Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide a technique allowing even users with little voting experience to easily vote.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus performing processing relating to voting to a voting object in a competition, the information processing apparatus comprises a management section for managing a group including a plurality of players, and a reception section of receiving a vote from a first user included in the group to a voting content that is specified according to a voting content predicted or voted by a second user included in the group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, publicly managed races such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and boat racing are held. Patent Document 1 discloses a voting prediction publication system on a website that publishes predictions for publicly managed races on the Internet, which displays the objective reliability of a forecaster as an image, allowing visitors to the website to visually recognize the reliability of the forecaster and use the predictions as a reference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-160612 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using the technology described in Patent Document 1, users can receive notifications of reliable forecasters, but they are left to decide on their votes by themselves. This situation is thought to be one of the factors that alienates users with little voting experience.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables even users with little voting experience to easily cast their votes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that executes processing related to voting for voting targets in a competition, and has a management unit that manages a group including a plurality of players, and a reception unit that receives votes from a first user included in the group for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by a second user included in the group. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables even users with little voting experience to easily cast their votes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a voting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server and a terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional block configuration of a server. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user management DB, a group management DB, and a forecaster management DB. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the voting system. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat screen displayed on a terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the voting system. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting ride-sharing for multiple events. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure for determining the amount of a predetermined value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or similar configurations.

[0010] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a voting system 1 according to this embodiment. The voting system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a server 10 and one or more terminals 20. The server 10 and the terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN, or mobile communication. The server 10 and the terminals 20 may be referred to as information processing devices.

[0011] The server 10 may be configured with one or more physical servers, may be configured with a virtual server operating on a hypervisor, or may be configured with a cloud server. The terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user. The terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc.

[0012] The server 10 performs various processes in various competitions, such as predictions and votes by users and doctrinators, management of a predetermined value voted by users and doctrinators, management of a predetermined value held by users and doctrinators, and management of payout amounts (payout money, etc.) according to the results of the competition (race).

[0013] A user forms a group with other users to predict and vote on the results of a competition. The users may be any type of users, but in this embodiment, it is assumed that the group includes users who have little experience voting.

[0014] A forecaster is a person or group consisting of one or more people who forecasts and votes on the results of a competition. A forecaster may be a celebrity such as a celebrity, or an unknown person. In addition, a forecaster is not necessarily limited to a real person, but may be a virtual person created by computer simulation or the like.

[0015] Examples of the competitions include bicycle racing, horse racing, boat racing, auto racing, soccer, futsal, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, handball, rugby, badminton, table tennis, billiards, bowling, dodgeball, boxing, wrestling, professional wrestling, track and field, horse racing, bicycle racing, etc. This embodiment includes any competition in which multiple participants (including teams, athletes, and animals) compete for superiority.

[0016] A voting target is a target for which a predetermined value is voted, and in this embodiment, the contestants who participate in the competition are the voting targets. For example, in the case of a competition in which contestants numbered 1 to 5 compete, each of the contestants numbered 1 to 5 is a voting target.

[0017] A betting method is a method of betting (betting) a predetermined value on a betting target. For example, a win bet is a method of predicting a betting target that will come in first place and betting a predetermined value, and a place bet is a method of predicting a betting target that will come in first to third place and betting a predetermined value. A dyadic bet is a method of predicting the betting targets that will come in first and second place in the order of arrival and betting a predetermined value, and a dyadic combination is a method of predicting two betting targets that will come in first and second place (regardless of the order of arrival) and betting a predetermined value. A trifecta is a method of predicting the betting targets that will come in first, second and third place in the order of arrival and betting a predetermined value, and a trifecta is a method of predicting three betting targets that will come in first to third place (regardless of the order of arrival) and betting a predetermined value. The betting method according to this embodiment also includes betting methods other than these methods. Note that there are also competitions in which there is no designated betting method, such as a soccer lottery in which you guess which team will win.

[0018] The predetermined value to be voted may be money or points. In addition to voting, the points may be usable in a predetermined service or game. Furthermore, the points may be points (free points) that a user who plays a predetermined service or game can receive for free in the predetermined service or game, or points (paid points) that can be received in exchange for paying money (by charging) in the predetermined service or game. The predetermined value may simply be referred to as "value."

[0019] In this embodiment, in the case of a competition where voting is performed by specifying the voting target and voting method, the voting target, voting method, and amount of the predetermined value specified by the user or the predictor when placing the vote are referred to as the "voting content." Similarly, in the case of a competition where voting is performed by specifying only the voting target, the voting target and amount of the predetermined value specified by the user or the predictor when placing the vote are referred to as the "voting content."

[0020] In addition, in this embodiment, "prediction" includes both the meaning of predicting which voting content will be correct in order to cast a vote, and simply making a prediction without casting a vote.

[0021] If the result of the contest is that the user's bet is correct, the user can receive a refund of a predetermined value. For example, if the winning bet is at 3:1 odds, the user can receive a refund of a predetermined value that is 3 times the amount of the bet.

[0022] Users can form groups with other users. In addition, each of the multiple users belonging to the same group predicts which voting target will win the same competition and casts a vote. At this time, each user in the group can refer to each other's predictions or votes. Users can also chat within the group.

[0023] A user can vote for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by other users in the group. In other words, a user can vote by imitating other users in the group. "Voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by other users in the group" specifically means the following voting content.

[0024] 1. In the case of a competition where voting is performed by specifying the betting target and betting method, the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in question has the same betting target and betting method, or the betting content has the same betting target, betting method, and specified value as the other user. If the betting content of the other user includes multiple betting contents, one or more betting contents have the same betting target and betting method, or the same betting target, betting method, and specified value as all or part of the betting contents predicted or voted for by the other user. For example, if another user in the group bets on a bifecta of numbers 3 and 5, the "betting content specified according to the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in the group" is a bifecta of numbers 3 and 5.

[0025] 2. In the case of a competition in which voting is performed by specifying only the betting target, the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in question, which has the same betting target, or which has the same betting target and the same specified value. If the voting content of the other user includes multiple voting content, one or more voting content that has the same betting target, or which has the same betting target and the same specified value as all or part of the voting content predicted or voted for by the other user. For example, if another user in the group votes for the home team, the "voting content specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by the other user in the group" will be the home team.

[0026] In addition, the user can watch a video (image) taken in real time of the dopest predicting the outcome of the competition or explaining his / her prediction on the screen of the terminal 20, and can experience enjoying the competition together with the dopest. In addition, the user can also vote for the voting content specified according to the prediction or voting content of the dopest.

[0027] In this embodiment, when a user votes for a voting content that is specified depending on the voting content predicted or voted for by other users or predictors in the group, this is expressed as the user “piggybacking” on the other users or predictors.

[0028] <Hardware configuration> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10 and the terminal 20. The server 10 and the terminal 20 each have a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical processing unit), a storage device 12 such as a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF (Interface) 13 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for accepting an input operation, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and / or a microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display and / or a speaker.

[0029] <Function block configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the server 10. The server 10 includes a storage unit 100, a display control unit 101, a management unit 102, a reception unit 103, a voting processing unit 104, an assignment unit 105, and a notification unit 106. The storage unit 100 can be realized by using a storage device 12 included in the server 10. The display control unit 101, the management unit 102, the reception unit 103, the voting processing unit 104, the assignment unit 105, and the notification unit 106 can be realized by the processor 11 of the server 10 executing a program stored in the storage device 12. The program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing the program may be a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0030] The storage unit 100 stores a user management DB 100a for managing various information related to users, a group management DB 100b for managing groups including a plurality of users, and a doctrinator management DB 100c for managing doctrinators.

[0031] 4 shows an example of the user management DB 100a, the group management DB 100b, and the doctrinator management DB 100c. The "user ID" in the user management DB 100a stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user within the server 10. The "nickname" stores the nickname entered by the user when registering the user. The "possession value" stores the amount of a predetermined value possessed by the user. The "voting history" stores the content of the votes cast by the user.

[0032] The "group ID" of the group management DB 100b stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a group within the server 10. The "user ID" stores the user ID of each user included in the group.

[0033] The "doctor ID" of the doctrinator management DB 100c stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the doctor within the server 10. The "nickname" stores the nickname of the doctrinator. The "owned value" stores the amount of a predetermined value owned by the doctrinator. The "forecast" stores the predictions or voting details already cast by the doctrinator for upcoming competitions. The "voting history" stores the voting details cast by the doctrinator for competitions that have already ended, for each competition.

[0034] The display control unit 101 performs various processes required for displaying, on the terminal 20, a screen for accepting votes from users, a screen for displaying the voting contents predicted or voted for by other users in the group, a chat screen, a screen for displaying predictions by predictors, etc. For example, the display control unit 101 transmits data for displaying various screens to the terminal 20 in response to access from a web browser provided in the terminal 20 or in response to access from a dedicated application installed in the terminal 20.

[0035] The management unit 102 manages a group including a plurality of players. For example, the management unit 102 performs a process of creating a group, a process of adding a new user to a group, a process of deleting a user who is leaving the group from the group, etc. A group may be created when a user who convenes a group (hereinafter referred to as a "host user") agrees to other users joining the group.

[0036] The accepting unit 103 accepts votes from each user included in the group for the voting content designated by each user. The accepting unit 103 also accepts votes from a user (first user) included in the group for the voting content specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by another user (second user) included in the group.

[0037] The voting processing unit 104 performs a process of voting for the voting content accepted by the acceptance unit 103. The voting processing unit 104 also records the voting content in the "voting history" of the user management DB 100a. The voting processing unit 104 may notify other information processing devices capable of communicating with the server 10 of the voting content, thereby requesting the other information processing devices to perform voting processing.

[0038] When the contents of the vote cast by the user or the dopestor are correct, the granting unit 105 grants the user or the dopestor a predetermined value to be paid back based on the predetermined value bet.

[0039] Furthermore, when a user (first user) votes for a voting content specified according to the voting content of another user (second user), the granting unit 105 grants a bonus (a predetermined reward) to the user and / or the other user. The bonus is a reward different from a predetermined value that can be received when the voting content of the user is correct.

[0040] In addition, the awarding unit 105 may be configured such that when a user (first user) votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content voted by another user (second user), and the voting content becomes eligible for a reward as a result of the competition, the awarding unit 105 awards a bonus (a specified reward) to the user and / or the other user.

[0041] In addition, granting a specified value or bonus to a user includes both the meaning that the server 10 performs the process of paying the specified value or bonus to the user, and the meaning that the server 10 determines the amount of the specified value or bonus to be paid to the user, with the actual payment process being performed by another information processing device.

[0042] The bonus may be given to the user and / or the other users when the user votes for a vote content specified according to the vote content voted by the other users by explicitly instructing the other users to piggyback in the group. The bonus may also be given when the user does not explicitly piggyback in the group with the other users, but the vote content selected by the user by the user coincidentally corresponds to the vote content specified according to the vote content voted by the other users.

[0043] The notification unit 106 notifies the other users in the group other than the user of the voting content voted by the user (second user). At this time, the above-mentioned reception unit 103 may receive an instruction from the other users (first users) to vote for the voting content specified according to the "voting content voted by the user (second user)" notified by the notification unit 106.

[0044] In addition, when a user (second user) votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by the doctor, the notification unit 106 may notify other users included in the group of information about the doctor.

[0045] <Processing Procedure> (Create a group) First, a group is created among a plurality of users. A group is created when other users agree to participate in the group with a user (host user) who convenes the group. Specifically, when the management unit 102 receives a group creation request from a user (host user), it transmits a message to the terminals 20 of the other users indicating an invitation to participate in the group. Furthermore, when the management unit 102 receives a notification from each terminal 20 that the other users have agreed to participate in the group, it creates a group including the user who received the group creation request and the users who have agreed to participate in the group.

[0046] Among the multiple users included in the group, users other than the host user may be users who have a predetermined relationship with the host user. The predetermined relationship may be users who have a friend relationship. In other words, the management unit 102 may create a group including the host user and users who have a friend relationship with the host user and have agreed to participate in the group. In this case, the management unit 102 transmits a message inviting users who have a predetermined relationship with the host user and are designated by the host user to participate in the group to the terminals 20 of the users.

[0047] The predetermined relationship may be a user located within a predetermined distance from the location of the host user. In other words, the management unit 102 may create a group including the host user and a user located within a predetermined range from the location of the host user who has agreed to participate in the group. In this case, the management unit 102 transmits a message inviting a user designated by the host user to participate in the group to the terminal 20 of the user located within a predetermined distance from the location of the host user.

[0048] After the group is created, the management unit 102 may delete from the group any user who has joined the group and moved outside a predetermined range from the host user's location. The management unit 102 may also temporarily delete from the group any user who has moved outside a predetermined range from the host user's location, and treat the user as having rejoined the group if the user returns to the predetermined range within a predetermined period of time. The management unit 102 may also delete the group itself if the host user is the only user remaining in the group.

[0049] The predetermined relationship may be a user who has exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more. That is, the management unit 102 may create a group including the host user and a user who has exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more and has agreed to participate in the group. In this case, the management unit 102 transmits a message inviting a user who has exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more and is designated by the host user to participate in the group to the terminal 20 of the user.

[0050] (Voting process) Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the voting system 1. The processing procedure related to the voting process performed by the server 10 and the terminal 20 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the terminal 20 used by user A, the terminal 20 used by user B, and the terminal 20 used by user C are terminal 20a, terminal 20b, and terminal 20c, respectively. In the example of Fig. 5, it is assumed that user A, user B, and user C form a group. In the following description, it is assumed that the competition is one in which voting is performed by specifying the voting target and voting method.

[0051] In step S100, when terminal 20a receives an instruction on the voting content from user A, it transmits a message instructing the voting content to server 10. The message includes, for example, the voting target, voting method, and the amount of a predetermined value to be voted designated by user A. Reception unit 103 of server 10 receives the instruction on the voting content from terminal 20a.

[0052] In step S101, the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10 performs processing for voting on the voting content accepted from the terminal 20a.

[0053] In step S102, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c of a message indicating the vote made by the user A. The message is a character string, and may be displayed, for example, as a message from the user A on a chat screen where messages can be sent and received within a group. Alternatively, the message may be push data, and the vote of the user A may be displayed on a screen that lists the votes of each user.

[0054] The notification unit 106 may transmit a message indicating that the bet has been completed to the terminal 20a used by the user A, and transmit a message notifying the contents of the bet made by the user A (for example, 100 points each for the bet on No. 3 and No. 7) to the terminals 20b and 20c used by users other than the user A. In other words, the notification unit 106 may change the contents of the message to be sent between the user who has placed the bet and the other users.

[0055] The processing procedures of steps S103 to S105 are the same as the processing procedures of steps S100 to S102, respectively, replaced with a case where user B casts a vote instead of user A, and therefore detailed explanations are omitted. Similarly, the processing procedures of steps S106 to S108 are the same as the processing procedures of steps S100 to S102, respectively, replaced with a case where user C casts a vote instead of user A, and therefore detailed explanations are omitted.

[0056] In addition, in the processing procedure of step S103, user B can also piggyback on the voting contents of user A notified in the processing procedure of step S102 and vote. In this case, the reception unit 103 of the server 10 accepts an instruction from user B to vote for "the voting contents specified according to the voting contents voted by user A" notified by the notification unit 106 in the processing procedure of step S102. Similarly, in the processing procedure of step S106, user C can also piggyback on the voting contents of user A notified in the processing procedure of step S102 or the processing contents of user B notified in the processing procedure of step S105 and vote. In addition, when the voting contents of other users include multiple voting contents, the user can also piggyback on some of the multiple voting contents and vote. For example, assume that user A has voted for win number 3 and win number 7. In this case, user B can also vote for only one of win number 3 and win number 7.

[0057] When a user piggybacks on the betting content of another user, the amount of the predetermined value to be bet may be arbitrarily designated by the user, or may be automatically determined by the betting processing unit 104 of the server 10. For example, the betting processing unit 104 may automatically determine the amount of the predetermined value to be bet by the user to be the same as the amount of the predetermined value to bet by the other user. For example, when user C piggybacks on the betting content of user A, assume that user A bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win number 1 and win number 5, respectively. In this case, the betting processing unit 104 may determine the amount of the predetermined value to be bet by user C on win number 1 and win number 5 to be 1,000 yen and 500 yen, respectively.

[0058] In addition, when a user specifies the amount of the specified value to be voted (i.e., the total amount of the specified value to be voted), the voting processing unit 104 may automatically determine the amount of the specified value to be voted by the user for each voting target and voting method so that the amount is the same proportion as the amount of the specified value voted by other users for each voting target and voting method.

[0059] For example, assume that user C joins in on user A's betting content, and user A bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win bet No. 1 and win bet No. 5, respectively. Also assume that user C specifies 300 yen as the predetermined value to bet. In this case, the betting processing unit 104 sets the amount of the predetermined value to bet by user C on win bet No. 1 and win bet No. 5 to 200 yen and 100 yen, respectively.

[0060] After the processing procedure of step S108 is completed, the competition is held and it is determined whether or not the votes of each user have been correct.

[0061] In step S109, the granting unit 105 of the server 10 grants a predetermined value to the winning users. For example, if user A bets on horse number 3 to win, horse number 3 comes in first, and the odds for horse number 3 to win are 10:1, the granting unit 105 grants user A a predetermined value that is 10 times the predetermined value bet by user A.

[0062] Furthermore, when a user in a group votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content voted by other users, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to the user and / or the other users. For example, when user C votes in a joint manner on the voting content voted by user A, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to user A and / or user C. Furthermore, when user A, user B, and user C happen to vote for the same voting target and voting method, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to user A, user B, and / or user C.

[0063] At this time, the granting unit 105 may further grant a bonus to the user and / or the other users when the votes cast by the user and the other users become eligible for a reward as a result of the competition. In other words, the granting unit 105 may grant a bonus when the votes of the user and the other users are correct, and may not grant a bonus when the votes are incorrect.

[0064] In addition, when there are a plurality of users who voted for a voting content specified according to the voting content voted by other users, the granting unit 105 may vary the amount of bonus according to the number of users. For example, when granting a bonus to user A and user C because user A and user C voted for the same voting target and voting method, the granting unit 105 may grant a larger amount of bonus to user A, user B, and user C because user A, user B, and user C voted for the same voting target and voting method in the latter case.

[0065] In step S110, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20a, the terminal 20b, and the terminal 20c of the predetermined value and the bonus granted to each user in the processing procedure of step S109.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen displayed on the terminal 20. On the chat screen, the votes cast by other users in the group are displayed in a chat format. The example of Fig. 6 shows an example of a chat screen displayed on the terminal 20 of user C.

[0067] When a message (B10, B11) displaying each user's voting details displayed on the chat screen D10 is selected, the terminal 20 displays the voting screen D20. The voting screen D20 shows an example of the display when the message B10 is selected. The voting screen D20 displays the same voting target and voting method as the voting target and voting method in the voting content selected on the chat screen D10. When the amount of the predetermined value to be voted is input in the input field B20 of the voting screen D20, the input amount of the predetermined value is voted for the voting target and voting method displayed on the voting screen D20.

[0068] (Piggybacking on the forecaster) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the voting system 1. Using FIG. 7, the processing procedure when a user piggybacks on a prediction made by a dopestor will be specifically described. In FIG. 7, the terminal 20d is the terminal 20 used by the dopestor. Other points not specifically mentioned may be the same as those in FIG. 5.

[0069] In step S200, the acceptance unit 103 of the server 10 accepts, from the terminal 20d, a prediction made by a dopestor or a voting content to be cast for a competition.

[0070] In step S201, the notification unit 106 notifies the terminals 20a to 20c of the information of the dopestor. The information of the dopestor includes the betting contents of the dopestor, the nickname of the dopestor, the possession value, the hit rate, and the like. For example, a message such as "Dopestor XXX bet 500 yen on the quinella 1-7 and 1,000 yen on the win number 1. Dopestor XXX's hit rate today is 40%" is displayed on the screens of the terminals 20a to 20c. Here, it is assumed that user A decides to piggyback on the dopestor and make a bet.

[0071] In step S202, the terminal 20a receives an instruction from the user to join the voting of the dopestor. At this time, the amount of the predetermined value to be voted may be arbitrarily designated by the user, or may be automatically determined by the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10.

[0072] For example, the voting processing unit 104 may automatically determine the amount of the predetermined value bet by the user so that it is the same as the amount of the predetermined value bet by the dopestor. For example, in a case where the user piggybacks on the betting contents of the dopestor, the dopestor bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on the single bet No. 1 and the single bet No. 5, respectively. In this case, the voting processing unit 104 may determine the amount of the predetermined value bet by the user to be 1,000 yen and 500 yen, respectively. In addition, when the amount of the predetermined value bet by the user (i.e., the total amount of the predetermined value to be bet) is specified, the amount of the predetermined value bet by the user for each betting target and betting method may be automatically determined so that it is the same ratio as the ratio of the amount of the predetermined value bet by the dopestor for each betting target and betting method.

[0073] For example, assume that user A shares in the betting content of doctrinator A, and doctrinator A bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win number 1 and win number 5, respectively. Also assume that user A specifies 600 yen as the predetermined value to bet. In this case, the betting processing unit 104 sets the amount of the predetermined value to bet by user A on win number 1 and win number 5 to 400 yen and 200 yen, respectively.

[0074] Furthermore, when a user piggybacks on a prognosticator's vote, the user may vote for the same predetermined value as the prognosticator's vote. For example, if the prognosticator votes for cash, the user may also vote for cash. Alternatively, when a user piggybacks on a prognosticator's vote, the user may vote for a predetermined value (second value) different from the predetermined value (first value) voted for by the prognosticator. For example, if the prognosticator votes for cash, the user piggybacking on the prognosticator may vote for points.

[0075] In step S203, the terminal 20a transmits a voting message to the server 10, indicating that the terminal 20a will vote together with the doppelganger. The message includes the doppelganger's name (nickname or doppelganger ID), the voting target, the voting method, and the amount of the predetermined value to be voted.

[0076] In step S204, the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10 performs processing to vote on the voting content received from the terminal 20a.

[0077] In step S205, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20a, the terminal 20b, and the terminal 20c of a message indicating that the user A has piggybacked on the dodger and the contents of the bet. The message is a character string, and may be displayed as a statement by the user A on a chat screen that allows messages to be sent and received within a group. For example, a message such as "The user A has piggybacked on the dodger X and bet 100 yen on the quinella 1-7 and 200 yen on the win number 1" may be displayed on the chat screen. Alternatively, the message may be push data, and the contents of the bet by the user A may be displayed on a screen that displays a list of the contents of the bets by each user.

[0078] After the processing procedure of step S205 is completed, the competition is held and it is determined whether or not the votes of each user have been correct.

[0079] In step S206, if the voting contents of the doctrinator and user A are correct, the granting unit 105 of the server 10 grants a predetermined value to the doctrinator and user A.

[0080] In addition, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to a user when the user votes for a voting content specified according to the voting content voted by the dopestor. Alternatively, the granting unit 105 may grant a bonus to a user when the user votes for a voting content specified according to the voting content voted by the dopestor and the voting is correct.

[0081] In step S207, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20a, the terminal 20b, and the terminal 20c of the predetermined value and bonus granted to each user in the processing procedure of step S206. In addition, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20d of the predetermined value granted to the predictor in the processing procedure of step S206.

[0082] (Multiple events can be shared at once) In this embodiment, the server 10 provides a function that allows users or predictors in a group to collectively vote on the contents of votes for multiple races held within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, a morning, afternoon, or one day, but is not limited to this.

[0083] On the screen displayed on the terminal 20, the user specifies other users or doctrinators with whom he / she wants to ride together for a specified period of time, and pays a specified value to bet in advance. Next, the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10 distributes the paid specified value to each event, and automatically votes the specified value for each event according to the votes cast by other users or doctrinators in each event. This makes it easier for users to vote, as they no longer need to decide for each event whether to ride together or make their own predictions and then vote for each event.

[0084] First, the reception unit 103 receives from the user a request to share a ride in multiple races held within a predetermined period, a designation of other users or forecasters who want to share a ride, and the amount of a predetermined value to be paid in advance. The amount of the predetermined value paid in advance by the user may be, for example, equal to or greater than the minimum payment amount per race multiplied by the number of races held within the predetermined period. For example, if the race is horse racing, the predetermined period is one day, the number of races held in one day is the first race to the sixth race, and the minimum payment amount per race is 500 yen, the user must pay 500 x 6 = 3,000 yen or more in advance before the first race starts.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting users to join multiple races. A in FIG. 8 is a screen D100 for accepting votes from users in a race. A button B100 for selecting to piggyback on (Tipstar) and vote, and a button B101 for selecting to piggyback on other users in the group and vote are displayed. When the button B100 is pressed on the screen D100, the screen transitions to a screen D110 that recommends the user to piggyback on a dodger for multiple competitions held within a predetermined period. The screen D110 displays the nickname (XXXX team) of the dodger who is recommended to piggyback, and the amount of a predetermined value (xxxxx coins) that the user will pay in advance. By pressing the button B110, the user can piggyback on a dodger for multiple competitions held in one day.

[0086] Similarly, when button B101 is pressed on screen D100, the screen transitions to screen D120, which recommends the user to ride along with other users for multiple races held within a predetermined period. Screen D120 displays the nickname (YYYY) of the user recommending the ride along and the amount of a predetermined value (yyyyy coins) that the user will pay in advance. By pressing button B120, the user can ride along with other users in the group for multiple races held in one day.

[0087] The screen D120 may be displayed when the button B10 or B11 is pressed on the screen D10 shown in FIG.

[0088] The voting processing unit 104 determines the amount of a predetermined value to be voted for each betting object and voting method in each race, based on the number of multiple races held within a specified period, the amount of a predetermined value paid in advance, and the voting contents of the predictors with whom the user is sharing or the voting contents of other users.

[0089] Hereinafter, the processing procedure for determining the amount of the predetermined value to be bet will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the following description, it is assumed that the race is a horse race, and the first race (first race) to the sixth race (sixth race) are held on one day. It is also assumed that user A will bet with user B for each race from the first race to the sixth race. Also, the betting tickets (ticket A, ticket B, ticket C, and ticket D) in FIG. 9 indicate the betting object and betting method (e.g., a double-diamond bet on number 1 for a win, number 3, and number 8 for a win, etc.) bet by user B. The betting amount indicates the amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket. For example, in the first race, it is shown that user B bet 400 yen on ticket A, 400 yen on ticket B, 500 yen on ticket C, and 500 yen on ticket D.

[0090] The betting processing unit 104 first calculates the amount of the predetermined value that can be bet on each race by dividing the amount of the predetermined value paid in advance by the number of races to be held within a predetermined period. Next, the betting processing unit 104 compares the amount of the predetermined value that can be bet on each race with the total amount of the predetermined value bet by User B on each betting ticket.

[0091] If the amount of the predetermined value available for betting on each race is the same as the sum of the amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket, the betting processing unit 104 bets user A's predetermined value for each betting ticket bet by user B in an amount equal to the amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket.

[0092] If the amount of the predetermined value available for betting on each race is less than the sum of the amounts of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket, the betting processing unit 104 determines the amount of the predetermined value to bet on each betting ticket according to a predetermined betting pattern.

[0093] If the amount of the predetermined value available for betting on each race is greater than the total amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket, the betting processing unit 104 bets user A's predetermined value in an amount equal to the amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket for each betting ticket on which user B has bet, and bets the remaining predetermined value on each betting ticket according to a predetermined betting pattern.

[0094] The above-mentioned predetermined voting pattern may be, for example, any one of the following four patterns.

[0095] (Voting pattern 1) The voting processing unit 104 bets on the most betting tickets (betting objects and betting methods) in ascending order of odds. Specifically, the voting processing unit 104 bets the minimum betting amount per betting ticket for each betting ticket in ascending order of odds, and when all betting tickets have been bet, it again bets the minimum betting amount per betting ticket in descending order of odds. The voting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting in each race have been bet. A specific example will be explained using FIG. 9. In the following example, the amount of the predetermined value available for betting in each race is 500 yen, and the minimum betting amount per betting ticket is 100 yen (the same applies to other betting patterns).

[0096] In the first race, the odds are lowest for ticket D, followed by ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 100 yen each for ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C in that order. Here, the amount of the predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, so 100 yen remains. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 again bets 100 yen each for ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C in that order. In this case, when an additional 100 yen is bet for ticket D, betting of the predetermined value of 500 yen is completed. In other words, the betting processing unit 104 bets 200 yen for ticket D, and bets 100 yen each for ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C. The amount of the predetermined value to be bet for each betting ticket is determined in the same manner for the second to sixth races.

[0097] (Voting pattern 2) The voting processing unit 104 bets on the most betting tickets (betting objects and betting methods) in descending order of odds. Specifically, the voting processing unit 104 bets the minimum amount of bets per betting ticket for each betting ticket in descending order of odds, and when all betting tickets have been bet, it again bets the minimum amount of bets per betting ticket in descending order of odds. The voting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting have been bet for each race.

[0098] A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the first race, the odds are highest for ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, in that order, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 100 yen each for ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D in that order. Here, the amount of the predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, and 100 yen remains. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 again bets 100 yen each for ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C in that order. In this case, when an additional 100 yen is bet for ticket C, betting of the predetermined value of 500 yen is completed. That is, the betting processing unit 104 bets 200 yen for ticket C, and bets 100 yen each for ticket A, ticket B, and ticket D. The amount of the predetermined value to bet for each betting ticket is determined in the same manner for the second to sixth races.

[0099] (Voting pattern 3) The voting processing unit 104 bets the same amount of a predetermined value as the user who is sharing the ride, in ascending order of odds. Specifically, the voting processing unit 104 bets the same amount of a predetermined value as the user who is sharing the ride, in ascending order of odds, for each betting ticket. When all betting tickets have been bet, the voting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting have been bet for each race.

[0100] A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the first race, the odds are lowest for ticket D, followed by ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 500 yen, 400 yen, 500 yen, and 400 yen for ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, respectively. Here, the amount of the predetermined value available for betting on each race is 500 yen, so the amount of the predetermined value available for betting on each race is reached at the time of betting on ticket D. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 bets 500 yen only on ticket D. The amount of the predetermined value to bet on each betting ticket is determined in the same manner for the second to sixth races.

[0101] (Voting pattern 4) The voting processing unit 104 bets a predetermined value equal to the number of users who will be sharing the bet, in descending order of odds. Specifically, the voting processing unit 104 bets a predetermined value equal to the number of users who will be sharing the bet, in descending order of odds. When all bets have been placed on all bets, the voting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting on each race have been placed.

[0102] A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the first race, the odds are lowest for ticket C, followed by ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 400 yen, 500 yen, 400 yen, and 500 yen for ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, respectively. Here, the amount of the predetermined value available for betting in each race is 500 yen, so when 400 yen is bet on ticket A and the remaining 100 yen is bet on ticket B, the amount of the predetermined value available for betting in each race is reached. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 bets 100 yen and 400 yen on ticket B and ticket D, respectively. The amount of the predetermined value to bet on each betting ticket is determined in the same manner for the second to sixth races.

[0103] <Summary> As described above, according to the present embodiment, a user can cast a vote by piggybacking on the votes of other users who belong to the same group. This makes it possible to provide a technique that allows even users with little voting experience to easily cast a vote.

[0104] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The flow charts, sequences, elements included in the embodiments, and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc. are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined with each other.

[0105] <Additional Notes> <Appendix 1> An information processing device that executes processing related to voting for voting targets in a competition, A management unit that manages a group including a plurality of players; A reception unit that receives a vote from a first user included in the group for a voting content that is specified according to a voting content predicted or voted for by a second user included in the group; An information processing device having the above configuration.

[0106] According to Supplementary Note 1, users can vote by imitating other users in the group, so even users with little voting experience can easily cast their vote.

[0107] <Appendix 2> an awarding unit that awards a predetermined reward to the first user and / or the second user when the first user votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content voted by the second user; 2. An information processing device according to claim 1.

[0108] According to Appendix 2, when a user votes for a specific voting content that is determined based on the voting content of other users, a specified reward is awarded, which can increase the motivation of users with little voting experience to play.

[0109] <Appendix 3> The granting unit further grants the predetermined reward to the first user and / or the second user when the voting content voted by the first user and the second user becomes eligible for a reward as a result of the competition. 3. An information processing device according to claim 2.

[0110] According to Appendix 3, if a user votes for a specific item based on the item voted for by other users and the user's vote is correct, a specified reward is awarded, which can increase the motivation of users with little voting experience to play.

[0111] <Appendix 4> The granting unit varies the predetermined reward according to the number of first users who voted for a voting content specified according to the voting content voted by the second user when a plurality of first users vote for the voting content specified according to the voting content voted by the second user. 4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

[0112] According to Appendix 4, the more users who vote for a specific voting content that is determined based on the voting content of other users, the greater the reward, making it possible to stimulate voting within the group.

[0113] <Appendix 5> A notification unit that notifies other users included in the group of the voting content cast by the second user. 5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0114] According to Supplementary Note 5, the content of the vote cast by each user is notified to the group, which makes it possible to further activate the voting of each user within the group.

[0115] <Appendix 6> The reception unit receives an instruction from the first user to vote for a voting content specified according to the voting content of the second user notified by the notification unit. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

[0116] According to Appendix 6, it becomes possible to vote within a group using notifications indicating the votes of other users, so that each user can easily cast a vote for a specific vote that is determined according to the votes cast by other users.

[0117] <Appendix 7> The notification unit further notifies the other users of information about a predictor when the second user votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by a predictor other than the users included in the group. 7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0118] According to Supplementary Note 7, each user can know that other users have voted for a specific voting content according to the voting content voted by the forecaster.

[0119] <Appendix 8> Among the plurality of users included in the group, users other than a host user who convenes the group are users located within a predetermined distance from a location of the host user. 8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0120] According to Appendix 8, users who are in close proximity can form groups, making it possible for users to ride along with nearby users.

[0121] <Appendix 9> Among the plurality of users included in the group, users other than a host user who convenes the group are users who have exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more. 8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0122] According to Supplementary Note 9, since groups will be formed with users who have interactions with each other, it will be possible to prevent the possibility of trouble between users arising in cases where a user tries to share a ride but is unsuccessful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1...voting system, 10...server, 11...processor, 12...storage device, 13...communication IF, 14...input device, 15...output device, 20...terminal, 100...storage unit, 100a...user management DB, 100b...group management DB, 100c...forecaster management DB, 101...display control unit, 102...management unit, 103...reception unit, 104...voting processing unit, 105...assignment unit, 106...notification unit

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing device that executes processing related to voting for voting targets in a competition, A management unit that manages a group including a plurality of players; A reception unit that receives a vote from a first user included in the group for a voting content that is specified according to a voting content predicted or voted for by a second user included in the group; An information processing device having the above configuration.

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