Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can prevent the exhaustion of behavioral resources and increase a user's motivation for voting behavior in a situation where a value used to predict and vote on a competition result differs from a value paid back according to a voting result.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a first value assigning unit that assigns to a user a first value to be used to predict and vote on a competition result based on predetermined conditions; a second value assigning unit that assigns to the user a second value that is a value different from the first value and can be used in a game, depending on a result of the vote using the first value; and a reward assigning unit that assigns a reward to the user who consumes the second value to play the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Games that simulate publicly managed races such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, or auto racing have been known in which participants predict the results of races, such as the finishing order.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game device that displays footage of a real race as a target for predicting the results when the real race is actually taking place, and displays footage of a virtual race as a target for predicting the results when the real race is not taking place. Patent document 2 also discloses a game system in which awarded points are used to predict and bet on the finishing order of horse races held at actual racetracks, and if the prediction is correct, points are paid out based on the odds that can be exchanged for various items that can be used in betting games and training games. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-044128 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-230314 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in games in which the player simply predicts the outcome of a competition, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, the game content tends to become monotonous, and there is a risk that the user's motivation to vote may be diminished. Furthermore, in a situation where the value used for voting differs from the value paid out when a prediction is correct, as in Patent Document 2, the value used for voting does not increase even if the prediction is correct, so resources for voting are likely to be depleted. As a result, there may be cases where users are unable to vote in the race they want, which could further reduce users' motivation to vote.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device, information processing method, and program that can prevent the depletion of behavioral resources and increase users' motivation to vote in situations where the value used to predict and vote on competition results differs from the value paid out based on the voting results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first value granting unit that grants a user a first value to be used to predict and vote on the outcome of a competition based on predetermined conditions, a second value granting unit that grants a user a second value that is different from the first value and can be used in a game depending on the result of the vote using the first value, and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to users who consume the second value to play a game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, since a final reward cannot be obtained without going through the two-stage actions of voting and playing the game, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous, simply predicting the outcome of a competition, and to increase users' motivation to vote. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote differs from the value paid out based on the voting result, users can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, which prevents the depletion of resources for voting and further increases users' motivation to vote. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a competition result prediction system including an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a voting result. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lottery result. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a point redemption rate according to a user rank. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device, a terminal, and a public racing server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a server that constitutes an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functions of a public racing server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of an information processing method of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a first value imparting process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a second value imparting process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a second value imparting process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a reward granting process. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a user rank determination process. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a voting result in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an information processing method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a reward granting process in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. That is, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0011] <About the competition result prediction service> 1 is a communication system including an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as server 30) according to one embodiment of the present invention, which provides information about a race to users U and provides services such as the sale of betting tickets and refunds (hereinafter referred to as race result prediction service). Specifically, the system accepts votes from users U predicting the results of the race (results such as the finishing order of the race targets), determines dividends based on the results of the race, and awards the dividends to users U.

[0012] The term "competition" refers to, for example, publicly managed competitions such as horse racing, boat racing, bicycle racing, or auto racing, which are actually held by public institutions as gambling. Competitions are held periodically at various stadiums according to a schedule. A user U can predict the outcome of a competition based on information about the competition on a betting screen (not shown) and place a bet by purchasing a betting ticket such as a horse racing ticket, boat ticket, or betting ticket using a predetermined value such as free coins or currency. If the bet based on the prediction is correct, the user U can receive a payout (a payout for the winning result) according to the odds. In this embodiment, the user U can use the competition result prediction service for free in principle, except for the currency used for betting. However, some functions or items can be used by paying a fee.

[0013] Information about the competition includes program schedules, odds, predictions by experts, competition footage, and competition results. (including information regarding payouts). Here, a program guide is a list of the contestants (competitors, racehorses, etc.) competing in each race, and includes information that is attached to basic information about the contestants and information that serves as a reference for predictions, such as past results. For example, if the race is Keirin, approximately 9 to 12 races are held per day at each track, and a program guide that compiles information on multiple track venues (for example, 43 tracks), a program guide for each track venue, or a program guide for each race, etc. In addition, the program guide also lists the gate number, car number, condition, characteristics (class group and running style, etc.) and past results of the Keirin contestants.

[0014] Free coins are equivalent to a first value and are treated as a medium having voting value, as virtual currency (a medium having value that can be used for voting) in the competition result prediction service. Free coins are granted to user U based on predetermined conditions and can be accumulated for a predetermined period (or indefinitely). By accumulating free coins, user U does not need to use them all in one competition, but can save them up to any competition and use them effectively in the competition of their choice. In addition, since free coins have no exchange value, they cannot be directly exchanged for currency or various goods (hereinafter referred to as prizes), and cannot be used for anything other than voting in the competition result prediction service. Of course, they cannot be used for the lottery game described below. Furthermore, no matter how many free coins you use to vote, they will not affect the odds.

[0015] The predetermined condition is a condition under which free coins are given to the user U, and for example, the following cases apply. (a) When you log in to the competition result prediction service once a day (login bonus). The amount of free coins awarded may be gradually increased depending on the number of days you log in. In addition, free coins will accumulate by logging in every day. (b) If a person votes a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) from the first time within a day (or a week). Note that in this case, points are awarded even if the prediction is incorrect. (c) When you create a group for the first time in a day (or week). (d) When another user U is invited to join the group and votes together for the first time. (e) When you accept an exchange request from another user U and register as a friend user for the first time.

[0016] Currency refers to so-called "money" used in general society to exchange for goods and services. In this embodiment, currency may be cash currency such as banknotes or coins, or deposit currency such as ordinary deposits or current accounts. Currency may also include third-party applications such as electronic money. This also includes virtual currencies that can be used in apps that allow payments using barcodes, stacked 2D codes, matrix 2D codes, etc.

[0017] When voting, user U selects his / her predicted bet from among different bet candidates prepared for each competition. The bet is the predicted content of the bet, specifically, the predicted content regarding the finishing order of the competition. Items of the bet candidates and bet content include, for example, bet type (win, place, consecutive bet, exacta, etc.), bet target (competition target or combination of competition targets), and bet amount (or number of bets). Examples of bets are "win (bet type), number 1 (competition target), 2,000 yen (bet amount)" or "trifecta (bet type), 2-3-5 (combination of competition targets), 1,000 free coins (number of bets)."

[0018] Odds refer to the payout rate, and are numerical values ​​indicating how many times the value of a bet will be paid out if the bet is successful. The odds in this embodiment are determined in accordance with the official odds of the publicly managed game being held (odds set by the organizer of the publicly managed game), and therefore may fluctuate in real time depending on the status of betting in the user U's own currency or that of others. The odds are calculated using a known method of determining payouts, such as the pari-mutuel method or the bookmaker method, but other methods may also be used.

[0019] In the competition result prediction service of this embodiment, it is possible for a user U to play alone, and also possible for a plurality of users U to form a group and play during a predetermined period or for a predetermined competition (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play). In cooperative play, a communication path for cooperative play is established that allows users U in the group to exchange messages and the like, and each user U can enjoy predicting the results of a competition together with other users U in the group. In cooperative play, there is no particular limit on the number of users that can form a group, but in this embodiment, a user U can only participate in one group and cannot participate in multiple groups at the same time.

[0020] Here, a lottery game will be taken as an example of a game, and with reference to Figures 2 to 4, an example of the flow of play, voting results, and lottery results in the competition result prediction service of this embodiment, which includes a lottery game, will be described together with the rules of the competition result prediction service. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the voting results, specifically, the values ​​used for race voting. There are two types of voting value (hereinafter referred to as voting value): free coins and currency, and the value awarded as a race result includes four types of value: value paid out according to the voting results (hereinafter referred to as refund value), rewards, experience points, and bonuses. Also, when free coins are used as voting value, the refund value and rewards are lottery points, and when currency is used as voting value, the refund value is currency and the rewards are exchange points.

[0021] A bonus is a predetermined amount of additional prize that is awarded in addition to the payout value if the prediction is correct. The value of the bonus varies depending on the voting value. If you vote using free coins, you will receive lottery points as a bonus, and if you vote using currency, you will receive exchange points as a bonus. The amount of the bonus is determined based on the point redemption rate (described below) and the number of people in the group (only in the case of cooperative play).

[0022] Experience points are a quantification of the degree to which user U has grown through the experience of voting behavior, and are a value that is a factor in determining user rank. Experience points are awarded according to user U's voting history, so they are awarded to user U regardless of whether their predictions were correct or not. The amount of experience points awarded also differs depending on the voting value, and if a user votes using currency, more experience points are awarded than if they vote using free coins.

[0023] Furthermore, experience points may be awarded when users U register their email addresses or the like and complete identity verification registration. A company providing a competition result prediction service would like as many users U as possible to complete identity verification registration, but generally, when users U are forced to complete identity verification, the dropout rate increases at that point. Therefore, by awarding experience points, users U are given an advantage when completing identity verification registration. Furthermore, experience points may be awarded when a user transitions from a free user to a paying user by paying a predetermined amount, such as by purchasing an item. A user U who transitions to a paying user will have a higher rate of continuing to use the competition result prediction service, and so in addition to the items and the like that are the subject of the charge, the user U will be given the benefit of being charged.

[0024] A bonus is a predetermined amount of additional prize given to users U in a group when they play together. In this embodiment, regardless of whether the prediction is correct or not, free coins are given as a bonus according to the number of users playing together. Note that the number of users playing together here does not simply mean the number of users participating in the group, but the number of users who participated in the group and actually voted. However, it is not necessary for all users U who make up the group to vote for the same competition target using the same betting method.

[0025] Furthermore, the bonus may be awarded, for example, if the user U participates in the group from a predetermined time when voting is possible until the end of the race. Here, "until the end of the race" may be, for example, if the race is a bicycle race, until the racer who is the subject of the betting reaches the finish line, or until the finishing order of the race is determined. This configuration can prevent the user U from leaving the group before the end of the race. Also, for example, a bonus may be awarded if the user U does not join another group from a predetermined time when voting becomes possible until the end of the competition. Here, "joining another group" may include, for example, the user U temporarily leaving the group he or she is currently participating in and joining another group.

[0026] Lottery points are equivalent to a secondary value, have a different value from free coins, and are treated as a medium that can be used in lottery games, as virtual currency in the competition result prediction service. Lottery points are awarded to user U as a payout value and a bonus when the user votes using free coins and their prediction is correct. When awarded as a payout value, the amount awarded is determined based on the odds, and when awarded as a bonus, the amount awarded is determined based on the point redemption rate (described below) and the number of members of the group (only in the case of joint play). Furthermore, since lottery points have no exchange value, they cannot be directly exchanged for currency or prizes, and cannot be used for anything other than the lottery game.

[0027] As a general rule, a user U cannot obtain lottery points unless they have taken a voting action. However, as an exception, lottery points may be awarded in the following cases. For example, lottery points may be awarded when another user U is invited to a group and votes together for the first time. Also, lottery points may be awarded when a user U accepts an exchange request from another user U and registers as a friend user for the first time.

[0028] Exchange points are equivalent to rewards, and unlike the free coins and lottery points described above, are treated as a medium of value that can be exchanged for prizes, etc., and are treated as virtual currency in the competition result prediction service. In other words, by using exchange points, user U can select and exchange desired prizes from prizes prepared by the provider of the competition result prediction service, etc., at any time. Prizes also include gift certificates, gift certificates, cash vouchers, travel vouchers, prepaid cards, etc.

[0029] In principle, exchange points are awarded as a reward when a lottery is drawn in a lottery game, but in this embodiment, they are also awarded as a bonus when a prediction is correct using currency as voting value. In this case, the amount awarded is determined based on the point redemption rate (described later) and the number of members of the group (only in the case of collaborative play). In addition, exchange points may be awarded when another user U accepts an exchange request from another user U and registers as a friend user for the first time.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lottery result. Specifically, the value used (consumed) when applying for a lottery (hereinafter referred to as lottery value) is lottery points, and the rewards awarded as a result of the lottery include three types of rewards: a first reward, a second reward, and a third reward. It also shows that the first reward is currency, the second reward is exchange points, and the third reward is free coins. In this embodiment, lottery points are awarded only when free coins are used to vote, so user U cannot apply for a lottery unless he or she has experience voting.

[0031] A lottery game is an event that takes place during the process of playing a competition result prediction service, in which a computer selects (by lottery) one or a predetermined number of rewards from multiple reward candidates in response to a request from user U, and grants the selected rewards to user U.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of point redemption rates according to user rank, where the redemption rates for lottery points and exchange points are specified according to user rank. This redemption rate is used when calculating benefits. Specifically, the amount of benefit awarded is calculated by multiplying the refund value by this redemption rate.

[0033] The user rank indicates the grade of the user U and indicates the level (degree of high or low) of the user U. The user rank is determined according to the amount of accumulated experience points, and when a certain amount of experience points is accumulated, the user moves to a higher level.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2, to explain using specific numbers, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, assume that user U predicts the outcome of a certain competition and casts a bet by spending 1000C ("C" is the unit of free coins) of free coins that have been given to him / her in advance as voting value. If the odds of winning are assumed to be 5 times, if the prediction is correct, 5000Gpt ("Gpt" is the unit of lottery points) of a different value from the free coins will be paid out as payout value. In other words, in the competition result prediction service of this embodiment, if free coins are used as voting value, the payout value will be different.

[0035] In this embodiment, if the user U's prediction is correct, the user U can receive additional lottery points as a bonus. The bonus is calculated based on the payout value, the lottery point redemption rate determined according to the user rank, and the number of people in the group (only in the case of cooperative play). For example, if the payout value is 5000 Gpt, the lottery point redemption rate is 5.0% (user rank 1), and the number of people in the group is 4, the user U will be awarded 1000 Gpt of lottery points as a bonus based on the formula: 5000 Gpt x 5.0% x 4 people.

[0036] If your prediction is incorrect, you will not receive the above refund value and bonus. However, regardless of the voting result, you will receive experience points and a bonus based on the number of people in your group (only in cooperative play) based on the fact that you voted. Specifically, for each vote, you will receive 100 Exp ("Exp" is a unit of experience points) and a bonus of 400 C (100 C x 4 people), which is the primary value. Note that these experience points and bonuses will be awarded even if your prediction is correct.

[0037] On the other hand, if you vote using 1,000 yen of currency as your voting value, if your prediction is correct, you will receive a refund of 5,000 yen of currency (assuming the odds are 5 times the same).

[0038] In this embodiment, if the user U's prediction is correct, the user U can receive additional exchange points as a bonus. The bonus is calculated based on the payout value, the exchange point redemption rate determined according to the user rank, and the number of people in the group (only in the case of cooperative play). For example, if the payout value is 5,000 yen, the exchange point redemption rate is 1.0% (user rank 1), and the number of people in the group is four, the user U will be awarded 200 exchange points ("Ppt" is the unit of exchange points) as a bonus based on the formula: 5,000 Gpt x 1.0% x 4 people.

[0039] If the prediction is incorrect, the above-mentioned refund value and bonus will not be awarded. However, just as with voting using free coins, regardless of the voting result, experience points and a bonus according to the number of people in the group (only in the case of cooperative play) will be awarded based on the fact that a vote was cast. Specifically, for each vote, 200 Exp experience points and a bonus of 400 C free coins (100 C x 4 people), which is the first value, will be awarded. Note that these experience points and bonuses will be awarded even if the prediction is correct. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if you vote using currency, you will be awarded twice the experience points as if you voted using free coins.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, free coins or currency can be used as voting value, lottery points or currency can be used as refund value, and lottery points or exchange points can be used as benefits. However, when free coins are used as voting value, the lottery points given as refund value or benefits do not constitute a reward, and rewards can only be obtained by using (consuming) the lottery points to enter a lottery.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a user U spends 500 Gpt of lottery points to play a lottery game, and depending on the results of the lottery game, if the first reward is won, 10 million yen of currency is awarded, if the second reward is won, 10 to 100 PPt of exchange points (average 50 PPt), and if the third reward is won, 500 C of free coins are awarded. Note that these rewards are merely examples, and other rewards may be available. Furthermore, the amounts of currency, exchange points, free coins, etc. awarded may also be varied.

[0042] As described above, in the race result prediction service of this embodiment, voting can be done using free coins or currency. Therefore, using free coins increases the fun of the game, while using currency increases realism and speculation, so users U who seek both elements can be highly satisfied. In particular, publicly managed races and the like have complicated betting methods, making it difficult for beginners to get involved, but using free coins to create a simulated experience can expand the fan base of publicly managed races and help to liven up the excitement of publicly managed races.

[0043] <About the Competition Results Prediction System S> Next, the configuration of a competition result prediction system S for providing the above competition result prediction service to user U will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the competition result prediction system S is a system for providing a competition result prediction service to a user U, and is made up of an information terminal operated by the user U (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal 10), a server 30, and a publicly managed racing server 50. The user terminal 10, server 30, and publicly managed racing server 50 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet.

[0044] The network N may be any network that connects the user terminals 10, the server 30, and the public racing server 50 in a manner that allows data communication. This may be wired or wireless, and includes the Internet, mobile communication networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), intranets, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. In addition, the user terminals 10 may communicate with each other via the network N, or may communicate with each other via Bluetooth. (registered trademark) or Wifi-Direct, etc., may be used for direct communication without going through the network N.

[0045] In the competition result prediction system S of this embodiment, the user terminal 10, server 30, and public racing server 50 work together in the above-described configuration to provide a competition result prediction service. Specifically, part of the processing is carried out by the server 30 and the public racing server 50, while part of the graphics processing and the like is carried out by the user terminal 10. For example, the server 30 executes a program containing certain rules, logic, and algorithms based on information about the race obtained from the public racing server 50. Meanwhile, the user terminal 10 synchronizes with the server 30 and provides a competition result prediction service using the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed by the server 30.

[0046] <Regarding the user terminal 10> Next, the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The user terminal 10 is equipped with a program stored therein and a processor that executes the program, and is carried by its owner, a user U, who operates the user terminal 10 when playing the competition result prediction service provided by the competition result prediction system S. The user terminal 10 may be any known device used as an information processing terminal, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, laptop PC, tablet terminal, wearable terminal, or dedicated gaming device with communication function. The number of user terminals 10 constituting the competition result prediction system S is not particularly limited and may be any number, but for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 10 is shown as three in Fig. 1.

[0047] To explain the configuration of the user terminal 10 in more detail, as shown in Figure 5, the user terminal 10 has, as its hardware configuration, a processor 11, a storage device 12, a communication interface (represented as communication I / F in Figure 5) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

[0048] The processor 11 includes, for example, a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit, or a digital signal processor, and executes various types of arithmetic processing based on programs or data stored in the storage device 12, and controls each part of the user terminal 10. The programs executed by the processor 11 include an OS (Operating System), which is system software for controlling the entire user terminal 10, and application programs for the competition result prediction service, and the functions of the user terminal 10 that constitute the competition result prediction system S are fulfilled by reading and executing these various programs by the processor 11.

[0049] The storage device 12 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores various data generated by the processing executed by the processor 11. Storage stores various types of data and is composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0050] The communication interface 13 is configured by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and controls communication processing of the user terminal 10. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication interface 13, and any public communication standard can be applied without any restrictions. The communication method used by the communication interface 13 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0051] The input device 14 is a device that receives an operation by the user U and generates data indicating the content of the received operation. As an example, an operation key, an operation button, a microphone for collecting sound, a camera for taking pictures, etc. provided on the user terminal 10 can be used.

[0052] The output device 15 is a device that draws a screen to display images, character string information, etc., and plays back audio. As an example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, a head-mounted display, a speaker, etc., provided in the user terminal 10 can be used. In this embodiment, the output device 15 includes at least a display. The display may be a device that combines the functions of both the input device 14 and the output device 15, such as a touch panel display.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 will be explained again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 6, the user terminal 10 includes multiple functional units, specifically, an operation identification unit 16, a terminal storage unit 17, a terminal generation unit 18, a terminal transmission / reception unit 19, and a display processing unit 20. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of hardware devices of the user terminal 10 and programs stored in the user terminal 10 as software.

[0054] [Operation specification section 16] The operation identification unit 16 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the input device 14, and identifies the content of various operations performed by the user U through the input device 14 of the user terminal 10. The operations identified by the operation identification unit 16 include operations for progressing the competition result prediction service (hereinafter referred to as operations related to progress) and operations related to joint play. Operations related to progress include operations for executing votes and operations for applying for a lottery game. Operations related to joint play include operations for recruiting other users U to form a group, operations for accepting or rejecting participation requests from other users U, and operations for applying to join a group that other users U are recruiting for.

[0055] [Terminal side storage unit 17] The terminal-side storage unit 17 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and stores various data (for example, video data, image data, audio data, etc.) relating to the progress of the competition result prediction service.

[0056] [Terminal side generation unit 18] The terminal-side generation unit 18 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and generates operation data etc. according to the operation content of the user U identified by the operation identification unit 16. The operation data generated here includes voting operation data, lottery operation data, operation data related to joint play, etc. The generated data is transmitted to the server 30 by the terminal-side transmission / reception unit 19.

[0057] [Terminal side transceiver 19] The terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 is mainly realized by the processor 11, storage device 12, and communication interface 13, and transmits and receives data and information between the server 30, the public racing server 50, and the user terminals 10 of other users U. For example, during play, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 receives various data related to the progress sent from the server 30 and transmits operation data to the server 30. Furthermore, when joint play is taking place, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 may transmit and receive joint play data (specifically, operation data of each user U) between the user terminals 10 of other users U.

[0058] [Display processing unit 20] The display processing unit 20 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the output device 15, and executes display processing to display on the display using the browsing function the data and information received by the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19. Specifically, the display processing unit 20 draws a play screen when play begins, and during play, expands various data related to the progress received by the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 from the server 30, and displays images and other information on the play screen.

[0059] <About Server 30> Next, the server 30 according to this embodiment will be described. The server 30 is a computer that constitutes the information processing device of the present invention. For example, it is constituted by a server computer managed by a company that provides a competition result prediction service, and is responsible for processing the progress of the competition result prediction service. Specifically, it manages various information for each user U, and distributes various data related to the progress of the competition result prediction service to each user U. Note that the server 30 is not limited to a server device consisting of a single computer that independently performs a specific function, but may also be constituted by a group of server devices consisting of multiple computers that are distributed but work together to perform a specific function.

[0060] To explain the configuration of server 30 in more detail, as shown in FIG. 5, server 30 has the same hardware configuration as a typical server computer, and includes a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface 33, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

[0061] The processor 31 is configured with a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a DSP, etc., and performs various processes by executing programs installed in the server 30. The programs executed by the processor 31 include an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire server 30, and application programs for causing the server 30 to function as the information processing device of the present invention.

[0062] The storage device 32 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM and RAM, and provides a working area for the processor 31 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores data generated by various processes executed by the processor 31. The storage stores various data related to the user U and the competition result prediction service, etc., and is configured, for example, with flash memory, HDD, SSD, FD, MO disk, CD, DVD, SD card, USB memory, etc. Note that a server computer for a database connected to the server 30 via the network N may also be used as storage.

[0063] The communication interface 33 is configured, for example, by a network interface card or the like, and controls communication processing of the server 30. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication interface 33, and any public communication standard can be applied without any restrictions. The communication method used by the communication interface 33 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0064] Next, the configuration of the server 30 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 7, the server 30 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a server-side storage unit 34, a server-side transmission / reception unit 35, a server-side generation unit 36, a first value granting unit 37, a second value granting unit 38, a reward granting unit 39, an experience value granting unit 40, and a user rank determination unit 41. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the server 30 and a program as software stored in the server 30. Note that when the server 30 is configured with a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers performs a different function.

[0065] [Server-side storage unit 34] The server-side storage unit 34 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and stores various data including data on the user U and data on the progress processing of the competition result prediction service (various data on progress). The data relating to the user U includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) that identifies the user U or the user terminal 10 used by the user U, and various information associated with that identifier. (Information such as personal information of user U, model of user terminal 10, login history, voting history, lottery history, prize exchange history, number of free coins held, number of lottery points held, number of exchange points held, number of experience points, and user rank, etc.) It is possible to accumulate and store the free coins, lottery points, exchange points, experience points, etc. that have been given up to now. The various data relating to the progress of the game includes data created based on information relating to the game acquired from the publicly managed game server 50.

[0066] [Server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35] The server-side transmitter / receiver 35 is primarily realized by the processor 31, storage device 32, and communications interface 33, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10 and the public racing server 50. For example, during play, the server-side transmitter / receiver 35 transmits various data related to the progress of the game to the user terminal 10 of user U and receives operation data from that user terminal 10. The server-side transmitter / receiver 35 also receives data including information related to the game from the public racing server 50 and transmits data related to user U's betting status as necessary to the public racing server 50. Furthermore, during joint play, the server-side transmitter / receiver 35 receives joint play data from each user terminal 10 of multiple users U participating in joint play and transmits data for synchronizing users U (various data related to the progress in a broad sense) to each user terminal 10.

[0067] [Server-side generation part 36] The server-side generation unit 36 ​​is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and generates data to be transmitted by the server-side transmission / reception unit 35. Specifically, the data generated here includes data corresponding to operation data received from the user terminal 10. Note that the data generated here also includes data for synchronizing multiple users U playing together while the joint play is taking place.

[0068] [First Value Addition Department 37] The first value granting unit 37 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and grants free coins, which are the first value, to the user U based on the above rules. The amount of free coins to be granted is determined appropriately depending on the user rank, the number of members of the group (only in the case of cooperative play), lottery results, time, etc. The granted free coins are associated with each user U to whom they are granted and stored in the server-side storage unit 34. The rules also include the contents exemplified above as the predetermined conditions.

[0069] [Second Value Addition Section 38] The second value granting unit 38 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and grants lottery points, which are the second value, to the user U based on the above rules. The amount of lottery points to be granted is determined appropriately depending on the odds, user rank, the number of members of the group (only in the case of joint play), etc. In the case of joint play, the amount to be granted is determined depending on the user rank that is most advantageous to the user U, among the user ranks of the user U himself or the other users U that make up the group. The granted lottery points are associated with each user U to whom they are granted and stored in the server-side storage unit 34.

[0070] [Reward Granting Department 39] The reward granting unit 39 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and grants exchange points, which are rewards, to the user U based on the above rules. The amount of exchange points to be granted is determined appropriately depending on the lottery results, odds, user rank, the number of members of the group (only in the case of joint play), etc. In the case of joint play, the amount to be granted may be determined depending on the user rank that is most advantageous to the user U, among the user ranks of the user U himself or the other users U that make up the group. The granted exchange points are associated with each user U to whom they are granted and stored in the server-side storage unit 34.

[0071] [Experience Points Granting Section 40] The experience value granting unit 40 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and grants experience values ​​to the user U based on the above rules. The granted experience values ​​are associated with each user U to whom the experience values ​​are granted, and stored in the server-side storage unit 34.

[0072] [User rank determination unit 41] The user rank determination unit 41 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and determines a user rank for each user U based on the accumulated amount of experience points granted by the experience point granting unit 40. Specifically, when the accumulated amount of experience points reaches a predetermined amount set in advance for each rank, the user rank of that user U is promoted to a higher level.

[0073] <Configuration of the public racing server 50> Next, the public racing server 50 according to this embodiment will be described. The public racing server 50 is, for example, composed of a server computer managed by the organization hosting the public racing event, and performs processes such as providing information about the race, calculating odds, accepting votes, and making payouts. Specifically, it provides information about the race to the server 30, and directly or indirectly accepts votes and makes payouts to each user U. Note that the public racing server 50 is not limited to a server device consisting of a single computer that performs a specific function on its own, but may also be composed of a group of server devices consisting of multiple computers that are distributed but work together to perform a specific function.

[0074] To explain the configuration of the public racing server 50 in more detail, as shown in Figure 5, the public racing server 50 has the same hardware configuration as a typical server computer, and is equipped with a processor 51, a storage device 52, and a communications interface 53, all of which are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The configurations of the processor 51, storage device 52, and communications interface 53 are generally similar to those of the server 30 described above.

[0075] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the configuration of the public racing server 50 will be explained again from a functional perspective. As shown in Figure 8, the public racing server 50 has multiple functional units, specifically a public server memory unit 54, a public server transmission / reception unit 55, a public server generation unit 56, and an odds calculation unit 57. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of the hardware devices of the public racing server 50 and software programs stored in the public racing server 50. If the public racing server 50 is made up of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function.

[0076] [Public Server Memory Unit 54] The public server side memory unit 54 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the memory device 52, and stores various data including information about the competition.

[0077] [Public server side transmission / reception unit 55] The public server-side transmitting / receiving unit 55 is mainly realized by a processor 51, a storage device 52, and a communication interface 53, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10 and the server 30. For example, it transmits data including information about the competition to the server 30, and receives data about the voting status of each user U from the server 30. Data may be transmitted and received with the user terminal 10 via the server 30, or may be transmitted and received directly without going through the server 30. For example, the data transmitted to the user terminal 10 includes data including information about the competition and data about payouts, and the data received from the user terminal 10 includes data about voting.

[0078] [Public Server Side Generation Unit 56] The public server-side generation unit 56 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and generates data to be transmitted by the public server-side transmission / reception unit 55. The data generated here includes data containing information about the competition, etc.

[0079] [Odds Calculation Section 57] The odds calculation unit 57 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and calculates odds using known methods for determining payouts, such as the pari-mutuel method or the bookmaker method. The calculated odds are stored in the public server-side storage unit 54, and are transmitted by the public server-side transmitting / receiving unit 55 to the user terminal 10 and the server 30 as data including information about the race.

[0080] The above describes the configuration of the user terminal 10, server 30, and public racing server 50. Generally, the user terminal 10, server 30, and public racing server 50 have various functions in addition to those described above, but here we will only explain the characteristic functions that provide the effects of the race result prediction system S of the present invention, and will not illustrate or explain other known functions, etc.

[0081] <Processing flow of the competition result prediction system S> Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an outline of the competition result prediction process executed in the competition result prediction system S configured as described above will be described. The information processing method according to this embodiment is realized by using a competition result prediction system S that functions as a computer system; in other words, the information processing performed by the competition result prediction system S applies the information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 9, the process for predicting a competition result when free coins are used as a voting value is composed of three phases. In the first phase, the server 30 awards free coins, which are a first value, to the user U based on the above-mentioned predetermined conditions (S101). In the second phase, if the user U votes using the free coins, which are the first value, the server 30 awards lottery points, which are a second value, to the user U in accordance with the voting result (S102). Furthermore, in the third phase, if the user U plays a lottery game using (consuming) the lottery points, which are the second value, the server 30 awards a reward to the user U in accordance with the lottery result (S103). Then, the process ends.

[0083] Next, details of each step of the competition result prediction process executed in the competition result prediction system S will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Note that here, a case where free coins are used as voting value will be described.

[0084] [First Value Addition Processing] First, the first value imparting process will be described with reference to FIG. The first value granting process is a process executed in the server 30, and refers to a process of granting free coins, which are a first value, to the user U. The first value granting process is a process performed in step S101 of the competition result prediction process shown in FIG.

[0085] 10, when the server 30 determines that the user U satisfies the predetermined condition (S201: YES), it grants free coins, which are the first value, to the user U (S202). Then, it transmits progress-related data notifying the result to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S203). However, when it determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (S201: NO), it ends the process.

[0086] When the above series of steps is completed, the first value imparting process ends. Thereafter, while the user U is playing the competition result prediction service, the above series of steps is repeatedly performed. The above is an example of the first value imparting process.

[0087] [Secondary value addition processing] Next, the second value imparting process will be described with reference to FIGS. The second value granting process is a process executed by the server 30, and refers to a process of granting lottery points, which are a second value, to the user U. The second value granting process is a process performed in step S102 of the competition result prediction process shown in FIG.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11, before the start of the target competition, the server 30 receives voting operation data from the user terminal 10, and when it determines that it has accepted a vote from the user U (S301: YES), it subtracts the first value, free coins, stored in association with the target user U according to the amount (amount bet) specified by the user U (S302).

[0089] After the target race ends, server 30 receives data indicating information about the race, including the race results and the determined odds, from publicly managed racing server 50 (S303). Then, server 30 determines whether user U's play style is cooperative play or not (S304). If server 30 determines that user U is playing alone rather than cooperative play (S304: NO), server 30 then determines whether user U's prediction, which is the content of his / her bet, was correct or not, based on the received information about the race (S305).

[0090] If the server 30 determines that the user U's prediction was correct (S305: YES), it calculates the amount of lottery points to be awarded as a refund value based on the odds (S306), and awards lottery points, which are a second value, to the user U as a refund value in accordance with the calculated amount to be awarded (S307). In addition, the server 30 calculates the amount of lottery points to be awarded as a benefit based on the previously calculated amount of lottery points to be awarded as a refund value and the lottery point return rate specified in accordance with the user rank (S308), and awards lottery points, which are a second value, to the user U as a benefit in accordance with the calculated amount to be awarded (S309).

[0091] After the process of S309 above, or when it is determined that the user U's prediction was incorrect (S305: NO), the server 30 grants a predetermined amount of experience points to the user U (S310).

[0092] On the other hand, if the server 30 determines that the user U's play style is collaborative play (S304: YES), as shown in Figure 12, it determines whether the user U's prediction, which is the betting content, is correct or not based on the information about the competition previously received (S401).

[0093] If the server 30 determines that the user U's prediction is correct (S401: YES), it first selects the user U with the highest user rank among the users U belonging to the cooperative play group, and identifies the user rank of that highest-ranking user U (S402).

[0094] Then, the server 30 calculates the amount of lottery points to be awarded as the refund value based on the odds (S403), and awards lottery points, which are a second value, to the user U as the refund value in accordance with the calculated amount to be awarded (S404). The server 30 also calculates the amount of lottery points to be awarded as a benefit based on the previously calculated amount of lottery points to be awarded as the refund value and the lottery point return rate specified in accordance with the previously identified user rank of the highest-ranking user U (S405), and awards lottery points, which are a second value, to the user U as a benefit in accordance with the calculated amount to be awarded (S406).

[0095] After the process of S406 above, or when it is determined that the user U's prediction was incorrect (S401: NO), the server 30 grants a predetermined amount of experience points to the user U (S407).

[0096] Furthermore, the server 30 determines the amount of free coins to be awarded as a bonus for collaborative play according to the number of users constituting the group (S408), and awards free coins to user U as a bonus according to the determined amount (S409).

[0097] 11, after the processing of S310 or S409, the server 30 transmits data notifying the result to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S311). If it determines that the vote of the user U has not been accepted (S301: NO), the processing ends.

[0098] When the above series of steps is completed, the second value imparting process ends. Thereafter, the above series of steps is repeatedly performed while the user U is playing the competition result prediction service. The above is an example of the second value imparting process.

[0099] [Reward granting process] Next, the reward granting process will be described with reference to FIG. The reward granting process is a process executed by the server 30, and refers to a process of granting a reward to the user U as a result of playing a lottery game based on instructions from the user U. The reward granting process is also a process performed in step S103 of the competition result prediction process shown in FIG.

[0100] As shown in Figure 13, when the server 30 receives lottery operation data from the user terminal 10 and determines that it has accepted a lottery application from user U (S501: YES), it subtracts a predetermined number of lottery points, which are a second value stored in association with the target user U, as compensation for one lottery draw (S502).

[0101] Then, the server 30 conducts a lottery and judges the result of the lottery (S503). If the first reward is selected as a result of the lottery (S503: First Reward), a predetermined amount of currency is given to the user U as a reward (S504). If the second reward is selected (S503: Second Reward), a predetermined amount of exchange points is given to the user U as a reward (S505). If the third reward is selected, (S503: Third Reward) A predetermined amount of free coins is given to the user U as a reward (S506).

[0102] Then, data notifying the result is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S507). If it is determined that the lottery application from the user U has not been accepted (S501: NO), the process ends immediately.

[0103] When the above series of steps is completed, the reward granting process ends. Thereafter, the above series of steps is repeatedly performed while the user U is playing the competition result prediction service. The above is an example of the reward granting process.

[0104] [User rank determination process] Next, the user rank determination process will be described with reference to FIG. The user rank determination process is a process executed by the server 30, and is a process for determining the user rank of each user U based on the voting history of the user U. The user rank determined in the user rank determination process is used when calculating the amount of lottery points to be awarded as a benefit.

[0105] 14, when the amount of experience points possessed by user U increases as a result of user U's voting behavior or other satisfaction of the experience point granting requirements (S601: YES), the server 30 determines whether the accumulated amount of experience points reaches a predetermined amount and satisfies the rank-up requirements (S602). If it determines that the amount of experience points satisfies the rank-up requirements (S602: YES), it updates the user rank by moving user U's user rank to a higher level (S603). Then, it transmits data notifying the result to user terminal 10 of user U (S604). Note that if the amount of experience points has not increased (S601: NO), or if it determines that the amount of experience points has increased but does not satisfy the rank-up requirements (S602: NO), it ends the process.

[0106] When the above series of steps is completed, the user rank determination process ends. Thereafter, the above series of steps is repeatedly carried out while the user U is playing the competition result prediction service. The above is an example of the user rank determination process.

[0107] <Summary of this embodiment> The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program according to the above-described embodiment are as follows.

[0108] [1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a first value granting unit that grants a user a first value to be used to predict and vote on the outcome of a competition based on predetermined conditions, a second value granting unit that grants a user a second value, which is different from the first value and is used to draw a lottery in which a reward can be obtained, depending on the result of the vote based on the first value, and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the user who has drawn the lottery. According to the information processing device described above, since a reward cannot be finally obtained without going through two steps of voting and the lottery game, it is possible to prevent the content of play from becoming monotonous due to variations in content, and to increase the motivation of users to vote. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote is different from the value paid out according to the voting result, the user can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, which prevents the depletion of resources for voting and further increases the motivation of users to vote.

[0109] [2] The information processing device further includes a storage unit that accumulates and stores the first value assigned to each user. This allows users to accumulate the assigned first value, which makes it possible to better prevent the depletion of resources for voting behavior and further increase users' motivation to vote.

[0110] [3] In the above information processing device, the reward includes a first value. This allows users to obtain first value as a reward for the lottery results, which can better prevent the depletion of resources for voting behavior and further increase users' motivation to vote.

[0111] [4] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when a user belonging to a group consisting of multiple users casts a vote, the first value assigning unit determines the amount of first value to be assigned to the user depending on the number of members of the group, regardless of the result of the vote. As a result, when a user forms a group with multiple other users and votes, they can obtain a first value according to the number of people in the group, regardless of the voting result, which makes it possible to better prevent the depletion of resources for voting and further motivate users to vote.

[0112] [5] The information processing device further includes a user rank determination unit that determines a user rank of the user based on the voting history of the user, and the second value is calculated according to the user rank. This allows the user to obtain a second value according to the user rank determined based on the voting history, thereby further increasing the motivation of the user to vote.

[0113] [6] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when a user belonging to a group consisting of multiple users casts a vote, the second value is calculated according to the user rank that is most advantageous to the user among the user ranks associated with the users belonging to the group. As a result, when a user forms a group with multiple other users and votes, the user can obtain a second value based on the user rank that is most advantageous to the user, either the user rank of the user or the user rank of the other users in the group, thereby further motivating the user to vote.

[0114] [7] In the above information processing device, the competition is a publicly managed competition, and the second value is calculated according to a payout multiplier determined by the organizer of the publicly managed competition. This allows users to obtain the second value according to the payout multiplier determined by the organizer of the publicly managed lottery regardless of their voting tendency for the first value, thereby further increasing the motivation for users to vote.

[0115] [8] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to this embodiment, a computer assigns a first value to a user based on predetermined conditions, which is used to predict the outcome of a competition and place a bet; and, depending on the results of the bet using the first value, assigns a second value to the user that is different from the first value and is used to hold a lottery in which a reward can be obtained; and assigns the reward to the user who has participated in the lottery. This prevents the gameplay from becoming monotonous due to variations in content, and increases users' motivation to vote, since users cannot ultimately receive a reward unless they go through the two-stage actions of voting and the lottery game. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote differs from the value paid out based on the voting results, users can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, thereby preventing the depletion of resources for voting and further increasing users' motivation to vote.

[0116] [9] Furthermore, according to the program of this embodiment, the program is executed by a computer, and causes the computer to grant a user a first value to be used to predict and bet on the outcome of a competition based on predetermined conditions, grant the user a second value, which is a value different from the first value and is used to hold a lottery in which a reward can be obtained, depending on the result of the vote using the first value, and grant the reward to the user who held the lottery. This prevents the gameplay from becoming monotonous due to variations in content, and increases users' motivation to vote, since users cannot ultimately receive a reward unless they go through the two-stage actions of voting and the lottery game. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote differs from the value paid out based on the voting results, users can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, thereby preventing the depletion of resources for voting and further increasing users' motivation to vote.

[0117] <Second embodiment of the present invention> In the above embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the first embodiment), a lottery game was described as an example of a game. However, the content of the game is not limited to this, and other than lottery games, it may be, for example, a quiz game, a game in which you predict the ranking of a character in a race, or a game in which you fight enemy characters and complete a quest. Below, as the second embodiment, a game other than a lottery game will be described as an example.

[0118] In the following description, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, while the commonalities between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted. Incidentally, in the second embodiment, the competition result prediction system S is also made up of a user terminal 10, a server 30, and a public racing server 50, and the hardware configuration and functions of each device are generally the same as in the first embodiment. Also, in the second embodiment, the operations related to the progress performed by the user U include operations to play the game, and the operation data includes game operation data. Also, the various data related to the progress includes data related to the game progress.

[0119] In the second embodiment, game points are awarded as the second value instead of lottery points. Like lottery points, game points have a different value from free coins, which are the first value, and are treated as a medium that can be used in various games, as virtual currency in the competition result prediction service. Game points are awarded to user U as a payout value and a bonus when the user votes using free coins and the prediction is correct as a result of the vote. When awarded as a payout value, the amount awarded is determined based on odds, and when awarded as a bonus, the amount awarded is determined based on the point return rate and the number of members of the group (only in the case of joint play), as with lottery points.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 15, for example, assume that user U predicts the outcome of a certain competition and casts a bet by spending 1000C of free coins that have been granted to him / her as a voting value. If the odds of winning are assumed to be 5:1, and the prediction is correct, 5000 Gpt ("Gpt" is a unit of game points) of a different value from the free coins will be paid out as a payout value. In addition, in the second embodiment, user U can also receive additional game points as a bonus if his / her prediction is correct. The bonus calculation method is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0121] As described above, in the second embodiment, free coins or currency can be used as voting value, game points or currency can be used as refund value, and game points or exchange points can be used as benefits. However, when free coins are used as voting value, the game points granted as refund value or benefits do not constitute a reward, and rewards can only be obtained by using (consuming) those game points to play the game.

[0122] For example, the user U can consume game points to play a mini-game associated with the race result prediction service. An example of a playable mini-game is a game in which the user predicts the ranking of a race run by multiple characters. A game in which the user predicts the ranking of a race is, for example, a game in which a race between five characters (racehorses, racers, etc.) is run under computer control, and the user predicts which character will finish first in the race. In this case, the user U may be able to intervene in the race by tapping on a character during the race to interfere with its running, or by giving the character an item to accelerate or decelerate the character. Then, a reward (exchange points or free coins, etc.) is awarded to the user U who plays the mini-game depending on the result of the mini-game. Specifically, the type and amount of reward varies depending on the result of the mini-game (the result of the prediction), i.e., whether or not the user U fulfills the set conditions in the mini-game. For example, if the predicted character comes in first, it is determined that the set conditions have been fulfilled, and the user U is awarded a reward (exchange points or free coins) in an amount equal to the game points consumed multiplied by the odds set for each character in the mini-game. Note that these rewards are merely examples, and other rewards may also be awarded. Furthermore, a reward (for example, a smaller amount than if the prediction were correct, treated as a participation prize, etc.) may also be awarded if the prediction is incorrect.

[0123] Furthermore, although game points cannot be directly exchanged for currency or prizes, etc., they may be used outside the competition result prediction service. In other words, the games in which game points can be used are not limited to games within the competition result prediction service, and for example, they may be used in other games (online games, etc.) provided outside the competition result prediction system S.

[0124] For example, these game points can be used in a game (hereinafter referred to as a battle game) in which a player controls a character to fight enemy characters by performing predetermined actions and progresses by sequentially challenging and clearing multiple quests. Specifically, after linking a user ID or the like between the competition result prediction service and the battle game to associate the two, the game points possessed by the user U can be converted into the value of medals or the like that are consumed in the battle game when playing quests, purchasing items, purchasing characters, or increasing character parameters, or can be used in the battle game as a value equivalent to the value of such medals. Note that when purchasing items or the like, they may be purchased after going through a lottery (so-called "gacha") that can be executed by consuming a predetermined amount of value.

[0125] Furthermore, the number of games linked to the competition result prediction service is not limited to one, and the service may be linked to multiple games. When the competition result prediction service is linked to multiple games, the user U has more options for games to play, and the user U can freely select, from among the multiple games, which game to use his / her game points for (including which game to convert them into value that can be used in). Here, the server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 corresponds to the information acquisition unit of the present invention, and the server-side transmitting / receiving unit 35 receives information based on the operation of the user U operating the user terminal 10 to select a game, i.e., the operation to select a game for which the game points will be used (including conversion).

[0126] A quest refers to a task given to the user U in a battle game, i.e., an individual event that constitutes the battle game. Specifically, it refers to an event in which the user U fights an enemy character using a character that the user U possesses. In addition, in these quests, completing the quest by satisfying set conditions, such as defeating an enemy character, is called clearing the quest, and when cleared, the user U can obtain a character, an item, or the like.

[0127] In this battle game, there are also quests that can be played by consuming game points, and if the user U consumes game points to play and clear the quest, a reward (exchange points, free coins, etc.) is awarded to the user U, just as if the prediction in the mini-game above was correct. Note that the reward may be awarded based on playing the quest even if the user U has not cleared the quest. However, it is advisable to award a different reward to a user U who has cleared the quest, i.e., a user U who has satisfied the set conditions, than to a user U who has not cleared the quest, for example, a larger amount of reward or a reward of higher value.

[0128] Furthermore, when a quest is cleared by consuming game points, the amount and content of the reward may be better than when the quest is cleared through normal play. For example, when granting the above reward (exchange points or free coins, etc.), it may be possible to grant twice the amount of the reward, or to grant a character or item that is highly valuable to the user U, such as a character with high rarity.

[0129] The quests may also include special quests that can only be played by using (consuming) game points. Each special quest has a special reward associated with it, that is, a special reward that can only be granted when the special quest is played or cleared. In other words, the user U cannot obtain these special rewards unless he or she uses (consuming) game points to play or clear the special quest.

[0130] Next, the race result prediction process executed in the second embodiment will be described. 16, similarly to the first embodiment, the competition result prediction process when free coins are used as voting value is composed of three phases. First, in the first phase, the server 30 grants free coins, which are a first value, to the user U based on the above-mentioned predetermined conditions (S701). Then, in the second phase, if the user U votes using the free coins, which are the first value, the server 30 grants game points, which are a second value, to the user U in accordance with the voting result (S702). Furthermore, in the third phase, if the user U uses (consumes) the game points, which are the second value, to play a game such as a mini-game or a battle game, the server 30 grants a reward to the user U in accordance with the result of the game (S703). Then, the process ends.

[0131] [Reward granting process] Next, the flow of the reward granting process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The reward granting process in the second embodiment is a process executed on the server 30, which is the process performed in step S703 of the competition result prediction process shown in FIG. 16, and refers to a process of granting a reward to the user U as a result of the user U playing the game. The first value assignment process (S701) and the second value assignment process (S702) are generally similar to the first value assignment process (S101) and the second value assignment process (S102) in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0132] As shown in Figure 17, when the server 30 determines that the user U has played a game by consuming game points, which are the second value (S801: YES), it subtracts a predetermined number of game points stored in association with the target user U as compensation for playing the game (S802).

[0133] Next, the server 30 determines the result of the game played by the user U, i.e., whether or not the set conditions have been met (S803). Specifically, in the case of a mini-game, the server determines whether or not the prediction was correct, and in the case of a battle game, the server determines whether or not the quest has been cleared. If the server 30 determines that the result of the game was correct or the game has been cleared (S803: YES), the server 30 determines the type and amount of reward according to the result of the game (S804), and grants the determined reward to the user U (S805). On the other hand, if the server 30 determines that the result of the game was incorrect or the game has not been cleared (S803: NO), the server 30 proceeds to the next process without granting a reward.

[0134] If the game played by the user U is a game managed by an external server (not shown) outside the competition result prediction system S, when making the determinations in steps S801 and S803, the server 30 communicates with the external server (not shown) to acquire information related to the game play. Specifically, information such as the game play history (including game results) of the user U is acquired from the external server (not shown).

[0135] Then, data notifying the result is transmitted to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S806). If it is determined that the user U is not playing the game (S801: NO), the process ends immediately.

[0136] When the above series of steps is completed, the reward granting process ends. Thereafter, the above series of steps is repeatedly performed while the user U is playing the competition result prediction service. Note that, here, the conditions for granting a reward have been described as playing the game and satisfying set conditions by clearing the game, etc., but as described above, a reward may also be granted even if the user simply plays the game, regardless of the game result. The above is an example of the reward granting process.

[0137] <Summary of the second embodiment> The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program according to the second embodiment described above are as follows.

[0138] [1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a first value granting unit that grants a first value to a user based on predetermined conditions, the first value being used to predict and vote on the outcome of a competition; a second value granting unit that grants a second value, which is different from the first value and can be used in a game, to a user in accordance with the result of the vote using the first value; and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to a user who consumes the second value to play a game. According to the information processing device described above, since a final reward cannot be obtained without going through the two-stage actions of voting and playing the game, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous, simply predicting the outcome of a competition, and to increase the motivation of users to vote. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote differs from the value paid out based on the voting result, users can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, which prevents the depletion of resources for voting and further increases the motivation of users to vote.

[0139] [2] In the above information processing device, the reward granting unit grants a first value as a reward. This allows users to obtain primary value as a reward for the game results, which makes it possible to better prevent the depletion of resources for voting behavior and further increase users' motivation to vote.

[0140] [3] In the above information processing device, the reward granting unit grants a different reward to a user who satisfies a set condition in a game than to a user who does not satisfy the set condition in a game. This allows the quality or quantity of rewards that users receive to vary depending on the outcome of the game, i.e., whether or not the set conditions are met, which not only increases users' motivation to play the game but also helps to prevent the depletion of resources for voting, further increasing users' motivation to vote.

[0141] [4] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the reward granting unit grants a different reward to a user who consumes the second value and satisfies the set conditions in the game than to a user who satisfies the set conditions in the game without consuming the second value. This means that when a user consumes the second value obtained from a successful vote and satisfies the set conditions, the quality or quantity of the reward obtained will change, which not only increases the user's motivation to vote and play the game, but also makes it possible to better prevent the depletion of resources for voting, further increasing the user's motivation to vote.

[0142] [5] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the game includes a special quest that can be played when the second value is consumed, and the reward granting unit grants a reward corresponding to the special quest to a user who satisfies the set conditions in the special quest. This allows users to spend the second value obtained from a successful vote to play a special quest, and if they meet the set conditions they will receive a special reward corresponding to the special quest, which not only increases users' motivation to vote and play the game, but also better prevents the depletion of resources for voting, further increasing users' motivation to vote.

[0143] [6] In the above information processing device, when there are multiple games, it further has an information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the game selected by the user from the multiple games in order to use the second value. This allows users to freely select a game that utilizes the second value from among multiple games, which not only increases users' motivation to play the game but also better prevents the depletion of resources for voting behavior, further increasing users' motivation to vote.

[0144] [7] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when a user belonging to a group consisting of multiple users casts a vote, the first value assigning unit determines the amount of first value to be assigned to the user depending on the number of members of the group, regardless of the result of the vote. As a result, when a user forms a group with multiple other users and votes, they can obtain a first value according to the number of people in the group, regardless of the voting result, which makes it possible to better prevent the depletion of resources for voting and further motivate users to vote.

[0145] [8] The information processing device further includes a user rank determination unit that determines a user rank of a user based on the voting history of the user, and the second value assigning unit calculates the second value according to the user rank. This allows the user to obtain a second value according to the user rank determined based on the voting history, thereby further increasing the motivation of the user to vote.

[0146] [9] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when a user belonging to a group consisting of multiple users casts a vote, the second value assigning unit calculates the second value according to the user rank that is most advantageous to the user among the user ranks associated with the users belonging to the group. As a result, when a user forms a group with multiple other users and votes, the user can obtain a second value based on the user rank that is most advantageous to the user, either the user rank of the user or the user rank of the other users in the group, thereby further motivating the user to vote.

[0147]

[10] In the above information processing device, the second value granting unit calculates the second value according to the payout rate for the race. This allows users to obtain the second value according to the payout multiplier for the competition (for example, the payout multiplier set by the organizer of the public competition), regardless of the voting tendency of the first value, thereby further increasing the motivation for users to vote.

[0148]

[11] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to this embodiment, a computer grants a user a first value to be used to predict and vote on the outcome of a competition based on predetermined conditions, and the computer grants the user a second value that is different from the first value and can be used in a game depending on the result of the vote using the first value, and the computer grants a reward to users who consume the second value to play the game. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous, as users cannot ultimately receive a reward unless they go through the two-step actions of voting and playing the game, and can increase users' motivation to vote. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote is different from the value paid out based on the voting result, users can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, which can prevent resources for voting from being depleted and further increase users' motivation to vote.

[0149]

[12] Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to grant users a first value to be used to predict and vote on the results of a competition based on predetermined conditions, causes the computer to grant users a second value that is different from the first value and can be used in a game depending on the results of the vote using the first value, and causes the computer to grant rewards to users who spend the second value to play a game. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous, as users cannot ultimately receive a reward unless they go through the two-step actions of voting and playing the game, and can increase users' motivation to vote. In particular, in a situation where the value used to predict the outcome of a competition and vote is different from the value paid out based on the voting result, users can obtain the first value used to vote based on predetermined conditions, which can prevent resources for voting from being depleted and further increase users' motivation to vote.

[0150] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above embodiment, the server 30 executes the program of the present invention and functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but some or all of the functions of the server 30 as an information processing device may be provided in the user terminal 10. For example, the user terminal 10 may be provided with functions corresponding to the first value providing unit 37, the second value providing unit 38, or the reward providing unit 39.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user U predicts the outcome of the competition and casts a vote, but the user U may also refer to the predictions of other users U and cast a vote by piggybacking on those predictions. For example, a prediction support video may be distributed to the user U as a video related to voting based on predictions of the outcome of the competition, and as a video to support the user U in voting. The prediction support video features at least one or more performers, who, while filming the video, predict the outcome of the competition before it takes place, actually cast a vote, and check whether their prediction was correct while watching the competition on TV or the like. The user U can watch the prediction support video and use it as a reference when casting their vote.

[0152] In the above embodiment, a publicly managed race was described as an example of a race. However, the content of the race is not limited to this, and any race may be selected as long as the user U can predict the outcome and place a bet. For example, the race may be a race to predict the outcome or the details of a sporting event such as track and field, swimming, baseball, soccer, rugby, basketball, or martial arts such as boxing. Furthermore, the race may be a race to predict the outcome of a game tournament such as so-called e-sports.

[0153] In the above embodiment, an online game that uses data communication between the user terminal 10 operated by the user U and the server 30 has been described as an example of a game. However, the type of game is not particularly limited, and the game may be an offline game that does not require data communication. Alternatively, the game may be, for example, a social game that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS (Social Networking Service) account.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the lottery points or game points are awarded to the user U as a refund value and a benefit when the user U votes using free coins and the prediction is correct as a result of the vote, but this is not limited to this. For example, the free coins and the lottery points or game points may be convertible into each other at a predetermined rate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10 User terminal 11 processors 12 Storage device 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 16 Operation specific part 17 Terminal side memory unit 18 Terminal side generation unit 19 Terminal side transceiver 20 Display processing section 30 servers 31 processors 32 Storage device 33 Communication Interface 34 Server-side storage unit 35 Server-side transmission / reception unit 36 Server-side generation unit 37 First Valuation Department 38 Second Valuation Department 39 Reward Division 40 Experience Points Granting Section 41 User rank determination unit 50 Public Racing Server 51 processors 52 Storage device 53 Communication Interface 54 Public server side memory unit 55 Public server side transmission / reception unit 56 Public server side generation unit 57 Odds Calculation Section N Network S Competition result prediction system U User

Claims

1. a first value assigning unit that assigns a first value to a user to bet on a predicted outcome of a competition based on predetermined conditions; a second value granting unit that grants a second value that is different from the first value and that can be used in a game to the user in accordance with a result of the vote based on the first value; a reward granting unit that grants a reward to a user who consumes the second value to play the game; An information processing device having the above.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the reward granting unit grants the first value as a reward.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the reward granting unit grants a different reward to a user who satisfies a set condition in the game than to a user who does not satisfy the set condition in the game.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the reward granting unit grants a different reward to a user who consumes the second value and satisfies a set condition in the game than a reward to a user who satisfies the set condition in the game without consuming the second value.

5. the game includes a special quest that can be played when the second value is consumed; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the reward granting unit grants a reward corresponding to the special quest to a user who satisfies a set condition in the special quest.

6. In the case where there are multiple games, The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the game selected by the user from among the plurality of games in order to use the second value.

7. When a user belonging to a group of multiple users casts the vote, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first value assigning unit determines the amount of the first value to be assigned to the certain user in accordance with the number of members of a group, regardless of the result of the voting.

8. The system further includes a user rank determination unit that determines a user rank of a user based on the voting history of the user, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second value assigning unit calculates the second value in accordance with the user rank.

9. When a user belonging to a group of multiple users casts the vote, The information processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the second value assigning unit calculates the second value according to the user rank that is most advantageous for the certain user among the user ranks associated with users belonging to a group.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second value providing unit calculates the second value in accordance with a payout rate for the game.

11. The computer assigns a first value to the user to be used for predicting and voting on the outcome of the competition based on predetermined conditions; the computer grants the user a second value that is different from the first value and that can be used in the game, in accordance with the result of the vote based on the first value; An information processing method, in which a computer awards a reward to a user who consumes the second value to play the game.

12. A program executed by a computer, causing the computer to assign a first value to the user to be used for predicting and voting on the outcome of the competition based on predetermined conditions; causing the computer to grant the user a second value that is different from the first value and that can be used in a game, in accordance with the result of the vote based on the first value; A program that causes a computer to award a reward to a user who consumes the second value to play the game.

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