Computer program, information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and system

Abstract

To provide a new mechanism to control voting to a voting object in a service to be provided via a network.SOLUTION: The present information processing apparatus receives a log-in request from a user via an application executed in an information processing terminal, and on the basis of a user's authentication information included in the log-in request, provides a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest to be held on a network. The predetermined number of digital voting tickets are provided in single log-in for every predetermined period in a period during which the contest is held.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A social networking service (hereinafter referred to as "SNS") that provides services to users on the Internet via a communication terminal such as a smartphone is known. Patent Document 1 proposes distributing play videos of social games on SNS, accepting votes from viewers for a plurality of voting targets, and controlling the game based on the voting results.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, viewers of play videos of social games select voting targets from among a plurality of voting targets and vote, and the social game is controlled according to the voting results. Thereby, viewers can intervene in the social game. Further, in the above prior art, it has been proposed that viewers can obtain voting tickets by watching for a predetermined time, and the weight of voting is changed according to the number of acquired benefits of viewers. By devising in this way regarding voting, the interest is improved.

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for controlling voting for voting targets in a service provided via a network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention, for example, causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to function as reception means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal, and giving means for giving a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on authentication information of the user included in the login request, and a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are given per login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

[0007] Further, the present invention, for example, causes a computer of an information processing terminal to function as reception means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on the information processing terminal, transmitting authentication information of the user included in the login request to an information processing apparatus via a network, and acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network, and a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are given per login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

[0008] Further, the present invention, for example, is a computer system including reception means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal, and acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on authentication information of the user included in the login request, and a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are given per login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, for example, a novel mechanism for controlling voting for a voting target in a service provided via a network can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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Figure 8

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Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the invention. Any two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0012] <System Configuration> Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the computer system according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the minimum necessary simple configuration will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each device may include a plurality of devices, or a plurality of servers may be integrally provided.

[0013] This system is configured to include information processing terminals 101a, 101b, 101c, and an application server 102. Hereinafter, for the information processing terminals 101a, 101b, 101c, when explaining the corresponding configurations and controls for any of the information processing terminals, the alphabet appended to the end of the reference numeral will be omitted, and they will simply be referred to as the information processing terminal 101. The information processing terminal 101 and the application server 102 are communicably connected to each other via a network 103.

[0014] The information processing terminal 101 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, or a stand-alone PC. Any device may be used as long as it is an information processing terminal having at least a communication unit capable of communicating with the application server 102 via a network and a display unit for displaying an image. The information processing terminal 101 downloads and installs an application for implementing the present invention from the application server 102 via the network 103. By executing the application on the information processing terminal 101, a three-dimensional model of a predetermined model (movable figure) described below can be displayed on the screen, and the predetermined model (figure) can be moved on the screen by operating the movable part. A figure that can be operably represented on the screen in this way will be referred to as a digital figure hereinafter. Further, according to the present invention, a service is provided in which a work in which a digital figure is arranged in a diorama in a virtual space is created and submitted. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism for appropriately voting on the submitted works on SNS.

[0015] The application server 102 is an information processing device that provides a social networking service to the information processing terminal 101. Further, when the application is launched on the information processing terminal 101, the application server 102 provides the information processing terminal 101 with figures that can be selected by the user, pose (posture) information of each figure, diorama information, and information related to digital voting tickets according to the user's authentication information. The user can purchase digital figures and dioramas on the application. The application server 102 registers and manages the digital figures, dioramas, application works, digital voting tickets, etc. purchased by the user in association with the user's authentication information. Therefore, the application server 102 can identify the available digital figures, dioramas, number of votes, etc. by referring to the user's authentication information and the above registration information associated with the authentication information. Note that the management information managed by the application server 102 may be stored in the local storage area of the information processing terminal 101.

[0016] <Configuration of Each Device> Referring to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the information processing terminal 101 and the application server 102 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, only the devices important for explaining the present invention will be described. Therefore, the information processing terminal 101 and the application server 102 may be configured to include other devices alternatively or additionally.

[0017] First, the configuration of the information processing terminal 101 will be described. The information processing terminal 101 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a communication control unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, and a camera 206. Each component can send and receive data to and from each other via a system bus 210.

[0018] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that overall controls each component connected via the system bus 210. The CPU 201 executes each process described below by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 is used as a work area and a temporary area for the CPU 201, and stores the control program and various data executed by the CPU 201.

[0019] The communication control unit 203 can perform two-way communication with the application server 102 via the network 103 by broadband wireless communication. In addition to or instead of broadband wireless communication, the communication control unit 203 may have functions of short-range wireless communication such as wireless LAN (WiFi), Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and infrared communication. For example, when the communication control unit 203 does not have a broadband wireless communication function but has a WiFi communication function, it connects to the network 103 via a nearby access point.

[0020] The display unit 204 may be a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and displays various screens, and also displays digital figures, dioramas, application works, etc. selected by the user on the application screen. The operation unit 205 functions as a reception means and is an operation input unit that receives user operations, and may be provided integrally with the display unit 204. Further, the operation unit 205 may include physically configured push-type or slide-type buttons, etc.

[0021] The camera 206 is an imaging unit that images the surrounding environment of the information processing terminal 101. It is also possible to register the image captured by the camera 206 as a diorama and place a digital figure in the image to create a work. Note that the camera 206 is not an essential component for implementing the present invention. For example, the information processing terminal 101 according to the present embodiment can also synthesize and display a digital figure on a captured image received from the outside.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the application server 102 will be described. The application server 102 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a display unit 214, an operation unit 215, a communication control unit 216, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 217. The CPU 211 is a central processing unit that overall controls each component connected via the system bus 220.

[0023] The CPU 211 executes each process by reading a computer program stored in the ROM 212 or the HDD 217 into the RAM 213 and executing it. The ROM 212 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and various data. The RAM 213 is a volatile memory used as a work area and a temporary area of the CPU 211. The HDD 217 is a large-capacity storage device that stores user authentication information and registration information for each user associated with the authentication information.

[0024] The communication control unit 216 can perform two-way communication with the information processing terminal 101 via the network 103. Note that the communication control unit 216 may be connected to the network 103 via a nearby access point by a wireless LAN (such as WiFi), or may be connected to the network by a wired LAN. The display unit 214 displays various screens. The operation unit 215 is an operation input unit that receives operations from an administrator or the like of the present system. Also, the operation unit 215 may be a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0025] <Digital figure> With reference to FIG. 3, an example of the digital figure provided by the system according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, it is assumed that an application that provides a digital figure is downloaded from the application server 102 to the information processing terminal 101 and installed. By being executed on the information processing terminal 101, the application displays a three-dimensional model in an operable manner on the display unit 204. FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d) show the screen transition of the creation screen in the above application.

[0026] The screen 300 shown in FIG. 3(a) is a figure selection screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the information processing terminal 101 when an application that provides digital figures is launched. The figure selection screen 300 is displayed including a selection area 301 where a plurality of digital figures can be respectively selected, and various menu buttons 302. The user performs a selection operation on the selection area 303 of the figure desired to be operated on the screen. In response to the user operation, the screen transitions from the figure selection screen 300 to the pose selection screen 310. The selectable digital figures, their pose information, etc. are associated with user information such as authentication information and are managed in the application server 102.

[0027] Also, a new digital figure can be purchased via a screen (not shown), and the purchased digital figure is registered in the application server 102 together with the user information and is added to the selection area 301 of the figure selection screen 300. Furthermore, a diorama serving as the background of the work can be selected via a screen (not shown). Since the selection of the diorama is the same as that of the digital figure, detailed description thereof is omitted. When a diorama is selected, the selected digital figure can be placed on the diorama, and a work for applying to a contest or the like can be created.

[0028] Figure 3(b) shows the pose selection screen 310. The pose selection screen 310 is a screen for selecting the default pose when starting the operation of the digital figure. The pose selection screen 310 is displayed including a selection area 311 where a plurality of poses (postures) can be selected, a back button 312, a decision button 313, a menu button 314, an edit data selection button 316, and a preset selection button 317. The user performs a selection operation on the selection area 315 of the pose to be customized on the screen. In response to the user operation, the screen transitions from the pose selection screen 310 to the edit screen 320. When the edit data selection button 316 is operated, one or more poses that the user has customized by operating the digital figure in the past are displayed selectably in the selection area 315. On the other hand, when the preset selection button 317 is operated, a plurality of poses preset for the target figure are displayed selectably in the selection area 315.

[0029] Figure 3(c) shows the edit screen 320. On the edit screen 320, the displayed digital figure is shown as editable. The edit screen 320 is displayed including a digital figure 350, buttons 323 to 325, a cost display 329, and a pose monitor 328. When the button 323 is operated, the screen transitions to a screen where the movable points on the digital figure are shown as operable. When the button 324 is operated, the changeable parts are displayed pop-up selectably. For example, the selectable head, arms, belt, etc. on the figure are displayed selectably. When the button 327 is operated, various setting items are displayed. When the button 326 is operated, the editing of the pose on the edit screen 320 is ended. When the button 327 is operated, the pose of the digital figure being edited is saved to the application server 102. As the save destination, in addition to or instead of the application server 102, it may be saved to the local memory area of the information processing terminal 101.

[0030] The cost display 329 indicates the processing cost when the digital figure being edited is placed in a diorama or the like in the virtual space. Depending on the processing performance of the information processing terminal 101 or the like, there is an upper limit to the number of objects that can be placed in the diorama or the like at one time, and it displays the processing cost as a guide for those. The posture monitor 328 displays the posture of the digital figure 350 being displayed in up to three axes. On the editing screen 320, since the digital figure faces the front, it is represented in two axes. Note that by operating the posture monitor 328, the digital figure 350 also rotates and is displayed in conjunction with the operation. On the other hand, by rotating the digital figure 350, the display of the posture monitor 328 is also updated in conjunction.

[0031] Figure 3(d) shows the editing screen 330 in which the display is updated by rotating the digital figure 350 to the right on the editing screen 320. On the editing screen 330, the digital figure 351 obtained by rotating the digital figure 350 facing the front to the right by a rotation operation is displayed. In addition to the display of the above editing screen 320, the buttons 321 and 322 are also displayed on the editing screen 330. The buttons 321 and 322 are displayed when the pose of the digital figure 350, which is the default pose, is edited by a user operation. The button 321 is a button for canceling the previous editing operation and returning to the previous pose. The button 322 is a button for advancing from the state of returning to the previous pose when the button 321 is selected to the next pose held in the history. In addition, when the pose is edited, the posture monitor 331 is also updated accordingly. According to this embodiment, the digital figure edited in this way can be placed in a diorama in the virtual space and registered as an entry work for the contest to be held.

[0032] <Application Screen> Referring to FIG. 4, the screen control when applying for a work to a contest provided by the system according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the transition of the screen provided by the application when applying for a work created by arranging digital figures in a diorama to a predetermined contest will be described. The application is executed on the information processing terminal 101 to display the screen provided by the application server 102 on the display unit 204. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) show the screen transition in the above application.

[0033] The screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a) shows a list of contests. 401 indicates various menu tabs, and 406 indicates various menu icons. In the screen 400, the contest in the menu tab 401 is selected. Items 402 to 405 indicate selection items for various contests. Item 402 indicates a contest to be held in the future. Selecting it will transition to a detailed screen (not shown). On the transition destination screen, detailed information about the contest scheduled to be held is displayed. As the detailed information, for example, the holding period, theme, reward, etc. are displayed. Here, the theme is the theme of the work to be applied for in the contest, and the user creates a work along with that theme.

[0034] Item 403 indicates a contest for which applications are being accepted. Selecting it will transition to the screen 410 which is the application screen. In the contest during the application period, only the application for the work is possible. The details of the screen 410 will be described later. Item 404 indicates a contest during the voting period. Selecting it will transition to the screen 600. In the contest during the voting period, the application has closed and only voting is possible. The details of the screen 600 will be described later. Item 405 indicates a contest that has ended. Selecting it will transition to a screen (not shown) showing the final result of the contest. On the said screen, for example, the ranking of the final result is displayed.

[0035] The screen 410 shown in FIG. 4(b) shows an application screen for applying for a work. 411 displays information about the contest. Here, the theme of the contest and the contest period are displayed. 412 displays detailed information about the current theme. 413 displays the work created and selected by the user. By performing a scroll operation downwards, the whole work is displayed. The work is not displayed when it has not been selected yet, and by selecting 413, it transitions to a work selection screen (not shown). On the work selection screen, a list of works created and saved by the user is displayed, and by selecting it, it is registered to 413.

[0036] The screen 420 shown in FIG. 4(c) shows the screen that transitions when 413 is selected on the screen 410. 421 displays the selected work. By selecting the button 422, the work can be applied for. By selecting the button 423, it transitions to an editing screen of a work (not shown).

[0037] The screen 430 shown in FIG. 4(d) is the screen displayed when the button 422 is operated on the screen 420. "Applied" of the comment 433 is displayed. Thus, the user can confirm whether they have applied or not. By selecting the button 431, it transitions to an editing screen for editing the applied work. On the editing screen, the applied work can be edited and the work can be updated. By selecting the button 432, the applied work can be withdrawn from the application. The button 432 is used, for example, when wanting to change to another work.

[0038] <Digital Voting Ticket> Referring to FIG. 5, the digital voting ticket of the contest according to this embodiment will be described. The screen 500 shows a login bonus screen 500. The screen 500 is displayed on the display unit 204, for example, when the user logs in to the application. Alternatively, the screen 500 may be displayed on the display unit 204 according to a predetermined operation after the user logs in to the application. Hereinafter, in a contest held on the network, the digital voting ticket for voting on an applied work is simply referred to as a voting ticket.

[0039] The screen 500 includes a detailed display 501 of the login bonus. The detailed display 501 shows the number of voting tickets obtained for the second contest. According to this embodiment, when a user logs in to the application during the contest period, a predetermined number of voting tickets are granted to the user. The contest period may include the application period and the voting period, or it may be only the voting period. Here, 6 voting tickets are granted once a day, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Also, here a predetermined number of voting tickets are granted once a day, but by logging in continuously every day, the number of voting tickets granted may be increased. In this way, by granting voting tickets by logging in, the user can be encouraged to log in to the application. The voting tickets can be used to vote for the works applied for in the corresponding contest. In the contest, the ranking is finally determined by the number of votes.

[0040] The detailed display 501 further includes a display of the participation reward for the contest. Here, gallery points are granted as an item. The points may be used as points when purchasing digital figures or dioramas, or may be convertible into voting tickets for every predetermined number of points. Alternatively, according to the number of points the user has, the display order of the applied works on the list screen may be determined. The higher the applied work is displayed on the list, the more opportunities it has to be viewed by other users and the higher the possibility of being voted. Also, according to the number of points the user has, the display size of the applied works on the list screen may be switched. Note that the points may be set so that the higher the ranking in the contest, the more points are obtained.

[0041] <Voting Screen> Referring to Fig. 6, the screen control when voting for the application works in the contest provided by the system according to this embodiment will be described. When the application is executed on the information processing terminal 101, the screen provided by the application server 102 is displayed on the display unit 204. Figs. 6(a) to 6(d) show the screen transitions in the above application. Fig. 6(a) shows the same screen 400 as Fig. 4(a), so the description is omitted. For the display items similar to those described in Fig. 4, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

[0042] The screen 600 shown in Fig. 6(b) is a screen that is displayed when the item 404 on the screen 400 is selected and the user has submitted a work for the contest of the item 404. If the user has not submitted a work, the screen 600 may be skipped and the screen 610 may be displayed. In addition to the menu tab 401, a sub-menu tab 601 is further displayed on the screen 600.

[0043] The sub-menu tab includes a tab for displaying the submitted works, a tab for displaying all the submitted works, a tab for displaying the submitted works followed by the user, a tab for displaying the submitted works that the user has voted for, and a tab for displaying the popular submitted works. On the screen 600, the tab for displaying the submitted works is selected. When the item 404 on the screen 400 is selected, the tab for displaying the submitted works is selected by default. On the screen 600, further, the submitted work 602 and the current voting result 603 are displayed. In the voting result 603, the number of votes and its ranking are shown.

[0044] The screen 610 in Fig. 6(c) is a list screen that is displayed when the tab for displaying all the submitted works in the sub-menu tab is selected. When the tab for displaying the submitted works followed by the user, the tab for displaying the submitted works that the user has voted for, or the tab for displaying the popular submitted works is selected, a list screen similar to the screen 610 is also displayed. On the screen 610, a list 612 of the submitted works is displayed in a selectable manner. By scrolling down, the works that are not currently displayed can also be displayed.

[0045] For each entry work displayed in list 612, the current number of votes is displayed. Note that there is no intention to limit the present invention. For example, at least one of the current number of votes and its ranking may be displayed. Thereby, the user can check the current popular works. Also, when the remaining period of the voting period is less than a predetermined threshold period, the display of at least one of the number of votes for each work and its ranking may be stopped. Thereby, the user can vote strategically and enhance the interestingness of the contest.

[0046] The screen 620 in FIG. 6(d) is a voting screen displayed when a predetermined entry work displayed in list 612 is selected. It may be controlled such that the work applied by the user cannot be selected. Alternatively, the work applied by the user may be made selectable, and the upper limit number of votes that can be cast may be set to be less than that of other works. Thereby, it is possible to avoid voting only for one's own entry work and enhance the interestingness of the contest.

[0047] On the screen 620, an entry work 621, identification information 622 of the applicant, the current voting result 623, a back button 624, and a voting button 625 are displayed. In addition to the information for identifying the applicant, the current level of the applicant within the current application is displayed in the identification information 622. The level is determined according to the points obtained by participating in games, events, and contests within the application. For example, the number of voting tickets obtained at the time of login may be controlled according to the level. The voting result 623 displays the number of votes and its ranking, but at least one of them may be displayed. Also, similar to the list 612, the display may be stopped when the remaining period of the voting period is less than a predetermined threshold period. When the back button 624 is operated, the screen returns to the list screen of the screen 610.

[0048] When the voting button 625 is operated, a pop-up 626 is displayed overlapping the screen 620. The pop-up 626 includes an area for specifying one or more votes for the work, a display of the number of voting tickets held and the number after voting, a cancel button, and a voting button. The area for specifying one or more votes includes a reset button for resetting the number of votes and a MAX button for specifying the upper limit number determined based on the currently held voting tickets and the number of tickets that can be voted per day. Thus, according to this embodiment, the number of digital voting tickets that can be voted for one entry work per day may be limited. Thereby, a more strategic contest can be held. When the cancel button is operated, the display of the pop-up 626 stops without voting. When the voting button is operated, the specified number of votes are cast all at once. In the example of FIG. 6(d), it shows how voting using five digital voting tickets is being done, and it shows that the six voting tickets held are reduced to one after voting.

[0049] <Sequence> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a sequence between the information processing terminal 101 and the application server 102 regarding a contest for a diorama work in a virtual space including a digital figure according to this embodiment will be described. Here, it is assumed that an application that provides the holding of the contest is downloaded from the application server 102 to the information processing terminal 101 and installed.

[0050] When receiving an operation to start the application, at S1, the information processing terminal 101 starts the application. When the application starts, at S2, the application notifies the application server 102 of the user's login request together with the user's authentication information. Regarding the authentication information, the input information received from the user at the first startup of the application may be held and used at the subsequent startups, or it may be received from the user at each startup.

[0051] At S3, the application server 102 authenticates the requested user. If the authentication is successful, it returns user-related information associated with the user to the information processing terminal 101. The user-related information includes selectable figure information, pose information, diorama information registered in association with the user's authentication information, voting tickets given to the user, the voting tickets and various parameters the user holds. When receiving the user-related information, the application displays a menu screen (not shown). Here, it is assumed that a figure icon is selected on the menu screen, and an example of displaying a figure selection screen 300 on the display unit 204 based on the selectable figure information of the user is shown.

[0052] Next, at S4, when the application receives the selection of a figure via the figure selection screen 300, it displays a pose selection screen 310 on the display unit 204 based on the pose information received at S3. Note that at the stage where the figure desired by the user is selected via the figure selection screen 300, the information processing terminal 101 may request the application server 102 to receive the pose information regarding the figure. Thereby, compared with the case of receiving the pose information of all figures in advance at S3, the memory usage amount in the information processing terminal 101 can be reduced. Further, at S5, a diorama is selected, and at S6, a work for applying to a contest is created. If necessary for creating the work, an operation input (not shown) is received from the user.

[0053] In S6, when the contest in the menu tab 401 is selected according to the operation input, the application requests the application server 102 for information regarding the contest list. In S7, the application server 102 transmits information regarding the contest list for displaying the screen 400 to the information processing terminal 101. In S8, the application displays the contest list screen (screen 400) according to the information received in S7. Thereafter, according to the operation input, in S9, the application displays the application screen for the contest. Here, for example, at the timing when the item 403 is selected, the application may communicate with the application server 102 to acquire information for displaying the screen 410. Alternatively, information for displaying the detailed screen of each contest may be acquired from the application server 102 at the timing of displaying the screen 400. In this case, when each item is selected, it is not necessary to communicate with the application server 102 each time.

[0054] Thereafter, when an operation input is received and the work to be applied for is selected and an application is requested, in S10, the application requests the application server 102 to register the applied work. In S11, the application server 102 transmits a response indicating that the applied work has been registered to the information processing terminal 101.

[0055] Also, when the item 404 on the screen 400 is selected according to the operation input, in S12, the application requests the application server 102 for a list of applied works. In S13, the application server 102 transmits information for displaying the list of applied works to the information processing terminal 101. In S14, the application displays the list screen (screen 610) according to the received information. Thereafter, according to the subsequent operation input, in S15, the application requests the application server 102 to vote for the selected work. In S16, the application server 102 updates the voting result such as the number of votes for the selected work in response to the request, and updates the user information (the number of held voting rights) of the user who voted.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, by the information processing terminal 101 and the application server 102 communicating with each other, a digital figure contest on the SNS is realized. Basically, every time a user makes an operation input via the application screen, the application makes a request regarding the operation input to the application server 102 and updates the screen information displayed according to the acquired information. Note that the sequence shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and different sequences will result depending on differences in the operation inputs by the user, and the present invention is not limited to this sequence.

[0057] <Control at Application Startup> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the processing procedure of the application server 102 at the startup of an application that provides creation and contest of digital figures according to this embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 211 reading out a control program or the like stored in advance in the ROM 212 or the HDD 217 into the RAM 213 and executing it. Here, the processing described below is described as the processing of the application server 102, but it may also be executed by an application installed in the information processing terminal 101. Note that the processing of the application server 102 described from FIG. 9 onwards may also be executed by the application of the information processing terminal 101.

[0058] First, at S101, the CPU 211 performs login control according to a request from the information processing terminal 101. Specifically, the CPU 211 uses the authentication information included in the request to execute user authentication. If the authentication is successful, the login of the user is permitted. Subsequently, at S102, the CPU 211 updates the user information of the logged-in user. Here, the user information includes login history, digital voting tickets, and the number of points held. According to this embodiment, during the contest period, a predetermined number of digital voting tickets are granted for each login once every predetermined period. For example, 6 digital voting tickets are granted to the user for each login once a day. Here, the number of the held digital voting tickets is updated. Note that even if the user logs in again on a day when digital voting tickets have already been granted, no digital voting tickets are granted. Therefore, the CPU 211 needs to hold the user's login history and control so that the voting tickets are not granted repeatedly. Here, it is set to be granted once a day, but it is not intended to limit the present invention, and a predetermined number of voting tickets may be granted for each login once every predetermined time, for example, once every 12 hours.

[0059] When the user information is updated, at S103, the CPU 211 notifies the information processing terminal 101 of the updated user information. In the application of the information processing terminal 101, according to the information, for example, the number of held voting tickets such as on the screen 500 may be displayed. Then, at S104, the CPU 211 causes the application to display a menu screen including the menu tab 401 and the menu icon 406 according to the user operation provided from the information processing terminal 101.

[0060] At S105, the CPU 211 determines whether any item in the menu has been selected. If selected, the process proceeds to S106; otherwise, it proceeds to S107. At S106, the CPU 211 executes a subroutine that displays the screen of the selected item and performs various controls. Details of S106 will be described later. When the execution of the subroutine ends, the process proceeds to S107.

[0061] In S107, the CPU 211 determines whether the end of the application has been instructed. If the end has been instructed, the CPU updates the user information so far as necessary and terminates the execution of the application on the information processing terminal 101. On the other hand, if the end has not been instructed, the process returns to S105.

[0062] <Contest Application Control> Referring to FIG. 9, the processing procedure of the selection menu control (S106) according to the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 211 reading a control program or the like stored in advance in the ROM 212 or the HDD 217 into the RAM 213 and executing it. Here, the processing when the contest in the menu tab 401 is selected will be described.

[0063] First, in S201, the CPU 211 causes the application to display a list screen of contests such as the screen 400. In S202, the CPU 211 determines whether an operation of selecting any one of the items 402 to 405 has been performed via the displayed screen 400. If a selection operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S203, and if not, the process proceeds to S204.

[0064] In S203, the CPU 211 calls a subroutine that displays and controls the detailed screen of the selected item. The details of S203 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. When the subroutine ends, the process proceeds to S204. In S204, the CPU 211 determines whether an end operation has been performed. If it is determined that an end operation has been performed, the processing of this flowchart ends, and if it is determined that an end operation has not been performed, the process returns to S202.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows the detailed processing procedure of the selection control (S203) according to the present embodiment. Here, the processing procedure when the item 403 for applying for a work is selected as the selection item on the screen 400 will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 211 reading a control program or the like stored in advance in the ROM 212 or the HDD 217 into the RAM 213 and executing it.

[0066] In S301, the CPU 211 causes the application to display application screens such as screens 410, 420, and 430 according to user operations. In S302, the CPU 211 determines whether a button 422 for instructing an application has been operated on screen 420. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to S303; otherwise, the process proceeds to S305.

[0067] In S303, the CPU 211 registers the work applied for by the user and updates the management information of the applied works. Also, in S304, the CPU 211 updates the user information of the user and advances the process to S305. Here, benefits due to applying, such as gallery points or digital voting tickets, may be given. In S305, the CPU 211 determines whether an end operation has been performed. If an end operation has been performed, the process of this flowchart ends; if an end operation has not been performed, the process returns to S302.

[0068] <Voting reception control> Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the processing procedure of the voting reception control (S203) according to the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 reading and executing a control program or the like stored in advance in the storage unit 202. Here, the detailed processing procedure of S203 when item 404 is selected on screen 400 will be described.

[0069] In S401, after the CPU 211 displays the application screen of the user on screen 600, when "All", "Followed", "Voted works", "Popular", etc. in the sub-menu tab 601 are selected, the CPU 211 causes the application to display an application list screen that is a list of a plurality of applied works such as screen 610. Subsequently, in S402, the CPU 211 determines whether any of the applied works has been selected from the application list screen. If it is selected, the process proceeds to S403; otherwise, the process proceeds to S406.

[0070] In S403, the CPU 211 causes the application to display the voting screen on the screen 620. Here, operations on the voting button 625 and the popup 626 are accepted. In S404, the CPU 211 determines whether a vote has been received. If a vote has been received, the process proceeds to S405; otherwise, the process returns to S401.

[0071] In S405, the CPU 211 accepts the vote, updates the information on the voting results regarding the contest and the user information, and proceeds to S406. Regarding the information on the voting results, the number of votes for the applied work that has received the vote and the change in its ranking are calculated and updated. Regarding the user information, as a result of the vote, the number of digital voting tickets held is updated. In S406, the CPU 211 determines whether an end operation has been performed. If an end operation has been performed, the processing of this flowchart ends; if an end operation has not been performed, the process returns to S402.

[0072] <Voting Control> Referring to FIG. 12, the processing procedure of the control regarding the voting of the application server 102 according to the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 reading out and executing a control program and the like stored in advance in the storage unit 202. Here, it is a detailed processing procedure when updating the information on the voting results regarding the contest in S405 of FIG. 11.

[0073] In S501, when the CPU 211 accepts a vote, the update of the voting results is the same as the processing in S405 above, so the description is omitted. Subsequently, in S502, the CPU 211 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the contest was held. More specifically, here, the predetermined period is the period since the start of the voting period of the contest. For example, if the voting period of the contest is 10 days, the predetermined period is set as 8 days, and it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed when 8 days have passed. When the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to S504; otherwise, the process proceeds to S503.

[0074] In S503, based on the update of the voting results in S501 on the list screen of the applicant works, the CPU 211 updates the display of the vote counts of the updated applicant works and proceeds to S505. Here, for the sake of easy explanation, it is described as updating the display, but in fact, it is to update the screen information for generating the list screen, and it does not necessarily update the display of the displayed list screen.

[0075] On the other hand, in S504, since the predetermined period has elapsed, the CPU 211 updates to make the vote counts non-displayed and proceeds to S505. As a result, for example, during the remaining two days, the ranking of the vote counts becomes unknown, and the interest of the contest can be increased. Also, the user can vote strategically, such as voting all at once when the display of the vote counts becomes non-displayed. On the other hand, when there is an upper limit on the number of votes per day, even if the maximum number of votes is cast when it becomes non-displayed, there is a possibility that the ranking cannot be reversed, and the user needs to vote more strategically.

[0076] In S505, the CPU 211 determines whether the voting period has ended. If it has ended, it proceeds to S506; otherwise, it returns the process to S501. In S506, the CPU 211 totals the final voting results and determines the ranking of the contest. Subsequently, in S507, the CPU 211 distributes rewards, such as gallery points, etc., to the user according to the determined ranking and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0077] As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal, and based on the authentication information of the user included in the login request, assigns a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network. Also, a predetermined number of digital voting tickets are assigned per login once every predetermined period during the contest period. Thereby, the present invention can provide, for example, a novel mechanism for controlling voting for a voting target in a service provided via a network. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example in a contest held on a network has been described, but it is not limited to a contest as long as it is a service provided digitally, and it can be used in various services.

[0078] <Summary of the Embodiment> The above embodiment discloses at least the following computer program, information processing terminal, and its control method. (1) Cause the computer of the information processing apparatus to function as a reception means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal, and an assignment means for assigning a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on the authentication information of the user included in the login request and function as such, wherein a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are assigned per login once every predetermined period during the contest period. A computer program characterized by this. (2) Cause the computer of the information processing apparatus to further function as a display control means for providing a creation screen for creating a work in which a digital figure is arranged in a diorama of a virtual space in the contest via the application. The computer program according to (1). (3) The display control means further provides an application screen for applying for a work to the contest via the application, and is the computer program according to (2). (4) The display control means further provides a list screen of works applied to the contest via the application and a voting screen for voting on a work selected via the list screen, and is the computer program according to (2) or (3). (5) In the voting screen, the computer program according to (4) is characterized in that a predetermined number of votes can be accepted for one work at once. (6) The predetermined number of votes that can be cast for one work is characterized in that the upper limit number of votes that can be cast in one day is set, and is the computer program according to (5). (7) In the voting screen, the computer program according to any one of (4) to (6) is characterized in that voting for the work applied by the user is restricted. (8) In the list screen, the computer program according to any one of (4) to (7) is characterized in that at least one of the number of votes for each work and its ranking is displayed. (9) In the list screen, when the remaining period of the voting period is less than a predetermined threshold period, the display of at least one of the number of votes for each work and its ranking is stopped, and is the computer program according to (8). (10) An information processing apparatus, a receiving means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal, a granting means for granting a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on authentication information of the user included in the login request and comprising An information processing apparatus, characterized in that a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted per login at predetermined intervals during the holding period of the contest. (11) A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a reception step of receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal; a granting step of granting a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on authentication information of the user included in the login request and characterized in that a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted per login at predetermined intervals during the holding period of the contest. (12) causing a computer of an information processing terminal to function as a reception means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on the information processing terminal; an acquisition means for transmitting authentication information of the user included in the login request to an information processing apparatus via a network and acquiring a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on the network and characterized in that a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted per login at predetermined intervals during the holding period of the contest. (13) A computer system, comprising: a reception means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal; an acquisition means for acquiring a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on authentication information of the user included in the login request and characterized in that a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted per login at predetermined intervals during the holding period of the contest.

Explanation of Signs

[0079] 101a, b, c: Information processing terminals, 102: Application server, 103: Network, 201: CPU, storage unit 202, 203: Communication control unit, 204: Display unit, 205: Operation unit, 206: Camera, 211: CPU, 212: ROM, 213: RAM, 214: Display unit, 215: Operation unit, 216: Communication control unit, 217: HDD

Claims

1. A computer of an information processing apparatus is configured to function as: a reception unit that receives a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal; a granting unit that grants a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on authentication information of the user included in the login request; and a computer program, characterized in that a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted per login once every predetermined period during a holding period of the contest.

2. The computer of the information processing apparatus is further configured to function as: a display control unit that provides a creation screen for creating a work in which a digital figure is arranged in a diorama of a virtual space in the contest via the application, according to claim 1.

3. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit further provides an application screen for applying a work to the contest via the application.

4. The computer program according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit further provides a list screen of works applied to the contest via the application, and a voting screen for voting for a work selected via the list screen.

5. The computer program according to claim 4, wherein in the voting screen, a predetermined number of votes can be accepted for one work at once.

6. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein an upper limit number of votes that can be cast per day is set for the predetermined number of votes that can be cast for one work.

7. The computer program according to claim 6, wherein in the voting screen, voting for a work applied by the user is restricted.

8. The computer program according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein in the list screen, at least one of the number of votes for each work and its ranking is displayed.

9. The computer program according to claim 8, wherein in the list screen, when the remaining period of the voting period is less than a predetermined threshold period, the display of at least one of the number of votes for each work and its ranking is stopped.

10. An information processing apparatus, Receiving means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal; Granting means for granting a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on the authentication information of the user included in the login request comprising: An information processing apparatus, wherein a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted for each login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

11. A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: A receiving step of receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal; A granting step of granting a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on the authentication information of the user included in the login request including: A control method for an information processing apparatus, wherein a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted for each login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

12. Causing a computer of an information processing terminal to function as: Receiving means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on the information processing terminal; Obtaining means for transmitting the authentication information of the user included in the login request to an information processing apparatus via a network and obtaining a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on the network and A computer program, wherein a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted for each login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

13. A computer system, comprising: Receiving means for receiving a login request from a user via an application executed on an information processing terminal; Obtaining means for obtaining a predetermined number of digital voting tickets in a contest held on a network based on the authentication information of the user included in the login request comprising: A computer system, wherein a predetermined number of the digital voting tickets are granted for each login once every predetermined period during the holding period of the contest.

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