Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology for enabling even a user with little experience in voting to easily vote.SOLUTION: There is provided an information processing device that executes processing related to voting on a voting target in a game, the information processing device including a management unit that manages a group including a plurality of players, and a reception unit that receives, from a first user included in the group, a vote for a voting content specified according to a voting content predicted or voted by a second user included in the group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Currently, publicly managed races such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and boat racing are held. Patent Document 1 discloses a voting prediction disclosure system that displays the objective reliability of a forecaster on a website that publishes predictions for publicly managed races on the Internet, allowing visitors to the website to visually recognize the reliability of the forecaster and use the predictions as reference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] When using the technology described in Patent Document 1, users can receive notifications of highly reliable forecasters, but they must decide on their own what to vote for. This situation is thought to be one of the reasons that users with little voting experience are put off.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows even users with little voting experience to easily cast their votes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that executes processing related to voting for voting targets in a competition, and includes a management unit that manages a group including multiple players, and a reception unit that receives votes from a first user included in the group for voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by a second user included in the group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that allows even users with little voting experience to easily cast their votes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a voting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a server and a terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a server. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user management DB, a group management DB, and a doctrinator management DB. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the voting system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat screen displayed on a terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the voting system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting ride-sharing requests for multiple events. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure for determining the amount of a predetermined value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0010] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a voting system 1 according to this embodiment. The voting system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a server 10 and one or more terminals 20. The server 10 and the terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN, or mobile communication. The server 10 and the terminals 20 may also be referred to as information processing devices.

[0011] The server 10 may be configured with one or more physical servers, or may be configured with a virtual server running on a hypervisor, or may be configured with a cloud server. The terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user. The terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc.

[0012] The server 10 performs various processes in various competitions, such as predictions and votes by users and doctrinators, management of the predetermined value voted by users and doctrinators, management of the predetermined value held by users and doctrinators, and management of the amount of refund (payout money, etc.) according to the results of the competition (race).

[0013] Users form groups with other users to predict and vote on the results of competitions. While any user may be involved, this embodiment assumes that the group includes users with little voting experience.

[0014] A doppologist is a person or group consisting of one or more people who predicts and votes on the results of a competition. Doppologists may be celebrities such as entertainers, or may be anonymous ordinary people. Doppologists are not necessarily limited to real people, but may also be fictional characters created by computer simulations, etc.

[0015] Examples of competitions include bicycle racing, horse racing, boat racing, auto racing, soccer, futsal, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, handball, rugby, badminton, table tennis, billiards, bowling, dodgeball, boxing, wrestling, professional wrestling, track and field, horse racing, bicycle racing, etc. This embodiment includes any competition in which multiple participants (including teams, athletes, and animals) compete against each other for superiority.

[0016] A voting target is a target for which a predetermined value is to be voted, and in this embodiment, the contestants participating in the competition are the voting targets. For example, in a competition in which contestants numbered 1 to 5 compete, each of the contestants numbered 1 to 5 is a voting target.

[0017] A betting method is a method of betting (wasting) a predetermined value on a betting target. For example, a win bet is a method of predicting which target will come in first and betting a predetermined value, and a place bet is a method of predicting which target will come in first through third and betting a predetermined value. A duplicita bet is a method of predicting the order of finish of the first and second target and betting a predetermined value, and a duplicative bet is a method of predicting two target targets that will come in first and second (regardless of order of finish) and betting a predetermined value. A trifecta bet is a method of predicting the order of finish of the first, second, and third target and betting a predetermined value, and a trifecta bet is a method of predicting three target targets that will come in first through third (regardless of order of finish) and betting a predetermined value. The betting methods according to this embodiment also include betting methods other than these methods. Note that there are also sports in which no designated betting method is specified, such as a soccer lottery in which you guess which team will win.

[0018] The predetermined value to be voted may be money or points. Points may be usable in a predetermined service or game in addition to voting. Furthermore, the points may be points (free points) that a user who plays a predetermined service or game can receive for free within the predetermined service or game, or points (paid points) that can be received in exchange for paying money (by charging) within the predetermined service or game. The predetermined value may simply be referred to as "value."

[0019] In this embodiment, in the case of a competition in which voting is performed by specifying the voting target and voting method, the voting target, voting method, and amount of predetermined value specified by the user or dosier when placing a vote are referred to as the "voting content." Similarly, in the case of a competition in which voting is performed by specifying only the voting target, the voting target and amount of predetermined value specified by the user or dosier when placing a vote are referred to as the "voting content."

[0020] In addition, in this embodiment, "prediction" includes both the meaning of predicting which voting content will be correct in order to cast a vote, and simply making a prediction without casting a vote.

[0021] If the bet content is correct as a result of the competition, the user can receive a refund of a predetermined value. For example, if the bet content is correct with odds of 3, the user can receive a refund of a predetermined value that is three times the amount of the bet content.

[0022] Users can form groups with other users. In addition, multiple users belonging to the same group each predict which candidate will win the same competition and cast their votes. At this time, each user in the group can see each other's predictions or votes. Users can also chat within the group.

[0023] A user can vote for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by other users in the group. In other words, a user can vote by imitating other users in the group. "Voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by other users in the group" specifically means the following voting content.

[0024] 1. In the case of a competition where betting is performed by specifying the betting target and betting method, the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in question is the same as the betting target and betting method, or the betting content has the same betting target, betting method, and specified betting value. If the betting content of the other user includes multiple betting content, it is one or more betting content that has the same betting target and betting method, or the same betting target, betting method, and specified betting value as all or part of the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user. For example, if another user in a group bets on a bifecta on numbers 3 and 5, the "betting content specified according to the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in the group" is a bifecta on numbers 3 and 5.

[0025] 2. In the case of a competition in which voting is carried out by specifying only the betting target, the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in question is the same as the betting target, or the betting content has the same betting target and the same predetermined value as the betting target. If the betting content of the other user includes multiple betting content, all or part of the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user is one or more betting content that has the same betting target, or the same betting target and predetermined value as the betting target. For example, if another user in a group votes for the home team, the "betting content specified according to the betting content predicted or voted for by the other user in the group" will be the home team.

[0026] In addition, users can watch videos (images) taken in real time on the screen of the terminal 20 showing how the dopestors predict the results of the competition and how the dopestors explain their predictions, and can also experience enjoying the competition together with the dopestors. Users can also vote for specific voting content that is specified according to the dopestors' predictions or voting content.

[0027] In this embodiment, when a user votes for a voting content that is specified based on the voting content predicted or voted for by other users or predictors in the group, this is expressed as the user ``piggybacking'' on the other users or predictors.

[0028] <Hardware configuration> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10 and the terminal 20. The server 10 and the terminal 20 each include a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a storage device 12 such as a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF (Interface) 13 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for accepting input operations, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and / or a microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display and / or a speaker.

[0029] <Function block configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of the server 10. The server 10 includes a storage unit 100, a display control unit 101, a management unit 102, a reception unit 103, a voting processing unit 104, an assignment unit 105, and a notification unit 106. The storage unit 100 can be realized using a storage device 12 included in the server 10. The display control unit 101, the management unit 102, the reception unit 103, the voting processing unit 104, the assignment unit 105, and the notification unit 106 can be realized by the processor 11 of the server 10 executing a program stored in the storage device 12. The program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing the program may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0030] The storage unit 100 stores a user management DB 100a that manages various information related to users, a group management DB 100b that manages groups including a plurality of users, and a doctrinator management DB 100c that manages doctrinators.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows examples of the user management DB 100a, group management DB 100b, and doctor management DB 100c. The "user ID" in the user management DB 100a stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user within the server 10. The "nickname" stores the nickname entered by the user when registering the user. The "possession value" stores the amount of a predetermined value possessed by the user. The "voting history" stores the content of the votes cast by the user.

[0032] The "group ID" of the group management DB 100b stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a group within the server 10. The "user ID" stores the user ID of each user included in the group.

[0033] The "doctor ID" of the doctor management DB 100c stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the doctor within the server 10. The "nickname" stores the nickname of the doctor. The "owned value" stores the amount of a predetermined value that the doctor possesses. The "doctor's prediction" stores the predictions or voting details that the doctor has already made for upcoming competitions. The "voting history" stores the voting details of the doctor for competitions that have already ended, for each competition.

[0034] The display control unit 101 performs various processes required for displaying on the terminal 20 a screen for accepting votes from users, a screen displaying the contents of predictions or votes made by other users in the group, a chat screen, a screen displaying predictions by doctors, etc. For example, the display control unit 101 transmits data for displaying various screens to the terminal 20 in response to access from a web browser provided on the terminal 20 or in response to access from a dedicated application installed on the terminal 20.

[0035] The management unit 102 manages groups including multiple players. For example, the management unit 102 performs processes such as creating a group, adding a new user to a group, and deleting a user who is leaving the group. A group may be created when other users agree to join the group to a user who convenes the group (hereinafter referred to as a "host user").

[0036] The accepting unit 103 accepts votes from each user included in the group for the voting content designated by each user. The accepting unit 103 also accepts votes from a user included in the group (first user) for the voting content specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by another user included in the group (second user).

[0037] The voting processing unit 104 performs processing to vote for the voting content accepted by the accepting unit 103. The voting processing unit 104 also records the voting content in the "voting history" of the user management DB 100a. The voting processing unit 104 may notify other information processing devices that can communicate with the server 10 of the voting content, thereby requesting the other information processing devices to perform voting processing.

[0038] When the contents of the bet cast by the user or dopestor are correct, the granting unit 105 grants the user or dopestor a predetermined value to be refunded based on the predetermined value bet.

[0039] Furthermore, when a user (first user) votes for a content specified according to the content of a vote cast by another user (second user), the granting unit 105 grants a bonus (predetermined reward) to the user and / or the other user. The bonus is a reward different from a predetermined value that can be received when the content of the vote cast by the user is correct.

[0040] Furthermore, the awarding unit 105 may be configured such that when a user (first user) votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content voted by another user (second user), and the voting content becomes eligible for a reward as a result of the competition, the awarding unit 105 awards a bonus (predetermined reward) to the user and / or the other user.

[0041] In addition, granting a predetermined value or bonus to a user means both that the server 10 performs the process of paying the predetermined value or bonus to the user, and that the server 10 determines the amount of the predetermined value or bonus to be paid to the user, with the actual payment process being performed by another information processing device.

[0042] The bonus may be granted to the user and / or the other users when the user votes for a specific vote that is determined based on the votes cast by the other users in the group by explicitly instructing the other users to piggyback on the user. The bonus may also be granted when the user does not explicitly piggyback on the user but the vote that the user selected by himself / herself coincides with the vote that is determined based on the votes cast by the other users.

[0043] The notification unit 106 notifies other users in the group other than the user of the vote cast by the user (second user). At this time, the above-mentioned acceptance unit 103 may accept an instruction from the other user (first user) to vote for the vote content specified in accordance with the "vote content cast by the user (second user)" notified by the notification unit 106.

[0044] In addition, when a user (second user) votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted for by the doctor, the notification unit 106 may notify other users included in the group of information about the doctor.

[0045] <Processing Procedure> (Create a group) First, a group is created among multiple users. A group is created when other users agree to participate in the group with a user (host user) who convenes the group. Specifically, when the management unit 102 receives a group creation request from a user (host user), it sends a message to the terminals 20 of the other users inviting them to participate in the group. Furthermore, when the management unit 102 receives a notification from each terminal 20 that they have agreed to participate in the group, it creates a group that includes the user who received the group creation request and the users who have agreed to participate in the group.

[0046] Among the multiple users included in the group, users other than the host user may be users who have a predetermined relationship with the host user. The predetermined relationship may be users who have a friend relationship. In other words, the management unit 102 may create a group including the host user and users who have a friend relationship with the host user and have agreed to join the group. In this case, the management unit 102 sends a message inviting users who have a predetermined relationship with the host user and are designated by the host user to join the group to the terminals 20 of the users.

[0047] The predetermined relationship may also be a user located within a predetermined distance from the location of the host user. That is, the management unit 102 may create a group including the host user and users located within a predetermined range from the host user's location who have agreed to join the group. In this case, the management unit 102 sends a message inviting users designated by the host user to join the group to the terminals 20 of the users located within a predetermined distance from the location of the host user.

[0048] After creating a group, the management unit 102 may delete from the group any user who has joined the group and moved outside a predetermined range from the host user's location. The management unit 102 may also temporarily delete from the group any user who has moved outside a predetermined range from the host user's location, and treat the user as having rejoined the group if the user returns to the predetermined range within a predetermined period. The management unit 102 may also delete the group itself if the host user is the only user remaining in the group.

[0049] The predetermined relationship may also be a relationship between a user and the host user and the user has exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more. That is, the management unit 102 may create a group including the host user and users who have exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more and who have agreed to join the group. In this case, the management unit 102 sends a message inviting users who have exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more and who have been designated by the host user to join the group to the terminals 20 of the users.

[0050] (Voting process) FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the voting system 1. Using FIG. 5, the processing procedure related to the voting process performed by the server 10 and the terminal 20 will be specifically explained. In FIG. 5, the terminal 20 used by user A, the terminal 20 used by user B, and the terminal 20 used by user C are terminal 20a, terminal 20b, and terminal 20c, respectively. In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that user A, user B, and user C form a group. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the competition is one in which voting is performed by specifying the voting target and voting method.

[0051] In step S100, when terminal 20a receives an instruction regarding the voting content from user A, it transmits a message instructing the voting content to server 10. The message includes, for example, the voting target, voting method, and the amount of predetermined value to be voted designated by user A. Receiving unit 103 of server 10 receives the instruction regarding the voting content from terminal 20a.

[0052] In step S101, the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10 performs processing to vote on the voting content received from the terminal 20a.

[0053] In step S102, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c of a message indicating the content of the vote cast by user A. The message is a character string, and may be displayed, for example, as a message from user A on a chat screen where messages can be sent and received within a group. Alternatively, the message may be push data, and the content of user A's vote may be displayed on a screen that lists the votes of each user.

[0054] The notification unit 106 may transmit a message indicating that the bet has been completed to the terminal 20a used by the user A, and may transmit a message notifying the contents of the bet made by the user A (for example, 100 points each for the win number 3 and the win number 7) to the terminals 20b and 20c used by users other than the user A. In other words, the notification unit 106 may change the contents of the message to be sent between the user who has cast the bet and the other users.

[0055] The processing procedures of steps S103 to S105 are the same as the processing procedures of steps S100 to S102, respectively, but replaced with a case where user B casts a vote instead of user A, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted. Similarly, the processing procedures of steps S106 to S108 are the same as the processing procedures of steps S100 to S102, respectively, but replaced with a case where user C casts a vote instead of user A, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0056] In the processing procedure of step S103, user B can also piggyback on the betting content of user A notified in the processing procedure of step S102 and cast a bet. In this case, the reception unit 103 of the server 10 accepts an instruction from user B to vote for "the betting content specified according to the betting content voted by user A" notified by the notification unit 106 in the processing procedure of step S102. Similarly, in the processing procedure of step S106, user C can piggyback on the betting content of user A notified in the processing procedure of step S102 or the betting content of user B notified in the processing procedure of step S105 and cast a bet. Furthermore, if the betting content of other users includes multiple bets, users can piggyback on some of the multiple bets. For example, assume that user A bets on number 3 and number 7 in the win bet. In this case, user B can also bet on only one of number 3 and number 7 in the win bet.

[0057] When a user piggybacks on another user's bet, the amount of the predetermined value to be bet may be specified by the user at will, or may be automatically determined by the betting processing unit 104 of the server 10. For example, the betting processing unit 104 may automatically determine the amount of the predetermined value to be bet by the user so that it is the same as the amount of the predetermined value to bet by the other user. For example, when user C piggybacks on user A's bet, assume that user A bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win number 1 and win number 5, respectively. In this case, the betting processing unit 104 may determine the amount of the predetermined value to be bet by user C on win number 1 and win number 5 to be 1,000 yen and 500 yen, respectively.

[0058] In addition, when a user specifies the amount of the predetermined value to be voted (i.e., the total amount of the predetermined value to be voted), the voting processing unit 104 may automatically determine the amount of the predetermined value to be voted by the user for each voting target and voting method so that the amount is the same proportion as the proportion of the amount of the predetermined value voted by other users for each voting target and voting method.

[0059] For example, suppose that user C joins user A's betting content and user A bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win number 1 and win number 5, respectively. Also, suppose that user C specifies 300 yen as the predetermined value to bet. In this case, the betting processing unit 104 sets the amount of the predetermined value that user C bets on win number 1 and win number 5 to 200 yen and 100 yen, respectively.

[0060] After the processing procedure of step S108 is completed, the competition is held and it is determined whether or not the bets made by each user are correct.

[0061] In step S109, the awarding unit 105 of the server 10 awards a predetermined value to the winning user. For example, if user A bets on horse number 3 in the win race, horse number 3 comes in first, and the odds for horse number 3 in the win race are 10:1, the awarding unit 105 awards user A a predetermined value that is 10 times the predetermined value bet by user A.

[0062] Furthermore, when a user in a group votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content voted by other users, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to the user and / or the other users. For example, when user C piggybacks on the voting content voted by user A, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to user A and / or user C. Furthermore, when user A, user B, and user C happen to vote for the same voting target and voting method, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to user A, user B, and / or user C.

[0063] At this time, the granting unit 105 may further grant a bonus to the user and / or the other users when the votes cast by the user and the other users are eligible for a reward as a result of the competition. In other words, the granting unit 105 may grant a bonus when the votes of the user and the other users are correct, and may not grant a bonus when the votes are incorrect.

[0064] Furthermore, when there are multiple users who voted for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content of other users, the granting unit 105 may vary the amount of bonus according to the number of users. For example, when granting a bonus to user A and user C because user A and user C voted for the same voting target and voting method, the granting unit 105 may grant a larger amount of bonus to user A, user B, and user C because user A, user B, and user C voted for the same voting target and voting method in the latter case.

[0065] In step S110, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20a, the terminal 20b, and the terminal 20c of the predetermined value and bonus given to each user in the processing procedure of step S109.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen displayed on the terminal 20. The chat screen displays the votes cast by other users in the group in a chat format. The example of Fig. 6 shows an example of a chat screen displayed on the terminal 20 of user C.

[0067] When a message (B10, B11) displaying each user's voting details displayed on the chat screen D10 is selected, the terminal 20 displays a voting screen D20. The voting screen D20 shows an example of the display when the message B10 is selected. The voting screen D20 displays the same voting targets and voting methods as those in the voting details selected on the chat screen D10. When the amount of a predetermined value to be voted is entered in the input field B20 of the voting screen D20, the entered amount of predetermined value is voted for the voting target and voting method displayed on the voting screen D20.

[0068] (Picking up with the forecaster) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the voting system 1. Using FIG. 7, the processing procedure when a user piggybacks on a prediction made by a dopestor will be specifically explained. In FIG. 7, the terminal 20d is assumed to be the terminal 20 used by the dopestor. Other points not specifically mentioned may be the same as those in FIG. 5.

[0069] In step S200, the reception unit 103 of the server 10 receives, from the terminal 20d, predictions made by dopers or voting details for the competition.

[0070] In step S201, the notification unit 106 notifies the terminals 20a to 20c of information about the docent. The information about the docent includes the betting details of the docent, the docent's nickname, the value of the bet, the hit rate, etc. For example, a message such as "Docent XXX bet 500 yen on the quinella 1-7 and 1,000 yen on the win number 1. Docent XXX's hit rate today is 40%" is displayed on the screen of the terminals 20a to 20c. Here, it is assumed that user A decides to join the docent and bet.

[0071] In step S202, the terminal 20a receives an instruction from the user to join the betting of the dozier. At this time, the amount of the predetermined value to be bet may be arbitrarily designated by the user, or may be automatically determined by the betting processing unit 104 of the server 10.

[0072] For example, the voting processing unit 104 may automatically determine the amount of predetermined value bet by the user so that it is the same as the amount of predetermined value bet by the dopestor. For example, when a user piggybacks on the betting content of a dopestor, and the dopestor bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win number 1 and win number 5, respectively. In this case, the voting processing unit 104 may determine the amount of predetermined value bet by the user on win number 1 and win number 5 to be 1,000 yen and 500 yen, respectively. Furthermore, when the user specifies the amount of predetermined value to bet (i.e., the total amount of predetermined value to be bet), the amount of predetermined value bet by the user for each betting target and betting method may be automatically determined so that it is the same proportion as the proportion of the amount of predetermined value bet by the dopestor for each betting target and betting method.

[0073] For example, suppose that user A joins in on the betting content of doctrinator A, and doctrinator A bets 1,000 yen and 500 yen on win number 1 and win number 5, respectively. Also, suppose that user A specifies 600 yen as the predetermined value to bet. In this case, the betting processing unit 104 sets the amount of the predetermined value that user A bets on win number 1 and win number 5 to 400 yen and 200 yen, respectively.

[0074] Furthermore, when a user piggybacks on a docent's vote, the user may vote for the same predetermined value as the docent's vote. For example, if the docent votes for cash, the user may also vote for cash. Alternatively, when a user piggybacks on a docent's vote, the user may vote for a predetermined value (second value) different from the predetermined value (first value) voted for by the docent. For example, if the docent votes for cash, the users piggybacking on the docent may vote for points.

[0075] In step S203, the terminal 20a transmits a voting message to the server 10, indicating that the terminal 20a will join in voting with the dopestor. The message includes the dopestor's name (nickname or dopestor ID) of the dopestor, the voting target, the voting method, and the amount of the predetermined value to be voted.

[0076] In step S204, the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10 performs processing to vote on the voting content received from the terminal 20a.

[0077] In step S205, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c of a message indicating that user A has piggybacked on a docent and bet on the docent, and the details of the bet. The message is a character string, and may be displayed, for example, as a statement from user A on a chat screen where messages can be sent and received within a group. For example, a message such as "User A piggybacked on docent X and bet 100 yen on the quinella 1-7 and 200 yen on the win 1" may be displayed on the chat screen. Alternatively, the message may be push data, and the details of user A's bet may be displayed on a screen that lists the details of each user's bet.

[0078] After the processing procedure of step S205 is completed, the competition is held and it is determined whether or not the bets made by each user are correct.

[0079] In step S206, if the betting contents of the doctrinator and user A are correct, the granting unit 105 of the server 10 grants a predetermined value to the doctrinator and user A.

[0080] Furthermore, the granting unit 105 grants a bonus to a user when the user votes for a specific content specified according to the content voted by the dopestor. Alternatively, the granting unit 105 may grant a bonus to a user when the user votes for a specific content specified according to the content voted by the dopestor and the vote is correct.

[0081] In step S207, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20a, the terminal 20b, and the terminal 20c of the predetermined value and bonus granted to each user in the processing procedure of step S206. In addition, the notification unit 106 of the server 10 notifies the terminal 20d of the predetermined value granted to the predictor in the processing procedure of step S206.

[0082] (Multiple events can be shared at once) In this embodiment, the server 10 provides a function that allows users or dozers in a group to collectively vote on the contents of bets made by users or dozers for multiple races held within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is assumed to be, for example, a morning, an afternoon, or a day, but is not limited to this.

[0083] On the screen displayed on the terminal 20, the user specifies the other users or dosiers with whom they wish to share a ride together for a predetermined period of time, and pays a predetermined value in advance to bet. Next, the voting processing unit 104 of the server 10 allocates the paid predetermined value to each event, and automatically bets the predetermined value for each event according to the votes cast by other users or dosiers in each event. This makes it easier for users to vote, as they no longer need to decide whether to share a ride or make their own predictions for each event and then vote for each event.

[0084] First, the reception unit 103 receives from the user a request to share rides in multiple races held within a predetermined period, a designation of other users or tipsters with whom the user wishes to share rides, and the amount of predetermined value to be paid in advance. The amount of predetermined value to be paid in advance by the user may be, for example, equal to or greater than the minimum payment amount per race multiplied by the number of races held within the predetermined period. For example, if the race is horse racing, the predetermined period is one day, the number of races held per day is from the first race to the sixth race, and the minimum payment amount per race is 500 yen, the user must pay 500 x 6 = 3,000 yen or more in advance before the first race starts.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting users to join multiple races. A in FIG. 8 is a screen D100 for accepting votes from users in races. The screen displays a button B100 for selecting to piggyback on (Tipstar) and vote, and a button B101 for selecting to piggyback on and vote with other users in the group. When button B100 is pressed on screen D100, the screen transitions to screen D110, which encourages the user to piggyback on a tipster for multiple competitions held within a predetermined period. Screen D110 displays the nickname (XXXX team) of the tipster offering the piggyback, and the amount of predetermined value (xxxxx coins) that the user will pay in advance. By pressing button B110, the user can piggyback on a tipster for multiple competitions held in one day.

[0086] Similarly, pressing button B101 on screen D100 transitions to screen D120, which invites the user to share a ride with other users for multiple races held within a predetermined period. Screen D120 displays the nickname (YYYY) of the user offering the ride and the amount of predetermined value (yyyyy coins) that the user will pay in advance. By pressing button B120, the user can share a ride with other users in the group for multiple races held in one day.

[0087] The screen D120 may be displayed when the button B10 or B11 is pressed on the screen D10 shown in FIG.

[0088] The voting processing unit 104 determines the amount of predetermined value to be voted for each betting target and voting method in each competition based on the number of multiple competitions held within a predetermined period, the amount of predetermined value paid in advance, and the contents of votes cast by the predictors the user is joining or other users.

[0089] The processing procedure for determining the amount of a predetermined value to be bet will be explained below with reference to FIG. 9. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the races are horse races, with the first race (first race) through the sixth race (sixth race) taking place in one day. It is also assumed that user A will bet with user B in each of the first through sixth races. The betting tickets (ticket A, ticket B, ticket C, and ticket D) in FIG. 9 indicate the betting targets and betting methods on which user B has bet (e.g., win bet on number 1, diaconal bet on numbers 3 and 8). The betting amount indicates the amount of a predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket. For example, in the first race, user B bet 400 yen on ticket A, 400 yen on ticket B, 500 yen on ticket C, and 500 yen on ticket D.

[0090] The betting processing unit 104 first calculates the amount of predetermined value available for betting in each race by dividing the amount of predetermined value paid in advance by the number of races to be held within a predetermined period. Next, the betting processing unit 104 compares the amount of predetermined value available for betting in each race with the total amount of predetermined value bet by User B on each betting ticket.

[0091] If the amount of the predetermined value available for betting on each race is the same as the total amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket, the betting processing unit 104 will bet user A's predetermined value for each betting ticket bet by user B in an amount equal to the amount of the predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket.

[0092] If the amount of the predetermined value that can be bet on each race is less than the total amount of the predetermined value that User B has bet on each betting ticket, the betting processing unit 104 determines the amount of the predetermined value to bet on each betting ticket according to a predetermined betting pattern.

[0093] If the amount of predetermined value available for betting on each race is greater than the total amount of predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket, the betting processing unit 104 bets user A's predetermined value in an amount equal to the amount of predetermined value bet by user B on each betting ticket, and bets the remaining predetermined value on each betting ticket according to a predetermined betting pattern.

[0094] The above-mentioned predetermined voting pattern may be, for example, one of the following four patterns.

[0095] (Voting pattern 1) The betting processing unit 104 bets on the most betting tickets (betting targets and betting methods) in order of lowest odds. Specifically, the betting processing unit 104 bets the minimum betting amount per betting ticket for each betting ticket in order of lowest odds, and when all betting tickets have been bet, it again bets the minimum betting amount per betting ticket in order of lowest odds. The betting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined value that can be bet for each race has been bet. A specific example will be explained using Figure 9. In the following example, the amount of the predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, and the minimum betting amount per betting ticket is 100 yen (the same applies to other betting patterns).

[0096] In the first race, the odds are lowest for ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 100 yen each on ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, in that order. Here, the amount of predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, so 100 yen remains. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 again bets 100 yen each on ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, in that order. In this case, when an additional 100 yen is bet on ticket D, betting of the predetermined value of 500 yen is completed. In other words, the betting processing unit 104 bets 200 yen on ticket D and 100 yen each on ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C. The amount of predetermined value to be bet on each betting ticket is determined in the same manner for races 2 to 6.

[0097] (Voting pattern 2) The betting processing unit 104 bets on the most betting tickets (betting targets and betting methods) in descending order of odds. Specifically, the betting processing unit 104 bets the minimum betting amount per betting ticket for each betting ticket in descending order of odds, and when all betting tickets have been bet, it again bets the minimum betting amount per betting ticket in descending order of odds. The betting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting have been bet for each race.

[0098] A specific example will be explained using Figure 9. In the first race, the odds are highest for ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 100 yen each on ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, in that order. Here, the amount of predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, leaving 100 yen remaining. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 again bets 100 yen each on ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, in that order. In this case, when an additional 100 yen is bet on ticket C, betting of the predetermined value of 500 yen is completed. In other words, the betting processing unit 104 bets 200 yen on ticket C and 100 yen each on ticket A, ticket B, and ticket D. The amount of predetermined value to be bet on each betting ticket is determined in the same manner for races 2 to 6.

[0099] (Voting pattern 3) The voting processing unit 104 bets the same amount of predetermined value as the user who is sharing the horse, in ascending order of odds. Specifically, the voting processing unit 104 bets the same amount of predetermined value as the user who is sharing the horse, in ascending order of odds, for each horse racing ticket. When all horse racing tickets have been bet, the voting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting have been bet for each race.

[0100] A specific example will be explained using Figure 9. In the first race, the odds are lowest for ticket D, followed by ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 500 yen, 400 yen, 500 yen, and 400 yen for ticket D, ticket A, ticket B, and ticket C, respectively. Here, the amount of predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, so when ticket D is bet, the amount of predetermined value that can be bet for each race is reached. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 will bet 500 yen only on ticket D. The same procedure is used to determine the amount of predetermined value to bet on each betting ticket for races 2 to 6.

[0101] (Voting pattern 4) The voting processing unit 104 bets a predetermined value equal to the amount of the user who will be sharing the bet, in descending order of odds. Specifically, the voting processing unit 104 bets a predetermined value equal to the amount of the user who will be sharing the bet, in descending order of odds, for each betting ticket. When all betting tickets have been bet, the voting processing unit 104 repeats this process until all the predetermined values ​​available for betting have been bet for each race.

[0102] A specific example will be explained using Figure 9. In the first race, the odds are lowest for ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, so the betting processing unit 104 bets 400 yen, 500 yen, 400 yen, and 500 yen for ticket C, ticket B, ticket A, and ticket D, respectively. Here, the amount of predetermined value that can be bet for each race is 500 yen, so when 400 yen is bet on ticket A and the remaining 100 yen is bet on ticket B, the amount of predetermined value that can be bet for each race is reached. Therefore, the betting processing unit 104 bets 100 yen and 400 yen on ticket B and ticket D, respectively. The same procedure is used to determine the amount of predetermined value to bet on each betting ticket for races 2 to 6.

[0103] <Summary> As described above, according to this embodiment, a user can cast a vote by piggybacking on the votes of other users who belong to the same group. This makes it possible to provide a technology that allows even users with little voting experience to easily cast their votes.

[0104] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The flowcharts, sequences, elements included in the embodiments, and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., described in the embodiments are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other.

[0105] <Additional Notes> <Appendix 1> An information processing device that executes processing related to voting for voting targets in a competition, a management unit that manages a group including a plurality of players; a receiving unit that receives, from a first user included in the group, a vote for a voting content that is specified according to a voting content predicted or voted for by a second user included in the group; An information processing device having the above.

[0106] According to Supplementary Note 1, users can vote by imitating other users in the group, so even users with little voting experience can easily cast their votes.

[0107] <Appendix 2> an awarding unit that awards a predetermined reward to the first user and / or the second user when the first user votes for a voting content specified according to a voting content voted by the second user; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

[0108] According to Appendix 2, if a user votes for a specific voting content that is determined based on the voting content of other users, a predetermined reward will be awarded, which can increase the motivation of users with little voting experience to play.

[0109] <Appendix 3> The granting unit further grants the predetermined reward to the first user and / or the second user when the votes cast by the first user and the second user are eligible for a reward as a result of the competition. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2.

[0110] According to Appendix 3, if a user votes for a specific item based on the items voted by other users and their vote is correct, a predetermined reward will be awarded, which can increase the motivation of users with little voting experience to play.

[0111] <Appendix 4> When a plurality of first users voted for a voting content identified according to the voting content voted by the second user, the granting unit varies the predetermined reward according to the number of first users. 4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

[0112] According to Appendix 4, the more users who vote for a specific voting content that is determined based on the voting content of other users, the greater the reward, which makes it possible to stimulate voting within the group.

[0113] <Appendix 5> a notification unit that notifies other users included in the group of the vote cast by the second user, 5. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0114] According to Supplementary Note 5, the content of each user's vote is notified to the group, which makes it possible to further activate the voting of each user within the group.

[0115] <Appendix 6> the receiving unit receives, from the first user, an instruction to vote for a voting content specified according to the voting content of the second user notified by the notifying unit; 6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

[0116] According to Appendix 6, it becomes possible to vote within a group using notifications indicating the votes of other users, so that each user can easily cast a vote for a specific vote that is determined based on the votes cast by other users.

[0117] <Appendix 7> The notification unit further notifies the other users of information about a predictor when the second user votes for a voting content that is specified according to the voting content predicted or voted by a predictor other than the users included in the group. 7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0118] According to Supplementary Note 7, each user can know that other users have voted for the voting content specified according to the voting content voted by the doctor.

[0119] <Appendix 8> Among the plurality of users included in the group, users other than the host user who convenes the group are users located within a predetermined distance from a location where the host user is present. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.

[0120] According to Appendix 8, users who are in close proximity can form groups, making it possible for users to share rides with nearby users.

[0121] <Appendix 9> Among the plurality of users included in the group, users other than the host user who convenes the group are users who have exchanged messages with the host user a predetermined number of times or more. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.

[0122] According to Appendix 9, groups will be formed between users who have connections with each other, which will prevent the possibility of trouble between users in cases where a ride-sharing attempt is unsuccessful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1...voting system, 10...server, 11...processor, 12...storage device, 13...communication IF, 14...input device, 15...output device, 20...terminal, 100...storage unit, 100a...user management DB, 100b...group management DB, 100c...forecaster management DB, 101...display control unit, 102...management unit, 103...reception unit, 104...voting processing unit, 105...assignment unit, 106...notification unit

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing device that executes processing related to voting for voting targets in a competition, a management unit that manages a group including a plurality of players; a receiving unit that receives, from a first user included in the group, a vote for a voting content that is specified according to a voting content predicted or voted for by a second user included in the group; An information processing device having the above.

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