Information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method which can perform betting processing of a user belonging to a group on the basis of operation of another user belonging to the group.SOLUTION: In accordance with the present invention, the information processing apparatus is provided which manages betting on the result of a race and comprises a betting amount accepting unit and a betting processing unit. The betting amount accepting unit accepts designation of a betting amount from a second user belonging to a group with respect to betting object information selected by a first user belonging to the group, and the betting processing unit performs betting processing based on the betting object information selected by the first user and the betting amount designated by the second user in response to a first operation of a user belonging to the group and being different from the second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a voting prediction disclosure system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-160612 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Until now, each user could only cast their own vote, while referring to the predictions of other users and interacting with them.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that can execute voting processing for a user who belongs to a group based on operations by other users who belong to the group. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that manages votes for the results of a competition, and is equipped with a vote amount receiving unit and a vote processing unit, wherein the vote amount receiving unit receives a vote amount designation from a second user belonging to a group for vote target information selected by a first user belonging to the group, and the vote processing unit executes voting processing based on the vote target information selected by the first user and the vote amount designated by the second user in response to a first operation of a user different from the second user belonging to the group.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a voting process for a user belonging to a group can be executed based on the operations of other users belonging to the group. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a voting system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing interactions between devices related to group formation. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a selection screen on the user terminal 20 when selecting information to be voted for. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a voting amount input screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 10 according to a first modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a magnification on a screen for performing a first operation. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the display mode of the magnification on the screen for performing the first operation. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 10 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 10 according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how information regarding the selection of voting target information is presented to a user when the information is shared. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mode of presenting voting target information to other users, including information of a selected user who has selected the voting target information. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 10 according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] Fig. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of edited content of voting target information provided to a user other than the editing user, and Fig. 17B shows a stage where editing has progressed from Fig. 17A. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram showing an example of editing of voting target information by a plurality of users, provision of edited content, and display mode. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature can be an invention independently.

[0010] 1. First Embodiment (1-1. Voting System 1) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 that constitutes part of a voting system 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The voting system 1 includes the server 10 and multiple user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, user terminal 20c, etc.) that belong to the same group G.

[0011] The server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 20 via a communication line 5. The server 10 manages votes on the results of the competition. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware configuration of Voting System 1) The hardware configuration of the voting system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processes based on various programs. In addition, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processes of the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 can hold a database including one or more tables for recording various information, processing results, etc.

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

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

[0018] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, grasp the operation state of the user (player) on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0019] (1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display that can display images and receive operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 that inputs sound, a camera 27 that captures an image of a subject, and operation buttons 28. The following description will focus on the differences from the server 10.

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

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

[0022] (1-3. Functional configuration of server 10) 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a voting amount receiving unit 11a and a voting processing unit 11b. The control unit 11 of the server 10 may further include a group formation unit 11c or a target selection unit 11d.

[0023] The voting amount receiving unit 11a is configured to be able to receive a designated voting amount from a second user belonging to group G for voting target information selected by a first user belonging to group G. The voting processing unit 11b is configured to be able to execute voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount designated by the second user in response to a first operation by a user different from the second user belonging to group G. With this configuration, it is possible to execute voting processing for other users in the group by an operation by any user in the group.

[0024] Here, group G is a group made up of multiple users of the voting service related to voting system 1. A minimum number of users (e.g., two users) may be set to constitute group G. In one aspect, group G is a group made up of user U1, user U2, and user U3.

[0025] The group formation unit 11c is configured to be able to receive requests from users regarding group formation, and is also configured to be able to execute processes such as creating a new group, adding a user to a group, excluding a user from a group, and deleting a group, based on a request from a user or predetermined conditions.

[0026] The control unit 11 may have a communication unit (not shown) configured to enable communication between users belonging to the group G as the group G. The communication may be performed via a server or directly between the user terminals 20 by, for example, voice chat, text chat, or video chat. The control unit 11 may also have a distribution unit (not shown) configured to enable distribution of competitions and videos related to the competitions. The distribution unit distributes videos of competitions for which users in the group G can vote to the terminals of each user in the group G. The control unit 21 of the user terminal 20 may be configured to enable the above communication while playing back the distributed videos.

[0027] Here, the voting information is information regarding the predicted outcome of the competition that is the subject of voting. A "competition" is a match or contest in which abilities or skills are competed against one another. Examples of athletic competitions (sports) include races in which participants compete for ranking using bicycles, cars, boats, racehorses, or racing dogs, as well as baseball, rugby, golf, or soccer matches. Examples of competitions other than athletic competitions include games such as shogi, go, chess, or card games, or matches in computer game tournaments. One example of the voting information is a betting type regarding the outcome of the race.

[0028] In this specification, "competition" may refer to a single race, match, etc. For example, "the competition covered by the voting information" may mean "the first race covered by the voting information," "the match between Team A and Team B on September 10, 2021 covered by the voting information," etc.

[0029] The "results of a competition" are information determined by the situation of the competition, which may include the progress of the competition. The results of a competition, such as the win or loss or score in a match, the finishing order in a race, or the results of each competition, may be information determined by the situation of the competition, which may include the progress of the competition. This information includes the results of an event (athlete, vehicle such as bicycle or horse, or a combination thereof).

[0030] Furthermore, "voting" is a process performed by setting a betting amount for the information to be voted on (prediction of the outcome of the competition to be voted on). The voting processing unit 11b can register a combination of the information to be voted on and the betting amount in the database, linking it with each user.

[0031] The target selection unit 11d accepts a selection of voting target information based on an operation on the user terminal 20a by a user U1 belonging to group G. The control unit 21 of the user terminal 20a is configured to accept an operation by the user U1 and to be able to transmit information selected by the operation to the server 10.

[0032] The above-described functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed on the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, the control unit 11 can realize various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.

[0033] When the functions are realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built into the server 10, or may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium or a non-transitory recording medium. Alternatively, the functions may be realized by reading a program stored in an external storage device and using so-called cloud computing. Alternatively, when the functions are realized by hardware, they may be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. Furthermore, some of the above-described functional configurations may be processed by software or hardware in the user terminal 20, etc.

[0034] (1-4. Process from voting to refund) An example of the flow from betting to refunding in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 shows an example of the flow of processing by the voting system 1.

[0035] First, if group G has not been formed, group formation is performed. As shown in Fig. 6, based on an operation by user U1 to form group G of users U1, U2, and U3, user terminal 20a transmits a group formation request to server 10.

[0036] The group formation unit 11c of the server 10, which has received the group formation request, transmits an approval request for participation in the group G to the user terminal 20b of user U2 and the user terminal 20c of user U3. Based on the approval or denial operation on each terminal of user U2 and user U3, each terminal transmits the operation information to the server 10. The group formation unit 11c forms the group G based on the received information of approval or denial from each user and registers it in the database. These processes are executed in steps S100 to S110 of FIG. 5.

[0037] If some or all of the users to whom participation approval requests have been sent refuse and the minimum number of users required to form group G is not reached, group G may not be registered in the database and the group formation process may be canceled. Furthermore, if the group formation unit 11c does not receive information on operations for approval or refusal by users to whom participation approval requests have been sent within a predetermined period, the group formation unit 11c may be configured to cancel the group formation process.

[0038] Although the group formation process is shown only at the beginning of the process flow in FIG. 5, the process of users joining or leaving the group G may be performed at other times.

[0039] Next, selection of voting target information is executed in steps S120 to S 160. As an example, a case will be described where the competition is a race and the result of the competition is a combination of the finishing order of the race.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 7, the display unit 24a of the user terminal 20a displays voting target information T1, voting target information T2, voting target information T3, and voting target information T4 as voting target information. Voting target information T1 is information about the first race and includes a predicted finishing order for the contestants. In the first race in which contestants with contestant numbers 1 to 8 (contestant 1 to contestant 8) participate, it is a prediction that contestant 3 will come in first, contestant 5 will come in second, and contestant 7 will come in third. Voting target information T2 is information about the first race and is a prediction that contestant 6 will come in first and contestant 4 will come in second. Voting target information T3 is information about the first race and is a prediction that contestant 5 will come in first, contestant 6 will come in second, and contestant 3 will come in third. Voting information T3 is information about the second race, and is a prediction that in the second race in which athletes with athletic body numbers 1 to 8 (athlete 1 to athlete 8) participate, athlete 1 will come in 8th, athlete 8 will come in 2nd, and athlete 2 will come in 3rd.

[0041] Such voting target information may be prepared in advance by the operator of the voting system 1, or may be generated according to predetermined conditions by the editing unit 11h of the control unit 11 described later, or may be generated according to predetermined conditions by the editing unit 11h based on a user's operation. The target selection unit 11d transmits the voting target information to the user terminal 20a and presents it to the user U1.

[0042] The user terminal 20a transmits information regarding the selection of voting target information by user U1 to the server 10. The target selection unit 11d receives the information regarding the selection of voting target information by user U1 and records it in a database. Note that the target selection unit 11d may be configured to be able to select multiple pieces of voting target information. The target selection unit 11d also transmits the information regarding the selection of voting target information by user U1 to the terminals of users U2 and U3, who are other users belonging to group G.

[0043] The target selection unit 11d may be configured to allow other users belonging to the group G other than the user U1 who organized the group G to select voting target information. In such a case, a display screen for selecting voting target information as shown in FIG. 7 may also be displayed on the user terminal 20b and the user terminal 20b.

[0044] Furthermore, the target selection unit 11d may be configured so that only specific users who have been granted selection authority can select voting target information. For example, the authority setting unit (not shown) of the control unit 11 may grant such selection authority to a user designated as the leader of group G, a user who organized group G, or the like.

[0045] In the following, in this embodiment, the explanation will be given assuming that the voting target information T1 is selected by the user U1.

[0046] Next, the voting amount receiving unit 11a receives information on the voting amount of each user transmitted based on the operation of specifying the voting amount for the voting target information T1 performed on the user terminals 20a to 20c (step S160 and steps S170a to S170c). FIG. 8 shows an example of a voting amount input screen displayed on the display unit 24b of the user terminal 20b. For example, the user terminal 20b controls the operation to input a numerical value into the voting amount input field 50 corresponding to the voting target information T1 as the operation of specifying the voting amount for the voting target information T1. Then, the user terminal 20b can transmit the voting amount for the voting target information T1 based on the operation of pressing the send button B1 to the server 10. When multiple pieces of voting target information are selected, multiple pieces of voting target information and multiple corresponding input fields 50 may be provided on the voting amount input screen.

[0047] The voting amount entered in the input field 50 may be any of a variety of value media that can be used in the voting service related to the voting system 1. Usable value media may include, for example, currencies in circulation in the area where the service is provided (e.g., Japanese yen, US dollars, etc.), virtual currencies (crypto assets), electronic money, or points issued within or outside the service. Such usable value media may be converted into cash by transferring the money to a bank account held by the user after completing a predetermined procedure.

[0048] The voting amount receiving unit 11a associates the voting target information T1 with each user and the voting amount designated by each user and records them in a database. If users U1 and U2 designated voting amounts but user U3 did not designate a voting amount, the voting amount receiving unit 11a can record that user U3 did not designate a voting amount for the voting target information T1. Furthermore, the voting amount receiving unit 11a may record users who did not designate a voting amount as having designated a voting amount of "0" for the voting target information T1.

[0049] Next, when the first operation of user U1 is performed on user terminal 20a and information on the first operation is received from user terminal 20a, voting processing unit 11b executes voting processing based on the voting target information T1 selected by user U1 and the voting amount specified by user U2. At the same time, voting processing unit 11b executes voting processing based on the voting target information T1 selected by user U1 and the voting amounts specified by users U1 and U3 (steps S180-190). When any user in group G performs a first operation, voting processing is executed for the user who performed the first operation and the other users.

[0050] The voting processing unit 11b associates each user with the voting amount designated by each user and records it in the database as the voting processing result. Such a record of the voting processing result can also be said to be a record of the purchase history of the voting ticket, which is made up of a combination of voting target information and voting amount. In addition, the voting processing unit 11b can transmit the processing result to the user terminals 20a to 20c and notify each user.

[0051] Here, the first operation is an operation for executing the voting process. The first operation is accepted by pressing a button for executing the voting process displayed on the user terminal 20 of one of the users in group G, or the like.

[0052] Furthermore, the voting processing unit 11b can control which user in group G performs the first operation. In the above-described embodiment, the voting process for users U1, U2, and U3 is performed based on the first operation performed by user U1, but the voting process for users U1, U2, and U3 may also be performed based on the first operation performed by user U2.

[0053] Furthermore, the voting processing unit 11b can also perform control so that only users who have been granted voting processing authority can perform the voting. For example, the authority setting unit (not shown) of the control unit 11 can grant such voting processing authority to a user designated as the leader of group G, a user who organized group G, or a user who selected the voting target information to be voted on.

[0054] Next, after the first race is over and the results are confirmed, the payout process is executed. The betting processing unit 11b determines whether the predictions in the betting information T1 were correct based on the confirmed first race results. If the betting processing unit 11b determines that the predictions were correct, it calculates the payout amount to each user based on the multiplier (odds) set for the contents of the betting information T1 and the bet amount, and records this in the database. The multiplier is determined by a method determined by the management body of each competition, and in one example, it may be calculated based on the payout rate, etc.

[0055] The condition setting unit 11f, which will be described later, can adopt the multiplier determined by the management body of each sport as it is in the betting system 1 and set it as the multiplier to be used in each betting process and refund process. On the other hand, the condition setting unit 11f may adjust the multiplier determined by the management body of each sport as a multiplier unique to the service related to the betting system 1 and set it.

[0056] The voting processing unit 11b may execute a process of transferring the refund to a bank account or the like held by the user. In addition, the voting processing unit 11b may record the refund as a medium of value that can be used in the voting service related to the voting system 1.

[0057] 2. Second Embodiment The voting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0058] The voting processing unit 11b is configured to execute the voting process based on the voting conditions valid for the predetermined period when the first user selects the voting target information, if the first operation is received within the predetermined period based on the time when the first user selects the voting target information. With this configuration, the voting process can be executed based on the conditions at the time when the voting target information was selected, rather than the conditions at the time when the voting process was executed, and users can be given time to discuss the matter within the group after selecting the voting target information.

[0059] The predetermined period based on the selection time is a period calculated based on the selection time. The predetermined period based on the selection time is a predetermined period calculated from the selection time. For example, the predetermined period calculated from the selection time is 15 minutes from the selection time.

[0060] Furthermore, the voting conditions valid for a predetermined period are conditions that are applied during the predetermined period to votes for voting information selected by users belonging to group G when the first user selects the voting information as a member of group G. After the predetermined period has elapsed, conditions different from the voting conditions may be applied. Such voting conditions may be set by the condition setting unit 11f, which will be described later.

[0061] The voting conditions include a multiplier, a minimum voting amount, a maximum voting amount, etc. The voting processing unit 11b may execute the voting process for a vote received from a user belonging to group G only if the voting amount of the vote received from the user belonging to group G exceeds the minimum voting amount set as the voting condition. Also, the voting processing unit 11b may execute the voting process for a vote received from a user belonging to group G only if the voting amount of the vote received from the user belonging to group G is below the maximum voting amount set as the voting condition. The voting processing unit 11b applies these conditions within the above-mentioned specified period, but the voting conditions may be changed based on other factors. In other words, the numerical values ​​of each condition may be increased or decreased based on the voting conditions applied within the above-mentioned specified period.

[0062] The voting processing unit 11b executes the voting process based on the voting conditions when the first operation is received within a predetermined period, and executes the voting process based on the conditions that apply at the time of receiving the first operation when the first operation is received after the predetermined period has elapsed. Note that, if conditions that are more advantageous to users belonging to group G can be applied based on other factors, the voting processing unit 11b may execute the voting process based on the more advantageous conditions.

[0063] The voting processing unit 11b is configured to process the results of voting on the voting target information selected during the predetermined period based on a first multiplier applied as a voting condition to the voting target information, when a first operation is received during the predetermined period based on the first multiplier. With this configuration, by performing an operation for the voting process (first operation) within the expiration date of the set multiplier, a refund process based on the multiplier is executed. Furthermore, the first multiplier applied as a voting condition may be kept constant during the predetermined period, for example.

[0064] (2-1. Variation 1) The control unit 11 may further include a display control unit 11e. The display control unit 11e is configured to be able to change the display mode of the information related to the voting conditions in the user terminals 20 belonging to group G according to the remaining time of the predetermined period. With this configuration, it is possible to change the display mode of the information related to the voting conditions according to the remaining time for which the voting conditions are maintained.

[0065] The display control unit 11e transmits a request to the user terminal 20 to change the display mode of the information related to the voting conditions in accordance with the remaining time of the predetermined period based on the selection time. The user terminal 20, which has received the request to change the display mode, changes the display on the display unit 24.

[0066] In FIG. 10, the magnification applied to the voting target information T1 is displayed as "1.7" in the magnification display area 51 on the display unit 24a of the user terminal 20a. By performing the first operation of pressing the voting button B2 within the predetermined period, the user U1 can execute a voting process in which the voting conditions of that magnification are applied. In such a case, the display control unit 11e may control the magnification display area 51 to be highlighted when the remaining time in the predetermined period is less than one minute, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, and to display a warning icon and the remaining time in an adjacent area. Note that a similar magnification display area 51 may also be provided in the user terminal 20 of a user who does not (cannot) perform the first operation, and the display mode of information related to the voting conditions may be changed depending on the remaining time in the predetermined period.

[0067] Changes in the display mode may include, for example, changes to the size, thickness, or color of the characters, changes to the size of the magnification display area 51, changes to the frame properties, changes to the color, etc., changes to the mode such as displaying icons or characters to attract attention superimposed on or close to the magnification display area 51, changes to the position of the magnification display area 51, etc.

[0068] 3. Third Embodiment The voting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and the like.

[0069] 12, the control unit 11 further includes a condition setting unit 11f in addition to a voting amount receiving unit 11a and a voting processing unit 11b. The control unit 11 may also include a group formation unit 11c, a target selection unit 11d, or a display control unit 11e.

[0070] The condition setting unit 11f is configured to be able to change the multiplier for the selected voting target information in accordance with the voting status of the users belonging to group G. By configuring in this way, the multiplier, which is closely related to the users' willingness to vote, can be changed (for example, increased) in a timely manner in accordance with the information on the voting status of the users in the group.

[0071] Here, the voting status is a status based on operations related to voting by users belonging to group G. The voting status is, for example, the number of voters (the number of users who are about to vote) for the selected voting target information. In other words, it is the number of users who have set a voting amount greater than 0. The voting status is, for example, the total voting amount designated for the selected voting target information. Furthermore, the voting status is, for example, the maximum or minimum number of votes designated for the selected voting target information.

[0072] In one aspect, the condition setting unit 11f changes the multiplier for the selected voting target information depending on the number of users belonging to group G who voted for the selected voting target information. For example, the condition setting unit 11f can add a predetermined value to the already applied multiplier when the number of users who have set a value greater than 0 as the voting amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., "3"). The voting processing unit 11b can execute the voting process based on such a changed multiplier. Note that the multiplier can be changed depending on the voting situation, but the multiplier used as the basis for the voting process is determined by the condition setting unit 11f based on the voting situation at the time of receiving the first operation. Note that the multiplier, which is part of the voting condition, may be a multiplier calculated based on a basic multiplier (first multiplier) and a fluctuating multiplier (second multiplier). For example, the condition setting unit 11f can set the multiplier to a value obtained by adding the second multiplier to the first multiplier, which is held constant for a predetermined period, or the larger or smaller of the first multiplier, which is held constant for a predetermined period, and the fluctuating second multiplier.

[0073] Furthermore, the voting amount receiving unit 11a may be configured to be able to execute a notification to encourage users belonging to group G who have not voted for the selected voting target information to vote, when the number of votes cast by users belonging to group G for the selected voting target information satisfies a predetermined condition. With this configuration, it is possible to send a notification encouraging users belonging to group G who have not voted for the selected voting target information to vote, when the number of users who have voted in the group is small.

[0074] The case where the number of voters satisfies the predetermined condition is, for example, when the number of votes cast by users belonging to group G for the selected voting target information is less than a threshold. In a specific example, the case where the number of voters satisfies the predetermined condition is when the number of voters is less than the threshold of "2." In such a case, if only user U1 has set a voting amount greater than 0 for the selected voting target information, the number of voters is "1," which is less than the threshold. Therefore, the voting amount receiving unit 11a sends a notification to the user terminals 20a and 20b of users U2 and U3 to encourage them to vote.

[0075] The display control unit 11e may be configured to be able to update the display of information relating to the multiplier that changes in accordance with the voting status of users belonging to group G on the information processing terminal of each user belonging to group G. By configuring in this way, it is possible to update the display of information relating to the multiplier that is of great interest to users in accordance with changes in accordance with the voting status.

[0076] The display control unit 11e can transmit to the user terminal 20 a command for the display mode relating to information on the multiplier that changes depending on the voting status, and control the display on the user terminal 20.

[0077] 4. Fourth Embodiment The voting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and the like.

[0078] The voting processing unit 11b is configured to be able to control not to accept votes for the voting target information when the total amount of votes designated by each user belonging to group G for the voting target information exceeds the limit set for group G. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control so that voting processing that exceeds the limit set for the group is not performed.

[0079] The control not to accept votes may be performed so as not to accept a designated betting amount that would cause the total betting amount to exceed a limit, or may be performed so as to accept a designated betting amount that would cause the total betting amount to exceed a limit, but not to execute the voting process.

[0080] The limit may be set for each piece of voting target information. The voting processing unit 11b may determine whether the total of the voting amounts designated by each user belonging to group G for the selected piece of voting target information exceeds the limit set for each piece of voting target information for group G. If the limit is exceeded, the voting processing unit 11b does not accept votes from group G for the voting target information.

[0081] The limit amount may also be set for each competition (e.g., each race). The voting processing unit 11b may determine whether the total amount of voting designated by each user belonging to group G for one or more pieces of voting target information relating to one competition exceeds the limit amount for each competition set for group G. If the limit amount is exceeded, the voting processing unit 11b does not accept votes from group G for the voting target information relating to that competition. In one example, the limit amounts set for the first race and the second race may be the same or different.

[0082] The limit may also be set as a limit for a predetermined period of time. The voting processing unit 11b may determine whether the total amount of votes cast by each user belonging to group G for the voting target information specified within a predetermined period of time exceeds the limit for the predetermined period of time set for group G. If the limit is exceeded, the voting processing unit 11b will not accept votes from group G for any of the voting target information. The predetermined period during which the total amount of votes is compared with the limit can be set arbitrarily, for example, one day, one week, one month, or the like. In one example, the voting processing unit 11b may determine whether the total amount of votes cast by each user belonging to group G specified within the same day exceeds the daily limit. If the daily limit is exceeded, group G may be able to vote from the next day onwards.

[0083] Furthermore, the voting processing unit 11b may be configured to notify a user who attempts to specify a voting amount that exceeds the limit that the specified amount exceeds the limit.

[0084] The voting processing unit 11b may be configured to be able to set the limit amount according to the number of users belonging to group G. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the limit amount that is fair among groups based on information about the number of users belonging to the group.

[0085] In one aspect, the voting processing unit 11b can vary the limit amount in proportion to the number of users belonging to the group G.

[0086] In one aspect, when the number of users belonging to group G is equal to or greater than one or more thresholds, the voting processing unit 11b may add a predetermined value to the limit for each threshold.

[0087] Furthermore, in addition to varying the limit in proportion to the number of users, the voting processing unit 11b may also add a predetermined value to the limit when the threshold is exceeded. For example, suppose the set threshold is 3, and an additional $300 is added to the limit when the number of users exceeds the threshold. Furthermore, suppose $200 is added to the limit for each additional user in proportion to the number of users. In such a case, the limit is controlled so that $200 is added when the number of users changes from 0 to 1, from 1 to 2, and from 2 to 3, and an additional $300 is added when the number of users changes from 2 to 3, resulting in a total limit of $900 (200 + 200 + 200 + 300).

[0088] 5. Fifth Embodiment The voting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and the like.

[0089] 13, the control unit 11 further includes a presentation unit 11g in addition to a voting amount receiving unit 11a and a voting processing unit 11b. The control unit 11 may also include a group formation unit 11c, a target selection unit 11d, a display control unit 11e, a condition setting unit 11f, or the like.

[0090] The presentation unit 11g is configured to be able to add a property different from that of voting target information not selected by the first user to the voting target information selected by the first user and present it to other users belonging to the group G. With this configuration, by adding a property different from that of voting target information not selected by the first user to the voting target information selected by a user in the group and presenting it to other users in the group, it is possible to share information selected by the user with other users in the group.

[0091] In Fig. 14, the presentation unit 11g presents the voting target information T1 selected by user U1 on user terminal 20a in a manner that makes it identifiable that it is selected voting target information, different from the voting target information T2 to T4 that has not been selected for user U2. The presentation unit 11g can control the voting target information T1 in user terminal 20b. When user terminal 20a receives information regarding user U1's selection of the voting target information T1, it transmits information regarding the selection of the voting target information T1 to user terminal 20b of user U2. In Fig. 14, user terminal 20b, which has received information regarding the selection of the voting target information T1, highlights the selected voting target information T1 so that it is identifiable as having been selected.

[0092] The display of the selected voting target information on the terminals of other users may be inverted as in the example above, or the font, color, or size of the text may be changed, or other changes may be made to distinguish it from unselected voting target information.

[0093] The presentation unit 11g may be configured to be able to present the voting target information selected by the first user to other users belonging to group G in a manner that allows the first user to be identified. By configuring in this way, it is possible to share within the group which user selected the voting target information.

[0094] 15, when user U1 selects voting target information T1, presentation unit 11g can control user terminal 20b of user U2 to display voting target information T1 together with icon 52 representing user U1. Presentation unit 11g transmits to user terminal 20b information that the voting target information T1 was selected, as well as information that the user who selected it is user U1. Note that one method of indicating on user terminal 20 that user U1 has made a selection is to display an icon, photo, text, or the like representing user U1 together with voting target information T1.

[0095] 6. Sixth Embodiment The voting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and the like.

[0096] 16, the control unit 11 further includes an editing unit 11h and an information providing unit 11i in addition to a voting amount receiving unit 11a and a voting processing unit 11b. The control unit 11 may also include a group organizing unit 11c, a target selecting unit 11d, a display control unit 11e, a condition setting unit 11f, a presentation unit 11g, or the like.

[0097] Editing unit 11h is configured to be able to edit the voting target information in response to an operation by the first user. Information providing unit 11i is configured to be able to provide the content of the voting target information being edited to a third user belonging to group G. With this configuration, by providing the edited content of the voting target information to the users in the group, it is possible to share information about the editing of the voting target information.

[0098] The editing unit 11h may be configured to be able to create new voting information. The editing unit 11h can create, edit, or delete voting information in accordance with user operations. The editing unit 11h can accept information from the user about the target competition and its results as the content of the voting information.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when user U1 is editing voting target information T1, information provider 11i provides the content being edited to user U3. User terminal 20c, which receives the content being edited from information provider 11i, displays the content being edited on display 24c. In FIG. 17A, the content of voting target information T1 is blank, but the content is edited in response to user U1's operation, and an intermediate progress image with some fields filled in, as shown in FIG. 17B, may be provided to user U3. At this time, information provider 11i may also transmit to user terminal 20c that user U1 is editing, and control the display so that user U3 can recognize that it is user U1 who is editing. For example, an icon 52 representing user U1 may be displayed along with the words "Editing."

[0100] For voting target information being edited, voting amount receiving unit 11a may be controlled not to accept a designated voting amount, and voting processing unit 11b may be controlled not to execute voting processing. Also, after accepting a designated voting amount for voting target information, editing unit 11h may be controlled not to edit the voting target information. Also, after executing voting processing for voting target information, editing unit 11h may be controlled not to edit the voting target information.

[0101] In one aspect, the editing unit 11h may be configured to allow multiple users to edit the voting target information. The editing unit 11h is configured to reflect edited content in the voting target information in response to an operation by a third user on the voting target information being edited. The voting amount receiving unit 11a is configured to receive a designated voting amount from a user belonging to group G for the voting target information in which the edited content of the first user and the third user is reflected. Furthermore, the information providing unit 11i is configured to provide the content being edited by the first user and the third user on the voting target information to the first user, the third user, and other users belonging to group G. This configuration enables multiple users to edit the voting target information and share the information.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 18, when user U1 is editing voting target information T1, information providing unit 11i provides the content being edited to user U3 and user U2 who belongs to group G and is not editing. When user U3 is editing voting target information T1, information providing unit 11i provides the content being edited to users U1 and U2. Each user terminal 20 that receives the content being edited from information providing unit 11i displays the content being edited on the display unit 24. At this time, information providing unit 11i may also transmit to each user terminal 20 that users U1 and U3 are editing, and control the display so that each user can recognize that it is users U1 and U3 who are editing. For example, an icon 52 representing user U1 and an icon 53 representing user U3 may be displayed together with the words "editing."

[0103] <7. Other embodiments> Although the embodiment and its modifications of the present invention have been described above, the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described contents.

[0104] Information regarding the selection or editing of voting target information by a user belonging to group G is controlled so that it is shared with other users belonging to group G by the presentation unit 11g or the information provision unit 11i, etc., and not shared with users belonging to groups other than group G. Furthermore, other voting processes, voting conditions such as multipliers, display controls, etc. are controlled so that they are applied on a group G basis, except for those that should be applied regardless of group. For example, voting process according to a first operation performed as a user belonging to group A is executed only for votes as a user belonging to group A, and is not applied to votes as a user of other group B.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the configuration was described in which each function is mainly provided by the server 10, etc., but if it is permissible due to the nature of the functions, some functions may be provided by the user terminal 20, etc., or by both the server 10, etc. and the user terminal 20, etc.

[0106] Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being executed by the server 10 or the like can also be executed by the user terminal 20 or the like if permitted by its nature.

[0107] The present invention can also be realized as a program that causes the above-described system to function.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a computer-readable recording medium that stores the above-described program, a non-transitory recording medium, or a computer-readable recording medium that records the above-described program.

[0109] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0110] <8. Features of the embodiment> The features of the embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0111] In one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided that manages voting for the results of a competition, and is equipped with a voting amount receiving unit and a voting processing unit, wherein the voting amount receiving unit receives a voting amount designation from a second user belonging to a group for voting target information selected by a first user belonging to the group, and the voting processing unit is capable of performing voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount designated by the second user in response to a first operation of a user different from the second user belonging to the group.

[0112] With this configuration, it is possible for an operation by any one of the users in the group to execute the voting process for the other users in the group.

[0113] Furthermore, the voting processing unit may be configured to execute the voting process based on voting conditions valid for the predetermined period when the first user selects the voting target information, if the first operation is received within the predetermined period based on the time when the first user selects the voting target information. With this configuration, the voting process can be executed based on the conditions at the time when the voting target information was selected, rather than the conditions at the time when the voting process was executed, and users can be given time to discuss the matter within the group after selecting the voting target information.

[0114] The information processing device may further include a display control unit, and the display control unit may be configured to change the display mode of the information regarding the voting conditions on the information processing terminals of the users belonging to the group according to the remaining time of the predetermined period. With this configuration, the display mode of the information regarding the voting conditions can be changed according to the remaining time for which the voting conditions are maintained.

[0115] Furthermore, the voting processing unit may be configured to process the results of voting on the voting target information based on a multiplier applied to the voting target information as the voting condition during the predetermined period, when the first operation is received during the predetermined period. With this configuration, by performing an operation for voting processing (first operation) within the expiration date of the set multiplier, a refund process based on the multiplier is executed.

[0116] The information processing device may further include a condition setting unit, and the condition setting unit may be configured to change the multiplier for the voting target information in accordance with the voting status of users belonging to the group. By configuring in this way, the multiplier, which is closely related to users' willingness to vote, can be changed (e.g., increased) in a timely manner in accordance with information on the voting status of users in the group.

[0117] The condition setting unit may be configured to change the multiplier for the voting target information in accordance with the number of votes cast by users belonging to the group for the voting target information. By configuring in this way, the multiplier, which is closely related to users' willingness to vote, can be changed in accordance with the number of votes cast for each piece of voting target information.

[0118] The voting amount receiving unit may be configured to execute a notification to encourage users who belong to the group but have not yet voted for the voting information to vote, when the number of votes cast by users who belong to the group for the voting information satisfies a predetermined condition. By configuring in this way, it is possible to send a notification encouraging users who have voted in a group when only a few users have voted.

[0119] Furthermore, the voting processing unit may be configured to not accept votes for the voting target information if the total amount of votes designated by each user belonging to the group for the voting target information exceeds a limit set for the group. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control so that voting processing that exceeds the limit set for the group is not performed.

[0120] The voting processing unit may be configured to set the limit amount according to the number of users belonging to the group. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the limit amount fairly among groups based on information on the number of users belonging to the group.

[0121] Furthermore, the voting processing unit may further include a presentation unit, and the presentation unit may be configured to add a property different from that of voting target information not selected by the first user to the voting target information selected by the first user and present the added property to other users belonging to the group. With this configuration, by adding a property different from that of voting target information not selected by the first user to the voting target information selected by a certain user in a group and presenting the added property to other users in the group, it is possible to share information selected by the user with other users in the group.

[0122] The presenting unit may be configured to present the voting target information selected by the first user to other users belonging to the group in a manner that allows the first user to be identified. By configuring in this way, it is possible to share within the group which user selected the voting target information.

[0123] The information processing device may further include an editing unit and an information providing unit, wherein the editing unit edits the voting target information in response to an operation by the first user, and the information providing unit is configured to provide the content of the voting target information being edited to a third user belonging to the group. With this configuration, by providing the edited content of the voting target information to the users in the group, information sharing regarding the editing of the voting target information can also be performed.

[0124] The editing unit may be configured to reflect edited content in the voting target information in response to an operation by the third user on the voting target information being edited, and the voting amount receiving unit may be configured to receive a designated voting amount from a user belonging to the group for the voting target information on which the edited content has been reflected. This configuration enables multiple users to edit and share the voting target information.

[0125] In one aspect of the present invention, a program for managing votes on the results of a competition is provided, which causes a computer to execute a voting amount acceptance step and a voting processing step, wherein the voting amount acceptance step accepts a voting amount designation from a second user belonging to a group for voting target information selected by a first user belonging to the group, and the voting processing step is capable of executing voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount designated by the second user in response to a first operation of a user different from the second user belonging to the group.

[0126] In one aspect of the present invention, an information processing method for managing votes on the results of a competition is provided, in which a computer receives a designated voting amount from a second user belonging to a group for voting target information selected by a first user belonging to the group, and the computer is capable of performing voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount designated by the second user in response to a first operation of a user different from the second user belonging to the group. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1: Voting system, 2: Competitor, 3: Competitor, 4: Competitor, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Voting amount receiving unit, 11b: Voting processing unit, 11c: Group formation unit, 11d: Target selection unit, 11e: Display control unit, 11f: Condition setting unit, 11g: Presentation unit, 11h: Editing unit, 11i: Information providing unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20(20 a to 20c): User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24 (24a to 24c): Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation button, 29: System bus, 50: Input field, 51: Magnification display area, 52: Icon, 53: Icon, A: Team, B: Team, B1: Send button, B2: Voting button, G: Group, T1 to T4: Voting target information, U1 to U3: User

Claims

1. An information processing device that manages votes on the results of a competition, comprising: a betting amount receiving unit; and a betting processing unit; the voting amount receiving unit receives a designated voting amount from a second user belonging to the group for voting target information selected by a first user belonging to the group; The voting processing unit performs voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount specified by the second user in response to a first operation of a user different from the second user belonging to the group.

2. 2 . The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the voting processing unit receives the first operation within a predetermined period based on a time point at which the first user selects the voting target information, the voting processing unit performs voting processing based on voting conditions valid for the predetermined period.

3. Further comprising a display control unit, The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the display control unit changes a display mode of the information relating to the voting conditions on the information processing terminals of the users belonging to the group according to the remaining time of the predetermined period.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein when the first operation is received during the specified period based on a multiplier applied as the voting condition to the voting target information during the specified period, the voting processing unit processes the results of voting for the voting target information based on the multiplier.

5. A condition setting unit is further provided, 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the condition setting unit changes a multiplier for the voting target information in accordance with a voting status of the voting target information by users belonging to the group.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the condition setting unit changes the multiplier for the voting target information in accordance with the number of votes cast by users belonging to the group for the voting target information.

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the voting amount receiving unit executes a notification to encourage users belonging to the group who have not voted for the voting target information to vote when the number of votes cast by users belonging to the group for the voting target information satisfies a predetermined condition.

8. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the voting processing unit does not accept votes for the voting target information if the total voting amount designated by each user belonging to the group for the voting target information exceeds a limit set for the group.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the voting processing unit sets the limit amount according to the number of users belonging to the group.

10. Further comprising a presentation unit, An information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the presentation unit presents the voting target information selected by the first user to other users belonging to the group by adding properties different from those of voting target information not selected by the first user.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10 , wherein the presenting unit presents the voting target information selected by the first user to other users belonging to the group in a manner that allows the first user to be identified.

12. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an editing unit and an information providing unit, wherein the editing unit edits the voting target information in accordance with the operation of the first user, and the information providing unit provides the content of the voting target information being edited to a third user belonging to the group.

13. The information processing device described in claim 12, wherein the editing unit reflects the editing content in the voting target information in accordance with the operation of the third user on the voting target information being edited, and the voting amount accepting unit accepts a designated voting amount from a user belonging to the group for the voting target information on which the editing content has been reflected.

14. A program for managing votes on the results of a competition, which causes a computer to execute a betting amount receiving step and a betting processing step, In the voting amount receiving step, a designation of a voting amount is received from a second user belonging to the group for voting target information selected by a first user belonging to the group; The voting processing step is a program that executes voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount specified by the second user in response to a first operation of a user who is different from the second user belonging to the group.

15. 1. An information processing method for managing votes on competition results, comprising: the computer receives a designation of a voting amount from a second user who belongs to the group for the voting target information selected by a first user who belongs to the group; An information processing method in which a computer performs voting processing based on the voting target information selected by the first user and the voting amount specified by the second user in response to a first operation of a user different from the second user belonging to the group.

Images