Information processing device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method capable of giving a benefit and game feeling to both an inviter and an invitee regarding invitation of new users.SOLUTION: In a value management system, a control unit 11 of a server being an information processing device includes: a lottery processing unit 11a that determines, by lottery, a first granted amount and a second granted amount that are usable in the service, for a first user and a second user respectively, under a condition of the service use registration by the second user who has been invited by the first user; and a value management unit 11b that stores the first granted amount in association with the first user and the second granted amount in association with the second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for inviting other players to a network game. It is also described that when the invited person plays the game that has received the invitation, benefits may be given to both the invited person and the inviter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since certain benefits are given to both the inviter and the invited person, although there is a certain merit in receiving the benefits, there is an aspect that the invitation and registration are mechanically performed.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method that can give a sense of gain and a gaming feeling to both the inviter and the invited person regarding the invitation of new users by determining the amount given to the inviter and the invited person by lottery processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a lottery processing unit and a value management unit. The lottery processing unit determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount that can be used in the service for each of the first user and the second user on the condition that the second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers for using the service. The value management unit stores the first grant amount in association with the first user and the second grant amount in association with the second user.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, by determining the grant amounts to the inviter and the invitee through a lottery process, it is possible to give a sense of gain and a gaming feeling to both the inviter and the invitee regarding the invitation of a new user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic matters shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Further, an invention can be established independently for each characteristic matter.

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Value Management System 1) An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 that constitutes a part of a value management system 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The value management system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20a, and a user terminal 20b (hereinafter, in common explanations, they may be collectively referred to as "user terminal 20").

[0011] The server 10 is configured to be communicable with the user terminal 20a of the first user U1 and the user terminal 20b of the second user U2 via the communication line 5. The server 10 determines the amount to be granted to each user by lottery as a privilege on the condition that the second user U2 who has received an invitation to the service from the first user U1 registers for use, and grants it to each user. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware Configuration of Value Management System 1) With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hardware configuration of the value management system 1 will be described.

[0013] (1-2-1. Hardware Configuration of Server 10) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 10 according to this embodiment. Server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. Further, server 10 may include an operation input unit 14 configured by a keyboard, a mouse, etc. to receive inputs of various operations, and a display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display device for displaying various images.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and controls the overall operation of server 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and is used as a work area when executing processing based on various programs by the control unit 11. Also, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used for the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the storage unit 12 are, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include the programs according to this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that the communication unit 13 may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and infrared communication, instead of or together with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as the user terminal 20 via the communication line 5 and can transmit and receive various data to and from other information processing devices.

[0018] These control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and display unit 15 are electrically connected to each other via the system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display an image on the display unit 15, grasp the operation state of the operation input unit 14 by the user, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13, etc.

[0019] (1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, etc.) according to the present embodiment. The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. Further, the user terminal 20 may include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display capable of displaying an image and receiving an operation, a speaker 25 for outputting sound, a microphone 26 for inputting sound, a camera 27 for imaging a subject, and operation buttons 28. Hereinafter, the differences from the server 10 will be mainly described.

[0020] The operation buttons 28 are provided on the side surface of the user terminal 20 and are a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, a volume adjustment button for the sound output by the speaker 25, etc.

[0021] The control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the memory unit 22, display an image on the display unit 24, grasp the operation states of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23, etc.

[0022] (1-3. Functional Configuration of Server 10) As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 has a lottery processing unit 11a and a value management unit 11b. The control unit 11 may further have a user management unit 11c.

[0023] The lottery processing unit 11a determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount that are available for the service for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 on the condition that the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for service use. The value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount in association with the first user U1 and the second grant amount in association with the second user U2. Also, the user management unit 11c receives a request for service use registration from the second user U2 and stores the second user U2 as a user of the service. Details of the functions will be described later.

[0024] The above-described functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called apps) appropriately installed in the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, various functions can be realized by the control unit 11 executing a program that constitutes the software.

[0025] When realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built in the server 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Further, a program stored in an external storage device may be read out and realized by so-called cloud computing. Alternatively, when realized by hardware, it can be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. Also, the above-described functional configuration may be such that a part of the functional configuration or a part of the functions is processed by software or hardware at the user terminal 20 or the like.

[0026] (1-4. Function of the lottery processing unit 11a) The lottery processing unit 11a is configured to determine, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 on the condition that the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service. With such a configuration, since the grant amounts for the inviter and the invitee are determined by lottery processing, it is possible to give a sense of benefit and a gaming feeling to both the inviter and the invitee with respect to the invitation of a new user.

[0027] Here, the "service" is various single or combined services related to voting on the result of a competition, music / video viewing, shopping, communication, games, or various procedures, etc., for which user registration can be performed. In such services, user registration may be required for using the service. Also, a mode may be provided in which a function that an unregistered user cannot use is provided to registered users, creating a difference in the usage forms between registered and unregistered users. The value management system 1 is used for such services.

[0028] Also, whether the user registration by the second user U2 is a registration in response to an invitation from the first user U1 can be determined based on information about the first user U1 provided by the second user U2 or information issued for a new user invitation to the first user U1. For example, it can be identified that it is a registration based on an invitation from the first user U1 based on information such as the user ID of the first user U1 that the user terminal 20b of the second user U2 transmits at the time of a usage registration request and the user management unit 11c receives. Also, when the second user U2 performs usage registration via the invitation URL issued to the first user U1 using the user terminal 20b, it can be identified that it is a registration based on an invitation from the first user U1.

[0029] The lottery process for determining the amount to be given to each user by the lottery processing unit 11a is conditional on the usage registration of the service by the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1, and can be executed after the completion of the usage registration of the service by the second user U2.

[0030] Note that the lottery processing unit 11a may independently determine the first grant amount and the second grant amount by lottery. By adopting such a configuration, there is a possibility that the first grant amount and the second grant amount are different, and communication about the results between the first user U1 and the second user U2 can be promoted. Also, the lottery processing unit 11a may determine the first grant amount and the second grant amount at once by lottery and set the first grant amount and the second grant amount to the same amount. By adopting such a configuration, the first grant amount and the second grant amount can be determined by one calculation in the lottery, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0031] In one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to automatically perform the lottery process regardless of the user's request. For example, immediately after the completion of the usage registration of the second user U2, even if there is no request from either the first user U1 or the second user U2, the first grant amount and the second grant amount for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 are determined by lottery, and the lottery result is notified to the user at the timing of service usage by each subsequent user.

[0032] In addition, notification may be made to the user by means such as email notification or push notification via an application related to the service. Note that the notification of the lottery result to the user may be performed by a lottery result notification unit or the like included in the control unit 11.

[0033] In addition, in one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to perform lottery processing in response to a user's request. For example, by registering the use of the second user U2, a lottery right is issued to each of the first user U1 and the second user U2, and the lottery processing unit 11a receives execution requests for lottery processing based on the lottery rights of each user from each user terminal 20a and user terminal 20b. Then, the lottery processing unit 11a executes lottery processing in response to the execution requests from each user and notifies the user of the lottery result. By adopting such a configuration, the user can control the timing of the lottery processing and enjoy the lottery in real time.

[0034] Note that it may be controlled such that one lottery right allows one lottery, or it may be controlled such that multiple lotteries are possible. In addition, the lottery right may be provided with an expiration date. Further, the lottery right may be distributed as an item or the like for conducting a lottery within the service, and it may be configured such that a lottery can be conducted by using such an item or the like.

[0035] In one aspect, whether a user's request is required for the start of the lottery processing may be different between the first user U1 who is the inviter and the second user U2 who is the invitee. For example, the lottery processing unit 11a may start the lottery processing upon a request at an arbitrary timing of the first user U1 who is the inviter, while for the second user U2 who is the invitee, it may be controlled to automatically start the lottery processing following the user registration process.

[0036] Note that the lottery process for determining the amount granted to each user by the lottery processing unit 11a is conditional on the service use registration by the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1, but may be configured to perform the lottery process when other predetermined conditions are also satisfied. The other predetermined conditions are, for example, that the second user U2 has never registered for service use before, or that the registration is within a predetermined period. The previous use registration can be verified based on information such as the name, email address, or phone number of the second user U2.

[0037] Here, the "lottery" may be a process of determining the granted amount from a predetermined range of amounts. In this case, the lottery process can be executed to select the granted amount based on a predetermined selection method from the predetermined range of amounts. The "predetermined range of amounts" is, for example, 500 to 20,000 points (pt) when the value of the granted amount available for use in the service is in points.

[0038] The "predetermined selection method" is, for example, a method of randomly selecting from a predetermined range of amounts, or a method of selecting from a plurality of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability.

[0039] In the case of a method of selecting from a plurality of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability, for example, 500 points that can be selected with a 40% probability, 2000 points that can be selected with a 30% probability, 5000 points that can be selected with a 20% probability, and 20,000 points that can be selected with a 10% probability are prepared. These predetermined amounts and their probabilities are associated and may be stored in the storage unit 12 or the like as a table or the like constituting a part of the database. Then, these predetermined amounts are selected according to the random number generated in the lottery process.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a process in which the lottery processing unit 11a determines a first grant amount and a second grant amount for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 by lottery. The lottery processing unit 11a receives a lottery request from each user from the user terminal 20. Here, in the example of FIG. 5, the lottery processing unit 11a performs a lottery process by a method of selecting from a plurality of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability. The grant amount is selected and determined based on the random number generated by the lottery processing unit 11a and the table 50 in which a plurality of predetermined amounts and their probabilities are stored in association with each other. In a certain lottery, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined to grant 500 points to the first user U1 and 20,000 points to the second user U2.

[0041] Note that the user management unit 11c also manages the second user U2 who has been invited by the first user U1 and has performed usage registration as a user who can invite new users.

[0042] (1-5. Functions of the value management unit 11b) The value management unit 11b is configured to store the first grant amount for the first user U1 and the second grant amount for the second user U2 in the storage unit 12 or the like in association with each other. By storing the grant amount and the user in association with each other, each grant amount is managed as a state granted to each user. Then, the value management unit 11b can receive from the user the use of the grant amount in the service or the like based on the stored grant amount information.

[0043] (1-6. Flow of processing by the value management system 1) Referring to FIG. 11, an example of the flow of processing by the value management system 1 will be described.

[0044] First, as shown in FIG. 6, S200 and S100 are executed. In S200, the user terminal 20a of the first user U1 transmits a request for invitation information to the server 10. In S100, the user management unit 11c of the server 10 issues invitation information and transmits it to the user terminal 20a. Here, the invitation information is information for inviting a new user, and more specifically, it is an invitation URL, an invitation code (character string, barcode, or two-dimensional code), etc.

[0045] Next, S205 is executed. In S205, the user terminal 20a transmits the above invitation information to the user terminal 20b of the second user U2. The transmission of the invitation information may be performed via email, a social networking service (SNS), etc., or may be performed by the second user U2 referring to and acquiring what has been posted on the SNS or blog or posted on the homepage.

[0046] Next, S300 and S105 are executed. In S300, the user terminal 20b transmits an application for registration of service use by the second user U2 to the server 10. In S105, the user management unit 11c stores the information of the second user U2 in the storage unit 12, etc., and registers the second user U2 as a user of the service.

[0047] Next, S110 is executed. In S110, the lottery processing unit 11a issues lottery rights available to the first user U1 and the second user U2 and stores them. Further, the lottery processing unit 11a notifies the first user U1 and the second user U2 of the lottery rights by transmitting them to the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b.

[0048] Next, S305, S115 (lottery processing step), S120 (value management step), and S125 are executed. In S305, the user terminal 20b transmits a request for lottery processing based on the lottery right of the second user U2 to the server 10. In S115, the lottery processing unit 11a determines the second grant amount available for the service for the second user U2 by lottery. In S120, the value management unit 11b stores the second grant amount determined for the second user U2 in the storage unit 12 etc. in association therewith. Then, in S125, the server 10 transmits the second grant amount as the lottery result to the user terminal 20b and notifies the second user U2.

[0049] Next, S210, S130 (lottery processing step), S135 (value management step), and S140 are executed. This is processing related to the first user U1 and their user terminal 20a, and the processing is performed in the same manner as S305, S115, S120, and S125 except that the first grant amount is determined.

[0050] Note that S210 etc. may be performed prior to S305 etc. Also, the first user U1 may be notified of the second grant amount, and the second user U2 may be notified of the first grant amount.

[0051] (1-7. Modification Example 1 of the First Embodiment) In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 7, when the number of user registrations based on the invitation (Invitation A) of the first user U1 by the second user U2 during a predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to control so as not to conduct a lottery for determining the grant amount to the first user U1 even when the third user U3 who has received the invitation (Invitation B) from the first user U1 registers for service use. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to control so that the users who receive the grant as an invitation privilege do not bias towards specific users.

[0052] Here, the "predetermined period" refers to the period during which use registration can be accepted by invitation. It can also be said to be the period during which the inviter and non-inviter can obtain benefits by lottery when the invitee performs use registration by invitation. Specifically, it is a campaign period or the like provided by the service provider. When multiple campaigns with the same or different contents are carried out, each of their campaign periods becomes a different "predetermined period".

[0053] The "number of user registrations based on the invitation of the first user U1 during the predetermined period" refers to the number of user registrations determined to be registrations received from the first user U1 within the predetermined period. Even if using the invitation of the first user U1, the second user registration, user registration performed outside the predetermined period, or user registration based on an invitation made outside the predetermined period, etc. are not included in that number.

[0054] The "upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite" refers to the upper limit of the number of user registrations for which a lottery process can be performed based on user registrations by invitation of the first user U1 within the predetermined period. It can also be said to be the number of times the first user U1 can receive a grant when another user registers by invitation.

[0055] For example, when the "upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite" is 100 people, if 99 users have registered for use by the invitation of the first user U1, and then the second user U2 registers for use by the invitation of the first user U1, it can be said that the upper limit has been reached. In this case, even if the third user U3 registers for use by the invitation of the first user U1 after the registration of the second user U2, no lottery process is executed based on the registration of the third user U3 for the first user U1, and thus the grant cannot be received either.

[0056] Note that, after the number of user registrations based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite due to the use registration by the second user U2, the lottery processing unit 11a may be controlled to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the third user U3 when the third user U3 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 performs use registration for the service.

[0057] In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 8, when the number of user registrations based on the invitation A of the first user U1 within a predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite after the use registration by the second user U2, the lottery processing unit 11a may also be controlled not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the third user U3 even when the third user U3 who has received an invitation B from the first user U1 performs use registration for the service. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to invite users belonging to communities centered around various inviters. That is, it is possible to control so that newly registered users who can receive the granted amount by lottery do not concentrate on the invitees by a specific user.

[0058] Note that, at this time, the fact that the lottery cannot be conducted because the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite has been reached may be notified to the user terminal 20c of the third user U3 (having the same configuration as the user terminal 20a).

[0059] (1-8. Modification Example 2 of the First Embodiment) In one aspect, when the cumulative number of user registrations based on the invitations of all users within a predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the number of users that can be invited by all users within the predetermined period after the second user U2 registers for use, or when the cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitations of all users within the predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users within the predetermined period, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to control such that even when the third user U3 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service, a lottery for determining the grant amounts to the first user U1 and the third user U3 is not performed. By adopting such a configuration, when the target grant amount and the number of user registrations by invitation are achieved, it is possible to control so as not to make grants exceeding the plan.

[0060] Here, the "cumulative number of user registrations based on the invitations of all users within a predetermined period" is the cumulative number of user registrations determined to be registrations received in response to an invitation from any of all users within the predetermined period. User registrations not by invitation, second-time user registrations, or user registrations made outside the predetermined period are not included in that number.

[0061] The "upper limit of the number of users that can be invited by all users within a predetermined period" is the upper limit of the number of user registrations for which a lottery process is performed based on user registrations by invitation from any of all users within the predetermined period. It can also be said to be the number of times all users can receive a grant amount by invitation.

[0062] The "cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitations of all users within a predetermined period" is the total of the grant amounts given to the inviter and the invitee by user registrations determined to be registrations received in response to an invitation from any of all users within the predetermined period.

[0063] The "upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users within a predetermined period" is the upper limit of the cumulative amount that can be granted based on user registrations by invitation from any of all users within the predetermined period. It can also be said to be the upper limit of the amount that all users can receive as a grant amount by invitation.

[0064] (1-9. Modification Example 3 of the First Embodiment) In one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of user registrations based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period, or the total grant amount given to the first user U1 based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to control the lottery process according to the user's invitation contribution and the grant amount obtained by the invitation, taking into account the contribution degree due to the user's invitation and the grant amount obtained by the invitation.

[0065] Here, the "total grant amount given to the first user U1 based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period" is the total grant amount given to the first user U1 by user registrations determined to be registrations in response to the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period.

[0066] For example, the probability may be controlled so that users with a larger number of invitations are more likely to win a higher grant amount in the lottery. Also, it may be controlled so that the amounts within a predetermined range are different between users with a larger number of invitations and users with a smaller number of invitations.

[0067] (1-10. Modification Example 4 of the First Embodiment) In one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount or the second grant amount based on the cumulative number of user registrations based on the invitations of all users within a predetermined period, or the cumulative amount given to users based on the invitations of all users within a predetermined period. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to control the lottery process according to the overall invitation activity situation in relation to the number of user registrations or the grant amount due to invitations.

[0068] For example, when the remaining balance available for granting is small and the number of invited users is small, it is controlled so that it is difficult to win a high grant amount. Also, when the remaining balance available for granting is large and the number of users who can be invited is small, it is controlled so that it is easy to win a high grant amount.

[0069] (2. Second Embodiment) (2-1. Value Management System 1) Next, the value management system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The value management system 1 in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it controllably exchanges the value obtained by the user through an invitation that can be used within the service into a value that can be used outside the service. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences.

[0070] (2-2. Functions of the value management unit 11b) The value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount and the second grant amount as the amount of the first value that can be used in the service, stores the reward to be granted according to the result of using the first value in the service as the reward to be granted in the second value, and is configured to controllably exchange the second value into a value that can be used outside the service. By adopting such a configuration, while making the first value (privilege obtained by invitation) available for use in the service, a second value that can be exchanged for a value available outside the service is granted according to the use of the first value, and the motivation for using the first value can be enhanced.

[0071] Here, the "value" in the first value, the second value, etc. means a medium that circulates and can be used within a certain range such as banknotes, electronic money, and points. Between two different values, when they are mutually exchangeable, the exchange can be carried out based on a fixed or variable exchange ratio.

[0072] The first value is managed as a medium that can be used in the service. The range of use of the first value is limited within the service, and its use outside the service is restricted. Also, the first value may be restricted to be used only for a specific purpose even within the service. Note that not only the grant amount determined and granted by lottery based on the invitation, but also privileges, rewards, etc. obtained for other reasons can be associated with and stored for the user as the first value and managed.

[0073] The second value is a medium available for use in the service and is managed as a medium that can be exchanged for a value (third value) available outside the service. The "value available outside the service" refers to a value that can be used in different services, points, electronic money available for various shopping, or currency issued by the government of a country or its central bank, etc.

[0074] Also, the second value is granted according to the result of using the first value within the service, but it may also be granted by exchanging the third value for the second value. Also, in one aspect, the second value may be managed to be directly available outside the service.

[0075] (2-3. Process flow by value management system 1) Referring to FIG. 9, an example of the process flow by the value management system 1 will be described. In FIG. 9 and the following description, the same processes as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] In S135, the value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount as the first value. Then, S140 is executed thereafter.

[0077] Next, S215 is executed. In S215, the user terminal 20a transmits a request to use the first value within the service by the first user U1 to the server 10. The server 10 processes the use of the first value according to the request and calculates a reward to be granted according to the processing result. Then, the value management unit 11b stores the reward as the second value together with its amount. At this time, the value management unit 11b may notify the user terminal 20a that the reward and the second value have been stored.

[0078] Next, S220 and S150 may be executed. In S220, the user terminal 20a transmits a request to the server 10 to exchange the second value by the first user U1 for the third value. At this time, the amount of the second value to be exchanged is also specified and transmitted simultaneously. Also, the value management unit 11b or the like may notify the exchange ratio in advance or when receiving the exchange request. In S150, the value management unit 11b exchanges the specified amount of the second value for the third value based on the exchange ratio according to the exchange request and stores it. The granting to the first user U1 can be executed in cooperation with a server or the like that manages a point account, an electronic money account, or a bank account of another service so that the granted information is reflected.

[0079] <3. Third Embodiment> (3-1. Value Management System 2) Hereinafter, the value management system 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the value management system 2 in the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the control unit 11 of the server 10 further includes a vote reception unit 11d, and the first value obtained by registration based on an invitation can be used for voting on the result of a competition. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences.

[0080] (3-2. Functional Configuration of Server 10) As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a lottery processing unit 11a, a value management unit 11b, and a vote reception unit 11d. The control unit 11 may further include a user management unit 11c.

[0081] (3-3. Function of Vote Reception Unit 11d) The vote reception unit 11d is configured to receive a vote using the first value from the first user U1 or the second user U2 for the result of the competition. By configuring in this way, the first value can be used for voting on the result of the competition, and the use of the first value by the user can be promoted.

[0082] Here, "competition" refers to a game or contest where abilities and skills are pitted against each other. Examples of sports competitions include races to compete for rankings using bicycles, automobiles, boats, or racehorses, or games such as baseball or soccer. Examples of competitions other than sports competitions include games such as shogi, go, chess, and card games, or matches in computer game tournaments.

[0083] Also, the "result of the competition" is information determined by the situation of the competition, which may include the intermediate process. For example, it is information such as wins and losses, scores in a game, finishing order in a race, or the achievements of each competitor.

[0084] Also, "voting" is an act of predicting or selecting the result of a competition as the content of the result of the competition and setting a voting amount for that content. In voting for a race to compete for rankings, for example, the combination of competitors who will be ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd is predicted as the content of the competition result, and voting is conducted by setting an amount based on the value available for that content.

[0085] For the result of the competition, the first user U1 or the second user U2 can utilize the first value. As described in the second embodiment, the first value that can also be obtained by registration by invitation is available within the service. By enabling voting using the first value for the result of the competition within the service, it is possible to expect the use of the first value by users interested in such voting. Also, it can be expected that users interested in such voting will actively conduct invitation activities for new users. Additionally, it can be expected that those interested in such voting will register for service use upon receiving an invitation.

[0086] Note that the vote reception unit 11d may be configured to receive votes using the first value and the second value or other values combined from the first user U1 or the second user U2 for the result of the competition.

[0087] (3-4. Functions of the value management unit 11b) The value management unit 11b is configured to store, as a reward given to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who has cast a vote, a reward calculated based on the multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used in the vote, in the second value. With such a configuration, it is possible to use the first value for voting on the result of the competition, and by making it possible to obtain a second value that can be exchanged for a value available outside the service, in an amount greater than or equal to the amount of the first value voted according to the competition result, the use of the first value can be promoted.

[0088] Here, the "reward" obtained by voting on the result of the competition is the amount returned to the user when the content of the vote is correct, and is the amount multiplied by the multiplier. As a more specific example, it is the amount of the so-called "payback money" in bicycle racing, horse racing, etc. Also, the "multiplier" is a multiplier set according to the content of the vote based on the tendency of the votes as a whole. As a more specific example, it is the so-called fixed "odds" and "payout ratio" in bicycle racing, horse racing, etc.

[0089] (3-5. Process flow by value management system 2) Referring to FIG. 12, an example of the process flow by the value management system 2 will be described. In FIG. 12 and the following description, the same processes as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0090] After S140, S215 and S155 (vote reception step) are executed. In S215, the user terminal 20a transmits a vote using the first value for the result of the competition by the first user U1 to the server 10. In S155, the value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount as the first value. Then, S140 is executed thereafter.

[0091] (3-6. Modification example 1 of the third embodiment) In one aspect, the value management unit 11b may be configured to store, as a reward, a second value to be given also to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who has not cast the vote when the first user U1 or the second user U2 uses the first value given based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 in the vote on the result of the competition. By configuring in this way, communication between the inviter and the invitee can be promoted also in the use of the amount given based on the invitation.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13, a case where the first user U1 uses the first value given based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 in the vote C on the result of the competition will be described. In this modification, in such a case, the reward calculated based on the magnification corresponding to the content of the vote C and the amount of the first value used in the vote C is processed as something to be given not only to the first user U1 but also to the second user U2.

[0093] Note that when using the mode in which the first value obtained by the invitation is used in the vote between the inviter and the invitee in the invitation and a reward is also given to the other user who has not cast the vote, it may be restricted so that only the first value obtained by the invitation can be used in the vote. Also, the reward to the other user who has not cast the vote may be calculated according to the ratio of the first value obtained by the invitation in the voting amount.

[0094] (3-7. Modification Example 2 of the Third Embodiment) The vote reception unit 11d accepts a vote on the result of a competition that uses the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1, on the condition that the vote is by the agreement of the first user U1 and the second user U2. The value management unit 11b may be configured to grant, as a reward to the first user U1 and the second user U2 in the second value, a reward calculated based on the multiple corresponding to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to control so that the granted amount obtained based on the invitation can be used only by the agreement of both the inviter and the invitee, and it is possible to promote the prediction of the competition result between the inviter and the invitee and the communication until the competition result is revealed.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 14, when a vote on the result of a competition that uses the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 is not conducted based on the agreement of both the first user U1 and the second user U2, the vote reception unit 11d does not accept the vote. When a vote is conducted only according to the intention of each user, the vote reception unit 11d does not accept the vote.

[0096] The agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may form an agreement between the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b, and the voting content, the voting amount, and the fact that they have agreed may be transmitted from one or both of the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b to the server 10. Also, the agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may be formed via the server 10.

[0097] (3-8. Modification Example 3 of the Third Embodiment) The value management unit 11b stores, as the first value, the granted amount determined by lottery in association with the lottery, and the vote reception unit 11d may be configured to accept a vote using the first value associated with the lottery for each lottery. By configuring in this way, it is possible to limit the use of the granted amounts granted by a plurality of lotteries together in one vote, and increase the number of times the user can vote.

[0098] In the case where the awarded amount A is determined in lottery A and the awarded amount B is determined in lottery B, and they are stored as the first value in association with the first user U1 and each lottery respectively, an explanation will be given. In this modification, the first user U1 cannot use the first value (corresponding to the awarded amount A) associated with lottery A and the first value (corresponding to the awarded amount B) associated with lottery B together for voting. For example, when the awarded amount A is 1000 points and the awarded amount B is 2000 points, it is restricted to use them in combination as 3000 points.

[0099] Also, in one aspect, the vote reception unit 11d may be configured to be able to receive a plurality of votes that divide the awarded amount determined by lottery and use it as the first value. For example, the first user U1 can conduct two votes using 500 points each from the awarded amount A of 1000 points.

[0100] <4. Other Embodiments> As described above, the embodiments and their modifications in the present invention have been explained, but the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above content.

[0101] Also, in the above embodiment, the aspect in which the server 10 mainly provides each function has been explained, but for some functions, the user terminal 20 may provide them, or a configuration in which both the server 10 and the user terminal 20 provide them can be adopted.

[0102] For example, in the first embodiment, the lottery process is performed in the lottery processing unit 11a, but the lottery process may be performed on the user terminal 20a or the like. For example, when the user terminal 20a communicates with the server 10 and it is confirmed that lottery is possible (such as lottery permission has been given or unused lottery rights are recorded, etc.), the user terminal 20a performs a process of determining the awarded amount from an amount within a predetermined range. The result of the lottery can be transmitted to and stored in the server 10.

[0103] Further, when the grant amount determined by the lottery process is the upper limit of the predetermined range of the grant amount, the lottery processing unit 11a may set a lower probability that the upper limit of the predetermined range of the grant amount will be hit in the next lottery or subsequent lotteries for the user who has received the upper limit amount.

[0104] Further, when the grant amount determined by the lottery process is the upper limit of the predetermined range of the grant amount, the lottery processing unit 11a may reduce the upper limit of the number of users that the user who has received the upper limit amount can invite.

[0105] Further, when the cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitations of all users within a predetermined period is less than the reference amount at a predetermined timing, the lottery processing unit 11a may increase the upper limit of the number of users that each user can invite.

[0106] Further, when the first user U1 invites the second user U2 to register, and further the fourth user U4 registers due to the invitation of the second user U2, based on the registration of the fourth user U4, in addition to the second user U2 and the fourth user U4, the grant amount to the first user U1 may also be determined by lottery. The grant amount obtained by such secondary invitations can be controlled to be less than the grant amount obtained by primary invitations by changing the probability and the range of the amount. Also, a part of the grant amount for the second user U2 or the fourth user U4 may be controlled to be allocated to the grant amount for the first user U1.

[0107] Further, the information processing apparatus such as the server 10 may include not only an apparatus physically configured as one unit, but also a plurality of apparatuses connected so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly and functioning as substantially one information processing apparatus.

[0108] Further, each step described as being to be executed by the server 10 in the above embodiment may be realized in a manner of causing the user terminal 20 to perform it.

[0109] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a stage management system to function in order to realize the above-described system.

[0110] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the above-described program.

[0111] As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0112] <5. Features of Embodiment> Hereinafter, the features of the embodiments of the present invention will be summarized.

[0113] The server 10 according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lottery processing unit 11a and a value management unit 11b. The lottery processing unit 11a determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for use in the service for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 on the condition that the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service. The value management unit 11b is an information processing device that stores the first grant amount in association with the first user U1 and the second grant amount in association with the second user U2.

[0114] With such a configuration, the grant amounts to the inviter and the invitee are determined by lottery processing, and it is possible to give a sense of gain and a gaming feeling to both the inviter and the invitee with respect to the invitation of a new user.

[0115] Also, when the number of user registrations based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite after the second user U2 registers for use, the lottery processing unit 11a may control not to conduct a lottery for determining the amount granted to the first user U1 even when a third user who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service. With such a configuration, it is possible to control so that the users who receive the grant do not bias towards specific users.

[0116] Also, when the cumulative number of user registrations based on the invitation of all users within a predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the number of users that can be invited by all users within the predetermined period after the second user U2 registers for use, or when the cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitation of all users within the predetermined period reaches the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users within the predetermined period, the lottery processing unit 11a may control not to conduct a lottery for determining the amount granted to the first user U1 and the third user U3 even when a third user who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service. With such a configuration, when the target granted amount and the number of user registrations by invitation are achieved, it is possible to control so that no more grants are made than planned.

[0117] Also, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of user registrations based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period, or the total amount of grants given to the first user U1 based on the invitation of the first user U1 within a predetermined period. With such a configuration, by considering the contribution degree due to the invitation of the user and the grant amount obtained by the invitation, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the invitation activity of the user.

[0118] Further, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount or the second grant amount based on the cumulative number of user registrations based on the invitations to all users during a predetermined period, or the cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitations to all users during a predetermined period. With such a configuration, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the overall invitation activity situation in relation to the number of user registrations or the granted amount due to invitations.

[0119] Also, the value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount and the second grant amount as the amount of the first value available for use in the service, stores the reward to be granted according to the result of using the first value in the service as the reward to be granted with the second value, and may control the second value to be exchangeable for a value available outside the service. With such a configuration, while making the first value (privilege obtained by invitation) available for use in the service, a second value that can be exchanged for a value available outside the service is granted according to the use of the first value, and the motivation for using the first value can be enhanced.

[0120] Further, it may further include a vote reception unit 11d. The vote reception unit 11d receives a vote using the first value from the first user U1 or the second user U2 regarding the result of the competition, and the value management unit 11b stores, as the reward to be granted to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who cast the vote with the second value, the reward calculated based on the magnification according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used in the vote. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the first value available for voting on the result of the competition, and by making the second value, which can be exchanged for a value available outside the service, obtainable in an amount equal to or more than the amount of the first value voted according to the competition result, the use of the first value can be promoted.

[0121] In addition, when the value management unit 11b determines that the first user U1 or the second user U2 has used the first value given based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 in the voting, the value management unit 11b may be configured to store, as a reward, a second value also given to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who has not performed the voting. With such a configuration, communication between the inviter and the invitee can be promoted even in the use of the granted amount obtained based on the invitation.

[0122] In addition, the vote reception unit 11d may be configured to accept a vote that uses the first value given based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1, provided that the vote is a vote by agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2. The value management unit 11b may be configured to grant, as a reward, a second value to the first user U1 and the second user U2, the reward being calculated based on a magnification corresponding to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used. With such a configuration, the use of the granted amount obtained based on the invitation can be controlled so that it can be used only by agreement between both the inviter and the invitee, and communication between the inviter and the invitee until the prediction of the competition result and the disclosure of the competition result can be promoted.

[0123] A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a lottery process step and a value management step. In the lottery process step, on the condition that the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service, a first granted amount and a second granted amount that can be used in the service are determined by lottery for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2. In the value management step, the program is configured to store the first granted amount in association with the first user U1 and the second granted amount in association with the second user U2.

[0124] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing method in which a computer determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for use in the service for each of a first user U1 and a second user U2 on the condition that the second user U2 who has received an invitation from the first user U1 registers for use of the service, and the computer stores the first grant amount in association with the first user U1 and the second grant amount in association with the second user U2.

Explanation of Signs

[0125] 1, 2: Value management system, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Lottery processing unit, 11b: Value management unit, 11c: User management unit, 11d: Vote reception unit, 12: Storage unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Display unit, 16: System bus, 20 (20a, 20b, 20c): User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Storage unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation button, 29: System bus, 50: Table, U1: First user, U2: Second user, U3: Third user, U4: Fourth user

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a lottery processing unit and a value management unit, wherein the lottery processing unit determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user and the second user, on the condition that the second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service, and the value management unit associates the first grant amount with the first user and stores the second grant amount with the second user.

2. 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein, when the number of user registrations based on invitations from the first user in a specified period due to registration for use by the second user has reached an upper limit on the number of users that the first user can invite, the lottery processing unit controls so as not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user, even if a third user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service.

3. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, upon registration of the second user, The cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users during a predetermined period has reached an upper limit on the number of users that can be invited by all users during the predetermined period, or An information processing device, wherein if the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users during the specified period has reached the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users during the specified period, the lottery processing unit controls so as not to conduct a lottery to determine the amounts to be granted to the first user and the third user, even if a third user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service.

4. 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the lottery processing unit determines the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of users registered based on the invitation of the first user in a specified period, or the total grant amount granted to the first user based on the invitation of the first user in the specified period.

5. 2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the lottery processing unit determines the first grant amount or the second grant amount based on a cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users in a specified period, or a cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in the specified period.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the value management unit: storing the first grant amount and the second grant amount as an amount of a first value available for the service; A reward to be provided in accordance with a result of using the first value in the service is stored as a reward to be provided in the form of a second value; An information processing device that controls the second value so as to be exchangeable for value that can be used outside the service.

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising a vote acceptance unit, wherein the vote acceptance unit accepts votes from the first user or the second user using the first value for the result of the competition, and the value management unit stores a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote, as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user or the second user who cast the vote.

8. 8. An information processing device as described in claim 7, wherein the value management unit stores the reward as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user or the second user who did not cast the vote when the first user or the second user uses the first value granted based on an invitation from the first user to the second user for the vote.

9. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the vote accepting unit accepts the vote, on the condition that the vote utilizing the first value granted based on an invitation from the first user to the second user is a vote agreed upon by the first user and the second user, and the value management unit grants a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used, as a reward to be granted to the first user and the second user in the second value.

10. A program that causes a computer to execute a lottery processing step and a value management step, in which in the lottery processing step, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service are determined by lottery for each of a first user and a second user, on the condition that a second user who has received an invitation from a first user registers to use the service, and in the value management step, the first grant amount is associated with the first user and the second grant amount is associated with the second user and stored.

11. An information processing method in which a computer determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for a service for each of a first user and a second user, on the condition that a second user who has received an invitation from a first user registers to use the service, and the computer associates the first grant amount with the first user and the second grant amount with the second user and stores them.

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