Information processing device, computer program, and information processing method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIXI INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images
Figure 2026095735000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0006] , , ,
[0005] , , ,
[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a computer program, and an information processing method.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, information processing apparatuses for sharing information related to public competitions have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that activates communication among voters by comparing predicted information and provisional ranking information and changing the display content for voters, during the period from when the racing target reaches the goal line until the race result is determined.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, as the organizer of a competition, there is a need to have more people vote on the result of the competition. However, the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 only activates communication among those who have already voted in the public competition, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of increasing new participants.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a computer program that promote an increase in new participants in voting for a competition.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device for managing user votes on the results of a competition is provided, comprising a link information issuing unit, a user management unit, and a reward granting unit, wherein the link information issuing unit issues link information associated with a first user, the user management unit registers the second user in association with the first user when the second user performs a predetermined operation via the link information, and the reward granting unit grants a reward to the first user associated with the second user when the second user casts a vote.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first user is rewarded by a vote cast by a second user who performs a predetermined operation via link information associated with the first user. This motivates the first user to actively engage in promotional activities to encourage voting in the competition using the link information, thereby promoting an increase in new participants in voting for the competition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an overview of the voting management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal device 10. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 21 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5A shows an example of the link issuance management table T1. Figure 5B shows an example of the user management table T2. Figure 5C shows an example of the voting management table T3. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the voting amount by the second user U2 and the reward given to the first user U1. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the voting management system 1. [Figure 8]This diagram illustrates the relationship between the timing of the second user U2's vote and the reward given to the first user U1 in a modified example. [Figure 9] This figure shows an overview of the voting management system 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 21 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11A illustrates one aspect of the competition video 8. Figure 11B illustrates another aspect of the competition video 8. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a forecast disclosure screen 31 that displays forecast information. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the first user U1 and the second user U2 in the modified example 1. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the reward given to the first user U1 according to the state of the second user U2 in the modified example 2. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 21 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16A is a diagram illustrating one aspect of the competition video 8 according to the third embodiment. Figure 16B is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the first user U1 and the second user U2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature constitutes an independent invention.
[0010] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Overview of Voting Management System 1) The voting management system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of user terminal devices 10 (an example of an "information processing device") and a server 20 (an example of an "information processing device").
[0011] The user terminal device 10 is configured to be communicable with the server 20 via the communication line 5. The server 20 manages voting in public competitions. Here, a public competition means a competition in which spectators predict and vote on the results of a race using a bicycle, boat, motorcycle, racehorse, or the like. The user of the user terminal device 10 can vote in a public competition for the server 20 by predicting the result of the competition and operating the user terminal device 10.
[0012] The server 20 issues link information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to the first user U1. The first user U1 attaches the link information to his or her own blog, videos posted on a video viewing site, and his or her own content such as SNS (Social Networking Service).
[0013] The second user U2 who has viewed the content of the first user U1 registers as a member of, for example, the voting service S provided by the voting management system 1 by passing through the link information. When the membership registration is performed, the server 20 registers the first user U1 and the second user U2 in association with each other. Note that the link information may be directly transmitted from the first user U1 to the second user U2 by mail, SNS, or the like. For example, a form in which the link information is transmitted to the second user U2 in an email magazine regularly distributed by the first user U1 is conceivable.
[0014] After that, when the second user U2 votes in a public competition managed by the server 20, the server 20 gives a reward to the first user U1. This serves as an incentive for the first user U1 to actively conduct a promotional activity to encourage voting in the public competition managed by the server 20 in his or her own content. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.
[0015] (1-2. Hardware Configuration of Voting Management System 1) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hardware configuration in the voting management system 1 will be described.
[0016] (1-2-1. Hardware configuration of user terminal device 10) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal device 10 according to this embodiment. The user terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, and includes a touch panel display 14 that can display images and accept operations, a speaker 15 that outputs sound, a microphone 16 that receives sound input, and a camera 17 that captures images of a subject. In addition, it further includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and operation buttons 18.
[0017] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the user terminal device 10.
[0018] A portion of the memory unit 12 consists of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes various programs. Another portion of the memory unit 12 consists of, for example, non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data such as images and programs used in the processing of the control unit 11.
[0019] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the user terminal device 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing email, web browsing, video playback, and various other functions, and include computer programs according to this embodiment.
[0020] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or together with the NIC.
[0021] The operation buttons 18 are located on the side of the user terminal device 10 and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal device 10, a volume control button for the sound output by the speaker 15, and so on.
[0022] These control unit 11, memory unit 12, communication unit 13, touch panel display 14, speaker 15, microphone 16, camera 17, and operation buttons 18 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 19. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the memory unit 12, display images on the touch panel display 14, understand the user's operation status on the touch panel display 14 and operation buttons 18, input sound to the microphone 16, output sound from the speaker 15, control the camera 17, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.
[0023] (1-2-2. Hardware configuration of Server 20) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment. The server 20 includes a control unit 21 that manages the overall operation of the server 20, a storage unit 22 used as a work area when various programs are executed by the control unit 21, and a storage unit 22 in which various programs and various data are pre-stored. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the user terminal device 10.
[0024] The server 20 is connected to other information processing devices such as user terminal devices 10 via a communication line 5 and includes a communication unit 24 that transmits and receives various types of data with other information processing devices. It may also include an operation input unit 25 consisting of a keyboard and mouse, etc., that accepts input for various operations, and a monitor 26, such as a liquid crystal display device, that displays various images.
[0025] These control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 24, operation input unit 25, and monitor 26 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 27.
[0026] (1-3. Functional configuration of the control unit 21) Referring to Figure 4, the functions of the control unit 21 will be explained. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 21 of the server 20 includes the functions of a link information issuing unit 21a, a user management unit 21b, and a reward granting unit 21c.
[0027] The link information issuing unit 21a issues link information associated with the first user U1. Here, the link information may be, for example, a URL that specifies a web page related to the voting service S provided by the voting management system 1, or a hyperlink that causes the user terminal device 10 to execute a function to install software related to the voting service S. In other words, link information means information that causes the user terminal device 10 to transition to a different web page or to execute a specific function.
[0028] When the second user U2 performs a predetermined operation via link information, the user management unit 21b registers the second user U2 in the storage unit 22, associating the second user U2 with the first user U1. The predetermined operation includes operations involving the sending and receiving of information necessary for the use of the voting service S by the user terminal device 10b. More specifically, the predetermined operation includes registering as a member for the voting service S, voting in public sports managed by the voting management system 1, installing software (including so-called apps) that has the function to realize the voting service S, registering an account necessary for voting, and submitting identification documents.
[0029] The reward distribution unit 21c distributes a reward to the first user U1, who is registered in association with the second user U2, when the second user U2 places a vote in a public sports competition managed by the voting management system 1. Details of each function will be described later.
[0030] The functions described above may be implemented by software appropriately installed on the server 20, or by hardware. When implemented by software, the control unit 41 can implement various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.
[0031] If implemented by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 22 built into the server 20, or in a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer. Alternatively, the program may be read from an external storage device and implemented through so-called cloud computing. Or, if implemented by hardware, it can be implemented by various circuits such as ASICs, SOCs, FPGAs, or DRPs. Furthermore, some of the functional configurations described above may be processed by the server 20 using software or hardware.
[0032] (1-4. User Management) Refer to Figures 5A to 5C to explain user management. As shown in Figure 5A, the link issuance management table T1 stored in the storage unit 22 has a "issuing user" column and a "link information" column. Here, "issuing user" corresponds to the first user mentioned above. In this way, the link issuance management table T1 stores the first user and link information in association.
[0033] As shown in Figure 5B, the user management table T2 stored in the storage unit 22 includes columns for "Registered User," "Issuing User," and "Points Granted." Here, "Registered User" corresponds to the second user mentioned above. In this way, the second user is registered in association with the first user in the user management table T2. Note that Figure 5B illustrates that there is no associated issuing user registered for U2-002, which is the "Registered User."
[0034] Here, the "Points Granted" column refers to the points granted to the newly registered second user. Points are a value that can be used for betting on public sports managed by the betting management system 1. When the user management unit 21b registers the second user U2 in the user management table T2, associating it with the first user U1, it grants the second user U2 a value that can be used for betting. By granting the newly registered second user U2 a value that can be used for betting in this way, the psychological barrier to betting on public sports can be lowered.
[0035] For example, points can be exchanged for actual currency. However, it is preferable that "awarded points" cannot be exchanged for currency and can only be used for voting. By preventing the awarded points from being used for other purposes, a second user U2 will be motivated to use the awarded points for voting.
[0036] As shown in Figure 5C, the voting management table T3 stored in the memory unit 22 includes a "Registered User" column, a "Vote Amount" column, an "Issuing User" column, and a "Reward Amount" column. In the voting management table T3, a second user (i.e., "Registered User") who voted in a public sports competition managed by the voting management system 1 is associated with a first user (i.e., "Issuing User") who is linked to that second user. Furthermore, the amount of reward awarded to the first user is stored as the "Reward Amount". The amount of reward awarded to the first user will be explained below.
[0037] (1-5. Regarding the amount of compensation) Referring to Figure 6, the amount of reward that the reward distribution unit 21c grants to the first user will be explained. The reward to the first user is granted using a predetermined value. The value used for the reward may be cash, electronic money, cryptocurrency, etc., or it may be points that can be used for voting in the voting management system 1 described above.
[0038] The reward distribution unit 21c determines the amount of reward to be given to the first user based on the amount of value voted for by the second user (for example, the points mentioned above). Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, for example, if the second user U2-001 votes for 500p (points) (first vote), 25p is given to the first user U1-001 with a percentage of 5% (corresponding to record No. 1 in Figure 5C). This provides an incentive for the first user U1 to actively encourage the second user U2 to vote for a larger amount.
[0039] Furthermore, the reward distribution unit 21c may be configured to provide additional rewards to the first user if the amount of votes cast by the second user exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, a first threshold (=1000p) and a second threshold (=2000p) are set for the amount of votes.
[0040] If the vote by second user U2-001 is between the first and second thresholds (second vote), 120p, which is 10% of the vote amount (a 5% increase in the percentage compared to the first vote), is awarded to first user U1-001 (corresponding to record No. 3 in Figure 5C). Also, if the vote by second user U2-003 is above the second threshold (third vote), 360p, which is 15% of the vote amount (a 10% increase in the percentage compared to the first vote), is awarded to first user U1-002 (corresponding to record No. 4 in Figure 5C).
[0041] Furthermore, the additional reward for exceeding the first threshold and the additional percentage for exceeding the second threshold may be allocated differently. For example, if the first threshold is exceeded, an additional 5% may be added as an additional percentage, and if the second threshold is exceeded, a further 10% may be added as an additional percentage.
[0042] Furthermore, regarding the awarding of rewards to the first user by the reward awarding unit 21c, a period during which the vote is valid may be set. For example, the system may be configured to award a reward to the associated first user U1 only if the second user U2 casts a vote within a predetermined period after the second user U2 registers as a member of the voting service S.
[0043] (1-6. Processing flow of the voting management system 1) Referring to Figure 7, the processing flow in the voting management system 1 will be explained. In step S110, the server 20 issues link information to the user terminal device 10a used by the first user U1. In step S210, the user terminal device 10a receives the link information.
[0044] In step S220, the first user U1 operates the user terminal device 10a to attach the received link information to his / her content. In step S310, the second user U2 operates the user terminal device 10b to access the link information in the first user U1's content by performing an operation such as clicking on the link information.
[0045] In step S320, the second user U2 operates the user terminal device 10b to enter and submit registration information for member registration on a linked website, for example. In step S120, the server 20 receives the registration information. In step S130, the server 20 performs registration processing on the user management table T2 in the storage unit 22.
[0046] In step S330, the second user U2 operates the user terminal device 10b to transmit the voting details for the public sports managed by the voting management system 1. In step S140, the server 20 receives the voting details. In step S150, the server 20 adds a record to the voting management table T3 in the storage unit 22 and grants a reward to the first user U1. In step S230, the user terminal device 10a receives notification that a reward has been granted.
[0047] In step S340, the first user U1 operates the user terminal device 10b to transmit identity verification and account information. In step S160, the server 20 receives the identity verification and account information. In step S170, the server 20 registers the identity verification and account information in the storage unit 22.
[0048] (1-7. Variations)
[0049] Referring to Figure 8, the modified voting management system 1 will be explained. In the modified version, the reward granting unit 21c determines the amount of reward to grant to the first user U1 according to the period from the first predetermined operation performed by the second user U2 (for example, member registration) to the most recent time when the second predetermined operation performed by the second user U2 (for example, voting).
[0050] As shown in Figure 8, the reward distribution unit 21c determines the amount of reward to the first user U1 based on the length of the evaluation period, which is the period between the third vote (the most recent of the three votes made by the second user U2) and the user's registration. The evaluation period can be calculated on a monthly or daily basis. When determining the reward amount based on the length of the evaluation period, a threshold for the period may be set in advance, and the reward amount may be increased each time the threshold is exceeded, or the reward amount may be increased in proportion to the evaluation period.
[0051] By implementing this specification, the first user U1, who is associated with the second user U2 who has been voting for a longer period after registering, will receive higher rewards, thereby actively incentivizing the first user U1 to encourage the second user U2 to continue voting.
[0052] <2. Second Embodiment> (2-1. Video distribution using voting management system 1) Referring to Figures 9 to 12, the voting management system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The voting management system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the server 20 distributes the competition video 8. The differences will be explained below in detail.
[0053] As shown in Figure 9, in the second embodiment, the first user U1 operates the user terminal device 10a to upload his own content video 7 to the server 20. The server 20 attaches the first user U1's content video 7 and link information 6 to the competition video 8 for the public sports competition for which voting is managed and distributes it. The second user U2 can view the distributed competition video 8 using the user terminal device 10b.
[0054] The method of delivering the competition video 8 by Server 20 may be either live streaming or non-live streaming, but live streaming will provide a greater sense of realism. Furthermore, it may be delivered via streaming or download, but streaming may be selected for live streaming.
[0055] The content video 7 of the first user U1, attached to the competition video 8, is, for example, a video predicting the results of the competition. In other words, the first user U1 can include predictions about the results of the competition in content video 7.
[0056] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 21 of the server 20 further comprises a prediction disclosure unit 21d and a video distribution unit 21e. When the prediction disclosure unit 21d receives a prediction for the results of the competition from the first user U1, it discloses the prediction to the second user U2 associated with the first user U1. The video distribution unit 21e distributes a content video 7 related to the competition prediction provided by the first user U1.
[0057] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, the competition video 8 distributed from server 20 will be explained. In Figure 11A, content video 7 by first user U1 is displayed overlapping with competition video 8. This content video 7 contains first user U1's commentary on the development and predictions for the upcoming competition (hereinafter referred to as the predicted competition), and the competition video 8 displayed simultaneously is a distribution of past competition videos of the athletes participating in the predicted competition.
[0058] As shown in Figure 11B, a link icon 30 appears below the competition video 8 as the content video 7 progresses. When the first user U1 clicks the link icon 30, the prediction disclosure screen 31 shown in Figure 12 is displayed. The prediction disclosure unit 21d discloses the first user U1's prediction for the outcome of the competition before the start of the competition on the prediction disclosure screen 31. This specification makes it possible to encourage a second user U2, who is not familiar with voting, to vote on the outcome of the competition.
[0059] As shown in Figure 12, the prediction disclosure screen 31 displays link information 6, prediction information 32, and participant information 33. Prediction information 32 is the prediction of the competition results by the first user U1. The second user U2 can vote in the competition by clicking "Vote" in link information 6. In addition, by clicking "Register as a Member" in link information 6, they can register as a member of the voting management system 1.
[0060] The user management unit 21b registers the second user U2, who has performed a predetermined operation (in this example, "voting" or "member registration") via the link information 6, in the storage unit 22 in association with the first user U1.
[0061] Here, the reward distribution unit 21c may be configured to grant additional rewards to the first user U1 if the second user U2, who has confirmed the disclosed prediction information 32, casts a vote based on that prediction. Here, a vote based on a prediction may be a vote that perfectly matches the prediction of the first user U1 (for example, a vote that includes all of items 1 to 3 in the prediction information 32), or a vote that is partially the same as the prediction of the first user U1 (a vote that includes some of items 1 to 3 in the prediction information 32). Alternatively, it may be a vote in which part of the prediction of the first user U1 has been modified (a vote that modifies some of items 1 to 3 in the prediction information 32).
[0062] Furthermore, the additional reward (second reward) for voting based on predictions is positioned solely as a bonus for the second user U2 voting based on the first user U1's predictions, and is preferably given in addition to the reward (first reward) given to the first user U1 for the vote by the second user U2 as described in the first embodiment above. This specification incentivizes the first user U1 to disclose their predictions for the competition results and to increase the number of second users U2 who vote based on their own prediction information. Also, since the second user U2 will frequently vote based on the first user U1's predictions, which have a high success rate, it incentivizes the first user U1 to try to make accurate predictions for the competition.
[0063] Here, the forecast disclosure unit 21d may also disclose the forecast to a user not associated with the first user U1 (hereinafter referred to as the third user U3), and may disclose the forecast to the second user U2 under more favorable conditions than the third user U3. For example, the system may be designed so that the third user U3 pays to check the first user U1's forecast, while the second user U2 receives it for free (or at a lower cost).
[0064] In this way, the second user U2 can view the prediction information of the associated first user U1 under favorable conditions, thus motivating them to vote via the link information of the first user U1. Furthermore, since the second user U2 can view the prediction information of the first user U1, which they themselves accessed via the link information, under favorable conditions, they are motivated to watch the content video 7 of the first user U1.
[0065] Furthermore, the amount of the second reward may be set at an interest rate based on the amount voted by the second user U2, or it may be a fixed amount for each vote. Alternatively, a threshold may be set for the amount voted, and the reward amount may be increased each time the threshold is exceeded, or the reward amount may be increased in proportion to the amount voted.
[0066] Furthermore, the prediction disclosure unit 21d may disclose to the third user U3 the predictions of the first user U1 regarding the competition related to the content video 7, provided that the third user U3 has watched the content video 7 made by the first user U1, and may also disclose to the second user U2, under more favorable conditions, even if the second user U2 has not watched the content video 7.
[0067] For example, in Figures 11A and 11B, in the case of the third user U3, the link icon 30 is displayed after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the content video 7 was delivered, but in the case of the second user U2, the link icon 30 may be displayed simultaneously with the delivery of the content video 7. In this way, the third user must watch the content video 7 until the forecast information 32 becomes available, but the second user U2, who is associated with the first user U1, can see the forecast information at an earlier stage, which motivates them to perform a predetermined operation from the link information associated with the first user.
[0068] (2-2. Variation 1) Referring to Figure 13, the voting management system 1 in Modification 1 of the second embodiment will be described. Modification 1 differs from the above embodiment in that, in response to a predetermined operation by the second user U2, the association between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may or may not be changed.
[0069] In the second modification, the specified operations are classified into two groups. The first group includes, for example, member registration. The second group includes, for example, voting.
[0070] When a member registration operation belonging to the first group is performed, the user management unit 21b associates the first user U1 and the second user U2 in a way that will not change thereafter (first association). On the other hand, each time a vote operation belonging to the second group is performed, the first user U1 and the second user U2 are associated in a way that will change thereafter (second association).
[0071] For example, as shown in Figure 13, suppose the second user U2 obtains membership information from the link information associated with the first user U1-001. Then, suppose the second user U2 votes for the first to third races from the link information associated with the content videos of the first user U1-002, and votes for the fourth and fifth races from the link information associated with the content videos of the first user U1-003.
[0072] In this case, the reward distribution unit 21c distributes rewards to first user U1-001, who has a first association with second user U2, for all of the first to fifth races. On the other hand, the reward distribution unit 21c distributes rewards to first user U1-002, who has a second association with second user U2, only for the first to third races, and to first user U1-003, who has a second association with second user U2, only for the fourth and fifth races.
[0073] Thus, since the first association remains unchanged, the first reward is generated for all of the second user U2's votes, and is therefore generated for the first user U1-001 who is associated with it. On the other hand, the second association changes with each vote, and the reward is generated for each vote, and is generated for either the first user U1-002 or the first user U1-003 who is associated with it. This specification provides an incentive for the first user U1-001 to actively encourage the second user U2 to register as a new member, and also provides an incentive for the first user U1-002 to upload content video 7, as an association (second association) is generated even for the votes of the second user U2 who is already a member.
[0074] Furthermore, the same amount of reward may be given for the first and second associations, or different amounts of reward may be given. For example, the first user U1-001, who is associated in the first way, may be rewarded with 3 percent of the voting amount, while the first user U1-002, who is associated in the second way, may be rewarded with 5 percent of the voting amount. In this way, by making the reward for the second association higher than the reward for the first association, the first user U1-001 who made the first association will be rewarded over the long term, while the first user U1-002 who made the second association will be motivated to upload content video 7.
[0075] (2-3. Variation 2) Referring to Figure 14, the voting management system 1 in Modification 2 of the second embodiment will be described. Modification 2 differs in that the amount of reward is changed according to the state of the second user U2 who has performed a predetermined operation.
[0076] The status of the second user U2 can be classified according to the time period. For example, as shown in Figure 14, it may be classified as follows: before member registration (Phase 1), after member registration until the first vote (Phase 2), after member registration until viewing content videos (Phase 3), after viewing content videos until before account registration and submission of identity verification (Phase 4), and after before account registration and submission of identity verification (Phase 5). After classifying the status of the second user U2 according to the time period in this way, the amount of reward to the first user U1 may be changed depending on which status the second user U2 was in when a predetermined operation was performed.
[0077] For example, if User U2, who is in Phase 1, registers as a member via link information, User U1, associated with that link information, may be rewarded with 5% of User U2's voting amount as the first reward. Also, if User U2, who is in Phase 3, casts a vote via link information, User U1, associated with that link information, may be rewarded with 3% of User U2's voting amount as the first reward.
[0078] By adopting this specification, the amount of reward given to the first user U1, which is associated with the status of the second user U2, can be set more precisely, thereby incentivizing the first user U1 to actively engage in promotional activities for the second user U2.
[0079] <3. Third Embodiment> Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the voting management system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The voting management system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that it varies the amount of reward given to the first user U1 according to the relationship between the first user U1 and the second user U2. The differences will be explained below in detail.
[0080] As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 21 in the third embodiment further includes a relationship determination unit 21f. The relationship determination unit 21f determines the relationship between the first user U1 and the second user U2 based on the history of communication between the first user U1 and the second user U2. The reward granting unit 21c changes the amount of reward to be granted to the first user U1 based on the determination result of the relationship determination unit 21f.
[0081] The communication history could be, for example, a record of messages sent and received between the first user U1 and the second user U2, or it could be an indicator of the evaluation that the second user U2 gave to the content video 7 uploaded by the first user U1.
[0082] In the competition video 8 shown in Figure 16A, a "like" icon 36 and a message icon 37 are displayed at the bottom of the content video 7. Second user U2 can give a "like" to the content video 7 uploaded by first user U1 by pressing the "like" icon 36. Also, if U2 wants to send a message to first user U1, they can press the message icon 37, type a message, and send it.
[0083] The relationship determination unit 21f determines the relationship between first user U1 and second user U2 based, for example, on the number of "likes" and messages that second user U2 has given to first user U1. Here, the relationship determination unit 21f may calculate evaluation points for the determination, for example, by assigning 1 point for one "like" and 10 points for one message.
[0084] In this case, as shown in Figure 16B, the second user U2 sends 5 messages to the first user U1-001 and gives 10 "likes," resulting in an evaluation score of 60 points for the relationship between the second user U2 and the first user U1-001. On the other hand, the second user U2 sends 3 messages to the first user U1-002 and gives 5 "likes," resulting in an evaluation score of 35 points.
[0085] The reward granting unit 21c adjusts the amount of reward to be given to the first user U1 based on the evaluation score calculated by the relationship determination unit 21f. Specifically, a threshold for the evaluation score may be set, and the reward amount may be increased each time the threshold is exceeded, or the reward amount may be increased in proportion to the evaluation score.
[0086] This configuration motivates the first user U1 to promote communication with the second user U2. Through communication with the first user U1, the second user U2 will use the voting service S more frequently, making it easier for the second user U2 to become a repeat user of the voting service S.
[0087] <4. Other Embodiments> While embodiments and variations thereof of the present invention have been described above, the application of this disclosure is not limited to the above. For example, in the above embodiments, the reward amount to the first user U1 is determined based on the amount of each vote cast by the second user U2, but the application is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the reward amount to the first user U1 may be determined based on the cumulative amount of votes cast by the second user U2.
[0088] Specifically, a threshold could be set for the cumulative amount of votes cast by the second user U2, and each time the cumulative amount exceeds the threshold, additional rewards could be given to the first user U1.
[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the voting management system 1 managed votes for public sports, but it is not limited to this configuration. That is, the sports for which the voting management system 1 manages votes are not limited to public sports; they could be baseball or soccer matches, or even video games or computer games (so-called e-sports).
[0090] Furthermore, although the user terminal device 10, etc., was described in the above embodiment as a terminal having a touch panel display 14 such as a smartphone, it is not limited to this example. The user terminal device 10 may be realized by installing software on a home PC or the like, and it may be configured to accept operations such as mouse input.
[0091] Furthermore, while the sharing of predetermined information via the communication line 5 is mainly carried out via a WAN such as the Internet, communication between information processing devices may be carried out only via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® and infrared communication, without using a WAN.
[0092] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example of how each function is provided by the user terminal device 10 or the server 20, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and some functions may be provided by the user terminal device 10, the server 20, or both the user terminal device 10 and the server 20 in a configuration different from that of the above embodiment.
[0093] Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being performed by the user terminal device 10 may also be performed by the server 20.
[0094] Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium for storing the above-mentioned program.
[0095] <5. Features of the Embodiment> The features of embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.
[0096] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device for managing user votes on the results of a competition is provided, comprising a link information issuing unit 21a, a user management unit 21b, and a reward granting unit 21c, wherein the link information issuing unit 21a issues link information 6 associated with a first user U1, the user management unit 21b registers the second user U2 in association with the first user U1 when the second user U2 performs a predetermined operation via the link information 6, and the reward granting unit 21c grants a reward to the first user U1 associated with the second user U2 when the second user U2 casts a vote.
[0097] With this configuration, the first user U1 receives a reward through a vote by the second user U2 who performs a predetermined operation via link information 6 associated with the first user U1. This provides an incentive for the first user U1 to actively engage in promotional activities to encourage voting in the competition using the link information 6.
[0098] The reward distribution unit 21c may determine the amount of the reward based on the amount of value voted for by the second user U2.
[0099] This configuration provides an incentive for the first user U1 to encourage the second user U2 to cast a larger number of votes.
[0100] When the user management unit 21b registers a second user U2 in association with the first user U1, it may grant the second user U2 a value that can be used for voting.
[0101] This configuration allows us to grant value that can be used for voting to the registered second user U2, thereby lowering the psychological barrier for the second user U2 to vote in the competition.
[0102] The information processing device further comprises a prediction disclosure unit 21d, which, upon receiving a prediction for the results of a competition from a first user U1, may disclose the prediction to a second user U2 associated with the first user U1.
[0103] This configuration allows users to review the predictions made by the first user U1 before voting, thus encouraging the second user U2, who may be unfamiliar with voting, to participate in the competition.
[0104] The reward distribution unit 21c may grant additional rewards to the first user U1 if the second user U2, who has confirmed the disclosed prediction, casts a vote based on that prediction.
[0105] This configuration incentivizes the first user U1 to actively disclose their predictions for the competition results, thereby increasing the number of second users U2 who vote based on their own predictions.
[0106] The forecast disclosure unit 21d may disclose the forecast to a third user not associated with the first user U1, and may disclose the forecast to the second user U2 under more favorable conditions than the third user.
[0107] This configuration allows users to view the expected information of the associated first user U1 under favorable conditions, thus providing an incentive to perform a predetermined operation via the link information 6 of the first user U1.
[0108] The information processing device further includes a video distribution unit 21e, which distributes videos related to competition predictions provided by a first user U1, and a prediction disclosure unit 21d which, if a third user watches the video, discloses the first user U1's predictions for the competition related to the video, and may also be configured to disclose the predictions to a second user U2 associated with the first user U1, even if the second user has not watched the video, under more favorable conditions.
[0109] This configuration allows the third user to see the first user U1's prediction without watching the video content, while the second user U2 can see the first user U1's prediction at an early stage, thus motivating them to perform the required actions based on the link information associated with the first user U1.
[0110] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is an information processing method that causes a computer to function as an information processing device for managing user votes on the results of a competition, wherein the computer is made to perform a link information issuance step, a user management step, and a reward granting step, the link information issuance step is to issue link information associated with a first user U1, the user management step is to register the second user U2 in association with the first user U1 when the second user U2 performs a predetermined operation via the link information, and the reward granting step is to grant a reward to the first user U1 associated with the second user U2 when the second user U2 has cast a vote.
[0111] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as an information processing device for managing user votes on the results of a competition, wherein the program causes the computer to perform a link information issuance step, a user management step, and a reward granting step, wherein in the link information issuance step, the program causes the computer to issue link information associated with a first user U1, in the user management step, when a second user U2 performs a predetermined operation via the link information, the program causes the second user U2 to be registered in association with the first user U1, and in the reward granting step, when the second user U2 makes a vote, the program causes the first user U1 associated with the second user U2 to grant a reward.
[0112] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]
[0113] 1: Voting Management System 5: Communication lines 6: Link Information 7: Content Videos 8: Competition Videos 10: User terminal device 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Communications Department 14: Touch panel display 15: Speakers 16: Mike 17: Camera 18: Operation Buttons 19: System bus 20: Server 21: Control Unit 21a: Link Information Publishing Department 21b: User Management Department 21c: Reward Distribution Department 21d: Forecast Disclosure Section 21e: Video Streaming Department 21f: Relationship determination unit 22: Storage section 24: Communications Department 25: Operation Input Section 26: Monitor 27: System bus 30: Link icon 31: Forecast Disclosure Screen 32: Prediction Information 33: Runner information 36: Grant icon 37: Message icon 41: Control Unit
Claims
1. An information processing device for managing user votes on the results of a competition, It comprises a link information issuing department, a user management department, and a reward distribution department. The aforementioned link information issuing unit issues link information associated with the first user, When the user management unit receives a second user and performs a predetermined operation via the link information, it registers the second user in association with the first user. The reward granting unit is an information processing device that grants a reward to the first user associated with the second user when the second user casts a vote.
2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The reward granting unit is an information processing device that determines the amount of the reward based on the amount of value voted for by the second user.
3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, The user management unit is an information processing device that, when it registers the second user in association with the first user, assigns to the second user a value that can be used for voting.
4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It also includes a forecast disclosure section, The aforementioned prediction disclosure unit is an information processing device that, upon receiving a prediction for the results of a competition from the first user, discloses the prediction to the second user associated with the first user.
5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 4, The reward granting unit is an information processing device that grants additional rewards to the first user when a second user who has confirmed the disclosed prediction casts a vote based on that prediction.
6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, The aforementioned prediction disclosure unit discloses the prediction to a third user not associated with the first user, and discloses the prediction to the second user under more favorable conditions than the third user, in this information processing device.
7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 6, With an additional video streaming section, The video distribution unit distributes a video related to the prediction of the competition provided by the first user. The prediction disclosure unit discloses to the third user the first user's predictions regarding a competition related to the video when the third user has watched the video, and to the second user, who is associated with the first user, the predictions as a favorable condition, even if the second user has not watched the video, in an information processing device.
8. An information processing method that makes a computer function as an information processing device for managing user votes on the results of a competition, The computer is made to perform the link information issuance step, the user management step, and the reward granting step. In the aforementioned link information issuance step, link information associated with the first user is issued. In the user management step, when a second user performs a predetermined operation via the link information, the second user is registered in association with the first user. The reward granting step involves an information processing method that, when the second user casts a vote, grants a reward to the first user associated with the second user.
9. A program that makes a computer function as an information processing device that manages user votes on the results of a competition, The computer is made to perform the link information issuance step, the user management step, and the reward granting step. In the aforementioned link information issuance step, link information associated with the first user is issued. In the user management step, when a second user performs a predetermined operation via the link information, the second user is registered in association with the first user. The reward granting step includes a program that grants a reward to the first user associated with the second user when the second user casts a vote.