Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

This will make it easier for more people to vote. [Solution] The information processing device 20 includes an acquisition unit 212 that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition, and a benefit granting unit 214 that, when the acquisition unit 212 acquires multiple voting information indicating that two or more users among a group of users associated with the same group have voted, grants one or more users among the group of users associated with the two or more users a benefit that allows them to purchase goods or use services preferentially.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system that can give benefits to voters who vote in competitions such as bicycle racing, horse racing, or motorboat racing is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a voting device that issues gift vouchers when a voter answers a questionnaire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional voting device, gift vouchers are issued to the voters who voted. For the purpose of giving benefits such as gift vouchers, it is conceivable to motivate the voters to vote again. However, even if benefits are given to the voters, it is not possible to motivate people other than the voters to vote, so there is a problem that the number of voters does not increase.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it easier for more people to vote.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition, and a reward granting unit that, when the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of voting pieces of information indicating that two or more users among a plurality of users associated with the same group have voted, grants one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated a reward that allows them to purchase goods or use services preferentially. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this invention, the effect is that it can make it easier for more people to vote. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the system configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 10. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the memory unit 22. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of processor 11. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10b. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10c. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the reward granting conditions information displayed on terminal 10 used by a user belonging to the first group. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [System Configuration] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of terminals 10 (10a, 10b) and an information processing device 20. The plurality of terminals 10 and the information processing device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication network N such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0010] Terminal 10 is a terminal used by voters (hereinafter referred to as "users") who vote in competitions using the information processing system 1, and is an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The competitions are, for example, bicycle racing, auto racing, horse racing, and boat racing, and are competitions for which voting is possible. The competitions are not limited to competitions conducted by people or animals, but may also be e-sports conducted using computers. Users can vote for their chosen competitions by operating Terminal 10.

[0011] The terminal 10 displays a voting ticket on the display included in the terminal 10 based on the voting target voted by the user and the predetermined value bet on the voting target. The voting ticket displayed by the terminal 10 shows one or more voting targets and the predetermined value bet on the voting target. The terminal 10 transmits voting information indicating the voting content including the voting target and the predetermined value shown on the voting ticket to the information processing device 20.

[0012] The voting target is, for example, "first place is No. 5 and second place is No. 3" selected in the betting formula "single bet on two consecutive races", or "No. 1, No. 2, and No. 5" selected in the betting formula "multiple bets on three consecutive races". Note that a single bet on two consecutive races means predicting the first and second place competitors (including athletes or animals) in the order of finishing, and multiple bets on three consecutive races means predicting the competitors who enter from first place to third place regardless of the order of finishing.

[0013] The predetermined value may be money, or may be points or the like that can be used in a predetermined service or game. Also, the points may be points that the user can receive for free (free points), or may be points that can be received in exchange for payment of money (paid points).

[0014] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer and is composed of one or more physical servers. The information processing device 20 may be configured using virtual servers operating on a hypervisor, or may be configured using cloud servers.

[0015] The information processing device 20 is a device that accepts votes for a competition in which voting is possible for the voting target. Specifically, the information processing device 20 is a device that supports a user using the terminal 10 to bet a predetermined value on a competitor predicted to win the competition and vote. The information processing device 20 executes, for example, a process of storing the voting target voted by the user using the terminal 10 and the magnitude of the predetermined value bet on the voting target, a process of determining the reward amount (i.e., the payout amount) according to the result of the competition, and a process of notifying the terminal 10 of the result of the competition and the reward amount.

[0016] The information processing device 20 grants rewards based on user votes. Rewards are, for example, tickets or coupons that give users preferential treatment when purchasing specific products or using certain services. Based on the fact that a reward has been granted to a user, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10 used by that user that a reward has been granted. The terminal 10 displays the details of the reward obtained from the information processing device 20 on the display installed in the terminal 10.

[0017] <First Embodiment> [Overview of Information Processing System 1] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 2, an EC (Electronic Commerce) site server 30 is shown for users to purchase products using rewards. In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the information processing device 20 grants rewards to a user based on the voting content when the user using terminal 10 votes in a competition and the results of the competition.

[0018] The user selects a sport to vote on by operating terminal 10, and determines the target of their vote and the predetermined value to bet on that target. Terminal 10 transmits voting information, including the target of the vote and the predetermined value determined by the user, to the information processing device 20 (S1).

[0019] The information processing device 20 determines the reward to be given to the user based on the voting content corresponding to the voting information obtained from the terminal 10 and the results of the competition (S2). Details of the process by which the information processing device 20 gives rewards to users will be described later, but for example, if the target of the vote included in the voting content obtained from the terminal 10 is correct, the information processing device 20 gives the user of the terminal 10 that sent the voting content a first type of reward, and if the target of the vote is incorrect, the user is given a second type of reward. Based on the fact that a reward has been given to a user whose vote was correct, for example, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10 used by that user of the content of the reward (S3).

[0020] The user can use the benefits by operating terminal 10 (S4). Terminal 10 displays information used when using the benefits on its display, such as the product name of the product eligible for the benefits obtained from the information processing device 20, the discount amount or the size of the discount rate when purchasing the product, or an information code such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or QR code (registered trademark) required to purchase the product.

[0021] For example, a user can purchase a product eligible for a special offer at a price corresponding to the discount amount or discount rate indicated by the offer by performing an operation such as selecting a displayed URL to connect the terminal 10 with the e-commerce site server 30, or by sending an information code such as a QR code from the terminal 10 to the e-commerce site server 30.

[0022] Users' feelings towards voting differ depending on whether their vote was correct or not. For example, users who voted correctly are likely to be satisfied with the results, while those who voted incorrectly are likely to be dissatisfied. In such cases, if users who voted incorrectly are given better rewards than users who voted correctly, their satisfaction will increase, and they will be motivated to vote again. Conversely, if users who voted correctly are given better rewards, the enjoyment of voting will increase, further increasing their satisfaction and motivating them to vote again. In this way, the information processing device 20 can increase the satisfaction of more users by granting them rewards determined based on the competition results and their votes.

[0023] [Hardware configuration] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 10. Terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15.

[0024] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and it realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit 12.

[0025] The memory unit 12 has storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 12 stores programs executed by the processor 11.

[0026] The communication IF 13 has a communication controller for performing wired or wireless communication with the information processing device 20 via the communication network N. The communication IF 13 transmits data input from the processor 11 to the information processing device 20. The communication IF 13 notifies the processor 11 of data input from the information processing device 20.

[0027] Input device 14 accepts input from the user, for example. Input device 14 is, for example, a touch panel. Output device 15 outputs various types of information. Output device 15 is, for example, a display. Output device 15 displays a screen for the user to make various settings or cast votes. Output device 15 also displays a screen for the user to confirm the details of the benefits notified by the information processing device 20.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication interface 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0029] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and it realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit 22.

[0030] The memory unit 22 has storage media such as ROM, RAM, and SSD. The memory unit 22 stores programs executed by the processor 21 and multiple databases. The memory unit 22 stores users and the benefits granted to those users in association with each other.

[0031] Figure 5 shows an example of a database stored in the memory unit 22. Figure 5(a) shows a rewards database that includes competition information and rewards information. Figure 5(b) shows a history database that shows the voting details when multiple users each voted for a competition. Figure 5(c) shows a user database that includes information associated with a user.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5(a), the memory unit 22 stores, for example, competition information and reward information in association. The competition information includes competition identification information (hereinafter referred to as "competition ID") for identifying the competition, the stadium, grade, or race name, or at least one of these. The reward information includes the conditions for granting the reward and the content of the reward. The conditions for granting the reward are, for example, that the bet was correct, that the bet was incorrect, or that the predetermined value of the bet was above a threshold. Details of the conditions for granting the reward will be described later.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5(b), the storage unit 22 may store a voting history showing the voting details when a user votes in a competition. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, voting information showing the voting details when a user votes, and hit / miss information showing whether the vote was correct or incorrect, associated with each of multiple users. "A correct vote" means, for example, that at least one of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund. "An incorrect vote" means, for example, that none of the voting targets included in the voting information are eligible for a refund.

[0034] In the history database shown in Figure 5(b), the user ID, competition ID, voting method, target group number, voting amount, winning result, reward, and the user who granted the benefit are associated with each other. The user who granted the benefit is a different user from the user whose history is shown, and is a different user who was granted a benefit based on the voting results of the user whose history is shown. Details of the user who granted the benefit will be described later.

[0035] The storage unit 22 may store user identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") for identifying multiple users in association with group identification information (hereinafter referred to as "group ID") that identifies a group. A group is a group that includes multiple users who vote in a competition. As shown in Figure 5(c), the storage unit 22 stores a user database associated with usernames, user IDs, group IDs, friend identification information (hereinafter referred to as "friend ID") for identifying friends, the number of votes, and the number of correct answers. Friends are other users designated by each of the multiple users, for example, other users that each of the multiple users has allowed to share their voting content.

[0036] When a user uses device 10 to send a friend request to another user with whom they wish to share voting results, the other user can choose whether or not to accept the request by operating device 10. If the other user accepts the request, they become friends with the requesting user and can share voting results. On the other hand, if the other user does not accept the request, they are not friends and cannot share voting results.

[0037] The communication IF23 has a communication controller for performing wired or wireless communication with the terminal 10 via the communication network N. The communication IF23 transmits data input from the processor 21 to the terminal 10. The communication IF23 notifies the processor 21 of data input from the terminal 10.

[0038] The input device 24 receives input operations from, for example, the administrator of the information processing device 20. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, or microphone. The output device 25 is, for example, a display or speaker.

[0039] [Functional Block Configuration] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11. The processor 11 includes an information transmission unit 111, an information receiving unit 112, and a display control unit 113. The processor 11 functions as the information transmission unit 111, the information receiving unit 112, and the display control unit 113 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0040] The information transmission unit 111 transmits the voting information to the information processing device 20. Based on the user's operation received by the input device 14, the information transmission unit 111 generates voting information that shows the voting details, including the voting target the user voted for and a predetermined value bet on that voting target, and transmits it to the information processing device 20.

[0041] The information transmission unit 111 may, for example, transmit voting information to the information processing device 20, including content viewing information indicating that the user has viewed content in which the user predicts the outcome of a competition, based on the user having voted for the competition after viewing content in which the user predicts the outcome of the competition.

[0042] The information receiving unit 112 receives the winning result information and the reward information. The information receiving unit 112 receives the winning result information and the reward information corresponding to the voting information transmitted by the information transmitting unit 111. The display control unit 113 displays a voting screen on the output device 15 for the user to vote in the competition and a confirmation screen for the user to check whether the vote was correct or not. The display control unit 113 also displays a screen on the output device 15 for the user to check the details of the reward.

[0043] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10. Figure 7(a) shows an example of a voting screen displayed on terminal 10. Figure 7(b) shows an example of a competition results confirmation screen displayed on terminal 10.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7(a), the terminal 10 displays an area 151 for displaying the stadium and name of the sport to be voted on, an area 152 for displaying the voting method, an area 153 for displaying the target of the vote and the amount of the vote, and an operation image 154 for voting on the sport.

[0045] The user of terminal 10 selects the betting method by pressing the operation image "2-way exacta" shown in area 152. The user of terminal 10 determines the betting target or betting amount by pressing the betting target or betting amount shown in area 153, and adds a betting target by pressing the operation image "Add". The user of terminal 10 casts a vote in the competition by pressing the operation image 154.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7(b), the terminal 10 includes an area 155 for displaying the stadium and name of the competition corresponding to the competition voted for by the user, an area 156 for displaying the competition results, an area 157 for displaying the correct prediction results corresponding to the user's vote, and an area 158 for displaying the rewards corresponding to the user's vote.

[0047] If the user's vote is correct, terminal 10 displays a message in area 157 notifying the user that the vote was correct, "Your vote was correct!", along with the reward amount (i.e., the payout amount), and displays the details of the reward for the correct vote in area 158. If the user's vote is incorrect, terminal 10 displays a message in area 157 notifying the user that the vote was incorrect (for example, "Your vote was incorrect."), and displays the details of the reward given in the case of an incorrect vote in area 158. Terminal 10 may also display a message in area 158 notifying the user that no reward will be given in the case of an incorrect vote (for example, "There is no reward.").

[0048] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the first embodiment. The processor 21 includes a vote reception unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, a payment processing unit 213, a reward granting unit 214, a period determination unit 215, and a notification unit 216. The processor 21 functions as the vote reception unit 211, acquisition unit 212, payment processing unit 213, reward granting unit 214, period determination unit 215, and notification unit 216 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0049] The voting reception unit 211 receives votes for the content of the votes. The voting reception unit 211 receives voting information from terminal 10 via the communication network N, indicating the content of the votes cast by the user of terminal 10 when they operate terminal 10. As shown in Figure 5(a), for example, the voting reception unit 211 stores the competition ID, voting method, group number, and vote amount included in the received voting information in the storage unit 22, associating them with the user ID.

[0050] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information that shows the content of the vote when a user votes in a competition. The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information that shows the content of the vote, including the voting target and predetermined value that the user voted for. The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information by referring to the history database shown in Figure 5(b), for example.

[0051] The acquisition unit 212 may acquire planned information indicating the voting target and predetermined value that the user intends to vote for, before the voting acceptance unit 211 accepts the vote. Planned information is, for example, information indicating the voting target and predetermined value that the user has set on the terminal 10 at a time before the voting acceptance unit 211 accepts the vote. Specifically, planned information is the information shown in area 153 in the state before the user presses the operation image 154 shown in Figure 7(a). The acquisition unit 212 acquires the planned information from the terminal 10 at regular intervals, for example, and notifies the reward granting unit 214 of the acquired planned information. The planned information is used to notify the user of the content of the rewards that may be granted when voting for the planned voting target and predetermined value.

[0052] The payment processing unit 213 determines whether the user's vote was correct, and if the vote was correct, it gives the user a reward corresponding to a predetermined value. The payment processing unit 213 determines whether the user's vote was correct based on the competition results corresponding to the competition results entered by the administrator of the information processing device 20, or the competition results information obtained from a server (not shown) that manages the competition results. The competition results include the correct combination number and the payout rate.

[0053] Next, the payment processing unit 213 determines the amount of reward to be paid to the user based on the payout rate included in the competition results, the target of the vote, and the predetermined value (vote amount) if the vote is correct. If the vote is correct, the payment processing unit 213 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user who voted that the vote was correct and the amount of reward, and if the vote is incorrect, it notifies the terminal 10 that the vote was incorrect. Note that the server that manages the competition results and the information processing device 20 may be the same device.

[0054] The reward granting unit 214 grants the user rewards that allow for preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services, based on the results of the competition the user voted in and the voting information indicating the voting content. "Giving a reward to the user" means, for example, transmitting reward information indicating the reward to the terminal 10 used by the user, or associating the reward information indicating the reward with the user ID and storing it in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the user, for example, by transmitting the reward information to the terminal 10 via the communication IF 23.

[0055] The reward granting unit 214 stores reward information, for example, that indicates a reward based on the judgment result, in the storage unit 22 in association with the user ID. The reward granting unit 214 then grants a reward to the user associated with the user ID by allowing the user to access the stored reward information using the terminal 10. In this case, the reward granting unit 214 may also notify the terminal 10 used by the user that a reward has been granted to the user.

[0056] The reward granting unit 214 determines whether the target of the vote the user cast in the competition was correct, for example, based on the competition results of the competition obtained by the payment processing unit 213 and the voting content corresponding to the voting information obtained by the acquisition unit 212, in order to determine the content of the reward. If the vote was correct, the reward granting unit 214 gives the user the first reward from among several rewards, and if the vote was incorrect, it gives the user the second reward, which is a different reward from the first reward from among several rewards.

[0057] For example, the first reward is a reward of higher value than the second reward. A higher-value reward is, for example, a reward that offers a larger discount or discount rate on the purchase price of a product or service. By making the first reward more valuable than the second reward, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users who correctly predict the outcome to vote again, as their joy of success is doubled. The reward granting unit 214 does not have to grant the second reward to users who incorrectly predict the outcome, but granting the second reward to such users increases their satisfaction, thus motivating them to vote again.

[0058] The first reward may be of lower value than the second reward. By making the second reward more valuable than the first reward, the reward distribution unit 214 can alleviate the dissatisfaction of users whose votes were incorrect, thus motivating them to vote again. The reward distribution unit 214 does not have to grant the first reward to users whose votes were correct, but granting the first reward to such users as well increases their satisfaction, thus motivating them to vote again. By operating in this way, the reward distribution unit 214 can increase the satisfaction of a larger number of voters.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in area 158 of Figure 7(b), the reward granting unit 214 may grant the reward without storing the user ID and reward information in the storage unit 22 by notifying the terminal 10 of a URL where the reward can be used or an information code such as a QR code containing said URL.

[0060] The reward granting unit 214 may grant users rewards corresponding to the amount of reward. The reward granting unit 214 obtains the amount of reward to be paid to the user determined by the payment processing unit 213 and grants the user a reward corresponding to the amount of reward. For example, among multiple users whose votes were correct, the reward granting unit 214 grants users who have exceeded a predetermined reward amount (e.g., 10,000 yen) a coupon with a larger discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a higher product value (e.g., the price of the product) than users who have not exceeded the predetermined reward amount. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 incentivizes users to vote for a larger predetermined value in order to receive a larger reward.

[0061] The reward granting unit 214 may notify the user of the rewards that may be given by voting, before the voting acceptance unit 211 begins accepting votes, if the voting target and predetermined value indicated by the planned information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 satisfy predetermined right granting conditions. The predetermined right granting conditions are, for example, that the vote indicated by the planned information is a vote for a competition to which a reward is granted, or that the predetermined value indicated by the planned information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

[0062] The reward granting unit 214 determines the payout rate if the voting target is correct at the time the scheduled information was acquired, based on the voting target included in the scheduled information acquired by the acquisition unit 212. The reward granting unit 214 calculates the planned reward amount based on the predetermined value included in the scheduled information and the payout rate at the time the scheduled information was acquired. The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 of the details of the reward corresponding to the planned reward amount.

[0063] The payout rate if the vote target is correct may change as other users cast their votes before the voting period ends. In response to this, the reward distribution unit 214 identifies the reward corresponding to the planned reward amount and notifies the user that the vote target is one from which a reward may be awarded at the time the prediction information is acquired. By operating in this manner, the reward distribution unit 214 can increase the probability that a user will cast a vote.

[0064] The reward granting unit 214 may grant the user rewards corresponding to past voting content indicated by the user's voting history stored in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 obtains the number of votes for each user by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), for example, and stores reward information indicating the reward corresponding to the number of votes in the storage unit 22 in association with the user ID. The reward granting unit 214 grants the user associated with the number of votes, for example, coupons that offer a larger discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price, or coupons that target products with higher product value, the greater the number of votes obtained.

[0065] The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, refer to the history database shown in Figure 5(b) to obtain the reward amount for each of the multiple votes that the user has correctly predicted, and grant the user a reward corresponding to the sum of the multiple reward amounts. Specifically, if the reward amounts associated with user ID "U001" shown in Figure 5(b) are "2100" and "1600", the reward granting unit 214 stores in the storage unit 22 a reward corresponding to the sum of the reward amounts, which is "3700", in association with user ID "U001".

[0066] The reward granting unit 214 grants users coupons that offer larger discounts or discount rates on the purchase price, or coupons that target products with higher product value, depending on the total value of multiple reward amounts.

[0067] The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, grant rewards to users who correctly predict the winners of a predetermined number of competitions from a set of predetermined competitions. Specifically, if the competition IDs representing three predetermined competitions are "NGY-1", "NGY-2", and "NGY-3", the reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to users who correctly predict the winners of two or more of these three competitions (for example, "NGY-1" and "NGY-2").

[0068] The reward granting unit 214 obtains a predetermined number of competition IDs voted for by the user and the winning results associated with each of the competition IDs, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the user if the number of competition IDs associated with winning results indicating that the vote was correct is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0069] The reward granting unit 214 may grant users coupons that offer a larger discount on the purchase price or a higher discount rate, or coupons for products of greater value, depending on the number of predetermined competitions in which the user correctly predicted the outcome. Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 may grant coupons that offer a larger discount on the purchase price or a higher discount rate, or coupons for products of greater value, depending on the number of competitions in which the user correctly predicted the outcome, to users who correctly predicted the outcome in all three predetermined competitions, rather than users who correctly predicted the outcome in just two of the three competitions.

[0070] The reward distribution unit 214 may give a user who correctly predicted the winners of three of the three designated competitions, along with a second coupon different from the first coupon, to a user who correctly predicted the winners of two of the three designated competitions. By operating in this manner, the reward distribution unit 214 can motivate users to continue voting.

[0071] The reward granting unit 214 may, when a user makes a new correct vote, determine the reward to grant to the user based on one or more votes of the user stored in the storage unit 22, and on the correct result information stored in the history database indicating whether the vote was correct or incorrect. For example, the reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the reward based on one or more votes stored in association with the correct result information indicating that the vote was incorrect, and grant the determined reward to the user.

[0072] The reward granting unit 214 grants rewards based on, for example, the number of times a vote was unsuccessful, or the amount of a predetermined value voted for when the vote was unsuccessful, or at least one of these. The reward granting unit 214 grants users rewards of higher value the greater the number of times a vote was unsuccessful, or the amount of a predetermined value voted for when the vote was unsuccessful, or at least one of these factors is greater. The reward granting unit 214 may also grant users rewards of higher value the greater the product of the number of times a vote was unsuccessful and the amount of a predetermined value voted for when the vote was unsuccessful.

[0073] Specifically, if the votes of users "A" and "B" shown in Figure 5(c) are correct, the reward distribution unit 214 calculates "83," which is the difference between the number of votes "126" associated with user "A" and the number of correct votes "43," as the number of incorrect votes for user "A." The reward distribution unit 214 calculates "72," which is the difference between the number of votes "118" associated with user "B" and the number of correct votes "46," as the number of incorrect votes for user "B."

[0074] Next, the reward distribution unit 214 determines that the number of unsuccessful votes for user "A" is greater than the number of unsuccessful votes for user "B", and therefore gives user "A" a coupon with a greater discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a higher value than the coupon given to user "B". By operating in this manner, the reward distribution unit 214 can motivate users to vote again even if their vote was unsuccessful.

[0075] The reward granting unit 214 may grant the user a reward associated with specific content if the voting information, which shows the voting details when the user votes for a competition, includes information indicating that the user voted based on specific content that the user viewed. Specific content may be, for example, content that includes predictions about the outcome of the competition the user intends to vote for. Information indicating that the user voted based on specific content is information indicating that the user who viewed the specific content voted after viewing it, and this information is included in the voting information and transmitted from the terminal 10.

[0076] The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 of the details of the reward associated with the content viewing information, for example, based on whether the voting information includes content viewing information. If the vote is correct, the reward granting unit 214 stores the rewards associated with the content viewing information and the rewards not associated with the content viewing information in the storage unit 22 in association with the user ID in order to grant the reward to the user. If the vote is incorrect, the reward granting unit 214 does not grant the user a reward. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users to vote by using specific content.

[0077] The reward granting unit 214 may grant the user a reward selected based on user information. User information may include, for example, the user's age, gender, or date of birth. User information is stored in the storage unit 22, for example, in association with a user ID. For example, if a user whose birthday is "June 10th" votes on "June 15th" and is correct, the reward granting unit 214 may grant the user a coupon with a larger discount amount or discount rate than a user whose birthday and voting date are in different months, based on the fact that their birthday and voting date are in the same month.

[0078] When the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the first user who voted in the competition, it may also grant a reward to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user. A second user who has a predetermined relationship is, for example, a second user who belongs to the same group as the first user, or a second user whom the first user has designated as a friend. A friend is, for example, another user whom the first user has allowed to share their voting results.

[0079] The reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to users (users "B" and "D") corresponding to friend IDs "U002" and "U004" associated with user ID "U001" if, for example, user "A" whose vote corresponds to user ID "U001" as shown in Figure 5(c) is correct. The reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to users "B" and "D" by associating reward information indicating the reward with user ID "U002" and user ID "U004" and storing it in the storage unit 22.

[0080] Next, the reward granting unit 214 registers users "B" and "D," who were granted rewards based on the results of user "A"'s vote, in the history database as users who were granted rewards by user "A". The reward granting unit 214 stores user ID "U002" and user ID "U004" as reward-granting users, as shown in Figure 5(b), for example, as associated with user ID "U001", voting information, and voting results. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate other users to vote.

[0081] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the vote corresponding to the first vote made by the first user in the competition is correct, and if the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit 22 associated with the same group identification information, and the vote corresponding to the second vote made by the second user in the competition is incorrect.

[0082] For example, if user "A"'s vote is correct and user "B"'s vote is incorrect, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to user "B" based on the fact that the group ID associated with user "A" and the group ID associated with user "B" are the same, as shown in Figure 5(c). By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can incentivize users to register for the group.

[0083] The period determination unit 215 determines the period during which the reward can be used based on at least one of the following: the type of competition that the user correctly predicted, or the reward corresponding to a predetermined value amount that the user voted for in the correctly predicted competition. For example, the period determination unit 215 determines that the higher the grade of the type of competition that was correctly predicted, the longer the period during which the reward can be used. For example, the period determination unit 215 determines that the larger the reward amount, the longer the period during which the reward can be used. By operating in this manner, the period determination unit 215 can incentivize the user to vote in specific competitions or in combinations of numbers that offer high payouts.

[0084] The notification unit 216 notifies the user of the content of the reward corresponding to the reward information and the content of the competition corresponding to the competition information associated with the reward information. The notification unit 216 notifies the second user, who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, of the content of the competition associated with the content of the reward, which the reward granting unit 214 has notified the first user of. The notification unit 216 notifies the second user, who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, of the content of a competition that starts after the competition voted for by the first user and which offers the same reward as the reward given to the first user, based on the fact that the reward granting unit 214 has given a reward to the first user.

[0085] The notification unit 216 identifies the competition ID of a competition to which the same reward that the reward granted by the reward granting unit 214 to the first user is granted, for example, by referring to the reward database. The notification unit 216 identifies the second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user by referring to the user database and notifies the second user of the details of the competition corresponding to the identified competition ID. By operating in this manner, the notification unit 216 can motivate the second user to vote in the competition.

[0086] [Processing flow of the information processing device 20] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 9 shows the operation from when the acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information until the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the user using the terminal 10.

[0087] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information that shows the content of the vote when the user voted for a competition (S11). The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information by referring to a history database, for example. The payment processing unit 213 acquires the competition results of the competition in which the user voted (S12). The payment processing unit 213 determines whether the user's vote was correct or not based on the competition results (S13).

[0088] If the user's vote is correct (YES in S13), the payment processing unit 213 determines the amount of reward (reward amount) based on the payout rate included in the competition result, the target of the vote, and the amount of the vote (S14). The reward granting unit 214 determines the content of the first reward according to the reward amount determined by the payment processing unit 213 (S15). The reward granting unit 214 grants the first reward to the user (S16). The reward granting unit 214 stores in the storage unit 22, for example, a user ID corresponding to the user and first reward information indicating the first reward, in association with each other. The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user of the content of the first reward granted to the user.

[0089] If the user's vote is incorrect (NO in S13), the reward granting unit 214 grants the user a second reward different from the first reward (S17). The reward granting unit 214 associates, for example, the user ID corresponding to the user with the second reward information indicating the second reward and stores it in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user of the details of the second reward granted to the user.

[0090] If no operation to terminate processing has been performed (NO in S18), processor 21 repeats the processes from S11 to S17. If an operation to terminate processing has been performed (YES in S18), processor 21 terminates processing.

[0091] [Effects of the information processing device 20 according to the first embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to the first embodiment has an acquisition unit 212 that acquires voting information indicating the content of the vote when a user votes in a competition. The reward granting unit 214 then gives the user a reward that allows for preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services based on the competition results of the competition the user voted in and the voting content indicated in the voting information, thereby providing the user with a reward depending on whether their vote was correct or not. This makes it possible to increase the satisfaction of a larger number of voters.

[0092] <Second Embodiment> [Overview of Information Processing System 1] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment has a plurality of terminals 10 (10a, 10b) and an information processing device 20. Figure 10 differs from the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 2 in that it shows terminal 10a used by the first user and terminal 10b used by a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, but is otherwise the same. The second user who has a predetermined relationship is, for example, a user belonging to the same group who can send and receive messages with the first user, or a user designated as a friend by the first user.

[0093] In the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment, the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in a competition. First, the first user selects a competition to vote in by operating terminal 10a, and determines the target of the vote for the selected competition and a predetermined value to bet on that target. Terminal 10a transmits voting information indicating the voting details, including the target of the vote and the predetermined value determined by the first user, to the information processing device 20 (S21).

[0094] The information processing device 20 accepts the vote of the first user by obtaining voting information from the terminal 10a. Based on the acceptance of the vote, the information processing device 20 determines which user will be granted the reward and the content of the reward to be granted to that user (S22).

[0095] The details of the process by which the information processing device 20 determines which users will be granted benefits and the content of the benefits will be described later, but for example, based on the acquisition of voting information from terminal 10a, the information processing device 20 decides to grant benefits to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user using terminal 10a. Subsequently, the information processing device 20 determines the content of the benefits to be granted to the second user based on the voting content indicated by the voting information acquired from terminal 10a.

[0096] Based on the granting of a benefit to the second user, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10b used by the second user of the details of the benefit (S23). The second user can use the benefit by operating the terminal 10b (S24).

[0097] When the information processing device 20 grants a reward to a user who has voted, the user who voted will be motivated to vote again because the reward will further enhance their enjoyment. On the other hand, users who did not vote will not be motivated to vote. In contrast, when the information processing device 20 grants a reward to other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user who voted, these other users will be motivated to vote because the reward will increase their interest in voting. In this way, by granting a reward to other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user who voted, the information processing device 20 can motivate a larger number of users to vote.

[0098] [Hardware configuration] The hardware configuration of terminal 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of terminal 10 shown in Figure 3. The hardware configuration of information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of information processing device 20 shown in Figure 4.

[0099] [Functional Block Configuration] The example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11 according to the second embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11 shown in Figure 6. In the second embodiment, a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user may vote based on the first vote made by the first user in the competition. In this case, the information receiving unit 112 of the terminal 10b receives first voting information indicating the first vote from the terminal 10a. The display control unit 113 of the terminal 10b displays the first vote on the output device 15 based on the first voting information received from the terminal 10a.

[0100] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10b. Figure 11 shows an example of a voting screen for a second user to vote based on the first vote. As shown in Figure 11, terminal 10b displays an area 161 for displaying the stadium and name of the sport corresponding to the sport to be voted for, an area 162 for displaying the first vote when the first user voted for the sport, an area 163 for displaying the target to be voted for and the amount of the vote based on the first vote, and an operation image 164 for the second user to vote for the sport.

[0101] The second user can find out the voting method and target of the first user's vote by viewing the first user's voting details shown in area 162. The second user determines the voting amount to cast for the same target as the first user's vote by pressing the voting amount shown in area 163. The second user casts their vote in the competition by pressing the operation image 164. The information transmission unit 111 of terminal 10b transmits information to the information processing device 20, for example, that the second user has voted based on the first user's voting details, in association with the second user's voting details when the second user voted in the competition.

[0102] The example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 shown in Figure 8. Below, the operation of each functional block of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the functions that differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0103] The voting reception unit 211 receives votes from the first user and the second user. If the second voting information, which shows the second user's second vote, is associated with information indicating that the first user voted by referring to the first vote when the first user voted for the competition, the voting reception unit 211 associates this information with the second voting information and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0104] The acquisition unit 212 acquires first voting information, which shows the content of the first vote when the first user votes in the competition. The acquisition unit 212 acquires first voting information, which shows the content of the first vote including the voting target and predetermined value, by referring to the history database shown in Figure 5(b), for example. The acquisition unit 212 also acquires second voting information, which shows the content of the second vote when a second user, who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, votes in the competition.

[0105] The acquisition unit 212 may acquire first competition information indicating the competition for which the first user watched the video, and second competition information indicating the competition for which the second user watched the video. The video is, for example, content that includes predictions about the results of a competition that the first or second user intends to vote on. For example, if the first user watches a video that predicts the results of a competition corresponding to competition ID "NGY-1" by using terminal 10a, the acquisition unit 212 acquires first competition information including competition ID "NGY-1" from terminal 10a.

[0106] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, allowing the first user to receive preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services, based on the first user's vote in the competition. In order to grant the reward to the second user, the reward granting unit 214 first determines that the vote acceptance unit 211 has received the first user's vote, based on the first vote content obtained by the acquisition unit 212 by referring to the history database.

[0107] Next, the reward granting unit 214 identifies a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), for example, and grants the reward to the second user. For example, if the first user is user "B" shown in Figure 5(c), the reward granting unit 214 identifies user "A" who corresponds to the friend ID "U001" associated with user "B" as the second user, and grants the reward to user "A".

[0108] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to the first user and the second user based on the first user's vote in the competition. The rewards given to the first user and the rewards given to the second user may be the same or different. By granting rewards to the first user and the second user in this way, depending on whether one of the first or second user has voted, the reward granting unit 214 can incentivize more users to vote.

[0109] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to the first user and the second user if the first vote made by the first user in the competition meets predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions are, for example, that the amount of predetermined value included in the first vote (i.e., the vote amount) is equal to or greater than a threshold. The threshold is, for example, 5,000 yen. The reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to the first user and the second user if, for example, the vote amount cast by the first user is 5,000 yen or more.

[0110] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote is a competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first vote. A competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first vote is, for example, a competition that matches the competition corresponding to the first vote, another competition that is the same grade as the competition corresponding to the first vote (e.g., G1, G2, G3), another competition from which the same reward as the reward obtainable with the first vote can be obtained, or another competition held on the same day as the competition corresponding to the first vote.

[0111] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote made by the second user is associated with the competition corresponding to the first vote, and the first vote meets predetermined conditions. For example, if the reward granting unit 214 identifies that the competition ID included in the second vote is associated with the competition ID included in the first vote, and that the voting amount included in the first vote is above a threshold, it may grant a reward to the second user even if the voting amount included in the second vote is below the threshold.

[0112] On the other hand, the reward granting unit 214 will not grant a reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote is not associated with the competition included in the first vote, even if the first vote meets the predetermined conditions, as long as the second vote does not. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 motivates the second user to vote in a way that will grant them a reward, taking into account the first user's vote. As a result, the competition organizer can increase the number of votes for competitions they want to increase vote counts for by appropriately setting the predetermined conditions.

[0113] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the second voting information includes information indicating that the second user voted based on the first voting content. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user on the condition that, for example, the information indicating that the vote was based on the first voting content and the second voting information are associated and stored in the storage unit 22. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 makes it easier for users with little voting experience to vote by referring to the voting content of other users with a predetermined relationship, thus motivating users with little voting experience to vote.

[0114] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards based on the first user correctly predicting the outcome of the vote. "Correct vote" means, for example, that at least one of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund. For example, if the vote corresponding to the first vote is correct, the payment processing unit 213 grants the first user a reward corresponding to a predetermined amount of value, and the reward granting unit 214 grants the first user a reward corresponding to the amount of reward. The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, grant the first user a coupon that offers a larger discount on the purchase price or a larger discount rate the larger the amount of reward, or a coupon that applies to products with high product value.

[0115] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the vote corresponding to the first user's first vote is correct. By operating in this manner, the first user's motivation to make a correct vote is increased because the first user's correct vote grants a reward to another user (the second user). As a result, the reward granting unit 214 can enhance the first user's enjoyment of voting.

[0116] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote is the same as the competition corresponding to the first vote that was correctly predicted. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if the second user voted for the same competition that the first user correctly predicted.

[0117] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the first competition ID of the competition that the first user correctly predicted and the second competition ID of the competition that the second user voted for, for example, by referring to the history database shown in Figure 5(b). If the first competition ID and the second competition ID match, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user. For example, the more users in a predetermined relationship the user votes for, the higher the probability of the user receiving a reward. Therefore, by operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can incentivize users to invite other users to join the group to which they belong, thereby increasing the number of users who vote.

[0118] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition in which the second user watched the video is the same as the competition in which the first user watched the video. The video is, for example, content that includes predictions about the results of the competition. The reward granting unit 214 can identify the competition in which the first user watched the video by the competition ID included in the first competition information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 from terminal 10a, and identify the competition in which the second user watched the video by the competition ID included in the second competition information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 from terminal 10b. In this case, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if the competition ID included in the second competition information is the same as the competition ID included in the first competition information.

[0119] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user, for example, if the first user's vote is correct, provided that both the first user and the second user have viewed content (e.g., a video) that includes the predicted outcome of the competition corresponding to that vote. The reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the second user if the first user's vote is correct but the second user has not viewed the content that the first user viewed. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can incentivize users to view content that includes the predicted outcome of the competition.

[0120] The reward granting unit 214 may decide whether or not to grant a reward to the second user based on the first user's vote, the first voting history showing one or more first votes the first user has previously cast in one or more competitions, and the second voting history showing one or more second votes the second user has previously cast in one or more competitions. The first voting history and the second voting history are shown in, for example, Figure 5. As shown in (b), it is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0121] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if, for example, the first user has voted and at least one of the competitions included in one or more first votes indicated in the first voting history is the same as at least one of the competitions included in one or more second votes indicated in the second voting history. The reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the second user if the first and second voting histories indicate that the first and second users have not voted for the same competition.

[0122] The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple first competition IDs corresponding to multiple competitions voted for by the first user, and multiple second competition IDs corresponding to multiple competitions voted for by the second user, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if at least one of the multiple first competition IDs matches at least one of the multiple second competition IDs, and does not grant a reward to the second user if they do not match. The reward granting unit 214 operates in this way, which motivates users to vote while communicating with other users, thereby increasing the enjoyment of voting.

[0123] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the first user has voted and the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit 22 associated with the same group identification information. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the groups to which the first user and the second user belong, for example by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), and grants a reward to the second user if the first user and the second user belong to the same group.

[0124] Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to user "B" if the user ID "U001" of user "A", the first user who voted, and the user ID "U002" of user "B", the second user, are associated with the same group ID "G001" and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0125] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the first user's vote is correct and the second user, who belongs to the same group as the first user, does not vote correctly. For example, if the vote corresponding to the first vote is correct, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit 22 associated with the same group identification information, and the vote corresponding to the second vote when the second user voted in the competition is not correct. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can incentivize other users in a group to register in the same group as the user who voted, as one user in the group can vote and other users can receive a reward.

[0126] [Determining the number of second users to whom benefits will be granted] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to multiple second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user. The reward granting unit 214 determines the number of second users to whom rewards are granted, for example, based on a predetermined value voted by the first user in the competition. As an example, the reward granting unit 214 increases the number of second users to whom rewards are granted the larger the predetermined value voted by the first user in the competition. This operation of the reward granting unit 214 is favorable for the competition organizer because it encourages users who want to give rewards to many other users to vote for a large predetermined value.

[0127] The reward distribution unit 214 may determine the number of second users to whom rewards are given based on the content of the competition voted for by the first user. For example, if the first user votes for a competition pre-selected by the competition organizer, the reward distribution unit 214 will give more second users rewards than if the first user voted for a different competition. By operating in this way, users who want to give rewards to many other users will be more inclined to vote for competitions that will give rewards to a larger number of second users, thus enabling the competition organizer to increase the number of votes for a particular competition.

[0128] By the way, if there is no limit to the number of second users to whom the reward granting unit 214 grants rewards, it is conceivable that the number of second users eligible for rewards may increase too much, making it unprofitable for the business granting the rewards. Therefore, the reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards only to a number of second users that is less than or equal to the maximum number of second users to whom rewards are granted.

[0129] The reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to all second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user, for example, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user is less than or equal to the maximum number of second users who will be given rewards, which is determined according to the magnitude of the predetermined value of the first user's vote in the competition. On the other hand, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user exceeds the maximum number of second users who will be given rewards, the reward granting unit 214 selects some of the second users who will be given rewards from among the multiple second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user. The reward granting unit 214 determines which second users will be given rewards, for example, by having the first user select which second users will be given rewards.

[0130] The reward granting unit 214 transmits reward granting number information, which indicates the number of second users to whom the reward will be given, to a terminal 10a used by the first user, for example. The first user operates the terminal 10a to select the number of second users indicated by the reward granting number information and transmits selected user information, which indicates the selected second users, to the reward granting unit 214. The reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the second users indicated by the received selected user information.

[0131] If the first user is not allowed to select the second user to receive the reward, the reward granting unit 214 may determine the second user to receive the reward, for example, by lottery. The reward granting unit 214 may also select from among multiple second users a second user who has voted a relatively large number of times within a predetermined period in the past, or a second user whose total votes within a predetermined value within a predetermined period in the past are relatively large, but less than the maximum value.

[0132] If the number of second users with a predetermined relationship is greater than the number of second users to whom the reward is to be given, the reward granting unit 214 may refer to the user reward granting history to identify the second users who voted for the reward previously given to the first user, and grant the reward that the identified second user can use. The user reward granting history is a history showing one or more other users to whom the reward granting unit 214 has given a reward based on the user's vote in the competition, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The user reward granting history is, for example, the reward granting users shown in Figure 5(b).

[0133] The reward granting unit 214, for example, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user exceeds the number of second users to whom the reward will be granted, refers to the history database to identify second users who have previously granted rewards to the first user. The reward granting unit 214 then grants the reward to the identified second user.

[0134] Specifically, the reward granting unit 214, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user, user "D", exceeds the number of second users who can be granted a reward, see Figure 5. (b) The reward granting unit searches for user ID "U004" of user "D" from the list of reward granting users shown in Figure 5(b). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5(b), the reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to user "A" corresponding to user ID "U001" based on the fact that user ID "U004" is included in the list of reward granting users associated with user ID "U001". By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 makes it easier to grant rewards to a second user who has belonged to the same group as the first user for a long period of time and is close to the first user. Therefore, this operation of the reward granting unit 214 is suitable for the first user who wants to grant rewards to people they are close to.

[0135] [Determining the period during which the benefits can be used] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the period during which the reward can be used. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants the second user a reward that can be used after the first user has used the reward. For example, the reward granting unit 214 may decide that the second user can use the reward after the first user has used the reward to purchase the item that is the subject of the reward. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can incentivize the first user to use the reward they have acquired.

[0136] The reward granting unit 214 may grant the second user a reward that the second user can use during the period that the first user is using the reward. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants the first user and the second user a reward that can be used continuously for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month from the start of use. By granting such a reward to the second user, the reward granting unit 214 makes it easier for the first user and the second user to go out together and use the reward, thereby increasing the value of voting for the user and motivating them to vote again.

[0137] The reward granting unit 214 may determine a predetermined period based on the amount of votes included in the first vote. For example, the reward granting unit 214 may determine a longer predetermined period the larger the amount of votes included in the first vote. The reward granting unit 214 may also determine a second period for the second user to use the reward, which is different from the first period for the first user to use the reward. The second period is, for example, shorter than the first period. By operating in this manner, the first user is given a reward with a longer usage period than the second user, thus motivating them to vote again in order to obtain a reward with a longer usage period. Furthermore, the second user is motivated to vote in order to be given a reward with a longer usage period.

[0138] The reward granting unit 214 notifies, for example, the first user that the reward has been granted, the period during which the reward can be used continuously, and the deadline for when the reward can be used. The reward granting unit 214 also notifies the second user that the reward has been granted, and that the period during which the reward can be used continuously is the period during which the first user is using the reward.

[0139] [Processing flow of the information processing device 20] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 12 shows the operation from when the acquisition unit 212 acquires the voting information of the first user until the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to at least one of the first user and the second user using the terminal 10.

[0140] The acquisition unit 212 acquires first voting information indicating the content of the first vote when the first user voted for a competition (S31). The reward granting unit 214 searches for a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user by referring to the user database (S32). The reward granting unit 214 identifies the competition corresponding to the first voting content and the competition corresponding to the second voting content when the second user voted for a competition by referring to the history database.

[0141] If the competition corresponding to the first vote and the competition corresponding to the second vote are the same, that is, if the first user and the second user voted for the same competition (YES in S33), the reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to the first user and the second user (S34). If the competition corresponding to the first vote and the competition corresponding to the second vote are different, that is, if the first user and the second user voted for different competitions (NO in S33), the reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to the first user (S35).

[0142] If no operation to terminate processing has been performed (NO in S36), processor 21 repeats the processes from S31 to S35. If an operation to terminate processing has been performed (YES in S36), processor 21 terminates processing.

[0143] [Effects of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment has an acquisition unit 212 that acquires first voting information indicating the content of the first vote when a first user votes in a competition. The reward granting unit 214 then grants a reward to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in the competition, which can be used to give preferential treatment for purchasing goods or using services, thereby granting a reward to a user other than the first user who voted. This makes it easier for more people to vote and can increase the number of voters.

[0144] <Third Embodiment> [Overview of Information Processing System 1] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment has a plurality of terminals 10 (10a to 10c) and an information processing device 20. Figure 13 differs from the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 10 in that terminal 10c used by the third user is shown, but is otherwise the same. The first user, second user, and third user are users belonging to the first group among a plurality of groups to which the plurality of users who vote in the competition belong.

[0145] In the information processing system 1 of the third embodiment, the information processing device 20 grants a reward to one or more users belonging to the same group (for example, users other than the two or more users who voted in the competition) when two or more users belonging to the same group have voted in the competition. In the example shown in Figure 13, the information processing device 20 grants a reward to a third user who belongs to the same group as the first and second users, based on the fact that the first and second users have voted in the competition.

[0146] The first user selects a sport to vote on by operating terminal 10a, and determines the target to vote on and the predetermined value to bet on that target for the selected sport. The second user selects a sport to vote on by operating terminal 10b, and determines the target to vote on and the predetermined value to bet on that target for the selected sport. Terminal 10a transmits voting information indicating the voting details, including the target to vote on and the predetermined value determined by the first user, and terminal 10b transmits voting information indicating the voting details, including the target to vote on and the predetermined value determined by the second user (S41).

[0147] The information processing device 20 accepts the vote of the first user by obtaining voting information from terminal 10a, and accepts the vote of the second user by obtaining voting information from terminal 10b. Based on the acceptance of the votes of the first and second users, the information processing device 20 determines which users will be granted benefits and the content of the benefits to be granted to those users (S42).

[0148] The details of the process by which the information processing device 20 determines which users will receive benefits and what the benefits will be will be described later, but for example, based on the fact that the information processing device 20 has obtained voting information from terminals 10a and 10b, it decides to grant benefits to a third user who belongs to the same first group as the first user using terminal 10a and the second user using terminal 10b. Subsequently, the information processing device 20 determines the content of the benefits to be granted to the third user based on the voting content indicated by the voting information obtained from terminals 10a and 10b.

[0149] Based on the granting of a benefit to the third user, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10c used by the third user of the details of the benefit (S43). The third user can use the benefit by operating the terminal 10c (S44).

[0150] When the information processing device 20 grants a reward to a user who voted, the user who voted is motivated to vote again because the reward enhances their enjoyment. On the other hand, users who did not vote are not motivated to vote. In contrast, when the information processing device 20 grants a reward to one or more users from among multiple users belonging to the same group as two or more users who voted, when one user votes, another user can vote to grant a reward to the users in the group, thus motivating other users belonging to the same group as that user to vote.

[0151] Furthermore, users belonging to the same group as two or more users who voted will have a heightened sense of expectation that they may be awarded a prize, thereby increasing their interest in the competition. In this way, by awarding a prize to one or more users from among the multiple users belonging to the same group as two or more users who voted, the information processing device 20 can increase users' interest in the competition and motivate more users to vote.

[0152] [Hardware configuration] The hardware configuration of terminal 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of terminal 10 shown in Figure 3. The hardware configuration of information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of information processing device 20 shown in Figure 4.

[0153] [Functional Block Configuration] The example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11 according to the third embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11 shown in Figure 6. In the third embodiment, a terminal 10c used by a third user belonging to the same group as the first and second users receives benefit information from the information processing device 20. In this case, the display control unit 113 of the terminal 10c causes the information receiving unit 112 of the terminal 10c to display the benefit information received from the information processing device 20 on the output device 15.

[0154] Figure 14 shows an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10c. Figure 14 shows an example of a confirmation screen for a third user to check the details of a reward granted by the information processing device 20. As shown in Figure 14, terminal 10c has an area 171 for displaying the details of the reward, an area 172 for displaying multiple users (voting members) who voted in connection with the granting of the reward, and an area 173 for displaying a URL to which the reward can be used.

[0155] A third user can view the voting members shown in area 172 and learn that they have been granted benefits because the first and second users, who belong to the same group, have voted. The third user can then use the benefits granted by the information processing device 20 to purchase goods, for example, by clicking the URL shown in area 173.

[0156] The information processing device 20 may notify the terminal 10 used by each user belonging to the group of the conditions under which a reward will be given to one or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group. In this case, the information receiving unit 112 of the terminal 10 receives reward granting condition information from the information processing device 20, which indicates the conditions under which a reward will be given. The reward granting condition information includes information for identifying a competition in which a reward will be given to users within the group if two or more users belonging to the group vote, and the content of the reward that will be given if two or more users vote in that competition. The display control unit 113 of the terminal 10 displays the reward granting condition information received by the information receiving unit 112 on the output device 15.

[0157] Figure 15 shows an example of reward granting condition information displayed on a terminal 10 used by a user belonging to the first group. As shown in Figure 15, the terminal 10 displays an area 181 for displaying one or more competition names, an area 182 for displaying the conditions necessary to grant rewards in the competitions shown in area 181 and the details of the rewards, and an operation image 183 for voting in the competitions. The reward granting condition information is displayed at the time when it is possible to vote in one or more competitions shown in area 181.

[0158] A user of terminal 10 can view the conditions required to grant the benefits shown in area 182, and find out the difference between the number of votes needed for a user belonging to the first group to receive a benefit in one or more competitions shown in area 181 and the number of votes already cast. A user of terminal 10 can vote in one or more competitions shown in area 181 by pressing operation image 183. When a user of terminal 10 presses operation image 183, terminal 10 displays, for example, the voting screen shown in Figure 7(a).

[0159] Area 182 may also display at least one of the following: the total amount of votes cast by users belonging to the first group, or the difference between the amount of votes required to receive the reward and the amount of votes already cast by users belonging to the first group. Area 182 may also display, for example, "The total amount of votes is XX yen. You will receive the reward if you vote XX yen more."

[0160] The example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 shown in Figure 8. The operation of each functional block of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on functions that differ from those of the first or second embodiment.

[0161] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition. The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information that shows the voting details, including the voting target and predetermined value that the user voted for.

[0162] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users among the group of users associated with the group of two or more users when the acquisition unit 212 acquires multiple voting information indicating that two or more users have voted. The reward granting unit grants a reward that allows the user to purchase goods or use services preferentially. The user who receives the reward may be a user who voted in the competition or a user who did not vote in the competition. The competition voted for by two or more users may be the same competition or multiple competitions.

[0163] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user IDs included in each of the multiple voting information acquired by the acquisition unit 212, for example. The reward granting unit 214 identifies that two or more of the identified user IDs are associated with the same group ID by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), for example. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users belonging to the group corresponding to the group ID to which the two or more user IDs are associated.

[0164] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group if the total value of votes cast by multiple users associated with the group in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be a fixed amount such as 10,000 yen, or it may be an amount corresponding to the number of users belonging to the group. For example, if there are 3 users in the group, the amount may be 3,000 yen, and if there are 5 users, it may be 5,000 yen.

[0165] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user ID and voting amount included in each of the multiple voting information acquired by the acquisition unit 212. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the group ID associated with each of the identified user IDs by referring to the user database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the total voting amount cast by multiple users corresponding to multiple user IDs associated with the same group ID.

[0166] The reward distribution unit 214 grants rewards to one or more users among the multiple users associated with each group if the total amount of votes in each group exceeds a predetermined amount, and does not grant rewards if the total amount of votes falls below the predetermined amount. This operation of the reward distribution unit 214 incentivizes users belonging to a group to vote in a way that ensures the total amount of votes in that group exceeds a predetermined amount. As a result, the competition organizer can increase the number of voters and the total amount of votes by appropriately setting the predetermined amount.

[0167] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with a group if the total amount of rewards received by multiple users associated with the group exceeds a predetermined amount. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user ID corresponding to the user whose vote was correct and the reward (i.e., refund amount) corresponding to the predetermined amount of value given to that user by the payment processing unit 213, for example by referring to the history database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple group IDs associated with the identified multiple user IDs by referring to the user database. For each of the identified multiple group IDs, the reward granting unit 214 identifies the total amount of rewards for users belonging to the group corresponding to the group ID.

[0168] The reward distribution unit 214 grants rewards to one or more users among the multiple users associated with each group if the total reward amount in each group is above a predetermined amount, and does not grant rewards if the total reward amount is below the predetermined amount. This operation of the reward distribution unit 214 allows the competition operator to provide rewards appropriate to the amount of money won by the bets. Furthermore, users are motivated to cast larger bets.

[0169] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to one or more users corresponding to multiple user IDs associated with a group ID, based on the fact that a predetermined number of users or more of the multiple users associated with the same group ID have voted in the competition. The predetermined number may be a fixed number, such as 5 people, or it may be a number corresponding to the number of users belonging to the group. For example, the predetermined number corresponding to the number of users belonging to the group may be 2 people if there are 4 users in the group, and 4 people if there are 8 users.

[0170] The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple user IDs corresponding to multiple users who voted in the competition, for example by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple group IDs associated with each of the identified multiple user IDs, for example by referring to a user database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of users who voted in the competition among the multiple users belonging to the group corresponding to the group ID by identifying the number of user IDs associated with each of the multiple group IDs.

[0171] The reward distribution unit 214 grants rewards to one or more users belonging to a group if a predetermined number of users within that group vote in the competition. On the other hand, the reward distribution unit 214 does not grant rewards to users belonging to a group if fewer than a predetermined number of users within that group vote in the competition. This operation of the reward distribution unit 214 incentivizes users belonging to a group to vote in a way that exceeds the predetermined number, making it easier for more users to vote.

[0172] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to one or more users among the multiple users associated with a group if a predetermined number or more of the votes of the users associated with the group are correct. "Correct vote" means, for example, that at least one of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user IDs corresponding to the users whose votes were correct, for example by referring to the history database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple group IDs associated with the identified multiple user IDs by referring to the user database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of users whose votes were correct belonging to each of the multiple groups corresponding to the identified multiple group IDs.

[0173] The reward distribution unit 214, in each of the multiple groups, grants rewards to one or more users from among the multiple users belonging to the group if the number of users who voted correctly is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and does not grant rewards if the number of users who voted correctly is less than the predetermined number. By operating in this manner, the reward distribution unit 214 can provide users with rewards appropriate to the number of users who voted correctly. In addition, since other users in the group are pleased when a user's vote is correct, the user's joy when they vote correctly is greater, and users are motivated to vote again.

[0174] [Determining which users will receive benefits] The reward granting unit 214 may determine one or more users from among multiple users belonging to a group to be granted a reward. The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, select one or more users to be granted a reward based on the predetermined value amount that each of the multiple users who voted voted for in the competition. The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, select users to be granted a reward in such a way that rewards are given to users with larger vote amounts than to users with smaller vote amounts.

[0175] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the voting amount of each of the multiple users belonging to the group, for example by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 selects a predetermined number of users from the beginning of the multiple users, who are arranged in descending order of voting amount, and grants them rewards. The predetermined number is determined, for example, based on the number of people belonging to the group. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can grant rewards according to the voting amount. As a result, users are motivated to cast larger votes.

[0176] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the first user if, among multiple users associated with the group, the second user votes based on the votes cast by the first user. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the first user on the condition that, for example, information indicating that the first user voted based on the votes cast by the first user and the votes cast by the second user are associated and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0177] The reward granting unit 214 operates in this way, incentivizing users with extensive voting experience to disclose their votes to users with less voting experience. Users with less voting experience can then increase their voting opportunities by referring to the votes of experienced users. As a result, more users are motivated to vote.

[0178] The reward granting unit 214 may determine, based on past votes, one or more users from among multiple users belonging to the group to be granted a reward. The reward granting unit 214 may also grant a reward to a user who has not voted in the competition, even if that user has not voted in the competition, if their voting history, which shows the content of their past votes in competitions, meets predetermined conditions.

[0179] The specified condition is, for example, that the number of votes cast in past competitions or the number of times those votes were correct is equal to or greater than a specified number. The specified number may be a fixed number, such as 50, or it may be a number determined based on the number of votes cast or correct votes cast by multiple users belonging to the group. The number determined based on the number of votes cast or correct votes cast by multiple users belonging to the group may be, for example, the average number of votes cast or correct votes cast by multiple users.

[0180] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of votes or correct answers associated with each of the multiple users belonging to the group by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), for example. If the identified number of votes or correct answers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the user whose user ID corresponds to the identified number of votes or correct answers, even if that user has not voted in the competition in question.

[0181] The reward granting unit 214 may grant users who have not voted in the target competition a different reward from the reward given to users who have voted in the target competition, or it may grant users who have not voted in the target competition the same reward as the reward given to users who have voted in the target competition. By operating in this manner, users who have not voted in the target competition, even if they have voted in the past but are not currently voting, may become interested in voting in the competition again after being granted a reward, thus motivating them to vote again.

[0182] [Determining the content of the benefits to be given to users] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the reward to be granted to one or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group. The content of the reward may be, for example, the amount or rate of the discount when purchasing the product to which the reward applies, or the type of product to which the reward applies.

[0183] The reward granting unit 214 determines the content of the rewards to be given to users belonging to a group, for example, based on the total amount of rewards paid when the votes of multiple users associated with the group are correct. The reward granting unit 214 determines the content of the rewards to users, for example, the larger the total amount of rewards paid by multiple users belonging to the group, the larger the discount amount or discount rate when purchasing goods.

[0184] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the rewards for each of several users belonging to the same group, for example by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 then identifies the total rewards for each of the identified users and grants the users a reward indicating a discount amount or discount rate corresponding to the total rewards. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 enables the competition operator to grant rewards appropriate to the reward amounts. Furthermore, users are motivated to make votes of a large amount of a predetermined value in order to be given rewards with larger discount amounts or discount rates.

[0185] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the reward according to the number of users belonging to the group. For example, the reward granting unit 214 may grant users belonging to a group a reward where the discount amount or discount rate when purchasing goods increases as the number of users belonging to the group increases.

[0186] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of users corresponding to user IDs associated with a group ID by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), for example, and determines the content of the reward according to the number of identified users. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can, for example, incentivize users to invite other users to join the group to which they belong, thereby increasing the number of users who vote.

[0187] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the rewards to be given to each of the multiple users based on the voting history of each of the multiple users associated with the group corresponding to the same group ID. The voting history is information that includes at least one of the following, associated with a group ID for identifying the group: reward information indicating the amount of reward corresponding to a predetermined value of the amount of votes the user gave to the competition that was correct, and voting count information indicating the number of times the user voted in the competition. For example, it could be the number of votes given, the number of times the vote was correct, or the total amount of rewards given for correct votes. The voting history is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0188] The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple user IDs associated with the same group ID and the number of correct votes associated with each of those user IDs, for example, by referring to the user database. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward with a smaller discount to users among the multiple users belonging to the same group who have had fewer correct votes, and a reward with a larger discount to users who have had more correct votes.

[0189] Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 refers to the user database shown in Figure 5(c) to identify user IDs "U003" and "U005" associated with group ID "G002", and the number of correct answers "95" associated with user ID "U003" and the number of correct answers "74" associated with user ID "U005".

[0190] Next, the reward granting unit 214 grants the first reward to user "C" corresponding to user ID "U003" associated with the number of correct predictions "95", and the second reward to user "E" corresponding to user ID "U005" associated with the number of correct predictions "74". The first reward is a reward with a larger discount amount or discount rate when purchasing goods than the second reward. By operating in this way, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users belonging to the group to actively vote in order to increase their number of votes, number of correct predictions, or reward amount compared to other users. As a result, the reward granting unit 214 can increase the number of times users vote.

[0191] The reward distribution unit 214 may determine the content of the reward based on which of the multiple competitions each of two or more users associated with the group ID voted for. The reward distribution unit 214 notifies multiple terminals 10 used by multiple users belonging to each of the multiple groups of, for example, a predetermined number of competitions. Users view the multiple competitions notified by the reward distribution unit 214 displayed on the terminal 10, select a competition that is different from the competition voted for by other users belonging to the same group, and then vote for that competition.

[0192] Next, the reward granting unit 214 identifies the competitions corresponding to the competition IDs included in the voting content of each of the multiple users belonging to the same group. For example, if two or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group vote for two or more of the multiple competitions notified to the terminal 10, and each of the two or more users voted for a different competition than the other users, the reward granting unit 214 grants rewards to the users belonging to that group.

[0193] On the other hand, the reward granting unit 214 will not grant rewards to users in a group if two or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group have not voted in two or more of the multiple competitions notified to the terminal 10, or if two or more users have voted in the same competition among the multiple competitions notified. By operating in this way, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users belonging to a group to choose which competitions to vote in while communicating with other users belonging to the same group, thereby increasing the enjoyment of voting.

[0194] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to users who voted based on the voting predictions of a specific vote predictor among multiple users associated with a group, rewards that are different from those given to other users who did not vote based on the same voting predictions. A specific vote predictor is, for example, a vote predictor who predicted the outcome of a competition in content that includes predictions about the competition results. Rewards associated with a vote predictor are, for example, tickets to purchase merchandise that includes a caricature, photograph, or autograph of the vote predictor. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, content viewing information indicating that a user has viewed the content, the content name, the vote predictor, and reward information indicating the content of the reward, in association with each other.

[0195] The reward granting unit 214, for example, if the user's voting information includes content viewing information, identifies the voter predictor associated with the content viewing information and the reward associated with that voter predictor, and grants the user the identified reward. If the user's voting information does not include content viewing information, the reward granting unit 214 grants the same reward as other users belonging to the same group as the user. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users to view content.

[0196] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a first reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group if two or more users vote in the same competition, and may grant a second reward different from the first reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group if two or more users vote in multiple competitions.

[0197] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the competition IDs corresponding to the competitions voted for by each of the multiple users belonging to the group by referring to the history database. If there is only one type of competition ID corresponding to the competitions voted for by two or more users, the reward granting unit 214 grants a first reward to one or more users belonging to the group. If there are two or more types of competition IDs identified, the reward granting unit 214 grants a second reward to one or more users belonging to the group.

[0198] If the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the first benefit is greater than the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the second benefit, users belonging to the group are motivated to vote in the same competition as other users. On the other hand, if the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the first benefit is less than the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the second benefit, users belonging to the group are motivated to vote in a different competition than other users.

[0199] In this way, multiple users belonging to a group are motivated to vote for the same competition as other users or to vote for a different competition, depending on the content of the first and second rewards. Therefore, with the reward granting unit 214 operating in this manner, the competition operator can encourage users to concentrate their votes on a specific competition or distribute them across multiple competitions by appropriately setting the content of the first and second rewards.

[0200] The reward granting unit 214 may combine multiple rewards. When the reward granting unit 214 receives an instruction from the first user who granted the first reward to provide the first reward to a second user associated with the first user and the group, it may grant the second user a reward that is the sum of the value of the reward corresponding to the second reward given to the second user and the value of the reward corresponding to the first reward.

[0201] Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 grants the first user a first reward indicating "a 100 yen discount from the purchase price of product X," and the second user a second reward indicating "a 50 yen discount from the purchase price of product X." Subsequently, the first user operates the terminal 10 to transmit information to the reward granting unit 214 for providing the first reward to the second user. Based on receiving the information, the reward granting unit 214 grants the second user a reward indicating "a 150 yen discount from the purchase price of product X," which is the sum of the first and second rewards.

[0202] The reward granting unit 214 operates in this manner, allowing users who have been granted a reward to offer that reward to other users belonging to the same group, thereby facilitating smoother communication among them. As a result, users become closer to each other, increasing their enjoyment of voting.

[0203] [Information to be notified before granting benefits] The reward granting unit 214 may notify multiple users associated with a group of the conditions under which a reward will be given to one or more users associated with the group. The conditions under which a reward will be given are, for example, the difference between the number of votes required to grant a reward to one or more users associated with a group and the number of votes already cast by multiple users belonging to the group, or the difference between the amount of votes required to grant a reward to one or more users associated with a group and the total amount of votes cast by multiple users belonging to the group, as shown in area 182 of Figure 15.

[0204] For example, when deciding whether or not to grant a reward based on the number of votes, the reward granting unit 214 refers to the history database to identify the difference between the number of users who have already voted and the number of votes required to grant a reward to one or more users associated with the group in each of the multiple groups, and notifies the terminal 10 used by each of the multiple users belonging to the group. Based on the notification received from the reward granting unit 214, the terminal 10 displays a screen, for example, as shown in Figure 15.

[0205] When deciding whether or not to grant a reward based on the total amount of votes cast by users belonging to a group, the reward granting unit 214 refers to the history database to identify the difference between the total amount of votes cast by users belonging to each group and the amount of votes required to grant the reward, and notifies each of the users in the group's terminal 10 of the identified difference and the total amount of votes. Based on the notification received from the reward granting unit 214, the terminal 10 displays, "The total amount of votes is XX yen. You will receive a reward if you vote XX yen more."

[0206] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information, for example, that shows the voting content including the voting target and predetermined value entered by each user on a screen where the reward granting unit 214 displays the conditions on each of the terminals 10 of multiple users. The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information that shows the voting content of a competition when a user using terminal 10 displaying the screen shown in Figure 15 presses the operation image 183. With the reward granting unit 214 and the acquisition unit 212 operating in this way, users are motivated to vote because they can find out the additional number of votes or voting amount required to be granted a reward. And since they can vote by pressing the screen of terminal 10 displaying the conditions, users can easily vote.

[0207] The reward granting unit 214 may notify the users of the rewards corresponding to the maximum amount of rewards that would be paid if their votes were correct, before it is determined whether the votes of the multiple users corresponding to the multiple user IDs associated with the same group ID were correct. The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, notify the terminal 10 used by the user of the rewards at regular intervals.

[0208] The reward granting unit 214 retrieves voting information stored in the storage unit 22, for example, at regular intervals. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple voting targets and voting amounts voted for by multiple users associated with each of the multiple groups. The reward granting unit 214 identifies combinations of votes that can simultaneously hit the target among the votes corresponding to the identified multiple voting targets, and determines the maximum reward amount at the time the voting information was retrieved based on the voting amounts of the votes included in the identified combination. The reward granting unit 214 notifies multiple terminals 10 used by multiple users belonging to the group that may be awarded the reward corresponding to the identified maximum reward amount.

[0209] The reward distribution unit 214 operates in this way, allowing users to easily learn about the rewards they may be awarded. As a result, the reward distribution unit 214 can incentivize users who have not yet voted to vote in order to receive rewards.

[0210] [Processing flow of the information processing device 20] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 16 shows the operation from when the acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information of two or more users belonging to the first group, to when the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users belonging to the first group.

[0211] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information showing the votes cast by users belonging to the first group for the competition (S51). The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of voters who voted for the competition from among multiple users belonging to the first group. If the number of voters identified by the reward granting unit 214 is less than a predetermined number (NO in S52), the reward granting unit 214 does not grant any rewards to users belonging to the first group. The predetermined number is determined based on at least one of the following: the content of the competition, the number of users belonging to the first group, or the cumulative value of the past voting amounts of users belonging to the first group within a predetermined period, and is a number of 2 or more.

[0212] If the number of voters identified by the reward granting unit 214 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (YES in S52), the reward granting unit 214 obtains the competition results of the competitions voted on by users belonging to the first group from the payment processing unit 213 (S53). Based on the competition results, the payment processing unit 213 identifies the winning amount corresponding to each vote of multiple users belonging to the first group, thereby determining the total winning amount of multiple users belonging to the first group (S54).

[0213] If the total winning amount identified by the reward granting unit 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (YES in S55), the reward granting unit 214 determines one or more users from among the multiple users belonging to the first group to be granted a reward (S56). The reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the determined users (S57). If the total winning amount identified by the reward granting unit 214 is less than a predetermined amount (NO. S55), the reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of correct votes, which is the number of users whose votes were correct among the multiple users belonging to the first group (S58).

[0214] If the number of correct answers identified by the reward granting unit 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (YES in S59), the reward granting unit 214 determines one or more users from among the multiple users belonging to the first group to be granted a reward (S56). Subsequently, the reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the determined users (S57). If the number of correct answers identified by the reward granting unit 214 is less than a predetermined number (NO. S59), the benefit granting unit 214 does not grant benefits to users belonging to the first group.

[0215] If no operation to terminate processing is performed (NO in S60), the processor 21 repeats the processes from S51 to S59. If an operation to terminate processing is performed (YES in S60), the processor 21 terminates processing. Note that the information processing device 20 may also execute the processes of identifying the total winning amount of users belonging to the first group (S54) and determining whether the identified winning amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (S55) in the flowchart shown in Figure 16, and identifying the number of users belonging to the first group who have won (S58) and determining whether the identified number of winners is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S59).

[0216] [Effects of the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment has an acquisition unit 212 that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition. The reward granting unit 214 then grants a reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the same group, based on the fact that two or more users among the multiple users associated with the same group have voted, which allows them to receive preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services.

[0217] In this way, the information processing device 20 operates in a way that motivates users to vote because they may receive a reward if one other user in the same group has voted. Furthermore, other users who have not voted will be more interested in the competition and motivated to vote if they are offered a reward. As a result, the information processing device 20 can increase the number of users who vote.

[0218] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments.

[0219] In other words, each of the first, second, and third embodiments corresponds to a variation of one embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention also includes combining and implementing multiple functions described in the descriptions of multiple embodiments, among the functions described using each embodiment as an example.

[0220] In addition to the embodiments described above, the following should be added. (Note 1) An acquisition unit that obtains voting information showing the voting details when a user votes in a competition, A reward granting unit that provides the user with a reward that allows for preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services, based on the results of the competition in which the user voted and the voting content indicated by the voting information, An information processing device having This configuration of the information processing system makes it possible to increase the satisfaction of a larger number of voters. (Note 2) It further has a payment processing unit, The acquisition unit acquires the voting information that includes the voting target and predetermined value voted for by the user, and If the vote is correct, the payment processing unit will give the user a reward corresponding to the predetermined value. The reward granting unit grants the user the reward in proportion to the amount of the reward. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to cast votes of a higher predetermined value in order to receive a greater reward. (Note 3) The reward granting unit grants the user the first reward from among the multiple rewards if the vote is correct, and grants the user the second reward, which is a different reward from the first reward from among the multiple rewards if the vote is incorrect. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to vote again. (Note 4) The storage unit stores voting information, which indicates the content of the vote cast by the user, and hit / miss information, which indicates whether the vote was correct or incorrect, associated with each of the multiple users. The reward granting unit grants the reward to the user if the user makes a new correct vote, based on one or more of the user's vote information stored in the storage unit that is associated with the correct result information indicating that the vote was incorrect. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate voters to vote again even if their initial prediction was wrong. (Note 5) The system further includes a voting reception section that accepts votes for the aforementioned voting content, The acquisition unit acquires planned information indicating the voting target and predetermined value that the user intends to vote for, before the voting acceptance unit accepts the vote for the voting content. The reward granting unit, when the voting target and predetermined value indicated by the planned information meet the predetermined right granting conditions, notifies the user of the content of the reward that may be given by voting, before the voting acceptance unit begins accepting votes for the voting content. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device increases the probability that voters will cast their ballots. (Note 6) The system has a storage unit that stores a voting history showing the voting details when the user voted in a competition. The reward granting unit grants the user the reward corresponding to the past voting content indicated by the user's voting history stored in the storage unit. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate voters to continue voting. (Note 7) The reward granting unit, if the voting information indicating the voting details when the user voted in a competition includes information indicating that the user voted based on specific content that the user viewed, grants the user a reward associated with that specific content. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device makes it possible to motivate voters to use specific content to cast their votes. (Note 8) The system further includes a period determination unit that determines the period during which the benefit can be used based on at least one of the following: the type of competition that the user voted for correctly, or a reward corresponding to the amount of a predetermined value that the user voted for in the competition that was correctly voted for. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 7 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate voters to vote for specific competitions or to vote for combinations of numbers that offer high payouts. (Note 9) A storage unit that stores competition information indicating the aforementioned competition and benefit information indicating the aforementioned benefit in association with each other, It has a notification unit that notifies the user of the aforementioned competition information, The notification unit notifies a second user, who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, of the content of the competition corresponding to the competition information associated with the content of the reward, which the reward granting unit has notified the first user of. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 8 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device makes it possible to motivate other voters who have a predetermined relationship with the voter to vote in the competition. (Note 10) When the reward granting unit grants the reward to the first user who voted in the competition, it grants the reward to the second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 9 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device makes it possible to motivate other voters who have a predetermined relationship with the voter to vote in the competition. (Note 11) It has a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying multiple users in association with group identification information that identifies a group, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the vote corresponding to the first vote made by the first user in the competition is correct, and if the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit associated with the same group identification information, and the vote corresponding to the second vote made by the second user in the competition is incorrect. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate voters to register with the group. (Note 12) A computer executes The steps include obtaining voting information that shows the voting details when a user voted for a competition, and A step of giving the user a benefit that allows them to purchase goods or use services preferentially, based on the results of the competition in which the user voted and the voting information indicating the voting content, An information processing method having By implementing this information processing method, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of more voters. (Note 13) An information processing system comprising an information processing device and an information terminal, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires voting information showing the voting details when a user using the information terminal votes in a competition, The system includes a reward granting unit that transmits reward information to the user indicating a reward that allows the user to purchase goods or use services preferentially, based on the results of the competition in which the user voted and the voting information indicating the voting content. The aforementioned information terminal is An information transmission unit that transmits the voting information to the information processing device, An information receiving unit that receives the aforementioned benefit information, An information processing system having [a certain feature]. By configuring such an information processing system, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of a larger number of voters. (Note 14) An acquisition unit that acquires first voting information showing the content of the first vote when the first user voted in the competition, A reward granting unit that grants a second user, who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, a reward that allows the first user to receive preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services based on the first user's vote in the competition, An information processing device having This configuration of the information processing device makes it easier for more people to vote and increases the number of voters. (Note 15) The reward granting unit grants the reward to the first user and the second user based on the first user's vote in the competition. The information processing device described in Appendix 14. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate more people to vote. (Note 16) The acquisition unit acquires second voting information indicating the content of the second vote when the second user voted in the competition, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote is a competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first vote. The information processing device described in Appendix 14 or 15. With this configuration of the information processing device, it is possible to increase the number of votes for the sport in which you want to increase the number of votes. (Note 17) The acquisition unit acquires second voting information indicating the content of the second vote when the second user voted in the competition, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the second voting information includes information indicating that the second user voted based on the first voting content. The information processing device described in Appendix 14 or 16. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters with little voting experience to cast their ballots. (Note 18) The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the vote corresponding to the first vote content is correct. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 14 to 17. This configuration of the information processing device enhances the voter's enjoyment of voting. (Note 19) The acquisition unit acquires second voting information indicating the content of the second vote when the second user voted in the competition, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote is the same as the competition corresponding to the first vote that was correctly answered. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 14 to 18. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate voters to invite other voters to join their group, thereby increasing the number of voters. (Note 20) The acquisition unit acquires first competition information indicating the competition in which the first user watched the video, and second competition information indicating the competition in which the second user watched the video. The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the competition indicated by the second competition information is the same as the competition correctly identified by the first competition information. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 14 to 19. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate voters to view content that includes predictions about the outcome of the competition. (Note 21) It further has a payment processing unit, The acquisition unit acquires the first voting information which includes the voting target and predetermined value voted for by the first user, and If the payment processing unit determines that the vote corresponding to the first vote content is correct, it will give the first user a reward corresponding to the predetermined value. The reward granting unit grants the reward to the first user in proportion to the amount of the reward. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 14 to 20 of the appendix. With the information processing device configured in this way, voters can be motivated to cast votes that have a large amount of a predetermined value. (Note 22) It has a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying multiple users in association with group identification information that identifies a group, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit associated with the same group identification information. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 14 to 21 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device makes it possible to incentivize users to register with the same group as the user who voted. (Note 23) It has a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying multiple users in association with group identification information that identifies a group, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if the vote corresponding to the first vote content is correct, and if the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit associated with the same group identification information, and the vote corresponding to the second vote content when the second user voted in the competition is incorrect. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 14 to 22 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device makes it possible to incentivize users to register with the same group as the user who voted. (Note 24) The device has a storage unit that stores a first voting history showing one or more first votes cast by the first user in one or more competitions, and a second voting history showing one or more second votes cast by the second user in one or more competitions. The reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user if at least one of the competitions included in the one or more first voting contents indicated by the first voting history is the same as at least one of the competitions included in the one or more second voting contents indicated by the second voting history. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 14 to 23 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to communicate with other voters while casting their ballots, thereby increasing the enjoyment of voting. (Note 25) The reward granting unit determines the number of second users to whom the reward will be granted based on a predetermined value of the first user's vote in the competition. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 14 to 24 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters who wish to grant benefits to many other voters to cast votes of a large predetermined value. (Note 26) The system has a storage unit that stores a user benefit granting history for each user, which indicates one or more other users to whom the benefit granting unit has granted the benefit based on the user's vote in the competition. If the number of second users in the predetermined relationship is greater than the number of second users to whom the reward is to be given, the reward granting unit refers to the user reward granting history to identify the second user who voted for the reward previously given to the first user, and grants the reward that the identified second user can use. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 14 to 25. This configuration of the information processing device allows for the granting of special privileges to voters and those who are close to them. (Note 27) The aforementioned benefits are benefits that can be used continuously for a specified period. The reward granting unit grants the second user the reward that the second user can use during the period in which the first user is using the reward. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 14 to 26. With the information processing apparatus configured in this manner, the value for a voter to vote is increased, and the voter is motivated to vote again. (Appendix 28) The privilege granting unit gives the second user the privilege that can be used by the second user after the first user has used the privilege. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 14 to 27. With the information processing apparatus configured in this manner, it is possible to motivate a voter to use the privilege acquired. (Appendix 29) A storage unit that stores, in association with each other, competition information indicating the competition and privilege information indicating the privilege; A notification unit that notifies a user of the competition information; and has, The notification unit notifies the second user of the competition information associated with the content of the privilege notified to the first user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 14 to 28. With the information processing apparatus configured in this manner, it is possible to motivate a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user to vote in the competition. (Appendix 30) Performed by a computer, A step of acquiring voting information indicating the voting content voted by a first user in a competition; A step of giving, to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, a privilege indicating a privilege that can preferentially purchase a product or use a service based on the fact that the first user has voted in the competition; An information processing method having. By executing the information processing method in this manner, it becomes easier for more people to vote, and the number of voters can be increased. (Appendix 31) An information processing system including an information processing apparatus, a first information terminal, and a second information terminal, The information processing apparatus is, An acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating the content of a vote cast by a first user who uses the first information terminal; A privilege granting unit that transmits privilege information indicating a privilege that enables preferential purchase of a product or use of a service to a second user having a predetermined relationship with the first user based on the fact that the first user has voted in the competition; and The first information terminal includes: An information transmission unit that transmits the voting information to the information processing apparatus; A first information reception unit that receives the privilege information; A first display unit that displays the privilege information; and The second information terminal includes: [[ID=I4]]A second information reception unit that receives the privilege information; A second display unit that displays the privilege information; An information processing system having the same. With the information processing system configured in this way, more people can easily vote and the number of voters can be increased. (Appendix 32) An acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition; When the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the voting information indicating that two or more users among a plurality of users associated with the same group have voted, to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated, a privilege granting unit that gives a privilege that enables preferential purchase of a product or use of a service; An information processing apparatus having the same. With the information processing apparatus configured in this way, voters are motivated to vote because they may be given a privilege by voting themselves. (Appendix 33) The privilege granting unit gives the privilege to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group when the votes of a predetermined number or more of users among the plurality of users associated with the group are successful; The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 32. This configuration of the information processing device increases the voter's joy when their prediction is correct, thus motivating them to vote again. (Note 34) It further has a payment processing unit, The acquisition unit acquires the voting information which includes the voting target and predetermined value that the user voted for, and If the vote is correct, the payment processing unit will give the user who cast the vote a reward corresponding to the predetermined value. The reward granting unit grants the reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group if the total amount of the rewards acquired by the multiple users associated with the group is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The information processing device described in Appendix 32 or 33. With the information processing device configured in this way, the organizers of the competition can offer rewards commensurate with the amount of money won by the bet. (Note 35) The acquisition unit acquires the voting information which includes the voting target and predetermined value that the user voted for, and The reward granting unit grants the reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group if the total value of the votes cast by multiple users associated with the group in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 34. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to increase both the number of voters and the amount of money cast in the ballots. (Note 36) The acquisition unit acquires the voting information which includes the voting target and predetermined value that the user voted for, and The reward granting unit selects one or more users to whom the reward will be given, based on the amount of predetermined value that each of the multiple users who voted voted for in the competition. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 35. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to cast larger ballots. (Note 37) The reward granting unit notifies multiple users associated with the group of the conditions under which the reward will be granted to one or more users associated with the group. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 36. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to cast more votes. (Note 38) The acquisition unit acquires the voting information, which includes the voting target and predetermined value entered by each user on a screen where the reward granting unit displays the conditions on each user's information terminal. The information processing device described in Appendix 37. With the information processing device configured in this way, voters can easily cast their votes. (Note 39) The reward granting unit determines the content of the reward to be given to users belonging to the group, in accordance with the total amount of rewards paid when the votes of multiple users associated with the group are correct. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 38. With the information processing device configured in this way, the organizers of the competition can grant rewards appropriate to the amount of compensation. (Note 40) The storage unit stores a voting history that includes, in association with group identification information for identifying the group, reward information indicating a reward corresponding to a predetermined amount of value voted by the user for the competition that was correctly predicted, and voting count information indicating the number of times the user voted for the competition. The reward granting unit determines the content of the reward to be given to each of the multiple users based on the voting history of each of the multiple users associated with the group corresponding to the same group identification information. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 39. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters belonging to the group to actively vote. (Note 41) When the reward granting unit receives an instruction from the first user who provided the first reward information to provide the first reward information to a second user associated with the first user and the group, it grants the second user a reward that is the sum of the value of the reward corresponding to the second reward information given to the second user and the value of the reward corresponding to the first reward information. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 40. This configuration of the information processing device allows voters to communicate more smoothly with other voters belonging to the same group, thereby increasing the enjoyment of voting. (Note 42) The reward granting unit grants to users who voted based on the voting predictions of a specific vote predictor among multiple users associated with the group, the rewards associated with that specific vote predictor, which are different from those granted to other users who did not vote based on the voting predictions of that specific vote predictor. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 32 to 41 of the appendix. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters can be motivated to view content associated with their vote predictions. (Note 43) The reward granting unit grants the reward to the first user when a second user votes based on the vote cast by the first user among a group of users associated with the group. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 32 to 42. With the information processing device configured in this way, experienced voters are motivated to disclose their votes to less experienced voters. (Note 44) The reward granting unit grants the reward to a user who has not voted in the competition, even if that user has not voted in the competition, if their voting history, which shows the content of their past votes in competitions, meets predetermined conditions. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 32 to 43. By configuring the information processing apparatus in this way, voters who voted for the competition in the past but are not currently voting for the competition are motivated to vote for the competition again. (Appendix 45) An information processing method executed by a computer, acquiring voting information indicating that a user has voted for a competition; when acquiring a plurality of pieces of the voting information indicating that two or more users among a plurality of users associated with the same group have voted, giving a privilege that enables preferential purchase of a product or use of a service to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated; and having. By executing the information processing method in this way, voters are motivated to vote because there is a possibility that privilege information will be given when they vote. (Appendix 46) An information processing system including an information processing apparatus and a plurality of information terminals, where the information processing apparatus has an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted for a competition from the plurality of information terminals, and a privilege granting unit that transmits privilege information indicating a privilege that enables preferential purchase of a product or use of a service to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group to which two or more users are associated when the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of pieces of the voting information indicating that two or more users among the plurality of users associated with the same group have voted, and each of the plurality of information terminals has an information transmission unit that transmits the voting information to the information processing apparatus, and an information reception unit that receives the privilege information, and having. By configuring the information processing system in this way, voters are motivated to vote because there is a possibility that a privilege will be given when they vote. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] 10 devices 11 processors 12 Storage section 13 Communication IF 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 20 Information Processing Devices 21 processors 22 Memory section 23 Communication IF 24 Input Devices 25 Output Devices 30 EC site servers 111 Information Transmission Section 112 Information Receiving Unit 113 Display Control Unit 211 Voting Reception Department 212 Acquisition Department 213 Payment Processing Section 214 Special Offer Section 215 Period Determination Section 216 Notification Department

Claims

[Claim 1] An acquisition unit that obtains voting information indicating that a user has voted for a competition, When the acquisition unit acquires multiple voting records indicating that two or more users among multiple users associated with the same group have voted, the reward granting unit grants a reward that allows one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated to be given preferential treatment in purchasing goods or using services, An information processing device having

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