Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of exciting the willingness of playing a game and the willingness of voting for a result of a competition.SOLUTION: In a communication system for connecting a user terminal, a point management server and a game management server that are information processing devices, and a public competition side server in a state in which data communication in possible in a network, a point management server 30 has a value impartation section 37 for imparting a first value to a user who votes for a result of a competition and a privilege impartation section 38 for imparting a privilege usable in a game by consuming the first value to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system is known that gives points to voters who vote by predicting the results of competitions such as horse racing, boat racing, motorcycle racing, or auto racing when their predictions are incorrect.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a point-giving device that calculates the degree of narrow defeat when a vote is off and gives points to the voter according to the degree of narrow defeat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a situation where a net communication service is provided that allows users to play and enjoy a game separately from the competition, it is required to arouse both the motivation to play the game for voters and the motivation to vote on the results of the competition for game users through the giving of points.

[0006] Therefore, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of arousing the motivation to play a game and the motivation to vote on the results of a competition.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a value-adding unit that adds a first value to a user who has voted on the result of a competition, and a privilege-adding unit that adds a privilege that can be used in a game different from the competition by consuming the first value to the user.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, a first value is added to a user as an added value of a vote on the result of a competition, and a privilege that can be used in a game is added by consuming the added first value. Thereby, it is possible to arouse the play desire for the game and the vote desire for the result of the competition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the gist thereof. Also, of course, equivalents of the present invention are included therein.

[0011] <Outline of Point Management System S> The communication system shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as point management system S) is a communication system including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a point management server 30 and a game management server 40. The point management system S assigns points and privileges that can be used in a game that can be obtained by consuming the points to a user U who has voted by predicting the result of a competition.

[0012] A competition is different from the game described below. It is an activity where players compete based on certain rules to determine superiority or inferiority in terms of skills or abilities. For example, competitions include public competitions such as horse racing, boat racing, motorcycle racing, or auto racing, which are actually held as gambling by public institutions. User U can predict the result of the competition (such as the finishing order of the competing objects) based on competition information and purchase a horse ticket, boat ticket, or car ticket, etc., by using the third value that can be used for voting, thereby voting on the result of the competition. If the vote based on User U's prediction is correct, User U can obtain a payout (return for a correct prediction) calculated based on the amount of the third value invested in the vote and the odds, and the amount of the third value held will increase. On the other hand, if the vote based on User U's prediction is incorrect, User U will lose the amount of the third value invested in the vote, and the amount of the third value held will decrease. Note that the third value can be any medium that can be used for voting, such as currency (money) or a value such as a dedicated medal.

[0013] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, as an example of a competition, a public competition will be assumed for explanation. However, the content of the competition is not limited to public competitions, and it may also be something that predicts the result of victory or defeat in track and field, swimming, baseball, soccer, rugby, basketball, and combat sports such as boxing. Also, it may be e-sports (electronic sports) where players compete for victory or defeat in a computer game. The game genre of e-sports is not particularly limited and can be any game genre. For example, it may be a fighting game, a sports game, a shooting game, a racing game, a puzzle game, a card game, a board game, a role-playing game, or a simulation game. E-sports can be an individual battle or a team battle. It can be a game where humans play against each other as players, or a game where a human plays against a computer (such as an AI or a robot).

[0014] Competition information includes the competition schedule, odds, predictions by experts, competition videos, and competition results (including information related to payouts). Here, the program schedule for the competition is a list of the competing targets participating in each competition, including those with attached basic information of the competing targets and information for reference such as past performance. For example, if the competition is motorcycle racing, about 9 to 12 races are held per day for each race venue. In that case, the program schedule includes a program schedule that summarizes information on multiple race venues, or a program schedule for each race venue or for each race. In addition, the program schedule also lists the frame numbers, vehicle numbers, form, characteristics (class and leg quality, etc.), and past performance, etc. of the motorcycle racers as competing targets.

[0015] Points correspond to the first value of the present invention and are values given to user U in response to the voting act of user U. When user U votes on the result of the competition, regardless of whether the prediction is correct or incorrect, it is an additional prize given in addition to the dividend. The dividend is currency (money) used for exchange with goods or services in general society, but points have a value different from currency and are treated as a medium having an exchange value with the privileges described later within the point management system S. These points can also be accumulated over a predetermined period or an indefinite period. Note that in the present embodiment, since points are given when voting on the result of the competition, user U cannot obtain points without experiencing voting.

[0016] The amount of points given can be set as appropriate. An example is shown below. (a) When the result of the vote is incorrect, give more than when it is correct. That is, when the prediction is incorrect and a loss is incurred, the amount of points given, which has a value different from the third value such as currency, increases and is compensated by those points. (b) Based on the incorrect voting amount (the amount of the third value invested in the vote) among the voting amounts, change the amount given. For example, when 2,000 yen out of 10,000 yen of voting is correct, the amount of points given is determined based on the 8,000 yen that was incorrect. That is, the larger the incorrect voting amount (the amount of loss), the greater the amount of points given and the more it is compensated. (c) Change the awarding amount based on the difference between the voting amount (the amount of the third value invested in voting) and the dividend amount (the amount of the third value obtained by a successful prediction). For example, if you vote 10,000 yen and a part of it is successful and you receive a dividend of 8,000 yen, determine the awarding amount of points based on the difference of 2,000 yen. That is, when the vote is successful but the total is negative and a loss is incurred, the greater the amount of the loss, the greater the awarding amount of points and the more it is compensated. Here, the case where the dividend amount is lower than the voting amount is illustrated, but the case where the dividend amount is higher than the voting amount may also be applicable. For example, when the prediction is successful, if the awarding amount of points is increased in addition to the dividend, the gambling mentality can be further stimulated. (d) Change the awarding amount based on the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount (the cumulative consumption amount of the third value invested in voting). That is, by increasing the awarding amount of points according to the cumulative value of the number of votes or the voting amount, the voting desire can be increasingly aroused. (e) Change the awarding amount based on the number of types of competitions to be voted on. For example, when the number of types of competitions to be voted on is large, by increasing the awarding amount of points, the voting desire can be aroused for more competitions.

[0017] A game, unlike a competition, is an online game provided by a game management server 40 described later, and is an electronic game that progresses while completing various quests that occur and is played (hereinafter referred to as "play"). As an example of a game, there is a game in which user U forms a team consisting of a plurality of characters, operates those characters by a predetermined action to fight against enemy characters, and progresses by sequentially challenging and clearing a plurality of quests prepared in the game. Further, the game of the present embodiment may be a game using the above competition as a theme, for example, a game of raising racehorses in the game, or a game of racing by operating racehorses, boats, bicycles, motorcycles or four-wheel vehicles, etc. in the game. Regarding the game of this embodiment, it can be updated to a predetermined version (specifically, the latest version, etc.) by distributing (releasing) data for update. Hereinafter, the update of the game version to a predetermined version is also referred to as the release of a predetermined version of the game.

[0018] In the game of this embodiment, when the user U satisfies predetermined conditions such as logging in to the game, the user U can obtain objects such as free items (including free lottery items) corresponding to the second value of the present invention. In addition, the user U can obtain objects such as paid items (including paid lottery items) corresponding to a predetermined game medium by paying a predetermined fee (charging the game). Further, in the game of this embodiment, a lottery is conducted based on a request for providing an object from the user U (hereinafter referred to as a lottery application), and the user U can obtain the object won by the lottery.

[0019] A quest is a task given to the user U in the game, that is, an individual event or the like that constitutes the game. Specifically, the quests of this embodiment include quests in which the user U uses the characters possessed by the user U to fight against enemy characters, or quests in which the user U challenges a designated race or a large race. Achievement conditions are set for these quests. For example, by playing the quest during the holding period and satisfying the preset achievement conditions such as defeating enemy characters or winning the race to end the quest, the user U who clears the quest can obtain a clear reward.

[0020] Among the quests, there are also specific games with limited play conditions. For example, a quest that cannot be played unless the game experience value of the user U reaches a predetermined level, or a quest that cannot be played unless the user U possesses a specific item (for example, including a privilege described later), etc. corresponds to a specific game. Also, a quest that allows co-play described later also corresponds to a specific game.

[0021] An object includes, for example, a character that moves according to the operation of user U in the game, and an item for promoting the game advantageously, etc. The number of objects held increases not only by lottery but also according to logging in to the game, clear rewards, or purchases, etc. Also, the number of objects held decreases by consumption or disposal within the game.

[0022] Lottery is one of the in-game events by which the above objects are obtained, and is carried out in response to the lottery application of user U during the play of the game. In the lottery, a plurality of objects with different winning probabilities are prepared as candidates, and one or a predetermined number of objects are selected from among the plurality of candidate objects, and the selected objects are given to user U. Note that among the plurality of candidate objects, there are also included certain objects with rarity.

[0023] A certain object generally means an object that is difficult to obtain because the winning probability is low, has a high rarity value, and has a small circulation volume in the game or a small past usage amount by user U, etc. However, in the present embodiment, certain objects include, in addition to objects that meet the above regulations, objects with high capabilities regardless of the winning probability, etc., objects that are useful with a large change in capabilities when used for characters, objects suitable for clearing each quest, or objects with high demand (high popularity) by user U, etc.

[0024] Lotteries have various forms. For example, they include single-type (one-shot type) lotteries that are carried out only once, and N-consecutive type lotteries in which N lotteries (N is a natural number of 2 or more) are carried out continuously. Furthermore, there are also various lottery implementation conditions. Specifically, the lotteries in the present embodiment may include the following lotteries. (a) A lottery that can be carried out by consuming points (first value) that can be obtained by a voting act. (b) A lottery that can be carried out by consuming free lottery items (a kind of second value) that can be obtained for free. (c) A lottery that can be conducted by consuming a paid lottery item (a type of predetermined game medium) purchased for a fee. (d) A lottery that can be conducted as a clear reward for a quest (including both cases where it can be conducted by consuming a lottery item obtained as a clear reward for a quest and cases where the right to conduct the lottery itself is given as a clear reward). (e) A lottery that can be conducted by consuming a privilege described later.

[0025] Based on the result of the lottery, user U can also obtain a third value that can be used for voting with exclusive medals, etc. For example, when an object other than a predetermined object is selected, a relatively large amount of the third value is given to user U. Conversely, when a predetermined object is selected, a relatively small amount of the third value is given to user U. In addition, user U can also obtain a third value that can be used for voting with exclusive medals, etc., based on the amount of payment for the game or the consumption amount of a paid lottery item, which is a type of predetermined game medium. For example, the more the lottery in (c) above is conducted, the more the third value is given to user U.

[0026] The privilege is a value that can be obtained by consuming the above points, that is, by converting the points based on a predetermined conversion rate, and is a value (medium) that can be used when conducting a lottery in the game. Note that in addition to conducting the lottery by consuming the privilege, it can also be conducted by consuming points, and in this case, conducting the lottery corresponds to the privilege. In a lottery, when conducting a lottery by consuming this privilege or points which are the first value, the winning probability of a predetermined object with rarity is set to be higher than when conducting a lottery by consuming free lottery items which are the second value. For example, the winning probability of a predetermined object with rarity is set to increase in the order of free lottery items, points, privileges, and paid lottery items. Note that the winning probability of a predetermined object with rarity in a lottery that can be conducted as a clear reward for a quest varies depending on the play conditions and difficulty level of the target quest and the like.

[0027] The conversion rate is used when converting points into privileges and is the exchange ratio between points and privileges. Specifically, the amount of privilege granted is calculated by multiplying the points by this conversion rate. The conversion rate is set respectively for each game genre or game title. For example, the conversion rate in games related to competitions or games recommended for play by the game provider is set higher than the conversion rate in other games. For example, when the degree of association between a competition and a game is high (such as the relationship between horse racing and a horse racing game), the conversion rate is set high. Furthermore, for a new game (including a game that has been updated and a predetermined version has been released), the conversion rate is set higher than the normal value (the conversion rate after a predetermined period has elapsed) until a predetermined period (for example, one week) has elapsed since the release of the game. Also, the conversion rate may be set based on the number of users associated with the game and the like. The number of users includes, for example, the number of active users of the game, the number of downloaded users of the game, or the number of users who have actually played the game in a recent predetermined period. Also, the conversion rate may be set based on the play history of user U. For example, for a new user U who has just started playing the game or has little game experience (hereinafter referred to as a novice user), etc., the conversion rate may be set higher until a certain period of time has passed since the first play. Also, for a user U who has not played the game for a predetermined period or more, for example, a user U for whom a predetermined period has passed since the last login date to the game (hereinafter referred to as a dormant user), the conversion rate may be set higher. Conversely, for a user U who frequently plays the game on a regular basis (hereinafter referred to as a heavy user), the conversion rate may be set higher.

[0028] In the game of this embodiment, there is a specific game (including a lottery with limited implementation conditions) that user U cannot play unless a predetermined amount of benefits is consumed. In the case where the amount of benefits given according to the voting amount (the amount of the third value invested in the vote) changes for such a specific game and the benefits held by user U are insufficient compared to the predetermined amount, the voting amount necessary for the benefits to reach the predetermined amount may be notified to the user. For example, information such as "If you vote an additional 1,000 yen, you can participate in a special lottery being held in Game A" may be notified to user U. Also, before user U executes a vote, if the total of the benefits held by user U and the benefits given based on the voting amount specified by user U is insufficient compared to the predetermined amount, the voting amount necessary for the total of the benefits to reach the predetermined amount may be notified to user U. Also, the voting amount necessary may be notified to user U based on the difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of benefits held by user U. Also, information about a specific game being implemented in a game selected based on the game play history of user U may be notified to user U.

[0029] In this embodiment, user U can also communicate with other users U when using points. For example, if there is a friendship relationship between two users U (conveniently referred to as user Ua and Ub), and the users have approved each other, user Ub is linked to user Ua as a friend user of user Ua. And when the friend user Ub linked to user Ua has obtained points by voting on the result of a competition, information about that friend user Ub (including information about the competition related to the vote of the friend user) is notified to user Ua. Also, when the friend user Ub linked to user Ua has obtained points by voting on the result of a competition and is using those points to play a game, information about the game such as the game title that the friend user Ub has played is notified to user Ua.

[0030] In this embodiment, not only can user U play alone, but so-called multiplayer play (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play), in which a plurality of users U operate their respective user terminals 10 to play a common quest simultaneously, is also possible. This cooperative play is a type of the above-mentioned specific game. In cooperative play, a user U (hereinafter referred to as the host) who hosts cooperative play for a certain quest and recruits partners, and a user U (hereinafter referred to as the guest) who applies for the recruitment and participates in cooperative play form a cooperative relationship, and the progress of the play is synchronized among the users who perform cooperative play. In this embodiment, cooperative play is limited to quests that can be played when both the host and the guest consume benefits. However, cooperative play may be enabled even when other conditions are met.

[0031] Co-play is carried out through the communication function of the user terminal 10 of each user U. Specifically, when a certain user U applies to participate in a co-play solicited by the host, and the host permits the application, that user U becomes a guest, and a communication path for co-play is established between the user U and the host. Note that the eligibility for applying for co-play is not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily. For example, it may be possible for friend users to apply.

[0032] After that, the transmission and reception of various data required for co-play are carried out according to a known communication method. The data communication method at this time may be a client-server method via the game management server 40, or a P2P (peer-to-peer) method without going through the game management server 40. Also, the co-play modes are classified into a fully synchronous type and an asynchronous type, and any of these modes may be adopted. Note that the fully synchronous type includes a key input synchronization method and a command input method, and the asynchronous type includes a server centralized processing type and a client distributed processing.

[0033] Co-play compatible games include cooperative play games in which a plurality of users U cooperate and competitive games in which users U play against each other. However, the game of this embodiment may be of any type. Also, the upper limit (maximum number of players) of the number of users U in one co-play is not particularly limited and may be set to any number.

[0034] <Configuration of the Point Management System S> Next, the configuration of the point management system S will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the point management system S is composed of an information terminal operated by the user U (hereinafter referred to as the user terminal 10), a point management server 30, and a game management server 40. Also, the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, and the game management server 40 are communicably connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet. Furthermore, the point management system S is communicably connected to a public competition side server 50 via the network N.

[0035] The user terminal 10 is equipped with a program stored in the terminal and a processor that executes the program. It is carried by the user U who is its owner, and the user U operates the user terminal 10 when voting on the results of a competition or playing a game, etc. As the user terminal 10, various devices such as known devices used as information processing terminals, for example, smartphones, mobile phones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, wearable terminals, or dedicated game devices equipped with communication functions, etc. can be used. Note that the number of user terminals 10 constituting the point management system S is not particularly limited and can be any number. However, in FIG. 1, for the sake of illustration, the number of user terminals 10 is set to 3.

[0036] The point management server 30 is a computer that constitutes the information processing apparatus of the present invention. For example, it is constituted by a server computer managed by a game providing company and is responsible for processing related to points and privileges. Specifically, the point management server 30 grants points to the user U and grants privileges converted by consuming the points. In addition, the point management server 30 manages the accounts, point acquisition information, point conversion information, etc. of the user U for each user U. Note that the point management server 30 is not limited to being composed of a single server computer that exhibits a specific function, and may be composed of a plurality of server computers that are distributed and cooperate to exhibit a specific function.

[0037] The game management server 40 is a computer that constitutes the information processing apparatus of the present invention. For example, it is constituted by a server computer managed by a game providing company, and is responsible for the progress processing of each game for each game. Specifically, the game management server 40 manages the game accounts and statuses of users U for each user U, and distributes data related to the progress processing of the game (hereinafter referred to as game progress data) to each user U. Note that the game management server 40 is not limited to a single server computer that exhibits a specific function alone, and may be composed of a plurality of server computers that are distributed and cooperate to exhibit a specific function. Also, the number of game management servers 40 that constitute the point management system S is not particularly limited and may be any number. However, in FIG. 1, for the sake of illustration, the number of game management servers 40 is set to 2.

[0038] The public competition side server 50 is constituted by, for example, a server computer managed by an organization that holds a public competition, and performs processes such as providing competition information, calculating odds, accepting votes, and implementing payouts. Specifically, the public competition side server 50 directly or indirectly implements vote acceptance and payout for the user U, and distributes various data related to the competition (hereinafter referred to as competition information data). Also, the public competition side server 50 provides the point management server 30 with, in addition to the above competition information data, voting history data including information related to the voting history of the user U (including the voting amount and the voting result). Note that the public competition side server 50 is not limited to a single server computer that exhibits a specific function alone, and may be composed of a plurality of server computers that are distributed and cooperate to exhibit a specific function. Also, the number of public competition side servers 50 that constitute the point management system S is not particularly limited and may be any number. However, in FIG. 1, for the sake of illustration, the number of public competition side servers 50 is set to 1. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the public competition side server 50 is not included in the point management system S and is an external device of the system. However, the public competition side server 50 may also be included as a part of the point management system S.

[0039] The network N may be any network that can connect the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public competition side server 50 in a state where data communication is possible. The network N may be wired or wireless, and includes the Internet, a mobile communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, and Ethernet (registered trademark), etc. Further, the user terminals 10 may communicate with each other via the network N, or may communicate directly without passing through the network N through Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wifi-Direct, etc.

[0040] In the point management system S of the present embodiment, with the above configuration, the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, and the game management server 40 cooperate with the public competition side server 50 to grant points and privileges and advance the game. Specifically, part of the processing is performed by the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public competition side server 50, and part of the graphic processing and the like is executed by the user terminal 10. For example, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public competition side server 50 each cooperate with each other to execute a program including certain rules, logics, and algorithms. On the other hand, the user terminal 10 executes a program including the same rules, logics, and algorithms as the programs executed by these servers while synchronizing with the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public competition side server 50. Thereby, the user terminal 10 executes point granting, privilege granting, game progress (including lottery and specific games), and notification.

[0041] <Configuration of User Terminal 10> Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes, as a hardware configuration, a processor 11, a storage device 12, a communication interface (denoted as communication I / F in FIG. 2) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15. These constituent devices are electrically connected via a bus (not shown).

[0042] The processor 11 includes, for example, a Central Processing Unit, a Micro Processing Unit, a Graphics Processing Unit, or a Digital Signal Processor, etc. The processor 11 executes various arithmetic processes based on programs or data stored in the storage device 12 and controls each part of the user terminal 10. Programs executed by the processor 11 include an OS (Operating System) which is system software for controlling the entire user terminal 10, an application program for voting on competition results, and an application program for games (including a point conversion function). By these various programs being read and executed by the processor 11, the user terminal 10 functions as one device constituting the point management system S.

[0043] The storage device 12 includes, for example, a memory or a storage, etc., and stores various programs or data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores various data generated by the processes executed by the processor 11. The storage stores various data related to the game and is composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disc (Magneto - Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc.

[0044] The communication interface 13 is composed of, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc., and controls the communication processing of the user terminal 10. The communication standard by the communication interface 13 is not particularly limited, and any communication standard for the public can be applied without limitation. Also, the communication method by the communication interface 13 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0045] The input device 14 is a device that receives the operation of the user U and generates data indicating the content of the received operation. As an example of the input device 14, operation keys, operation buttons, a microphone for sound collection, and a camera for shooting provided on the user terminal 10 can be used.

[0046] The output device 15 is a device that draws a screen to display images, character string information, etc., and plays back sound. As an example of the output device 15, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, a head - mounted display, and a speaker provided on the user terminal 10 can be used. In this embodiment, the output device 15 has at least a display. The display may also have both functions of the input device 14 and the output device 15, such as a touch - panel display.

[0047] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the user terminal 10 will be described again from the functional aspect. As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 10 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, an operation specifying unit 16, a terminal-side storage unit 17, a terminal-side generation unit 18, a terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19, and a display processing unit 20. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware device of the user terminal 10 including the processor 11 and the program as software stored in the user terminal 10.

[0048] [Operation specifying unit 16] The operation specifying unit 16 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the input device 14, and specifies the content of various operations performed by the user U through the input device 14 of the user terminal 10. The operations specified by the operation specifying unit 16 include a voting operation for the result of a competition, an operation for game progress, and a point conversion operation for converting the acquired points into benefits, etc. The voting operation for the result of a competition includes an operation for checking competition information, and an operation for specifying a betting type, a competition target, and a voting amount, etc. The operations for game progress include an operation for moving a character or the like during a game by a predetermined action, an operation for instructing a lottery application, an operation for instructing an application for playing a specific game, and an operation related to co-play (recruitment of co-play, application for co-play, and an operation related to approval or rejection of the application), etc. The point conversion operation includes an operation for specifying the amount of points to be converted, etc.

[0049] [Terminal-side storage unit 17] The terminal-side storage unit 17 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and stores competition information data and game progress data composed of, for example, video data, image data, character data, and audio data, etc.

[0050] [Terminal-side generation unit 18] The terminal-side generation unit 18 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and generates voting operation data, game operation data, and point conversion operation data, etc. according to the operation content of the user U specified by the operation specifying unit 16. The generated game operation data includes lottery application instruction operation data based on an operation instructing a lottery application, game play application instruction operation data based on an operation instructing an application for playing a specific game, co-play data based on an operation related to co-play, and the like. Further, the voting operation data includes information regarding a designated bet type, a competition target, a voting amount, and the like. Further, the point conversion operation data includes information regarding the amount of points designated for conversion. Each of the above-described various data that has been generated is transmitted by the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 to the point management server 30, the game management server 40, the public competition-side server 50, and the user terminal 10 of another user U.

[0051] [Terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19] The terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the communication interface 13, and transmits and receives data and information between the point management server 30, the game management server 40, the public competition-side server 50, and the user terminal 10 of another user U. For example, when voting on the result of a competition, the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 receives competition information data and voting history data sent from the public competition-side server 50, and transmits the voting operation data to the public competition-side server 50. Also, during the play of a game, the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 receives game progress data sent from the game management server 40, and transmits the game operation data to the game management server 40. Further, when co-play is being performed in a game, the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 may transmit and receive game operation data (specifically, co-play data) with the user terminal 10 of another user U. Furthermore, when acquiring points or converting points into benefits, the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 receives point information data, benefit information data, or user information data sent from the point management server 30, and transmits the point conversion operation data to the point management server 30.

[0052] [Display processing unit 20] The display processing unit 20 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the output device 15, and executes display processing for displaying the data and information received by the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 on the display by means of the browsing function. Specifically described, when conducting a vote on the result of a competition, the display processing unit 20 draws a voting screen. During the competition, the display processing unit 20 expands the competition information data received by the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 from the public competition-side server 50, and displays competition videos and other information on the screen. Also, when starting a game, the display processing unit 20 draws a game screen. During the game play, the display processing unit 20 expands the game progress data received by the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19 from the game management server 40, and displays game videos and other information on the screen. Further, when obtaining points or converting points into prizes, the display processing unit 20 expands the point information data, prize information data, or user information data received from the point management server 30, and displays that information on the screen.

[0053] <Configuration of the Point Management Server 30> Next, the point management server 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the point management server 30 has the same hardware configuration as a general server computer, and includes a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface 33, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus (not shown).

[0054] The processor 31 is composed of a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a DSP, etc., and executes various processes by executing the programs installed in the point management server 30. The programs executed by the processor 31 are an OS which is system software for controlling the entire point management server 30, and application programs for causing the point management server 30 to function as the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0055] The storage device 32 includes, for example, a memory or a storage, and stores various programs or data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memories such as ROM and RAM, provides a working area for the processor 31 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores the data generated by various processes executed by the processor 31. The storage stores various data related to the user U and games, etc., and is composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD, SSD, FD, MO disk, CD, DVD, SD card, and USB memory, etc. Note that a server computer for a database connected to the point management server 30 via the network N may be used as the storage.

[0056] The communication interface 33 is composed of, for example, a network interface card, etc., and controls the communication processing of the point management server 30. The communication standard by the communication interface 33 is not particularly limited, and any public communication standard can be applied without limitation. Also, the communication method by the communication interface 33 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0057] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the point management server 30 will be described again from the functional aspect. As shown in FIG. 4, the point management server 30 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a point server side storage unit 34, a point server side transmission / reception unit 35, a point server side generation unit 36, a value addition unit 37, a privilege addition unit 38, and a notification unit 39. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware devices of the point management server 30 including the processor 31 and the program as software stored in the point management server 30. Note that when the point management server 30 is composed of a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers exhibits different functions from each other.

[0058] [Point Server Side Storage Unit 34] The point server-side storage unit 34 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and stores point information data including user information data regarding the user U, data regarding points and benefits, and various data such as benefit information data. As shown in FIG. 5, the user information data includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) that identifies the user U or the user terminal 10 used by the user U, and information associated with the identifier. The information associated with the identifier includes, for example, personal information of the user U, the model of the user terminal 10, payment history, voting history, the number of points held, the number of benefits held, and information indicating the game being played. Note that the user information data is associated with the data regarding the user U stored in the game management server 40 described later. As shown in FIG. 6, the point information data includes information regarding the amount of points assigned according to user attributes (user ID), voting results, or the type of competition. As shown in FIG. 7, the benefit information data includes information regarding the conversion rate from points to benefits set according to user attributes (user ID) or the type of game.

[0059] [Point server-side transmission / reception unit 35] The point server-side transmission / reception unit 35 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10, the game management server 40, and the public competition-side server 50. For example, the point server-side transmission / reception unit 35 transmits point information data, benefit information data, or user information data to the user terminal 10, and receives point conversion operation data, which is an instruction to convert points into benefits, from the user terminal 10. Also, the point server-side transmission / reception unit 35 transmits notification data to the user terminal 10. Further, the point server-side transmission / reception unit 35 transmits point information data, benefit information data, or user information data to the game management server 40, and receives user information data from the game management server 40. Additionally, the point server-side transmission / reception unit 35 receives competition information data and voting history data from the public competition-side server 50.

[0060] [Point Server Side Generation Unit 36] The point server side generation unit 36 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and generates various data to be stored in the point server side storage unit 34 or transmitted by the point server side transmission / reception unit 35. The various data generated by the point server side generation unit 36 includes the following data. (a) Point information data including information about points such as the amount of points assigned according to user attributes, voting results, or types of competitions. (b) Privilege information data including information about privileges such as the conversion rate from points set according to user attributes or types of games to privileges. (c) User information data including the number of points and privileges held by each user U, and information for identifying friend users associated with user U. (d) Notification data including the voting history of friend users.

[0061] [Value Assignment Unit 37] The value assignment unit 37 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and assigns points, which are the first value, to user U who has voted by predicting the result of the competition. In this embodiment, the value assignment unit 37 further performs the following processing. (a) When the voting result is a miss, the value assignment unit 37 sets a larger point assignment amount than when the voting result is a hit. (b) The value assignment unit 37 changes the point assignment amount based on the voting amount for which the voting result is a miss. (c) The value assignment unit 37 changes the point assignment amount based on the difference between the voting amount and the dividend amount. (d) The value assignment unit 37 changes the point assignment amount based on at least one of the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount of user U. (e) The value assignment unit 37 changes the point assignment amount based on the consumption amount of the third value such as currency or dedicated medals that can be used for voting. (f) The value - adding unit 37 grants the user the second value such as free items that can be used in the game based on predetermined conditions such as logging in to the game. (g) The value - adding unit 37 grants the user the third value such as currency or dedicated medals that can be used for voting based on the result of a lottery. (h) The value - adding unit 37 grants the user the third value such as currency or dedicated medals that can be used for voting based on the amount of payment for the game or the consumption amount of a predetermined game medium such as paid items in the game. Note that the granted points are associated with each user U to be granted and stored in the point - server - side storage unit 34.

[0062] [Bonus - granting unit 38] The bonus - granting unit 38 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32. It consumes points, which are the first value, and converts them into bonuses that can be used in the game, and grants the bonuses to the user U. At this time, the bonus - granting unit 38 changes the amount of bonuses granted based on the amount of points consumed. Specifically, the bonus - granting unit 38 converts at least a part of the points into bonuses based on the conversion rate set as follows according to the game, and grants them to the user U. (a) Set according to the elapsed period since a predetermined version of the game was released. Specifically, the bonus - granting unit 38 monitors the elapsed time since a predetermined version of the game was released and sets the conversion rate based on the elapsed time. (b) The bonus - granting unit 38 sets based on the play history of the user U in the game. (c) The bonus - granting unit 38 sets the conversion rate based on the degree of relevance between the game and the competition. For example, if the genres of the game and the competition are the same, the bonus - granting unit 38 determines that the degree of relevance is high and sets a high conversion rate. (d) The bonus - granting unit 38 sets the conversion rate based on the number of users associated with the game (such as the number of active users of the game, the number of downloaded users of the game, or the number of users who actually played the game in a recent predetermined period, etc.). The granted privileges are associated with each user U to whom they are granted and stored in the point server-side storage unit 34 or the game server-side storage unit 44.

[0063] [Notification unit 39] The notification unit 39 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and in cooperation with the point server-side transmission / reception unit 35, notifies various information to the user U. As shown in FIG. 4, the notification unit 39 includes a first notification unit 39a, a second notification unit 39b, a third notification unit 39c, and a fourth notification unit 39d.

[0064] The first notification unit 39a calculates the voting amount (the amount of the third value) based on the following conditions, and transmits notification data including information on the calculated voting amount to the user terminal 10 to notify the user U. (a) When the privilege held by the user U is less than the predetermined amount required to play a specific game, the first notification unit 39a calculates the voting amount required for the privilege to reach the predetermined amount. (b) Before the execution of the vote, when the total of the privilege held by the user and the privilege granted based on the voting amount designated by the user is less than the predetermined amount, the first notification unit 39a calculates the voting amount required for the total of the privileges to reach the predetermined amount. (c) The first notification unit 39a calculates the required voting amount based on the difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of the privilege held by the user.

[0065] The second notification unit 39b transmits notification data including information on the game selected based on the user's play history in the game (including information on specific games such as lotteries with limited implementation conditions) to the user terminal 10 to notify the user U.

[0066] In the game, when a friend user associated with the user U has obtained points by voting on the result of the competition and is using those points to play the game, the third notification unit 39c transmits notification data including that information to the user terminal 10 to notify. The information to be notified here includes information identifying the friend user, including the attributes of the friend user, and information about the game being played using the points acquired by the friend user. The information about the game being played using the points acquired by the friend user includes at least information indicating the game type, such as the game title.

[0067] In the game, when a friend user associated with the user U has acquired points by voting on the result of a competition, the fourth notification unit 39d transmits notification data including such information to the user terminal 10 and notifies the user. The information to be notified here includes information identifying the friend user, including the attributes of the friend user, information about the competition related to the friend user's vote, and information about the points acquired by the friend user or the benefits acquired by consuming those points. The information about the competition related to the friend user's vote includes at least information indicating the competition type, but may further include information indicating the voting amount, the voting result, and the like.

[0068] <Configuration of the game management server 40> Next, the game management server 40 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the game management server 40 has the same hardware configuration as a general server computer, and includes a processor 41, a storage device 42, and a communication interface 43, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The programs executed by the processor 41 are an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire game management server 40, and application programs for causing the game management server 40 to function as the information processing apparatus of the present invention. Note that the configurations of the processor 41, the storage device 42, and the communication interface 43 are substantially the same as those of the point management server 30 described above.

[0069] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the configuration of the game management server 40 will be described again from the functional aspect. As shown in FIG. 8, the game management server 40 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a game server-side storage unit 44, a game server-side transmission / reception unit 45, a game server-side generation unit 46, a control unit 47, and a lottery unit 48. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware devices of the game management server 40 and the programs as software stored in the game management server 40. When the game management server 40 is composed of a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers exhibits different functions from each other.

[0070] [Game server-side storage unit 44] The game server-side storage unit 44 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and stores various data including user information data regarding the user U and game progress data. As shown in FIG. 9, the user information data includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) that identifies the user U or the user terminal 10 used by the user U and various information associated with the identifier. The information associated with the identifier includes, for example, personal information of the user U, the model of the user terminal 10, login history, payment history, voting history, point balance, privilege balance, and the progress status of the game such as status. Note that the user information data stored in the game server-side storage unit 44 is associated with the user information data stored in the point management server 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the game progress data includes user attributes (user ID), information regarding the possessed characters of the user U, information regarding other objects such as items possessed by the user U, and various information regarding quests set for each user U.

[0071] [Game server-side transmission / reception unit 45] The game server-side transmission / reception unit 45 is mainly realized by the processor 41, the storage device 42, and the communication interface 43, and performs data and information transmission and reception between the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30. For example, during the play of the game, the game server side transmission / reception unit 45 transmits game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U, and receives game operation data (including lottery application instruction operation data and game play application instruction operation data) from the user terminal 10. Further, the game server side transmission / reception unit 45 receives point information data or privilege information data from the point management server 30. Furthermore, during the cooperative play, the point server side transmission / reception unit 35 receives cooperative play data from each of the user terminals 10 of a plurality of users U who perform cooperative play, and transmits data (game progress data in a broad sense) for synchronization among the users U to each user terminal 10.

[0072] [Game server side generation unit 46] The game server side generation unit 46 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and generates various data transmitted by the game server side transmission / reception unit 45. Specifically, the various data generated here include user information data and game progress data corresponding to the game operation data received from the user terminal 10. Note that the game progress data also includes data for notifying lottery results and data for starting a specific game. Further, the game progress data also includes data for synchronization among a plurality of users U who perform cooperative play during the cooperative play of the game.

[0073] [Control unit 47] The control unit 47 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and controls the progress of the game. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 47 has a first control unit 47a and a second control unit 47b. The first control unit 47a controls, in particular in a specific game during the game, to enable the user to play a specific game by consuming a predetermined amount of privileges. The second control unit 47b controls, in particular in a specific game during the game, to enable a user U and another user U to play together on the condition that both the user U and the other user U consume privileges when performing cooperative play.

[0074] [Lottery section 48] The lottery section 48 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42. Based on the lottery application instruction from the user terminal 10, it conducts a lottery by consuming privileges, points, free lottery items (a type of second value), etc. held by the user U, and provides the user U with objects that can be used in the game as the lottery result. At this time, the lottery section 48 sets the winning probability of a predetermined object in the lottery when consuming privileges or points higher than when consuming free lottery items.

[0075] [Configuration of the public competition side server 50] Next, the public competition side server 50 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the public competition side server 50 has the same hardware configuration as a general server computer, and includes a processor 51, a storage device 52, and a communication interface 53, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The program executed by the processor 51 is an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire public competition side server 50, and an application program, etc. for causing the public competition side server 50 to function in cooperation with the point management system S. Note that the configurations of the processor 51, the storage device 52, and the communication interface 53 are generally the same as those of the above-described point management server 30 and game management server 40.

[0076] Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the configuration of the public competition side server 50 will be described again from a functional perspective. As shown in FIG. 11, the public competition server 50 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a public competition server-side storage unit 54, a public competition server-side transmission / reception unit 55, a public competition server-side generation unit 56, and a data processing unit 57. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware devices of the public competition server 50 and the programs as software stored in the public competition server 50. When the public competition server 50 is composed of a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers exhibits different functions from each other.

[0077] [Public competition server-side storage unit 54] The public competition server-side storage unit 54 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and stores various data including competition information data and the like.

[0078] [Public competition server-side transmission / reception unit 55] The public competition server-side transmission / reception unit 55 is mainly realized by the processor 51, the storage device 52, and the communication interface 53, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30. For example, the data transmitted to the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30 includes competition information data, voting history data, and the like. Also, the data received from the user terminal 10 includes voting operation data and the like. Note that the public competition server 50 and the user terminal 10 may transmit and receive data via the point management server 30, or may directly transmit and receive data without passing through the point management server 30.

[0079] [Public competition server-side generation unit 56] The public competition server-side generation unit 56 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and generates the data transmitted by the public competition server-side transmission / reception unit 55. The generated data includes competition information data, voting history data, and the like.

[0080] [Data processing unit 57] The data processing unit 57 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and performs various data processes related to the competition. As an example of data processing, the data processing unit 57 determines a voting result (a hit or a miss) based on the competition result, and when the vote is a hit, performs a process of paying back a dividend according to the odds to the user U. In addition, the data processing unit 57 performs a process of calculating odds by a pari-mutuel system or a bookmaker system, which is a known dividend determination method. Note that information regarding the calculated odds is included in the competition information data, stored in the public competition server-side storage unit 54, and transmitted by the public competition server-side transmission / reception unit 55 to the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30.

[0081] As described above, the configurations of the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public competition server 50 have been described. Generally, the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public competition server 50 have various other functions. However, here, only the characteristic functions that exhibit operational effects in the point management system S according to the present invention will be described, and illustration and description of other known functions and the like will be omitted.

[0082] <Regarding the processing flow of the point management system S> Next, the processing flow executed in the point management system S having the above configuration will be described. The information processing method according to the present embodiment is realized by using the point management system S that functions as a computer system. In other words, in the information processing executed by the point management system S, the information processing method according to the present embodiment is applied.

[0083] The information processing executed in the point management system S in the present embodiment is mainly composed of five processes: [point granting process], [privilege granting process], [lottery process], [specific game control process], and [notification process]. Hereinafter, each process will be described individually.

[0084] [Point Granting Process] First, based on FIG. 12, the point granting process will be described. The point granting process is a process executed in the point management server 30, and refers to a process of granting points to the user U who has voted on the result of the competition.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 12, when the point management server 30 receives voting history data indicating that the user U has voted on the result of the competition from the public competition side server 50 (S101), it calculates the amount of points to be granted based on the voting amount and voting result analyzed from the voting history data (S102). Further, the point management server 30 grants points corresponding to the calculated grant amount to the user U (S103). Then, as a result of granting points to the user U, the point management server 30 generates user information data indicating that the number of points held by the user U has increased (S104). After that, the point management server 30 transmits the generated user information data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S105).

[0086] When the above series of steps is completed, the point granting process ends. Thereafter, each time the user U votes on the result of the competition, the above series of steps is repeatedly executed. The above is an example of the point granting process.

[0087] [Privilege Granting Process] Next, based on FIG. 13, the privilege granting process will be described. The privilege granting process is a process executed in the point management server 30, and refers to a process of converting points into privileges that can be used in the game by consuming the points and granting the privileges to the user U.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 13, the point management server 30 receives point conversion operation data from the user terminal 10 as an instruction to convert points into privileges (point conversion instruction). (S201). In the point conversion instruction, a game in which the privilege can be used and the number of points to be converted into the privilege are specified. When the point management server 30 receives a point conversion instruction from the user U, based on the play history of the user U and the conversion rate defined in advance for each game, it calculates the amount of privilege to be granted from the number of points specified by the target user U (S202). Also, the point management server 30 causes the user U to confirm the calculated amount of privilege granted. After the user U has confirmed (S203: YES), the point management server 30 grants the privilege corresponding to the calculated granted amount to the user U (S204). Then, as a result of granting the privilege to the user U, the point management server 30 generates user information data indicating that the number of privileges possessed by the user U has increased (S205). After that, the point management server 30 transmits the generated user information data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S206). If confirmation cannot be obtained from the user U (S203: NO), the point management server 30 ends the process as it is.

[0089] When the above series of steps is completed, the privilege granting process ends. Thereafter, each time the user U performs an operation to convert points into privileges, the above series of steps is repeatedly executed. The above is an example of the privilege granting process.

[0090] [Lottery Process] Next, the lottery process will be described based on FIG. 14. The lottery process is a process executed in the game management server 40. It refers to a process of conducting a lottery in response to a lottery application from the user U and providing the user U with the object that has won as the lottery result. Here, the case where the lottery is conducted by consuming privileges will be described.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 14, when the game management server 40 receives lottery application instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 and accepts a lottery application from the user U (S301), it subtracts the amount of benefits consumed for conducting the lottery and updates the user information data (S302). Further, the game management server 40 selects an object to be a winner as a lottery result based on the winning probability set for each object from among a plurality of candidate objects (S303), and assigns the selected object to the user U (S304). Then, the game management server 40 generates game progress data for notifying the lottery result (S305), and transmits the generated game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S306).

[0092] When the above series of steps is completed, the lottery process ends. Thereafter, each time the user U applies for a lottery during game play, the above series of steps is repeatedly executed. The above is an example of the lottery process.

[0093] [Specific Game Control Process] Next, based on FIG. 15, a specific game control process will be described. The specific game control process is a process executed in the game management server 40, and refers to a process for controlling so that a specific game jointly played by the host and the guest can be played by both the host and the guest, the user U, consuming benefits.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 15, the game management server 40 accepts an application to play a specific game by receiving specific game play application instruction operation data from the host or guest user terminal 10 (S401). In this case, the game management server 40 determines (S402) whether both the host and the guest have the amount of privileges necessary to play the specific game. If both the host and the guest have the privileges (S402: YES), the game management server 40 subtracts the amount of privileges consumed to play the specific game and updates the user information data (S403). Then, the game management server 40 sets the specific game to a playable state for both the host and the guest (S404). Then, the game management server 40 generates game progress data for starting the specific game (S405), and transmits the generated game progress data to the user terminal 10 of user U (S406). On the other hand, if either the host or the guest does not have the privilege (S402: NO), the game management server 40 ends the process while setting the specific game to an unplayable state (S407).

[0095] When the above series of steps is completed, the specific game control process ends. Thereafter, each time user U applies to play a specific game during game play, the above series of steps is repeatedly executed. The above is an example of the specific game control process.

[0096] [Notification Process] Next, the notification process will be described with reference to FIG. 16. The notification process is a process executed in the point management server 30, and refers to a process of notifying user U of information related to a competition related to the vote of a friend user associated with user U in the game. Specifically, when a friend user has obtained points by voting on a competition, the notification process is performed, and information related to the competition related to the vote of that friend user is notified to user U.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 16, when the point management server 30 receives voting history data indicating that a certain user U has voted on the result of a competition from the public competition side server 50 (S501), it analyzes the voting history data. At this time, the point management server 30 identifies the user U associated as a friend user of the user U based on the user information data regarding the user U who has voted (S502). Then, when there is a user U associated as a friend user of the user U who has voted (S503: YES), the point management server 30 generates notification data based on the user information data and competition information data, etc. regarding the friend user (S504). After that, the point management server 30 transmits the generated notification data to the user terminal 10 of the user U who has voted (S505). If there is no user U associated as a friend user of the user U (S503: NO), the point management server 30 ends the process as it is.

[0098] When the above series of steps is completed, the notification process ends. Thereafter, each time the above user U votes on the result of a competition, the above series of steps is repeatedly executed. The above is an example of the notification process.

[0099] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. In the above embodiment, the program of the present invention is executed on the point management server 30 and the game management server 40 so that they function as the information processing apparatus of the present invention. Here, part or all of the functions as an information processing apparatus of one of the point management server 30 and the game management server 40 may be provided in the other server, or may be provided in the user terminal 10. For example, a function corresponding to the privilege granting unit 38 or the notification unit 39, etc. may be provided in the game management server 40. Also, functions corresponding to the value adding unit 37, the privilege granting unit 38, the notification unit 39, the control unit 47, or the lottery unit 48, etc. may be provided in the user terminal 10.

[0100] Also, in this embodiment, the user information data is stored and held in each of the point management server 30 and the game management server 40. However, it is not limited to this, and the user information data may be stored collectively in a database server (not shown). Alternatively, all or part of the data and information stored in the point management server 30 and the game management server 40 may be stored on the user terminal 10 side.

[0101] Also, in this embodiment, a function of converting points into benefits is included in the application program for the game executed on the user terminal 10. However, an application program for point conversion may be separately executed on the user terminal 10.

[0102] Also, in this embodiment, as an example of the game, an online game that utilizes data communication performed between the user terminal 10 operated by the user U and the game management server 40 has been described. However, the type of the game is not particularly limited, and it may be an offline game that does not require data communication. Also, for example, it may be a social game that can be used only with an account of a web browser and an SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0103] Note that in this embodiment, the user U can, in principle, enjoy all the functions of the point management system S for free. However, the use of some functions may be made chargeable, and by paying a predetermined fee (billing), the chargeable functions can be used. Also, for the user U who has paid the predetermined fee, for example, advantageous conditions (advantages) for the user U such as an increase in the amount of points granted, an increase in the conversion rate, or an improvement in the winning probability of a predetermined object may be given. Also, this fee may be a per-use charging system or may be effective for the user U for a certain period (for example, one month or one year, etc.) once paid (subscription).

[0104] <Summary> The main features of the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the present embodiment described above are as follows.

[0105] [1] The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a value-adding unit that adds a first value to a user who has voted on the result of a competition, and a privilege-adding unit that consumes the first value and adds a privilege that can be used in a game different from the competition to the user. According to the above information processing apparatus, a first value such as points can be added to the user as an added value of voting on the result of a competition, and a privilege that can be used in a game that can be converted by consuming the first value can be added. Thereby, it is possible to arouse the play desire for the game and the voting desire for the result of the competition.

[0106] [2] In the above information processing apparatus, the value-adding unit adds a second value that can be used in the game to the user based on a predetermined condition in the game, and has a lottery unit that consumes a privilege, the first value, or the second value to conduct a lottery of objects that can be used in the game. The lottery unit sets the winning probability of a predetermined object in the lottery when consuming a privilege or the first value to be higher than when consuming the second value. Thereby, in the lottery of objects that can be used in the game, the winning probability of a predetermined object can be set to be higher when consuming a privilege or the first value than when consuming the second value. Therefore, it is possible to further arouse the play desire for the game and the voting desire for the result of the competition.

[0107] [3] In the above information processing apparatus, the value-adding unit adds a third value that can be used for voting to the user based on the result of the lottery. Thereby, the user can obtain a third value that can be used for voting based on the lottery result, so that it is possible to further arouse the play desire for the game and the voting desire for the result of the competition.

[0108] [4] In the above information processing apparatus, the value awarding unit awards a third value that can be used for voting to the user based on the amount of charge for the game or the consumption amount of a predetermined game medium in the game. As a result, the user can obtain a third value that can be used for voting based on the amount of charge for the game or the consumption amount of a predetermined game medium in the game, so that the user's willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0109] [5] In the above information processing apparatus, the value awarding unit changes the awarding amount of the first value based on the consumption amount of the third value that can be used for voting, and the privilege awarding unit changes the awarding amount of the privilege based on the amount of the consumed first value, and a first control unit that controls the game to be playable by consuming a predetermined amount of the privilege, and when the privilege held by the user is less than the predetermined amount, calculates the amount of the third value required for the privilege to reach the predetermined amount, and has a first notification unit that notifies the user of the calculated amount of the third value. As a result, when the privilege held by the user is less than the predetermined amount required to play the game, the user can know the amount of the third value required for the privilege to reach the predetermined amount. Therefore, the user's willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0110] [6] In the above information processing apparatus, before the execution of the voting, when the total of the privilege held by the user and the privilege awarded based on the amount of the third value designated by the user is less than the predetermined amount, the first notification unit calculates the amount of the third value required for the total of the privileges to reach the predetermined amount. As a result, when the total of the privilege held by the user and the privilege awarded based on the amount of the third value designated by the user is less than the predetermined amount required to play the game, the user can know the amount of the third value required for the total of the privileges to reach the predetermined amount. Therefore, the user's willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0111] [7]In the above information processing apparatus, the first notification unit calculates the amount of the third value required based on the difference between a predetermined amount and the amount of the privilege held by the user. Thereby, the user can know the amount of the third value required based on the difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of the privilege held by the user. Therefore, it is possible to further arouse the user's willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition.

[0112] [8]The above information processing apparatus has a second notification unit that notifies the user of information about a game selected based on the user's play history in the game. Thereby, the user can know the information about the game selected based on his / her own play history. Therefore, it is possible to further arouse the user's willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition.

[0113] [9]The above information processing apparatus has a third notification unit that notifies the user of information about the game played by a friend user associated with the user when the friend user consumes the first value and plays the game. When the friend user is playing a game by voting on the result of the competition, it is possible to notify the information about the game, that is, to guide the information about the game being played by the friend user, and it is easy to create an opportunity to play and communicate together about the game. Therefore, it is possible to further arouse the user's willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition.

[0114]

[10] The above information processing apparatus has a fourth notification unit that notifies the user of information about the competition related to the vote of the friend user when the friend user associated with the user has obtained the first value by voting on the result of the competition. As a result, when a friend user of the game votes on the result of a competition, information regarding the competition related to the vote can be notified, that is, information regarding the competition in which the friend user is playing can be guided, and it becomes easier to create an opportunity to carry out and communicate about not only the game but also the vote on the result of the competition. Therefore, it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition.

[0115]

[11] The above information processing apparatus has a second control unit that controls to enable a user and another user to play a specific game jointly by consuming a privilege by both of them. As a result, when both the user and another user consume a privilege, they can play a specific game. Therefore, it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition.

[0116]

[12] In the above information processing apparatus, the privilege granting unit converts at least a part of the first value into a privilege based on a conversion rate corresponding to the game. As a result, the first value can be converted into a privilege based on the conversion rate corresponding to the game, and it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition. In particular, it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game for which the conversion rate is set high. Also, it is possible to further arouse the desire to vote on the result of the competition for the game users of the game for which the conversion rate is set high.

[0117]

[13] In the above information processing apparatus, the privilege granting unit sets the conversion rate based on the elapsed time since a predetermined version of the game was released. Accordingly, the conversion rate can be set according to the elapsed time since a predetermined version of the game was released, and the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. In particular, the willingness to play the game during a period when the conversion rate is set high (for example, when it is not long since a predetermined version was released) can be further aroused. Also, for game users during a period when the conversion rate is set high, the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0118]

[14] In the above information processing apparatus, the privilege granting unit sets the conversion rate based on the play history of the user in the game. Accordingly, the conversion rate can be set based on the play history of the game, and the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. In particular, for game users with a high conversion rate, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. Specifically, when the conversion rate for beginner users is set high, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused for users who have not experienced the game or are new to the game. Also, when the conversion rate for dormant users is set high, or when the conversion rate for heavy users is set high, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused for game users corresponding to each condition.

[0119]

[15] In the above information processing apparatus, the privilege granting unit sets the conversion rate based on the degree of relevance between the game and the competition. Accordingly, the conversion rate can be set based on the degree of relevance between the game and the competition, and the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. In particular, the willingness to play the game with a high degree of relevance to the competition voted by the user, and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition with a high degree of relevance to the game the user is playing can be further aroused.

[0120]

[16] In the above information processing apparatus, the privilege granting unit sets a conversion rate based on the number of users associated with the game. Thereby, the conversion rate can be set based on the number of users associated with the game, and the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. In particular, when the conversion rate is set high for a game with a small number of users, the willingness to play the game with a small number of users can be further aroused. In addition, for the game users of the game with a high conversion rate, the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0121]

[17] In the above information processing apparatus, the value adding unit sets a larger amount of the first value to be added when the result of the vote is a miss than when the result of the vote is a hit. In this way, by adding a higher first value when the result of the vote is a miss than when it is a hit, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. In particular, for the users whose vote results are misses, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0122]

[18] In the above information processing apparatus, the value adding unit changes the amount of the first value to be added based on the amount of the third value when the result of the vote is a miss. In this way, by adding the first value based on the amount of the miss when the result of the vote is a miss, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused. In particular, if the amount of the first value to be added is increased when the amount of the miss in the vote result is large, for the users who have a miss in the vote result and suffer a large loss, the willingness to play the game and the willingness to vote on the result of the competition can be further aroused.

[0123]

[19] In the above information processing apparatus, the value adding unit changes the amount of the first value to be added based on the difference between the consumption amount of the third value and the amount of the dividend. In this way, by changing the amount of the first value given based on the difference between the voting amount and the dividend amount, it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition. In particular, the larger the difference between the voting amount and the dividend amount, the more the amount of the first value is increased, the more it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition for the user whose voting result is unsuccessful.

[0124]

[20] In the above information processing apparatus, the value-giving unit changes the amount of the first value given based on at least one of the cumulative number of votes of the user or the cumulative consumption amount of the third value. In this way, by changing the amount of the first value given based on the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount of the user, it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition. In particular, based on the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount, if the amount of the first value is increased, it is possible to further arouse the desire to play the game for the user with a large cumulative number of votes or a large cumulative voting amount. Also, in order to increase the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount for the purpose of earning the first value, it is possible to further arouse the desire to vote on the result of the competition.

[0125]

[21] Further, according to the information processing method according to the present embodiment, the computer gives the first value to the user who has voted on the result of the competition, and the computer gives the user a privilege that can be used in a game different from the competition by consuming the first value. According to the above information processing method, it is possible to give the user the first value such as points as the added value of the vote on the result of the competition, and give the user a privilege that can be used in a game that can be converted by consuming the first value. Thereby, it is possible to arouse the desire to play the game and the desire to vote on the result of the competition.

[0126]

[22] Also, according to the program according to this embodiment, it is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to give a first value to a user who has voted on the result of a competition, and causes the computer to give a privilege that can be used in a game different from the competition to the user by consuming the first value. According to the above program, it is possible to give a first value such as points to the user as an added value of voting on the result of the competition, and give a privilege that can be used in a game that can be converted by consuming the first value. Thereby, it is possible to arouse the play desire for the game and the voting desire for the result of the competition.

[0127]

[23] The information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is an information processing apparatus including a processor. The processor identifies a target user who has voted based on information stored for each user regarding voting on the result of a competition, gives a first value to the target user, and the processor consumes the first value held by the target user and gives a privilege that can be used in a game different from the competition to the target user according to the consumed first value. According to the above information processing apparatus, it is possible to give a first value such as points to the user as an added value of voting on the result of the competition, and give a privilege that can be used in a game that can be converted by consuming the first value. Thereby, it is possible to arouse the play desire for the game and the voting desire for the result of the competition. [Description of Signs]

[0128] 10 User terminal 11 Processor 12 Storage device 13 Communication interface 14 Input device 15 Output device 16 Operation specifying unit 17 Terminal-side storage unit 18 Terminal-side generation unit 19 Terminal-side transmission / reception unit 20 Display processing unit 30 Point Management Server 31 Processor 32 Memory Device 33 Communication Interface 34 Point Server-Side Memory Unit 35 Point Server-Side Transmission / Reception Unit 36 Point Server-Side Generation Unit 37 Value Assignment Unit 38 Privilege Assignment Unit 39 Notification Unit 39a First Notification Unit 39b Second Notification Unit 39c Third Notification Unit 39d Fourth Notification Unit 40 Game Management Server 41 Processor 42 Memory Device 43 Communication Interface 44 Game Server-Side Memory Unit 45 Game Server-Side Transmission / Reception Unit 46 Game Server-Side Generation Unit 47 Control Unit 47a First Control Unit 47b Second Control Unit 48 Lottery Unit 50 Public Competition-Side Server 51 Processor 52 Memory Device 53 Communication Interface 54 Public Competition Server-Side Memory Unit 55 Public Competition Server-Side Transmission / Reception Unit 56 Public Competition Server-Side Generation Unit 57 Data Processing Unit N Network S Point Management System U User

Claims

1. a value granting unit that grants a first value to a user who has voted on a result of the competition; and a reward provision unit that provides a reward that can be used in a game different from the competition to a user by consuming the first value. Information processing device.

2. the value granting unit grants a second value usable in the game to the user based on a predetermined condition in the game; a lottery unit that consumes the benefit, the first value, or the second value to draw a lottery for an object that can be used in the game; the lottery unit sets a winning probability of the bonus or a predetermined object in the lottery in a case where the first value is consumed higher than a winning probability in a case where the second value is consumed; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The value granting unit grants a third value usable for the vote to the user based on a result of the lottery. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the value granting unit grants the user a third value usable for the vote based on an amount charged for the game or an amount of a predetermined game medium consumed in the game. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The value granting unit changes an amount of the first value granted based on a consumption amount of a third value usable for the vote; The reward provision unit changes an amount of the reward to be provided based on an amount of the first value consumed; a first control unit that controls the game so that the game can be played by consuming a predetermined amount of the benefit; a first notification unit that, when the privilege held by the user is less than the predetermined amount, calculates an amount of the third value necessary for the privilege to satisfy the predetermined amount, and notifies the user of the calculated amount of the third value; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the first notification unit, when a sum of the privilege held by the user and the privilege granted based on the amount of the third value designated by the user is less than the predetermined amount before the execution of the vote, calculates an amount of the third value necessary for the sum of the privileges to satisfy the predetermined amount; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The first notification unit calculates the amount of the third value required based on a difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of the benefit held by the user. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

8. a second notification unit that notifies the user of information related to the game selected based on the user's play history of the game; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. a third notification unit that, when a friend user associated with the user consumes the first value to play the game, notifies the user of information related to the game played by the friend user; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. a fourth notification unit that, when a friend user associated with the user has obtained the first value by voting on a result of the competition, notifies the user of information related to the competition to which the friend user has voted; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. a second control unit that controls a specific game to be played jointly by the user and the other user by consuming the benefit by both the user and the other user; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. the bonus providing unit converts at least a portion of the first value into the bonus based on a conversion rate corresponding to the game. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. the reward providing unit sets the conversion rate based on the elapsed time since a predetermined version of the game was released; The information processing device according to claim 12.

14. the reward providing unit sets the conversion rate based on a play history of the user in the game; 14. The information processing device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. the reward providing unit sets the conversion rate based on a degree of association between the game and the competition. The information processing device according to claim 12 .

16. the reward providing unit sets the conversion rate based on the number of users associated with the game; The information processing device according to claim 12 .

17. The value granting unit sets an amount of the first value to be granted larger when the result of the vote is an incorrect answer than when the result of the vote is correct. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

18. The value granting unit changes the amount of the first value based on the amount of the third value resulting from an unsuccessful vote. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

19. the value imparting unit changes the imparted amount of the first value based on a difference between a consumption amount of the third value and an amount of a dividend.

19. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

20. The value granting unit changes the amount of the first value granted based on at least one of a cumulative number of votes of a user or a cumulative amount of consumption of the third value.

20. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

21. The computer assigns a first value to the user who voted for the result of the competition; The computer consumes the first value to grant the user a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition. Information processing methods.

22. A program executed by a computer, causing the computer to assign a first value to the user who voted for the result of the competition; causing the computer to consume the first value to grant to the user a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition; program.

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