Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that enhance the appeal of voting on predictions regarding the ranking of each athlete in a target competition. [Solution] The method involves a computer receiving votes regarding predictions about the ranking of athletes in a target competition in which multiple athletes participate, obtaining activity values ​​for each athlete in the target competition, and determining whether the predictions of the received votes were accurate based on each athlete's activity value in the target competition and the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the athlete's individual modification conditions for the activity value.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, bets and lotteries (hereinafter collectively referred to as "voting") for predicting the results of sports competitions and the like can be conducted online through the Internet or the like. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional voting for sports competitions and the like generally predicts matters determined on a team basis, such as the victory or defeat of the teams competing in a game or the scores obtained by each team.

[0005] On the other hand, for example, the ranking of each athlete can be determined based on the activity value of each of a plurality of athletes participating in a competition, and the ranking can also be the target of prediction. However, in that case, a system is required that can vote while ensuring fairness among athletes in consideration of differences in physical build, affiliated team, years of experience, or position during the game among the athletes.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can improve the interest of voting on predictions regarding the ranking of each athlete in a target competition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a reception unit that receives votes for predictions regarding the ranking of athletes in a target competition in which multiple athletes participate; an acquisition unit that acquires the activity value of each athlete in the target competition; and a hit rate determination unit that determines whether the prediction content of the received votes was correct or not based on the activity value of each athlete in the target competition and the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the modification conditions for each athlete to the activity value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, by setting modification conditions for each competitor, taking into account individual differences among competitors, fairness among competitors can be ensured. As a result, the appeal of voting on predictions regarding each competitor's ranking in the target competition can be improved, and such voting can be promoted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the input screen for voting, specifically the screen where you specify the player you expect to finish in the target ranking. [Figure 2] This figure shows the input screen for voting, specifically the screen where the voting value is entered. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram of an information processing system including the information processing device of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the functions of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing information about the players participating in the match for which voting is taking place. [Figure 7]It is an explanatory diagram regarding the addition conditions set for each player. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram regarding the information of the votes cast for the game to be voted on. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the score values of each player in the game. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the vote reception flow among the information processing flows using the information processing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the determination flow regarding the predicted content of the vote among the information processing flows using the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The embodiments described below are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the gist thereof. Also, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

[0012] The screen examples shown in the drawings referred to in the following description are merely examples, and the configuration examples of the screen, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and user preferences, etc., and can also be changed as appropriate.

[0013] [Regarding the Voting Service] The service business using the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the voting service) will be described. The present invention is not limited to being used for the purposes of the following service business, and for example, it may be used in games where voting can be performed, or games including online games and video games.

[0014] The voting service is a business that conducts voting on the results of target competitions, that is, a business that handles betting and lotteries. Regarding the operation method and system of such a business, it conforms to conventional public competitions such as horse racing, motorcycle racing, and boat racing.

[0015] The target competition is, for example, a sports competition that is the target of voting. In the case described below, it is assumed to be a team competition in which two or more teams (groups) compete for the number of points, particularly a league game of basketball. However, it is not limited to this, and the target competition may be a match of other team competitions (for example, soccer, futsal, baseball, softball, handball, volleyball, American football, rugby, ice hockey, and lacrosse, etc.), or a match of an individual competition in which two or more individuals compete against each other (for example, tennis, badminton, table tennis, golf, and bowling, etc.). Also, the target competition may be a competition other than a sports competition, as long as it is a competition in which multiple people participate and compete against each other. For example, it includes board games, video games, computer games, online games, and other games, or games that compete for points. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the league game of basketball that is the target of voting will be simply called the "target game".

[0016] Also, in the following description, a competitor refers to each affiliated player of two or more teams (equivalent to groups) participating in the target game, specifically, the starting players of the target game. More precisely, a competitor is a player who has been entry-registered as a starting player as described later (equivalent to a registered competitor). Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, a player who has been registered as a starting player of the target game will be simply called a "player".

[0017] Voting is conducted by predicting the ranking of each player based on their activity values ​​in the target match. Specifically, voters specify the player they believe will achieve a set ranking (e.g., 1st place). Activity values ​​refer to the values ​​related to a player's activities in the target match, and more precisely, to the values ​​of activities related to the match result, or more specifically, to the performance values ​​in the match. Performance values ​​are the results recorded by a player during the match, that is, numerical values ​​related to their performance during the match. In the following, the score scored during the match will be used as the performance value. However, it is not limited to this; in basketball, it could be the number of shots, passes, rebounds, steals, or fouls, etc., and in other sports, items similar to the above items may be used as performance values.

[0018] Service users who cast votes (hereinafter referred to as "voters") can do so online by operating their own devices via the internet or other communication lines. Specifically, voters obtain a service account in advance, and then operate their own devices to access the voting site or launch the voting application program. As a result, the voter's device screen will display the players participating in the upcoming match, as shown in Figure 1, in a state where they can be selected. Voters can cast their votes under their own account by selecting the players they want to rank in the specified order from the displayed players. The specified order is the rank set as the predicted ranking, and is usually set to the highest rank, 1st place, or 1st place and the next ranks after it (for example, 2nd and 3rd place).

[0019] The voting format is not particularly limited. In the cases described below, we will assume the use of "Type A voting," where you specify the player who will come in first place; "Type B voting," where you specify one player who will come in first, second, or third place; "Type C voting," where you specify three players who will come in first, second, or third place in any order; and "Type D voting," where you specify three players who will come in first, second, or third place in the correct order. Figure 1 shows an example screen for specifying three players using the "Type D voting" format. In Figure 1, the numbers... Players marked with [1], such as 'AAA', were predicted to come in first place; players marked with the number [2], such as 'PPP', were predicted to come in second place; and players assigned the number [3], such as 'EEE', were predicted to come in third place.

[0020] Here, "Type C voting" and "Type D voting" refer to voting methods in which voters specify a number of players who are expected to finish in one of the designated ranking groups in the target match, corresponding to the number of players in each designated ranking group. A designated ranking group refers to a combination of multiple designated rankings, and in "Type C voting" and "Type D voting," this is a combination of three rankings (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). The number of players corresponding to each designated ranking group is, for example, equal to the number of rankings included in that group, which is three players in "Type C voting" and "Type D voting."

[0021] Regarding the voting format, formats other than the four formats mentioned above may be added. Also, the target rankings for prediction may be limited to only 1st and 2nd place, or may include rankings other than 1st to 3rd place, or even discontinuous rankings (for example, 1st and 4th place). Furthermore, the number of players designated as targets for prediction may be two, or four or more. Alternatively, voting may be conducted by grouping the two teams competing in a match into one group, and then designating the players who will achieve the target ranking from within that group on a match-by-match basis. Or, voting may be conducted by designating the players who will achieve the target ranking from within each team on a team-by-team basis.

[0022] Voters pay voting value when casting their vote. Voting value can be money used for electronic processing, such as electronic money, or special points that can be used for voting services. The amount of voting value that voters pay when casting their vote (for example, a monetary amount or a number of points) can be arbitrarily determined and is entered through an input screen displayed on the voter's terminal, as shown in Figure 2. In the following, we will assume a case where a monetary amount is entered as the amount of voting value.

[0023] Voters shall cast their votes at least before the start of the match in question, following the procedures described above. Voters may cast only one vote per match, or multiple votes per match. If voting multiple times, they may change the voting format or the content of their predictions (e.g., which player they expect to finish first) with each vote.

[0024] After the match ends, the ranking of each player who participated in the match is determined. In this invention, each player's ranking is determined according to the points each player scored during the match and the conditions for adding points to those points. The conditions for adding points are an example of a modification condition for points scored during the match, and specifically, they are added values ​​that are added to the points scored during the match. The purpose of setting these added values ​​is to ensure fairness among players, for example, to bridge the gap between players with low scoring rates (= the probability of scoring a goal in a match) and players with high scoring rates. In other words, the added value is a handicap point given to players with lower scoring rates.

[0025] The ranking of each player in the target match is determined based on the total value (sum) obtained by adding a corresponding bonus value to the points each player scores during the match. A higher sum results in a higher ranking. In the cases described below, the ranking will be determined after the end of the target match. However, this is not the only method; for example, the ranking may be determined after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the match.

[0026] Furthermore, the addition condition is not limited to an added value, but may also be a coefficient multiplied by the score scored during the match. Also, the modification condition is not limited to an addition condition; for example, for players with a relatively high scoring rate, a subtraction condition (specifically, a subtraction value or a subtraction coefficient) may be applied instead of an addition condition.

[0027] Once the rankings of each player in the target match are determined, the voting service provider determines whether the predictions made by voters for that match were correct. In other words, they determine whether the voters correctly predicted which players would achieve the set rankings in the target match.

[0028] Voters whose predictions were correct will receive a reward, specifically a payment of the value of their vote. A payout will be paid out in proportion to the amount of the bet (hereinafter referred to as the bet amount). The payout is determined by multiplying the bet amount by the odds. Publicly known methods can be used for determining the odds and for paying out the payout. For example, the odds may be determined according to the parimutuel system, and the payout may be paid out in the same way as the payout method for correct predictions in internet betting in general public sports.

[0029] The voting and subsequent processing will be carried out in the manner described above. In the case described below, voting will be conducted for each match, and the aforementioned added value (addition condition) will be updated for each match.

[0030] To explain in more detail, in a basketball league, games are played in each of the multiple rounds set up during a season, and each game is eligible for voting. The added value changes for each game, or in other words, it is reviewed and updated each time a round is played. Here, one season corresponds to a predetermined period, which is usually one year or six months. A round corresponds to a unit period, which is set up to determine the order of each of the multiple games played in a season, and is usually a period of two to three days.

[0031] Furthermore, the added value is not limited to being updated for each round (each match); it may also remain constant throughout the season.

[0032] [Information Processing Systems] Next, an information processing system including the information processing device of the present invention will be described. The above information processing system was built to conduct online voting services, and will be referred to as "Voting System S" below.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the voting system S includes a central management server (hereinafter referred to as server 10) and user terminals 12 for voters. These devices are connected to each other via a communication network 14. While the number of user terminals 12 is normally proportional to the number of voters, in Figure 3, for illustrative purposes, there are shown as three user terminals 12. However, the number of user terminals 12 can be any number.

[0034] Server 10 corresponds to an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is, for example, a computer used by a voting service operator when providing voting services. Server 10 acquires and stores various information necessary for voting services, and uses the acquired information to perform various information processing related to voting services.

[0035] The main information processing performed by Server 10 includes receiving votes from each voter, obtaining performance values ​​for each player in the target match, determining whether the voter's prediction was correct, and rewarding voters whose predictions were correct (specifically, paying out dividends).

[0036] Server 10 may consist of a single computer, or it may consist of multiple computers configured in parallel and distributed.

[0037] The user terminal 12 is a device operated by voters when casting a vote, and consists of a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, television receiver capable of inputting information, and wearable device, etc. Voters obtain a voting account and log in to the server 10 with their account when casting a vote. At this time, voters may be asked to enter authentication information (for example, account name and password).

[0038] The user terminal 12 communicates with the server 10 to receive and process voting data, displaying the information indicated by the data (for example, the input screens shown in Figures 1 and 2). Voters operate the user terminal 12 while viewing the displayed information to cast their votes. Through this, the user terminal 12 inputs the necessary voting information (voting information described later), such as the predicted ranking of the players and the amount of votes cast. The input voting information is sent from the user terminal 12 to the server 10.

[0039] After the match ends, voters can check the accuracy of their predictions via the user terminal 12, and if their prediction is correct, they can check the amount of their winnings (refund amount). Voters whose predictions are correct can receive their winnings by performing a prescribed refund operation on the user terminal 12 or by operating a payout dispenser (not shown) installed in a designated location.

[0040] Voting is not limited to being conducted through a user terminal 12 owned by the voter; it may also be conducted through a voting terminal (not shown) installed at the match venue or match viewing venue (for example, a public viewing venue). In this case, the voter would go to the location where the voting terminal is installed and cast their vote by operating the terminal.

[0041] [Example of the configuration of the information processing device of the present invention] Next, an example of the configuration of an information processing device, namely a server 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the server 10 has hardware equipment such as a processor 21, memory 22, communication interface 23, storage 24, input device 25 and output device 26, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus 27.

[0042] Furthermore, the server 10 has software installed, including a program for the operating system (OS) and an application program for the voting service. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention. By the processor 21 operating according to the above programs, the server 10 functions as an information processing device of the present invention and performs a series of information processing related to the voting service.

[0043] The processor 21 may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The memory 22 may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication interface 23 may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard using the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited and may include communication via Wi-Fi®-based wireless LAN, communication via 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile communication systems, or communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution). Storage 24 includes flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), and CD. The storage may consist of a Compact Disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. The storage 24 may be built into the chassis of the server 10, or it may be connected to the server main body in an external format. Alternatively, the storage 24 may consist of an external computer, specifically a database server, etc., that is connected to the main body of the server 10 in a manner that allows communication. The input device 25 may consist of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The output device 26 may consist of, for example, a display and speakers.

[0044] To explain the configuration of server 10 from a functional standpoint, as shown in Figure 5, server 10 includes a player information storage unit 31, a condition storage unit 32, an update unit 33, a reception unit 34, a vote storage unit 35, a warning unit 36, an acquisition unit 37, a hit / miss determination unit 38, and a reward granting unit 39. Each of these functional units is realized through the cooperation of the server 10 hardware equipment, including the processor 21, and the OS (Operating System) and application program for the voting service installed on server 10. The following describes each functional part.

[0045] The player information storage unit 31 stores information about players (equivalent to registered athletes) who are registered to participate in the target match. The player information stored by the player information storage unit 31 (hereinafter referred to as "player information") can be described as follows: As shown in Figure 6, the player information is divided into two teams competing in the target match and includes each player's name, player number, position in the match, average playing time (minutes), average goals scored, and a foreign player flag. Other information (for example, age, height, and total goals scored this season) may also be included in the player information.

[0046] Average match playing time and average score represent each player's activity level in past matches (corresponding to past competitions), and are the average of the playing time and the average of the scores earned in the most recent N matches (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; the same applies hereafter). These values ​​are referenced when setting the bonus values ​​for each player.

[0047] The foreign player flag is information indicating whether or not a player is a foreign player. For example, it is represented by a binary value (0 or 1), where "1" means that the player is a foreign player. The reason why the foreign player flag is stored as player information is that in basketball league games, foreign players are restricted players, meaning that the number of foreign players that can participate in a game simultaneously for each team is limited to a certain number or less. To explain in more detail, for example, the number of foreign players that can be registered for each game is i (where i is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), and of the registered foreign players, the number that can participate in the game simultaneously is set to j (where j is a natural number less than or equal to i).

[0048] In this specification, "foreigner" refers to a national of a different nationality than the country hosting the match, and hereafter refers to a national other than a Japanese national. Furthermore, the number of athletes whose participation in a match is limited (restricted athletes) is not limited to foreign athletes, but may also include naturalized athletes. In addition, exceptions may be made to the number of foreign athletes that can participate in a match simultaneously on one team. For example, a special participation quota may be set aside for foreign athletes of a designated country (a separate quota set aside from the participation quota for foreign athletes of other countries).

[0049] The player information storage unit 31 stores player information for each target match held in a designated period. A match held in a designated period is a match for which the number of days remaining until that period is less than or equal to a designated number of days (for example, about one week), and a specific example would be a match to be held in the next period. Furthermore, the matches to be held in a designated period change as time passes. Accordingly, the player information stored in the player information storage unit 31 is updated as needed, specifically, player information for matches that have already been held is deleted, and player information for matches scheduled to be held in the next period is newly registered.

[0050] The condition storage unit 32 stores the aforementioned addition conditions, specifically the addition values. The addition values ​​are set for each of the multiple players participating in the target match. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, the condition storage unit 32 stores the addition values ​​for each player for each target match.

[0051] The bonus value is set for each player according to their past average match playing time or average score (performance value), and is set, for example, by the betting service operator before the start of the match. The procedure for setting the bonus value is not particularly limited. For example, within the same team, the player with the highest average score in the most recent N matches may be designated as the benchmark player, and the bonus value for each player in the same team as the benchmark player may be set according to the difference between each player's average score and the benchmark player's average score. For newly registered players, such as rookie players, who do not have past performance data, the added value may be set to a predetermined value, specifically a value unique to the newly registered player, instead of following the setting procedure described above.

[0052] Before storing the added value in the condition storage unit 32, the added value is acquired. The method for acquiring the added value is not particularly limited; the added value may be input through the input device 25 of the server 10, or it may be received from an external terminal that manages the added value through communication between the server 10 and the external terminal.

[0053] The update unit 33 updates the addition conditions (addition values) stored in the condition storage unit 32 for each section. In other words, the addition values ​​applied to the same player are updated by the update unit 33 for each section and reviewed for each match. The update of conditions by the update unit 33 may be performed automatically at the time when the section changes or immediately before, or it may be performed when the operator of the server 10 inputs a new addition condition into the input device 25.

[0054] The reception unit 34 receives votes cast by voters for the target match, and more specifically, receives votes through communication with user terminals 12 via the communication network 14. The votes received by the reception unit 34 are information representing the voter's predictions. The predictions indicate the players (registered competitors) participating in the target match that the voter has designated as expected to achieve a set ranking in the match (designated results).

[0055] Furthermore, in order to accept votes from voters, the reception unit 34 first notifies the voter in a state where they can specify the players participating in the target match. "Notifying in a state where players can be specified" means, for example, that the voter's user terminal 12 displays the player information of the players participating in the target match in a list format. Specifically, the reception unit 34 transmits the display data of the voting input screen shown in Figure 1 to the user terminal 12. The specific voting acceptance procedure, including the voting input screen, will be described in detail later.

[0056] The voting memory unit 35 stores voting information, including predictions, for the votes received by the reception unit 34. Voting information (hereinafter referred to as "voting information") is stored for each vote received. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the voting information includes the voter's user ID (account name), the matchday and opposing teams of the target game, the voting format, the prediction (players expected to finish in the set position), and the amount of the vote. Other information (for example, the voter's personal information and information regarding the method of refunding dividends) may also be included in the voting information.

[0057] The warning unit 36 ​​executes a warning process as necessary when a vote is made in the form of a C-type vote or a D-type vote (i.e., when a vote is made designating two or more players). The warning process is executed against the voter who made the vote when the receiving unit 34 receives a vote designating two or more players who have a predetermined relationship. Two or more players who have a predetermined relationship are two or more players who meet either condition (1) or condition (2) below. Condition (1): Two or more players belong to the same team and play the same position in the match. Condition (2): Two or more players belong to the same team, and all of them qualify as foreign players, and the number of foreign players exceeds the number of players allowed to participate in one match (i.e., the prescribed number j).

[0058] If two or more players who meet condition (1) are selected, their positions will overlap, meaning one player may not play in the match, or if they are substituted in, their playing time will be short. In such situations, the probability of the prediction being wrong increases, so a warning is issued to inform the voter. If you select two or more players who meet condition (2), the number of foreign players from the same team that can play in a single match will be limited to a predetermined number j or less. As a result, any foreign players exceeding the predetermined number j will either not be able to play in the match, or if they are substituted in, their playing time will be short. In such situations, the probability of your prediction being wrong increases, so a warning process will be implemented to inform the voter of this.

[0059] The warning process can be any process that can warn voters and draw their attention to them. For example, the warning process may send warning control data to the user terminal 12, causing the user terminal 12 to display a warning message or generate a warning sound. After the warning process is executed, the voter who received the warning will be asked to re-vote. You may encourage a re-vote. In that case, it is preferable to discard the votes received before the warning and then accept the re-voted votes again.

[0060] The acquisition unit 37 acquires the performance values ​​of each player who participated in the target match when the match is played, specifically the score each player scored during the match. The method by which the acquisition unit 37 acquires the performance values ​​is not particularly limited. For example, the performance values ​​may be input through the input device 25 of the server 10. Alternatively, after the match ends, the acquisition unit 37 may communicate with another server that distributes news of the match results and receive the performance values ​​from that other server. Alternatively, the performance values ​​of each player may be determined by filming the target match with a video camera or the like and analyzing the video file that was filmed.

[0061] The accuracy determination unit 38 determines whether the predictions in the votes received by the reception unit 34 were accurate, that is, whether the predicted players who were expected to finish in the target match in the set rank were correct. When the target match ends, the accuracy determination unit 38 reads the vote information received by the reception unit 34 for that match from the vote storage unit 35 and identifies the predictions from the read vote information.

[0062] The ranking of each player in the target match is determined by the sum of the performance value of each player obtained by the acquisition unit 37 for that match and the added value for players who participated in that match. In this case, from the standpoint of fairness, the players to whom the added value is added may be limited to specific players (equivalent to specific competitors) whose performance value in the target match meets predetermined conditions, for example, it may be limited to players who scored 1 point or more during the target match. In this case, the ranking of each player in the target match will be determined according to the performance value (score) of the specific player in that match and the added value corresponding to the specific competitor.

[0063] The accuracy determination unit 38 determines whether the predictions made in the vote for the target match were correct, based on the ranking of each player in that match. In this case, if the players to whom the bonus value is added are limited to the specific players mentioned above, the accuracy determination unit 38 determines whether the predictions made in the vote for the target match were correct, based on the ranking of each specific player in that match.

[0064] Furthermore, the above is not the only possible case. Regardless of whether they are specific players or not, the rankings of all players who participated in the target match may be determined, and based on each player's ranking, it may be judged whether the predictions for the target match were correct. In this case, for players who participated in the target match but did not score, it is advisable to adjust their performance value by multiplying the performance value with the added value added (i.e., the same value as the added value) by 0, and then determine their ranking from the adjusted performance value. In this way, players who did not score in the match will be given a ranking, but will not move up to the top ranks. This allows for a judgment to be made in essentially the same manner as when determining whether the predictions were correct based on the ranking of specific players.

[0065] The reward distribution unit 39, when the voter's prediction is correct, distributes a reward to the voter who made the correct prediction, and more specifically, it performs the process of paying out the dividend. The reward distribution unit 39 determines the dividend according to the amount of the vote paid by the voter when they placed the vote, for example, the dividend is the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of the vote by the odds corresponding to the prediction.

[0066] [Information Processing Flow] Next, the information processing flow related to voting will be described. This information processing flow is executed by the voting system S. The information processing flow described below employs the information processing method of the present invention. In other words, each step in the information processing flow described below corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention.

[0067] In the following, we will explain using a specific example where voter X casts a vote for a basketball game Gk held in Section k (where k is a natural number). In the game Gk, Team Ta and Team Tb compete, and the performance scores of each player in the game Gk are as shown in Figure 9.

[0068] The information processing flow related to voting is divided into a vote acceptance flow, which accepts votes, and a judgment flow, which determines whether or not the vote predictions were correct. The following describes each processing flow.

[0069] (Voting process flow) The voting process is carried out by the computers that make up the server 10 and the user terminals 12, and proceeds according to the flow shown in Figure 10. Specifically, first, voter X performs a voting operation on their user terminal 12 (S001). At this time, voter X selects the match Gk as the target match, and the result of this selection is sent from voter X's user terminal 12 to the server 10 via the communication network 14.

[0070] Upon receiving the selection result from the user terminal 12, the server 10 determines whether the selected match goalkeeper is currently available for voting (S002). If the match goalkeeper is currently available for voting, the server 10 proceeds to the next step S003. On the other hand, if voting for the match goalkeeper is not possible at this time, for example, because voting for the match goalkeeper has not yet begun, the process ends at that point.

[0071] In step S003, the server 10 generates display data for the input screen for player selection as data to notify the voter that it is possible to select a player to play as the goalkeeper in the match, and sends the display data to the voter X's user terminal 12. The voter X's user terminal 12 receives and expands the display data sent from the server 10, and the voting input screen shown in Figure 1 is displayed (S004).

[0072] The voting input screen displays player information for the players from teams Ta and Tb who will be competing in the match as goalkeepers. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the player's name, number, position, whether or not they are a foreign player, and their average score in the last N matches are displayed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the voting input screen also displays the bonus conditions set for each goalkeeper participating in the match, and more specifically, the bonus value.

[0073] At the bottom of the voting input screen are buttons B1 to B4 for selecting the voting format. Voter X selects one of the voting formats from "A-style voting" to "D-style voting" and touches or clicks the button corresponding to the selected voting format (S005). If "A-style voting" or "B-style voting" is selected, voter X predicts and specifies one player from the players displayed on the screen who will come in 1st place or 1st to 3rd place (S006, S007). On the other hand, if "C-style voting" or "D-style voting" is selected, voter X predicts and specifies three players from the players displayed on the screen who will come in 1st to 3rd place (S006, S008).

[0074] The method for selecting a player is not particularly limited, but for example, you may select a player by touching or clicking the column for the player you wish to select on the voting input screen shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, although it is a different configuration from Figure 1, if players are displayed in the form of a pull-down list, you may select the player you wish to select from the pull-down list. Furthermore, if an input field is provided for entering the results of your player selection, you may enter the name of the player you wish to select in the input field.

[0075] Subsequently, when voter X touches or clicks the voting button B5 located at the bottom of the voting input screen, data indicating the predicted content of the vote, that is, data showing the result of voter X's selection of players, is generated by voter X's user terminal 12. The generated data is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication network 14 (S009).

[0076] Server 10 accepts a vote by receiving data indicating the content of the vote prediction (S010). Subsequently, Server 10 determines whether two or more players are specified in the content of the received vote prediction, in other words, whether the voting format is a C-type vote or a D-type vote. (S011). If two or more players are specified, the server 10 determines whether the specified players are two or more players who meet the above conditions (1) or (2) (S012).

[0077] If there is only one designated player, and the designated player is not two or more players who meet condition (1) or (2), server 10 proceeds to step S014.

[0078] On the other hand, if there are two or more designated players, and both or more players meet condition (1) or (2), the server 10 executes a warning process for voter X (S013). As a result, a warning message is displayed or a warning sound is emitted on voter X's user terminal 12. When a warning process is executed, voter X's user terminal 12 returns to step S008, and the players expected to come in 1st to 3rd place are designated again (re-designated). However, this is not limited to this, and for example, after a warning process is executed, the system may proceed directly to step S014 without returning to step S008.

[0079] In step S014, the server 10 generates display data for the vote amount input screen as data to determine the amount of voting value (money) to be cast in the vote, and sends the display data to the voter X's user terminal 12. The voter X's user terminal 12 receives and displays the display data sent from the server 10, and the vote amount input screen shown in Figure 2 is displayed. (S015).

[0080] Voter X sets the vote amount, enters that amount on the input screen, and then touches or clicks the confirmation button B6 located at the bottom of the input screen. This triggers the user terminal 12 to generate data indicating the entered vote amount and transmit the generated data to the server 10 via the communication network 14 (S016). When the server 10 receives the data indicating the vote amount (S017), the vote acceptance flow ends at that point.

[0081] The voting information received by server 10, specifically the predicted voting content indicated by the data received in step S010 and the voting amount indicated by the data received in step S017, is combined into a single record of voting information and stored in memory 22 or storage 24.

[0082] (Decision flow) The decision flow is primarily performed by the computers that make up server 10 and proceeds according to the flow shown in Figure 11. Specifically, after the goalkeeping match is over (Yes in S021), server 10 obtains the performance value of each player in the goalkeeping match, more specifically, the score of the goals scored during the match, for each player (S022). The method for obtaining each player's score in step S022 is not particularly limited. For example, as mentioned above, news regarding the results of the goalkeeping match, including each player's score, may be obtained from an external server, and each player's score in the goalkeeping match may be determined based on that news.

[0083] The goalkeeping scores for each player in the match are shown in Figure 9. Of the 14 players registered as goalkeepers for the match, nine players scored goals during the match, excluding "BBB", "CCC", "GGG", "TTT", and "VVV". Server 10 recognizes these nine players as specific players.

[0084] Server 10 sums up the scores of each player obtained in step S022 and the corresponding added values ​​for each player to determine the ranking of each player in the match goalkeeper position (S023). At this time, Server 10 reads the added values ​​of the players participating in the match goalkeeper position of the kth round from the voting storage unit 35, calculates the sum for each specific player who scored a goal, and determines the ranking of each specific player. In the case shown in Figure 9, player "EEE" is ranked 1st, player "RRR" is ranked 2nd, and player "AAA" is ranked 3rd.

[0085] Next, the server 10 identifies the predicted content of the votes cast for the goalkeeper in the match (S024). Specifically, the server 10 reads the voting information regarding the goalkeeper in the match from the voting storage unit 35 and identifies the predicted content from the read voting information. If multiple people have voted for the goalkeeper in the match, the server 10 repeats the steps from step S024 onward (S024 to S026) the same number of times as the number of votes.

[0086] Next, Server 10 compares the ranking of each player (more precisely, each specific player) in the match goalkeeper position determined in step S023 with the voting predictions identified in step S024, and determines whether the voting predictions were correct. In other words, Server 10 determines whether the players predicted to be in the set rankings were correct (S025). Subsequently, for the votes whose predictions were correct, Server 10 determines the amount of the dividend as a reward, according to the amount of the vote paid at the time of the vote (S026). Furthermore, Server 10 executes the dividend refund process for the voters whose predictions were correct (S027).

[0087] Once the above series of processes are completed, the decision flow for determining the winner of the match goalkeeper position ends.

[0088] [summary] The information processing device of the present invention includes a reception unit 34 for receiving votes, an acquisition unit 37 for acquiring the activity values ​​of athletes, and a hit rate determination unit 38 for determining whether the predictions of the received votes were correct. The reception unit 34 receives votes for predictions regarding the ranking of each athlete in a target competition in which multiple athletes participate. The acquisition unit 37 acquires the activity values ​​of each athlete in the target competition. The hit rate determination unit 38 determines whether the predictions of the received votes were correct based on the activity values ​​of each athlete in the target competition and the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the modification conditions for each athlete on the activity values. According to the information processing device of the present invention having the above configuration, adjustment conditions are set for each athlete's ranking in the target competition, taking into account individual differences among athletes (specifically, differences in physique, age, ability, and experience). Then, each athlete's ranking is determined based on the activity value adjusted according to the adjustment conditions. With this mechanism, when voting on predictions for each athlete's ranking in the target competition, each athlete can be treated more fairly, thus improving the interest of voting. This can promote voting and related activities.

[0089] Furthermore, the information processing device of the present invention may also have a reward-granting unit. In this case, it is preferable that, when the vote prediction is correct, the reward-granting unit 39 determines a reward corresponding to the voting value paid by the voter when casting their vote, and grants the reward to the voter. By granting rewards to voters whose vote predictions are correct, it is possible to stimulate the willingness to vote, further enhance the appeal of voting, and promote voting even more.

[0090] Furthermore, if athletes whose activity values ​​in the target competition meet predetermined conditions are designated as specific athletes, the hit rate determination unit 38 may determine whether the prediction of the vote was correct based on the activity value of each specific athlete in the target competition and the ranking of each specific athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the modification conditions corresponding to the specific athlete. By applying the modification conditions to the activity values ​​of specific athletes who meet predetermined conditions, the ranking of each athlete in the target competition can be appropriately determined. To explain this more clearly using the above embodiment as an example, it is possible to avoid situations where an athlete with no points is ranked higher due to the addition conditions (additional value).

[0091] Furthermore, the activity values ​​of athletes acquired by the acquisition unit 37 may be the athletes' performance values ​​in the target competition, and the correction conditions may be conditions for adding to the performance values. In this case, if the conditions for adding to each athlete's performance value are set taking into account the individual differences among athletes, the athletes' rankings can be appropriately determined taking into account the individual differences among athletes. As a result, each athlete can be treated more fairly, and the interest of voting on predictions regarding each athlete's ranking will be further enhanced.

[0092] Furthermore, the reception unit 34 may notify users of a selection of multiple pre-registered athletes and accept votes indicating the selection results for registered athletes who are expected to achieve the set rank in the target competition. In this case, voting can be made by selecting athletes from among multiple registered athletes who are expected to achieve the set rank, thus enabling simpler voting.

[0093] Furthermore, the information processing device of the present invention may have a condition storage unit 32 for storing modification conditions. Preferably, the condition storage unit 32 stores modification conditions set for each athlete according to each athlete's performance activity value in past competitions. In this case, the modification conditions applied to each athlete are determined according to each athlete's performance activity value in past competitions, so the conditions appropriately take into account individual differences among athletes. As a result, each athlete can be treated more fairly, and the interest of voting on predictions regarding each athlete's ranking is further enhanced.

[0094] Furthermore, the information processing device of the present invention may further include an update unit 33 that updates the modification conditions stored in the condition storage unit 32. When the target competition is held in each of multiple unit periods (specifically, sections) set within a predetermined period, the update unit 33 may update the modification conditions for each athlete for each unit period. In this way, the modification conditions are updated for each unit period (in other words, for each match), and this is reflected in the ranking of each athlete determined according to the modification conditions. As a result, the interest of voting can be further enhanced.

[0095] Furthermore, the information processing device of the present invention may further include a warning unit 36 ​​that performs warning processing. When voting is performed by designating a number of athletes corresponding to the designated ranking group, in a target competition, the warning unit 36 ​​preferably performs warning processing to the voter when the receiving unit 34 receives a vote designating two or more athletes in a predetermined relationship. This makes it possible to warn and draw attention to the person (voter) who has designated two or more athletes in a predetermined relationship.

[0096] In the above configuration, the target competition may be a team competition in which two or more teams compete for the highest score. In this case, the warning unit 36 ​​should issue a warning to the voter when the receiving unit 34 receives a vote from two or more competitors who meet the following condition (1). Condition (1): Two or more athletes belong to the same organization and hold the same position in the match. The above configuration allows voters to be informed if their vote is disadvantageous. Specifically, if a voter designates multiple athletes from the same team and in the same position, one of those athletes may not be able to play in the match, or their playing time may be reduced due to substitution. Therefore, the likelihood of that athlete ranking highly is low, and the accuracy of votes predicting that athlete's ranking decreases. By issuing a warning in such cases to draw attention, it is possible to prevent voters from suffering disadvantages.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the warning unit 36 ​​executes a warning process to the voter when the receiving unit 34 receives a vote designated by two or more competitors who are in a relationship that meets the following condition (2). Condition (2): Each of two or more competitors belongs to the same organization, and each competitor is a restricted competitor for which the number of competitors allowed to participate in a single match is limited, and the number of restricted competitors exceeds the prescribed number. With the above configuration, as with the configuration described above, it is possible to inform voters that their vote is disadvantageous to them. Specifically, if a voter designates more than the specified number of restricted athletes (for example, foreign athletes) who belong to the same organization and whose number of players allowed to participate in a single match is limited to a certain number or less, the restricted athletes exceeding the allowed number will either not be able to play in the match or will have shorter playing time due to substitutions. Therefore, the likelihood of the restricted athletes exceeding the specified number achieving a high ranking is low, and the accuracy of votes predicting a high ranking for these restricted athletes decreases. By issuing a warning in such cases to draw attention, it is possible to prevent voters from suffering disadvantages.

[0098] Furthermore, the information processing method of the present invention is characterized in that a computer accepts votes regarding predictions about the ranking of athletes in a target competition in which multiple athletes participate, the computer obtains the activity value of each athlete in the target competition, and the computer determines whether the predictions of the received votes were accurate based on the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the activity value of each athlete in the target competition and the modification conditions for each athlete to the activity value. With such an information processing method, individual differences among athletes are taken into consideration when determining the ranking of each athlete in the target competition. As a result, when voting on predictions about the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, each athlete can be treated more fairly, thereby improving the interest of voting and promoting voting.

[0099] The information processing method of the present invention can be implemented by the information processing device alone, or by a combination of the information processing device and a user terminal (i.e., an information processing system). Here, the information processing device consists of a computer and may be, for example, a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, since the series of information processing described above (excluding information input and display) is performed by the server computer, the user terminal only needs to input information to be handed over to the server computer and display the information delivered from the server computer.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention is a program executed by a computer, characterized in that it allows the computer to accept votes regarding predictions about the ranking of athletes in a target competition in which multiple athletes participate, allows the computer to acquire the activity value of each athlete in the target competition, and allows the computer to determine whether the predictions of the accepted votes were correct or not based on each athlete's ranking in the target competition, which is determined according to each athlete's activity value and the adjustment conditions for each athlete's activity value. By executing such a program by a computer, it becomes possible to treat each athlete more fairly when voting on predictions about each athlete's ranking in the target competition. As a result, the interest of voting is improved and voting can be promoted.

[0101] The above program may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or by receiving (downloading) it via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0102] [Other embodiments] Although the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described with specific examples, the embodiments described above are merely examples, and other embodiments may also be conceivable.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the server 10 functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but some of the functions of the server 10 may be provided on the user terminal 12. For example, the warning unit 36 ​​may be provided on the user terminal 12. In that case, when a voter casts a vote, if they specify two or more players who meet the above conditions (1) or (2), the user terminal 12 will execute a warning process for the voter and output a warning message or a warning sound.

[0104] Furthermore, while the above embodiment assumes that voting for the competition takes place before the competition begins, specifically before the start of the match, it is not limited to this. For example, voting for the ranking of each competitor in the match may take place during the period from the start of the match until the end of the match (i.e., during the match).

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the addition conditions as modification conditions were set based on each player's performance values ​​in past matches, specifically, the average playing time and average goals per match, but are not limited to this. For example, the addition conditions for each player may be set based on each player's career, age, physique, and position during matches. Alternatively, the addition conditions for each player may be set based on the number of times they have ranked highly in scoring (i.e., the number of matches in which they have ranked highly in scoring). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 10. Server (information processing device, computer) 12 User terminals 14. Communications Network 21 processors 22 memory 23 Communication Interfaces 24 storage 25 Input devices 26 Output device 27 bus 31 Player information storage section 32 Condition memory section 33 Update section 34 Reception Department 35 Voting memory 36 Warning section 37 Acquisition Department 38 Hit judgment section 39. Reward Distribution Department B1, B2, B3, B4 Selection buttons for voting format B5 Voting Button B6 Select button S Voting System

Claims

1. A reception area for accepting votes regarding predictions about the rankings of the aforementioned athletes in a competition involving multiple athletes, An acquisition unit that acquires activity values ​​for each of the aforementioned athletes in the aforementioned target competition, A hit rate determination unit determines whether the prediction of the received vote was correct based on the activity value of each athlete in the target competition and the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the modification conditions for each athlete to the activity value. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reward granting unit that, if the prediction of the vote is correct, determines a reward corresponding to the voting value paid by the voter when making the vote, and grants the reward to the voter.

3. When an athlete whose activity level in the aforementioned target competition meets the predetermined conditions is designated as a specified athlete, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the prediction unit determines whether the prediction of the vote was correct based on the activity value of each of the specified athletes in the target competition and the ranking of each of the specified athletes in the target competition, which is determined according to the modification conditions corresponding to the specified athletes.

4. The activity value is the performance value of the athlete in the target competition. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the modification condition is an addition condition to the performance value.

5. The aforementioned reception unit is The system notifies the participant that they can select from multiple registered athletes who have been registered in advance. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which receives the vote indicating the designated result for the registered athlete whose ranking in the target competition is expected to be a set rank.

6. It has a condition storage unit that stores the aforementioned modification conditions, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the condition storage unit stores the modification conditions set for each athlete according to the performance activity value of each athlete in past competitions.

7. The system further includes an update unit that updates the modified conditions stored in the condition storage unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, when the target competition is held in each of a plurality of unit periods set within a predetermined period, the update unit updates the modification conditions for each of the athletes for each unit period.

8. When the aforementioned vote is conducted by designating a number of athletes, corresponding to the designated ranking group, who are expected to rank in one of the designated ranking groups in the competition in question, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a warning unit that executes a warning process to a voter when the reception unit receives the aforementioned vote designated by two or more competitors in a predetermined relationship.

9. The aforementioned competition is a team sport in which two or more teams compete to determine the highest score. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the warning unit executes the warning process to the voter when the reception unit receives the vote designated by two or more athletes who are in a relationship that meets the following condition (1): Two or more athletes belong to the same organization and have the same position in the match.

10. The aforementioned competition is a team sport in which two or more teams compete to determine the highest score. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the warning unit executes the warning process to the voter when the reception unit receives a vote in which two or more athletes who are in a relationship that meets the following condition (2): Each of the two or more athletes belongs to the same organization and is a restricted athlete, the number of which is limited for each organization to participate in a single match, and the number of athletes who are restricted athlete exceeds a predetermined number.

11. The computer accepts votes regarding predictions about the ranking of the athletes in a competition in which multiple athletes participate. The computer acquires the activity values ​​of each athlete in the aforementioned competition, The computer determines whether the predictions in the submitted votes were correct based on the activity values ​​of each athlete in the target competition and the ranking of each athlete in the target competition, which is determined according to the modification conditions for each athlete to the activity values. An information processing method characterized by the following:

12. A program executed by a computer, A computer is used to accept votes regarding predictions about the ranking of the athletes in a competition in which multiple athletes participate. The activity values ​​of each athlete in the aforementioned target competition are to be acquired by a computer. The computer is made to determine whether the predictions of the received votes were correct, based on the activity values ​​of each athlete in the target competition and the individual athlete modification conditions applied to those activity values, which are determined according to the ranking of each athlete in the target competition. A program characterized by the following features.

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