Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that enhance the information available to help users assess the reliability of forecasters and promote their voting behavior. [Solution] The information processing device includes a reception unit that receives a first operation from a first user to specify a predictor who has published predictions regarding the results of a competition, and a display control unit that, when the reception unit receives the first operation from the first user, displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies a second user who voted based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation.

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, services have been provided that enable voting on public competitions and the like through a communication network. Users who utilize this service predict the results of the competition and cast votes by wagering a value such as money on the prediction. The votes are received by the server computer of the service provider, and when the results of the competition are determined, a payout (refund) corresponding to the winning result of the vote is given to the user.

[0003] Also, in the above service, a user can also cast a vote by referring to the prediction content of others. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a voting prediction disclosure system used for disclosure of predictions regarding public competitions and purchase of voting tickets based on the disclosed predictions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, although a user can visually recognize the reliability of a predictor and use the prediction as a reference by displaying information of the predictor such as the hit rate in an image, the user cannot recognize who else is voting based on the prediction of the predictor. Therefore, for the user, the information that is useful for determining the reliability of the predictor is insufficient, and there is a possibility that the user may hesitate when selecting a predictor. As a result, there is a concern that the willingness of the user to vote is suppressed, which may cause the number of votes not to increase.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can enhance the information that is useful in judging the reliability of forecasters and promote the voting behavior of users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit that receives a first operation from a first user to specify a predictor who has published predictions regarding the results of a competition, and a display control unit that, when the reception unit receives the first operation from the first user, displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies a second user who voted based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the information that is useful in judging the reliability of forecasters and to promote the voting behavior of users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a vote confirmation screen. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the expected public user list screen. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying prediction results. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the second user list screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the second user details screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an information processing device and peripheral equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the functions of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of user information. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of race information. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of voting information. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of expected usage information. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of race result information. [Figure 13] This figure shows the information processing flow related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the flow of the second user display process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described with reference to one specific embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"). However, the embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from its spirit. Naturally, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0011] Furthermore, the screen examples shown in the diagrams referenced in the following explanation are merely examples, and the screen configuration, the content of the displayed information, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be freely designed and modified according to the system design specifications and user preferences.

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, "device" includes not only a single device that performs a predetermined function on its own, but also multiple devices that are separate from each other but cooperate to perform a predetermined function.

[0013] Furthermore, in this specification, "user" refers to a user of the information processing device of the present invention, specifically a user of the services provided by the information processing device of the present invention, and the unit to which a service user account is assigned. Unless otherwise specified, a user is an individual, but a group of multiple people may also be a user.

[0014] [Regarding the service using the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment] First, a voting service as a service provided using the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

[0015] The voting service is an online service that allows voting to be conducted at any location where a communication line is available for a predetermined competition held in a predetermined area. Voting is performed by predicting the result of the competition and investing a voting value, that is, a bet amount, for the prediction. Voting for each competition can be conducted within the acceptance period set for each competition, and after the end of the acceptance period, voting for that race is closed.

[0016] The competition is held in a virtual space such as the real space or the game space, for example, a public competition, and hereinafter, it is assumed to be a race such as horse racing, motorcycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing. However, the competition is not limited to public competitions, and any competition that can be a voting target is acceptable. For example, a sports game that is the target of betting, a game tournament such as so-called e-sports, or other competitions that compete for victory or defeat other than these may be acceptable. Note that e-sports may be a game in which humans play against each other as players, or a game in which a human plays against a computer (for example, AI or a robot, etc.).

[0017] When a user conducts voting in the voting service, the user operates a communication terminal. The voting service may be made available by accessing a predetermined website, or may be made available by installing a predetermined application program on the user's terminal.

[0018] Regarding the voting procedure, while viewing the operation screen displayed on the terminal, the user selects the race to be voted on, refers to the basic information and past performance, etc. of the competition targets (competitors or racehorses, etc.) participating in the race, predicts the result of the race, and determines the voting value for the prediction. You place your bet. To select a race to bet on, you choose the date and location of the race, and if multiple races are held on the same date and at the same location, you select which race it is. To predict the race result, you specify a betting method (type of bet) such as win, exacta, trifecta, or quinella, and then predict the order of finish according to the specified betting method and specify the numbers of the horses competing (for example, a combination of 1 and 2). In addition, a single bet can include multiple predictions, i.e., multiple bets. For example, you can make multiple predictions using the same betting method but with different combinations of horses competing, or you can make predictions for each betting method.

[0019] Voting value is value available to users within the service, and in this embodiment, it is service-specific value, including a first value and a second value that have different properties from each other. For example, the first value has monetary value, can be obtained by purchasing it for a fee or by fulfilling certain conditions, and is convertible to cash. The second value is points that have no monetary value, can be obtained by users by fulfilling certain conditions, such as logging into the service, and is not convertible to cash. However, this is not limited to the above case, and both the first and second values ​​may be convertible to cash, or neither value may be convertible to cash.

[0020] Furthermore, the voting value may be money that can be withdrawn from a cash card or bank account linked to the user's service account, or it may be virtual currency usable with third-party applications such as electronic money (applications that allow payment using barcodes, stacked 2D codes, or matrix 2D codes, etc.). In addition, the voting value may include values ​​different from the first and second values.

[0021] Users specify either a first value, a second value, or both as the value they will bet on their prediction, and set the amount to bet (the quantity of value to bet) for each specified value. Furthermore, if multiple predictions are made in a single vote, the type of value and the amount to bet are set for each prediction. In the following, each combination of voting method, competition target, and bet amount (i.e., combination of selection and bet amount) will be referred to as one vote.

[0022] Once the above steps are completed, the voting confirmation screen G1 shown in Figure 1 will be displayed on the user's device. The voting confirmation screen G1 displays the voting details (i.e., the race to bet on, the content of the prediction (indicating the target competition specified according to the voting method), and the amounts invested for the first and second values ​​of the prediction), as well as the odds set for the prediction. The user confirms this information and finally completes the vote by tapping the vote execution button on the screen.

[0023] Once the race in which voting took place has ended and the finishing order has been determined, it is determined whether each vote was correct or not. Users whose vote predictions were correct can receive a payout (reward) according to the odds set for that prediction. In principle, the payout is given based on the value used for the vote. For example, if a vote using value 1 is correct, a payout amount equivalent to value 1 will be given. However, the payout may be given based on a value different from the value used for the vote, for example, if a vote using value 2 is correct, value 3 (such as value usable when participating in events such as lotteries in the voting service or other computer games) may be given.

[0024] Furthermore, each user can perform a public setting operation as a setting operation for their predictions. The public setting operation is an operation to make predictions (vote content) public to other users, and specifically, it is an operation to select whether or not to allow prediction publicization through a selection screen (not shown). In this embodiment, the public setting operation can only be performed when voting is done using the first value. However, the public setting operation may be performed for all predictions for which the vote has been finalized (predictions that have actually been voted on), regardless of the type of voting value. Also, predictions for which the public setting operation can be performed may include prediction content before voting, that is, mere predictions at the stage where voting value has not yet been actually cast. If a vote includes multiple predictions, the public setting operation may be performed only for predictions for which the amount of the first value has been set. Alternatively, if at least one prediction includes predictions for which the amount of the first value has been set, the public setting operation may be performed on multiple predictions at once.

[0025] Furthermore, the scope of publication may be specified in the publication settings. For example, it may be possible to restrict at least one of the following: which users can view the published forecast, the publication period, and the content of the published forecast. Also, viewing the published forecast may be free or require payment.

[0026] Hereafter, we will refer to publicly released predictions as "public predictions," the user who made such a prediction as a "prediction-publishing user" (corresponding to the predictor in this invention), and other users who have already voted using that public prediction (users other than the prediction-publishing user) as "second users." Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, we will refer below to votes made by other users using the public prediction of a prediction-publishing user, that is, votes based on the predictor's prediction, simply as "votes."

[0027] Users who have made public predictions will be displayed on the user's device in the public prediction user list screen G2 shown in Figure 2. The public prediction user list screen G2 displays information about the public prediction user, name and image (icon image), user rank which changes according to the number of votes, etc., and the number of second users who have already voted using that public prediction. A list of users (for example, 251 people) is displayed. Other users can sort or filter the users displayed on the prediction public user list screen G2 by popularity, performance, number of votes, or new arrivals. Other users can also specify any user from the users displayed on the prediction public user list screen G2. This specification operation involves, for example, tapping the area where the name of the prediction public user is displayed (an area other than the area showing the number of second-party users).

[0028] When another user performs a specified operation, the user transitions from the prediction publishing user list screen G2 to the prediction content publishing screen G3 shown in Figure 3, and the content of the publicly published prediction set by the specified prediction publishing user is made public to other users. In other words, other users can view information about the publicly published prediction through the prediction content publishing screen G3 displayed on their terminal. Information about the publicly published prediction includes the name and image (icon image) of the prediction publishing user who made the prediction, the user rank which changes according to the number of votes, the race to bet on, the content of the prediction, the odds set for the prediction, and, if a vote has already been placed, the amounts invested in the first and second values ​​for the prediction.

[0029] Furthermore, the prediction content disclosure screen G3 may also display other information besides the above, such as the user's performance on that day (e.g., number of correct predictions, winnings, win rate, and return rate). The number of correct predictions for the day refers to the total number of votes placed by users on the day of the race that resulted in a correct prediction. In this embodiment, the number of correct predictions is counted for each individual vote. For example, if a single vote contains multiple predictions, and one of those predictions is correct, the number of correct predictions is 1. Similarly, if two of those predictions are correct, the number of correct predictions is also 1. The number of correct predictions may also be counted for each individual prediction. Winnings refer to the total amount of winnings received from bets placed by users on race days, based on correct predictions. The win rate for the day is synonymous with the hit rate, and is the ratio of the number of votes in which the user's prediction was correct out of the total number of votes placed by the user on the day the race was held. In this embodiment, the win rate is calculated for each vote. For example, if the first race has 3 / 10 (number of correct votes / number of votes included in the vote, the same applies hereafter), the second and third races have 0 / 10 each (i.e., incorrect), and the fourth race has 1 / 10, then 2 out of 4 races were correct, so the win rate is 50%. The win rate may also be calculated for each individual vote. In this case, using the above example, 4 out of 40 votes were correct, so the win rate is 10%. The return rate for the day is the ratio of the total amount of winnings received on a race day to the total amount of value that users invested in betting on that day. A return rate exceeding 100% means that the user made a profit on that day.

[0030] Then, other users who view the prediction content disclosure screen G3 can use the publicly disclosed prediction by tapping the "Use Prediction" button displayed on the G3 screen. In other words, other users can see the publicly disclosed predictions of others (prediction-disclosing users) and use those predictions to cast votes with the same prediction content (piggyback votes). This makes it easy for even users with little voting experience to vote, and as a result, it can stimulate users' motivation to vote.

[0031] Furthermore, when other users cast their votes, they may edit the content of the public predictions. Specifically, they may change the types of values ​​used in the public predictions and / or the amounts of values ​​invested, and they may also add their own predictions that are not included in the public predictions.

[0032] Furthermore, if a public prediction includes multiple voting options, for example, if the combination of race subjects includes multiple predicted finishing positions that differ from each other, other users may select one or more of these predicted finishing positions and cast their vote using the specified predicted finishing positions (hereinafter also referred to as "specified predictions"). However, this is not the only option; users may also use all of the multiple predictions included in the public prediction as a whole, in other words, they may use the public prediction to cast their vote on a per-vote basis.

[0033] In this embodiment, if another user casts a vote, a push notification will be sent to the user who published their prediction. Specifically, a notification message such as "A vote has been cast using your prediction" will be displayed on the user's device. This allows the user to recognize that their prediction has been used by another user.

[0034] If a publicly shared prediction is correct, both the user who shared the prediction and the second user (another user who has already placed a vote) will receive a payout according to the odds of the correct prediction. In this embodiment, only predictions that have already been voted on using the first value can be shared. However, if predictions that have not yet been voted on are also included in the public predictions, then, naturally, users who have shared predictions but have not yet voted will not receive a payout even if their public prediction is correct.

[0035] In addition to dividends, users who publish predictions are also granted benefits (bonuses) based on the dividends earned by second users, resulting in a favorable effect for them. The type and amount of benefits granted are determined by the type and amount of value used in the vote (for example, 1% of the amount invested by the second user). In other words, if a second user invests a large amount of value in their vote, the user who publishes the prediction can receive a large amount of benefits. In this embodiment, benefits are granted when a second user votes using a first value (voting value that produces a favorable effect), and not when a second user votes using a second value. Furthermore, if there are multiple second users, i.e., if the published prediction is used by multiple second users, the above benefits will be determined according to the number of second users. If predictions that have not yet invested any voting value are also included in the published prediction, benefits will be granted to users who publish predictions who have not yet voted, based on the above conditions.

[0036] By the way, in a voting service, in addition to voting as described above, users can also... Users can communicate with other users who are friends. Specifically, users who are friends can exchange messages through a chat screen (not shown), form groups, and vote as a group. In addition, users belonging to the same group can refer to each other's voting predictions and share their predictions within the group.

[0037] A friend relationship corresponds to the first relationship of this invention, and is a relationship formed by mutual agreement when one user sends a friend request and the other user accepts the request. Incidentally, a user who has a first relationship is not limited to a user who is in a friend relationship. For example, if another user Y uses a public prediction of a certain user X more than a predetermined number of times, user Y may be considered a user who has a first relationship with user X.

[0038] Furthermore, on the prediction public user list screen G2, a user (including the prediction public user themselves) can perform a designation operation (first operation) to select any prediction public user from among the prediction public users displayed on the prediction public user list screen G2 in order to check the details of a second user who has already voted using the prediction public user's public prediction. In the first operation, for example, the user may tap the area that shows the number of second users associated with the prediction public user. The user who performs the first operation at this time is called the first user. The first user includes users who are about to vote using that public prediction (users who have not yet voted), second users who have already voted using that public prediction, and the prediction public user themselves. Note that if the first user is the prediction public user themselves, the relationship between the first user and the prediction public user corresponds to the second relationship of the present invention.

[0039] When the first user performs the first operation, the system transitions from the prediction-sharing user list screen G2 to the second user list screen G4 shown in Figure 4. The first user's terminal then displays a list of information identifying the second user who placed a vote based on the predictions of the prediction-sharing user specified in the first operation. In other words, the first user can view not only the number of second users but also information identifying each second user through the second user list screen G4 displayed on their terminal. This information identifying the second user includes the second user's name and image (icon image), user rank which changes depending on the number of votes, and their performance on the day (e.g., number of correct predictions, payouts received, win rate, and return rate). The first user can also sort or filter the second users displayed on the second user list screen G4 by vote value.

[0040] The display order and other display methods for second users on the second user list screen G4 are determined according to the rules exemplified below. Alternatively, a combination of these rules may be used to determine the display order. (a) Determined based on the relationship between the first user and the second user. The display order of information identifying the second user is determined based on the relationship between the first and second users, specifically, the user information of the first and second users. In particular, information identifying the second user who is friends with the first user (first relationship) is displayed on the first user's device with higher priority than information identifying the second user who is not friends with the first user. (b) Determined based on the voting experience of the second user Information identifying the second user with the most votes based on the predictions of the prediction-publishing user will be displayed on the first user's terminal with higher priority than information identifying the second user with fewer votes based on the prediction-publishing user's predictions. For example, users with a high number of votes based on the predictions of the prediction-publishing user specified in the first operation will be prioritized over those with a high number of votes based on the predictions of the prediction-publishing user specified in the first operation over a predetermined period (e.g., the past month or all past periods). The prediction-publishing user here may be other than the prediction-publishing user specified in the first operation; in that case, the second user with more voting experience and a higher total number of votes in the past will be prioritized. (c) Determined based on the performance of the second user Information identifying a second user with good performance (e.g., number of correct predictions, winnings, win rate, and return rate) will be displayed preferentially on the first user's terminal. Specifically, when the first user makes a designation operation (second operation) to specify a designated competition from among one or more competitions, that is, when the first user designates a race to bet on, the display order of information identifying the second user will be determined based on the second user's performance during the period corresponding to the race designated by that second operation. The designated competition refers to a race to bet on (e.g., Race 8 at the Tokyo venue on June 1st), but it may also be any race other than the race to bet on. The corresponding period refers to, for example, the same day as the designated competition (e.g., June 1st) or the same period of the event (e.g., June 1st to June 5th). The second user's performance may also include results from races held at venues other than the venue of the designated competition (e.g., Races 1-12 at the Osaka venue on June 1st). (d) Determined based on the voting value used by the second user. In the voting process, information identifying the second user will be displayed based on the voting value used by the second user, categorized by voting value. Specifically, information identifying the second user who voted using the first value will be displayed on the first user's device with higher priority than information identifying the second user who voted using the second value. (e) Determined based on the benefits generated by the second user for the expected public user. The display order of information identifying the second user is determined based on the type or amount of benefits received by the predicted public user through voting by the second user. Specifically, in the case of a second relationship where the first user is the predicted public user, information identifying the second user who generated many benefits that were advantageous to the predicted public user will be displayed on the first user's device with higher priority than information identifying the second user who generated fewer benefits.

[0041] Here, "prioritizing display" means displaying in the following manner. (a) Display information that identifies the priority second user higher in the display order than information that identifies other second users (display it at the top of the screen). (a) Make the amount of information used to identify the preferred second user greater than the amount of information used to identify other second users. (b) Display information that identifies a preferred secondary user in a relatively larger size than information that identifies other secondary users. (c) The text or background of information identifying the priority second user shall be displayed in a different color from information identifying other second users. (d) Information that identifies the second user who is to be given priority will be marked with a special symbol. For example, when prioritizing the display of a second user who is friends with the first user, the information identifying the second user who is friends with the first user may be displayed in a different manner than the information identifying other second users who are not friends with the first user, or the information identifying the second user may be displayed with a mark that makes it possible to identify that they are friends. Alternatively, the information identifying all second users may be displayed according to the determined display order, or the information identifying a predetermined number of second users (for example, the top 10) that rank highly in the determined display order may be extracted and displayed. In this case, the predetermined number may be fixed, or it may vary so that all second users above a predetermined threshold are displayed. In this case, the display order of the information identifying the second user within the predetermined number to be displayed may not matter.

[0042] Furthermore, if the first user is the user who publishes the prediction, the number of pieces of information identifying the second user (the number of second users displayed) may be increased for the first user who has attracted many second users or invested a large amount of money in their published prediction. For example, the more second users the first user attracts, the more pieces of information identifying the second user may be available for the first user.

[0043] Furthermore, on the second user list screen G4, the first user can perform a selection operation (third operation) to specify any second user from among the second users displayed on the second user list screen G4 in order to check the details of the second user's vote. In the third operation, for example, the first user may tap the area where the second user's name is displayed.

[0044] When the first user performs the third operation, the system transitions from the second user list screen G4 to the second user details screen G5 shown in Figure 5. The first user's terminal then displays more detailed information identifying the second user specified by the third operation (for example, information regarding their betting activities). In other words, through the second user details screen G5 displayed on the terminal, the first user can view information regarding the predictions used by the second user specified by the third operation, that is, information regarding the betting activities actually performed by the second user, among the predictions included in the public predictions of the prediction-sharing user. Here, the information regarding the second user's betting activities includes the second user's name and image (icon image), as well as the race to be bet on and the content of the prediction. Examples include (content indicating the designated competition according to the voting method), the amounts invested in the first and second values ​​for the prediction, and the odds set for the prediction.

[0045] The information regarding the voting content of the second user on the second user details screen G5 may be set to be public or private by the second user themselves. That is, some of the voting content that the second user has set to public may be displayed on the first user's terminal, among the voting content that the second user has voted for as specified by the third operation. For example, the voting method and competition target may be made public, while the type of voting value and the amount invested may be kept private. In addition, among the voting content that the second user has voted for as specified by the third operation, at least some of the information that the second user has set to public may be displayed on the first user's terminal in a private state. Furthermore, if the first user is not the user who made the prediction public and is not friends with the second user, the information that the second user has set to public may be displayed, but the information that the second user has set to private may not be displayed.

[0046] Furthermore, the information identifying the second user displayed on the second user details screen G5 is determined according to the rules exemplified below. Note that a combination of the following rules may also be used to determine the information. (a) Determined based on the relationship between the first user and the second user. The amount of information displayed to identify the second user is determined based on the relationship between the first and second users, specifically, the user information of the first and second users. Specifically, more information is displayed on the first user's device to identify a second user who is a friend (first relationship) with the first user than to identify a second user who is not a friend. For example, if they are friends, the type of vote value and the amount invested are displayed; if they are not friends, the type of vote value and the amount invested are hidden. (b) Determined based on the number of votes or the amount of voting value invested using public forecasts. The content of the information identifying the second users to be displayed (including the number of second users to display) is determined based on the number of votes or the amount of vote value invested by the second users. Specifically, if the first user is the user who published the prediction, the amount of information identifying the second users, or the number of second users whose voting details can be viewed, will be increased for the first user who has attracted many second users or a large amount of investment to their public prediction. For example, the more second users the first user attracts, the more detailed information identifying the second users (e.g., the type of vote value and the amount invested) will be displayed. Also, for example, if the first user attracts 100 second users, the voting details of 20 (20%) of those second users will be displayed (the voting details of the remaining 80 second users will not be displayed), and if the first user attracts 200 second users, the percentage that can be displayed will be increased compared to when there were 100, for example, the voting details of 80 (40%) of those second users will be displayed. In other words, if it is possible to view information about the voting content for some of the second users displayed on the second user list screen G4 (Figure 4), the more second users are gathered, the more second users will be able to view information about their voting content. (c) Determined based on the type of voting value If the first user is the user who publishes the predictions, the voting details of the second user who voted using the first voting value, which is the portion of the voting value that can generate a reward for the predictor, will be displayed. In this case, the amount of information used to identify the second user may be determined based on the type or amount of reward generated for the user who publishes the predictions as a result of the second user's vote. For example, the amount of information used to identify the second user will be increased for second users who have generated limited-time rewards, rewards associated with specific races, or rare rewards that are difficult to obtain, or for second users who have generated rewards exceeding a predetermined amount or number of times.

[0047] Furthermore, if the first user is the user who publishes the predictions, even if the first user and the second user are not friends, the amount of information displayed to identify the second user may be substantial. For example, even if the type of bet value and the amount invested are hidden from the first user who is not friends, if a bonus is awarded, the user who publishes the predictions can calculate the amount of bet value invested by the second user, so the amount of bet value invested may also be displayed. In addition to displaying the amount invested, the amount of the bonus (i.e., other information that allows one to estimate the amount invested) may be displayed instead of the amount invested. In this case, the amount of the bonus may be displayed for each prediction, such as "Two-way exacta (1)-(2): Bonus ○ yen", or it may be displayed collectively for each race, such as "Bonus for Race 1: Maximum ○ yen, Minimum ○ yen".

[0048] Furthermore, if the first user is the user who publishes the predictions, in addition to information about the designated competition (the race to bet on) specified by the first user in the second operation, information about each race that the second user has previously bet on based on the first user's predictions (hereinafter referred to as "past information") may be displayed as information to identify the second user. Specifically, past information may include the following: (a) Information regarding the voting details (selections and amounts invested) related to the bets made by the first user based on their predictions in each past race. (b) Information regarding the proportion of voting value related to the first user's predictions in each past race (whether the second user voted with a first value or a second value). (c) Information regarding the grade, distance, competition type, or odds of the races voted on based on the first user's predictions (in order to analyze when their predictions are being used by the second user). (d) Information regarding the grade, distance, competition type, or odds of races that were correctly predicted based on the first user's predictions (in order to analyze when the second user's predictions are being used). (e) Information regarding the total amount of rewards accumulated from past races (to understand how much reward a second user has generated)

[0049] Here, "hidden" includes not only cases where the information itself is not displayed, but also cases where the information is displayed in a manner that makes its content illegible. For example, this includes cases where the display area for the amount invested is blurred, or where it is displayed as "??? yen". Furthermore, tapping the display area may prompt the user to perform the necessary actions to make the information's content illegible. For example, a screen may be displayed asking the first user whether or not to send a friend request. If the first user sends a friend request to the second user, the second user receives the request, and if the second user accepts the request, a friend relationship is established between the first and second users. As a result, the previously hidden information is displayed in an illegible state.

[0050] [Configuration of the information processing device and peripheral equipment according to this embodiment] The information processing device according to this embodiment consists of a computer, more specifically a server computer 10. As shown in Figure 6, the server computer 10, as an information processing device, is connected to a terminal used by a user to access the service (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal 12) and a race result distribution device 14 in a communicative manner. The communication network 16 connecting the devices may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, and Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.

[0051] The server computer 10 performs a series of information processing related to the provision of the voting service. Specifically, the server computer 10 communicates with the user terminal 12 to receive user votes, determines whether each vote was correct after the race ends, and awards payouts to users who made correct votes. The server computer 10 may be a single computer or multiple computers distributed in parallel. Furthermore, the server computer 10 may be a computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the server computer 10 has hardware components including a processor 21, memory 22, communication interface 23, and storage 24, which are electrically connected via a bus 25. The server computer 10 also has software installed, including an operating system (OS) program and a program for providing the voting service. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention.

[0053] The processor 21 operates according to the above program, causing the server computer 10 to function as an information processing device of the present invention and to execute a series of processes related to the present invention. The 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The memory 22 may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0056] 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 to 5G or later generations of mobile communication systems, or communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0057] 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 device may consist of a Compact Disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. Furthermore, the storage device 24 may be built into the enclosure of the server computer 10, which constitutes the information processing device, or it may be attached to the server computer 10 as an external device. Additionally, the storage device 24 may consist of another computer or the like that is connected to the server computer 10 in a communicative manner. As a technology for recording various types of data, a distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used to prevent unauthorized data tampering.

[0058] The user terminal 12 consists of a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or other terminal with communication capabilities. The user terminal 12 receives various operations performed by the user when using the voting service and transmits data corresponding to the received operations to the server computer 10 via the communication network 16. It also outputs (displays and plays back, etc.) information distributed from the server computer 10 via the communication network 16. Operations performed by the user on the user terminal 12 include various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations. Although Figure 6 shows three user terminals 12 for illustrative purposes, in reality, there are, of course, the number of user terminals 12 corresponding to the number of users.

[0059] The race result distribution device 14 is composed of a computer used by the race organizer and, once each race has finished and the race results have been finalized, distributes the race results, i.e., information indicating the finishing order, to the server computer 10 and the user terminal 12. The race result distribution device 14 may also have an IP camera installed at the race venue, which captures video of the race and distributes the video data. Alternatively, instead of obtaining race results from the race result distribution device 14, for example, a betting service provider may input the race results after the race has finished and transmit that input information to the server computer 10.

[0060] [About the functions of the information processing device according to this embodiment] The functions of the information processing device, i.e., the server computer 10, according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the server computer 10 includes a storage unit 30, a reception unit 31, a display control unit 32, a notification unit 33, a hit determination unit 34, a payout awarding unit 35, and a bonus awarding unit 36. Of these functional units, the storage unit 30 is implemented by memory 22 or storage 24, while the other functional units are implemented through the cooperation of hardware devices constituting the server computer 10 and programs installed on the server computer 10. If the server computer 10 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs different functions from the others. The following sections will provide a detailed explanation of each functional component.

[0062] (Storage part) The memory unit 30 stores various types of information necessary for providing the voting service. As shown in Figure 7, the information stored by the memory unit 30 includes user information, race information, voting information, prediction usage information, and race result information.

[0063] User information is information about users who have an account to use the voting service, and is stored for each user. As shown in Figure 8, user information includes identification information such as the user's name and ID, profile, number of voting values ​​held, identification information of users in a friend relationship, voting history, and winning record. Profile is information about the user's attributes (category), such as gender, age, and occupation. Voting history shows the target races and predictions for the votes the user has made so far. Winning record is the winning record of predictions for votes the user has made so far, specifically including the content of the winning predictions and their payouts (refunds). In addition, the winning record may include the winning rate, number of wins, total payouts received, and return rate for the day. Furthermore, user information may also include information other than those mentioned above, such as the user's personal information such as contact information, login history (login date and time and number of logins), and payment history and total billing information.

[0064] Race information is information about the competition (race) to be voted on and is stored for each race. As shown in Figure 9, race information includes identification information such as the race name and ID, the venue, date and time, the competition participants, the conditions of the racecourse, the voting candidates (candidates for finishing order), and the current number of votes. Voting candidates are information about the candidates (options) that users can select when voting (voting method and competition participants), and include the payout multiplier (odds) set for each voting candidate.

[0065] Voting information is information about each user's vote (including predictions made before voting) received by the reception unit 31, and is stored for each vote. As shown in Figure 10, voting information includes the voter, the race to be voted on, the vote identification ID, the content of the prediction, the amount of first and second value invested in the prediction, whether or not another user's prediction was used, and whether or not the prediction is made public. If another user's prediction was used, the IDs of the user who used it (i.e., the user who made the prediction public) and the ID of the prediction used (i.e., the public prediction) are included. Note that if the prediction content is before voting, i.e., if the voting value has not yet been actually invested, NULL is entered in the value invested amount field.

[0066] Prediction usage information is information about the public predictions that were used and is stored for each vote. As shown in Figure 11, prediction usage information includes the identification ID of the public prediction, the identification information of the user who published the prediction, the content of the public prediction (predicted finishing order), the number of times the public prediction was used, and the identification information of the second user who used it. Furthermore, if the public predictions include multiple predictions with different content (finishing order), the first user can specify one or more predictions as described above and vote using the specified predictions. In this case, the number of times the public prediction was used and the identification information of the second user are stored for each prediction (see Figure 11).

[0067] Race result information is the confirmed race results information distributed by the race result distribution device 14, and is stored for each race. As shown in Figure 12, the race result information includes the race name, the venue where the race was held, the date and time of the race, and the confirmed race results (i.e., the finishing order for each betting method).

[0068] (Reception Department) The reception unit 31 receives operations performed by users using the voting service through the user terminal 12 by communicating with the user terminal 12, and more specifically, acquires data indicating the content of the operations. Operations accepted by the reception unit 31 include, for example, voting on a race (including predictions), setting up public access to make predictions public, a first operation to specify a user who has made predictions public, a second operation to specify a predetermined competition from one or more competitions, and a third operation to specify a second user. In addition to the above, the data acquired by the reception unit 31 also includes data based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, orders, permissions or denials, registrations, and other input operations performed by the user at each stage of the voting service.

[0069] For example, if user X publishes a prediction for the target race R, and user Y uses that prediction to place a vote, the reception unit 31 receives the prediction for race R. The system accepts votes (using the first value) and requests from user X to make their predictions public. In other words, when a vote is made using the first value, the reception unit 31 can accept requests to make the predictions included in that vote public. Upon acceptance of the public setting request, user X's predictions are made public to other users. Each race, including race R, has a set period for accepting votes, and the reception unit 31 accepts predictions made within the acceptance period for race R. The reception unit 31 then accepts votes from user Y using the publicly available predictions. User Y's votes include the identification information of user X who made the predictions public, the content of the predictions, and the type and amount of value invested in the predictions.

[0070] Furthermore, if the reception unit 31 receives multiple different predictions (specifically, predicted finishing order) from user X, user Y can select one or more predictions from among those predictions and cast a vote using the selected predictions. In this case, the reception unit 31 will accept the vote from user Y based on the selected predictions. However, this is not the only option; when using public predictions, they may be used on a vote-by-vote basis. In other words, user Y may use all of the multiple predictions included in the public predictions at once, and the reception unit 31 may accept a vote from user Y using all of the multiple predictions.

[0071] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 32 controls the user terminal 12 while the user is using the voting service and displays predetermined operation screens, etc., on the user terminal 12. Specifically, the display control unit 32 generates data for screen display in response to user operations received by the reception unit 31 and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 12. The screens displayed on the user terminal 12 by the display control unit 32 include the voting confirmation screen G1 shown in Figure 1, the predicted public user list screen G2 shown in Figure 2, the predicted content public screen G3 shown in Figure 3, the second user list screen G4 shown in Figure 4, and the second user details screen G5 shown in Figure 5. In addition, the display control unit 32 controls the display manner, such as the display order of information identifying the second user, the display content, and the amount of information displayed in the second user list screen G4 and the second user details screen G5, according to the above rules.

[0072] (Notification Department) The notification unit 33 sends a push notification to the prediction-publishing user when it receives a vote from another user using the prediction after the reception unit 31 has received the prediction from the first user. Specifically, the notification unit 33 sends notification data to the prediction-publishing user's user terminal 12 and displays a notification message on the user terminal 12's display. The message displayed as a push notification may include information regarding the acceptance of the vote, such as user information including the names of other users who voted, the number of votes received, the amount of value invested in the vote and its total value, and whether or not there is a friendship relationship between the prediction-publishing user and the other user. Note that the push notification is not limited to notifications of text information such as messages, but may also be a notification by sound, light, or vibration.

[0073] (Accuracy Judgment Department) The hit rate determination unit 34 obtains the final results of the target race from the race result distribution device 14 after the target race has finished, and determines whether the prediction (predicted finishing order) of the bet made for the target race was correct based on the obtained final results. In addition, for bets that include multiple predictions, the hit rate determination unit 34 determines whether each prediction is correct.

[0074] (Dividend Distribution Department) The dividend distribution unit 35 distributes dividends (payouts) to users who have placed bets with correct predictions, according to the race results (specifically, the final finishing order) and odds. In this embodiment, the dividends are distributed in the same type of value as the value used for the bet. The value distributed as a dividend is stored in the user information of the storage unit 30, associated with the user to whom the dividend was distributed.

[0075] (Benefits Distribution Department) The reward granting unit 36 ​​grants rewards to users who publish predictions when their public predictions and the predictions used in the voting are correct. The rewards are determined according to the payouts received by users who used the public predictions and the number of users who used them (i.e., the number of times voting using the public predictions was accepted). The granted rewards are stored in the user information of the storage unit 30 in association with the user who published the predictions to whom the rewards were granted.

[0076] The configurations of the server computer 10 and the user terminal 12 have been described above. While the server computer 10 and the user terminal 12 generally have various other functions, only the characteristic functions that contribute to the effectiveness of the information processing system S in this invention will be described here. Other known functions will not be illustrated or described.

[0077] [Regarding the information processing method according to this embodiment] Next, as an example of the information processing method according to this embodiment, an information processing flow using the server computer 10 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 14. However, the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the order of execution of steps changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0078] [Information Processing Flow] First, we will explain the basic information processing flow (voting flow) related to the progress of the voting service. This information processing flow is the flow of information processing related to receiving votes from users for the target race and the various processes associated with them, and proceeds as shown in Figure 13, for example.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, first, the server computer 10 receives predictions about the target race (predictions related to bets made using the first value) from user X through communication with the user terminal 12 (S101).

[0080] Next, the server computer 10, through communication with the user terminal 12, receives a publishing setting operation from user X who made the prediction (S102:YES). In this case, it displays the prediction publishing user list screen G2 and the prediction content publishing screen G3 on the user terminals 12 of user X who published the prediction (hereinafter, prediction publishing user X) and other users, and publishes the prediction made by prediction publishing user X (S103). In this embodiment, the prediction content publishing screen G3 for prediction publishing user X is accessed from the prediction publishing user list screen G2 when the user performs a designation operation to specify prediction publishing user X.

[0081] Then, when the server computer 10 receives a vote from another user (for example, user Y) based on the public predictions published by prediction-publishing user X via communication with the user terminal 12 (S104:YES), it stores user Y who cast the vote as the second user associated with prediction-publishing user X (S105). If no votes based on public predictions have been received (S104:NO), the server computer 10 proceeds to the next process.

[0082] Next, when the server computer 10 receives a first operation from the user (first user) to specify the expected public user X (S106:YES), it executes the second user display process (S107). Details of the second user display process will be described later.

[0083] Then, if the server computer 10 has not received a public setting operation from user X (S102: NO), has not received a first operation from the user (S106: NO), or has displayed information identifying the second user on the first user's terminal 12 during the second user display process, it determines whether the acceptance period set for the target race has ended and voting has closed (S108). If voting has not yet closed (S108: NO), it returns to a state where voting based on public predictions can be accepted again. On the other hand, if voting for the target race has closed (S108: YES), the server computer 10 terminates processing at that point. The specific processing and flow of processing regarding the determination of correct predictions and the awarding of dividends after voting has closed are publicly known, so an explanation will be omitted. The above is an example of the information processing flow of the present invention.

[0084] [Second user display processing] Next, an example of the second user display process will be explained based on Figure 14. The second user display process is a process executed in the server computer 10 (mainly the display control unit 32, etc.) and is performed in step S107 of the above information processing flow. Specifically, it is a process that displays information identifying the second user who voted based on the public predictions of a designated public prediction user, in response to the first operation by the first user, on the first user's user terminal 12.

[0085] As shown in Figure 14, first, when the server computer 10 receives a first operation from the first user, it reads the information of the second user associated with the expected public user X stored in the storage unit 30 (S201). Then, when the server computer 10 receives a second operation from the first user specifying a predetermined competition (S202:YES), it identifies the period corresponding to the specified predetermined competition (S203). If the second operation is not received (S202:NO), the server computer 10 proceeds to the next process.

[0086] Next, the server computer 10 determines how to display the information identifying the second user, such as the display order, based on the information of the second user that it has read (S204). Specifically, as described above, the server computer 10 determines the display order (priority) based on the relationship between the first user and the second user (for example, whether or not there is a first relationship), the second user's voting experience, the second user's performance (if a second operation has been accepted), the type of voting value used by the second user, or the benefits that the second user has generated for the predicted public user X (if the first user and the predicted public user X have a second relationship).

[0087] Then, the server computer 10 communicates with the user terminal 12 and displays information identifying the second user on the first user's user terminal 12 according to the determined display order, etc. (S205). Specifically, the server computer 10 displays a list of information on the first user's terminal 12, which identifies the second user who voted based on the prediction of the prediction public user X specified in the first operation, via the second user list screen G4 accessed from the prediction public user list screen G2.

[0088] Furthermore, when the server computer 10 receives a third operation from the first user to specify an arbitrary second user (for example, user Y) (S206:YES), it determines the content and amount of information to provide to the first user (S207). Specifically, as described above, the server computer 10 takes into account the public or private settings made by user Y itself, and determines the content and amount of information based on the relationship between the first user and the second user (for example, whether or not there is a first relationship), the number of votes or the amount of voting value invested using public predictions (if the first user and the public prediction user X have a second relationship), or the type of voting value (if the first user and the public prediction user X have a second relationship), etc.

[0089] Then, the server computer 10, through communication with the user terminal 12, displays information that identifies the second user, such as information about the votes cast by user Y, on the first user's user terminal 12 according to the determined information content and amount (S208), and terminates processing. Specifically, the server computer 10 displays a list of information on the votes actually cast by user Y, specified by the third operation, on the first user's user terminal 12 via the second user details screen G5, which is accessed from the second user list screen G4. If the third operation has not been accepted (S206: NO), the server computer 10 terminates processing. The above is an example of the second user display process.

[0090] <Other Embodiments> To date, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described with specific examples. However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments; other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the server computer 10 that performs voting information processing functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Some of the functions of the server computer 10 may be realized by the user terminals 12 of the expected public user and the first user. For example, when the user terminals 12 of the expected public user and the first user communicate using a P2P (peer-to-peer) method, the functions of a reception unit 31 that accepts the first operation, second operation, third operation, or vote, or a display control unit 32 that displays information identifying the second user on the user terminal 12 of the first user, may be configured by the user terminals 12 of one or both users.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the user who publishes predictions publishes their predictions, and the first user uses the published predictions to cast a second vote. However, the case is not limited to this. For example, if the user who publishes predictions and the first user, who are friends with each other, form a group, and each user's vote predictions are shared within the group, the prediction for the first vote made by the user who publishes predictions may be shared, and the second vote using the shared predictions may be accepted from the first user, who belongs to the same group as the user who publishes predictions. Alternatively, if a user who publishes predictions makes a prediction about the race results and places their first vote, and also distributes their prediction to the public as a video or social networking service (SNS) post, the first user may place a second vote using the prediction from the first vote by referring to the distributed video or post.

[0093] In the above embodiment, player information and the like are stored in the server computer 10. However, a separate database server (not shown) may be provided to store the information collectively in that database server, or the information may be stored on the user terminal 12 side.

[0094] In the above embodiment, players can, in principle, enjoy all functions free of charge. However, some functions may be limited, and these limited functions may be available upon payment of a predetermined fee. Furthermore, various conditions may be set to give players who pay a predetermined fee an advantage in voting, such as access to more information. This fee may be based on a pay-per-use system, or it may be a one-time payment that is effective for a certain period (e.g., one month or one year) for the player (subscription).

[0095] <Summary> The main features of the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the embodiment described above are as follows.

[0096] [1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a reception unit that receives a first operation from a first user to specify a predictor who has published predictions regarding the results of a competition, and a display control unit that, when the reception unit receives the first operation from the first user, displays information on the terminal of the first user that identifies a second user who voted based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation. According to the information processing device described above, by visualizing users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, it is possible to enrich the information that can be used as a reference when judging the predictor's reliability, thereby promoting user voting behavior. Specifically, first users can recognize which users support the predictor they are considering using, improving the reliability of the information they use as a reference when selecting a predictor, making it easier to choose a predictor. It can also promote communication between predictors and first users, and among users who support the same predictor. Furthermore, if the predictor themselves is the first user, they can recognize which users are using their predictions, allowing them to analyze the results and use them for future predictions, or to promote communication with users who support them.

[0097] [2] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information that identifies the second user in a display order based on the first user's user information on the first user's terminal. This makes it easier for the first user to understand the voting behavior of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, especially those with whom they have a strong relationship. This allows for more comprehensive information to be used as a reference when judging the predictor's reliability, and further encourages users to vote.

[0098] [3] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information identifying a second user who has a first relationship with the first user on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this information over information identifying a second user who does not have a first relationship with the first user. This makes it easier for the first user to understand the voting behavior of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, especially those with whom they have a first relationship. As a result, the information that can be used to judge the predictor's reliability can be further enhanced, and user voting behavior can be further encouraged.

[0099] [4] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays on the first user's terminal a larger amount of information identifying a second user who has a first relationship with the first user than the amount of information identifying a second user who does not have a first relationship with the first user. This makes it easier for the first user to understand the voting behavior of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, especially those with whom they have a first relationship. As a result, the information that can be used to judge the predictor's reliability can be further enhanced, and user voting behavior can be further encouraged.

[0100] [5] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information identifying a second user with a large number of votes based on the predictor's predictions on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this over information identifying a second user with a small number of votes based on the predictor's predictions. This makes it easier for the first user to understand the voting behavior of users who voted based on the predictor's predictions (second users), especially those with extensive voting experience. This allows for more comprehensive information to be used in judging the predictor's reliability, and further encourages user voting.

[0101] [6] In the above-described information processing device, the reception unit receives a second operation from the first user to specify a predetermined competition from among one or more competitions, and the display control unit, when the reception unit receives the second operation from the first user, displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies the second user in a display order based on the second user's performance during the period corresponding to the predetermined competition specified by the second operation. This makes it easier for the first user to understand the voting behavior of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, especially those with good performance such as high return rates. As a result, it becomes possible to further enhance the information that can be used as a reference when judging the reliability of the predictor, and further encourage users to vote.

[0102] [7] In the above-described information processing device, the reception unit receives a third operation from the first user to specify a second user, and the display control unit, when the reception unit receives the third operation from the first user, displays on the first user's terminal the voting content that the second user, specified by the third operation, has voted for among the voting content included in the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation. This allows the first user to see the votes of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, further enriching the information available for judging the predictor's reliability and further encouraging user voting behavior.

[0103] [8] In the above-described information processing device, the reception unit receives a third operation from the first user to specify a second user, and the display control unit, when the reception unit receives the third operation from the first user, displays on the first user's terminal the voting content that the second user has made public among the voting content that the second user has voted for as specified by the third operation. This allows the first user to see the voting details of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, including the voting details that the second user has made public. This protects the privacy of the second user while providing more information to help users judge the predictor's reliability, and further encourages user voting behavior.

[0104] [9] In the above-described information processing device, the reception unit receives a third operation from the first user to specify a second user, and the display control unit, when the reception unit receives the third operation from the first user, displays at least some of the voting information of the second user specified by the third operation, which the second user has not made public, in a private state on the first user's terminal. This allows the first user to potentially see the votes of users (second users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, including votes that the second user has not made public. This allows for the protection of the second user's privacy while further enriching the information that can be used to judge the predictor's reliability, thereby further promoting user voting behavior.

[0105]

[10] In the above-described information processing device, if the first user and the predictor specified by the first operation are in a second relationship, the display control unit changes the content of the information identifying the second user based on the number of votes or the amount of votes cast by the second user based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation, and displays it on the first user's terminal. As a result, when the first user and the predictor have a second relationship, the first user can more accurately recognize which users (second users) are using their predictions if the number of votes or the amount of votes based on their predictions increases, thereby further encouraging voting behavior among users (especially predictors).

[0106]

[11] In the above-described information processing device, if the first user and the predictor specified by the first operation are in a second relationship, the display control unit displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies the second user who voted based on the predictor's prediction using a voting value from among 1 or more voting values ​​that produces a favorable effect on the predictor. As a result, when the first user and the predictor have a second relationship, the first user can identify users (second users) who voted based on their predictions and used voting value that produced a favorable effect for the predictor. Therefore, the predictor can more easily identify the second users who contributed to them, and further encourage the voting behavior of users (especially predictors).

[0107]

[12] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information identifying a second user who generated many favorable effects for the predictor on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this over information identifying a second user who generated few favorable effects for the predictor. As a result, when the first user and the predictor have a second relationship, the first user can identify users (second users) who voted based on their predictions and used voting value that produced a favorable effect for the predictor. Therefore, the predictor can more easily identify the second users who contributed to them, and further encourage the voting behavior of users (especially predictors).

[0108]

[13] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, the computer receives a first operation from a first user to specify a predictor who has published predictions regarding the results of a competition, and when the computer receives the first operation from the first user, it displays on the first user's terminal information that identifies a second user who voted based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation. According to the above information processing method, by visualizing users (second-party users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, it is possible to enrich the information that can be used as a reference for judging the predictor's reliability and promote user voting behavior.

[0109]

[14] Furthermore, according to the program of this embodiment, the computer receives a first operation from a first user to specify a predictor who has published predictions regarding the results of the competition, and when the first operation is received from the first user, the computer displays on the first user's terminal information that identifies a second user who voted based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation. According to the program described above, by visualizing users (second-party users) who voted based on the predictor's predictions, it is possible to enrich the information that can be used to judge the predictor's reliability and encourage users to vote. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 10 servers 12 User terminals 14 Race Result Distribution Device 16. Communication Network 21 processors 22 memory 23 Communication Interfaces 24 storage 25 buses 30 Storage section 31 Reception Department 32 Display Control Unit 33 Notification Department 34 Hit judgment section 35. Dividend Distribution Department 36. Special Offer Section G1 Voting Confirmation Screen G2 Prediction Public User List Screen G3 Prediction Details Release Screen G4 Second User List Screen G5 Second User Details Screen S Information Processing System

Claims

1. A reception unit that receives a first operation from a first user to specify a predictor who publishes predictions regarding the results of the competition, When the reception unit receives the first operation from the first user, the display control unit displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies the second user who voted based on the prediction of the predictor specified by the first operation, An information processing device having

2. The display control unit causes the first user's terminal to display information that identifies the second user in a display order based on the first user's user information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit displays information identifying the second user who has a first relationship with the first user on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this information over information identifying the second user who does not have a first relationship with the first user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display control unit causes the amount of information identifying the second user who has a first relationship with the first user to be displayed on the first user's terminal to be greater than the amount of information identifying the second user who does not have a first relationship with the first user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The display control unit displays information identifying the second user with a large number of votes based on the predictor's predictions on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this information over information identifying the second user with a small number of votes based on the predictor's predictions. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The reception unit receives a second operation from the first user to specify a predetermined competition from among one or more competitions. When the reception unit receives the second operation from the first user, the display control unit displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies the second user in a display order based on the second user's performance during the period corresponding to the predetermined competition specified by the second operation. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The reception unit receives a third operation from the first user to specify the second user. When the reception unit receives the third operation from the first user, the display control unit displays on the first user's terminal the voting content that the second user, specified by the third operation, has voted for among the voting content included in the prediction of the predictor specified by the first operation. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The reception unit receives a third operation from the first user to specify the second user. When the reception unit receives the third operation from the first user, the display control unit displays the voting content that the second user has made public among the voting content that the second user has voted for, as specified by the third operation, on the first user's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The reception unit receives a third operation from the first user to specify the second user. When the reception unit receives the third operation from the first user, the display control unit displays at least some of the voting information of the second user, which has been voted on by the second user as specified by the third operation, in a private state on the first user's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. If the first user and the predictor specified by the first operation are in a second relationship, The display control unit modifies the content of the information identifying the second user based on the number of votes or the amount of votes cast by the second user based on the predictions of the predictor specified by the first operation, and displays it on the first user's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. If the first user and the predictor specified by the first operation are in a second relationship, The display control unit displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies the second user who voted based on the forecaster's prediction using a voting value from among one or more voting values ​​that produces a favorable effect on the forecaster. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The display control unit displays information identifying the second user who generated many favorable effects for the predictor on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this information over information identifying the second user who generated fewer favorable effects for the predictor. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The computer receives a first operation from the first user, specifying a predictor who publishes predictions about the results of the competition. When the computer receives the first operation from the first user, it displays information on the first user's terminal that identifies the second user who voted based on the prediction of the predictor specified by the first operation. Information processing methods.

14. On the computer, The first user initiates the first operation, which involves specifying a predictor who has published predictions regarding the results of the competition. When the first operation is received from the first user, information identifying the second user who voted based on the prediction of the predictor specified by the first operation is displayed on the first user's terminal. program.

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