Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve the attractiveness on voting content.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: a payout ratio setting unit that sets a payout ratio in response to an instruction from a creating user who creates voting content; a voting content generating unit that generates the voting content including the payout ratio and an evaluation condition that may be satisfied in a voting target event; a vote accepting unit that accepts a vote from a voting user with respect to one of multiple pieces of voting content; and a value assigning unit that assigns a value medium of an assigned amount corresponding to either the creation amount of a value medium used by the creating user or the voting amount of the value medium used by the voting user and the payout ratio to the creating user or the voting user in accordance with the success or failure of the evaluation condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to content generation. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a technology has been proposed in which users predict the outcome of an event such as a sports match, and a payout is awarded to users whose predictions are correct. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which votes predicting the outcome of a match are accepted from users, and a payout according to a predetermined payout multiplier is awarded to users whose predictions are correct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, a technology is envisioned in which content to be voted on (hereinafter referred to as "voting content") is generated in response to instructions from individual users. However, in a configuration in which the payout ratio for the voting content is automatically set according to a predetermined rule, there is a possibility that the interest due to the bargaining between the creator of the voting content and the voter cannot be sufficiently ensured. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the interest of the voting content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a payout ratio setting unit that sets a payout ratio in accordance with instructions from a creating user who creates voting content; a voting content generation unit that generates voting content including evaluation conditions that may be met in the voting event and the payout ratio in exchange for the creating user's use of a value medium of the created amount; a vote acceptance unit that accepts votes from voting users who vote for the voting content in exchange for the voting user's use of a value medium of the voting amount; and a value assignment unit that assigns value medium of an assigned amount corresponding to the created amount or the voting amount and the payout ratio to the creating user or the voting user depending on whether the evaluation conditions are met.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes setting a payout multiplier in accordance with instructions from a creating user who creates voting content; generating the voting content, in exchange for the creating user's use of a value medium of the created amount, including evaluation conditions that may be met in the event to be voted for and the payout multiplier; accepting votes from voting users who vote for the voting content in exchange for the voting users' use of a value medium of the voting amount; and granting to the creating user or the voting user an amount of value medium corresponding to the created amount or the voting amount and the payout multiplier depending on whether the evaluation conditions are met.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer system to function as a payout ratio setting unit that sets a payout ratio in response to instructions from a creating user who creates voting content; a voting content generation unit that generates voting content including evaluation conditions that may be met in the voting event and the payout ratio in exchange for the creating user's use of a value medium of the created amount; a vote acceptance unit that accepts votes from voting users who vote for the voting content in exchange for the voting user's use of a value medium of the voting amount; and a value assignment unit that assigns value medium of an amount corresponding to the created amount or the voting amount and the payout ratio to the creating user or the voting user depending on whether the evaluation conditions are met. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a specific example of voting content. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of event information. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of voting content information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of registration information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of condition information. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a generation process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a creation screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a voting process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a reward process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a confirmation screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the amount created, the amount voted, and the amount awarded in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a creation screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of voting content information in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the amount created, the amount voted, and the amount awarded in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart of a process executed by a control device in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a confirmation screen in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart of an additional process in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart of a part of a voting process in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of voting content in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a creation screen in a modified example. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a creation screen in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0032] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below include various limitations that are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the communication system 100 includes an information processing system 10, a management system 20, and a plurality of terminal devices 30 (30a, 30b). The information processing system 10 communicates with the management system 20 and each of the terminal devices 30 via a communication network 200 such as the Internet.

[0011] Each of the multiple terminal devices 30 is an information device used by a user U (Ua, Ub). For example, a portable or stationary information device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a home game device, a mobile phone, or a personal computer may be used as the terminal device 30. Note that, for example, an arcade game machine installed in a facility such as an amusement facility or a commercial facility may also be used as the terminal device 30.

[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 1, each terminal device 30 includes a display device 31 and an operation device 32. The display device 31 displays various images. The display device 31 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The operation device 32 is an input device that receives instructions from the user U. The operation device 32 is, for example, an operator operated by the user U, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user U. Note that a voice input device that receives the voice of the user U may also be used as the operation device 32.

[0013] Each of the multiple users U holds points. Points are a medium of value that can be used for various services. For example, each user U can acquire desired goods or services by spending the points he or she holds. Points may also be exchanged for another type of medium of value (e.g., electronic currency).

[0014] The information processing system 10 is a computer system for managing voting content B. Voting content B is content for accepting votes for a specific event (hereinafter referred to as a "voting target event"). In the first embodiment, a soccer match that is actually held is taken as an example of the voting target event. Voting content B is created and voting is carried out before the voting target event starts. A vote for voting content B can also be expressed as a "bet."

[0015] The multiple terminal devices 30 in the first embodiment include terminal device 30a and terminal device 30b. Terminal device 30a is used by creating user Ua. Creating user Ua is one of the multiple users U who creates voting content B. Specifically, creating user Ua creates voting content B in exchange for using a specific number of points that he or she owns (hereinafter referred to as the "creation amount Pa"). In other words, the creation amount Pa is the number of points used as compensation for creating voting content B.

[0016] The terminal device 30b is used by a voting user Ub. The voting user Ub is a user U among multiple users U who votes for voting content B. Specifically, the voting user Ub votes for voting content B in exchange for using a specific number of points (hereinafter referred to as "voting amount Pb") that he or she owns. In other words, the voting amount Pb is the number of points used as compensation for voting for voting content B.

[0017] Each of the multiple users U can be either a creating user Ua or a voting user Ub. Although there are actually multiple creating users Ua and multiple voting users Ub, for the sake of convenience, the following explanation focuses on one creating user Ua and one voting user Ub.

[0018] 2 shows an example of the display of voting content B. Voting content B created by creating user Ua using terminal device 30a is displayed on the display device 31 of terminal device 30b used by voting user Ub.

[0019] Voting content B includes target event information E, creator information N, voting conditions Zb, payout ratio R, voting amount Pb, and voting button Ob. Target event information E is information for identifying the event to be voted for. Specifically, target event information E includes information such as the name of the event to be voted for (e.g., the name of the competing teams) and the date and time of the event. Creator information N is information about the creating user Ua who created voting content B. Specifically, creator information N includes the name of creating user Ua (e.g., account name). Voting amount Pb is the number of points required for voting user Ub to vote for voting content B, as described above.

[0020] The voting button Ob is a software button that accepts votes from the voting user Ub. The voting user Ub can vote for the voting content B by operating the voting button Ob using the operation device 32 of the terminal device 30b. In the first embodiment, the voting amount Pb is displayed on the voting button Ob. Note that the voting button Ob and the voting amount Pb may be displayed separately.

[0021] An evaluation condition Z is set for voting content B. Evaluation condition Z is a condition that can be met in the voting target event. One or more evaluation conditions Z are set for one voting content B. Evaluation condition Z is set as conditions related to various matters that are determined in the voting target event, such as the result (win or loss) of the voting target event, the score or goal difference of the opposing team, the names of the players who scored the goals, the total number of shots in the match, the number of set plays (e.g., corner kicks or goal kicks) in the match, and the total number of cards (e.g., yellow cards or red cards) shown by the referee as warnings during the match.

[0022] Depending on whether the evaluation condition Z in the voting target event is met, a specific number of points (hereinafter referred to as the "award amount Pw") will be awarded to either the creating user Ua of the voting content B or the voting user Ub (hereinafter referred to as the "winner").

[0023] The evaluation condition Z includes a creation condition Za and a voting condition Zb. The creation condition Za is a condition for the creating user Ua to become the winner. As shown in the example of Figure 2, the voting condition Zb is displayed in the voting content B. The voting condition Zb is a condition for the voting user Ub to become the winner. Therefore, if the creation condition Za is met, points of the grant amount Pw will be awarded to the creating user Ua, and if the voting condition Zb is met, points of the grant amount Pw will be awarded to the voting user Ub. As can be understood from the above explanation, the evaluation condition Z is a condition for selecting the recipient of the grant amount Pw.

[0024] The creation condition Za and the voting condition Zb are mutually exclusive. In other words, the creation condition Za and the voting condition Zb cannot be met at the same time. For example, assuming voting content B in which the voting event is a match between "Team ABC" and "Team XYZ" as shown in the example of FIG. 2, if the creation condition Za is "Team ABC wins," the voting condition Zb is "Team XYZ wins" (or Team ABC loses). Note that there may be cases where neither the creation condition Za nor the voting condition Zb is met. For example, in the example above, if the match result is a draw, neither the creation condition Za nor the voting condition Zb is met.

[0025] As can be understood from the above explanation, the voting user Ub predicts whether the voting condition Zb in the voting target event will be met and votes for the voting content B. If the prediction is correct (i.e., if the voting condition Zb is met), the voting user Ub can earn points worth Pw. In other words, the voting content B is content that allows the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub to predict whether the evaluation condition Z (creation condition Za and voting condition Zb) in the voting target event will be met.

[0026] The payout multiplier R is a numerical value (odds) that serves as a basis for calculating the payout amount Pw. Specifically, for example, a positive number greater than 1 is set as the payout multiplier R. The payout multiplier R is set according to an instruction from the creating user Ua.

[0027] The relationship between the creation amount Pa, the voting amount Pb, and the award amount Pw will be explained below. For voting content B, a target multiplier Q is set in addition to the payout multiplier R. The target multiplier Q is a numerical value (odds) that serves as the basis for calculating the voting amount Pb, the award amount Pw, and the payout multiplier R. For example, a positive number greater than 1 is set as the target multiplier Q.

[0028] As expressed by the following formula (1), the product of the creation amount Pa and the target multiplier Q is awarded to the winner as the award amount Pw. Pw=Q·Pa (1)

[0029] On the other hand, as expressed by the following formula (2), the sum of the creation amount Pa used by the creating user Ua and the voting amount Pb used by the voting user Ub is awarded to the winner as the award amount Pw. Pw=Pa+Pb (2) As can be seen from equation (2), the voting amount Pb is the difference (Pb=Pw-Pa) between the grant amount Pw and the creation amount Pa. That is, the shortfall of the creation amount Pa relative to the grant amount Pw is borne by the voting user Ub as the voting amount Pb.

[0030] From equations (1) and (2), the voting amount Pb is expressed by the following equation (3). Pb=(Q-1)·Pa (3)

[0031] The payout ratio R is the ratio of the award amount Pw to the voting amount Pb. Therefore, the payout ratio R is expressed by the following formula (4). R=Pw / Pb=Q·Pa / (Q-1)·Pa=Q / (Q-1) (4) As explained above, the voting amount Pb, the award amount Pw, and the payout rate R are calculated according to the creation amount Pa and the target rate Q.

[0032] 1 is a server system that manages information related to events to be voted for. Specifically, the management system 20 manages event information M for each of a plurality of events that are candidates for events to be voted for (hereinafter referred to as "candidate events"). The event information M is transmitted from the management system 20 to the information processing system 10, for example, before and after the candidate events are held. Note that the functions of the management system 20 may be installed in the information processing system 10.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of event information M. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the event information M for each candidate event includes multiple pieces of information related to the candidate event. Specifically, the event information M includes identification information Eid, detailed information M1, date and time information M2, and status information M3. The identification information Eid is a code string for identifying the candidate event.

[0034] The detailed information M1 is information about the contents of the candidate event. Specifically, the detailed information M1 includes, for example, the name of the candidate event and the name of the opposing team. The date and time information M2 indicates the start date and time and the end date and time of the candidate event.

[0035] The status information M3 is information relating to the status of the candidate event. Specifically, the status information M3 includes various information for determining whether the evaluation conditions Z (the creation conditions Za and the voting conditions Zb) are met, such as the results of the candidate event or the performance of the opposing teams. The status information M3 is set to information indicating that the candidate event is undecided before the candidate event is held, and is updated to information that reflects the results of the candidate event after the candidate event is held. The status information M3 is, for example, information manually entered by the administrator of the candidate event.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the information processing system 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The information processing system 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0037] The control device 11 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the information processing system 10. For example, the control device 11 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0038] The communication device 13 communicates with the management system 20 and each terminal device 30 via the communication network 200. Note that the communication device 13, which is separate from the information processing system 10, may be connected to the information processing system 10 by wire or wirelessly.

[0039] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. The storage device 12 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 12 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage media. Furthermore, the storage device 12 may be a portable storage medium that is detachable from the information processing system 10, or a storage medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 11 can write to or read from via the communication network 200, for example.

[0040] The storage device 12 of the first embodiment stores voting content information C (FIG. 5), registration information D1 (FIG. 6), and condition information D2 (FIG. 7).

[0041] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of voting content information C. Voting content information C is stored for each voting content B created by a creating user Ua. Voting content information C is information that defines voting content B. Specifically, voting content information C includes identification information Bid of voting content B, identification information Eid of the voting target event, identification information Uid of creating user Ua, identification information Uid of voting user Ub, and multiple pieces of information related to the content of voting content B. The multiple pieces of information related to the content of voting content B include the creation amount Pa, the voting amount Pb, the target multiplier Q, the payout multiplier R, the evaluation conditions Z (creation conditions Za and voting conditions Zb), and the voting deadline T. Note that the identification information Uid of voting user Ub is registered in voting content information C when a vote for voting content B occurs.

[0042] The identification information Bid is a code string for identifying the voting content B. The identification information Eid is a code string for identifying the voting target event. The voting deadline T is the deadline date and time by which votes for the voting content B are validly accepted. For example, the start date and time of the voting target event is set as the voting deadline T.

[0043] 6 is a schematic diagram of registration information D1. Registration information D1 is stored in storage device 12 for each of multiple users U who use communication system 100. Registration information D1 includes identification information Uid, creator information N, and the number of owned points P. The identification information Uid is a code string for identifying each user U. As mentioned above, the creator information N is information related to each user U, such as the name of user U. The number of owned points P is the number of points owned by user U.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of condition information D2. Condition information D2 is information used to set evaluation conditions Z. Specifically, condition information D2 is a data table in which multiple detailed conditions are set for each of multiple condition categories into which evaluation conditions Z are divided. Each condition category is a type related to the content of evaluation conditions Z. Each detailed condition belonging to one condition category is a specific condition that can be met for that condition category. As can be seen from FIG. 7, one evaluation condition Z (creation conditions Za and voting conditions Zb) is defined by a combination of a condition category and detailed conditions.

[0045] 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10. The control device 11 executes a program stored in the storage device 12 to realize multiple functions (a display control unit 41, an information setting unit 42, a voting content generation unit 43, a vote acceptance unit 44, and a value assignment unit 45) for creating the voting content B and controlling voting.

[0046] The display control unit 41 displays an image on the display device 31 of each terminal device 30. Specifically, the display control unit 41 transmits data for the terminal device 30 to display various images from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30, thereby causing the image to be displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal device 30. For example, the display control unit 41 transmits image data representing an image to the terminal device 30. Note that the display control unit 41 may transmit data representing a command to display an image from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30, thereby causing the image to be displayed on the display device 31. For example, the display control unit 41 transmits data indicating one of a plurality of images stored in the terminal device 30, or data indicating control parameters related to the image, to the terminal device 30.

[0047] The information setting unit 42 sets various information related to the voting content B. Specifically, the information setting unit 42 sets information that defines the voting content B in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua to the terminal device 30a. The information setting unit 42 of the first embodiment includes a creation amount setting unit 421, a voting amount setting unit 422, and a payout ratio setting unit 423.

[0048] The creation amount setting unit 421 sets the creation amount Pa in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua to the terminal device 30a. The voting amount setting unit 422 sets the voting amount Pb in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua to the terminal device 30a. The payout ratio setting unit 423 sets the payout ratio R in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua to the terminal device 30a.

[0049] The voting content generation unit 43 generates voting content B. Specifically, the voting content generation unit 43 generates voting content information C in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua and stores it in the storage device 12. That is, the generation of voting content B specifically involves registering the voting content information C in the storage device 12. The voting content generation unit 43 of the first embodiment generates voting content B in exchange for the use of points of a creation amount Pa by the creating user Ua.

[0050] The vote acceptance unit 44 accepts a vote from the voting user Ub for the voting content B. Specifically, the vote acceptance unit 44 accepts a vote from the voting user Ub for the voting content B in exchange for the use of points of the voting amount Pb by the voting user Ub.

[0051] The value assigning unit 45 assigns points of the assigned amount Pw to the winner (creating user Ua or voting user Ub) depending on whether the evaluation condition Z is met. That is, the value assigning unit 45 assigns points of the assigned amount Pw to the creating user Ua when the creation condition Za is met, and assigns points of the assigned amount Pw to the voting user Ub when the voting condition Zb is met. Specifically, the value assigning unit 45 adds the assigned amount Pw to the number of points P held, which is included in the registration information D1 of the winner.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process for generating voting content B (hereinafter referred to as the "generation process"). When an instruction to create voting content B is received from the creating user Ua, the terminal device 30a transmits a start request to the information processing system 10 (Sa1). The start request includes the identification information Uid of the creating user Ua. When the communication device 13 receives the start request (Sb1), the control device 11 of the information processing system 10 displays a creation screen Ga on the display device 31 of the requesting terminal device 30a (Sb2, Sa2). Specifically, image data of the creation screen Ga is transmitted from the information processing system 10 to the terminal device 30a, whereby the creation screen Ga is displayed on the display device 31. The control device 11 may also transmit data representing a command to display the creation screen Ga to the terminal device 30a.

[0053] 10 is a schematic diagram of the creation screen Ga. The creation screen Ga is an image that the creating user Ua refers to when creating voting content B. The creation screen Ga includes a plurality of operation areas Oa1 (Oa11 to Oa14) for receiving instructions from the creating user Ua, and a create button Oa2.

[0054] The creating user Ua can operate a desired operation area Oa1 (Oa11 to Oa14) in the creation screen Ga by operating the operation device 32 of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30a accepts an operation from the creating user Ua on the operation device 32 (Sa3), and updates the creation screen Ga in accordance with the operation (Sa4).

[0055] The operation area Oa11 in Fig. 10 is an area for accepting the selection of a voting target event from the creating user Ua. For example, when the creating user Ua operates the operation area Oa11, a list of multiple candidate events specified by each event information M is displayed on the display device 31. The creating user Ua can select one of the multiple candidate events as the voting target event.

[0056] The operation area Oa12 is an area for receiving instructions on the creation conditions Za from the creating user Ua. Although two operation areas Oa12 are illustrated in FIG. 10, the number of operation areas Oa12 is arbitrary. An operation area Oa12 may be added or deleted in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua. The operation area Oa12 includes an area Oa121 and an area Oa122.

[0057] The area Oa121 is an area for accepting a selection of a condition category related to the creation condition Za from the creating user Ua. For example, when the creating user Ua operates the area Oa121, a list of multiple condition categories registered in the condition information D2 of Fig. 7 is displayed on the display device 31. The creating user Ua can select one of the multiple condition categories displayed in the area Oa121.

[0058] The area Oa122 is an area for accepting, from the creating user Ua, a selection of detailed conditions belonging to a condition category selected by the creating user Ua. For example, when the creating user Ua operates the area Oa122, a list of multiple detailed conditions registered in the condition information D2 for the selected condition category is displayed on the display device 31. The creating user Ua can select one of the multiple detailed conditions displayed in the area Oa122.

[0059] As described above, one creation condition Za is specified by the combination of the condition category and detailed condition selected by the creating user Ua. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the combination of the condition category "winning team" and the detailed condition "ABC team" sets the creation condition Za "Team ABC wins." Also, the combination of the condition category "score difference" and the detailed condition "3 points or less" sets the creation condition Za "the score difference is 3 points or less."

[0060] As can be understood from the above explanation, the creating user Ua creates voting content B by predicting whether the creation condition Za will be met in the event to be voted for, and if the prediction is correct (i.e., if the creation condition Za is met), the creating user Ua can earn points worth Pw.

[0061] The operation area Oa13 is an area for receiving an instruction for the creation amount Pa from the creating user Ua. Specifically, the creating user Ua can input the numerical value of the creation amount Pa into the operation area Oa13 by operating the operation device 32 while selecting the operation area Oa13. Note that the creating user Ua may select one of a plurality of candidate values for the creation amount Pa.

[0062] The operation area Oa14 is an area for receiving an instruction for the target magnification Q from the creating user Ua. Specifically, the creating user Ua can input the numerical value of the target magnification Q into the operation area Oa14 by operating the operation device 32 while selecting the operation area Oa14. Note that the creating user Ua may select one of a plurality of candidate values for the target magnification Q.

[0063] The create button Oa2 is an operation button for the creating user Ua to decide the input contents on the creation screen Ga. As illustrated in Fig. 9, until the create button Oa2 is operated (Sa5: NO), the acceptance of an operation from the creating user Ua (Sa3) and the update of the creation screen Ga (Sa4) are repeated.

[0064] The creating user Ua operates the create button Oa2 when he / she has input the desired information into each operation area Oa1 (Oa11 to Oa14). When the create button Oa2 is operated (Sa5: YES), the terminal device 30a transmits a creation instruction to the information processing system 10 (Sa6). The creation instruction is information representing an instruction from the creating user Ua to the creation screen Ga. Specifically, the creation instruction includes the identification information Eid of the event to be voted for, the creation conditions Za, the creation amount Pa, and the target multiplier Q.

[0065] When the communication device 13 receives the generation instruction (Sb3), the control device 11 of the information processing system 10 generates voting content B using the information included in the generation instruction (identification information Eid, generation conditions Za, generation amount Pa, target multiplier Q) (Sb4 to Sb8).

[0066] The control device 11 (creation amount setting unit 421) sets the creation amount Pa of voting content B to the numerical value instructed by the creating user Ua (Sb4). The control device 11 (voting amount setting unit 422) sets the voting amount Pb for voting content B according to the creation amount Pa and target multiplier Q instructed by the creating user Ua (Sb5). Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the voting amount Pb by calculating the above-mentioned formula (3). As can be understood from the above explanation, the information setting unit 42 (creation amount setting unit 421 and voting amount setting unit 422) sets the creation amount Pa and voting amount Pb according to instructions from the creating user Ua.

[0067] The control device 11 (payout rate setting unit 423) sets the payout rate R for voting content B (Sb6). Specifically, the control device 11 sets the payout rate R according to the target rate Q instructed by the creating user Ua. For example, the control device 11 calculates the payout rate R by the calculation of the above-mentioned formula (4). As can be understood from the above explanation, the payout rate setting unit 423 sets the payout rate R according to the instruction from the creating user Ua.

[0068] The control device 11 (information setting unit 42) sets the evaluation conditions Z (Sb7). Specifically, the control device 11 sets the voting conditions Zb according to the creation conditions Za instructed by the creating user Ua. As described above, the conditions that are exclusive to the creation conditions Za are set as the voting conditions Zb.

[0069] For example, if a condition category in which the detailed condition is alternative is specified in the creation conditions Za in the condition information D2, a combination of that condition category and a detailed condition different from the detailed condition specified in the creation conditions Za is set as the voting conditions Zb. For example, focusing on the condition category of "winning team," if the creation conditions Za are "Team ABC wins," then the condition "Team XYZ wins" is set as the voting conditions Zb. Furthermore, if a condition category in which the detailed condition is a numerical range is specified in the creation conditions Za, then the combination of that condition category and a numerical range other than the numerical range specified in the creation conditions Za is set as the voting conditions Zb. For example, focusing on the condition category of "score difference," if the creation conditions Za are "the score difference is three points or less," then the condition "the score difference is four points or more" is set as the voting conditions Zb.

[0070] If the creating user Ua specifies multiple creation conditions Za on the creation screen Ga, the same number of voting conditions Zb corresponding to the different creation conditions Za are set. That is, multiple pairs of creation conditions Za and voting conditions Zb (i.e., multiple evaluation conditions Z) are set for one voting content B.

[0071] The control device 11 (voting content generation unit 43) generates voting content B (Sb8). Specifically, the control device 11 generates voting content information C including information according to instructions from the creating user Ua, and stores the generated voting content information C in the storage device 12. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the voting content information C includes identification information Bid of the voting content B, identification information Eid of the event to be voted for, identification information Uid of the creating user Ua, and multiple pieces of information related to the content of the voting content B (creation amount Pa, voting amount Pb, target multiplier Q, payout multiplier R, evaluation condition Z, voting deadline T). As described above, the evaluation condition Z includes the creation condition Za specified by the creating user Ua and the voting condition Zb set according to the creation condition Za.

[0072] Among the information included in the voting content information C, the identification information Bid of the voting content B is, for example, a code sequence uniquely set by the control device 11 according to a predetermined rule. The identification information Eid is information included in the generation instruction (Sb3) received from the terminal device 30a. The identification information Uid of the creating user Ua is information included in the start request (Sb1) received from the terminal device 30a. The creation amount Pa, the voting amount Pb, the target multiplier Q, and the payout multiplier R are information set in accordance with instructions from the creating user Ua, as described above. The voting deadline T is set to, for example, the start date and time indicated by the date and time information M2 included in the holding information M of the voting target event. At the stage of creating the voting content B, the identification information Uid of the voting user Ub in the voting content information C is set to information indicating that it is undecided.

[0073] The generation process exemplified above is repeated to generate multiple voting contents B. Specifically, multiple voting contents B corresponding to different voting events, or multiple voting contents B with different contents (e.g., creation amount Pa, voting amount Pb, target multiplier Q, payout multiplier R, evaluation condition Z) for a common voting event are generated.

[0074] 11 is a flowchart of the process for voting for voting content B (hereinafter referred to as "voting process"). When a predetermined operation on the operation device 32 is received from the voting user Ub, the terminal device 30b transmits a start request to the information processing system 10 (Sc1). When the communication device 13 receives the start request (Sd1), the control device 11 displays the voting screen Gb on the display device 31 of the requesting terminal device 30b (Sd2, Sc2). Specifically, image data of the voting screen Gb is transmitted from the information processing system 10 to the terminal device 30b, whereby the voting screen Gb is displayed on the display device 31. The control device 11 may also transmit data representing a command to display the voting screen Gb to the terminal device 30b.

[0075] 12 is a schematic diagram of the voting screen Gb. The voting screen Gb is a list in which multiple generated voting contents B are arranged as candidates for voting by the voting user Ub. The control device 11 of the information processing system 10 transmits multiple pieces of voting content information C stored in the storage device 12 to the terminal device 30b, thereby causing the display device 31 to display the voting screen Gb. For example, voting contents B for which the voting deadline T has not yet arrived and which have not yet been voted for are displayed on the voting screen Gb.

[0076] The voting screen Gb includes multiple voting contents B for which the voting target event is different, and multiple voting contents B for which the voting target event is the same but the content is different. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the voting content B includes target event information E, creator information N, voting conditions Zb, payout ratio R, voting amount Pb, and voting button Ob. The voting user Ub considers the desired voting content B for which he or she should vote by referring to each voting content B on the voting screen Gb. For example, the voting user Ub considers information such as the voting conditions Zb, payout ratio R, and voting amount Pb when considering the desired voting content B.

[0077] After searching for the desired voting content B on the voting screen Gb, the voting user Ub operates the voting button Ob using the operation device 32. Operating the voting button Ob corresponding to each voting content B means selecting the voting content B. When the selection of the voting content B is accepted from the voting user Ub (Sc3), the terminal device 30b transmits a voting instruction to the information processing system 10 (Sc4). The voting instruction includes identification information Bid of the voting content B selected by the voting user Ub and identification information Uid of the voting user Ub.

[0078] The control device 11 (vote acceptance unit 44) of the information processing system 10 receives the voting instruction via the communication device 13 (Sd3). That is, the control device 11 accepts a vote from the voting user Ub for voting content B. The control device 11 (vote acceptance unit 44) reflects the vote by the voting user Ub in the voting content B (Sd4). Specifically, the control device 11 registers the identification information Uid of the voting user Ub, which is included in the voting instruction, in the voting content information C of the voting content B selected by the voting user Ub from among multiple pieces of voting content information C stored in the storage device 12. Through the above process, the vote by the voting user Ub is accepted.

[0079] Furthermore, upon receiving the vote from the voting user Ub, the control device 11 subtracts the creation amount Pa from the number of points P held by the creating user Ua of the voting content B (Sd5), and subtracts the voting amount Pb from the number of points P held by the voting user Ub (Sd6). In other words, the creation of the voting content B and the voting are established, and the use of the creation amount Pa by the creating user Ua and the use of the voting amount Pb by the voting user Ub are confirmed. Note that the timing of the processes (Sd5, Sd6) for settling the creation amount Pa and the voting amount Pb may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the settlement of the creation amount Pa (Sd5) may be performed at the stage of generating the voting content B. Specifically, after the creation amount Pa is set (Sb4) in the generation process (FIG. 9) described above, the creation amount Pa may be subtracted from the number of points P held by the creating user Ua.

[0080] 13 is a flowchart of the process of awarding a reward to the winner of voting content B (hereinafter referred to as "reward process"). The reward process is executed for voting target events whose ending date and time indicated by date and time information M2 in event information M has passed. The reward process is executed for each voting content B.

[0081] When the reward process starts, the control device 11 acquires event information M related to the voting target event of voting content B from the management system 20 (Se1). The control device 11 determines whether the evaluation condition Z of voting content B is met by referring to the status information M3 of the event information M (Se2). Specifically, the control device 11 determines whether the creation condition Za or the voting condition Zb is met.

[0082] The control device 11 determines whether the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub win or lose depending on whether the evaluation condition Z is met (Se3). Specifically, if the creating condition Za is met, the control device 11 determines the creating user Ua as the winner and the voting user Ub as the loser. On the other hand, if the voting condition Zb is met, the control device 11 determines the voting user Ub as the winner and the creating user Ua as the loser.

[0083] The control device 11 may also determine that neither the creation condition Za nor the voting condition Zb is met. For example, if the event to be voted on is canceled due to bad weather or other circumstances, neither the creation condition Za nor the voting condition Zb is met. If neither the creation condition Za nor the voting condition Zb is met, the winner of the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub is not determined.

[0084] Furthermore, when multiple evaluation conditions Z are set for voting content B, the control device 11 determines the creating user Ua as the winner if all of the creating conditions Za are met, and determines the voting user Ub as the winner if all of the voting conditions Zb are met. If some of the creating conditions Za and some of the voting conditions Zb are met, the winner is not determined for the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub.

[0085] The control device 11 (value granting unit 45) grants points to the winner of voting content B (Se4, Se5). Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the grant amount Pw by calculating the above-mentioned formula (1) or formula (2) (Se4). That is, the grant amount Pw is calculated according to the creation amount Pa or voting amount Pb and the payout multiplier R. The control device 11 adds the grant amount Pw to the number of points P held by the winner (Se5). Note that the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub can use the terminal device 30 to check the results of voting content B and the increase or decrease in their own number of points P.

[0086] If the winner is not determined between the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub, the control device 11 (value assigning unit 45) returns the created amount Pa to the creating user Ua and the voted amount Pb to the voting user Ub. That is, the created amount Pa is added to the number of points P held by the creating user Ua, and the voted amount Pb is added to the number of points P held by the voting user Ub.

[0087] As described above, in the first embodiment, voting content B including a payout multiplier R set in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua is generated, and points of an award amount Pw according to the payout multiplier R are awarded to the creating user Ua or the voting user Ub depending on whether the evaluation condition Z is met. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the payout multiplier R is automatically set according to a predetermined rule, interest in the voting content B due to the bargaining between the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub can be improved. For example, the creating user Ua is given an interest in considering voting content B whose content will increase the voting user Ub's motivation to vote, and the voting user Ub is given an interest in searching for voting content B with a high possibility of earning points of the award amount Pw.

[0088] In particular, in the first embodiment, the creation amount Pa of the voting content B is set in accordance with an instruction from the creating user Ua in addition to the payout multiplier R. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the creating user Ua can set only the payout multiplier R, the voting content B can be generated in accordance with the intention of the creating user Ua.

[0089] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, elements that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] The control device 11 (display control unit 41) of the second embodiment displays a confirmation screen Gc on the terminal device 30a of the creating user Ua in addition to the creation screen Ga. The confirmation screen Gc is an image that allows the creating user Ua to confirm the details of the voting content B that he or she has created. When an operation of the creation button Oa2 by the creating user Ua is accepted (Sa5: YES), the confirmation screen Gc is displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal device 30a.

[0091] 14 is a schematic diagram of the confirmation screen Gc. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the confirmation screen Gc includes voting content B, a confirmation message Oc1, a change button Oc2, and a confirm button Oc3. The voting content B on the confirmation screen Gc is provisional content that reflects instructions given by the creating user Ua to the creation screen Ga up to the present time. Specifically, the voting content B includes target event information E, creator information N, voting conditions Zb, payout ratio R, and voting amount Pb.

[0092] The creating user Ua can confirm his / her voting content B, which is presented to the voting user Ub, on the confirmation screen Gc. For example, on the creation screen Ga, the creating user Ua specifies a target multiplier Q, whereas what is actually displayed on the voting content B is the payout multiplier R corresponding to the target multiplier Q. On the confirmation screen Gc, the creating user Ua can confirm the payout multiplier R corresponding to the target multiplier Q that he / she specified on the creation screen Ga. Also, on the creation screen Ga, the creating user Ua specifies a creation amount Pa, whereas what is actually displayed on the voting content B is the voting amount Pb corresponding to the creation amount Pa. On the confirmation screen Gc, the creating user Ua can confirm the voting amount Pb corresponding to the creation amount Pa that he / she specified on the creation screen Ga.

[0093] Furthermore, the creating user Ua cannot directly confirm the granted amount Pw on the creation screen Ga. The confirmation message Oc1 in Fig. 14 is a message notifying the creating user Ua of the granted amount Pw. The creating user Ua can confirm the granted amount Pw, which corresponds to the creation amount Pa and the target multiplier Q (payout multiplier R) that the creating user Ua has specified, on the confirmation screen Gc.

[0094] The creating user Ua checks the confirmation screen Gc to see if there are any discrepancies in the voting content B. If there is a discrepancy between the voting content B and the creating user Ua's recognition, the creating user Ua operates the change button Oc2. When the change button Oc2 is operated, the display on the display device 31 transitions from the confirmation screen Gc to the creation screen Ga. In other words, the creating user Ua can change the current voting content B.

[0095] On the other hand, if there is no discrepancy in the voting content B, the creating user Ua operates the confirm button Oc3. When the confirm button Oc3 is operated, the terminal device 30a transmits a generation instruction to the information processing system 10 (Sa6). The control device 11 of the information processing system 10 generates the voting content B in response to the generation instruction (Sb3 to Sb8), as in the first embodiment.

[0096] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In particular, in the second embodiment, a confirmation screen Gc is displayed before the voting content B is finalized. Therefore, the creating user Ua can check whether there is any discrepancy in the content of the voting content B. With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that voting content B that deviates from the creating user Ua's understanding will be created. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the control device 11 and the usage of the storage device 12.

[0097] [Third embodiment] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the voting user Ub uses the entire amount of the voting amount Pb (Equation (3)) corresponding to the creation amount Pa and the target multiplier Q. In the third embodiment, the voting user Ub can use points corresponding to a part of a specific range (hereinafter referred to as the "voting range") corresponding to the creation amount Pa as the voting amount Pb.

[0098] The voting range is a numerical range in which the maximum value Pmax is a value according to the creation amount Pa. Specifically, the maximum value Pmax is set according to the creation amount Pa and the target magnification Q. For example, the maximum value Pmax is expressed by the following formula (5). Pmax=(Q-1)·Pa (5) As can be seen from equation (5), the maximum value Pmax of the voting range in the third embodiment corresponds to the voting amount Pb in the first embodiment. In other words, the shortfall of the creation amount Pa with respect to the grant amount Pw, which is the product of the creation amount Pa and the target magnification Q, is the maximum value Pmax.

[0099] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of the voting screen Gb in the third embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 15, the voting screen Gb in the third embodiment displays a maximum value Pmax of the voting range instead of the voting amount Pb in the first embodiment. Specifically, the voting range "(maximum value Pmax) or less" is displayed on the voting button Ob.

[0100] When the voting user Ub operates the voting button Ob corresponding to the desired voting content B, the display device 31 displays the voting amount input screen Gd. The voting amount input screen Gd is a screen on which the voting user Ub inputs the voting amount Pb. By operating the operation device 32, the voting user Ub can input a numerical value within a voting range as the voting amount Pb into the voting amount input screen Gd. Specifically, the voting user Ub can specify the maximum value Pmax of the voting range as the voting amount Pb, or can specify a positive number below the maximum value Pmax as the voting amount Pb. When the voting amount Pb is input, the terminal device 30b transmits a voting instruction to the information processing system 10 (Sc4). The voting instruction includes the voting amount Pb input by the voting user Ub into the voting amount input screen Gd.

[0101] The control device 11 (voting reception unit 44) of the information processing system 10 receives a voting instruction via the communication device 13 (Sd3). As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 11 of the third embodiment accepts a vote for voting content B by setting a variable value according to an instruction from the voting user Ub as the voting amount Pb within the voting range corresponding to the creation amount Pa.

[0102] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the creation amount Pa, the voting amount Pb, and the award amount Pw in the third embodiment. In FIG. 16, voting content B is assumed, where the creation amount Pa is 1000 and the target multiplier Q is 3. The initial award amount Pw is 3000 (Pw=Q·Pa). Therefore, as shown in the above-mentioned formula (5), the maximum value Pmax of the voting range is 2000. The payout multiplier R is 1.5.

[0103] As shown in the example of Figure 16, assume that voting user Ub votes for voting content B with a voting amount Pb of 500, which is less than the maximum value Pmax. The ratio α (α = Pb / Pmax) of the voting amount Pb to the maximum value Pmax is 1 / 4. In the above state, the control device 11 (creation amount setting unit 421) sets the value (α·Pa) obtained by multiplying the initial creation amount Pa by the ratio α as the updated creation amount Pa. Specifically, the updated creation amount Pa in the situation of Figure 16 is 250 (= 1000 × 1 / 4).

[0104] The control device 11 (value granting unit 45) of the third embodiment calculates the grant amount Pw by summing the betting amount Pb and the updated creation amount Pa (Se4). For example, the updated grant amount Pw in the situation of FIG. 16 is 750. As described above, the control device 11 of the third embodiment sets the grant amount Pw to be granted to the winner according to the creation amount Pa in accordance with the instruction from the creating user Ua and the ratio α of the betting amount Pb to the betting range. Note that the target multiplier Q and the payout multiplier R do not change before and after the update of the creation amount Pa.

[0105] As described above, the updated creation amount Pa is part of the initial creation amount Pa of voting content B. Therefore, the control device 11 returns the difference between the initial creation amount Pa and the updated creation amount Pa to the creating user Ua. Specifically, after the reward process is completed, the control device 11 adds the difference between the initial creation amount Pa and the updated creation amount Pa to the number of points P held by the creating user Ua.

[0106] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In particular, in the third embodiment, a variable value according to an instruction from the voting user Ub within the voting range is set as the voting amount Pb, and votes for voting content B are accepted. That is, the voting user Ub can use a voting amount Pb equivalent to the entire voting range, as well as a voting amount Pb equivalent to a part of the voting range. Therefore, compared to a form in which only votes with a voting amount Pb equal to the entire voting range are allowed, the voting user Ub has more freedom to determine the voting amount Pb, which ultimately encourages voting for voting content B. The configuration of the second embodiment is also applicable to the third embodiment.

[0107] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the creation screen Ga in the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the creation screen Ga in the fourth embodiment includes an operation area Oa15 in addition to the same elements (Oa11 to Oa14, Oa2) as in the first embodiment. The operation area Oa15 is a checkbox for the creating user Ua to specify whether or not to allow a vote in which a portion of the voting range is the voting amount Pb (hereinafter referred to as a "partial vote"). The creating user Ua can select whether or not to allow a partial vote (allow / prohibit) by operating the operation area Oa15 using the operation device 32 of the terminal device 30a.

[0108] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of voting content information C in the fourth embodiment. The voting content information C in the fourth embodiment includes setting information A in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5. The setting information A is information (e.g., a flag) indicating whether partial voting is permitted.

[0109] 19 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an information processing system 10 in the fourth embodiment. The control device 11 in the fourth embodiment functions as a voting propriety setting unit 46 in addition to the same elements as those in the first embodiment (a display control unit 41, an information setting unit 42, a voting content generation unit 43, a voting acceptance unit 44, and a value assignment unit 45). The voting propriety setting unit 46 may be understood as an element constituting the information setting unit 42.

[0110] The voting permission setting unit 46 sets whether or not partial voting is permitted (permitted / prohibited) in accordance with an instruction from the creating user Ua on the creation screen Ga. Specifically, the voting permission setting unit 46 sets setting information A in accordance with an instruction from the creating user Ua.

[0111] 20 is a schematic diagram of the voting screen Gb in the fourth embodiment. The voting screen Gb in the fourth embodiment displays multiple voting contents B, including voting contents By and voting contents Bn. Each voting content By is a voting content B for which partial voting is permitted, and each voting content Bn is a voting content B for which partial voting is prohibited.

[0112] For voting content By for which setting information A indicates that partial voting is permitted, a voting range is displayed. Specifically, the voting range "(maximum value Pmax) or less" is displayed. A voting user Ub who selects voting content By votes for the voting content By in exchange for using a desired voting amount Pb within the voting range, as illustrated in the third embodiment. Therefore, the control device 11 (voting acceptance unit 44) of the information processing system 10 accepts votes in which the voting amount Pb is part or all of the voting range.

[0113] On the other hand, a fixed voting amount Pb is displayed for voting content Bn for which the setting information A indicates that partial voting is prohibited. A voting user Ub who selects voting content Bn votes for the voting content Bn in exchange for using the voting amount Pb. Therefore, the control device 11 (voting acceptance unit 44) of the information processing system 10 accepts votes that use the voting amount Pb. In other words, the control device 11 only accepts votes in which the entire voting range is the voting amount Pb.

[0114] The fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and third embodiments. In particular, in the fourth embodiment, whether partial voting is permitted or not is set according to instructions from the creating user Ua. Therefore, voting content B can be generated in accordance with the intentions of the creating user Ua. For example, the creating user Ua can select whether to prioritize encouraging voting for voting content B by allowing voting with a voting amount Pb that is part of the voting range, or to prioritize securing the target grant amount Pw by allowing only voting using a fixed voting amount Pb.

[0115] [Fifth embodiment] In the third embodiment, it is assumed that one voting user Ub performs a partial vote for voting content B. In the fifth embodiment, multiple voting users Ub can perform partial votes within the voting range of voting content B.

[0116] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the creation amount Pa, the voting amount Pb, and the grant amount Pw in the fifth embodiment. The control device 11 (vote receiving unit 44) in the fifth embodiment accepts votes from multiple voting users Ub within a range in which the total value ΣPb of the voting amounts Pb is within the voting range. In FIG. 21, it is assumed that, as in the third embodiment, the creation amount Pa is 1000 and the target multiplier Q is 3 (hence, the initial grant amount Pw is 3000) for voting content B, in which voting user Ub1 votes with a voting amount Pb1 of 500, and voting user Ub2 votes with a voting amount Pb2 of 1000. When the voting amounts Pb used by one or more voting users Ub reach the maximum value Pmax of the voting range, the control device 11 (vote receiving unit 44) will not accept any more votes for voting content B.

[0117] As in the third embodiment, the control device 11 (amount to be created setting unit 421) multiplies the initial amount to be created Pa by the ratio α to set the value (α·Pa) as the updated amount to be created Pa. The ratio α in the fifth embodiment is the ratio of the total value ΣPb of the voting amounts Pb to the maximum value Pmax of the voting range (α=ΣPb / Pmax). The total value ΣPb in Figure 21 is 1500 (ΣPb=Pb1+Pb2).

[0118] Furthermore, the control device 11 (value imparting unit 45) of the fifth embodiment calculates the imparted amount Pw by summing the total value ΣPb of the voting amounts Pb and the updated created amount Pa (Se4). As in the third embodiment, the control device 11 returns the difference between the initial created amount Pa and the updated created amount Pa to the creating user Ua.

[0119] The fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and third embodiments. The fifth embodiment has the particular advantage that it is possible to encourage voting for voting content B by accepting votes with a voting amount Pb that is part of the voting range, and that it is easy to secure the target grant amount Pw (Pw = Q·Pa) by accepting votes from multiple voting users Ub. In other words, it is possible to both encourage voting for voting content B and secure the target grant amount Pw. By securing the target grant amount Pw, it is also expected that there will be an effect of encouraging the creation of voting content B by a large number of creating users Ua.

[0120] [Sixth embodiment] Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 22 assumes a situation in which voting content B1 was previously generated in response to an instruction from a creating user Ua1, and another creating user Ua2 instructs the creation of voting content B2. Note that voting content B1 is an example of a "first voting content," and voting content B2 is an example of a "second voting content."

[0121] The conditions of the voting content B2 (e.g., the voting target event, the voting amount Pb, and the payout ratio R) may be the same as the conditions of the existing voting content B1. Also, the creation conditions Za of the voting content B2 may be the same as the voting conditions Zb of the existing voting content B1. In the above cases, in the sixth embodiment, an instruction from the creating user Ua2 to create the voting content B2 is accepted as a vote for the voting content B1. That is, the creating user Ua2 is regarded as a voting user Ub who votes for the voting content B1. A bet on the voting target event is established between the creating user Ua1 and the voting user Ub (creating user Ua2).

[0122] Figure 23 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 11 of the sixth embodiment. The process of Figure 23 starts when the communication device 13 receives a generation instruction sent from the terminal device 30a (Sb3). As described above, the generation instruction is information representing an instruction from the creating user Ua2 to create voting content B2. Specifically, the generation instruction includes identification information Eid of the event to be voted for, the creation condition Za, the creation amount Pa, and the target multiplier Q.

[0123] 23 starts, the control device 11 (vote receiving unit 44) determines whether or not there is a voting content B1 that has a predetermined relationship (hereinafter referred to as a "corresponding relationship") with the voting content B2 indicated by the current generation instruction among the multiple voting contents B stored in the storage device 12 (Sf1). The corresponding relationship is, for example, a relationship in which the voting target event, voting amount Pb, and payout ratio R are common between the voting contents B1 and B2, and the creation condition Za of the voting content B2 is common to the voting condition Zb of the voting content B1.

[0124] If there is an existing voting content B1 that corresponds to the voting content B2 (Sf1: YES), the control device 11 (vote accepting unit 44) accepts the instruction to generate the voting content B2 as a voting instruction for the voting content B1 (Sf2). That is, the creating user Ua2 who instructed the generation of the voting content B2 is regarded as the voting user Ub who will vote for the voting content B1. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the creation amount Pa instructed by the creating user Ua2 for the voting content B2 as the voting amount Pb for the vote of the voting content B1 (Sf3). Then, the control device 11 subtracts the creation amount Pa from the number of points P held by the creating user Ua for the voting content B1 (Sf4), and subtracts the voting amount Pb from the number of points P held by the voting user Ub (Sf5). That is, the use of the creation amount Pa by the creating user Ua1 and the use of the voting amount Pb by the voting user Ub (creating user Ua2) are confirmed.

[0125] On the other hand, if there is no voting content B1 that corresponds to the voting content B2 (Sf1: NO), the control device 11 (voting content generation unit) generates voting content B2 in accordance with instructions from the creating user Ua2, separately from the existing multiple voting contents B (Sb3 to Sb8).

[0126] The sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In particular, in the sixth embodiment, an instruction to create voting content B2 is accepted as a vote for existing voting content B1. That is, by regarding the creating user Ua2 of voting content B2 as the voting user Ub of voting content B1, the creation and voting of voting content B1 is established. Therefore, the possibility of a large number of voting contents B with the same content being created can be reduced. Furthermore, since the opportunities to vote for voting content B are increased, the possibility that no one will vote for the generated voting content B is reduced, which ultimately promotes the creation of voting content B.

[0127] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the creation amount Pa for generating the voting content B2 is regarded as the voting amount Pb for the voting content B1. Therefore, the user Ua2 who created the voting content B2 can use the creation amount Pa that was intended to be used for creating the voting content B2 for voting the voting content B1 without needing to take any steps such as changing the creation amount Pa.

[0128] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, when the voting target event of voting content B1 and the voting target event of voting content B2 are common, and the voting condition Zb of voting content B1 and the creation condition Za of voting content B2 are common, an instruction to generate voting content B2 is regarded as a vote for voting content B1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an excessive number of voting contents B related to the evaluation condition Z for one voting target event will be created. Furthermore, the creating user Ua2 who intends to create voting content B2 can achieve the intended purpose of creating voting content B2 by voting for voting content B2. Note that the configurations of the second to fifth embodiments are also applied to the sixth embodiment.

[0129] In the above explanation, the correspondence between voting content B1 and voting content B2 is exemplified by the relationship in which the conditions (e.g., the voting target event, evaluation condition Z, voting amount Pb, and payout multiplier R) are common, but the correspondence between voting content B1 and voting content B2 is not limited to the above example.

[0130] For example, the correspondence may be a relationship in which the conditions of the voting content B2 are more advantageous for the winner than the conditions of the voting content B1. Examples of the correspondence include a relationship in which the payout ratio R of the voting content B2 exceeds the payout ratio R of the voting content B1, or a relationship in which the creation condition Za of the voting content B2 encompasses the voting condition Zb of the voting content B1. An example of a relationship in which the creation condition Za of the voting content B2 encompasses the voting condition Zb of the voting content B1 is a relationship in which the creation condition Za of the voting content B2 is the condition that "the score difference is 3 points or less," and the voting condition Zb of the voting content B1 is the condition that "the score difference is 5 points or less." As illustrated above, an example of a correspondence between the voting content B1 and the voting content B2 is that the evaluation condition Z of the voting content B1 and the evaluation condition Z of the voting content B2 are mutually related. Another example of a correspondence is a relationship in which there are no elements that make the conditions of the voting content B2 less advantageous than those of the voting content B1, as illustrated above.

[0131] Furthermore, when a correspondence relationship is established between the voting content B1 and the voting content B2, the instruction to create the voting content B2 may be regarded as a vote for the voting content B1, provided that approval is given by the creating user Ua2. For example, when there is an existing voting content B1 that corresponds to the voting content B2 (Sf1: YES), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) causes the display device 31 of the terminal device 30a of the creating user Ua2 to display the confirmation screen Ge of Fig. 24.

[0132] The confirmation screen Ge is a screen that allows the creating user Ua2 to select whether or not to regard the creating instruction from the creating user Ua2 as a vote for the existing voting content B1, and includes an affirmative button Oe1 and a negative button Oe2. The creating user Ua2 can select either the affirmative button Oe1 or the negative button Oe2 by operating the operation device 32. When the control device 11 receives the operation of the affirmative button Oe1, it accepts the instruction to generate the voting content B2 as a voting instruction for the voting content B1. On the other hand, when the control device 11 receives the operation of the negative button Oe2, it generates the voting content B2 according to the instruction from the creating user Ua2 separately from the previously generated voting content B.

[0133] [Seventh embodiment] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 25, a situation is assumed in which voting content B1 (creation amount Pa) was previously created in response to an instruction from a creating user Ua1. A specific user U (hereinafter referred to as an "assistant user Uc") can issue an instruction (hereinafter referred to as an "addition instruction") to add an additional creation amount Pa to existing voting content B1. The addition instruction includes specifying the number of points (hereinafter referred to as an "additional amount Pc") to be added to the creation amount Pa. In response to the addition instruction from the assistant user Uc, the creation amount Pa of voting content B1 is updated to the sum (Pa + Pc) of the initial creation amount Pa and the additional amount Pc. In other words, the assistant user Uc is a user U who assists the creating user Ua in creating voting content B. Note that each of the multiple users U can be any of the creating user Ua, voting user Ub, and assistant user Uc.

[0134] 26 is a schematic diagram of the voting screen Gb in the seventh embodiment. The voting screen Gb in the seventh embodiment displays a voting button Ob and an add button Ob1 for each voting content B. The voting user Ub operates the voting button Ob for the desired voting content B, as in the first embodiment.

[0135] Furthermore, the assistant user Uc searches for the desired voting content B on the voting screen Gb and operates the add button Ob1 for the voting content B using the operation device 32. When the operation of the add button Ob1 is accepted, the display device 31 displays the additional amount input screen Gf on the display device 31. The additional amount input screen Gf is a screen on which the assistant user Uc indicates the additional amount Pc. The assistant user Uc can input a numerical value within a predetermined range as the additional amount Pc into the additional amount input screen Gf.

[0136] Fig. 27 is a flowchart of the process (hereinafter referred to as "addition process") of adding the creation amount Pa for existing voting content B. By the same procedure as the voting process described above (Fig. 11), the voting screen Gb of Fig. 26 is displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal device 30c of the auxiliary user Uc (Sg1, Sg2, Sh1, Sh2).

[0137] After searching for the desired voting content B on the voting screen Gb, the assistant user Uc operates the add button Ob1 using the operation device 32 to input the desired additional amount Pc into the additional amount input screen Gf. When the instruction of the additional amount Pc is received from the assistant user Uc (Sg3), the terminal device 30c transmits an additional instruction to the information processing system 10 (Sg4). The additional instruction includes the identification information Bid of the voting content B selected by the assistant user Uc, the identification information Uid of the assistant user Uc, and the additional amount Pc specified by the assistant user Uc.

[0138] The control device 11 (voting content generation unit 43) of the information processing system 10 receives the addition instruction via the communication device 13 (Sh3). That is, the control device 11 accepts the addition of the creation amount Pa for the voting content B. Specifically, the control device 11 updates the creation amount Pa registered in the voting content information C to the sum of the creation amount Pa and the additional amount Pc (Sh4), and adds the identification information Uid of the auxiliary user Uc to the voting content information C (Sh5).

[0139] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of part of the voting process in the seventh embodiment. Upon receiving a vote from the voting user Ub (Sd3, Sd4), the control device 11 of the information processing system 10 executes, as in the first embodiment, a process of subtracting the creation amount Pa from the number of points P held by the creating user Ua (Sd5) and a process of subtracting the voting amount Pb from the number of points P held by the voting user Ub (Sd6). The control device 11 of the seventh embodiment further subtracts an additional amount Pc from the number of points P held by the assistant user Uc (Sd7). As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 11 (voting content generation unit 43) accepts an addition to the creation amount Pa (additional amount Pc) in exchange for the assistant user Uc using points of the additional amount Pc. The state in which the additional amount Pc is added to the initial creation amount Pa can also be expressed as a state in which the voting content B is shared by the creating user Ua and the assistant user Uc.

[0140] Furthermore, if the creation condition Za is met (Se2) in the reward process (FIG. 13), the control device 11 determines the creating user Ua and the assistant user Uc as the winners, and the voting user Ub as the loser (Se3). Therefore, the control device 11 (value granting unit 45) grants points of the grant amount Pw to the creating user Ua and the assistant user Uc (Se4, Se5). On the other hand, if the voting condition Zb is met (Se2) in the reward process, the control device 11 determines the voting user Ub as the winner, and the creating user Ua and the assistant user Uc as the losers (Se3). That is, in the seventh embodiment, points of the grant amount Pw are granted to the pair of the creating user Ua and the assistant user Uc, or to the voting user Ub.

[0141] Specifically, the control device 11 adds the amount of the granted amount Pw apportioned according to the ratio (βa, βc) between the created amount Pa and the additional amount Pc to the number of points P held by each of the creating user Ua and the assistant user Uc. For example, the amount obtained by multiplying the granted amount Pw by the ratio βa is added to the number of points P held by the creating user Ua. The ratio βa is the ratio of the created amount Pa to the total value of the created amount Pa and the additional amount Pc (βa = Pa / (Pa + Pc)). On the other hand, the amount obtained by multiplying the granted amount Pw by the ratio βc is added to the number of points P held by the assistant user Uc. The ratio βc is the ratio of the additional amount Pc to the total value of the created amount Pa and the additional amount Pc (βc = Pc / (Pa + Pc)).

[0142] The seventh embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In particular, in the seventh embodiment, the creation amount Pa of the voting content B is added in response to an instruction from an auxiliary user Uc other than the creating user Ua. Therefore, compared to a mode in which each user U is only allowed to generate the voting content B independently, the workload of each user U in creating the voting content B can be reduced. Furthermore, because the creation amount Pa is added to the existing voting content B created by the creating user Ua, the possibility of an excessively large number of voting contents B being created can be reduced.

[0143] In the above explanation, an example has been given in which one auxiliary user Uc uses the additional amount Pc only once, but multiple auxiliary users Uc may use the additional amount Pc, or one auxiliary user Uc may use the additional amount Pc multiple times. The configurations of the second to sixth embodiments are also similarly applied to the seventh embodiment.

[0144] [Eighth embodiment] 29 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 in the eighth embodiment. The control device 11 in the eighth embodiment functions as a disclosure range setting unit 47 in addition to the same elements as those in the first embodiment (a display control unit 41, an information setting unit 42, a voting content generation unit 43, a vote acceptance unit 44, and a value assignment unit 45). The disclosure range setting unit 47 may be understood as an element constituting the information setting unit 42.

[0145] The disclosure range setting unit 47 sets the disclosure range of the voting content B. The disclosure range is a condition for users U for whom the voting content B is presented as a voting target. Specifically, the disclosure range setting unit 47 sets the disclosure range of the voting content B in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua.

[0146] for example, (1) User U, who was previously registered as a contact by the creating user Ua, (2) A user U who has an exchange relationship (e.g., a following relationship or a follower relationship) with the creator user Ua on a social networking service (SNS), (3) User U with attributes specified by creating user Ua, (4) Unrestricted disclosure The creating user Ua can select the disclosure range from a plurality of options including: Note that the attributes of the user U are, for example, age, generation, sex, nationality, place of residence, occupation, hometown, or hobbies.

[0147] In the voting process (FIG. 11), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) of the information processing system 10 displays, as a voting screen Gb, a list of voting contents B that include the voting user Ub in the disclosure range among the multiple voting contents B stored in the storage device 12 on the display device 31 of the terminal device 30b (Sd2). That is, the users U for whom each voting content B is presented as a voting candidate are limited to the users U within the disclosure range set for the voting content B.

[0148] The eighth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In particular, in the eighth embodiment, the disclosure range of the voting content B is set according to instructions from the creating user Ua. Therefore, the voting content B can be used in a manner that meets the intentions of the creating user Ua. Note that the configurations of the second to seventh embodiments are also applicable to the eighth embodiment.

[0149] [Ninth embodiment] 30 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment. The control device 11 according to the ninth embodiment functions as a disclosure setting unit 48 in addition to the same elements as those in the first embodiment (a display control unit 41, an information setting unit 42, a voting content generation unit 43, a vote acceptance unit 44, and a value assignment unit 45). The disclosure setting unit 48 may be understood as an element constituting the information setting unit 42.

[0150] As described above with reference to Fig. 2, the voting content B in the first embodiment includes creator information N related to the creating user Ua. The disclosure setting unit 48 in Fig. 30 sets whether to disclose the creator information N in accordance with an instruction from the creating user Ua. The creating user Ua can instruct on the creation screen Ga whether to permit the effect of the creator information N.

[0151] In the voting process (FIG. 11), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) of the information processing system 10 causes the display device 31 to display an image including the creator information N for voting content B for which disclosure of the creator information N is permitted. On the other hand, the control device 11 causes the display device 31 to display an image not including the creator information N for voting content B for which disclosure of the creator information N is not permitted, as exemplified in FIG.

[0152] The ninth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In particular, in the ninth embodiment, whether or not to disclose the creator information N in the voting content B is set according to an instruction from the creating user Ua. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the personal information of the creating user Ua (creator information N) from being disclosed overly widely. Note that the configurations of the second to eighth embodiments are also applicable to the ninth embodiment.

[0153] In the above explanation, an example has been given in which the presence or absence of creator information N in voting content B is switched in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua, but the presence or absence of creator information N in voting content information C may also be switched in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua. For example, the control device 11 (voting content generation unit 43) generates voting content information C including creator information N when disclosure of creator information N is permitted, and generates voting content information C not including creator information N when disclosure of creator information N is not permitted.

[0154] As illustrated above, the ninth embodiment is comprehensively expressed as a configuration in which whether or not to display creator information N on display device 31 is controlled, and the configuration and method for controlling whether or not to display creator information N are arbitrary.

[0155] [Variations] The above-described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

[0156] (1) In the above-described embodiments, the voting content B is generated and voted for before the start of the event to be voted for, but the timing of generating or voting for the voting content B is not limited to before the start of the event to be voted for. For example, the voting content B may be generated or voted for within the period from the start to the end of the event to be voted for. According to the above-described embodiments, the creating user Ua can create the voting content B and the voting user Ub can vote for the voting content B while referring to the progress of the event to be voted for.

[0157] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the start date and time of the event to be voted for is set as the voting deadline T. However, the configuration or method for setting the voting deadline T is not limited to the above examples. For example, the voting deadline T may be variably set in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua via the operation device 32 of the terminal device 30a.

[0158] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the evaluation condition Z includes the creation condition Za and the voting condition Zb. However, the distinction between the creation condition Za and the voting condition Zb may be omitted. That is, the evaluation condition Z may consist of a single condition. For example, if the evaluation condition Z is met, the control device 11 may designate the voting user Ub as the winner and award the points of the award amount Pw, and if the evaluation condition Z is not met, the control device 11 may designate the creating user Ua as the winner and award the points of the award amount Pw. Note that the relationship between the success or failure of the evaluation condition Z and the outcome of the voting content B is not limited to the above examples. For example, if the evaluation condition Z is met, the creating user Ua may be awarded the points of the award amount Pw, and if the evaluation condition Z is not met, the voting user Ub may be awarded the points of the award amount Pw.

[0159] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the multiple evaluation conditions Z specified in voting content B are AND conditions, but the relationship between the multiple evaluation conditions Z is not limited to the above examples. For example, the multiple evaluation conditions Z in voting content B may be OR conditions. Either an AND condition or an OR condition may be specified for each evaluation condition Z.

[0160] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, when some of the multiple creation conditions Za and some of the multiple voting conditions Zb are met, the creation amount Pa is returned to the creating user Ua and the voting amount Pb is returned to the voting user Ub. However, when some of the multiple creation conditions Za and some of the multiple voting conditions Zb are met, the grant amount Pw may be apportioned between the creating user Ua and the voting user Ub.

[0161] For example, an evaluation value is set for each creation condition Za and each voting condition Zb according to the possibility of each condition being fulfilled. For example, the lower the possibility of fulfilling a condition, the higher the evaluation value is set. The control device 11 calculates the sum Xa of the evaluation values for some of the creation conditions Za that were actually fulfilled among the multiple creation conditions Za, and the sum Xb of the evaluation values for some of the voting conditions Zb that were actually fulfilled among the multiple voting conditions Zb. The control device 11 (value assigning unit 45) sets weighted values ωa and ωb according to the ratio between the sum Xa and the sum Xb. The weighted value ωa is the ratio of the sum Xa to the sum of the sum Xa and the sum Xb (ωa = Xa / (Xa + Xb)), and the weighted value ωb is the ratio of the sum Xb to the sum of the sum Xa and the sum Xb (ωb = Xb / (Xa + Xb)).

[0162] The control device 11 (value assigning unit 45) allocates the assigned amount Pw proportionally according to the weighted value ωa and the weighted value ωb. Specifically, the control device 11 assigns the multiplied value ωa·Pw of the weighted value ωa and the assigned amount Pw to the creating user Ua, and assigns the multiplied value ωb·Pw of the weighted value ωb and the assigned amount Pw to the voting user Ub. That is, the creating user Ua is assigned a quantity (ωa·Pw) of points corresponding to some of the creation conditions Za that were actually met among the multiple creation conditions Za, and the voting user Ub is assigned a quantity (ωb·Pw) of points corresponding to some of the voting conditions Zb that were actually met among the multiple voting conditions Zb. According to the above embodiment, the more a condition with a low probability of being met is met in the voting target event, the more points are assigned to the user U who predicted that the condition would be met.

[0163] (6) In the above embodiment, the entire sum of the creation amount Pa and the betting amount Pb is awarded to the winner as the award amount Pw, but a portion of the sum of the creation amount Pa and the betting amount Pb may be awarded to the winner as the award amount Pw. For example, a predetermined ratio of the sum of the creation amount Pa and the betting amount Pb may be returned to the administrator of the information processing system 10 as a fee. A portion of the creation amount Pa or the betting amount Pb may be returned to the administrator of the information processing system 10 as a fee.

[0164] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the creation amount Pa and the target multiplier Q are displayed on the creation screen Ga. However, the betting amount Pb and the payout multiplier R may also be displayed on the creation screen Ga. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the creation amount Pa, the betting amount Pb, the target multiplier Q, and the payout multiplier R are displayed on the creation screen Ga. The creating user Ua can specify the values of the creation amount Pa, the betting amount Pb, the target multiplier Q, or the payout multiplier by operating the operation device 32.

[0165] As mentioned above, the creation amount Pa and the voting amount Pb are linked to each other. Therefore, when the creating user Ua changes either the creation amount Pa or the voting amount Pb, the other of the creation amount Pa and the voting amount Pb is also changed in conjunction with it. In addition, the target multiplier Q and the payout multiplier R are linked to each other. Therefore, when the creating user Ua changes either the target multiplier Q or the payout multiplier R, the other of the target multiplier Q and the payout multiplier R is also changed in conjunction with it. By referring to the creation screen Ga in FIG. 32, the creating user Ua can operate the creation screen Ga while checking the relationship between the creation amount Pa and the voting amount Pb, or the relationship between the target multiplier Q and the payout multiplier R at any time.

[0166] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the creating user Ua specifies the creation conditions Za on the creation screen Ga. However, a configuration in which the creating user Ua specifies the voting conditions Zb on the creation screen Ga is also envisioned. For example, the creation screen Ga shown in FIG. 33 is displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal device 30a.

[0167] The creation screen Ga in FIG. 33 includes an operation area Oa16 in addition to the same elements (Oa11 to Oa14, Oa2) as in the first embodiment. The operation area Oa16 is an area for receiving an instruction for the voting conditions Zb from the creating user Ua. Specifically, the operation area Oa16 includes an area Oa161 for receiving a selection of a condition category related to the voting conditions Zb, and an area Oa162 for receiving a selection of detailed conditions belonging to the condition category. The creating user Ua can specify the creation conditions Za by operating the operation area Oa12, and can also specify the voting conditions Zb by operating the operation area Oa16. Note that when the creating user Ua specifies one of the creation conditions Za and the voting conditions Zb, the other of the creation conditions Za and the voting conditions Zb may be automatically updated to the content corresponding to the instruction.

[0168] It is also possible for the creating user Ua to specify only the voting conditions Zb on the creation screen Ga. For example, the operation area Oa12 for receiving the creation conditions Za may be omitted from the creation screen Ga in FIG.

[0169] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the creation amount Pa is set in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua, but it is not essential that the instruction from the creating user Ua be reflected in the creation amount Pa. For example, the creation amount Pa may be a fixed value that is set in advance regardless of the instruction from the creating user Ua.

[0170] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the payout multiplier R (or target multiplier Q) is set in response to an instruction from the creating user Ua. However, it is not essential that the instruction from the creating user Ua be reflected in the payout multiplier R. Specifically, the payout multiplier R (or target multiplier Q) may be a fixed value set in advance regardless of an instruction from the creating user Ua. For example, the control device 11 (payout multiplier setting unit 423) may set the payout multiplier R in response to the voting status for voting content B (e.g., the number of votes or the total voting amount Pb). For example, the greater the number of votes (or the greater the total voting amount Pb), the smaller the payout multiplier R is set to.

[0171] (11) The functions of the information processing system 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 11 and a program stored in the storage device 12. The program according to the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network 200, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0172] [Note] From the above description, for example, the following preferred embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0173] [Appendix 1] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present disclosure includes a payout ratio setting unit (423) that sets a payout ratio (R) in response to an instruction from a creating user (Ua) that creates voting content (B), and a voting content generation unit (43) that generates the voting content (B) including an evaluation condition (Z) that can be established in a voting target event and the payout ratio (R) in exchange for the use of a value medium of a creation amount (Pa) by the creating user (Ua). The system includes a vote acceptance unit (44) that accepts votes from voting users (Ub) for the voting content (B) in exchange for the use of a value medium of the voting amount (Pb) by the voting user (Ub) who votes for the voting content (B), and a value granting unit (45) that grants a value medium of a grant amount (Pw) corresponding to the creation amount (Pa) or the voting amount (Pb) and the payout multiplier (R) to the creating user (Ua) or the voting user (Ub) depending on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met.

[0174] In the above-described embodiment, voting content (B) including a payout ratio (R) set in response to an instruction from the creating user (Ua) is generated, and a value medium of a grant amount (Pw) according to the payout ratio (R) is granted to the creating user (Ua) or the voting user (Ub) depending on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the payout ratio (R) is automatically set according to a predetermined rule, the interest of the voting content (B) due to the bargaining between the creating user (Ua) and the voting user (Ub) can be improved.

[0175] The "creating user (Ua)" and the "voting user (Ub)" are general users (U) who enjoy the services provided by the information processing system (100). Among the many users (U), a user (U) who wishes to create voting content (B) can create voting content (B) in exchange for the use of a value medium of the creation amount (Pa). Also, among the many users (U), a user (U) who wishes to vote for voting content (B) can vote for voting content (B) in exchange for the use of a value medium of the voting amount (Pb).

[0176] "Voting content (B)" is any content that is the subject of voting. For example, voting content (B) is information (such as evaluation conditions (Z) or voting multipliers) that specifies the exchange of a medium of value that can occur between multiple users (U). Also, "voting" means involvement in voting content (B). For example, a "voting" is an expression of intent to accept the exchange (receiving or receiving) of a medium of value specified by voting content (B).

[0177] A "voting event" is any event that is the subject of voting content (B). Examples of "voting events" include sporting events related to sports, gaming events such as e-sports, social events such as elections, entertainment events such as movies or music, gaming events such as shogi or chess, and any other event regardless of purpose or participants. A collection of multiple events may also be considered a "voting event." For example, an entire league tournament including multiple matches held at different dates and times is an example of a "voting event."

[0178] The "evaluation condition (Z)" is any condition related to the event to be voted on. Examples of the "evaluation condition (Z)" include the result (e.g., win or loss) of a sporting event or game event, the win or loss of a social event such as an election, and the award recipients or box office results of a movie, music, or other event. Note that the "evaluation condition (Z)" is not limited to a condition related to the final result of the event to be voted on. For example, a condition related to the progress of the event to be voted on can also be considered as the "evaluation condition (Z)." For example, the number of occurrences of a specific situation in a sporting event (e.g., a penalty kick in soccer or a home run in baseball) is also an example of the evaluation condition (Z). Also, a condition related to the participants, such as the players or Most Valuable Player (MVP) in various sporting events, is an example of the "evaluation condition (Z)." Note that the "evaluation condition (Z)" may be set according to instructions from the creating user (Ua) or may be set fixedly in advance.

[0179] The "dividend multiplier (R)" is a parameter for determining the quantity of the value medium (amount granted (Pw)). The "dividend multiplier (R)" is set in response to instructions from the creating user (Ua). For example, the creating user (Ua) may directly specify the value of the dividend multiplier (R), the creating user (Ua) may select one of multiple candidate values for the dividend multiplier (R), or the dividend multiplier (R) may be set by a predetermined calculation of various parameters in response to instructions from the creating user (Ua).

[0180] A "value medium" is a value exchanged between multiple users (U). For example, any type of value that can be exchanged for goods or services is an example of a "value medium." In addition to value that can be directly exchanged for goods or services, "value medium" also includes value that is consumed to receive benefits such as discounts, or value that can be exchanged for other types of value medium. A "value medium" may be dedicated to generating or voting for voting content (B), or may be used for general purposes other than voting content (B).

[0181] A typical example of a "value medium" is points used for various services. Currency (money), such as physical currency or electronic currency, is also an example of a "value medium."

[0182] "In exchange for the use of the value medium of the created amount (Pa)" means that the use of the value medium of the created amount (Pa) is required. Note that the time when the value medium (the created amount (Pa)) is actually used (for example, the time when the created amount (Pa) is withdrawn from the creating user's (Ua's) management account) may be either before or after the generation of the voting content (B), or either before or after the voting user (Ub) votes. Furthermore, the condition for generating the voting content (B) is not limited to "the use of the value medium of the created amount (Pa)." For example, the voting content (B) may be generated on the condition that other conditions are met in addition to the use of the value medium of the created amount (Pa).

[0183] "In exchange for the use of the value medium of the voting amount (Pb)" means that the use of the value medium of the voting amount (Pb) is required. Note that the time when the value medium (voting amount (Pb)) is actually used (for example, the time when the voting amount (Pb) is withdrawn from the voting user's (Ub's) management account) may be either before or after the generation of the voting content (B), or either before or after the voting user (Ub) casts a vote. Furthermore, the condition for voting for the voting content (B) is not limited to "the use of the value medium of the voting amount (Pb)." For example, a vote for the voting content (B) may occur on the condition that other conditions are met in addition to the use of the value medium of the voting amount (Pb).

[0184] The "creation amount (Pa)", "voting amount (Pb)", and "granted amount (Pw)" are quantities of a medium of value. For example, they are the quantities of a medium of value required to generate voting content (B). For example, the "voting amount (Pb)" is the quantity of a medium of value required to vote for voting content (B).

[0185] "Depending on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met" means that the granting of the value medium depends on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met. For example, if the evaluation condition (Z) is met, the value medium is granted to one of the creating user (Ua) and the voting user (Ub), and if the evaluation condition (Z) is not met, the value medium is granted to the other of the creating user (Ua) and the voting user (Ub). Also, it is possible for the ratio of the value medium granted to each of the creating user (Ua) and the voting user (Ub) to change depending on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met.

[0186] [Appendix 2] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, a creation amount setting unit (421) is further provided that sets the creation amount (Pa) in response to an instruction from the creating user (Ua). In the above embodiment, in addition to the payout rate (R), the creation amount (Pa) of the voting content (B) is also set in response to an instruction from the creating user (Ua). Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the creating user (Ua) can set only the payout rate (R), it is possible to generate voting content (B) that is in line with the intention of the creating user (Ua).

[0187] [Appendix 3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the vote accepting unit (44) accepts votes for the voting content (B) using a variable value corresponding to an instruction from the voting user (Ub) within a voting range corresponding to the created amount (Pa) as the voting amount (Pb), and the value assigning unit (45) sets the assigned amount (Pw) according to the created amount (Pa) and the ratio of the voting amount (Pb) to the voting range. In the above embodiment, votes for the voting content (B) are accepted using a variable value corresponding to an instruction from the voting user (Ub) within the voting range as the voting amount (Pb). That is, the voting user (Ub) can use a voting amount (Pb) equivalent to the entire voting range, or a voting amount (Pb) equivalent to a part of the voting range. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only votes with a voting amount (Pb) equal to the entire voting range are allowed, the voting user (Ub) has more freedom to determine the voting amount (Pb), which ultimately promotes voting for the voting content (B).

[0188] The "voting range" is the range of values that the voting amount (Pb) can take. Specifically, the maximum value of the voting range (Pmax) is set according to the creation amount (Pa). For example, the value obtained by subtracting the creation amount (Pa) from the product of the creation amount (Pa) and the payout ratio (R) is set as the maximum value of the "voting range" (Pmax).

[0189] [Appendix 4] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 3, the system further includes a voting permission setting unit (46) that sets whether or not to allow a vote with a portion of the voting range as the voting amount (Pb) in accordance with instructions from the creating user (Ua), and the voting acceptance unit (44) accepts a vote with a portion of the voting range as the voting amount (Pb) when the voting permission setting unit (46) allows a vote with a portion of the voting range as the voting amount (Pb), and accepts a vote with the entire voting range as the voting amount (Pb) when the voting permission setting unit (46) does not allow a vote with a portion of the voting range as the voting amount (Pb). In the above aspect, whether or not to allow a vote with a portion of the voting range as the voting amount (Pb) is set in accordance with instructions from the creating user (Ua). Therefore, voting content (B) that meets the intentions of the creating user (Ua) can be generated. For example, the creating user (Ua) can choose whether to prioritize encouraging voting for the voting content (B) by allowing voting with a voting amount (Pb) that is part of the voting range, or to prioritize securing the target grant amount (Pw) by only allowing voting with the entire voting range as the voting amount (Pb).

[0190] [Appendix 5] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, the vote acceptance unit (44) accepts votes from the multiple voting users (Ub) within a range in which the total value of the voting amount (Pb) is a numerical value within the voting range. According to the above aspect, there is an advantage that by accepting votes with a voting amount (Pb) that is part of the voting range, it is possible to encourage votes for the voting content (B), and by accepting votes from multiple voting users (Ub), it is easier to ensure the target award amount (Pw). In other words, it is possible to promote votes for the voting content (B) and ensure the target award amount (Pw) at the same time.

[0191] [Appendix 6] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, the vote receiving unit (44) receives an instruction to create a second voting content (B) that has a predetermined relationship with an already-generated first voting content (B) as a vote for the first voting content (B). According to the above aspect, an instruction to create the second voting content (B) is received as a vote for the first voting content (B). That is, by regarding the creating user (Ua) of the second voting content (B) as the voting user (Ub) of the first voting content (B), creation and voting for the voting content (B) are established. Therefore, the possibility of an excessively large number of voting contents (B) being created can be reduced.

[0192] The "predetermined relationship" is a relationship regarding the content of the voting content (B). For example, the relationship between the first voting content (B) and the second voting content (B) regarding the voting target event, the evaluation condition (Z), the payout ratio (R), etc. is an example of the "predetermined relationship."

[0193] [Appendix 7] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 6, the vote acceptance unit (44) accepts votes for the first voting content (B) by using the creation amount (Pa) for generating the second voting content (B) as the voting amount (Pb) for the vote for the first voting content (B). According to the above aspect, the creation amount (Pa) for generating the second voting content (B) is regarded as the voting amount (Pb) for the first voting content (B). Therefore, a user (U) who creates the second voting content (B) can use the creation amount (Pa) that was planned to be used for generating the second voting content (B) for voting for the first voting content (B) without needing to take any procedures such as changing the creation amount (Pa).

[0194] [Appendix 8] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 6 or Supplementary Note 7, the predetermined relationship includes a common voting target event of the first voting content (B) and a common voting target event of the second voting content (B), and a correlation between the evaluation condition (Z) of the first voting content (B) and the evaluation condition (Z) of the second voting content (B). According to the above aspect, the possibility of an excessive proliferation of multiple voting contents (B) each having a related evaluation condition (Z) for a single voting target event can be reduced. Furthermore, a user (U) intending to create the second voting content (B) can achieve the intended purpose of creating the second voting content (B) by voting for the first voting content (B).

[0195] The evaluation condition (Z) being "related" means that a predetermined relationship exists between the evaluation condition (Z) of the first voting content (B) and the evaluation condition (Z) of the second voting content (B). The "predetermined relationship" regarding the evaluation condition (Z) is any relationship that can exist between the content of the evaluation condition (Z) in the first voting content (B) and the content of the evaluation condition (Z) in the second voting content (B). For example, a typical example of a "predetermined relationship" is a relationship in which the first voting content (B) and the second voting content (B) share a common evaluation condition (Z), or a relationship in which the evaluation condition (Z) of one of the first voting content (B) and the second voting content (B) encompasses the evaluation condition (Z) of the other.

[0196] [Appendix 9] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, the voting content generation unit (43) accepts an addition of the created amount (Pa) in exchange for the use of a value medium by one or more users (Uc) other than the creating user (Ua), and the value granting unit (45) grants the value medium of the granted amount (Pw) to the creating user (Ua) and the one or more users (Uc), or to the voting user (Ub). According to the above aspect, the created amount (Pa) is added in response to an instruction from one or more users (Uc) other than the creating user (Ua). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which each user (U) is only allowed to independently generate voting content (B), the workload of each user (U) creating voting content (B) can be reduced. Furthermore, since the created amount (Pa) is added to existing voting content (B) created by the creating user (Ua), the possibility of an excessively large number of voting contents (B) being created can be reduced.

[0197] [Appendix 10] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 10) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9, a disclosure range setting unit (47) is further provided that sets the disclosure range of the voting content (B) generated in response to an instruction from the creating user (Ua) in response to an instruction from the creating user (Ua). According to the above aspect, the disclosure range of the voting content (B) is set in response to an instruction from the creating user (Ua). Therefore, the voting content (B) can be used in a manner that meets the intention of the creating user (Ua).

[0198] The "public range" of the voting content (B) is the range within which the voting content (B) is made public. Because the voting user (Ub) votes after checking the voting content (B), the "public range" can also be expressed as the conditions for users (U) who are allowed to vote for the voting content (B). The "public range" is specified by the creating user (Ua), for example, based on the relationship with the creating user (Ua). For example, users (U) who have established an exchange relationship with the creating user (Ua) (for example, a friend relationship, a follow relationship, or a follower relationship on an SNS) are specified as the "public range." In addition, conditions regarding attributes such as age or place of residence may also be specified as the public range.

[0199] [Appendix 11] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 11) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, a disclosure setting unit (48) is further provided that sets whether or not creator information (N) related to the creating user (Ua) is to be made public in accordance with an instruction from the creating user (Ua), and the voting content (B) includes the creator information (N) when disclosure of the creator information (N) is permitted by the disclosure setting unit (48), and does not include the creator information (N) when disclosure of the creator information (N) is not permitted by the disclosure setting unit (48). According to the above aspect, whether or not the creator information (N) in the voting content (B) is to be made public can be set in accordance with an instruction from the creating user (Ua). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the creator information (N) from being made public over an excessively wide range.

[0200] [Appendix 12] An information processing method according to one aspect (Appendix 12) of the present disclosure includes setting a payout ratio (R) in accordance with instructions from a creating user (Ua) who creates voting content (B); generating voting content (B) including an evaluation condition (Z) that can be met in the voting event and the payout ratio (R) in exchange for the creating user's (Ua's) use of a value medium of the created amount (Pa); accepting votes from voting users (Ub) who vote for the voting content (B) in exchange for the creating user's (Ub's) use of a value medium of the voting amount (Pb) and the payout ratio (R) to the creating user (Ua) or the voting user (Ub) depending on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met.

[0201] [Appendix 13] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix 13) causes a computer system to function as: a payout ratio setting unit (423) that sets a payout ratio (R) in response to instructions from a creating user (Ua) that creates voting content (B); a voting content generation unit (43) that generates voting content (B) including an evaluation condition (Z) that can be met in the voting event and the payout ratio (R) in exchange for the creating user's (Ua's) use of a value medium of the created amount (Pa); a vote acceptance unit (44) that accepts votes from voting users (Ub) for the voting content (B) in exchange for the creating user's (Ub's) use of a value medium of the voting amount (Pb) by the voting user; and a value assignment unit (45) that assigns a value medium of an assignment amount (Pw) corresponding to the created amount (Pa) or the voting amount (Pb) and the payout ratio (R) to the creating user (Ua) or the voting user (Ub) depending on whether the evaluation condition (Z) is met. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 100...communication system, 200...communication network, 10...information processing system, 11...control device, 12...storage device, 13...communication device, 20...management system, 30 (30a, 30b, 30c)...terminal device, 31...display device, 32...operation device, 41...display control unit, 42...information setting unit, 421...creation amount setting unit, 422...voting amount setting unit, 423...dividend multiplier setting unit, 43...voting content generation unit, 44...voting acceptance unit, 45...value assignment unit, 46...voting approval / disapproval setting unit, 47...publication range setting unit, 48...publication approval / disapproval setting unit.

Claims

1. a payout rate setting unit that sets a payout rate in accordance with an instruction from a creating user; a voting content generation unit that generates voting content including an evaluation condition that may be established in the voting target event and the payout rate; a vote acceptance unit that accepts votes from voting users for the voting content; a value granting unit that grants to the creating user or the voting user an amount of value media corresponding to the created amount of the value media used by the creating user or the voting amount of the value media used by the voting user and the payout rate, depending on whether the evaluation condition is met; An information processing system comprising:

2. The vote acceptance unit accepts votes for a voting content selected by the voting user from a plurality of voting contents. The information processing system of claim 1.

3. Setting a payout ratio in accordance with instructions from the creating user; generating voting content including evaluation conditions that may be met in the voting target event and the payout rate; accepting votes from voting users for the voting content; Granting to the creating user or the voting user an amount of value media according to the created amount of the value media used by the creating user or the voting amount of the value media used by the voting user and the payout ratio, depending on whether the evaluation conditions are met; An information processing method implemented by a computer system including:

4. a payout rate setting unit that sets a payout rate in accordance with an instruction from a creating user; a voting content generation unit that generates voting content including an evaluation condition that may be established in the voting target event and the payout rate; a vote acceptance unit that accepts votes from voting users for the voting content; and a value granting unit that grants to the creating user or the voting user an amount of value media corresponding to the created amount of the value media used by the creating user or the voting amount of the value media used by the voting user and the payout ratio, depending on whether the evaluation condition is met; A program that makes a computer system function as a

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