Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This makes it easier for voters to cast their votes in a competition by referring to the predictions made by forecasters. [Solution] The information processing device 10 includes a registration unit 112 that associates and registers predictors who predict the results of a competition with users, and a notification unit 114 that notifies users of information about predictors before the first prediction, which shows the content of predicting the results of the first competition among multiple competitions, is made public when a predictor plans to make public a first prediction.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a voting prediction disclosure system in which a predictor who predicts a winning vote in a competition discloses the content of the predicted winning vote to voters who vote in the competition (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By using a conventional voting prediction disclosure system, a voter can vote in a competition while referring to the content of the predicted winning vote disclosed by the predictor. However, when the timing of disclosure of the content predicted by the predictor is late, there is a problem that the voter may vote before the content predicted by the predictor is disclosed.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to make it easier for a voter to vote in a competition while referring to the content predicted by the predictor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a registration unit that registers by associating a predictor who predicts the result of a competition with a user, and when the predictor is scheduled to disclose a first prediction indicating the content of the prediction of the result of a first competition among a plurality of the competitions, a notification unit that notifies the user of information about the predictor before the first prediction is disclosed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for voters to cast their votes in a competition while referring to the predictions made by predictors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information terminal 20. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a screen where a user registers a predictor. [Figure 5] This is an example of a screen showing information about a user-registered predictor. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying the predictions made by the predictor. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of the information processing device 10. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of data stored in the memory unit 12. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the operation flow in the information processing device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a computer and is composed of one or more physical servers. The information processing device 10 may be configured using virtual servers that operate on a hypervisor, or it may be configured using cloud servers.

[0011] The information processing device 10 is a device that notifies voters who vote in a competition (hereinafter referred to as "users") of information about predictors who predict the results of the competition. The competitions are, for example, bicycle racing, auto racing, horse racing, boat racing, or electronic sports, and are competitions that users can vote on. The information about predictors includes, for example, competition name information indicating the name of the competition that the predictor is predicting, or information indicating the situation in which the predictor is predicting the results of the competition (hereinafter referred to as "situation information"). The situation information is, for example, information indicating one of the following: "pre-prediction," "prediction in progress," or "public."

[0012] The information processing device 10 identifies predictors registered in association with a user and notifies the user of information regarding the identified predictor. The information processing device 10 registers a user and a predictor in association with each other, for example, when the registration conditions are met. The registration conditions include, for example, the user operating the information terminal 20 to register the predictor in association with each other, the user voting in past competitions based on the content predicted by the predictor (hereinafter referred to as "prediction content"), or the result of the user's vote based on the prediction content being correct.

[0013] Before publicly disclosing to multiple users the content predicted by a predictor about the result of a competition, the information processing apparatus 10 notifies the users registered in association with the predictor of the information about the predictor. On the other hand, at a time before publicly disclosing to multiple users the content predicted by the predictor about the result of the competition, the information processing apparatus 10 does not notify the users not registered in association with the predictor of the information about the predictor.

[0014] The information terminal 20 is a device used by a user who votes in a competition using the information processing system 1, and is, for example, a device such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0015] The information terminal 20 is installed with a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated app") for, for example, a user to vote for a voting target in a competition, register the user and a predictor in association with each other, or obtain information about the predictor. The user can vote for a voting target in a competition, register the user and a predictor in association with each other, or obtain information about the predictor via the dedicated app.

[0016] The voting target is an object for which a user votes a predetermined value, and is determined by a combination of a competitor (including a competitor, a competition vehicle body, or an animal) predicted by the user to win among a plurality of competition bodies (including a competitor, a competition vehicle body, or an animal) that are candidates for the voting target and a bet formula (voting method). The predetermined value is a tangible or intangible thing that can be used by the user to obtain an item or service, such as money, electronic currency, or points.

[0017] By operating the information processing apparatus 10 and the information terminal 20 in this way, the user of the information terminal 20 can easily know the name of the competition predicted by the predictor registered in association with the user. Furthermore, before the predictor discloses the content of the prediction of the competition result, the user can know the situation predicted by the predictor. As a result, the information processing system 1 can prevent the user from voting without checking the content predicted by the predictor at a time earlier than when the predictor discloses the prediction. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to vote in the competition while referring to the content predicted by the predictor. Hereinafter, the configurations and operations of the information processing apparatus 10 and the information terminal 20 will be described in detail.

[0018] [Hardware Configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication IF (Interface) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15.

[0019] [[ID=!2]]The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and realizes various functions by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0020] The storage unit 12 has a storage medium such as a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 stores a program executed by the processor 11. In addition, the storage unit 12 stores the voting content of the user and the groups the user participates in, in association with the user ID.

[0021] The communication IF 13 has a communication controller for performing wired communication or wireless communication with the information terminal 20 via the network N. The communication IF 13 notifies the processor 11 of the data received from the information terminal 20. In addition, the communication IF 13 transmits the data input from the processor 11 to the information terminal 20.

[0022] The input device 14 receives input operations from, for example, the administrator of the information processing device 10. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, or microphone. The output device 15 outputs information to, for example, the administrator of the information processing device 10. The output device 15 is, for example, a display or speaker.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication interface 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0024] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, and it performs various functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit 22.

[0025] The memory unit 22 has storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory unit 22 stores the program that the processor 21 executes.

[0026] The communication IF23 has a communication controller for wired or wireless communication with the information processing device 10 via the network N. The communication IF23 notifies the processor 21 of data received from the information processing device 10. The communication IF23 also transmits data input from the processor 21 to the information processing device 10.

[0027] The input device 24 accepts input from the user, for example. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, or microphone. The output device 25 is, for example, a display unit and an audio output unit that output information to the user, for example. The output device 25 is, for example, a display or speaker, for example.

[0028] [Example of the display screen of information terminal 20] Figures 4, 5, and 6 show examples of screens displayed on the information terminal 20. Figure 4 shows an example of a screen used by a user to register a predictor. The screen shown in Figure 4 includes display area 251, display area 252, display area 253, operation image 254, operation image 255, operation image 256, operation image 257, operation image 258, and operation image 259.

[0029] Display area 251 is an area for displaying a subject that indicates the content displayed on the screen. In Figure 4, the subject "List of Predictors" is displayed. Display areas 252 and 253 are areas for displaying information indicating predictors that can be registered by users of the information terminal 20. Display areas 252 and 253, respectively, display information such as the predictor's photo, name, accuracy rate, and the number of users who have registered the predictor.

[0030] For example, as shown in display area 252, if there is only one predictor, the predictor's face photograph is displayed as information indicating the predictor. On the other hand, as shown in display area 253, if there are multiple predictors, the face photographs of each of the multiple predictors are displayed as information indicating the predictors.

[0031] Operational images 254 and 255 are operational images that allow the user to view detailed information about the predictor. Detailed information about the predictor includes, for example, the predictor's gender, age, and the names of the sports the predictor has predicted in the past. When the user presses operational image 254, the information terminal 20 displays the detailed information about the predictor shown in display area 252, and when the user presses operational image 255, it displays the detailed information about the predictor shown in display area 253.

[0032] Operation images 256 and 257 are operation images used by the user to register predictors. The information processing device 10 registers the user of the information terminal 20 and the predictor shown in the display area 252 by obtaining information from the information terminal 20 indicating that the user has pressed operation image 256. The information processing device 10 registers the user of the information terminal 20 and the predictor shown in the display area 253 by obtaining information from the information terminal 20 indicating that the user has pressed operation image 257.

[0033] Operation image 258 is an operation image for users to complete predictor registration. By pressing operation image 258, users can switch the content displayed on the screen to other content. Operation image 259 is an operation image for users to perform operations other than predictor registration via a dedicated app. By pressing operation image 259, users can switch to a screen for, for example, voting in a competition.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displaying information about a user-registered predictor. The screen shown in Figure 5 includes display area 261, display area 262, display area 263, operation image 264, and operation image 265. The screen shown in Figure 5 is a screen displayed by the information terminal 20 based on the information processing device 10 pushing information about the predictor to the information terminal 20. Push notification is when the information processing device 10 sends information about the predictor without receiving a request from the information terminal 20.

[0035] Display area 261 is an area for displaying an overview of the content shown on the screen. In Figure 5, the overview "Your favorite predictor will make a prediction" is displayed. Display area 262 is an area for displaying the names of one or more predictors registered by the user. In Figure 5, "AAA" and "Team C," who are predictors registered by the user of the information terminal 20, are displayed.

[0036] Display area 263 displays the names of one or more races predicted by one or more predictors shown in display area 262. In Figure 5, the race names "Kokura 2R" and "Kurume 3R" are displayed.

[0037] Operation image 264 is an operation image for launching a dedicated application for users to vote in competitions. Users can launch the dedicated application by pressing operation image 264. Through the launched dedicated application, users can view the predictions of the predictors shown in display area 262 and vote for the competitions corresponding to the competition names shown in display area 263.

[0038] Operation image 265 is an operation image that prevents the user from launching the dedicated app for voting in competitions. By pressing operation image 265, the user can switch the content displayed on the screen to other content without launching the dedicated app. In Figure 5, by pressing operation image 265, which displays "Close," the user of the information terminal 20 can switch the content displayed on the screen to other content without launching the dedicated app for voting in competitions.

[0039] For example, by viewing the display area 263 shown in Figure 5, the user can find out that a registered predictor is scheduled to start making predictions and the name of the sport in which the predictor will start making predictions. Then, by pressing the operation image 264 shown in Figure 5, the user can view the content of the predictor's predictions via the dedicated application.

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displaying the content of a predictor's prediction. Figure 6(a) shows the screen displaying the content of the predictor's prediction while the predictor is making a prediction. Figure 6(b) shows the screen displaying the content of the predictor's prediction after the predictor has made a prediction. The screen shown in Figure 6 includes display area 271, display area 272, display area 273, display area 274 and operation image 275.

[0041] Display area 271 displays the name of the competition that the predictor is predicting. In Figure 6, the words "Ogura 2R" indicating the competition name are displayed. Display area 272 is an area for displaying an image or video generated by capturing a predictor who is predicting the results of the competition. Display area 273 is an area for displaying the name of the predictor, which is the name of the predictor corresponding to the image or video displayed in display area 272. In Figure 6, the words "Team C" indicating the predictor name are displayed.

[0042] Display area 274 is an area for displaying the status of a predictor, corresponding to the predictor's name shown in display area 273, in predicting the outcome of the competition, or the content of the predictor's prediction. For example, if a predictor is predicting the outcome of the competition, the display area 274 displays the words "Predicting" to indicate the prediction status, as shown in Figure 6(a). If the predictor has already made their prediction, the display area 274 displays the words "Public" to indicate the prediction status, as shown in Figure 6(b), along with the target of the vote that the predictor predicted would win the competition.

[0043] The operation image 275 is an operation image that allows the user to vote in a competition based on the prediction made by the predictor. For example, as shown in Figure 6(b), if the predictor has already made a prediction about the outcome of the competition, the user can vote for the voting target included in the display area 274 by pressing the operation image 275. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6(a), if the predictor has not yet made a prediction about the outcome of the competition, the user cannot vote even if they press the operation image 275.

[0044] The information terminal 20 displays the content of the prediction shown in Figure 6(a), allowing users to know the situation predicted by the predictor before the predictor publishes their prediction. After the predictor has made their prediction, the information terminal 20 displays the content of the prediction shown in Figure 6(b), allowing users to vote in the competition while referring to the prediction published by the predictor.

[0045] [Functional Block Configuration] Figure 7 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the information processing device 10. The processor 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a registration unit 112, a video distribution unit 113, and a notification unit 114. The processor 11 functions as the acquisition unit 111, registration unit 112, video distribution unit 113, and notification unit 114 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0046] The storage unit 12 stores user data, including the username and predictor identification information (hereinafter referred to as "predictor ID") for identifying the predictor, associated with user identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") for identifying the user. The storage unit 12 stores predictor data, including the predictor's name, associated with the predictor ID. The storage unit 12 stores competition data, including the competition name, the time the competition starts, and the predictor ID corresponding to the predictor who predicts the result of the competition, associated with competition identification information (hereinafter referred to as "competitor ID") for identifying the competition.

[0047] Figure 8 shows an example of data stored in the memory unit 12. Figure 8(a) shows an example of user data. Figure 8(b) shows an example of predictor data. Figure 8(c) shows an example of competition data.

[0048] In the user data shown in Figure 8(a), a user ID, a user name, one or more predictor IDs, and one or more competition IDs are associated. The predictor ID is, for example, a predictor ID corresponding to a predictor registered in association with a user, and is a predictor ID that the registration unit 112 has stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the user ID. The competition ID is, for example, a competition ID corresponding to a competition selected by the user by operating the information terminal 20, and is a competition ID obtained from the information terminal 20 used by the user.

[0049] In the predictor data shown in Figure 8(b), the predictor ID is associated with the predictor's name. The storage unit 12 may store, as predictor data, at least one of the following, associated with the predictor ID: the predictor's gender, age, a competition ID indicating a competition the predictor has predicted in the past, or a prediction result indicating whether or not the prediction was correct in the past.

[0050] In the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), the competition ID, the competition name, the start time of the competition, multiple predictor IDs corresponding to multiple predictors who predict the competition corresponding to the competition ID, the prediction start time when each of the multiple predictors begins their prediction, and the prediction publication time when each of the multiple predictors publishes their prediction.

[0051] The memory unit 12 may store a voting history showing what the user has voted for in the past, a prediction usage history showing what the user has voted for in the past based on the predictions of a predictor, or a prediction result history showing whether or not the results of the user's past votes were correct.

[0052] Returning to Figure 7, the configuration of each part of the processor 11 will be explained. The acquisition unit 111 acquires a competition ID to identify the competition selected by the user from among several competitions. The competition selected by the user is the competition selected by the user by operating the information terminal 20, and is, for example, a competition that the user plans to vote in, or a competition that the user is interested in. The acquisition unit 111 acquires, for example, the user ID and the competition ID corresponding to the competition selected by the user from the information terminal 20 via the communication IF 13. The acquisition unit 111 stores the acquired competition ID as user data, associating it with the user ID, in the storage unit 12.

[0053] The acquisition unit 111 acquires first operation information, for example, that indicates that the user has operated the information terminal 20 used by the user to vote in the first competition. The first operation information is, for example, information indicating that the user has launched a dedicated application for voting in the competition, or information indicating that the information terminal 20 has displayed a screen for voting in the competition as a result of the user launching the dedicated application. When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the first operation information, it notifies the notification unit 114 of the user ID and the first operation information.

[0054] The acquisition unit 111 may acquire second operation information indicating that the user operated the information terminal 20 to register a predictor. The second operation information is, for example, information indicating that the user pressed operation image 256 or operation image 257 shown in Figure 4. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire third operation information indicating that the user operated the information terminal 20 to vote based on the content predicted by the predictor. The third operation information is, for example, information indicating that the user pressed operation image 275 shown in Figure 6(b). When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the second or third operation information, it notifies the registration unit 112 of the user ID and the second or third operation information.

[0055] The registration unit 112 associates and registers predictors who predict the results of the competition with users. The registration unit 112 registers predictors and users as a pair if it determines that the conditions for registering predictors and users as a pair (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "registration conditions") are met. Details of the registration conditions will be described later. The registration unit 112 registers predictors and users as a pair by storing the predictor ID corresponding to the predictor in the storage unit 12, as shown in the user data in Figure 8(a), for example, associating the predictor ID corresponding to the predictor with the user ID corresponding to the user.

[0056] The registration unit 112 associates the predictor and the user in response to an operation performed by the user to establish a predetermined relationship with the predictor. The operation to establish a predetermined relationship is an operation performed by the user to register the predictor, for example, the user pressing the operation image 256 shown in Figure 4. Based on the second operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111, the registration unit 112 determines that the conditions for registering the predictor "AAA" shown in the display area 252 and the user in association have been met, and registers the predictor "AAA" and the user in association.

[0057] Specifically, the registration unit 112 stores in the storage unit 12, based on the second operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the information terminal 20, the predictor ID corresponding to the predictor "AAA" shown in the display area 252 including the operation image 256, in association with the user ID corresponding to the user of the information terminal 20. By operating in this manner, the registration unit 112 can register the predictor preferred by the user.

[0058] The registration unit 112 may associate and register a predictor with a user in response to the user voting in the competition based on the predictor's prediction of the competition's outcome. The registration unit 112, for example, obtains third operation information from the acquisition unit 111 to identify that a user of the information terminal 20 has voted based on the prediction made by predictor "Team C" shown in the display area 273. The registration unit 112 determines that the identified information satisfies the registration conditions and registers predictor "Team C" and the user of the information terminal 20 in association.

[0059] Specifically, the registration unit 112 stores the predictor ID (shown as "T003" in Figure 8(b)) corresponding to the predictor "Team C" shown in the display area 273 in the storage unit 12, associating it with the user ID corresponding to the user of the information terminal 20. By operating in this manner, the registration unit 112 can register predictors who predicted the predictions that the user referred to in past voting.

[0060] The registration unit 112 may associate and register a predictor with a user in response to a user's vote based on the predictor's prediction of the competition's outcome being correct. For example, the registration unit 112 determines that the registration conditions are met when a user of the information terminal 20 votes correctly based on the prediction of predictor "Team C" shown in the display area 273, and registers predictor "Team C" with the user in association. By operating in this manner, the registration unit 112 can associate and register predictors who are likely to be correct with users.

[0061] The registration unit 112 may associate a predictor with a user if the browsing history, which shows the history of videos viewed by the user, includes videos related to predictors. Videos related to predictors are, for example, videos that have been previously displayed in the display area 272 shown in Figure 6, and are videos that predictors have distributed to publish their predictions for the competition. The registration unit 112 associates a predictor associated with a video included in the user's browsing history, for example, obtained from the storage unit 12, with the user. By operating in this manner, the registration unit 112 can register predictors that the user is interested in.

[0062] The video distribution unit 113 distributes multiple videos related to multiple predictors to the user. The video distribution unit 113 distributes videos corresponding to the competition or predictor selected by the user, for example, by operating the information terminal 20, to the information terminal 20. The videos distributed by the video distribution unit 113 are displayed via a dedicated application installed on the information terminal 20, for example, as shown in the display area 272.

[0063] The notification unit 114 notifies the user of information about the predictor before the first prediction is published, if the predictor plans to publish a first prediction showing the result of the first competition out of several competitions. The information about the predictor includes, for example, information indicating the predictor's name or information indicating the first competition that the predictor is predicting.

[0064] The notification unit 114 identifies, for example, a predictor who will predict the results of the first competition based on competition data obtained from the storage unit 12, and the time when that predictor will publish their first prediction. The notification unit 114 identifies, for example, a user who has been registered in association with the predictor identified by the notification unit 114, based on user data obtained from the storage unit 12. The notification unit 114 notifies the identified user of information about the identified predictor at a time prior to the time when the identified predictor publishes their first prediction.

[0065] Specifically, the notification unit 114 identifies the predictor ID "T003" associated with the competition ID "KU2R" corresponding to the competition name "Kurume 2R," which is the first competition, by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c). The notification unit 114 identifies the user "XXX" associated with predictor ID "T003" by referring to the user data shown in Figure 8(a).

[0066] Next, the notification unit 114 identifies the predictor name "Team C" corresponding to predictor ID "T003" by referring to the predictor data shown in Figure 8(b). The notification unit 114 notifies at least one of the predictor name "Team C" or the competition name "Kurume 2R" at a time before the prediction release time "13:15" associated with predictor ID "T003" and competition ID "KU2R". By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 prevents users from voting before the prediction release time without checking the predictor's predictions. This makes it easier for users to vote in the competition while referring to the predictor's predictions.

[0067] The notification unit 114 may notify the user of information about the identified predictor at a time prior to the time the predictor starts making their prediction. For example, the notification unit 114 notifies user "XXX" of information about the predictor at a time prior to the prediction start time "13:05" associated with predictor ID "T003" and competition ID "KU2R". The notification unit 114 may also push notification of information about the predictor to the information terminal 20 used by the user. For example, the notification unit 114 notifies the information terminal 20 to display information about the predictor on the output device 25.

[0068] On the other hand, the notification unit 114 does not notify other users, for example, who are different from the user and who have not been registered in association with the predictor by the registration unit 112, of information about the predictor. For example, when the notification unit 114 notifies the user of information indicating the predictor name "Team C", it does not send notifications or push notifications to users "YYY" and "ZZZ", who have not registered the predictor ID "T003" corresponding to the predictor name "Team C" in association with their user ID.

[0069] It is assumed that users tend to register predictors whose predictions they find reliable. Therefore, predictions made by predictors registered in association with a user are considered more reliable to the user than predictions made by predictors not registered in association with the user. By notifying users who have not registered a predictor of a particular predictor about that predictor's predictions, the notification unit 114 can prevent users from being provided with a large amount of information indicating unreliable predictions. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can efficiently provide useful information to users while keeping the load on the communication network down.

[0070] The notification unit 114 may also notify the user of situational information indicating the situation in which the predictor is making a prediction. Situational information may indicate, for example, that the predictor is in a situation before making a prediction for the result of the first competition, that the predictor is making a prediction for the result of the first competition, or that the predictor has made a public prediction for the result of the first competition.

[0071] The notification unit 114 identifies the prediction start time associated with the predictor by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), for example, in order to notify the user of situational information indicating that the predictor has not yet started making predictions for the first competition. The notification unit 114 notifies the user's information terminal 20, which the registration unit 112 has registered in association with the predictor, of situational information indicating that the predictor has not yet started making predictions for the first competition at a time prior to the prediction start time. Based on the information terminal 20 having obtained situational information indicating that the predictor has not yet started making predictions for the first competition, for example, the predictor displays that they are "not yet making predictions" for the first competition.

[0072] By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can incentivize users to refrain from voting in the first competition until the time comes when they can vote while referring to the predictions made by the registered predictors. Users can then vote at the time when they can vote while referring to the predictions made by the predictors. On the other hand, the notification unit 114 does not notify users who are not registered in association with predictors of the situation indicating that the predictors have not yet started making their predictions for the first competition, even if it is before the prediction start time, thus preventing users from receiving unnecessary information.

[0073] The notification unit 114 identifies the predictor and the start time and publication time of the prediction associated with the first competition by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), for example, in order to notify the user of status information indicating that the predictor has started predicting the first competition. The notification unit 114 notifies the user's information terminal 20, which has been registered by the registration unit 112 in association with the predictor, of status information indicating that the predictor has started predicting the first competition during the time between the start time and the publication time of the prediction. The information terminal 20, for example, displays that the predictor is "predicting" the first competition based on the status information indicating that the predictor has started predicting.

[0074] On the other hand, the notification unit 114 does not notify users who are not registered in association with a predictor of the status information indicating that the predictor has started making predictions for the first competition, even if the time is between the prediction start time and the prediction publication time.

[0075] The notification unit 114 identifies the prediction publication time and competition start time associated with the predictor and the first competition by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), for example, in order to notify the user of status information indicating that the predictor has published their prediction. The notification unit 114 notifies the user's information terminal 20, which the registration unit 112 has registered in association with the predictor, of status information indicating that the predictor has published their first prediction during the time between the prediction publication time and the competition start time. The information terminal 20, for example, based on having received status information indicating that the predictor has published their first prediction, displays that the predictor's first prediction is "published".

[0076] On the other hand, the notification unit 114 does not notify users who are not registered in association with a predictor of the status information indicating that a predictor has published their first prediction, even if it is between the time the prediction is published and the time the competition starts.

[0077] The notification unit 114 may push notification to the user of status information indicating the situation in which the predictor is predicting the result of the first competition. Push notification means sending status information to the information terminal 20 without receiving a request from the information terminal 20. For example, the notification unit 114 push notification of status information to the information terminal 20 of a user registered by the registration unit 112 in association with the predictor.

[0078] In response to receiving status information via push notification from the notification unit 114, the information terminal 20 displays one of the following on the output device 25: "Prediction Before Publication," "Prediction in Progress," or "Published." Specifically, when the information terminal 20 receives a push notification from the notification unit 114 indicating that the predictor has not yet made a prediction for the results of the first competition, it displays the words "Prediction Before Publication" on the output device 25. When the information terminal 20 receives a push notification from the notification unit 114 indicating that the predictor is making a prediction for the results of the first competition, it displays the words "Prediction in Progress" on the output device 25. When the information terminal 20 receives a push notification from the notification unit 114 indicating that the predictor has published their prediction for the results of the first competition, it displays the words "Published" on the output device 25.

[0079] By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can notify users who have been registered by the registration unit 112 in association with a predictor and who are not using the dedicated app for voting in the competition about the situation predicted by the predictor. On the other hand, the notification unit 114 does not push notifications of the situation to users who have not been registered in association with a predictor.

[0080] The notification unit 114 notifies the user of situation information indicating the situation predicted by the predictor in a competition corresponding to a competition ID registered in association with the user. The notification unit 114 identifies a competition ID associated with the user ID, which the acquisition unit 111 obtained from the user's information terminal 20 corresponding to the user ID, by referring to user data, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a). The notification unit 114 identifies a predictor registered in association with the user from among multiple predictors who predict the competition corresponding to the identified competition ID, by referring to user data, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a) and competition data, as shown in Figure 8(c). The notification unit 114 notifies the user of situation information indicating the situation predicted by the identified predictor.

[0081] The notification unit 114 operates in this way, allowing users to obtain situational information showing the predictions made by predictors they are interested in for competitions they are interested in. As a result, users can vote for competitions they are interested in while referring to the predictions they find useful. On the other hand, the notification unit 114 does not notify the user of situational information if, for example, multiple predictors who predict the competition corresponding to a specified competition ID are not predictors registered in association with the user.

[0082] The notification unit 114 may notify the user that the predictor plans to publish the first prediction in which the predictor predicts the result of the first competition when the acquisition unit 111 acquires the first operation information. The first operation information is information indicating that the user has operated the information terminal 20 to vote in the first competition. The notification unit 114 identifies the predictor who predicts the result of the competition corresponding to the competition ID included in the first operation information by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), for example. The notification unit 114 determines whether the predictor ID corresponding to the identified predictor is associated with the user ID acquired from the information terminal 20 that output the first operation information by referring to the user data shown in Figure 8(a).

[0083] If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor ID is associated with the user ID, it notifies the user's information terminal 20 that the first prediction will be published. If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor ID is not associated with the user ID, it does not notify the user's information terminal 20 that the first prediction will be published. By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can make the user aware that a predictor registered by the user is planning to make predictions about the results of the competition.

[0084] The notification unit 114 pushes recommendation information to the user, which includes competition information indicating the competitions in which multiple predictors, among the multiple predictors registered in association with the user by the registration unit 112, will publish their predictions. The competition information includes, for example, the name of the competition, the time the competition will start, and at least one of the predictors who will predict the results of the competition. The recommendation information is intended to encourage the user to vote for the competition corresponding to the competition name included in the competition information.

[0085] The notification unit 114 identifies multiple predictors registered in association with a user by referring, for example, the user data shown in Figure 8(a) and the predictor data shown in Figure 8(b). The notification unit 114 identifies one or more competitions in which the identified multiple predictors will publish their predictions, and the start time of that one or more competition, by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c). The notification unit 114 pushes recommendation information, including the name of the one or more competitions identified and the start time of that one or more competitions, to the information terminal 20 used by the user.

[0086] Incidentally, users tend to be more interested in competitions with a large number of registered predictors associated with them. Therefore, the notification unit 114 may notify the user of recommendation information that includes competition information indicating the competition with a relatively large number of registered predictors associated with the user among multiple competitions. For example, the notification unit 114 may notify the user of recommendation information that includes competition information indicating the competition with the largest number of registered predictors associated with the user among multiple competitions. By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can motivate users to vote in competitions even if they do not intend to vote in them, by viewing the recommendation information.

[0087] The notification unit 114 may notify the user of guidance information indicating that one or more videos corresponding to one or more predictors from among multiple videos are candidates for distribution. Each of the multiple videos is a video of a predictor who is predicting the outcome of the competition, and includes videos taken in the situation in which the predictor is predicting the result of the competition.

[0088] The notification unit 114 identifies one or more predictors registered in association with a user by referring to user data, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a). The notification unit 114 identifies one or more competition IDs associated with the identified one or more predictors by referring to competition data, as shown in Figure 8(c). The notification unit 114 determines one or more videos as candidates for distribution videos, which are videos capturing the situation predicted by one or more predictors in the competition corresponding to the identified one or more competition IDs. The notification unit 114 notifies the user of guidance information indicating one or more videos that are candidates for distribution videos.

[0089] When a user selects one of the videos included in the guidance information by operating the information terminal 20, the video distribution unit 113 distributes the video selected by the user based on the guidance information to the user. The video distribution unit 113 distributes the video indicated by the selection information to the information terminal 20 used by the user, for example, by obtaining selection information from the information terminal 20 that indicates the video selected by the user. With the video distribution unit 113 and notification unit 114 operating in this manner, the user can easily view videos of the situation in which a predictor registered in association with the user is predicting the results of the competition, and thus understand the predictor's reasons for their prediction.

[0090] The notification unit 114 may notify the user of guidance information indicating one or more videos corresponding to one or more predictors selected from among multiple predictors based on situational information indicating the situation in which the predictors are predicting the results of the competition, as candidates for distribution videos. For example, the notification unit 114 may, among multiple predictors, prioritize videos of predictors who are in the situation of predicting the results of the competition as candidates for distribution videos, over videos of predictors who are in the situation before they have started predicting, and notify the user of guidance information indicating the selected candidates for distribution videos. By operating in this manner, the information processing system 1 can prioritize providing information of high value to the user while reducing the load on the communication network.

[0091] The notification unit 114 may notify the user of guidance information indicating one or more videos as candidate videos for distribution, corresponding to predictors whose predicted time for the competition results is earlier than that of other predictors. The notification unit 114 identifies the predicted start times for one or more competitions predicted by one or more predictors registered in association with the user by referring to the competition data. The notification unit 114 selects a predetermined number of predicted start times from the identified predicted start times, starting with the earliest times, and notifies the user of guidance information indicating videos as candidate videos for distribution, corresponding to the predictors associated with the selected predicted start times. The notification unit 114 may use the predicted release time or the time the competition starts instead of the predicted start time.

[0092] Specifically, the notification unit 114 identifies predictors "T004" and "T005" registered in association with user "U003" by referring to the user data shown in Figure 8(a). The notification unit 114 identifies the prediction start times associated with predictors "T004" and "T005," namely "13:00", "13:35", "14:00", and "14:05," by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c).

[0093] Next, the notification unit 114 selects the two earliest predicted start times from the identified predicted start times: "13:00" and "13:35". The notification unit 114 then notifies the user of information indicating that a video of predictor "T004" predicting the results of race "Kokura 1R" corresponding to time "13:00" and a video of predictor "T005" predicting the results of race "Kokura 2R" corresponding to time "13:35" are available as potential videos to be streamed.

[0094] By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can notify users of guidance information so that they can view videos corresponding to predictors who are in a favorable position to vote in the competition.

[0095] [Operation flow in the information processing device 10] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation flow in the information processing device 10. The flowchart in Figure 9 shows the operation when the user is notified of the situation predicted by a predictor registered in association with the user for a competition selected by the user, to the information terminal 20 used by the user.

[0096] The acquisition unit 111 acquires from the information terminal 20 the competition ID corresponding to the competition selected by the user and the user ID corresponding to the user using the information terminal 20. The acquisition unit 111 accepts the competition selected by the user by storing the competition ID in the storage unit 12 in association with the user ID (S11).

[0097] The notification unit 114 determines whether or not a predictor who predicts the results of the competition selected by the user is registered in association with the user (S12). If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor is not registered in association with the user (NO in S12), the information processing device 10 determines whether or not an operation to terminate the process has been performed (S19). If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor is registered in association with the user (YES in S12), the notification unit 114 determines whether or not the current time is a predetermined time (S13). The predetermined time is a time before the start time of the competition, for example, 9 a.m.

[0098] If the current time is not the predetermined time (NO in S13), the notification unit 114 repeats the process in S13. If the current time is the predetermined time (YES in S13), the notification unit 114 notifies the user that a predictor registered in association with the user will appear in a video containing content predicting the results of the competition selected by the user (S14).

[0099] The notification unit 114 determines whether the predictor registered in association with the user has started predicting the results of the competition selected by the user (S15). The notification unit 114 determines whether the predictor has started predicting by identifying the time when the predictor started predicting the results of the competition, for example, which is included in the competition data stored in the memory unit 12. If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor has not started predicting (NO in S15), it repeats the process in S15. If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor has started predicting (YES in S15), it notifies the user that the predictor has started predicting (S16).

[0100] The notification unit 114 determines whether a predictor registered in association with the user has published their prediction for the outcome of the competition selected by the user (S17). The notification unit 114 determines whether the predictor has published their prediction by identifying the time at which the predictor published their prediction, for example, which is included in the competition data stored in the memory unit 12. If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor has not published their prediction (NO in S17), it repeats the process in S17. If the notification unit 114 determines that the predictor has published their prediction (YES in S17), it notifies the user that the predictor has published their prediction (S18).

[0101] If no operation to terminate processing is performed (NO in S19), the information processing device 10 repeats the processes from S11 to S18. If an operation to terminate processing is performed (YES in S19), the information processing device 10 terminates the process.

[0102] [First variation] In the above explanation, the notification unit 114 is shown as an example of identifying the predicted start time associated with a predictor by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), but it is not limited to this. The notification unit 114 may also identify the predicted start time associated with a predictor by referring to prediction information stored in the storage unit 12, which is associated with each of the multiple predictors, indicating the name of the competition that the predictor predicts and the order in which the predictor predicts that competition.

[0103] The notification unit 114 identifies the predictor who predicted the results of the first competition by referring to prediction information stored in the storage unit 12 in response to the acquisition unit 111 acquiring result information showing the results of the first competition. The result information includes, for example, the finishing order of the bet and the time when that finishing order was determined. The notification unit 114 identifies the second competition that the predictor predicts after the first competition based on the order in which the competitions included in the prediction information are predicted, and identifies the start time of the prediction for the second competition associated with that predictor as a time after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the time when the finishing order included in the results of the first competition was determined.

[0104] Specifically, in response to the acquisition unit 111 acquiring result information for "Competition A," including the order of finish for the betting targets and the time "13:00" when the order of finish was determined, the notification unit 114 identifies "Predictor X" who predicted the result of "Competition A" by referring to the prediction information. Based on the order in which the competitions are predicted as included in the prediction information, the notification unit 114 identifies that "Predictor X" will predict "Competition B" after "Competition A." The notification unit 114 identifies "13:05," five minutes after the time "13:00" when the order of finish for "Competition A" was determined, as the prediction start time when "Predictor X" will begin predicting "Competition B."

[0105] By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can notify the user of the predicted start time, which is aligned with the time the competition is progressing. As a result, the user can know the predicted start time of the predictor with high accuracy.

[0106] [Second variation] In the above description, the operation of the notification unit 114 to determine the predictor's prediction start time by referring to information stored in the storage unit 12 is illustrated, but the operation is not limited to this. In the information processing device 10, the notification unit 114 may determine the predictor's prediction start time by obtaining prediction start information from an information terminal (not shown) used by the predictor, which indicates that the predictor has started predicting the competition. Prediction start information is transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device 10, for example, when the predictor operates the information terminal to start predicting.

[0107] By operating in this manner, the notification unit 114 can notify the user of the time corresponding to the time when the predictor will start making their predictions for the competition, allowing the user to know the predictor's prediction start time with high accuracy.

[0108] [Third variation] In the above explanation, the notification unit 114 is shown as an example of identifying the predicted release time associated with a predictor by referring to the competition data shown in Figure 8(c), but it is not limited to this. In the information processing device 10, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire the predicted content information, which indicates the content of the predictor's prediction, from the information terminal used by the predictor, and the notification unit 114 may then identify this time as the predicted release time. The predicted content information is transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device 10, for example, when the predictor inputs the content of their prediction for the competition into the information terminal.

[0109] With the notification unit 114 operating in this manner, it can notify the user of the time when the predictor publishes their prediction for the competition, allowing the user to know the time when the predictor publishes their prediction with high accuracy.

[0110] Furthermore, the prediction content information may include image data or video data. The image data or video data is, for example, captured image data or captured video data generated by capturing a board such as a flip chart on which the predictor has written their predictions for the competition. In this case, the information processing device 10 uses an image recognition unit (not shown) to extract the content of the predictor's predictions for the competition from the image data or video data included in the prediction content information. The notification unit 114 identifies the time at which the image recognition unit extracted the content of the predictor's predictions for the competition as the prediction release time. If the information processing device 10 has a voting reception unit (not shown) that accepts votes for the competition, the voting reception unit may accept votes from users based on the prediction content extracted by the image recognition unit.

[0111] [Effects of the information processing device 10] As explained above, the information processing device 10 has a registration unit 112 that associates and registers predictors who predict the results of a competition with users. The notification unit 114 then notifies the user of information about the predictor before the predictor makes public the content of their prediction about the results of the competition.

[0112] With the information processing device 10 configured in this way, users can know that a predictor plans to publish their predictions for the competition results, even if the predictor publishes their predictions late in the day. Users can then vote in the competition while referring to the predictions published by the predictor, thus preventing users from voting before the predictor publishes their predictions without checking them.

[0113] 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.

[0114] In addition to the embodiments described above, the following should be added. (Note 1) A registration unit that associates and registers predictors who predict the results of the competition with users, When the predictor plans to publish a first prediction showing the results of the first of several competitions, a notification unit notifies the user of information about the predictor before the first prediction is published. An information processing device having This configuration of the information processing device makes it easier for users to vote in the competition while referring to the predictions made by other predictors. (Note 2) The notification unit does not notify other users different from the user in question, who have not been registered by the registration unit in association with the predictor, of information regarding the predictor. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. This configuration of the information processing device prevents the user from being provided with a large amount of information about predictions, while allowing the user to obtain useful information. (Note 3) The registration unit registers the user and the predictor in association with each other in response to the user performing an operation that puts the predictor into a predetermined relationship. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. With the information processing device configured in this way, users can register their preferred forecasters. (Note 4) The registration unit registers the predictor and the user in association with each other, based on the predictor's prediction of the competition's outcome and the user's vote for the competition. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix. With the information processing device configured in this way, users can register the predictors who made the predictions they referenced in past voting. (Note 5) The registration unit registers the predictor and the user in association when the user's vote, based on the predictor's prediction of the competition's outcome, is correct. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. With this configuration, the information processing device can be associated with and registered users as predictors who have a high probability of making accurate predictions. (Note 6) The registration unit registers the user and the predictor in association if the viewing history, which shows the history of videos viewed by the user, includes videos related to the predictor. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 of the appendix. With the information processing device configured in this way, users can register predictors they are interested in. (Note 7) The notification unit pushes status information to the user indicating the situation in which the predictor is predicting the result of the first competition. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix. With the information processing device configured in this way, it is possible to notify users who are not operating the information terminal of the situation predicted by the predictor. (Note 8) The notification unit notifies the user of the status information indicating that the predictor has started making predictions for the first competition. The information processing device described in Appendix 7. This configuration of the information processing device can motivate users to vote in competitions. (Note 9) The notification unit notifies the user of the status information indicating that the predictor has published the first prediction. The information processing device described in Appendix 7 or 8. This configuration of the information processing device makes it possible to motivate users to view the content predicted by the predictor. (Note 10) The notification unit notifies the user of the situational information indicating that the predictor has not yet begun to make predictions for the first competition. An information processing device as described in any one of the items 7 to 9 of the appendix. This configuration of the information processing device can incentivize users to refrain from voting in the first competition until the time comes when they can refer to their predictions and cast their votes. (Note 11) The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires competition identification information for identifying the competition selected by the user from among a plurality of competitions, The notification unit notifies the user of the situation information indicating the situation predicted by the predictor in the competition corresponding to the competition identification information. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 7 to 10. With the information processing device configured in this way, it is possible to notify the user of the prediction status of the appropriate predictor. (Note 12) The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating that the user has operated an information terminal used by the user to vote in the first competition, When the acquisition unit acquires the operation information, the notification unit notifies the user that the predictor plans to publish the first prediction in which the predictor predicts the result of the first competition. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 7 to 10. This configuration of the information processing device allows users to be notified that the predictor plans to publish their predictions. (Note 13) The notification unit pushes to the user recommendation information, which includes competition information indicating the competition for which multiple predictors, among the multiple predictors registered by the registration unit in association with the user, have published their predictions. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 12. With this configuration, the information processing device can motivate users to vote in competitions they had not initially planned to participate in. (Note 14) The system further includes a video distribution unit that distributes multiple videos related to multiple predictors to the user, The notification unit notifies the user of guidance information indicating that one or more of the videos corresponding to one or more of the predicted persons from among the multiple videos are candidates for distribution. The video distribution unit distributes the video selected by the user based on the guidance information to the user. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 13. With the information processing device configured in this way, users can easily view videos of registered predictors making their predictions about the outcome of a competition, allowing them to understand the predictors' reasoning. (Note 15) The notification unit notifies the user of the guidance information indicating one or more videos corresponding to one or more of the predictors selected from among the multiple predictors based on situational information indicating the situation in which the predictors predict the results of the competition, as candidates for the distributed video. The information processing device described in Appendix 14. With the information processing device configured in this way, users can easily view videos corresponding to forecasters who are in a favorable position to vote for a competition. (Note 16) The computer associates and registers predictors who predict the results of the competition with users. If the predictor plans to publish a first prediction showing the result of the first of several competitions, the computer will notify the user of information about the predictor before the first prediction is published. Information processing methods. This information processing method makes it easier for users to vote in the competition while referring to the predictions made by other predictors. (Note 17) On the computer, The steps involve associating and registering predictors who forecast the results of the competition with users, If the predictor plans to publish a first prediction showing the results of the first of several competitions, the steps include notifying the user of information about the predictor before the first prediction is published, A program to execute. This program structure makes it easier for users to vote in the competition while referring to the predictions made by other predictors. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 11 processors 12 Storage section 13 Communication IF 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 20 Information terminals 21 processors 22 Memory section 23 Communication IF 24 Input Devices 25 Output Devices 111 Acquisition Department 112 Registration Department 113 Video Streaming Department 114 Notification Department

Claims

[Claim 1] A registration unit that associates and registers predictors who predict the results of the competition with users, When the predictor plans to publish a first prediction showing the results of the first of several competitions, a notification unit notifies the user of information about the predictor before the first prediction is published. An information processing device having

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