Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To maintain users' interest in voting content for a long period of time while suppressing excessive changes in the users' predictions.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a selection receiving unit 42 that receives from a user the selection of one of a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions; and a payout management unit 43 that, when a condition corresponding to the option selected by the user from the plurality of options is met, awards to the user a payout in an amount that corresponds to at least an amount of a value medium used by the user and a payout multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user. The selection receiving unit 42 is capable of receiving from the user a change of the selection target. The payout multiplier when the selection target is changed from a first option to a second option is a multiplier that corresponds to a return rate which is a ratio of the total amount of payout to be awarded when the condition corresponding to the second option is met to the total amount of a value medium used by the plurality of users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for awarding a dividend to a user who selects one of a plurality of options. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques have been proposed in the past in which users predict the results of various events and award dividends to users whose predictions are correct. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a player predicts the ranking of a race in which multiple characters participate, and a prize is awarded to the player according to the dividend rate and the number of bets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-45311 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional technologies, once a user inputs their prediction, they cannot change it thereafter. Therefore, for example, depending on the progress of the event, users' interest may quickly wane. On the other hand, if unlimited changes to predictions were allowed, it would be difficult to achieve the basic purpose of the service, which is to award dividends to users whose predictions are correct. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to maintain users' interest over a long period of time while suppressing excessive changes to their predictions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a selection receiving unit that receives from a user a selection of one of a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions, and a payout management unit that awards a payout to the user when a condition corresponding to an option selected by the user from the plurality of options is met, wherein the selection receiving unit is capable of receiving from the user a change of the selection item, and when the selection item is changed from a first option to a second option, a first amount of payout that is awarded to the user when the condition corresponding to the second option is met is less than a second amount of payout that is awarded to the user when the condition corresponding to the second option is met when the second option is selected regardless of the change of the selection item.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes accepting a selection from a user of one of a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions, and awarding a dividend to the user when a condition corresponding to an option selected by the user from the plurality of options is met, wherein, when accepting the selection, a change of the selection target can be accepted from the user, and when the selection target is changed from a first option to a second option, a first quantity of dividend awarded to the user when the condition corresponding to the second option is met is less than a second quantity of dividend awarded to the user when the condition corresponding to the second option is met when the second option is selected regardless of the change of the selection target.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to function as a selection receiving unit that receives from a user a selection from a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions, and a payout management unit that awards a payout to the user when a condition corresponding to an option selected by the user from the plurality of options is met, wherein the selection receiving unit is capable of receiving from the user a change of selection, and when the selection is changed from a first option to a second option, a first amount of payout that is awarded to the user when the condition corresponding to the second option is met is less than a second amount of payout that is awarded to the user when the condition corresponding to the second option is met when the second option is selected regardless of the change of selection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of voting content information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of user information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a vote acceptance process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a vote acceptance process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a vote acceptance process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a voting target list. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a payout awarding process. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of user information in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram regarding the return rate of each option in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a look-up table in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of options in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a voting screen in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of voting information in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of user information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of each plan of a subscription contract in the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

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

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the communication system 100 includes an information processing system 10, a management system 20, and a terminal device 30. The information processing system 10 communicates with the management system 20 and the terminal device 30 via a communication network 200 such as the Internet. Note that, although a plurality of terminal devices 30 actually exist, the following description will focus on one terminal device 30 for convenience.

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

[0012] Each user U holds points. Points are a medium of value that can be used for various services. For example, each user U can acquire desired goods or services by spending the points he or she holds. Points may also be exchanged for other types of medium of value (e.g., electronic currency).

[0013] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 30. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the terminal device 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an operation device 35. The terminal device 30 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0014] The control device 31 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 30. For example, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0015] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. The storage device 32 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 32 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage media. Furthermore, a portable storage medium that is detachable from the terminal device 30, or a storage medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 31 can write to or read from via the communication network 200, for example, may be used as the storage device 32.

[0016] The communication device 33 communicates with the information processing system 10 and the management system 20 via the communication network 200. Note that the communication device 33, which is separate from the terminal device 30, may be connected to the terminal device 30 by wire or wirelessly.

[0017] The display device 34 displays an image under the control of the control device 31. The display device 34 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The operation device 35 is an input device that receives instructions from the user U. The operation device 35 is, for example, an operator operated by the user U, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user U. Note that a voice input device that receives voice from the user U may also be used as the operation device 35.

[0018] The information processing system 10 is a computer system for managing voting content B. Voting content B is content for accepting votes for a specific event (hereinafter referred to as a "target event"). In the following description, a soccer match held in real life is taken as an example of the target event. Voting content B in the first embodiment is content for live betting that allows not only voting before the target event starts but also real-time voting in parallel with the progress of the target event.

[0019] 3 is a display example (voting screen Ga) of voting content B. Voting content B is displayed on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30. As illustrated in FIG. 3, voting content B includes target event information E, multiple options M (M1 to M5), multiple payout rates D, an operation area Ga1, a cancel button Ga2, and a confirm button Ga3. Note that the number of options M may differ for each voting content B.

[0020] The target event information E is information for identifying the target event targeted by the voting content B. For example, the target event information E includes information such as the name of the target event (e.g., the name of the opposing team) and the date and time of the event. The target event information E also includes the period during which votes from users U for the voting content B are accepted (hereinafter referred to as the "voting acceptance period"). The end point of the voting acceptance period is, for example, the time when the target event ends.

[0021] Voting content B includes multiple options M (M1 to M5) corresponding to different conditions (hereinafter referred to as "judgment conditions C") related to the target event. The judgment conditions C corresponding to each option M are matters that may be met in the target event. Specifically, the multiple options M of voting content B correspond to different judgment conditions C that may be met alternatively for the same type of matter in the target event (for example, win / lose or score difference).

[0022] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates five options M corresponding to the judgment condition C related to the win / loss and score difference in the target event. Specifically, option M1 corresponds to the judgment condition C of "Team ABC wins by 3 or more points," and option M2 corresponds to the judgment condition C of "Team ABC wins by 1-2 points." Option M3 corresponds to the judgment condition C of "draw (no score difference)." Option M4 corresponds to the judgment condition C of "Team XYZ wins by 1-2 points," and option M5 corresponds to the judgment condition C of "Team XYZ wins by 3 or more points." In other words, the judgment condition C corresponding to any one option M among the multiple options M in voting content B is alternatively met in the target event.

[0023] The user U can select one of multiple options M for the voting content B by operating the operating device 35. Specifically, the user U selects the option M that is predicted to have a high probability of occurring in the target event. The selection of option M corresponds to a vote for the voting content B. If the determination condition C corresponding to the option M selected by the user U from the multiple options M for the voting content B is realized in the target event, the user U is awarded a dividend. In other words, a dividend is awarded to the user U whose prediction regarding the target event is correct.

[0024] User U votes for voting content B in exchange for using a specific number of points (hereinafter referred to as "usage amount Qb") that he / she holds. In other words, usage amount Qb is the number of points used as compensation for voting for voting content B. The act of voting for voting content B in exchange for usage amount Qb of points is also expressed as "betting."

[0025] The operation area Ga1 is an input field for receiving an instruction for the usage amount Qb from the user U. Specifically, the user U can input the numerical value of the usage amount Qb into the operation area Ga1 by operating the operation device 35 while selecting the operation area Ga1. Note that the user U may select any one of a plurality of candidate values ​​for the usage amount Qb.

[0026] The voting content B includes multiple payout multipliers D corresponding to different options M. The payout multiplier D corresponding to each option M is a parameter for determining the amount of payout (hereinafter referred to as "payout amount Qw") to be awarded to the user U when the option M is established in the target event. Specifically, the payout amount Qw is calculated according to the payout multiplier D and the usage amount Qb. For example, points of the payout amount Qw, which corresponds to the multiplication value of the payout multiplier D and the usage amount Qb, are awarded to the user U as a payout (Qw = D × Qb). Therefore, the larger the payout multiplier D or the usage amount Qb, the larger the payout amount Qw awarded to the user U. Basically, the payout multiplier D tends to be set to a small value for an option M corresponding to a determination condition C that is likely to be established in the target event.

[0027] The cancel button Ga2 is a software button that accepts cancellation of a vote for voting content B. The enter button Ga3 is a software button that accepts confirmation of option M in voting content B (that is, a vote).

[0028] The management system 20 in FIG. 1 is a server system that manages information related to target events. Specifically, the management system 20 manages event information H for each of a plurality of target events. The event information H is information related to the progress of the target event. Specifically, the event information H is information necessary to determine the success or failure of the judgment condition C corresponding to each option M of the voting content B. For example, the event information H includes information related to the results of the target event, such as win / loss or score difference. The event information H is updated as needed to reflect the status of the target event in parallel with the progress of the target event. The event information H is updated, for example, in response to a manual instruction from the administrator of the target event.

[0029] The event information H is transmitted from the management system 20 to the information processing system 10, for example, before and after the target event is held. The functions of the management system 20 may be installed in the information processing system 10.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the information processing system 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The information processing system 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0031] The control device 11 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the information processing system 10. For example, the control device 11 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0032] The communication device 13 communicates with the management system 20 and the terminal device 30 via the communication network 200. Note that the communication device 13, which is separate from the information processing system 10, may be connected to the information processing system 10 by wire or wirelessly.

[0033] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. The storage device 12 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 12 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage media. Furthermore, a portable storage medium that is detachable from the information processing system 10, or a storage medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 11 can write to or read from via the communication network 200, for example, may be used as the storage device 12. The storage device 12 of the first embodiment stores voting content information X and user information Y.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of voting content information X. The voting content information X is information that defines voting content B, and is stored in the storage device 12 for each voting content B. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the voting content information X includes target event information E. As described above, the target event information E is information for identifying a target event.

[0035] Furthermore, the voting content information X includes a determination condition C and a basic multiplier D0 for each of a plurality of options M (M1 to M5) of the voting content B. As described above, the determination condition C is a condition that may be met in the target event.

[0036] The basic multiplier D0 is an initial value or a reference value of the payout multiplier D. The basic multiplier D0 is set to a different value for each option M (each determination condition C). For example, of the multiple determination conditions C corresponding to the different options M of the voting content B, the basic multiplier D0 corresponding to the determination condition C that is more likely to be established in the target event is set to a smaller value.

[0037] When the user U first votes for the voting content B, the payout rate D for each option M is set to the basic rate D0. That is, the basic rate D0 is the initial value of the payout rate D.

[0038] After the first vote for voting content B, user U can change the selection in voting content B. That is, user U can change the selection in voting content B from the selected option M to another option M. At the stage when user U changes the selection, the payout multiplier D of each option M is set to a value lower than the basic multiplier D0 of that option M. That is, user U can change the selection in voting content B in exchange for a decrease in the payout multiplier D.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of user information Y. User information Y is information relating to the status of user U's voting for voting content B, and is stored in storage device 12 for each user U. As illustrated in Fig. 6, user information Y includes the number of points held Q and voting information V. The number of points held Q is the number of points held by user U.

[0040] Voting information V is registered in user information Y for each voting content B for which user U voted. Voting information V includes predicted option M, payout ratio D, and usage amount Qb. Predicted option M is the option M selected by user U from multiple options M in voting content B. Payout ratio D is the ratio set for predicted option M. Usage amount Qb is the number of points used by user U to select predicted option M in voting content B, as described above.

[0041] 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10. The control device 11 executes a program stored in the storage device 12 to realize multiple functions (a display control unit 41, a selection receiving unit 42, and a payout management unit 43) for managing the votes of the user U for the voting content B and the awarding of payouts to the user U.

[0042] The display control unit 41 causes an image to be displayed on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30. Specifically, the display control unit 41 causes the terminal device 30 to display an image on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 by transmitting data for the terminal device 30 to display the image from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30. For example, the display control unit 41 transmits image data representing an image to the terminal device 30. Note that the display control unit 41 may also cause the image to be displayed on the display device 34 by transmitting data representing a command to display the image from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30. For example, the display control unit 41 transmits data indicating one of a plurality of images stored in the terminal device 30 or data indicating control parameters related to the image to the terminal device 30.

[0043] The selection receiving unit 42 receives from the user U a selection of one of a plurality of options M (i.e., predicted option M) in the voting content B. The selection receiving unit 42 of the first embodiment not only receives the initial selection of option M in the voting content B from the user U, but can also receive from the user U a change in the selection target.

[0044] The payout management unit 43 manages the payouts awarded to users U for their votes for voting content B. Specifically, when a determination condition C corresponding to a predicted option M selected by the user U from among multiple options M for voting content B is met, the payout management unit 43 awards a payout of a payout amount Qw to the user U. In other words, a payout is awarded to the user U who, among the multiple users U who voted for voting content B, voted for the option M for which the determination condition C was met in the target event.

[0045] The payout management unit 43 calculates the payout amount Qw according to the point usage amount Qb specified by the user U and the payout multiplier D corresponding to the predicted option M selected by the user U. Specifically, the payout management unit 43 calculates the payout amount Qw as the multiplication value of the usage amount Qb and the payout multiplier D. The payout management unit 43 adds the payout amount Qw to the number of points Q held by the user U. Adding the payout amount Qw to the number of points Q held corresponds to the granting of a payout to the user U.

[0046] 8 to 10 are flowcharts of the vote acceptance process for accepting votes from user U for voting content B. When an instruction to start voting is accepted from user U, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits a start request from the communication device 33 to the information processing system 10 (Sa11). When the communication device 13 receives the start request (Sb11), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) of the information processing system 10 causes the display device 34 of the requesting terminal device 30 to display the voting target list G0 (Sb12, Sa12).

[0047] 11 is a schematic diagram of the voting target list G0. The voting target list G0 is a list of multiple voting contents B for which a user U can vote. For example, among multiple voting contents B whose voting content information X is stored in the storage device 12, voting contents B for which the current time falls within the voting acceptance period are displayed in the voting target list G0. Multiple voting contents B corresponding to a common target event and multiple voting contents B corresponding to different target events are presented to the user U by the voting target list G0.

[0048] In the voting target list G0, target event information E and a voting status G01 are displayed for each of a plurality of voting contents B. The voting status G01 for each voting content B indicates whether the user U has already voted for that voting content B or not. For example, for a voting content B for which voting information V is registered in the user information Y among a plurality of voting contents B, the voting status G01 of "voted" is displayed, and for a voting content B for which voting information V is not stored in the storage device 12, the voting status G01 of "not voted" is displayed.

[0049] The user U can select one desired voting content B from among the multiple voting contents B in the voting target list G0 by operating the operation device 35 of the terminal device 30. The user U can select either a voting content B that has already been voted for or a voting content B that has not yet been voted for. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 accepts an operation from the user U on the operation device 35 (Sa13). The control device 31 transmits a voting instruction from the communication device 33 to the information processing system 10 (Sa14). The voting instruction includes a designation of the voting content B selected by the user U.

[0050] The control device 11 of the information processing system 10 receives a voting instruction via the communication device 13 (Sb13). That is, the control device 11 accepts the selection of voting content B by the user U. The control device 11 determines whether or not the voting content B selected by the user U is an unvoted voting content B (Sb14). Specifically, it is determined whether or not voting information V for the voting content B selected by the user U is stored in the storage device 12.

[0051] If the voting content B has not been voted for (Sb14: YES), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) displays the voting screen Ga of Fig. 3 on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 for the voting content B selected by the user U from the voting target list G0, as illustrated in Fig. 9 (Sb21, Sa21). The voting screen Ga is a screen for accepting the first vote from the user U for the voting content B that has not been voted for.

[0052] As described above, the voting screen Ga includes target event information E, multiple options M, multiple payout multipliers D, an operation area Ga1, a cancel button Ga2, and a confirm button Ga3. The target event information E, options M, and payout multiplier D are displayed using voting content information X. The voting content B on the voting screen Ga is voting content B that has not yet been voted for by the user U. Therefore, the base multiplier D0 corresponding to each option M in the voting content information X is displayed on the voting screen Ga as the payout multiplier D for that option M.

[0053] The user U can select one of the multiple options M (predicted option M) of the voting content B by operating the operation device 35 of the terminal device 30. The user U can also input a desired usage amount Qb into the operation area Ga1 by operating the operation device 35 of the terminal device 30. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 accepts the operation from the user U on the operation device 35 (selection of predicted option M and input of usage amount Qb) (Sa22).

[0054] When the user U operates the cancel button Ga2, the screen displayed on the display device 34 transitions from the voting screen Ga to the voting target list G0 of Fig. 11. Also, when the user U operates the confirm button Ga3 on the voting screen Ga, the control device 31 transmits a voting instruction including the predicted option M and the usage amount Qb from the communication device 33 to the information processing system 10 (Sa23).

[0055] The control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) of the information processing system 10 receives a voting instruction via the communication device 13 (Sb22). Receiving the voting instruction corresponds to a process of receiving a selection of a predicted option M and an input of a usage amount Qb from the user U. That is, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) receives a selection of one of a plurality of options M (predicted option M) and an input of a usage amount Qb from the user U.

[0056] The control device 11 registers the voting information V in the storage device 12 in accordance with the instruction received from the user U (Sb23). As described above, the voting information V includes the predicted option M selected by the user U, the payout rate D (basic rate D0) corresponding to the option M, and the usage amount Qb entered by the user U. The operation when the unvoted voting content B is selected is as described above.

[0057] After selecting option M according to the above procedure, user U may wish to change the selected item in voting content B due to various reasons such as a change in the situation regarding the target event or a change in the user U's feelings. In the first embodiment, as will be described in detail below, a change in the selected item can be accepted from user U. A user U who wishes to change the selected item regarding voting content B for which they have already voted selects the voting content B from the voting item list G0 in FIG.

[0058] If the voting content B selected by the user U from the voting target list G0 has already been voted for (Sb14: NO), it is presumed that the user U wishes to change the selected item in the voting content B. If the voting content B has already been voted for, the control device 11 (display control unit 41) displays the voting screen Gb of Fig. 12 on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 for the voting content B selected by the user U from the voting target list G0, as exemplified in Fig. 10 (Sb31, Sa31). The voting screen Gb is a screen for accepting a change of the selected item from the user U for the voting content B that has already been voted for.

[0059] 12, the voting screen Gb includes target event information E and a plurality of options M (M1 to M5), similar to the voting screen Ga. The plurality of options M represented by the voting content information X are displayed on the voting screen Gb.

[0060] By operating the operation device 35 of the terminal device 30, the user U can select a desired option M from among the multiple options M as the changed predicted option M. In other words, the user U can select an option M different from the option M previously selected for the voting content B. As explained above, the user U can change the selection target for the voting content B. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 accepts an operation (selection of the predicted option M) from the user U on the operation device 35 (Sa32).

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the voting screen Gb displays a base multiplier D0 and a payout multiplier D for each of a plurality of options M. The base multiplier D0 for each option M is a numerical value registered in the voting content information X for that option M. The base multiplier D0 is an example of a "second multiplier," and the payout multiplier D on the voting screen Gb is an example of a "first multiplier." The base multiplier D0 on the voting screen Gb corresponds to the payout multiplier D displayed on the voting screen Ga at the time of the first vote for voting content B.

[0062] The payout multiplier D of each option M is a numerical value that is applied to the calculation of the payout amount Qw when the user U changes the selection. The payout multiplier D of each option M is set to a numerical value that is lower than the basic multiplier D0 of that option M. The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 calculates the payout multiplier D of that option M by adjusting the basic multiplier D0 of each option M according to the adjustment value Z. The adjustment value Z is a positive number less than 1. Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the payout multiplier D using the following mathematical formula (1). D = D0 × (1 - Z) (1)

[0063] For example, assume that the adjustment value Z is 0.1. For option M1, where the basic multiplier D0 is set to 1.80, the payout multiplier D after the change is set to 1.62 (= 1.80 × (1 - 0.1)). Similarly, for option M2, where the basic multiplier D0 is set to 1.30, the payout multiplier D after the change is set to 1.17 (= 1.3 × (1 - 0.1)).

[0064] As can be seen from equation (1), the adjustment value Z is the rate of decrease relative to the basic multiplier D0. As explained above, in the first embodiment, the payout multiplier D corresponding to the option M after the change is calculated by adjusting the payout multiplier D (basic multiplier D0) corresponding to the option M selected by the user U before the change according to the adjustment value Z. Therefore, the relationship between the payout multiplier D before the change of the selection target and the payout multiplier D after the change can be easily controlled according to the adjustment value Z.

[0065] Now, let us assume that user U changes the selection target in voting content B from option Ma to another option Mb. Option Ma is the option M that user U first selected from the multiple options M in voting content B. On the other hand, option Mb is an option M other than option Ma. The payout multiplier D when the selection target is changed from option Ma to option Mb is lower than the payout multiplier D (basic multiplier D0) when user U selects option Mb without changing the selection target. The payout multiplier D corresponding to the changed option Mb is an example of a "first multiplier," and the payout multiplier D (basic multiplier D0) of option Mb when selected without changing the selection target is an example of a "second multiplier."

[0066] As described above, the payout multiplier D for each option M on the voting screen Gb is a numerical value that is applied to the calculation of the payout amount Qw when the user U changes the selection. Therefore, when an option M that is the same as an option M that has already been selected is selected on the voting screen Gb (i.e., when the selection does not actually change), the payout multiplier D does not need to be changed. Also, it is conceivable that the voting screen Gb may not accept the selection of an option M that is the same as an option M that has already been selected. For example, on the voting screen Gb, an option M that is the same as an option M that has already been selected may be displayed grayed out.

[0067] In addition to the elements exemplified above, the voting screen Gb in FIG. 12 includes a note Gb1, a usage amount Qb, a cancel button Gb2, and a change button Gb3. The note Gb1 is a message informing the user U that the payout multiplier D will decrease due to a change in the selected item. The usage amount Qb is the quantity entered by the user U when casting their first vote on the voting screen Ga. In the first embodiment, the user U cannot change the usage amount Qb when changing the selected item. However, a configuration in which the usage amount Qb can also be changed when the selected item is changed is also envisioned.

[0068] The cancel button Gb2 is a software button that accepts cancellation of a change to a selected object. When the user U operates the cancel button Gb2, the screen displayed on the display device 34 transitions from the voting screen Gb to the voting object list G0. The confirm button Ga3 is a software button that accepts confirmation of the change to the option M (i.e., re-voting). When the user U operates the change button Gb3, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits a change instruction including the changed predicted option M to the information processing system 10 from the communication device 33 (Sa33).

[0069] The control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) of the information processing system 10 receives the change instruction via the communication device 13 (Sb32). Receiving the change instruction corresponds to the process of receiving a change to the predicted option M from the user U. The control device 11 updates the voting information V of the user U in accordance with the change instruction received from the user U (Sb33). Specifically, the predicted option M registered in the voting information V is changed to the changed predicted option M instructed by the change instruction, and the payout multiplier D registered in the voting information V is updated to an adjusted numerical value (formula (1)) corresponding to the adjustment value Z. The usage amount Qb registered in the voting information V is not changed.

[0070] 13 is a flowchart of a process (hereinafter referred to as "dividend awarding process") for awarding a dividend to a user U. The dividend awarding process for a target event is executed when the target event ends. The dividend awarding process is executed for each voting content B for the target event.

[0071] When the payout awarding process is started, the control device 11 of the information processing system 10 acquires event information H related to the target event from the management system 20 (Sc1). By referring to the event information H, the control device 11 identifies an option M for which the judgment condition C is met among the multiple options M of the voting content B (Sc2). The control device 11 identifies a user U who selected the option M for which the judgment condition C is met as the predicted option M (Sc3). In other words, the user U whose prediction regarding the target event was correct is identified.

[0072] The control device 11 calculates the payout amount Qw according to the usage amount Qb and the payout multiplier D registered in the voting information V (Sc4). Specifically, the payout amount Qw is calculated by multiplying the usage amount Qb by the payout multiplier D. The calculation of the payout amount Qw is performed for each user U.

[0073] As described above, if the predicted option M for which the determination condition C is met is the option M selected by the first vote for voting content B, the payout amount Qw is calculated by applying the basic multiplier D0 as the payout multiplier D. On the other hand, if the predicted option M for which the determination condition C is met is the option M after a change in the selection target, the payout multiplier D applied to calculate the payout amount Qw is lower than the basic multiplier D0. Therefore, the payout amount Qw when the option M selected by user U after a change in the selection target is correct will be lower than the payout amount Qw when the option M initially selected by user U is correct.

[0074] In other words, assuming that the selection target is changed from option Ma to option Mb, the payout amount Qw (first quantity) awarded to user U when the judgment condition C corresponding to option Mb is satisfied will be less than the payout amount Qw (second payout amount) awarded to user U when the judgment condition C corresponding to option Mb is satisfied, regardless of the change in selection target.

[0075] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) adds the payout amount Qw to the number of points Q held by the user U whose prediction was correct (Sc5). That is, the control device 11 awards a payout to the user U when the determination condition C corresponding to the option M selected by the user U from among multiple options M is met.

[0076] As described above, in the first embodiment, a change in the selection target is accepted from the user U. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the selection target is confirmed by a single selection of option M and the selection target cannot be changed thereafter, the user U's interest in the target event can be maintained for a long period of time after selecting option M. Furthermore, the payout amount Qw when the selection target is changed is lower than the payout amount Qw when the selection target is not changed. In other words, the user U can change the selection target in exchange for a decrease in the payout amount Qw. Therefore, excessive changes in the selection target by the user U can be suppressed.

[0077] In the first embodiment, in particular, the payout rate D (first rate) when the selection target is changed is lower than the payout rate D (second rate) when the selection target is not changed. Therefore, for example, the user U can easily understand the difference between the payout amount Qw when the selection target is changed and the payout amount Qw when the selection target is not changed.

[0078] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, elements that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the selection items in the voting content B are changed once. In the second embodiment, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) of the information processing system 10 can receive multiple changes of the selection items in the voting content B. In other words, the user U can repeatedly change the selection items for the voting content B that has already been voted for.

[0080] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of user information Y in the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 14, the voting information V in the second embodiment includes the number of changes N in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment (predicted option M, payout ratio D, and usage amount Qb). The number of changes N is the number of times the user U has changed the selection items in the voting content B. The number of changes N increases by 1 every time the user U changes the selection items. Specifically, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) adds 1 to the number of changes N when updating the voting information V in response to the change instruction (Sb33).

[0081] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) controls the adjustment value Z applied to the calculation of the payout multiplier D when the selected object is changed, according to the number of times N the selected object has been changed. Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the adjustment value Z by multiplying the number of times N the change is made by a predetermined reference value Z0 (Z=N×Z0). Therefore, the adjustment value Z increases as the number of times N the change is made increases. The reference value Z0 is a predetermined positive number less than 1.

[0082] The payout multiplier D for option M after the selection target is changed is calculated using the aforementioned formula (1). Therefore, even if the base multiplier D0 does not change, the payout multiplier D decreases as the number of changes N increases. For example, assume that the base value Z0 is set to 0.1 and the selection target is sequentially changed to option M, whose base multiplier D0 is 3.60. The payout multiplier D at the first vote is 3.60 (= D0). On the other hand, the payout multiplier D calculated at the first change (N=1) is 3.24 (= 3.60 x 0.9). Furthermore, the payout multiplier D calculated at the second change (N=2) is 2.88 (= 3.60 x 0.8).

[0083] The second embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the adjustment value Z is controlled according to the number of changes N of the selection object, so the relationship between the payout multiplier D after each change of the selection object and the payout multiplier D when the selection object is not changed can be adjusted according to the number of changes N. For example, according to the above-mentioned configuration in which the adjustment value Z increases in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes N, the payout multiplier D decreases as the number of changes N increases. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect of being able to suppress excessive changes of the selection object by the user U is particularly remarkable.

[0084] In the above explanation, an example has been given in which the adjustment value Z increases in proportion to the number of changes N, but the relationship between the number of changes N and the adjustment value Z is not limited to this example. For example, the rate of increase in the adjustment value Z may decrease in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes N. The rate of increase in the adjustment value Z is the amount of change in the adjustment value Z when the number of changes N changes by a unit amount (=1). According to the above configuration, the decrease in the payout multiplier D is suppressed as the number of changes N increases. Therefore, an excessive decrease in the payout multiplier D can be suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, the rate of increase of the adjustment value Z may increase in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes N. According to the above configuration, the payout multiplier D decreases more rapidly as the number of changes N increases. Therefore, changes to the selection items by the user U can be effectively suppressed.

[0086] [Third embodiment] 15 illustrates the basic multiplier D0, the subtotal usage σ (σ1, σ2, σ3), and the total payout Σw (Σw1, Σw2, Σw3) for each of multiple options M (M1, M2, M3) of voting content B. The subtotal usage σ for each option M is the total value of the usage amount Qb for that option M. In other words, the subtotal usage σ is the total value of the usage amount Qb for all users U who selected one option M of voting content B.

[0087] The total usage amount Σb in Figure 15 is the sum of the subtotal usage amount σ for all options M of voting content B. In other words, the total usage amount Σb is the total amount of points (usage amount Qb) used by multiple users U to vote for voting content B. In other words, the total usage amount Σb corresponds to the income of the operator of voting content B.

[0088] On the other hand, the total payout amount Σw for each option M is the sum of the payout amounts Qw to be awarded when the judgment condition C corresponding to that option M is met. In other words, the total payout amount Σw is the sum of the payout amounts Qw to be awarded to all users U whose predictions regarding voting content B were correct. The total payout amount Σw corresponds to the expenditures of the operator of voting content B.

[0089] The return rate R (R1, R2, R3) in FIG. 15 is the ratio of the total payout amount Σw to the total spend amount Σb (R=Σw / Σb). Therefore, the smaller the return rate R, the easier it is for the operator to secure profits. Specifically, the larger the total spend amount Σb or the smaller the total payout amount Σw, the greater the operator's profits. Taking the above circumstances into consideration, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 in the third embodiment controls the adjustment value Z according to the return rate R.

[0090] The reference table T in FIG. 16 is used to set the adjustment value Z in the third embodiment. The reference table T is a data table in which the correspondence between the return rate R and the adjustment value Z is registered. In the reference table T, a different numerical value of the adjustment value Z is associated with each of a plurality of ranges obtained by dividing the numerical range of the return rate R. For example, in the reference table T, each range of the return rate R is associated with each numerical value of the adjustment value Z such that the adjustment value Z increases as the return rate R increases. Note that an arithmetic expression describing the relationship between the return rate R and the adjustment value Z may be used to set the adjustment value Z according to the return rate R.

[0091] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 sets an adjustment value Z for each of the multiple options M of the voting content B according to the return rate R of the option M. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z for each option M to a numerical value registered in the reference table T for the return rate R of the option M.

[0092] The payout multiplier D for option M after the selection target has been changed is calculated by the calculation of the above-mentioned formula (1) to which the adjustment value Z set according to the payout rate R is applied. For example, since the payout rate R for option M1 in FIG. 15 is 91.0%, the adjustment value Z for option M1 is 0.125 (90%≦R<100%). Therefore, when user U changes the selection target to option M1 (D0=1.30), the payout multiplier D is calculated as 1.1375 times as follows. D=D0×(1-Z)=1.30×(1-0.125)=1.1375

[0093] On the other hand, since the return rate R for option M2 in Figure 15 is 72.0%, the adjustment value Z for option M2 is 0.075 (70%≦R<80%). Therefore, if user U changes the selection to option M2 (D0=3.60), the payout multiplier D is calculated as 3.33 times as follows. D=D0×(1-Z)=3.60×(1-0.075)=3.33

[0094] As shown in the above example, the larger the payout rate R corresponding to option M after the change of selection target, the larger the decrease in payout rate D due to the change of selection target. Therefore, a change to option M with a higher payout rate R is suppressed. As mentioned above, the higher the payout rate R, the more difficult it is for the operator to secure profits. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the change to option M with a higher payout rate R is suppressed, which has the advantage of making it easier to secure profits for the operator of voting content B.

[0095] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. The configuration of the second embodiment is similarly applied to the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the above explanation, an example has been given in which the adjustment value Z increases as the return rate R increases, but an example in which the adjustment value Z decreases as the return rate R increases is also envisioned. In other words, the smaller the return rate R corresponding to the option M after the change of the selection object, the greater the decrease in the payout multiplier D caused by the change of the selection object.

[0096] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple options M (M1 to M7) of voting content B. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the multiple options M correspond to different stages related to the content of the judgment condition C of each option M. Therefore, the multiple options M are arranged in order related to the content of the judgment condition C. A number (hereinafter referred to as "stage number K") is assigned to each option M in order related to the content of the judgment condition C.

[0097] For example, options M1 to M3, whose judgment condition C is "a win for Team ABC," are positioned above option M4, whose judgment condition C is a draw (no score difference), and options M5 to M7, whose judgment condition C is "a win for Team XYZ," are positioned below option M4. The three options M1 to M3 positioned above option M4 are arranged in order according to the score difference. Similarly, the three options M5 to M7 positioned below option M4 are arranged in order according to the score difference.

[0098] Assume that the user U changes the selection from option Ma to option Mb. The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 in the fourth embodiment sets an adjustment value Z according to the difference between the stage of option Ma before the change and the stage of option Mb after the change (hereinafter referred to as "stage difference δ"). The stage difference δ is the difference between the stage number K of option Ma before the change and the stage number K of option Mb after the change. In other words, the stage difference δ corresponds to the degree of change in the content of each option M before and after the change of the selection.

[0099] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 controls the adjustment value Z for the option M after the change of the selection object according to the step difference δ between the option M before the change. Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the adjustment value Z by multiplying the step difference δ by the reference value Z0 (Z=δ×Z0). Therefore, the adjustment value Z increases as the step difference δ increases. For example, for a change of the selection object that changes the winner in the target event (for example, a change from option M1 to option M7 in FIG. 17), the adjustment value Z is set to a large value.

[0100] The payout multiplier D for the option M after the change is calculated by the calculation of the above-mentioned formula (1) to which the adjustment value Z set according to the step difference δ is applied. As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the adjustment value Z is controlled according to the step difference δ between the option M before and after the change. Therefore, it is possible to make the degree of reduction in the payout multiplier D different between a case where the selection target is changed between options M with large differences in content and a case where the selection target is changed between options M with small differences in content.

[0101] For example, assume that the reference value Z0 is set to 0.1. When a change from option M6 to option M7 in FIG. 17 is instructed (δ=1), the adjustment value Z is 0.1 (=1×0.1). Therefore, the payout multiplier D for option M7 after the change is calculated as 9.9 times as follows: D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 11.0 × (1 - 0.1) = 9.9

[0102] On the other hand, when a change from option M1 to option M7 in Figure 17 is instructed (δ = 6), the adjustment value Z is 0.6 (= 6 × 0.1). Therefore, the payout multiplier D for option M7 after the change is calculated as 4.4 times as follows. D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 11.0 × (1 - 0.6) = 4.4

[0103] As illustrated above, in the fourth embodiment, the greater the change in content of each option M before and after the change of the selection object, the smaller the value of the payout multiplier D for the changed option M is set to. In other words, in order to change the selection object with a large change in content, the user U must accept a significant decrease in the payout multiplier D. Therefore, changes to the option M that significantly change the content of the judgment condition C can be suppressed.

[0104] The fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. The configurations of the second and third embodiments are similarly applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0105] The return rate R in the third embodiment and the step difference δ in the fourth embodiment are collectively expressed as information related to the changed option M (hereinafter referred to as "related information"). In the third embodiment, the related information includes the return rate R, and in the fourth embodiment, the related information includes the step difference δ. Note that the related information may include both the return rate R and the step difference δ. Furthermore, information other than the return rate R and the step difference δ may be included in the related information.

[0106] As can be understood from the above examples, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) of the third or fourth embodiment controls the adjustment value Z applied to the calculation of the payout multiplier D corresponding to the changed option M according to the related information of the changed option. In the above aspect, since the adjustment value Z is controlled according to the related information of the changed option M, the user U can decide whether or not to change the selection target and the changed option M while taking into account the related information of the option M.

[0107] [Fifth embodiment] 18 and 19 are schematic diagrams of the voting screen Gb (voting content B) in the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 18 and 19, the voting screen Gb in the fifth embodiment includes an operation area Gb4 in addition to the same elements as those in the voting screen Gb in the first embodiment.

[0108] The operation area Gb4 is an area for receiving an instruction from the user U as to whether or not to change the selection target. The user U can change whether or not to check the operation area Gb4 by operating the operation device 35.

[0109] Specifically, a user U who has determined that this change to the selection target will be the last and that he or she will not change the selection target thereafter (i.e., that the selection target will be finalized with this change) operates the operation device 35 to check the operation area Gb4, as illustrated in FIG. 19. Checking the operation area Gb4 indicates an instruction not to change the selection target thereafter (hereinafter referred to as "change prohibited"). On the other hand, a user U who has determined that there is a possibility that he or she will change the selection target even after this change operates the operation device 35 to uncheck the operation area Gb4, as illustrated in FIG. 18. Unchecking the operation area Gb4 indicates an instruction that changes to the selection target are permitted thereafter (hereinafter referred to as "change permitted"). As illustrated above, in the fifth embodiment, the user U can instruct whether or not to change the selection target thereafter (change permitted / change prohibited).

[0110] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of voting information V in the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 20, the voting information V in the fifth embodiment includes change information Va in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment (predicted option M, payout rate D, and usage amount Qb).

[0111] The change information Va is information (e.g., a flag) indicating whether the user U can change the selection target. When the operation area Gb4 is checked, the control device 11 sets the change information Va to a numerical value indicating that the change is prohibited. On the other hand, when the operation area Gb4 is unchecked, the control device 11 sets the change information Va to a numerical value indicating that the change is permitted.

[0112] When the change information Va indicates that the change is permitted, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) effectively receives an instruction to change the selection target from the user U, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the change information Va indicates that the change is prohibited, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) does not receive an instruction to change the selection target from the user U.

[0113] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) controls the payout multiplier D of the changed option M depending on whether the selection target can be changed. For example, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z when a command to prohibit change is issued to a numerical value lower than the adjustment value Z when a command to permit change is issued. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z to a numerical value ZH when a command to permit change is issued, and sets the adjustment value Z to a numerical value ZL lower than the numerical value ZH when a command to prohibit change is issued.

[0114] The payout multiplier D for option M after the change of the selection target is calculated by the operation of formula (1) to which the adjustment value Z is applied. Therefore, the value of the payout multiplier D when the change prohibition is instructed (Z=ZL) will be greater than the value of the payout multiplier D when the change permission is instructed (Z=ZH).

[0115] For example, when permission to change is instructed, the numerical value ZH of the adjustment value Z is set to 0.1. Therefore, the payout multiplier D after the change for each option M displayed on the voting screen Gb is set to the same numerical value as in the above-mentioned FIG. 12, as exemplified in FIG. 18. For example, the payout multiplier D after the change for option M4, whose base multiplier D0 is 8.0, is calculated as 7.20, as follows: D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 8.0 × (1 - 0.1) = 7.20

[0116] On the other hand, when a prohibition of change is instructed, the numerical value ZL of the adjustment value Z is set to 0.05, which is lower than the numerical value ZH. Therefore, the payout multiplier D after the change of each option M displayed on the voting screen Gb is set to a numerical value higher than each numerical value in FIG. 18, as exemplified in FIG. 19. For example, the payout multiplier D after the change of option M4, whose basic multiplier D0 is 8.0, is calculated as 7.60, as follows: D=D0×(1-Z)=8.0×(1-0.05)=7.60

[0117] As shown in the above example, the payout rate D (FIG. 19) after changing each option M when the change is prohibited exceeds the payout rate D (FIG. 18) when the change is permitted. In other words, as a result of the user U instructing not to change the selection target thereafter, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the payout rate D caused by the change of the selection target.

[0118] The fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the payout multiplier D for each option M when a command to prohibit changes is issued exceeds the payout multiplier D for each option M when a command to permit changes is issued. Therefore, by issuing a command not to change the selected object (prohibiting changes), the user U can easily obtain a large payout. In other words, the user U can aim to increase the payout that can be obtained by giving up the right to change the selected object. With the above configuration, excessive changes to the selected object by the user U can be suppressed. The configurations of the second to fourth embodiments are also applicable to the fifth embodiment.

[0119] [Sixth embodiment] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of user information Y in the sixth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the user information Y in the sixth embodiment includes payment information P in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment. The payment information P is information indicating whether or not the user U has made payment for the service of voting content B (paid / no charge). The user U can use the service of voting content B without charge, but can advantageously utilize the service by paying a specified amount. Specifically, the user U can subscribe to a subscription contract in which a specified amount is paid monthly. The payment information P indicates whether or not payment has been made under the subscription contract subscribed to by the user U. Payment for the subscription contract can be made using currency (money) such as electronic currency, as well as points.

[0120] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) controls the payout multiplier D of the option M after the change depending on whether or not a payment has been made as indicated by the payment information P. Specifically, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 sets the adjustment value Z when the payment information P indicates that payment has been made to a numerical value that is lower than the adjustment value Z when the payment information P indicates that no charge has been made. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z to a numerical value ZH when the payment information P indicates that no charge has been made, and sets the adjustment value Z to a numerical value ZL that is lower than the numerical value ZH when the payment information P indicates that payment has been made.

[0121] The payout multiplier D for the option M after the change of the selection target is calculated by the operation of formula (1) to which the adjustment value Z is applied. Therefore, the payout multiplier D for each option M when the user U has already paid a predetermined amount (Z=ZL) exceeds the payout multiplier D for each option M when the user U is not paying (Z=ZH). In other words, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) suppresses a decrease in the payout multiplier D relative to the basic multiplier D0 due to the payment of a predetermined amount by the user U.

[0122] For example, the value ZH of the adjustment value Z in the case of no charge is set to 0.1. Therefore, for example, the payout multiplier D after the change of option M, whose base multiplier D0 is 8.0, is calculated as 7.20 as follows: D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 8.0 × (1 - 0.1) = 7.20

[0123] On the other hand, if the user U has already paid the predetermined amount, the value ZL of the adjustment value Z is set to 0.05, which is lower than the value ZH. For example, the payout multiplier D after the change of option M, whose basic multiplier D0 is 8.0, is calculated as 7.60 as follows: D=D0×(1-Z)=8.0×(1-0.05)=7.60

[0124] The sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the payment of a predetermined amount by the user U suppresses the decrease in the payout multiplier D relative to the basic multiplier D0. Therefore, the user U is likely to obtain a large number of payouts by paying a predetermined amount (for example, by signing up for a subscription contract). In other words, according to the sixth embodiment, an effective incentive to pay a predetermined amount can be provided to the user U who aims to obtain a large number of payouts.

[0125] [Seventh embodiment] In the seventh embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the user U can advantageously utilize the service of voting content B by signing up for a subscription contract. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the user U can select one of a plurality of plans to sign up for a subscription contract. The benefits that the user U can enjoy in the service of voting content B differ for each of the plurality of plans. The amount Pa paid by the user U differs for each plan.

[0126] Similar to the sixth embodiment, the user information Y of the seventh embodiment includes payment information P. The payment information P in the seventh embodiment includes the plan to which the user U has subscribed and the payment amount Pa corresponding to the plan.

[0127] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of each plan in the seventh embodiment. User U can select one of multiple plans (A, B, C, D). The payment amount Pa required for subscription varies depending on the plan. As illustrated in FIG. 22, a correction value α, a limit number of times La, and a usage limit value Lb are set for each of the multiple plans to which user U can subscribe.

[0128] The correction value α is a parameter for adjusting the adjustment value Z, and is set to, for example, a positive number less than 1. The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) calculates the adjustment value Z to be applied to the calculation of the payout multiplier D using the following formula (2). Z=N×Z0×(1-α) (2) As can be seen from equation (2), the correction value α is the rate of decrease relative to the reference value Z0. In other words, the larger the correction value α, the smaller the adjustment value Z is set to. As shown in equation (1) above, the smaller the adjustment value Z, the larger the payout multiplier D for the option M after the change. In other words, the larger the correction value α, the larger the payout multiplier D after the change, which is advantageous for user U who aims to win a large number of payouts. As explained above, in the seventh embodiment, user U can enjoy a benefit (hereinafter referred to as the "multiplier benefit") that can suppress a decrease in the payout multiplier D when the selection target is changed. On the other hand, if user U does not pay, adjustment value Z is set to the product of the number of changes N and the reference value Z0 (Z = N × Z0). In other words, user U who does not pay cannot enjoy the multiplier benefit (α = 0).

[0129] As illustrated in Fig. 22, the higher the payment amount Pa of a plan among a plurality of plans, the larger the correction value α is set to. In other words, by subscribing to a more expensive plan, the user U can suppress a decrease in the payout multiplier D. Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment, a user U who aims to obtain a large number of payouts can be given an incentive to subscribing to a plan with a higher payment amount Pa.

[0130] The limit number La in Figure 22 is a numerical value that specifies the upper limit of the number of times (hereinafter referred to as "upper limit number") that a user U can change the selection item. Specifically, the number of times N that the selection item can be changed within a predetermined unit period (for example, one month) is limited to a range in which the upper limit number is the numerical value obtained by adding the limit number La to a reference value N0. The reference value N0 is a predetermined natural number.

[0131] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) repeatedly accepts instructions to change the selection object from the user U until the number of changes N reaches the upper limit. When the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) no longer accepts instructions to change the selection object. With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the selection object will be changed excessively frequently.

[0132] For a user U who does not pay, the reference value N0 is set as the upper limit number of times (La = 0). In other words, a user U who does not pay can repeatedly change the selection target until the number of changes N reaches the reference value N0. On the other hand, for a user U who has paid the payment amount Pa, the limit number of times La is added to the reference value N0. In other words, a user U who has paid can repeatedly change the selection target a greater number of times than a user U who does not pay.

[0133] The higher the payment amount Pa for a plan, the larger the limit number of times La is set. Therefore, by subscribing to a more expensive plan, user U can enjoy the multiplier benefit more times. If user U subscribes to the highest plan D, the limit number of times La is unlimited. In other words, user U who subscribes to plan D can enjoy the multiplier benefit any number of times.

[0134] In the above explanation, an example has been given in which, when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, subsequent changes to the selected object are prohibited. However, it is also possible to assume that, when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, only the use of the multiplier benefit is restricted, and changes to the selected object themselves are continuously accepted. In other words, when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit and a further change to the selected object is instructed, the control device 11 uniformly sets the adjustment value Z to the reference value Z0.

[0135] The usage limit value Lb in Figure 22 is the upper limit of the total amount of usage Qb for which user U can enjoy the multiplier benefit. The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) controls the adjustment value Z by applying the correction value α until the total amount of usage Qb specified by user U reaches the usage limit value Lb. On the other hand, when the total amount of usage Qb reaches the usage limit value Lb, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z to the product of the number of changes N and the reference value Z0. Even if the total amount of usage Qb reaches the usage limit value Lb, only the use of the multiplier benefit is restricted, and voting for voting content B (and further changes to the selection item) can continue to be possible. As explained above, the period during which user U can enjoy the multiplier benefit is limited to the period until the total amount of usage Qb reaches the usage limit value Lb.

[0136] 22, the higher the payment amount Pa for a plan, the larger the usage limit value Lb is set to. Therefore, by subscribing to a more expensive plan, user U has more opportunities to enjoy multiplier benefits.

[0137] The seventh embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the payment of a predetermined amount by the user U suppresses the decrease in the payout multiplier D relative to the basic multiplier D0, and the degree to which the decrease in the payout multiplier D is suppressed varies depending on the payment amount Pa. Therefore, the higher the payment amount Pa, the more likely the user U is to win a large number of payouts. In other words, according to the seventh embodiment, an effective incentive can be given to the user U who aims to win a large number of payouts to subscribe to a more expensive plan.

[0138] [Variations] The above-described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

[0139] (1) In each of the above-mentioned forms, live betting, which allows real-time voting in parallel with the progress of the target event, has been exemplified, but voting content B may also be content for pre-match betting, which allows voting only before the start of the target event. For voting content B for pre-match betting, votes from user U are accepted with the scheduled start time of the target event as the end point of the voting acceptance period.

[0140] (2) The method of calculating the payout multiplier D is not limited to the examples given above. For example, when the selected object is changed multiple times, the adjustment value Z for each change may be accumulated.

[0141] For example, in the third embodiment (FIGS. 15 and 16), when the selection target is changed from option M2 to option M1, the payout rate D is 1.1375 (1.30×(1−0.125)). Also, when the selection target is changed from option M1 to option M2, the payout rate D is 3.33 (=3.60×(1−0.075)).

[0142] Assume that the selection target is changed from option M2 to option M1, and then changed again from option M1 to option M2. In the above case, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) may set the adjustment value Z when changing the selection target from option M1 to option M2 to the sum of the adjustment value Z (0.125) when changing from option M2 to option M1 and the adjustment value Z (0.075) when changing from option M1 to option M2. In the above example, the adjustment value Z is set to 0.200. Therefore, the payout multiplier D for the changed option M2 is set to 2.88 (= 3.60 × (1 - 0.200)).

[0143] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the basic multiplier D0 is assumed to be a fixed value, but the basic multiplier D0 may change over time during the voting acceptance period. Any method for changing the basic multiplier D0 may be used, but for example, the pari-mutuel method or the bookmaker method is used to set the basic multiplier D0. The pari-mutuel method is a method in which a predetermined percentage of the total amount used Σb is deducted as the operator's profit, and the basic multiplier D0 of each option M is automatically changed so that the remaining amount is distributed to users U whose predictions were correct. On the other hand, the bookmaker method is a method in which the operator (bookmaker) manually changes the basic multiplier D0 of each option M.

[0144] The control device 11 (payout management unit 43) may change the basic multiplier D0 according to the time that has passed within the voting acceptance period. For example, in live betting, where betting is possible in parallel with the progress of a target event, predicting the outcome becomes easier as the target event progresses. Therefore, it is assumed that the basic multiplier D0 decreases as time passes within the voting acceptance period. For the same reason, the adjustment value Z may also be increased as time passes within the voting acceptance period. As the adjustment value Z increases, the payout multiplier D after the change of selection target decreases over time. Note that the passage of time within the voting acceptance period is managed, for example, by the time that has passed since the start of the target event, or a numerical value that changes over time in the target event (for example, the number of innings in a baseball game).

[0145] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the payout multiplier D when the selection target is changed is lower than the payout multiplier D when a vote is not made due to a change in the selection target. However, a lower limit value for the payout multiplier D may be set. For example, if the payout multiplier D calculated by the above-described formula (1) is lower than a predetermined lower limit value (e.g., 1.10), the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) may adopt the lower limit value as the payout multiplier D. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the payout multiplier D from falling below the lower limit value.

[0146] (5) In the second embodiment, an example was given in which the adjustment value Z (and further the payout multiplier D) is adjusted according to the number of changes N. In the above embodiment, the adjustment value Z increases as the number of changes N increases. In the second embodiment, an upper limit may be set for the number of changes N. For example, when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) sets the number of changes N to the upper limit. In other words, even if the selection object is changed, the number of changes N is maintained at the upper limit. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the payout multiplier D will be set to an excessively small value when the selection object is repeatedly changed.

[0147] (6) In the fourth embodiment, the payout multiplier D after the change is set according to the step difference δ between the option M before the change and the option M after the change. However, the configuration for reflecting the relationship between the option M before and after the change in the payout multiplier D is not limited to the above example. For example, the adjustment value Z (and further the payout multiplier D) may be varied depending on whether the relationship between the option M before the change and the option M after the change satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in the case of a plurality of options M illustrated in FIG. 17, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) sets the adjustment value Z to a value ZH when an instruction is given to change the selection target such that the winner in the target event will change, and sets the adjustment value Z to a value ZL that is lower than the value ZH when an instruction is given to change the selection target such that the winner in the target event will not change.

[0148] (7) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the payout multiplier D when the selection target is changed from option Ma to option Mb is lower than the payout multiplier D when option Mb is selected without a change in the selection target. However, the embodiments for making the payout amount Qw awarded to user U different depending on whether or not the selection target is changed are not limited to the above examples.

[0149] For example, a configuration is also envisaged in which the payout amount Qw is switched between being reduced and maintained depending on whether or not the selection target has been changed. Specifically, when the selection target has been changed from option Ma to option Mb, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) subtracts a predetermined value from the payout amount Qw to be awarded to the user U. On the other hand, when option Mb is selected without a change in the selection target, the control device 11 (payout management unit 43) awards the payout amount Qw to the user U without subtracting the predetermined value. In the above configuration, it is not essential to configure the payout multiplier D to vary depending on whether or not the selection target has been changed.

[0150] The amount by which the payout amount Qw is reduced may be set according to, for example, the number of changes N. For example, the amount by which the payout amount Qw is reduced may be proportional to the number of changes N. For example, if the selection target is changed once, 500 points are reduced from the payout amount Qw, and if the selection target is changed twice, 1000 points are reduced from the payout amount Qw.

[0151] As described above, it is sufficient that the payout amount Qw awarded to user U when the selection target is changed to option Mb is ultimately less than the payout amount Qw awarded to user U when option Mb is selected from the beginning without changing the selection target, and the specific configuration for making the payout amount Qw different in both cases is arbitrary.

[0152] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the rate of decrease with respect to the basic multiplier D0 is exemplified as the adjustment value Z, but the ratio of the payout multiplier D to the basic multiplier D0 may also be applied as the adjustment value Z to calculate the payout multiplier D. Specifically, the value of (1-Z) in the above-described formula (1) may be used as the adjustment value Z. In the above-described embodiments in which the rate of decrease with respect to the basic multiplier D0 is used as the adjustment value Z, the smaller the adjustment value Z, the larger the payout multiplier D is set to. On the other hand, in the embodiment in which the ratio of the payout multiplier D to the basic multiplier D0 is used as the adjustment value Z, the larger the adjustment value Z, the larger the payout multiplier D is set to. As described above, the relationship between the adjustment value Z and the payout multiplier D (the increase / decrease in the payout multiplier D according to the adjustment value Z) is arbitrary in the present disclosure.

[0153] (9) The functions of the information processing system 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 11 and a program stored in the storage device 12. The program according to the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network 200, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0154] (10) The term "nth" (n is a natural number) in this application is used only as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in the description and does not have any substantive meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position of each element or the order of production, etc., based on the term "nth."

[0155] [Note] From the above description, for example, preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be understood as follows: Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated aspects.

[0156] [Appendix 1] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present disclosure includes a selection receiving unit (42) that receives from a user (U) a selection of one of a plurality of options (M) corresponding to different conditions (C), and a payout management unit (43) that awards a payout to the user (U) when a condition (C) corresponding to an option (M) selected by the user (U) from the plurality of options (M) is met, wherein the selection receiving unit (42) can receive from the user (U) a change of the selection target, and when the selection target is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M), a first amount of payout awarded to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is met is less than a second amount of payout awarded to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is met when the second option (M) is selected regardless of the change of the selection target.

[0157] In the above-described embodiment, a change in the selection target is accepted. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the selection target cannot be changed after a single selection of an option (M), the user (U) can maintain interest for a long period of time after selecting an option (M). Furthermore, the first amount of payout when the selection target is changed from the first option (M) to the second option (M) is less than the second amount of payout when the second option (M) is selected without a change in the selection target. In other words, the user (U) can change the selection target in exchange for a decrease in payout. Therefore, excessive changes in the selection target can be suppressed.

[0158] "Condition (C)" is an event whose actual fulfillment is uncertain. For example, an event that may be fulfilled in a specific event (hereinafter referred to as "target event") is exemplified as "condition (C)." A "target event" is any event, regardless of purpose or participants, such as a sporting event related to a sport such as soccer or baseball, a gaming event such as e-sports, a social event such as an election, an entertainment event such as a movie or music event, or a gaming event such as shogi or chess.

[0159] A user (U) selects an option (M) from multiple options (M) that corresponds to a condition (C) that is expected to be met. A dividend is awarded to a user (U) who selects an option (M) that corresponds to a condition (C) that is actually met. Therefore, the "condition (C)" in this disclosure can also be expressed as, for example, an event that must be met in order for a dividend to be awarded to the user (U). Note that the relationship between the multiple conditions (C) may be a relationship in which one of them can be met alternatively, or a relationship in which some of them can be met in parallel.

[0160] A "dividend" is a value given to a user (U). A "dividend" is an element that can be conceptualized as a quantity, for example. Specifically, a "dividend" is given to a user (U) as a reward for selecting an option (M) that corresponds to a condition (C) that has actually been met (i.e., the user (U)'s prediction is correct).

[0161] "Dividends" are given to users (U) in the form of a medium of value. A "medium of value" is a medium in which value is set. A "medium of value" is, for example, a value that can be exchanged for goods or services, a value that can be consumed to receive benefits such as discounts, or a value that can be exchanged for other types of medium of value. For example, points that can be used for various services, or currency (money) such as physical currency or electronic currency are examples of "medium of value."

[0162] "When the selection target is changed from the first option (M) to the second option (M)" means when the second option (M) is selected as a replacement for the previously selected first option (M). "When the second option (M) is selected without a change to the selection target" means when the second option (M) is selected as an initial selection by the user (U), rather than as a replacement for the previously selected option (M). As described above, in the present disclosure, for example, when the second option (M) is selected as a replacement for the previously selected first option (M), the amount of payout (Qw) awarded to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) differs from when the second option (M) is initially selected. In other words, the amount of payout (Qw) decreases as a result of the change to option (M).

[0163] Note that any method can be used to differentiate the quantity of payouts (Qw) when the selection target is changed from the quantity of payouts (Qw) when the selection target is not changed. For example, in a system in which the quantity of payouts (Qw) is calculated according to the amount of value medium (Qb) used by the user (U) (e.g., the bet amount) and the payout multiplier (D) (e.g., odds) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U), it is possible to differentiate the payout multiplier (D) depending on whether or not the option (M) has changed. It is also possible to directly change the quantity of payouts (Qw) depending on whether or not the option (M) has changed.

[0164] [Appendix 2] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the payout management unit (43) calculates the payout quantity (Qw) according to at least the amount (Qb) of the value medium used by the user (U) and the payout multiplier (D) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U), and the first multiplier, which is the payout multiplier (D) when the selection target is changed from the first option (M) to the second option (M), is lower than the second multiplier, which is the payout multiplier (D) when the second option (M) is selected without the change in the selection target. In the above aspect, the payout multiplier (D) (first multiplier) when the selection target is changed is lower than the payout multiplier (D) (second multiplier) when the selection target is not changed. Therefore, for example, it is easy for the user (U) to grasp the difference between the payout quantity (Qw) when the selection target is changed and the payout quantity (Qw) when the selection target is not changed.

[0165] "Amount of use (Qb)" is the quantity of a medium of value used by a user (U). For example, the quantity of a medium of value used by a user (U) as payment for selecting an option (M) is "Amount of use (Qb)". The "use" of a medium of value can also be expressed as the "consumption" of the medium of value. Also, "dividend multiplier (D)" is a parameter for determining the quantity of dividends (Qw).

[0166] [Appendix 3] In a specific example (Aspect 3) of Aspect 2, the payout management unit (43) calculates the first multiplier by adjusting the second multiplier according to an adjustment value (Z). In the above aspect, the first multiplier corresponding to the option (M) after the change is calculated by adjusting the second multiplier corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U) before the change according to the adjustment value (Z). Therefore, the relationship between the first multiplier and the second multiplier can be easily controlled according to the adjustment value (Z).

[0167] The "adjustment value (Z)" is a parameter for adjusting the second multiplier. The first multiplier is calculated by adjusting the second multiplier according to the adjustment value (Z). Therefore, the adjustment value (Z) can also be expressed as a parameter that defines the relationship between the second multiplier and the first multiplier. For example, the rate of decrease of the first multiplier relative to the second multiplier, or the ratio of the first multiplier to the second multiplier, are exemplified as the adjustment value (Z). The second multiplier can also be expressed as the base value or initial value of the payout multiplier (D).

[0168] [Appendix 4] In a specific example of Aspect 3 (Aspect 4), the selection receiving unit (42) can receive changes to the selection object multiple times, and the payout management unit (43) controls the adjustment value (Z) according to the number of changes (N) to the selection object. In the above aspect, since the adjustment value (Z) is controlled according to the number of changes (N) to the selection object, the relationship between the payout multiplier (D) (first multiplier) for each change and the payout multiplier (D) (second multiplier) when the selection object is not changed can be adjusted according to the number of changes (N).

[0169] Controlling the adjustment value (Z) according to the number of changes (N) is a process of changing the adjustment value (Z) in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes (N). The relationship between the number of changes (N) and the adjustment value (Z) is arbitrary. For example, the adjustment value (Z) may be changed in proportion to the number of changes (N). Another possible mode is to change the adjustment value (Z) by a predetermined amount each time the number of changes (N) increases. The amount of change in the adjustment value (Z) may change (for example, increase or decrease) each time the number of changes (N) increases.

[0170] [Appendix 5] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of Aspect 3 or Aspect 4, the payout management unit (43) controls the adjustment value (Z) applied to the calculation of the first multiplier corresponding to the changed option (M) in accordance with information related to the changed option (M). In the above aspect, since the adjustment value (Z) is controlled in accordance with information related to the changed option (M), the user (U) can decide whether to change the selection target or the changed option (M) while taking into account the information related to the option (M).

[0171] [Appendix 6] In a specific example of aspect 5 (aspect 6), the information related to the changed option (M) includes a return rate (R), which is the ratio of the total amount of dividends to be awarded when the condition (C) corresponding to the option (M) is fulfilled to the total amount of the usage amount (Qb) of the value medium. In the above aspect, since the adjustment value (Z) is controlled according to the return rate (R), it is easy to ensure the profits of the operator who operates the service that awards dividends to the user (U).

[0172] The payout rate (R) is the ratio of the total amount of dividends awarded to the user (U) depending on whether the condition (C) is met to the total amount of the value medium used by the user (U). Therefore, the lower the payout rate (R), the easier it is for the operator to secure profits. Under the above circumstances, if the reduction rate of the first multiplier relative to the second multiplier is assumed to be the adjustment value (Z), an example is shown in which the lower the payout rate (R), the more the adjustment value (Z) decreases.

[0173] The relationship between the return rate (R) and the adjustment value (Z) is arbitrary. For example, it is possible for the adjustment value (Z) to change continuously in conjunction with the return rate (R). It is also possible for the adjustment value (Z) to be associated with each range obtained by dividing the numerical range of the return rate (R), and for the adjustment value (Z) to change in stages relative to the numerical value of the return rate (R). It is also possible for there to be a section within the range of the return rate (R) where the adjustment value (Z) does not change even if the return rate (R) changes.

[0174] The total amount of value media used by user (U) (total usage amount) and the total amount of dividends given to user (U) (total dividend amount) can be any size. In other words, it is basically assumed that the total amount of usage exceeds the total dividend amount (return rate (R) < 1), but it is also possible that the total amount of usage is less than the total dividend amount (return rate (R) > 1), or that the total amount of usage and the total dividend amount are equal (return rate (R) = 1).

[0175] [Appendix 7] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of Aspect 5 or Aspect 6, each of the plurality of options (M) corresponds to a different level of content of the option (M), and the information related to the changed option (M) includes a level difference (δ) between the option (M) before the change and the option (M) after the change. In the above aspect, the adjustment value (Z) is controlled according to the level difference (δ) between the options (M) before and after the change. Therefore, it is possible to make the degree of change in the payout rate (D) resulting from a change in the selection target different between a case where the selection target is changed between options (M) with large differences in content and a case where the selection target is changed between options (M) with small differences in content.

[0176] The "stage" of the content of the option (M) refers to a division based on the content of each option (M). Multiple options (M) are arranged in order at the stage of each option (M). In other words, the "stage" of each option (M) is a content division for arranging multiple options (M) in order.

[0177] The relationship between the step difference (δ) and the adjustment value (Z) is arbitrary. For example, the adjustment value (Z) may increase or decrease in conjunction with an increase in the step difference (δ). However, within the range of the step difference (δ), there may be a section in which the adjustment value (Z) does not change even if the step difference (δ) changes.

[0178] [Appendix 8] In a specific example (Aspect 8) of any of Aspects 2 to 7, the user (U) can instruct whether or not to change the selection target, and the value of the first multiplier when an instruction to not change the selection target is given exceeds the value of the first multiplier when an instruction to change the selection target is given. In the above aspects, the first multiplier for each option (M) when an instruction to not change the selection target is given exceeds the first multiplier for each option (M) when an instruction to change the selection target is given. Therefore, the user (U) is likely to win a large number of dividends by instructing not to change the selection target. In other words, the user (U) can aim to increase the dividends he or she can win by giving up the right to change the selection target.

[0179] "Not changing the selection" means that the user (U) gives up the right to change the selection, and transitions to a state where the selection cannot be changed. In other words, "not changing the selection" is equivalent to finalizing the selection of option (M).

[0180] [Appendix 9] In a specific example (Aspect 9) of any of Aspects 1 to 8, the payout management unit (43) suppresses a decrease in the first quantity relative to the second quantity by the payment of a predetermined amount by the user (U). According to the above aspect, the decrease in the first quantity relative to the second quantity is mitigated by the payment of a predetermined amount. Therefore, an effective incentive to pay a predetermined amount can be given to a user (U) who aims to win a large number of payouts.

[0181] [Appendix 10] In a specific example (aspect 10) of any of aspects 1 to 9, the selection receiving unit (42) repeatedly receives changes to the selection target until the number of changes (N) reaches an upper limit. According to the above aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility that changes to the selection target will be repeated excessively frequently.

[0182] [Appendix 11] An information processing method according to one aspect (aspect 11) of the present disclosure includes accepting a selection from a user (U) of one of a plurality of options (M) corresponding to different conditions (C), and awarding a dividend to the user (U) when a condition (C) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U) from the plurality of options (M) is met, wherein, when accepting the selection, a change of the selection target can be accepted from the user (U), and when the selection target is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M), a first quantity of dividend awarded to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is met is less than a second quantity of dividend awarded to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is met when the second option (M) is selected regardless of the change of the selection target.

[0183] [Appendix 12] A program according to one aspect (aspect 12) of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to function as a selection receiving unit (42) that receives from a user (U) a selection of one of a plurality of options (M) corresponding to different conditions (C), and a payout management unit (43) that awards a payout to the user (U) when a condition (C) corresponding to an option (M) selected by the user (U) from the plurality of options (M) is met, wherein the selection receiving unit (42) is capable of receiving a change of selection from the user (U), and when the selection is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M), a first amount of payout awarded to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is less than a second amount of payout awarded to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) when the second option (M) is selected regardless of the change of selection. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 100...communication system, 200...communication network, 10...information processing system, 11...control device, 12...storage device, 13...communication device, 20...management system, 30...terminal device, 31...control device, 32...storage device, 33...communication device, 34...display device, 35...operation device, 41...display control unit, 42...selection reception unit, 43...payout management unit.

Claims

1. a selection receiving unit that receives from a user a selection from a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions; a payout management unit that, when a condition corresponding to an option selected by the user from among the plurality of options is met, awards to the user a payout in an amount corresponding to at least the amount of the value medium used by the user and a payout multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user; the selection receiving unit is capable of receiving a change of the selection target from the user, When the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option, the payout ratio is a ratio according to a return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of payouts to be awarded when the condition corresponding to the second option is met to the total amount of use of the value medium by a plurality of users. Information processing system.

2. When the payout rate when the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option is a first rate, and when the payout rate when the second option is selected without the change of the selection target is a second rate, the higher the payout rate for the second option, the greater the amount of reduction of the first rate with respect to the second rate. The information processing system of claim 1.

3. The information processing system Accepting a selection from a user from a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions; When a condition corresponding to an option selected by the user from among the plurality of options is met, a dividend is awarded to the user in an amount corresponding to at least the amount of use of the value medium by the user and a dividend rate corresponding to the option selected by the user. An information processing method, comprising: In the reception of the selection, a change of the selected object can be received from the user, When the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option, the payout ratio is a ratio according to a return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of payouts to be awarded when the condition corresponding to the second option is met to the total amount of use of the value medium by a plurality of users. Information processing methods.

4. a selection receiving unit that receives from a user a selection from a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions; a payout management unit that, when a condition corresponding to an option selected by the user from among the plurality of options is met, awards to the user a payout in an amount corresponding to at least the amount of the value medium used by the user and a payout multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user; A program that causes a computer system to function as the selection receiving unit is capable of receiving a change of the selection target from the user, When the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option, the payout ratio is a ratio according to a return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of payouts to be awarded when the condition corresponding to the second option is met to the total amount of use of the value medium by a plurality of users. program.

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