing the community site, settings that force users to leave the community site even if they access it, and settings that prohibit users from posting to the community site even if they can access it.

When a viewing restriction is set by a setting command, the user of terminal 20 is restricted from viewing the community site related to the viewing restriction.

For example, a community site that a user could participate in until the content viewing information became the first viewing information becomes a community site whose viewing by the user is restricted after the viewing information becomes the second viewing information. As a result, the user will no longer be able to view the community site.

For example, if the content is a book consisting of five chapters, and there is a community site related to a user who has viewed up to chapter 3, the first viewing information in this case would be information indicating chapters 1 to 3. The second viewing information in this case would be information indicating, for example, chapter 4. If a user has viewed up to chapter 4 and remains a member of the community site, posting information about chapter 4 could lead to information leakage to other users who have only viewed up to chapter 3. Therefore, by restricting users' viewing on the community site, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the above information.

Figure 53 shows an example of information stored on the server 10 in the fourth embodiment.

As in each embodiment, the memory unit 15 stores a server main processing program 151. Furthermore, the server main processing program 151 includes, as subroutine programs, an information transmission/reception program 152 that is read by the control unit 11 and executed as information transmission/reception processing, and a viewing restriction processing program 159 for executing control to restrict viewing, by way of example and not limitation.

The memory unit 15 also stores viewing information 154 received from the terminal 20, community site information 155 selected by the restriction processing unit 115, and restriction processing information 160 related to a command to set viewing restrictions issued by the restriction processing unit 115.

<Information Processing>
FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the server 10 in the fourth embodiment.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the fourth embodiment. In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, or additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 54, the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives viewing information from the terminal 20 (step S301). Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the viewing information is information that falls under the viewing restrictions (step S302). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the viewing information has changed from first viewing information to second viewing information. For example, as in the example above, if the first viewing information is information indicating chapters 1 to 3 and the second viewing information is information indicating chapter 4, in step S302, if the user's viewing information has switched from information indicating the range of chapters 1 to 3 to information indicating chapter 4, it is determined that the viewing information is information that falls under the viewing restrictions.

If the result of the determination is that the viewing information is not information for which viewing is restricted (step S302, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if the viewing information is information for which viewing is restricted (step S302, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets the viewing to be restricted (step S303). After step S303, this control ends. Also, if the processing of step S303 has already been performed, the determination may be NO in step S302, or the processing of steps S302 and S303 may be skipped.

<Effects of the Fourth Embodiment>
The fourth embodiment configured as described above performs control to restrict viewing of a community site based on content viewing information. Specifically, the second embodiment performs setting to restrict viewing of a community site by a user of the terminal 20 based on setting to restrict viewing of content by the user of the terminal 20.

By restricting viewing to users who have completed viewing the content, users can be prevented from posting content that other users have not viewed. As a result, it is possible to prevent content information from being leaked to other users.

<Fourth Modification Example (1)>
In the fourth embodiment, the control for restricting the viewing of the community site is a setting for prohibiting a user from accessing the community site regarding the viewing restriction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the fourth variant example (1), the control to restrict viewing of a community site includes control to make the display mode of information on the community site, which is restricted from viewing, displayed on the terminal 20 different from the display mode of information on the community site, which is not restricted from viewing.

In other words, when the restriction processing unit 115 issues a command to set viewing restrictions, the display mode of information on the community site with viewing restrictions on the terminal 20 will be different from the display mode of information on the community site with no viewing restrictions.

For example, as shown in Figure 55A, suppose there is an accessible page on the community site for content AA. Assume that there are two community sites for content AA: site 4 and site 5. Site 4 is a community site for viewers up to the first viewing information of content AA. Site 5 is a community site for viewers corresponding to the second viewing information of content AA.

Here, if the user's viewing volume is the second viewing information, viewing of the fourth site will be restricted. In this case, for example, the display corresponding to the fourth site will not be displayed on the display unit 24, as shown in FIG. 55B.

Also, as shown in FIG. 56A, a display mode may be used in which community sites with restricted viewing (fourth site) are underlined and community sites with no restricted viewing (fifth site) are not underlined, or the text indicating the community sites may be displayed in different colors.

Also, as shown in Figure 56B, the display style of the button for accessing the community site (the "GO" part shown in Figure 56B) may be different. In Figure 56B, for example, the button for a community site with restricted viewing is black, and the button for a community site with no restricted viewing is white.

<Effects of the fourth modified example (1)>
In the fourth variant example (1), the control to restrict viewing of a community site includes control to make the display mode of information on the community site, which is restricted from viewing, displayed on the terminal 20 different from the display mode of information on the community site, which is not restricted from viewing.

This makes it easier for users to select community sites with no viewing restrictions. As a result, users can be prevented from accidentally joining community sites with viewing restrictions, which in turn can prevent information on the community site that users are unaware of from being leaked.

Fifth Embodiment
In the fourth embodiment, users' viewing (e.g., access) of a community site was restricted in order to prevent users who view a large amount of content from leaking content information, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the fifth embodiment, in a configuration in which control is performed to restrict viewing of a community site based on content viewing information, control is performed to restrict the content that can be viewed on the community site based on the content viewing information of the user of the terminal 20. In other words, the viewing content of a user who views a small amount of content is restricted in order to prevent leakage of content information.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 in the fifth embodiment is similar to the control unit 11 in the fourth embodiment. The restriction processing unit 115 in the fifth embodiment controls restrictions on the content (posted information) that can be viewed on the community site based on content viewing information by users of the terminal 20.

Controls regarding restrictions on viewable content on community sites include, for example, settings that prohibit users from accessing the community site regarding viewing restrictions, settings that force users to leave the community site even if they access it, and settings that prohibit users from posting even if they can access the community site.

The restriction processing unit 115 determines, for example, based on the user's browsing information, whether or not it is necessary to restrict the content that can be viewed. For example, the restriction processing unit 115 determines, based on the user's browsing information, whether or not there is a community site in which users who view more content than the user participate. The amount of browsing for each user may be determined, for example, based on the browsing information obtainable from each user's terminal 20.

If there is a community site in which a user who has viewed more content than the user participates, the restriction processing unit 115 will prohibit the user from viewing the community site.

Community sites with users who view more content than the user themselves are likely to contain information posted that the user is unaware of, which could result in information leaks for the user.

For example, if the content is a book consisting of five chapters, and there is a community site where users who have viewed up to chapter three are participating, then if a novice user who has just started viewing the content joins the community site, there is a high possibility that the content posted by users who have viewed up to chapter three will be information that the novice user is not aware of. In other words, this could lead to information about the content being leaked to the novice user.

In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, such community sites cannot be viewed, making it possible to prevent information leaks for the above-mentioned novice users.

The information stored in the server 10 in the fifth embodiment is, for example, similar to the information stored in the server 10 in the fourth embodiment (see Figure 53).

<Information Processing>
57 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth embodiment. From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of the fifth embodiment. In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, or additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 57, the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives browsing information from the terminal 20 (step S2501). Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines, based on the browsing information, whether or not restrictions on the content that can be viewed on the community site are necessary (step S2502).

If the result of the determination is that content restriction is not necessary (step S2502, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if content restriction is necessary (step S2502, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets restrictions on viewing (step S2503). After step S2503, this control ends.

<Effects of the Fifth Embodiment>
In the fifth embodiment, control is performed regarding restrictions on the content that can be viewed on a community site based on content viewing information by users of terminals 20 .

This restricts the user from viewing community sites that contain information that the user has not viewed, thereby preventing information from being leaked to the user.

<Fifth Modification Example (1)>
In the fifth embodiment and the like, the user's access to the community site is restricted based on the content access information of the user of the terminal 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the fifth variant (1), the control unit 11 of the server 10 acquires content information regarding content that can be viewed on the terminal 20, and sets up a community site that restricts viewing by users who have not viewed the part of the content corresponding to the content information.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 in the fifth modified example (1) is similar to the control unit 11 in the fourth and fifth embodiments. The restriction processing unit 115 in the fifth modified example (1) acquires content information regarding content that can be viewed on the terminal 20, and sets a community site that restricts viewing by users who have not viewed the portion of the content corresponding to the content information.

The content information includes information about the time of the content if the content is a video that is structured in units of time; if the content is a book that is structured in multiple pages, chapters, or volumes, the content information includes information about the page number of the content, the chapter number of the content, and the volume number of the content.

As in the fifth embodiment, restrictions on user browsing include, for example, controls related to settings that prohibit users from accessing the community site, settings that force users to leave the community site even if they access it, and settings that prohibit users from posting to the community site even if they can access it.

Specifically, the restriction processing unit 115 configures the community site so that users who have not yet viewed the portion of the content corresponding to the content information are restricted from viewing that portion of the content.

For example, if the content information is from page 70 onwards in a 120-page book, and a user who has only viewed up to page 50 attempts to join a community site for this book, and information from page 70 onwards is posted, the information from page 70 onwards will be leaked.

In the fifth variant (1), in such cases, the user is prevented from accessing the community site and is restricted from viewing content information, thereby preventing information leakage.

<Information Processing>
58 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth modified example (1). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of Variation 5 (1). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 58, a user performs an operation to join a community site via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20 (step S901). This causes the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to transmit the user's browsing information via the communication unit 22 (step S902).

When the server 10 receives the viewing information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the community site contains any content that the user has not viewed (step S1001).

If the determination result shows that the unviewed content portion is not included (step S1001, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if the unviewed content portion is included (step S1001, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a command to restrict the user's viewing of the unviewed content portion (step S1002).

When the terminal 20 receives the command, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 restricts access to the content portion of the community site that the user has not viewed (step S903). Note that if the terminal 20 does not receive the restriction command of step S1002, the processing of step S903 is skipped. After steps S903 and S1002, this control ends.

<Effects of the fifth modified example (1)>
The fifth variant (1) obtains content information regarding content that can be viewed on the terminal 20, and controls the setting up of a community site that restricts viewing by users who have not viewed the portion of the content corresponding to the content information.

This means that when a user who has not viewed the portion of the content corresponding to the content information attempts to join a community site that includes the content information, the user's viewing is restricted, thereby preventing the leakage of information about the portion that the user has not viewed.

<Fifth Modification Example (2)>
In the fifth modified example (2), the control relating to the restriction of the content that can be viewed on the community site may be a control to hide the content that cannot be viewed by the user among the contents on the community site.

The restriction processing unit 115 determines, based on the viewing information, whether or not to restrict the content that can be viewed by the user on the community site. For example, if there are other users who have viewed more content than the user on the community site in which the user has joined, the restriction processing unit 115 controls the content that can be viewed on the community site. Specifically, the restriction processing unit 115 executes a process of sending a setting command to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 to hide content that cannot be viewed.

When the terminal 20 receives the setting command, the display processing unit 213 performs display processing such as blurring messages from other users who have viewed more content than the user. The display processing unit 213 may also hide the messages.

For example, suppose the viewing information of users A and B is a first predetermined amount, and the viewing information of user C is a second predetermined amount that is greater than the first predetermined amount. For example, if the content is a book consisting of five chapters, and the first predetermined amount is chapter 2, the second predetermined amount would be chapters from chapter 3 onwards. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 59, suppose that user C posts a message after user B posts a message on a specific community site (see Figure 59A).

User C may post information that User A and User B are not aware of. Therefore, if User A, who has joined the community site, views User C's posts, there is a possibility that information that User A is not aware of may be leaked based on the posts.

In the fifth variant (2), as shown in Figure 59B, a display process is performed to apply a mosaic to such a message from User C, so that User C's message becomes invisible on User A's display unit 24.

If other users' messages are blurred or obscured, users who join later may wonder what the message is about.

For example, the message may be hidden. For example, as shown in FIG. 60, on a community site where user C's message was originally posted (see FIG. 60A), user C's post is hidden on user A's terminal 20 (see FIG. 60B). This allows user A to immediately post a message in response to user B's message without raising any questions.

<Information Processing>
61 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth modified example (2). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of Variation 5 (2). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, or additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 61, a user performs an operation to join a community site via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20 (step S401). This causes the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to transmit the user's browsing information via the communication unit 22 (step S402).

When the server 10 receives the viewing information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether there are any users on the community site who have viewed more than a predetermined amount (step S501). The predetermined amount of viewing is, for example, a predetermined amount of viewing. For example, if the content is a book consisting of five chapters and the predetermined amount of viewing is viewing up to chapter three, if the user's viewing amount is two chapters, it is determined that the user's viewing amount does not exceed the predetermined amount of viewing. On the other hand, if the user's viewing amount is four chapters, it is determined that the user's viewing amount exceeds the predetermined amount of viewing.

If the result of the determination is that there are no users whose viewing volume exceeds the predetermined volume (step S501, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if there are users whose viewing volume exceeds the predetermined volume (step S501, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a setting command to the terminal 20 to hide messages from users whose viewing volume exceeds the predetermined volume (step S502).

When the terminal 20 receives the setting command, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 hides the setting command message on the community site (step S403). Note that if the terminal 20 does not receive the setting command in step S502, the processing of step S403 is skipped. After steps S403 and S502, this control ends.

<Effects of the fifth modified example (2)>
In the fifth modified example (2), the control relating to restrictions on the content that can be viewed on the community site is a control to hide content that cannot be viewed by the user among the content on the community site.

This prevents users from viewing messages from other users, thereby preventing the leakage of information about content that the user has not viewed.

<Fifth Modification Example (3)>
In the fifth modified example (3), the restriction processing unit 115 may remove the restriction on viewing content (posted information) within the community site as the user's viewing volume increases.

In other words, when the viewing information of content by the user of the terminal 20 changes from first viewing information to second viewing information, the restriction processing unit 115 may control the communication unit 14 to send information about the content that has become viewable by the user of the terminal 20 to the terminal 20 based on the second viewing information. The second viewing information indicates a greater amount of viewing than the first viewing information, as in the fourth embodiment.

For example, as shown in Figure 62, when user A, whose viewing information is the first viewing information, joins the community site, the message of user C, whose viewing information is the second viewing information, is blurred (see Figure 62A). For example, if the content is a 121-minute movie, and the first viewing information indicates that the content was viewed up to the 50-minute mark, the second viewing information indicates that the content was viewed up to the 51-minute mark or later. Since user B's viewing information is the first viewing information, user B's message is displayed on terminal 20.

As User A continues browsing the content and the browsing information changes from the first browsing information to the second browsing information, the mosaic on User C's message is removed (see Figure 62B).

For example, when restrictions on viewing content (messages) within a community site are lifted, the display unit 24 may or may not display a message indicating that restrictions on viewing messages have been lifted.

However, such messages become outdated once viewing restrictions are lifted, so depending on the content of the message, they may not be of interest to users.

For this reason, the display unit 24 may or may not display messages in descending order of user ratings (for example, in descending order of the number of "likes").

<Information Processing>
63 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in the fifth modified example (3). From the left, the flowchart shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

The following flowchart illustrates the processing of Variation 5 (3). In the flowchart, some steps may not be executed, and additional steps may be inserted. This also applies to other flowcharts in this specification.

First, as shown in FIG. 63, the user performs an operation to join the community site via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20 (step S404). This causes the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to transmit the user's browsing information via the communication unit 22 (step S405).

When the server 10 receives the viewing information, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether there are any hidden messages within the community site (step S503).

If the result of the determination is that there are no hidden messages (step S503, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if there are hidden messages (step S503, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the user's viewing information is information that will lift the viewing restriction (step S504).

If the result of the determination is that the viewing information does not lift the viewing restriction (step S504, NO), this control ends. On the other hand, if the viewing information is information that lifts the viewing restriction (step S504, YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a command to lift the hiding of the message via the communication unit 14 (step S505).

When the terminal 20 receives the setting command, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 cancels the hiding of the message related to the command on the community site (step S406). Note that if the terminal 20 does not receive the command to cancel the hiding of the message in step S505, the processing of step S406 is skipped. After steps S406 and S505, this control ends.

<Effects of the fifth modified example (3)>
In the fifth modification (3), when the viewing information of content by the user of terminal 20 changes from first viewing information to second viewing information, control is performed to transmit information about the content that has become viewable by the user of terminal 20 to terminal 20 via communication unit 14 based on the second viewing information. As a result, as the user's viewing volume increases, restrictions on viewing content (posted information) within the community site are lifted. In other words, by lifting restrictions on viewing messages within the community site based on the user's viewing information, the user can understand what messages were posted at the time the viewing restrictions were in place. This can encourage users to further subscribe to manga (content).

In addition, when message viewing restrictions are lifted, messages are sorted in descending order of user rating, which increases the satisfaction of users who continue to read the content until the viewing restrictions are lifted.

<Fifth Modification Example (4)>
In the fifth embodiment, a viewing restriction is imposed on messages in the community site, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.
In the fifth modified example (4), if the user wishes to view the message, the viewing restriction on the message may be lifted.

In this case, for example, if the user clicks or taps on the message that has viewing restrictions, a message may be displayed asking the user whether they would like to cancel viewing.

For example, when the user clicks or taps on the mosaic portion in Figure 62A, a message may appear asking the user whether or not to cancel the viewing, and if the user agrees to the message, the mosaic portion may be removed as shown in Figure 62B.

<Effects of the fifth modified example (4)>
In the fifth modified example (4), when the user wishes to view the message, the viewing restriction on the message is lifted.

This allows us to provide services that meet the user's needs.

In addition, by displaying a message asking the user if they would like to cancel viewing, it is possible to obtain the user's acknowledgement that there is a possibility of content information being leaked.

Sixth Embodiment
In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 controls the deletion of a community site or a message within the community site.

On community sites, messages may only be posted about the same or similar content. Therefore, if such messages continue indefinitely, the history on the community site will become repetitive, which could lead to a stagnation of topics on the community site.

For example, let's say that at a certain point in time, the relationship between a first character and a second character appearing in a piece of content was a topic of discussion on a community site among users who viewed the content at that time.

Afterwards, at a different time, the relationship between the first and second characters may become a topic of conversation on the community site among users who viewed the content at that time. In other words, similar topics will be repeated over and over again.

In the sixth embodiment, for example, after a certain period of time has passed, the community site itself is deleted, or messages within the community site are deleted. This makes it possible to prevent topics within the community site from becoming stagnant, as described above.

<Information Processing>
FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the server 10 in the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 64, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the community site was created (step S1101).

If the result of the determination is that the certain period has not elapsed (step S1101, NO), the processing of step S1101 is repeated. On the other hand, if the certain period has elapsed (step S1101, YES), the control unit 11 deletes the community site (step S1102). After step S1102, this control ends.

<Effects of the Sixth Embodiment>
According to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent messages with the same content from continuing endlessly within a community site.

<Sixth Modification>
In addition, in the sixth modified example, control is performed to integrate a plurality of community sites.

When it comes to community sites, multiple community sites may be created on the same topic, which can leave users unsure which community site to join.

<Effects of the Sixth Modification>
In the sixth modification, control is performed to integrate multiple community sites, which prevents the user from becoming confused about which community site to join, as described above, and makes it easier for users to join a community site by integrating multiple community sites.

<Other Modifications>
In other modified examples, content relating to another work by the content author may be presented, or content relating to a relatively popular work that was published at the same time as the content may be presented.

<Effects of other modifications>
In other variations, content related to other works by the content author, or content related to works that were published around the same time as the content and are relatively popular, can be presented to encourage users to purchase the content from various perspectives.

<Others>
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the server 10 distributes the content, but a separate server for distributing the content may also be present.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the community site may include any one of a chat room, a social network service community, and an electronic bulletin board. In the second embodiment, the community site may also include a video site community in addition to the above.

Here, we will explain an example of application in a community site, for example, a chat room. A chat room is a user interface in the messaging service provided by server 10 that allows information sent and received between users using the messaging service to be displayed on the user's terminal.

Chat rooms are generally formed by mutual consent between users who are aware of each other in the messaging service provided by server 10, but it is also possible to create chat rooms that an unspecified number of users can freely join. Such chat rooms that an unspecified number of users can freely join are sometimes called open chats.

An open chat is a group chat in which multiple users can participate anonymously. Participating anonymously here means that users can join a chat room using a username different from the username registered on the server 10 that provides the messaging service. While anyone can participate in an open chat, it is highly anonymous, making it difficult to determine the authenticity of the message content.

Users can join such open chats by becoming aware of their existence (for example, but not limited to, by noting in an advertisement that there is an open chat related to a promoted product, or by checking an article that describes how to join the open chat), and then joining either on their own or upon receiving an invitation from another user who is participating in the chat room.

Users become aware of the existence of an open chat when, for example, they search using keywords, select a category and search, or obtain a QR code (registered trademark) or URL from another user. Open chats also include chat rooms that are free to join, chat rooms that require administrator approval, and chat rooms with passwords. Free to join chat rooms are available for users to join. Chat rooms that require administrator approval require the administrator's approval for users to join. For example, a user can join a chat room by answering questions set by the administrator and receiving approval from the administrator. Password-set chat rooms require users to enter the password to join. Passwords are set by administrators, etc.

By opening a chat room, users can interact with other users over the Internet via their terminals. For example, when a chat room related to content is created, multiple users who have viewed the content can share their thoughts about the content and exchange information within the chat room.

In particular, open chats have themes set for each chat room, such as casual conversation, hobby topics, or candid industry talk, making it easier for users who join a chat room to exchange lively messages with other users in the chat room and continue their interactions over the long term.

As a result, applying the above embodiments to chat rooms is expected to lead to more active interactions between users within the chat room.

For example, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 65, the selected chat room is displayed on the user's terminal 20. In FIG. 65A, the first, second, and third chat rooms are displayed as chat rooms, and a button labeled "GO" is displayed on the right side of each site. By pressing this button, the user can join the chat room corresponding to that button.

Here, if a user wants to join a second chat room, for example, and presses the button for the second chat room, a chat room corresponding to the second chat room will be displayed, as shown in FIG. 65B, and the user will be able to post a message. In other words, this embodiment makes it easier for users to join chat rooms, improving user convenience.

In addition, in a chat room that the user has joined, information that the user is not aware of may have been posted in the chat room by a user who views the chat more frequently than the user. In such cases, it is sufficient to apply a process to hide the message, such as the second variant (4) or the fifth variant (2), as shown in Figure 66.

By doing this, this embodiment can prevent information that the user is not aware of from being leaked.

In addition, because the message field in a chat room is relatively compact, it is easy for users to immediately join in the conversation even if there are hidden messages. Furthermore, if a hidden user has a large number of messages, users may become interested in the content of that user's messages, which can easily stimulate their desire to further browse the content. As a result, users' desire to purchase content is encouraged, and conversations within the chat room can become more lively.

Furthermore, the content in each of the above embodiments can be applied to a variety of content, but is particularly applicable to content that provides users with relatively common topics, such as manga or novels. Manga and novels often form series spanning multiple volumes, and the content often spans multiple pieces of content. Therefore, if a user who has not yet viewed the latest volume accidentally joins a community site corresponding to the latest volume, information about the latest volume is likely to be leaked.

In response to this, in each embodiment, the user can be directed to an appropriate community site, further preventing information leaks such as those described above.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on various drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art would easily be able to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included within the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example and not limitation, the functions included in each means, step, etc. may be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple means, steps, etc. may be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, the configurations shown in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

1 Communication system 10 Server 11 Control unit 12 Input/output unit 13 Display 14 Communication unit 15 Memory unit 20 Terminal 21 Control unit 22 Communication unit 23 Input/output unit 24 Display unit 25 Microphone 26 Speaker 27 Camera 28 Memory unit 30 Network 111 Server main processing unit 112 Information transmission/reception processing unit 113 Selection processing unit 114 Generation processing unit 115 Restriction processing unit 116 Message processing unit 117 Viewing permission processing unit 141 Communication main processing unit 142 Information transmission/reception unit 151 Server main processing program 152 Information transmission/reception program 153 Selection processing program 154 Viewing information 155 Community site information 156 Assignment processing program 157 Identification information 158 Generation processing program 159 Viewing restriction processing program 160 Restriction processing information 161 Message processing program 162 Message processing information 163 Viewable processing program 164 Viewable processing information 165 Survey information 166 Notification information 167 Movement history information 211 Terminal main processing unit 212 Information transmission/reception processing unit 213 Display processing unit 221 Communication main processing unit 222 Information transmission/reception unit 281 Terminal main processing program 282 Information transmission/reception program 283 Display processing program 284 Viewing information 285 Community site information 286 Identification information 287 Restriction processing information

Claims (22)

A server that communicates with a terminal,
a communication unit that receives browsing information of a user of the terminal regarding browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal;
a control unit that selects a community site based on the browsing information;
the communication unit transmits information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal;
When a user included in the community site who is different from the user of the terminal moves to a community site different from the community site, the control unit controls the communication unit to send information to the terminal that the different user has moved to the different community site . A server that communicates with a terminal,
a communication unit that receives browsing information of a user of the terminal regarding browsing of content that can be viewed on the terminal;
a control unit that selects a community site based on the browsing information;
When a plurality of the community sites are selected, the control unit acquires a predetermined index that can determine the degree of activity of each of the community sites;
The communication unit transmits information about the community sites selected by the control unit and the index for each community site to the terminal. 3. The server according to claim 1 or claim 2 ,
The communication unit transmits information about the community site to the terminal based on the viewing of the content by the terminal. 4. The server according to claim 3 ,
The communication unit transmits information about the community site to the terminal based on completion of browsing of the content by the terminal. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The community site is a community site related to the content. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The viewing information includes information regarding the amount of viewing of the content by the user of the terminal. 7. The server according to claim 6 ,
The content includes a manga or a novel,
The viewing information includes information regarding the number of volumes of the manga or novel that have been viewed. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The viewing information includes information relating to the content viewed by the user of the terminal. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The communication unit transmits information about the community site, including identification information for identifying the community site, to the terminal. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The control unit performs settings to restrict viewing of the community site based on the viewing information of the content. 11. The server of claim 10 ,
When the viewing information of the content by the user of the terminal changes from first viewing information to second viewing information, the control unit controls to restrict the viewing of the community site by the user of the terminal based on a setting to restrict viewing of the community site. 12. The server of claim 11 ,
The control to restrict viewing of the community site includes control to make the display mode of the information of the community site, the viewing of which is restricted, displayed on the terminal different from the display mode of the community site, the viewing of which is not restricted. 11. The server of claim 10 ,
The control unit controls restrictions on the content that can be viewed on the community site based on the viewing information of the content by the user of the terminal. 14. The server of claim 13 ,
The control relating to restrictions on the content that can be viewed on the community site is a control for hiding content that cannot be viewed by the user among the content on the community site. 15. The server according to claim 13 or claim 14 ,
When the viewing information of the content by the user of the terminal changes from first viewing information to second viewing information, the control unit controls the communication unit to send information regarding the content that has become viewable by the user of the terminal to the terminal based on the second viewing information. 16. The server according to claim 1,
The community site includes any one of a chat room, a community of a social network service, and an electronic bulletin board. An information processing method for a server that communicates with a terminal, comprising:
receiving, by a communication unit of the server, browsing information of a user of the terminal relating to browsing of content that can be browsed on the terminal;
selecting a community site based on the browsing information by a control unit of the server;
transmitting information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal by the communication unit ;
This includes controlling the control unit to, when a user included in the community site who is different from the user of the terminal moves to a community site different from the community site, send information to the terminal via the communication unit that the different user has moved to the different community site . An information processing method for a server that communicates with a terminal, comprising:
receiving, by a communication unit of the server, browsing information of a user of the terminal relating to browsing of content that can be browsed on the terminal;
selecting a community site based on the browsing information by a control unit of the server;
transmitting information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal by the communication unit ;
When the control unit selects a plurality of the community sites, acquiring a predetermined index that can determine the degree of activity of each of the community sites;
The method includes transmitting, by the communication unit, information on the community sites selected by the control unit and the index for each community site to the terminal . A program executed by a server in communication with a terminal,
receiving, by a communication unit of the server, browsing information of a user of the terminal relating to browsing of content that can be browsed on the terminal;
selecting a community site based on the browsing information by a control unit of the server;
transmitting information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal via the communication unit ,
The server controls the control unit to send information to the terminal via the communication unit when a user included in the community site who is different from the user of the terminal moves to a community site different from the community site . A program executed by a server in communication with a terminal,
receiving, by a communication unit of the server, browsing information of a user of the terminal relating to browsing of content that can be browsed on the terminal;
selecting a community site based on the browsing information by a control unit of the server;
transmitting information about the community site selected by the control unit to the terminal via the communication unit ,
When the control unit selects a plurality of the community sites, acquiring a predetermined index that can determine the degree of activity of each of the community sites;
The server causes the communication unit to transmit to the terminal information about the community sites selected by the control unit and the index for each community site . A program executed by an information processing device,
performing control by a control unit of the information processing device to acquire browsing information regarding browsing of content by a user;
controlling the control unit to select a community site based on the browsing information;
and performing control by the control unit to present information about the community site selected by the control unit to the user, the control unit being executed by the information processing device ;
The information processing device executes control by the control unit to, when a user different from the user included in the community site moves to a community site different from the user included in the community site, present to the user information that the different user has moved to the different community site . A program executed by an information processing device,
performing control by a control unit of the information processing device to acquire browsing information regarding browsing of content by a user;
controlling the control unit to select a community site based on the browsing information;
and performing control by the control unit to present information about the community site selected by the control unit to the user, the control unit being executed by the information processing device ;
When the control unit selects a plurality of the community sites, acquiring a predetermined index that can determine the degree of activity of each of the community sites;
The information processing device executes the control unit to present to the user information on the community sites selected by the control unit and the index for each community site .