Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate increasing the number of users using services.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 20 has: a setting unit 212 that, when a first user satisfies a first condition in a first service, sets a second user in a predetermined relationship with the first user to a predetermined state; and a privilege providing unit 213 that, when the second user set to the predetermined state satisfies a second condition in a second service different from the first service, provides a privilege to at least either one of the first user or the second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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 Conventionally, there is known a point providing service that provides points to a user who purchases a product using an electronic commerce service such as an EC (Electronic Commerce) site (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-234095 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, a service provider may operate multiple services, or multiple providers operating different services may partner with each other. In such cases, in order to improve the business efficiency of the multiple business entities, it is necessary to increase the number of users who use each of the multiple services.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to make it easier to increase the number of users who use the service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a setting unit that sets a second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user to a predetermined state when the first user satisfies a first condition in a first service, and a benefit granting unit that grants a benefit to at least one of the first user or the second user when the second user who has been set to the predetermined state in a second service different from the first service satisfies a second condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention has the effect of making it easier to increase the number of users who use the service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information terminal 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device 20. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of an information processing device 20. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing user information stored in a storage unit 22. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing service usage information stored in the storage unit 22. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence in the information processing system 1. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an operation for setting a second user to a predetermined state. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an operation for giving a privilege to a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Outline of Information Processing System 1> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes one or more information terminals 10 (a first information terminal 10-1, a second information terminal 10-2, and a third information terminal 10-3) and an information processing device 20. The multiple information terminals 10 and the information processing device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N, such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0010] The information terminal 10 is a terminal used by a user (hereinafter referred to as "user") who uses a service in the information processing system 1, and is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The service is, for example, an EC (Electronic Commerce) service, a data sharing service in which multiple users share image data, an SNS (Social Networking Service) including social games, a store reservation service for searching for and making reservations at stores, or a voting service for accepting votes for competitions.

[0011] A dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as a "dedicated app") for enabling a user to use a service, for example, is installed on the information terminal 10. Through the dedicated app, a user can purchase products from an e-commerce site, search for and make reservations at restaurants, beauty salons, and other establishments, and can also vote for candidates in a competition.

[0012] The competitions include races where the winner competes for the best finish, such as bicycle racing, auto racing, horse racing, boat racing, dog racing, and automobile racing, as well as games such as baseball, rugby, and soccer, and electronic sports, and are competitions for which users can vote. The voting object is the object for which the user bets a predetermined value, and is determined by combining the event that the user predicts will win among multiple event candidates (including athletes, racing vehicles, racing teams, or animals) and the betting method (voting method). The predetermined value is a tangible or intangible item, such as money, electronic currency, or points, that the user can use to obtain goods or services.

[0013] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer, and is configured from one or more physical servers. The information processing device 20 may be configured using a virtual server that operates on a hypervisor, or may be configured using a cloud server.

[0014] The information processing device 20 is a device for providing a first user using a first service or a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user with a benefit that can be used in the first service or a second service different from the first service. The first service includes, for example, an EC service. The second service includes, for example, an SNS, a store reservation service, or a voting service. In this embodiment, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described using an example in which the first service is an EC service and the second service is a voting service. The benefit is, for example, product purchase points that can be used to purchase products in the EC service or voting points that can be used as a predetermined value to vote in a competition in the voting service, which is the second service.

[0015] A second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user is, for example, a user who the first user has registered as a user with a predetermined relationship on a screen for using an EC service, which is the first service, such as a user who has been registered as a friend. As an example, the first user registers the second user as a friend by performing an operation to share with the second user a wish list indicating products that the first user wants to purchase. The second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user may be, for example, a user who the first user has registered as a user with a predetermined relationship on a screen for using a voting service, which is the second service. As an example, the first user registers the second user as a friend by performing an operation to share with the second user the details of his or her vote for a competition.

[0016] Note that the first user may register a second user as a friend by selecting a second user from among multiple second users that the first user wishes to register as a friend on a screen for using an EC service or a voting service, for example. The first user may register the second user as a friend by receiving a notification from the second user that the second user has accepted the friend registration after performing an operation to request friend registration from the second user on the screen for using the EC service or the voting service.

[0017] A business operator that operates multiple services is required to increase the number of users who use each of the multiple services and the number of times that users use each of the multiple services. In response to this, the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to at least one of the first user and the second user when, for example, a first user satisfies a first condition, such as purchasing a product in an EC service, and a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user satisfies a second condition, such as registering for a voting service.

[0018] By operating in this manner, the information processing device 20 makes it easier for users to purchase products in an EC service or register for a voting service. As a result, the information processing device 20 can easily increase the number of users who use the services operated by the business operator and the number of times that users use the services. The configurations and operations of the information terminal 10 and the information processing device 20 will be described in detail below.

[0019] <Hardware configuration> 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication IF (Interface) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15.

[0020] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes programs stored in the storage unit 12 to realize various functions.

[0021] The storage unit 12 has storage media such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), etc. The storage unit 12 stores the programs that the processor 11 executes.

[0022] The communication IF 13 has a communication controller for performing wired communication or wireless communication with the information processing device 20 via the network N. The communication IF 13 notifies the processor 11 of data received from the information processing device 20. The communication IF 13 also transmits data input from the processor 11 to the information processing device 20.

[0023] The input device 14 receives input operations from a user, for example. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or a microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display unit and an audio output unit that output information to the user. The output device 15 is, for example, a display or a speaker.

[0024] 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication IF 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0025] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit). The storage unit 22 is a processing unit (CPU) that executes programs stored in the storage unit 22 to realize various functions.

[0026] The storage unit 22 has a storage medium such as a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores a program executed by the processor 21. The storage unit 22 also stores usage information indicating the content of the service used by the user via a dedicated app installed on the information terminal 10.

[0027] The communication IF 23 has a communication controller for performing wired communication or wireless communication with the information terminal 10 via the network N. The communication IF 23 notifies the processor 21 of data received from the information terminal 10. The communication IF 23 also transmits data input from the processor 21 to the information terminal 10.

[0028] The input device 24 receives input operations from, for example, an administrator of the information processing device 20. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or a microphone. The output device 25 outputs information to, for example, an administrator of the information processing device 20. The output device 25 is, for example, a display, a speaker, or the like.

[0029] <Function block configuration> 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the information processing device 20. The processor 21 has an acquisition unit 211, a setting unit 212, and a privilege granting unit 213. The processor 21 executes a program stored in the storage unit 22 to function as the acquisition unit 211, the setting unit 212, and the privilege granting unit 213.

[0030] The storage unit 22 stores user information of users who use the first service or the second service, and usage information indicating the content of the first service or the second service used by the users. Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams showing examples of information stored in the storage unit 22.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing user information stored in the storage unit 22. In FIG. 5, the username of a user who uses a service, the service name of the service used by the user, the usernames of other users who the user has registered as friends, and the registration dates of the friend registrations with the other users are associated with each other. In FIG. 5, the service AA corresponding to the service name "AA" is an EC service, which is a first service, and the service BB corresponding to the service name "BB" is a voting service, which is a second service. As shown in FIG. 5, a user registers other users as friends for each service in which the user is registered.

[0032] Figure 6 is a diagram showing service usage information stored in storage unit 22. Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing first service usage information indicating the details of the user's use of an EC service (for example, service AA shown in Figure 5), which is a first service. Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing second service usage information indicating the details of the user's use of a voting service (for example, service BB shown in Figure 5), which is a second service.

[0033] In Figure 6(a), the user name, the date and time when the user purchased the product, the product name of the product purchased by the user, the price of the product, and information indicating whether the product is eligible for a group purchase service are associated. A group purchase service is a service that allows multiple users belonging to a group to purchase products that are eligible for a group purchase, and by purchasing a predetermined amount of eligible products over a certain period of time, the multiple users can purchase the eligible products at a price lower than the regular price. If the "Group Purchase" in Figure 6(a) is marked with an "○", the product is eligible for the group purchase service, and if the "Group Purchase" in Figure 6(a) is marked with an "×", the product is not eligible for the group purchase service.

[0034] In Figure 6(b), the user name, the voting date and time when the user voted in the competition, the predetermined value when the user voted in the competition, the reference user, and the shared user are associated. A reference user is another user who used the voting content as reference when voting in the competition. A shared user is a user who shared the voting content of the user voted in the competition with another user who has a predetermined relationship with the user. Figure 6(b) shows that user U1 shared the voting content of the competition with user U3, and user U3 voted in the competition based on the voting content of user U1.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 4, the configuration of each unit realized by the processor 21 will be described below. The acquisition unit 211 acquires user information, first service usage information indicating the content of the user's use of the first service, or second service usage information indicating the content of the user's use of the second service from an external information processing device (not shown). The external information processing device is, for example, a server used to provide the first service or a server used to provide the second service.

[0036] The acquisition unit 211 may acquire the user information, the first service usage information, or the second service usage information from the information terminal 10 used by the user. The acquisition unit 211 may acquire the user name and service name shown in FIG. 5 from the information terminal 10 when the user registers for a service. The acquisition unit 211 may acquire the friend and friend registration date shown in FIG. 5 from the information terminal 10 when the user registers another user as a friend. The acquisition unit 211 stores the user information, the first service usage information, or the second service usage information acquired from an external information processing device or the information terminal 10 in the storage unit 22.

[0037] The setting unit 212 sets a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user to a predetermined state when the first user satisfies a first condition in the first service. The first condition is, for example, that the first user purchases a predetermined product by using the first service, or that the first user purchases a product worth more than a predetermined amount by using the first service. The first condition is stored in the storage unit 22 in association with each of the multiple first services, for example.

[0038] A second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user may be, for example, a second user who has been registered as a friend by the first user in the first service. A second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user may be a second user who has registered in the same group as the first user in the first service to jointly purchase products, or a second user who shares with the first user a wish list indicating multiple products that the first user wishes to purchase. A second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user may be a second user who has registered the first user as a friend or a second user who has registered in the same group as the first user in the second service.

[0039] The predetermined state is, for example, a state in which the second user or the first user may obtain a benefit available in the first service or the second service by satisfying a second condition in the second service. Details of the second condition will be described later, but an example of the second condition is "the second user registers for the second service" or "the second user spends an amount equal to or greater than a threshold in the second service." The second condition is stored in the storage unit 22, for example, in association with each of a plurality of second services. The setting unit 212 sets the second user to the predetermined state, for example, by storing information indicating the predetermined state in the storage unit 22 in association with the username of the second user.

[0040] Specifically, by referring to the first user usage information shown in Fig. 6(a), the setting unit 212 determines that user U4 (first user) has purchased product ZZZ in service AA (first service) and determines that user U4 has satisfied the first condition. By referring to "Friends" shown in Fig. 5, the setting unit 212 determines that user U4 has registered user U2 (second user) as a friend and sets user U2 to a predetermined state.

[0041] The setting unit 212 cancels the predetermined state when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the second user was set in the predetermined state. The predetermined period of time is, for example, a period of time associated with a benefit to be given when the second user satisfies a second condition, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The setting unit 212 acquires the date and time when the second user was set in the predetermined state and the predetermined period of time, for example, by referring to the storage unit 22, and cancels the predetermined state when it determines that the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the acquired date and time. The setting unit 212 cancels the predetermined state of the second user, for example, by storing information indicating that the predetermined state has been canceled in the storage unit 22 in association with the username of the second user.

[0042] By operating in this manner, the setting unit 212 can set a period during which the user can obtain the benefit. As a result, the user is motivated to quickly fulfill the second condition, which makes it easier for the user to register for the second service or spend a large amount of money in the second service.

[0043] The setting unit 212 may set a period for canceling the predetermined state that is longer than the predetermined period stored in the storage unit 22. For example, when the first user satisfies the first condition in the first service, the setting unit 212 cancels the predetermined state after a period longer than the predetermined period stored in the storage unit 22 has elapsed. By operating the setting unit 212 in this manner, even if a management fee is required to maintain the predetermined state, the period for maintaining the predetermined state can be extended and the probability that the second user will satisfy the second condition can be increased due to the profit that the operator of the service can obtain when the first user satisfies the first condition.

[0044] The setting unit 212 may extend the period until the predetermined state is released if the first user further uses the first service. For example, after setting the second user to a predetermined state, the setting unit 212 may extend the period until the second user is released from the predetermined state if the first user further uses the first service. By operating the setting unit 212 in this manner, the period during which the second user can obtain a benefit by the first user using the first service can be extended, thereby motivating the first user to use the first service and increasing the probability that the second user will satisfy the second condition.

[0045] The setting unit 212 notifies the second user that the second user has been set to a predetermined state or that the second user has been released from a predetermined state. The setting unit 212 notifies, for example, a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in the first service, of information regarding the second condition on a screen for using the first service. By notifying the second user of information regarding the second condition related to the second service on a screen for using the first service, the second user can understand the second condition even when the second user is not using the second service.

[0046] The information regarding the second condition includes the content of the benefit that the second user will receive if the second condition is satisfied, and information indicating how the second user should use the second service to satisfy the second condition. Specifically, the information regarding the second condition is the number of points that can be used in the first service or the second service, and the second condition, such as "registering for the second service" or "spending XX yen in the second service."

[0047] For example, suppose that 1000 voting points are to be given to a second user on the condition that the second user satisfies the second condition corresponding to the voting service, "registering for the voting service." In this case, the setting unit 212 transmits information indicating "registering for the voting service" and "1000 voting points" to the information terminal 10 used by the second user.

[0048] Next, while the second user is displaying the contents of the first service on the output device 15 via the dedicated app, the information terminal 10 displays on the output device 15, "If you register for the voting service, you will be awarded 1,000 voting points," based on the information on the second condition obtained from the setting unit 212. By the setting unit 212 and the information terminal 10 operating in this manner, the second user who is not using the second service can easily know that he or she will be awarded a special benefit by using the second service.

[0049] When notifying the second user that the predetermined state has been released, the setting unit 212 notifies the information terminal 10 used by the second user of, for example, benefit information indicating the benefit that the second user was able to obtain before the predetermined state was released, and release information indicating that the predetermined state has been released. The setting unit 212 notifies the information terminal 10 of, for example, benefit information indicating "1000 voting points" and release information indicating "the period during which the benefit can be granted has ended."

[0050] Next, while the second user is displaying the details of the first service on the output device 15 via the dedicated app, the information terminal 10 displays on the output device 15 a message saying "The period during which you can obtain 1000 voting points has passed" based on the benefit information and the cancellation information obtained from the setting unit 212. By the setting unit 212 and the information terminal 10 operating in this manner, the user can easily know that the period during which the benefit can be obtained has passed.

[0051] However, it is conceivable that there are multiple second users who satisfy the second condition, and it is not necessary to set all of the second users to the predetermined state. Therefore, the setting unit 212 may set one or more second users who satisfy the third condition among the multiple second users who satisfy the second condition to the predetermined state. For example, when the usage history of the second user's use of the second service satisfies the third condition, the setting unit 212 sets the second user to the predetermined state.

[0052] The usage history is, for example, the content indicated by the second service usage information shown in Figure 6(b). The third condition is, for example, that the amount spent by a second user who has registered for the second service by using the second service during a predetermined period in which a predetermined state is maintained is less than a threshold, or that the number of times the second user has used the second service during a predetermined period is less than a threshold. The third condition is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0053] For example, suppose the third condition is "the amount of money used by the second user in the second service during a predetermined period is less than 3,000 yen." In this case, by referring to the second service usage information shown in FIG. 6(b), the setting unit 212 identifies that user U5, among multiple second users (user U3 and user U5) who have a predetermined relationship with user U1 (first user), has satisfied the third condition, and sets user U5 to a predetermined status. On the other hand, the setting unit 212 does not set user U3 to a predetermined status.

[0054] By operating the setting unit 212 in this manner, users who use the second service less frequently or spend less in the second service are motivated to use the second service to obtain the benefit. As a result, the setting unit 212 can encourage users who use the second service less to use the second service.

[0055] The third condition may be that the amount of money spent by the second user using the second service in a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold, or that the number of times the second user has used the second service in a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, the third condition may be that "the amount of money spent by the second user on the second service in a predetermined period is equal to or greater than 3,000 yen." In this case, the setting unit 212 refers to the second service usage information shown in FIG. 6(b) to identify that user U3, among multiple second users (users U3 and U5) who have a predetermined relationship with user U1 (first user), satisfies the third condition.

[0056] The setting unit 212 sets user U3 who satisfies the third condition to a predetermined state, and does not set user U5 who does not satisfy the third condition to a predetermined state. By operating in this manner, the setting unit 212 motivates the second user who is highly motivated to use the second service to use the second service even more. As a result, the setting unit 212 can make it easier for the user who satisfies the third condition to further increase the number of times they use the second service or the amount of money they spend on the second service.

[0057] The setting unit 212 may set the predetermined state as a third condition that the period during which the first user has had a predetermined relationship with the second user is equal to or longer than a threshold. The threshold is a period, such as six months, that is sufficient for the first user and the second user to make a joint purchase using the predetermined relationship in the first service or to purchase products based on a wish list shared by the first user and the second user.

[0058] The setting unit 212, for example, by referring to the "friend registration date" shown in FIG. 5, identifies that among multiple users (users U2, U3, and U5) who have a predetermined relationship with user U1, user U5 has had the predetermined relationship with user U1 for a period of time equal to or longer than a threshold. The setting unit 212 sets user U5 to a state in which there is a possibility that user U5 will receive a benefit (i.e., a predetermined state). By operating in this manner, the setting unit 212 can inhibit second users from temporarily registering as friends in order to receive a benefit.

[0059] The setting unit 212 may determine the second users to be set in the predetermined state according to the content of the first conditions satisfied by the first user. The setting unit 212 determines the number of second users to be set in the predetermined state, for example, according to the number of first conditions satisfied by the first user. The setting unit 212 identifies the number of first conditions satisfied by the first user in the first service during a predetermined period during which the predetermined state is maintained, for example, by referring to the first service usage information shown in FIG. 6(a). The first condition is, for example, "the user has purchased a predetermined product," "the user's purchase amount is equal to or greater than a threshold," or "a joint purchase has been made with a predetermined second user." The setting unit 212 increases the number of second users to be set in the predetermined state as the number of first conditions satisfied by the first user increases.

[0060] The setting unit 212, for example, by referring to the first service usage information shown in FIG. 6(a), identifies that "user U1 has spent 3,000 yen or more" and "user U1 has made two or more purchases" in the EC service, which is the first service. Because user U1 has satisfied the two first conditions, the setting unit 212 determines the number of second users to be set in the predetermined state to two. Next, the setting unit 212, for example, by referring to the first service usage information shown in FIG. 6(a), identifies that "user U4 has spent 3,000 yen or more" in the EC service, which is the first service. Because user U4 has satisfied one first condition, the setting unit 212 determines the number of second users to be set in the predetermined state to one.

[0061] By operating the setting unit 212 in this manner, the user is motivated to use the first service in order to increase the number of times the first condition is satisfied. As a result, the setting unit 212 can make it easier for the user to increase the number of times the user uses the first service or the amount of money the user spends in the first service.

[0062] The setting unit 212 may set a predetermined second user to a predetermined state when a first user uses a first service jointly with a predetermined second user, thereby satisfying a first condition. The setting unit 212 determines that users U6 and U7 have a predetermined relationship by, for example, referring to "Friends" shown in FIG. 5, and determines that users U6 and U7 have made a joint purchase by referring to "User Name" and "Joint Purchase" shown in FIG. 6(a). When the setting unit 212 determines that the joint purchase of users U6 and U7 satisfies the first condition, it sets at least one of users U6 and U7 to a predetermined state.

[0063] By operating in this manner, the setting unit 212 motivates users to purchase products that are eligible for group purchases. As a result, the setting unit 212 can easily increase the number of users who purchase products that are eligible for group purchases, and therefore the service provider can increase the opportunities for users to use the service by increasing the number of products that are eligible for group purchases.

[0064] The setting unit 212 may set different predetermined periods for each of the plurality of second users during which the predetermined state set for each of the plurality of second users is maintained. For example, when a first second user among the plurality of second users in the second service satisfies a second condition, the setting unit 212 extends the predetermined period for the second second user.

[0065] For example, suppose the second condition is "voting in a competition while referring to the voting details of other users." In this case, the setting unit 212, for example, by referring to the "reference users" shown in FIG. 6(b), determines that user U3 (first second user) voted in the competition while referring to the voting details of user U1, and determines that user U3 has satisfied the second condition. The setting unit 212 extends the predetermined period for user U5 (second second user) because user U3 has satisfied the second condition.

[0066] By operating the setting unit 212 in this manner, each of the multiple second users is motivated to vote in the competition in order to extend the predetermined period during which the other second users are maintained in the predetermined state. As a result, the setting unit 212 can make it easier for the second users to increase opportunities to use the second service.

[0067] The reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user, who is set to a predetermined state in a second service different from the first service, satisfies a second condition. As described above, the second condition includes, for example, "the second user registers for the second service" or "the number of times the second user has used the second service or the amount of money spent by the second user in the second service is equal to or greater than a threshold." The second condition may also include "the second user votes in a predetermined competition," "the second user votes in a competition while taking into account the votes of other users," or "the second user makes the votes public to other users."

[0068] "Giving a benefit" includes, for example, at least one of sending benefit information indicating the content of the benefit to be given to the user to the information terminal 10 used by the user, or storing the benefit information in the memory unit 22 in association with the user name.

[0069] Specifically, when the setting unit 212 sets user U2, who has a predetermined relationship with user U1, to a predetermined state and user U2 registers to use the second service, the reward granting unit 213 determines that user U2, who is the second user, has satisfied the second condition. The reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to at least one of user U1 and user U2, who are the first users. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 213 motivates users to use the service in order to obtain the reward. As a result, the reward granting unit 213 can make it easier for users to use the service.

[0070] The reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to the second user, for example, on the second condition that the second user has performed a registration operation to use the second service. The reward granting unit 213 identifies the name of the service registered by the second user, for example, by referring to the "service name" shown in FIG. 5. When the reward granting unit 213 identifies that the second user has registered the second service, it grants a reward to the second user. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 213 motivates the user to register for the second service. As a result, the reward granting unit 213 can easily increase the number of users who use the second service.

[0071] The reward granting unit 213 may grant a reward to the second user on the second condition that the second user has used the second service. The reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to the second user on the second condition that, for example, the second user has consumed a predetermined amount of value by using the second service. The predetermined amount is an amount corresponding to a predetermined value that is greater than a predetermined value (for example, the number of voting points or product purchasing points) corresponding to the reward to be granted to the second user.

[0072] The reward granting unit 213 identifies the amount used in the second service by the second user who has been set to the predetermined state by the setting unit 212, for example, by referring to the "predetermined value" shown in Fig. 6(b). If the identified amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the reward granting unit 213 determines that the second user has satisfied the second condition, and grants a reward to the second user.

[0073] By operating the benefit granting unit 213 in this manner, the user is motivated to use the second service because even if a monetary loss occurs by using the second service, the loss is compensated by the acquisition of the benefit. As a result, the benefit granting unit 213 can easily increase the number of users who use the second service.

[0074] The benefit granting unit 213 may grant a benefit to one of the first user or the second user when the second user satisfies a first second condition in the second service, and may further grant a benefit to the other of the first user or the second user when the second user satisfies a second second condition in the second service.

[0075] For example, suppose that a second condition "A" of "registering for the second service" and a second condition "B" of "voting for the competition by using the second service" are set. In this case, the reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to the first user when the second user satisfies the second condition "A," which is the first second condition, and grants a reward to the second user when the second user satisfies the second condition "B," which is the second second condition.

[0076] By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 213 motivates the user to satisfy the second conditions in the second service in order to obtain the reward. As a result, the reward granting unit 213 makes it easier for the user to use the second service more frequently or to spend more money in the second service.

[0077] The reward granting unit 213 may grant a reward to a predetermined number of second users who satisfied the second condition earliest among a plurality of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user and who have been set to a predetermined state by the setting unit 212. The predetermined number is a number determined in advance, and is determined, for example, according to the number of second users who have the predetermined relationship.

[0078] For example, suppose the second condition is "voting for the competition" and the predetermined number of people is two. In this case, the reward granting unit 213 refers to the memory unit 22 to identify users U3, U5, and U9, who are multiple second users who have a predetermined relationship with user U1. The reward granting unit 213 refers to the "voting date and time" shown in FIG. 6(b) to identify two users (i.e., users U3 and U5) who satisfied the second condition earlier among the multiple identified second users. The reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to users U3 and U5. On the other hand, the reward granting unit 213 does not grant a reward to user U9.

[0079] By operating the reward granting unit 213 in this manner, the user is motivated to use the second service early in order to obtain the reward. As a result, the service provider can improve the efficiency with which users use the service. Furthermore, by determining the number of second users to whom a reward is to be given according to the number of second users, the user is motivated to increase the number of other users with whom he or she has a predetermined relationship, and the reward granting unit 213 therefore makes it easier for the user to increase the opportunities to use the service.

[0080] The reward granting unit 213 determines the content of the reward to be granted to the second user depending on the content of the second condition satisfied by the second user, for example. For example, suppose that a second condition "C" that "the user spends 8,000 yen or more in the second service" and a second condition "D" that "the user votes in the second service while taking into consideration the voting content of other users" are set. The reward for satisfying the second condition "C" is 1,000 points for purchasing products, and the reward for satisfying the second condition "D" is 500 points for voting. The content of the reward is stored in the storage unit 22 in association with each of the multiple second conditions.

[0081] For example, by referring to the "predetermined value" and "reference user" shown in Figure 6(b), the reward granting unit 213 determines that user U3 voted based on the voting content of user U1 and that user U8 spent 8,000 yen or more. Because user U3 has satisfied the second condition "D", the reward granting unit 213 determines the content of the reward to be granted to user U3 to be "500 voting points", and because user U8 has satisfied the second condition "C", the reward granting unit 213 determines the content of the reward to be granted to user U8 to be "1,000 product purchasing points".

[0082] By operating the reward granting unit 213 in this manner, the more the user uses the second service, the more rewards the user can obtain, which motivates the user to increase opportunities to use the second service. As a result, the reward granting unit 213 can make it easier for the user to increase the number of times the user uses the second service or the amount of money the user spends in the second service.

[0083] The reward granting unit 213 may transmit information indicating the difference between the number of second users to whom a reward will be given and the number of second users to whom a reward has been given, to the information terminal 10 used by the second user. For example, when the number of second users to whom a reward will be given is two and the number of second users to whom a reward has been given is one, the reward granting unit 213 transmits information indicating that there is one user left to whom a reward can be given, to the information terminal 10 used by the second user to whom no reward has been given. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 213 allows the second user who has not received the reward to know the number of people to whom the reward will be given.

[0084] The reward granting unit 213 may determine the content of the reward to be granted to the first user depending on the number of second users who satisfy the second condition. The reward granting unit 213 identifies the number of second users who satisfy the second condition, for example, by referring to the second service usage information shown in FIG. 6(b). For example, the reward granting unit 213 increases the number of voting points to be granted to the first user as the number of identified second users increases.

[0085] By the benefit granting unit 213 operating in this manner, the first user is motivated to increase the number of second users with whom he / she has a predetermined relationship in the first service, or to encourage the second users to satisfy the second condition, which makes it easier for the number of second users who satisfy the second condition to increase.

[0086] <Processing sequence in information processing system 1> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence in the information processing system 1. Fig. 7 shows part of the data transmitted and received between the first information terminal 10-1, the second information terminal 10-2, and the information processing device 20. The first information terminal 10-1 is an information terminal used by a first user, and the second information terminal 10-2 is an information terminal used by a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user.

[0087] 7 starts when first information terminal 10-1 receives an operation to use a first service from a first user (S11). The operation to use the first service is, for example, an operation to purchase a product in an EC service. Upon receiving the operation to use the first service, first information terminal 10-1 transmits first service usage information indicating the content of the use of the first service to information processing device 20 (S12).

[0088] The information processing device 20 determines whether the first user has satisfied the first condition by using the first service based on the first service usage information acquired from the first information terminal 10-1 (S13). If it is determined that the first user has satisfied the first condition (YES in S13), the information processing device 20 refers to the storage unit 22 to identify a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, and sets the second user to a predetermined state (S14). The information processing device 20 transmits predetermined state setting information indicating that the second user has been set to the predetermined state to the second information terminal 10-2 used by the second user (S15). If it is determined that the first user has not satisfied the first condition (NO in S13), the information processing device 20 proceeds to the next process without setting the second user to the predetermined state.

[0089] The second information terminal 10-2 displays on the output device 15 "contents of benefits that the user may potentially obtain" and "second conditions for the user to obtain the benefits" included in the predetermined state setting information obtained from the information processing device 20. The second condition is, for example, "the user must register for the second service." Upon receiving an operation to register for the second service from the second user (S16), the second information terminal 10-2 transmits second service usage information indicating that the user has registered for the second service to the information processing device 20 (S17).

[0090] The information processing device 20 determines whether the second user satisfies the second condition based on the second service usage information acquired from the second information terminal 10-2 (S18). If it is determined that the second user satisfies the second condition (YES in S18), the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to the second user (S19). The information processing device 20 transmits benefit information indicating the content of the benefit granted to the second user to the second information terminal 10-2 used by the second user (S20). If it is determined that the second user does not satisfy the second condition (NO in S18), the information processing device 20 proceeds to the next process without setting the second user to the predetermined state.

[0091] <Operation flow in information processing device 20> 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of operations in the information processing device 20. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in which the information processing device 20 sets the second user to a predetermined state, and corresponds to the operations from S13 to S15 shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in which the information processing device 20 gives a privilege to a user, and corresponds to the operations from S18 to S20 shown in Fig. 7.

[0092] 8, the acquisition unit 211 acquires first service usage information from the information terminal 10 used by the first user (S31). The setting unit 212 determines that the first user satisfies a first condition based on the first service usage information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. The setting unit 212 identifies a plurality of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user by referring to "Friends" shown in FIG. 5, for example (S32).

[0093] The setting unit 212 selects one second user from the identified second users (S33). The setting unit 212 determines whether or not the selected second user has registered an account for the second service by, for example, referring to the "service name" shown in FIG. 5 (S34). If the second user has not registered an account (YES in S34), the setting unit 212 sets the selected second user to a predetermined state (S35). If the second user has registered an account (NO in S34), the setting unit 212 acquires second service usage information from the acquisition unit 211 (S36).

[0094] The setting unit 212 identifies the amount used by the second user for the second service or the number of times the second user has used the second service based on the acquired second service usage information (S37). If the amount used for the second service or the number of times the second user has used the second service is less than the threshold (YES in S38), the setting unit 212 sets the selected second user to a predetermined state. If the amount used for the second service or the number of times the second user has used the second service is equal to or greater than the threshold (NO in S38), the setting unit 212 does not set the selected second user to a predetermined state.

[0095] The setting unit 212 transmits predetermined state setting information indicating that the second user has been set to the predetermined state to the information terminal 10 used by the second user who has been set to the predetermined state (S39). If the setting unit 212 has not completed the process of determining whether or not to set the predetermined state for all of the specified second users (NO in S40), it repeats the processes from S33 to S39. If the setting unit 212 has completed the process of determining whether or not to set the predetermined state for all of the specified second users (YES in S40), it ends the process of setting to the predetermined state.

[0096] If an operation to end the process has not been performed (NO in S41), the information processing device 20 repeats the processes from S31 to S40. If an operation to end the process has been performed (YES in S41), the information processing device 20 ends the process.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, the acquisition unit 211 acquires second service usage information (S51). The benefit granting unit 213 determines whether the second user satisfies the first second condition based on the second service usage information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 (S52). The first second condition is, for example, "the second user must register for the second service." If the acquisition unit 211 determines that the second user does not satisfy the first second condition (NO in S52), the acquisition unit 211 repeats the process of S51. On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 211 determines that the second user satisfies the first second condition (YES in S52), the benefit granting unit 213 grants a benefit to the first user (S53). The benefit granting unit 213 transmits benefit information indicating the content of the benefit granted to the first user to whom the benefit has been granted (S54).

[0098] Next, the acquisition unit 211 acquires second service usage information (S55). The reward granting unit 213 determines whether the second user has satisfied the second second condition based on the second service usage information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 (S56). The second second condition used in S56 is a condition different from the first second condition used in S52, and is, for example, "the second user votes for the competition by using the second service." If the reward granting unit 213 determines that the second user has not satisfied the second second condition (NO in S56), the acquisition unit 211 repeats the process of acquiring the second service usage information. On the other hand, if it determines that the second user has satisfied the second second condition (YES in S56), the reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to the second user (S57). The reward granting unit 213 transmits reward information indicating the content of the reward granted to the second user to the information terminal 10 used by the second user (S58).

[0099] If an operation to end the process has not been performed (NO in S59), the information processing device 20 repeats the processes from S51 to S58. If an operation to end the process has been performed (YES in S59), the information processing device 20 ends the process. Note that the information processing device 20 may switch the order in which it performs the operations of S53 and S54 and S57 and S58.

[0100] <Effects of the information processing device 20> As described above, the information processing device 20 has the setting unit 212 that sets a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user to a predetermined status when the first user satisfies a first condition in the first service. Then, the benefit granting unit 213 grants a benefit to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user who has been set to the predetermined status in the second service satisfies a second condition.

[0101] With the information processing device 20 configured in this way, a user can make it easier for other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user to use the service by using the service themselves. As a result, the information processing device 20 can make it easier to increase the number of users who use the service, the number of times a user uses the service, and the amount of money a user spends on the service.

[0102] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments.

[0103] In addition to the above embodiment, the following is further noted. (Appendix 1) a setting unit that sets a second user having a predetermined relationship with a first user to a predetermined state when the first user satisfies a first condition in a first service; a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user set to the predetermined state satisfies a second condition in a second service different from the first service; An information processing device having the above. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the user is motivated to use the service in order to obtain the benefit, making it easier for the user to use the service. (Appendix 2) the benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the second user on the second condition that the second user has performed a registration operation for using the second service. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1. By configuring the information processing device in this way, users are motivated to register for the second service, which makes it easier to increase the number of users who use the second service. (Appendix 3) the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user on the second condition that the second user has consumed a predetermined amount of value by using the second service. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, even if a user incurs a financial loss by using the second service, the user can be compensated by obtaining a benefit, making it easier to increase the number of users of the second service. (Appendix 4) the benefit granting unit determines the content of the benefit to be given to the second user according to the content of the second condition satisfied by the second user. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, the more a user uses the second service, the more benefits the user can obtain, making it easier for the user to increase the number of times they use the second service or the amount of money they spend on the second service. (Appendix 5) the setting unit sets one or more second users among the plurality of second users that satisfy a third condition to the predetermined state. 5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the user is motivated to use the service in order to obtain the benefit, which makes it easier to increase the opportunities for the user to use the service. (Appendix 6) the setting unit sets the second user to the predetermined status when a usage history of the second user using the second service satisfies the third condition. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, users who use the second service less frequently or spend less money will be motivated to use the second service in order to obtain benefits, thereby encouraging users who use the second service less to use the second service. (Appendix 7) the setting unit determines the second user to be set to the predetermined state according to the content of the first condition satisfied by the first user. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the user is motivated to improve the content that satisfies the first condition, which makes it easier to increase the opportunities for the user to use the first service. (Appendix 8) the setting unit determines the number of the second users to be set to the predetermined state according to the number of the first conditions satisfied by the first users. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, the user is motivated to use the first service in order to increase the number of times the first condition is met, making it easier for the user to increase the number of times they use the first service or the amount of money they spend on the first service. (Appendix 9) the setting unit sets the predetermined second user to the predetermined state when the first user uses the first service jointly with a predetermined second user and thereby satisfies the first condition. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7. By configuring the information processing device in this way, users are motivated to purchase products that are eligible for group purchases, and therefore, by increasing the number of products that are eligible for group purchases, service providers can increase the opportunities for users to use the service. (Appendix 10) the setting unit sets the predetermined state to the third condition that the period during which the first user has a predetermined relationship with the second user is equal to or longer than a threshold. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to prevent second users from temporarily registering as friends in order to obtain benefits. (Appendix 11) the benefit granting unit grants the benefit to one of the first user or the second user when the second user satisfies a first of the second conditions in the second service, and further grants the benefit to the other of the first user or the second user when the second user satisfies a second of the second conditions in the second service. 11. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, the user is motivated to satisfy multiple second conditions in the second service in order to obtain the benefit, making it easier for the user to increase the number of times the user uses the second service or the amount of money the user spends in the second service. (Appendix 12) the benefit granting unit determines the content of the benefit to be granted to the first user depending on the number of the second users who satisfy the second condition. 12. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, the first user is motivated to increase the number of second users with whom he or she has a predetermined relationship in the first service or to encourage the second users to satisfy the second condition, making it easier for the number of second users who satisfy the second condition to increase. (Appendix 13) the setting unit cancels the predetermined state when a predetermined period has elapsed since the second user was set to the predetermined state. 13. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 12. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the user is motivated to quickly fulfill the second condition, making it easier for the user to register for the second service or spend a large amount of money in the second service. (Appendix 14) the setting unit extends the predetermined period for a second second user when a first second user among the plurality of second users in the second service satisfies the second condition; 14. The information processing device according to claim 13. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, each of multiple second users is motivated to vote in the competition in order to extend the specified period during which other second users are maintained in a specified state, thereby making it easier to increase opportunities for second users to use the second service. (Appendix 15) the setting unit sets a plurality of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user to the predetermined state; the reward granting unit grants the reward to a predetermined number of second users who satisfied the second condition earliest among the plurality of second users. 15. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 14. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, users are motivated to use the second service early in order to obtain benefits, allowing service providers to increase the efficiency with which users use the service. (Appendix 16) the setting unit notifies the second user, who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in the first service, of information regarding the second condition on a screen for using the first service. 16. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 15. By configuring the information processing device in this manner, the user is notified of information regarding the second conditions related to the second service on the screen for using the first service, so that the second user can understand the second conditions even when the second user is not using the second service. Furthermore, the second user who is not using the second service can easily know that he or she will be given a benefit by using the second service. (Appendix 17) When a first user satisfies a first condition in a first service, a computer sets a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user to a predetermined state; a step of, when the second user set to the predetermined state satisfies a second condition in a second service different from the first service, giving a benefit to at least one of the first user and the second user by a computer; An information processing method comprising: By configuring the information processing method in this way, the user is motivated to use the service in order to obtain the benefit, making it easier for the user to use the service. (Appendix 18) On the computer, When a first user satisfies a first condition in a first service, setting a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user to a predetermined state; a step of providing a benefit to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user set to the predetermined state satisfies a second condition in a second service different from the first service; A program to execute. By configuring the program in this way, users are motivated to use the service in order to obtain the benefits, making it easier for users to use the service. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 Information terminals 11 processors 12 Storage section 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 20 Information processing equipment 21 processors 22 Memory section 23 Communication Interface 24 Input Devices 25 Output Devices 211 Acquisition Department 212 Setting section 213 Benefits Granting Department

Claims

[Claim 1] a setting unit that sets a second user having a predetermined relationship with a first user to a predetermined state when the first user satisfies a first condition in a first service; a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user set to the predetermined state satisfies a second condition in a second service different from the first service; An information processing device having the above.

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