Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

The aim of the voting content is to maintain user interest over a long period of time while suppressing excessive changes in users' predictions. [Solution] The information processing system comprises a selection reception unit 42 that accepts from the user the selection of one of several options corresponding to different conditions, and a dividend management unit 43 that, when the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user are met, grants the user a dividend amount corresponding to at least the amount of value medium used by the user and the dividend multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user. The selection reception unit 42 can accept changes to the selection target from the user, and the first multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option, is lower than the second multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the second option is selected without a change in the selection target. The first multiplier is a multiplier corresponding to the return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of dividends granted when the conditions corresponding to the second option are met to the total amount of value medium used by multiple users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technique for awarding a dividend to a user who has selected any one of a plurality of options.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a user predicts the results of various events and a dividend is awarded to the user whose prediction is correct. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a player predicts the ranking of a race in which a plurality of characters participate, and a prize corresponding to the dividend multiplier and the number of bets is awarded to the player.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, once a user inputs their prediction, the prediction cannot be changed thereafter. Therefore, for example, depending on the progress of the event, the user's interest may decline early. On the other hand, if unrestricted changes to the prediction are allowed, it becomes difficult to establish the basic purpose of the service of awarding a dividend to the user whose prediction is correct. In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of this disclosure aims to maintain the user's interest over a long period while suppressing excessive changes to the user's prediction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a selection receiving unit that receives a selection from a user for one of a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions, and a dividend management unit that grants a dividend to the user when the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user from among the plurality of options are met, wherein the selection receiving unit can receive a change of the selection target from the user, and when the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option, the first quantity of dividends granted to the user upon the fulfillment of the conditions corresponding to the second option is less than the second quantity of dividends granted to the user upon the fulfillment of the conditions corresponding to the second option when the second option is selected without a change in the selection target.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving a selection from a user for one of a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions, and granting a dividend to the user when the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user are met, wherein the user can request a change in the selection target, and when the selection target is changed from the first option to the second option, the first quantity of dividends granted to the user upon the fulfillment of the conditions corresponding to the second option is less than the second quantity of dividends granted to the user upon the fulfillment of the conditions corresponding to the second option when the second option is selected without a change in the selection target.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to function as a selection receiving unit that receives a selection from a user for one of a plurality of options corresponding to different conditions, and a dividend management unit that grants a dividend to the user when the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user from among the plurality of options are met, wherein the selection receiving unit can receive a change of the selection target from the user, and when the selection target is changed from a first option to a second option, the first quantity of dividends granted to the user upon the fulfillment of the conditions corresponding to the second option is less than the second quantity of dividends granted to the user upon the fulfillment of the conditions corresponding to the second option when the second option is selected without a change in the selection target. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the communication system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the voting screen. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of voting content information. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of user information. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart for processing votes. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart for processing votes. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart for processing votes. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the voting list. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the voting screen. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the dividend distribution process. [Figure 14]It is a schematic diagram of user information in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram regarding the reduction rate of each option in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram of the reference table in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram of a plurality of options in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram of the voting screen in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram of the voting screen in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram of the voting information in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram of user information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is an explanatory diagram of each plan of the subscription contract in the seventh embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. The forms exemplified below include various limitations that are not essential for the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the forms exemplified below.

[0010] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes an information processing system 10, a management system 20, and a terminal device 30. The information processing system 10 communicates with the management system 20 and the terminal device 30 via a communication network 200 such as the Internet. In practice, there are a plurality of terminal devices 30, but in the following description, for convenience, attention is focused on one terminal device 30.

[0011] The terminal device 30 is an information device used by user U. For example, a portable or stationary information device such as a smartphone, tablet, home game console, mobile phone, or personal computer may be used as the terminal device 30. In addition, a commercial game machine installed in a facility such as an amusement facility or commercial facility may also be used as the terminal device 30.

[0012] Each user U holds points. Points are a medium of value that can be used for various services. For example, each user U can acquire desired goods or services by spending the points they hold. Points may also be exchanged for other types of medium of value (e.g., electronic currency).

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 30. As illustrated in Figure 2, the terminal device 30 comprises a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an operating device 35. The terminal device 30 can be implemented as a single device or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0014] The control device 31 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 30. For example, the control device 31 consists of one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), SPU (Sound Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0015] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. The storage device 32 is composed of known recording media, such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media. The storage device 32 may be composed of a combination of multiple types of recording media. Alternatively, a portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the terminal device 30, or a recording media that can be written to or read by the control device 31 via a communication network 200 (e.g., cloud storage), may be used as the storage device 32.

[0016] The communication device 33 communicates with the information processing system 10 and the management system 20 via the communication network 200. Alternatively, the communication device 33, separate from the terminal device 30, may be connected to the terminal device 30 by wire or wireless connection.

[0017] The display device 34 displays an image under the control of the control device 31. The display device 34 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. The operating device 35 is an input device that receives instructions from the user U. The operating device 35 is, for example, an operator operated by the user U, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user U. Alternatively, a voice input device that receives the voice of the user U may be used as the operating device 35.

[0018] The information processing system 10 is a computer system for managing voting content B. Voting content B is content for accepting votes for a specific event (hereinafter referred to as the "target event"). In the following description, a real-life soccer match will be used as an example of the target event. Voting content B in the first embodiment is content for live betting that allows not only voting before the start of the target event but also real-time voting in parallel with the progress of the target event.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an example of the display of voting content B (voting screen Ga). Voting content B is displayed on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30. As illustrated in Figure 3, voting content B includes target event information E, multiple options M (M1 to M5), multiple payout multipliers D, an operation area Ga1, a cancel button Ga2, and a confirm button Ga3. The number of options M may differ for each voting content B.

[0020] Target event information E is information used to identify the target event that voting content B is targeting. For example, target event information E includes information such as the name of the target event (e.g., the names of the competing teams) and the date and time of the event. Target event information E also includes the period during which votes from user U for voting content B are accepted (hereinafter referred to as the "voting period"). The end of the voting period is, for example, the time when the target event ends.

[0021] Voting content B includes multiple options M (M1 to M5) corresponding to different conditions related to the target event (hereinafter referred to as "judgment condition C"). The judgment condition C corresponding to each option M is an event that may be held in the target event. Specifically, the multiple options M of voting content B correspond to different judgment conditions C that may be held alternately for similar events in the target event (e.g., win / loss or score difference).

[0022] For example, Figure 3 illustrates five options M corresponding to judgment conditions C regarding win / loss and score difference in the target event. Specifically, option M1 corresponds to judgment condition C "Teams A, B, and C win by a margin of 3 points or more," option M2 corresponds to judgment condition C "Teams A, B, and C win by a margin of 1-2 points," option M3 corresponds to judgment condition C "Draw (no score difference)," option M4 corresponds to judgment condition C "Teams XYZ win by a margin of 1-2 points," and option M5 corresponds to judgment condition C "Teams XYZ win by a margin of 3 points or more." In other words, judgment condition C corresponding to any one of the multiple options M in voting content B is alternately satisfied in the target event.

[0023] User U can select one of several options M in voting content B by operating the control device 35. Specifically, User U selects the option M that is expected to be most likely to occur in the target event. The selection of option M corresponds to a vote in voting content B. If the judgment condition C corresponding to the option M selected by User U is met in the target event, User U is awarded a payout. In other words, User U is awarded a payout if their prediction regarding the target event is correct.

[0024] User U votes for voting content B in exchange for using a specific quantity of points they possess (hereinafter referred to as "Usage Amount Qb"). In other words, Usage Amount Qb is the quantity of points used as payment for voting for voting content B. The act of voting for voting content B in exchange for Usage Amount Qb is also referred to as "betting".

[0025] The operation area Ga1 is an input field for receiving instructions for the usage amount Qb from the user U. Specifically, the user U can input a numerical value for the usage amount Qb into the operation area Ga1 by operating the control device 35 while the operation area Ga1 is selected. The user U may select any of several candidate values ​​for the usage amount Qb.

[0026] Voting content B includes multiple payout multipliers D corresponding to different options M. Each payout multiplier D corresponding to option M is a parameter that determines the amount of payout (hereinafter referred to as "payout amount Qw") awarded to user U if option M is successful in the target event. Specifically, payout amount Qw is calculated according to the payout multiplier D and the usage amount Qb. For example, points equivalent to the payout amount Qw, which is the product of the payout multiplier D and the usage amount Qb, are awarded to user U as a payout (Qw = D × Qb). Therefore, the larger the payout multiplier D or usage amount Qb, the larger the payout amount Qw awarded to user U. Basically, for options M that correspond to the judgment condition C which is likely to be successful in the target event, the payout multiplier D tends to be set to a small value.

[0027] The Cancel button Ga2 is a software button that accepts the cancellation of a vote for voting content B. The Confirm button Ga3 is a software button that accepts the confirmation (i.e., vote) of option M in voting content B.

[0028] The management system 20 in Figure 1 is a server system that manages information related to target events. Specifically, the management system 20 manages event information H for each of multiple target events. Event information H is information related to the progress of the target event. Specifically, event information H is information necessary to determine success or failure for each judgment condition C corresponding to each option M of voting content B. For example, event information H includes information related to the results of the target event, such as wins and losses or score differences. Event information H is updated as needed to reflect the status of the target event in parallel with the progress of the target event. Event information H is updated, for example, in response to manual instructions from the operator of the target event.

[0029] Event information H is transmitted from the management system 20 to the information processing system 10, for example, before and after the target event. The functions of the management system 20 may also be integrated into the information processing system 10.

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing system 10. As illustrated in Figure 4, the information processing system 10 comprises a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The information processing system 10 can be implemented as a single device or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0031] The control device 11 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the information processing system 10. For example, the control device 11 consists of one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), SPU (Sound Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0032] The communication device 13 communicates with the management system 20 and the terminal device 30 via the communication network 200. Alternatively, the communication device 13, separate from the information processing system 10, may be connected to the information processing system 10 by wire or wireless connection.

[0033] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. The storage device 12 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media. The storage device 12 may be composed of a combination of multiple types of recording media. Alternatively, a portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the information processing system 10, or a recording media that can be written to or read by the control device 11 via a communication network 200 (e.g., cloud storage), may be used as the storage device 12. In the first embodiment, the storage device 12 stores voting content information X and user information Y.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of voting content information X. Voting content information X is information that defines voting content B, and is stored in the storage device 12 for each voting content B. As illustrated in Figure 5, voting content information X includes target event information E. As mentioned above, target event information E is information for identifying the target event.

[0035] Furthermore, the voting content information X includes a judgment condition C and a base multiplier D0 for each of the multiple options M (M1 to M5) of the voting content B. As mentioned above, judgment condition C is a condition that may be met in the target event.

[0036] The base multiplier D0 is the initial or baseline value of the payout multiplier D. The base multiplier D0 is set to a different value for each option M (each judgment condition C). For example, among the multiple judgment conditions C corresponding to different options M in voting content B, the base multiplier D0 corresponding to the judgment condition C that is more likely to be met in the target event will be set to a smaller value.

[0037] When user U first casts a vote for voting content B, the payout multiplier D for each option M is set to the base multiplier D0. In other words, the base multiplier D0 is the initial value of the payout multiplier D.

[0038] After the initial vote on voting content B, user U can change their selection in voting content B. That is, user U can change their selection from the previously selected option M to another option M in voting content B. At the stage when user U changes their selection, the payout multiplier D of each option M is set to a value lower than the base multiplier D0 of that option M. In other words, user U can change their selection in voting content B in exchange for a decrease in the payout multiplier D.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of user information Y. User information Y is information regarding the voting status of user U for voting content B, and is stored in the storage device 12 for each user U. As illustrated in Figure 6, user information Y includes the number of points held Q and voting information V. The number of points held Q is the quantity of points held by user U.

[0040] For each voting content B that user U votes on, voting information V is registered in user information Y. Voting information V includes the predicted choice M, the payout multiplier D, and the amount used Qb. The predicted choice M is the choice M selected by user U from among multiple choices M in voting content B. The payout multiplier D is the multiplier set for the predicted choice M. The amount used Qb is, as described above, the amount of points that user U uses to select the predicted choice M in voting content B.

[0041] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing system 10. The control device 11 executes a program stored in the storage device 12 to implement multiple functions (display control unit 41, selection reception unit 42, dividend management unit 43) for managing user U's votes on voting content B and the allocation of dividends to user U.

[0042] The display control unit 41 causes the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 to display an image. Specifically, the display control unit 41 causes the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 to display an image by transmitting data for the terminal device 30 to display the image from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30. For example, the display control unit 41 transmits image data representing the image to the terminal device 30. Alternatively, the display control unit 41 may cause the display device 34 to display an image by transmitting data representing a command to display an image from the communication device 13 to the terminal device 30. For example, the display control unit 41 transmits data to the terminal device 30 that specifies one of several images stored in the terminal device 30, or data that specifies control parameters related to the image.

[0043] The selection reception unit 42 receives a selection from the user U for one of the multiple options M of the voting content B (i.e., the predicted option M). In the first embodiment, the selection reception unit 42 receives the initial selection of option M in the voting content B from the user U, and can also receive a change in the selection target from the user U.

[0044] The dividend management unit 43 manages the dividends awarded to user U for voting in voting content B. Specifically, the dividend management unit 43 awards a dividend of dividend amount Qw to user U when the judgment condition C corresponding to the predicted option M selected by user U from among multiple options M in voting content B is met. In other words, among the multiple users U who voted in voting content B, the dividend is awarded to user U who voted for option M in which judgment condition C is met in the target event.

[0045] The dividend management unit 43 calculates the dividend amount Qw according to the amount of points used Qb instructed by user U and the dividend multiplier D corresponding to the expected option M selected by user U. Specifically, the dividend management unit 43 calculates the dividend amount Qw as the product of the amount used Qb and the dividend multiplier D. The dividend management unit 43 adds the dividend amount Qw to the number of points Q held by user U. Adding the dividend amount Qw to the number of points Q corresponds to the distribution of dividends to user U.

[0046] Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts of the voting acceptance process for receiving votes from user U regarding voting content B. When user U gives an instruction to start voting, the control device 31 of terminal device 30 sends a start request from communication device 33 to information processing system 10 (Sa11). When communication device 13 receives the start request (Sb11), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) of information processing system 10 displays the voting target list G0 on the display device 34 of the requesting terminal device 30 (Sb12, Sa12).

[0047] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the voting list G0. The voting list G0 is a list of multiple voting content B that user U can vote on. For example, among multiple voting content B whose voting content information X is stored in the storage device 12, voting content B whose current time includes the voting period will be displayed in the voting list G0. Multiple voting content B corresponding to a common target event and multiple voting content B corresponding to different target events are presented to user U by the voting list G0.

[0048] In the voting target list G0, the target event information E and voting status G01 are displayed for each of the multiple voting content B. The voting status G01 for each voting content B indicates whether user U has already voted for that voting content B or not. For example, among the multiple voting content B, voting content B for which voting information V is registered in user information Y will have a voting status G01 of "Voted", while voting content B for which voting information V is not stored in storage device 12 will have a voting status G01 of "Not Voted".

[0049] User U can select one desired voting content B from among multiple voting content B in the voting target list G0 by operating the operating device 35 of the terminal device 30. User U can select either a voted or unvoted voting content B. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives the operation from user U to the operating device 35 (Sa13). The control device 31 transmits a voting instruction from the communication device 33 to the information processing system 10 (Sa14). The voting instruction includes specifying the voting content B selected by user U.

[0050] The control device 11 of the information processing system 10 receives a voting instruction from the communication device 13 (Sb13). That is, the control device 11 accepts the selection of voting content B by user U. The control device 11 determines whether the voting content B selected by user U is an unvoted voting content B (Sb14). Specifically, it determines whether the voting information V for the voting content B selected by user U is stored in the storage device 12.

[0051] If voting content B has not been voted on (Sb14:YES), the control device 11 (display control unit 41) displays the voting screen Ga shown in Figure 3 on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 for voting content B selected by user U from the voting target list G0, as illustrated in Figure 9 (Sb21,Sa21). The voting screen Ga is the screen for receiving the first vote from user U for the unvoted voting content B.

[0052] As described above, the voting screen Ga includes target event information E, multiple options M, multiple payout multipliers D, an operation area Ga1, a cancel button Ga2, and a confirm button Ga3. The target event information E, options M, and payout multipliers D are displayed using voting content information X. The voting content B on the voting screen Ga is the unvoted voting content B of user U. Therefore, the base multiplier D0 corresponding to each option M in the voting content information X is displayed on the voting screen Ga as the payout multiplier D for that option M.

[0053] User U can select one of the multiple options M of the voting content B (predicted option M) by operating the operating device 35 of the terminal device 30. User U can also input a desired usage amount Qb into the operation area Ga1 by operating the operating device 35 of the terminal device 30. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives the operation from user U to the operating device 35 (selection of predicted option M and input of usage amount Qb) (Sa22).

[0054] When user U operates the cancel button Ga2, the screen displayed by the display device 34 transitions from the voting screen Ga to the voting target list G0 in Figure 11. Also, when user U operates the confirm button Ga3 on the voting screen Ga, the control device 31 transmits a voting instruction including the predicted option M and usage amount Qb from the communication device 33 to the information processing system 10 (Sa23).

[0055] The control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) of the information processing system 10 receives a voting instruction via the communication device 13 (Sb22). Receiving a voting instruction corresponds to the process of receiving the selection of the expected option M and the input of the usage amount Qb from the user U. That is, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) receives the selection of one of the multiple options M (expected option M) and the input of the usage amount Qb from the user U.

[0056] The control device 11 registers the voting information V in the storage device 12 in response to the instructions received from the user U (Sb23). As described above, the voting information V includes the predicted option M selected by the user U, the payout multiplier D (base multiplier D0) corresponding to option M, and the usage amount Qb entered by the user U. The operation when an unvoted voting content B is selected is as described above.

[0057] After selecting option M using the above procedure, user U may wish to change their selection in voting content B due to various circumstances such as a change in the situation regarding the target event or a change in user U's feelings. In the first embodiment, changes in selection can be accepted from user U, as detailed below. User U, who wishes to change their selection regarding voting content B that has already been voted for, selects the voting content B from the voting list G0 in Figure 11.

[0058] If the voting content B selected by user U from the voting target list G0 has already been voted for (Sb14:NO), it is presumed that user U wishes to change the selected item for voting content B. If voting content B has already been voted for, the control device 11 (display control unit 41) displays the voting screen Gb shown in Figure 12 on the display device 34 of the terminal device 30 for voting content B selected by user U from the voting target list G0, as illustrated in Figure 10 (Sb31,Sa31). The voting screen Gb is a screen for accepting requests from user U to change the selected item for voting content B that has already been voted for.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 12, the voting screen Gb, like the voting screen Ga, includes target event information E and multiple options M (M1 to M5). The multiple options M represented by the voting content information X are displayed on the voting screen Gb.

[0060] User U can select a desired option M from among multiple options M as the changed predicted option M by operating the operating device 35 of the terminal device 30. In other words, User U can select an option M that is different from the option M previously selected for voting content B. As described above, User U can change the selection target in voting content B. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 receives the operation from User U (selection of predicted option M) to the operating device 35 (Sa32).

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 12, the voting screen Gb displays the base multiplier D0 and the payout multiplier D for each of the multiple options M. The base multiplier D0 for each option M is the value registered in the voting content information X for that option M. The base multiplier D0 is an example of the "second multiplier," and the payout multiplier D on the voting screen Gb is an example of the "first multiplier." The base multiplier D0 on the voting screen Gb corresponds to the payout multiplier D that was displayed on the voting screen Ga when the first vote was cast for voting content B.

[0062] The dividend multiplier D for each option M is a value applied to the calculation of the dividend amount Qw when the user U changes their selection. The dividend multiplier D for each option M is set to a value lower than the base multiplier D0 for that option M. The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 calculates the dividend multiplier D for each option M by adjusting the base multiplier D0 for each option M according to the adjustment value Z. The adjustment value Z is a positive number less than 1. Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the dividend multiplier D using the following formula (1). D = D0 × (1 - Z) (1)

[0063] For example, let's assume the adjustment value Z is 0.1. For option M1, where the base multiplier D0 is set to 1.80x, the revised payout multiplier D will be set to 1.62x (=1.80 × (1 - 0.1)). Similarly, for option M2, where the base multiplier D0 is set to 1.30x, the revised payout multiplier D will be set to 1.17x (=1.3 × (1 - 0.1)).

[0064] As can be understood from formula (1), the adjustment value Z is the rate of decrease relative to the base multiplier D0. As explained above, in the first embodiment, the dividend multiplier D corresponding to the changed option M is calculated by adjusting the dividend multiplier D (base multiplier D0) corresponding to the option M selected by the user U before the change according to the adjustment value Z. Therefore, the relationship between the dividend multiplier D before the change and the dividend multiplier D after the change of the selected item can be easily controlled according to the adjustment value Z.

[0065] Now, let's consider a scenario where user U changes their selection target in voting content B from option Ma to another option Mb. Option Ma is the option M that user U initially selected from among multiple options M in voting content B. On the other hand, option Mb is an option M other than option Ma. The payout multiplier D when the selection target is changed from option Ma to option Mb is lower than the payout multiplier D (base multiplier D0) when user U selects option Mb without changing the selection target. The payout multiplier D corresponding to the changed option Mb is an example of the "first multiplier," and the payout multiplier D (base multiplier D0) for option Mb when selected without changing the selection target is an example of the "second multiplier."

[0066] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the payout multiplier D for each option M on the voting screen Gb is the value applied to the calculation of the payout amount Qw when the user U changes their selection. Therefore, if the same option M as the already selected option M is selected on the voting screen Gb (i.e., the selection is not effectively changed), the payout multiplier D does not need to be changed. It is also conceivable that the voting screen Gb may not accept the selection of the same option M as the already selected option M. For example, the same option M as the already selected option M may be grayed out on the voting screen Gb.

[0067] The voting screen Gb in Figure 12 includes, in addition to the elements exemplified above, a note Gb1, a usage amount Qb, a cancel button Gb2, and a change button Gb3. The note Gb1 is a message informing user U that the dividend multiplier D will decrease due to a change in the selected item. The usage amount Qb is the quantity entered by user U when making the initial vote on the voting screen Ga. In the first embodiment, user U cannot change the usage amount Qb at the stage of changing the selected item. However, a configuration in which the usage amount Qb can be changed along with the change in the selected item is also conceivable.

[0068] The Cancel button Gb2 is a software button that accepts the cancellation of a change in the selection. When user U operates the Cancel button Gb2, the screen displayed by the display device 34 transitions from the voting screen Gb to the voting target list G0. The Change button Gb3 is a software button that accepts confirmation of a change in option M (i.e., re-voting). When user U operates the Change button Gb3, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 transmits a change instruction, including the changed expected option M, from the communication device 33 to the information processing system 10 (Sa33).

[0069] The control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) of the information processing system 10 receives a change instruction via the communication device 13 (Sb32). Receiving the change instruction corresponds to the process of accepting a change in the predicted choice M from the user U. The control device 11 updates the user U's voting information V in accordance with the change instruction received from the user U (Sb33). Specifically, the predicted choice M registered in the voting information V is changed to the changed predicted choice M instructed by the change instruction, and the payout multiplier D registered in the voting information V is updated to the adjusted value (formula (1)) according to the adjustment value Z. The usage amount Qb registered in the voting information V is not changed.

[0070] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the process for awarding dividends to user U (hereinafter referred to as the "dividend awarding process"). The dividend awarding process for a target event is executed when the target event ends. The dividend awarding process is executed for each voting content B related to the target event.

[0071] When the dividend distribution process begins, the control device 11 of the information processing system 10 obtains event information H related to the target event from the management system 20 (Sc1). By referring to the event information H, the control device 11 identifies the option M of the voting content B for which the judgment condition C is met (Sc2). The control device 11 identifies the user U who selected the option M for which the judgment condition C is met as the predicted option M (Sc3). In other words, the user U whose prediction regarding the target event was correct is identified.

[0072] The control device 11 calculates the dividend amount Qw according to the usage amount Qb and dividend multiplier D registered in the voting information V (Sc4). Specifically, the product of the usage amount Qb and the dividend multiplier D is calculated as the dividend amount Qw. The calculation of the dividend amount Qw is performed for each user U.

[0073] As mentioned above, if the predicted option M for which judgment condition C is met is the same option M selected in the first vote for voting content B, the payout amount Qw is calculated by applying the base multiplier D0 as the payout multiplier D. On the other hand, if the predicted option M for which judgment condition C is met is the same option M after the selection target has been changed, the payout multiplier D applied to the calculation of the payout amount Qw is less than the base multiplier D0. Therefore, the payout amount Qw when the option M selected by user U after the selection target change is correct will be less than the payout amount Qw when the option M initially selected by user U is correct.

[0074] In other words, assuming the selection target is changed from option Ma to option Mb, the dividend amount Qw (first quantity) awarded to user U upon the fulfillment of the judgment condition C corresponding to option Mb will be less than the dividend amount Qw (second quantity) awarded to user U upon the fulfillment of the judgment condition C corresponding to the selected option Mb, regardless of the change in the selection target.

[0075] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) adds the dividend amount Qw to the number of points Q held by user U whose prediction was correct (Sc5). In other words, the control device 11 grants a dividend to user U when the judgment condition C corresponding to the option M selected by user U from among multiple options M is met.

[0076] As explained above, in the first embodiment, changes to the selected target are accepted by the user U. Therefore, compared to a system where the selected target cannot be changed after the initial selection of option M, the user U's interest in the target event can be maintained over a long period after the selection of option M. Furthermore, the dividend amount Qw when the selected target is changed is lower than the dividend amount Qw when the selected target is not changed. In other words, the user U can change the selected target in exchange for a reduction in the dividend amount Qw. Therefore, excessive changes to the selected target by the user U can be suppressed.

[0077] In the first embodiment, in particular, the dividend multiplier D (first multiplier) when the selected target is changed is lower than the dividend multiplier D (second multiplier) when the selected target is not changed. Therefore, for example, it is easier for the user U to grasp the difference between the dividend amount Qw when the selected target is changed and the dividend amount Qw when the selected target is not changed.

[0078] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In each of the embodiments exemplified below, elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment will use the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] In the first embodiment, a single change in the selection target in voting content B was assumed. In the second embodiment, the control device 11 (selection reception unit 42) of the information processing system 10 can receive changes in the selection target in voting content B multiple times. That is, for voting content B that has already been voted on, user U can repeatedly change the selection target.

[0080] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of user information Y in the second embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 14, the voting information V in the second embodiment includes the same elements as in the first embodiment (expected choice M, dividend multiplier D, usage amount Qb) in addition to the number of changes N. The number of changes N is the number of times user U has changed the target of selection in voting content B. The number of changes N increases by 1 each time user U changes the target of selection. Specifically, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) adds 1 to the number of changes N when updating the voting information V (Sb33) in response to a change instruction.

[0081] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) controls the adjustment value Z applied to the calculation of the dividend multiplier D when the selected target is changed, according to the number of times the selected target is changed N. Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the adjustment value Z as the product of the number of changes N and a predetermined reference value Z0 (Z = N × Z0). Therefore, the adjustment value Z increases as the number of changes N increases. The reference value Z0 is a predetermined positive number less than 1.

[0082] The dividend multiplier D for the changed option M is calculated using the formula (1) described above. Therefore, even if the base multiplier D0 does not change, the dividend multiplier D decreases as the number of changes N increases. For example, consider a scenario where the base value Z0 is set to 0.1, and the chosen option is sequentially changed to option M, which has a base multiplier D0 of 3.60 times. The dividend multiplier D at the time of the first vote is 3.60 times (=D0). On the other hand, the dividend multiplier D calculated at the time of the first change (N=1) is 3.24 times (=3.60 × 0.9). Also, the dividend multiplier D calculated at the time of the second change (N=2) is 2.88 times (=3.60 × 0.8).

[0083] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, since the adjustment value Z is controlled according to the number of times the selected target is changed N, the relationship between the dividend multiplier D after each change to the selected target and the dividend multiplier D when the selected target is not changed can be adjusted according to the number of changes N. For example, in the above configuration in which the adjustment value Z increases in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes N, the dividend multiplier D decreases as the number of changes N increases. Therefore, the aforementioned effect of suppressing excessive changes to the selected target by the user U is particularly significant.

[0084] In the above explanation, we have illustrated a form in which the adjustment value Z increases in proportion to the number of changes N, but the relationship between the number of changes N and the adjustment value Z is not limited to this example. For example, the rate of increase of the adjustment value Z may decrease in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes N. The rate of increase of the adjustment value Z is the amount of change in the adjustment value Z when the number of changes N changes by a unit amount (=1). With the above configuration, the decrease in the dividend multiplier D is suppressed as the number of changes N increases. Therefore, an excessive decrease in the dividend multiplier D can be suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, the rate of increase of the adjustment value Z may increase in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes N. With the above configuration, the decrease in the dividend multiplier D is accelerated as the number of changes N increases. Therefore, changes in the selection target by the user U can be effectively suppressed.

[0086] [Third Embodiment] Figure 15 illustrates the base multiplier D0, the usage subtotal σ(σ1, σ2, σ3), and the total payout Σw(Σw1, Σw2, Σw3) for each of the multiple options M(M1, M2, M3) in voting content B. The usage subtotal σ for each option M is the sum of the usage amounts Qb for that option M. In other words, the usage subtotal σ is the sum of the usage amounts Qb for all users U who selected one of the options M in voting content B.

[0087] The total amount spent Σb in Figure 15 is the sum of the subtotals σ used for all options M in voting content B. In other words, the total amount spent Σb is the total amount of points (usage Qb) used by multiple users U for voting in voting content B. That is, the total amount spent Σb represents the revenue of the operator of voting content B.

[0088] On the other hand, the total dividend amount Σw for each option M is the sum of the dividend amounts Qw awarded when the corresponding judgment condition C for that option M is met. In other words, the total dividend amount Σw is the sum of the dividend amounts Qw awarded to all users U who correctly predicted the voting content B. The total dividend amount Σw represents the expenditure of the operator of voting content B.

[0089] The return rate R(R1,R2,R3) in Figure 15 is the ratio of the total dividend amount Σw to the total amount spent Σb (R=Σw / Σb). Therefore, the smaller the return rate R, the easier it is for the operator to secure profits. Specifically, the larger the total amount spent Σb, or the smaller the total dividend amount Σw, the higher the operator's profits. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 in the third embodiment controls the adjustment value Z according to the return rate R.

[0090] In the third embodiment, the reference table T shown in Figure 16 is used to set the adjustment value Z. The reference table T is a data table in which the correspondence between the reduction rate R and the adjustment value Z is registered. In the reference table T, different numerical values ​​of the adjustment value Z are associated with each of the multiple ranges that divide the numerical range of the reduction rate R. For example, in the reference table T, each range of the reduction rate R and each numerical value of the adjustment value Z are associated such that the adjustment value Z increases as the reduction rate R increases. Alternatively, a calculation formula describing the relationship between the reduction rate R and the adjustment value Z may be used to set the adjustment value Z according to the reduction rate R.

[0091] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 sets an adjustment value Z for each of the multiple options M of the voting content B, according to the return rate R of that option M. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z for each option M to a value registered in the reference table T for the return rate R of that option M.

[0092] The dividend multiplier D for option M after the selection target has been changed is calculated by applying the aforementioned formula (1), which is set according to the return rate R. For example, for option M1 in Figure 15, the return rate R is 91.0%, so the adjustment value Z for option M1 is 0.125 (90% ≤ R < 100%). Therefore, when user U changes their selection target to option M1 (D0 = 1.30), the dividend multiplier D is calculated to be 1.1375 times as follows. D=D0×(1-Z)=1.30×(1-0.125)=1.1375

[0093] On the other hand, for option M2 in Figure 15, the return rate R is 72.0%, so the adjusted value Z for option M2 is 0.075 (70% ≤ R < 80%). Therefore, if user U changes their selection to option M2 (D0 = 3.60), the dividend multiplier D is calculated to be 3.33 times as follows. D=D0×(1-Z)=3.60×(1-0.075)=3.33

[0094] As illustrated above, the larger the return rate R corresponding to the changed option M, the greater the decrease in the dividend multiplier D due to the change in the selection target. Therefore, changes to option M with a larger return rate R are discouraged. As mentioned above, the larger the return rate R, the more difficult it is for the operator to secure profits. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, since changes to option M with a larger return rate R are discouraged, there is an advantage in that it is easier for the operator of voting content B to secure profits.

[0095] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the third embodiment. The configuration of the second embodiment is also applied to the third embodiment. Furthermore, although the above description has illustrated a form in which the adjustment value Z increases as the return rate R increases, a form in which the adjustment value Z decreases as the return rate R increases is also conceivable. That is, the smaller the return rate R corresponding to the option M after the change in the selection target, the greater the decrease in the dividend multiplier D due to the change in the selection target.

[0096] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple options M (M1 to M7) for voting content B. As can be seen from Figure 17, the multiple options M correspond to different stages related to the content of the judgment condition C for each option M. Therefore, the multiple options M are arranged in order related to the content of the judgment condition C. Each option M is assigned a number (hereinafter referred to as "stage number K") in order related to the content of the judgment condition C.

[0097] For example, option M4, which has a draw (no score difference) as its criterion C, has options M1-M3, which have "Team A, B, and C win" as its criterion C, positioned above it, while options M5-M7, which have "Team XYZ win" as their criterion C, are positioned below it. Furthermore, the three options M1-M3, positioned above option M4, are arranged in order according to the score difference. Similarly, the three options M5-M7, positioned below option M4, are arranged in order according to the score difference.

[0098] Let's consider a case where user U changes the target of selection from option Ma to option Mb. In the fourth embodiment, the control device 11 (allocation management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 sets an adjustment value Z according to the difference (hereinafter referred to as "stage difference δ") between the stage of option Ma before the change and the stage of option Mb after the change. The stage difference δ is the difference between the stage number K of option Ma before the change and the stage number K of option Mb after the change. In other words, the stage difference δ corresponds to the degree of substantive change of each option M before and after the change of the target of selection.

[0099] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 controls the adjustment value Z for the changed option M according to the difference in steps δ between the changed option M and the original option M. Specifically, the control device 11 calculates the adjustment value Z as the product of the step difference δ and the reference value Z0 (Z = δ × Z0). Therefore, the adjustment value Z increases as the step difference δ increases. For example, for a change in the selection target that changes the winner in the target event (for example, changing from option M1 to option M7 in Figure 17), the adjustment value Z is set to a large number.

[0100] The dividend multiplier D for the changed option M is calculated by applying the aforementioned formula (1) to the adjustment value Z set according to the step difference δ. As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the adjustment value Z is controlled according to the step difference δ between the options M before and after the change. Therefore, it is possible to make the degree of decrease in the dividend multiplier D different when the selection target is changed between options M with large differences in content and when the selection target is changed between options M with small differences in content.

[0101] For example, consider a scenario where the baseline value Z0 is set to 0.1. If a change from option M6 to option M7 is instructed in Figure 17 (δ=1), the adjustment value Z is 0.1 (=1×0.1). Therefore, the dividend multiplier D for the changed option M7 is calculated to be 9.9 times, as follows. D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 11.0 × (1 - 0.1) = 9.9

[0102] On the other hand, if the option in Figure 17 is changed from option M1 to option M7 (δ=6), the adjustment value Z is 0.6 (=6 × 0.1). Therefore, the dividend multiplier D for the changed option M7 is calculated to be 4.4 times as follows. D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 11.0 × (1 - 0.6) = 4.4

[0103] As illustrated above, in the fourth embodiment, the greater the substantive change of each option M before and after the change in the selection target, the smaller the dividend multiplier D for the changed option M is set to. In other words, for a change in the selection target that involves a large substantive change, the user U must accept a significant decrease in the dividend multiplier D. Therefore, it is possible to suppress changes to option M that significantly alter the content of the judgment condition C.

[0104] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the second or third embodiment is also applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0105] The reduction rate R in the third embodiment and the step difference δ in the fourth embodiment are comprehensively expressed as information related to the modified option M (hereinafter referred to as "related information"). In the third embodiment, the related information is in a form that includes the reduction rate R, and in the fourth embodiment, the related information is in a form that includes the step difference δ. The related information may include both the reduction rate R and the step difference δ. In addition, information other than the reduction rate R and the step difference δ may be included in the related information.

[0106] As can be understood from the above examples, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the third or fourth embodiment controls the adjustment value Z applied to the calculation of the dividend multiplier D corresponding to the changed option M, according to the relevant information of the changed option. In the above embodiments, since the adjustment value Z is controlled according to the relevant information of the changed option M, the user U can decide whether or not to change the selection target and the changed option M while considering the relevant information of option M.

[0107] [Fifth Embodiment] Figures 18 and 19 are schematic diagrams of the voting screen Gb (voting content B) in the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, the voting screen Gb of the fifth embodiment includes an operation area Gb4 in addition to the same elements as the voting screen Gb of the first embodiment.

[0108] The operation area Gb4 is an area for receiving instructions from user U regarding whether or not to change the selected target. User U can change whether or not a check is performed in the operation area Gb4 by operating the operation device 35.

[0109] Specifically, if user U decides that this change to the selected item will be the last and that they will not change the selected item again (i.e., the selected item will be finalized by this change), they will place a check on the operation area Gb4 by operating the operation device 35, as illustrated in Figure 19. Placing a check on the operation area Gb4 means an instruction not to change the selected item again (hereinafter referred to as "no changes"). On the other hand, if user U decides that there is a possibility of further changing the selected item even after this change, they will uncheck the operation area Gb4 by operating the operation device 35, as illustrated in Figure 18. Unchecking the operation area Gb4 means an instruction that further changes to the selected item are permitted (hereinafter referred to as "permission to change"). As illustrated above, in the fifth embodiment, user U can specify whether or not to change the selected item again (permission to change / no changes).

[0110] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the voting information V in the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 20, the voting information V in the fifth embodiment includes change information Va in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment (expected choice M, dividend multiplier D, usage amount Qb).

[0111] Change information Va is information (e.g., a flag) that indicates whether or not the user U can change the selected item. If the operation area Gb4 is checked, the control device 11 sets change information Va to a numerical value that indicates change is prohibited. On the other hand, if the operation area Gb4 is unchecked, the control device 11 sets change information Va to a numerical value that indicates change is permitted.

[0112] If the change information Va indicates permission for change, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) will accept an instruction from the user U to change the selected item, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the change information Va indicates prohibition of change, the control device 11 (selection receiving unit 42) will not accept an instruction from the user U to change the selected item.

[0113] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) controls the dividend multiplier D of the changed option M depending on whether the selection target can be changed. For example, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z when a change is prohibited to a value lower than the adjustment value Z when a change is permitted. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z to the value ZH when a change is permitted, and sets the adjustment value Z to the value ZL which is lower than the value ZH when a change is prohibited.

[0114] The dividend multiplier D for the changed option M is calculated using formula (1) with the adjustment value Z applied. Therefore, the dividend multiplier D when a change is prohibited (Z=ZL) is higher than the dividend multiplier D when a change is permitted (Z=ZH).

[0115] For example, if permission for change is instructed, the numerical value ZH of the adjustment value Z will be set to 0.1. Therefore, the changed payout multiplier D for each option M displayed on the voting screen Gb will be set to the same value as in Figure 12 above, as illustrated in Figure 18. For example, the changed payout multiplier D for option M4, whose base multiplier D0 is 8.0 times, will be calculated as 7.20 times as follows. D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 8.0 × (1 - 0.1) = 7.20

[0116] On the other hand, if a ban on changes is instructed, the numerical value ZL of the adjustment value Z is set to 0.05, which is lower than the numerical value ZH. Therefore, the changed payout multiplier D for each option M displayed on the voting screen Gb is set to a value higher than the values ​​in Figure 18, as illustrated in Figure 19. For example, the changed payout multiplier D for option M4, whose base multiplier D0 is 8.0 times, is calculated to be 7.60 times as follows. D=D0×(1-Z)=8.0×(1-0.05)=7.60

[0117] As illustrated above, the dividend multiplier D after each option M is changed when changes are prohibited (Figure 19) is higher than the dividend multiplier D when changes are permitted (Figure 18). In other words, as a result of user U instructing not to change the selected item thereafter, the decrease in the dividend multiplier D caused by the change in the selected item can be suppressed.

[0118] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the dividend multiplier D for each option M when a change prohibition is instructed exceeds the dividend multiplier D for each option M when a change is permitted. Therefore, user U can easily obtain a large number of dividends by instructing not to change the selected item (prohibition of change). In other words, user U can aim to increase the dividends that can be obtained by waiving the right to change the selected item. With the above configuration, excessive changes to the selected item by user U can be suppressed. Note that the configurations of the second to fourth embodiments are also applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0119] [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of user information Y in the sixth embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 21, user information Y in the sixth embodiment includes payment information P in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment. Payment information P is information indicating whether user U has made a payment (paid / uncharged) for the voting content B service. User U can use the voting content B service free of charge, but can gain an advantage in the service by paying a predetermined amount. Specifically, user U can subscribe to a subscription contract in which a predetermined amount is paid monthly. Payment information P indicates whether user U has made a payment under the subscription contract to which they have subscribed. Payments for the subscription contract can be made using currency (money) such as electronic currency, or points.

[0120] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) controls the dividend multiplier D of the modified option M according to whether or not payment has been made as indicated by the payment information P. Specifically, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) of the information processing system 10 sets the adjustment value Z when payment information P indicates that payment has been made to a value lower than the adjustment value Z when payment information P indicates that no payment has been made. Specifically, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z to the value ZH when payment information P indicates that no payment has been made, and sets the adjustment value Z to the value ZL which is lower than the value ZH when payment information P indicates that payment has been made.

[0121] The dividend multiplier D for the changed option M is calculated by applying the adjustment value Z to formula (1). Therefore, the dividend multiplier D for each option M when user U has paid a predetermined amount (Z=ZL) is higher than the dividend multiplier D for each option M when user U has not paid (Z=ZH). In other words, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) suppresses the decrease in the dividend multiplier D relative to the base multiplier D0 by the payment of a predetermined amount by user U.

[0122] For example, in the case of no payment, the adjustment value ZH is set to 0.1. Therefore, for example, if the base multiplier D0 is 8.0 times, the changed payout multiplier D of option M is calculated to be 7.20 times as follows. D = D0 × (1 - Z) = 8.0 × (1 - 0.1) = 7.20

[0123] On the other hand, if user U has already paid the predetermined amount, the numerical value ZL of the adjustment value Z is set to 0.05, which is lower than the numerical value ZH. For example, if the base multiplier D0 is 8.0 times, the revised dividend multiplier D of option M is calculated to be 7.60 times as follows. D=D0×(1-Z)=8.0×(1-0.05)=7.60

[0124] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the decrease in the dividend multiplier D relative to the base multiplier D0 is suppressed by the payment of a predetermined amount by user U. Therefore, user U can easily obtain a large number of dividends by paying a predetermined amount (for example, by joining a subscription contract). In other words, according to the sixth embodiment, an effective incentive to pay a predetermined amount can be provided to user U who aims to obtain a large number of dividends.

[0125] [Seventh Embodiment] In the seventh embodiment, similar to the sixth embodiment, user U can gain an advantage in the service of voting content B by subscribing to a subscription agreement. In the seventh embodiment, user U can further choose one of several plans to subscribe to. Each of the several plans offers different benefits that user U can enjoy in the service of voting content B. The amount Pa paid by user U differs for each plan.

[0126] The user information Y in the seventh embodiment includes payment information P, similar to the sixth embodiment. The payment information P in the seventh embodiment includes the plan subscribed to by user U and the payment amount Pa corresponding to that plan.

[0127] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram of each plan in the seventh embodiment. User U can select any of the multiple plans (A, B, C, D). The payment amount Pa required for subscription differs for each plan. As illustrated in Figure 22, for each of the multiple plans that user U can subscribe to, a correction value α, a limit on the number of uses La, and a usage limit value Lb are set.

[0128] The correction value α is a parameter for adjusting the adjustment value Z, and is set to a positive number less than 1, for example. The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) calculates the adjustment value Z, which is applied to the calculation of the dividend multiplier D, using the following formula (2). Z = N × Z0 × (1 - α) (2) As can be understood from equation (2), the correction value α is the rate of decrease relative to the reference value Z0. That is, the larger the correction value α, the smaller the adjustment value Z is set to. As shown in equation (1) above, the smaller the adjustment value Z, the larger the dividend multiplier D for the changed option M. That is, the larger the correction value α, the larger the dividend multiplier D after the change, which is advantageous for user U who aims to acquire a large number of dividends. As explained above, in the seventh embodiment, user U can enjoy the benefit of suppressing the decrease in the dividend multiplier D when changing the selection target (hereinafter referred to as the "multiplier benefit"). On the other hand, if user U is a non-paying user, the adjustment value Z is set to the product of the number of changes N and the reference value Z0 (Z = N × Z0). That is, non-paying user U cannot enjoy the multiplier benefit (α = 0).

[0129] As illustrated in Figure 22, the higher the payment amount Pa of a plan among several plans, the larger the correction value α is set to. In other words, user U can suppress the decrease in the dividend multiplier D by subscribing to a high-paying plan. Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to provide an incentive for user U, who aims to acquire a large amount of dividends, to subscribe to a plan with a high payment amount Pa.

[0130] The limit number La in Figure 22 is a numerical value that defines the upper limit (hereinafter referred to as the "upper limit") on the number of times a user U can change their selection. Specifically, the number of times N can be changed within a predetermined unit period (e.g., one month) is limited to a range where the upper limit is the value obtained by adding the limit number La to the reference value N0. The reference value N0 is a predetermined natural number.

[0131] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) repeatedly receives instructions from the user U to change the selected item until the number of changes N reaches the upper limit. Once the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) no longer accepts instructions to change the selected item. With this configuration, the possibility of excessively frequent changes to the selected item can be reduced.

[0132] For non-paying users U, the threshold value N0 is set as the upper limit (La=0). That is, non-paying users U can repeatedly change their selection until the number of changes N reaches the threshold value N0. On the other hand, for users U who have paid a payment amount Pa, the limit La is added to the threshold value N0. That is, paid users U can repeatedly change their selection more times than non-paying users U.

[0133] The higher the payment amount Pa for a plan, the higher the limit La (number of uses). Therefore, by subscribing to a more expensive plan, user U can enjoy the multiplier benefit more times. If you subscribe to the highest-tier plan D, the limit La is unlimited. In other words, user U who subscribes to plan D can enjoy the multiplier benefit any number of times.

[0134] In the above explanation, we have illustrated a scenario in which further changes to the selected item are prohibited once the number of changes N reaches the upper limit. However, it is also conceivable that when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, only the use of multiplier benefits is restricted, and changes to the selected item itself continue to be accepted. That is, when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, and further changes to the selected item are instructed, the control device 11 uniformly sets the adjustment value Z to the reference value Z0.

[0135] The usage limit value Lb in Figure 22 is the upper limit of the total amount of usage Qb that user U can enjoy the multiplier benefit. The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) controls the adjustment value Z, which has the correction value α applied, until the total amount of usage Qb instructed by user U reaches the usage limit value Lb. On the other hand, when the total amount of usage Qb reaches the usage limit value Lb, the control device 11 sets the adjustment value Z to the product of the number of changes N and the reference value Z0. Even if the total amount of usage Qb reaches the usage limit value Lb, only the use of the multiplier benefit is restricted, and voting for voting content B itself (and further changes to the selected target) can continue. As explained above, the period during which user U can enjoy the multiplier benefit is limited to the period until the total amount of usage Qb reaches the usage limit value Lb.

[0136] As illustrated in Figure 22, the higher the payment amount Pa for a plan, the higher the usage limit Lb will be set. Therefore, by subscribing to a higher-priced plan, users U will have more opportunities to enjoy multiplier benefits.

[0137] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the seventh embodiment. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the decrease in the dividend multiplier D relative to the base multiplier D0 is suppressed by the payment of a predetermined amount by the user U, and the degree to which the decrease in the dividend multiplier D is suppressed changes according to the payment amount Pa. Therefore, the higher the payment amount Pa, the easier it is for the user U to obtain a large amount of dividends. In other words, according to the seventh embodiment, an effective incentive can be provided for the user U, who aims to obtain a large amount of dividends, to subscribe to a higher-priced plan.

[0138] [Differentiation] The forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be merged to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0139] (1) In each of the forms described above, live betting, which allows real-time voting in parallel with the progress of the target event, was used as an example. However, voting content B may also be content for pre-match betting, which allows voting only before the start of the target event. For pre-match betting voting content B, the voting period ends at the time the target event is scheduled to start, and votes from user U are accepted.

[0140] (2) The method for calculating the dividend multiplier D is not limited to the examples given in each of the above forms. For example, a form in which the adjustment value Z for each change is accumulated when the selection target is changed multiple times is also conceivable.

[0141] For example, in the third embodiment (Figures 15 and 16), the dividend multiplier D when the selected item is changed from option M2 to option M1 is 1.1375 times (1.30 × (1 - 0.125)). Also, the dividend multiplier D when the selected item is changed from option M1 to option M2 is 3.33 times (= 3.60 × (1 - 0.075)).

[0142] Let's consider a scenario where the selected option is changed from option M2 to option M1, and then again from option M1 to option M2. In this case, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) may set the adjustment value Z for changing the selected option from option M1 to option M2 to the sum of the adjustment value Z (0.125) for changing from option M2 to option M1 and the adjustment value Z (0.075) for changing from option M1 to option M2. In the above example, the adjustment value Z is set to 0.200. Therefore, the dividend multiplier D for the changed option M2 is set to 2.88 times (=3.60 × (1 - 0.200)).

[0143] (3) In each of the above forms, for the sake of explanation, the base multiplier D0 was assumed to be a fixed value, but the base multiplier D0 may change over time during the voting period. The method of changing the base multiplier D0 is arbitrary, but for example, the pari-mutuel method or the bookmaker method can be used to set the base multiplier D0. The pari-mutuel method is a method in which a predetermined ratio of the total amount used Σb is deducted as the operator's profit, and the remaining amount is distributed to users U who made correct predictions, so that the base multiplier D0 for each option M is automatically changed. On the other hand, the bookmaker method is a method in which the operator (bookmaker) manually changes the base multiplier D0 for each option M.

[0144] The control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) may change the base multiplier D0 according to the elapsed time within the voting period. For example, in live betting, where voting is possible in parallel with the progress of the target event, predicting the outcome becomes easier as the target event progresses. Therefore, a form in which the base multiplier D0 decreases as time elapses within the voting period is conceivable. Also, for similar reasons, the adjustment value Z may be increased as time elapses within the voting period. By increasing the adjustment value Z, the dividend multiplier D after the change in selection decreases over time. The elapsed time within the voting period is managed, for example, by the elapsed time from the start of the target event, or by a value that changes over time in the target event (for example, the number of innings in a baseball game).

[0145] (4) In each of the above-described forms, examples were given in which the dividend multiplier D when the selection target is changed is lower than the dividend multiplier D at the time of voting without a change in the selection target. However, a lower limit value for the dividend multiplier D may be set. For example, if the dividend multiplier D calculated by the above formula (1) is lower than a predetermined lower limit value (e.g., 1.10 times), the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) may adopt that lower limit value as the dividend multiplier D. With the above configuration, it is possible to avoid the dividend multiplier D falling below the lower limit value.

[0146] (5) In the second embodiment, an example was given in which the adjustment value Z (and furthermore, the dividend multiplier D) is adjusted according to the number of changes N. In this embodiment, the adjustment value Z increases as the number of changes N increases. In the second embodiment, an upper limit may be set for the number of changes N. For example, when the number of changes N reaches the upper limit, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) sets the number of changes N to the upper limit. That is, even if the selected item is changed, the number of changes N is maintained at the upper limit. According to this embodiment, the possibility that the dividend multiplier D will be set to an excessively small value when the selected item is changed repeatedly can be reduced.

[0147] (6) In the fourth embodiment, the post-change dividend multiplier D was set according to the difference δ between the pre-change option M and the post-change option M. However, the configuration for reflecting the relationship between the options M before and after the change in the dividend multiplier D is not limited to the above examples. For example, the adjustment value Z (and even the dividend multiplier D) may be set differently depending on whether the relationship between the pre-change option M and the post-change option M satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, in the multiple options M illustrated in Figure 17, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) sets the adjustment value Z to a numerical value ZH when instructed to change the selection target such that the winner in the target event changes, and sets the adjustment value Z to a numerical value ZL that is lower than the numerical value ZH when instructed to change the selection target such that the winner does not change.

[0148] (7) In the above-described forms, examples were given in which the dividend multiplier D when the selected item is changed from option Ma to option Mb is lower than the dividend multiplier D when option Mb is selected without a change in the selected item. However, the forms in which the dividend amount Qw given to user U differs depending on whether or not the selected item is changed are not limited to the above examples.

[0149] For example, a configuration is conceivable in which the dividend amount Qw is reduced or maintained depending on whether the selected target is changed. Specifically, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) subtracts a predetermined value from the dividend amount Qw assigned to user U when the selected target is changed from option Ma to option Mb. On the other hand, if option Mb is selected without a change in the selected target, the control device 11 (dividend management unit 43) assigns the dividend amount Qw to user U without subtracting a predetermined value. In the above configuration, it is not essential to have a configuration that differs the dividend multiplier D depending on whether the selected target is changed.

[0150] The reduction value of the dividend amount Qw may be set according to, for example, the number of changes N. For example, the reduction value of the dividend amount Qw may be proportional to the number of changes N. For example, if the selected item is changed once, 500 points will be deducted from the dividend amount Qw, and if the selected item is changed twice, 1000 points will be deducted from the dividend amount Qw.

[0151] As described above, the dividend amount Qw granted to user U when the selected option is changed to option Mb must ultimately be less than the dividend amount Qw granted to user U when option Mb was selected from the beginning without changing the selected option. The specific configuration for making the dividend amount Qw different in both cases is arbitrary.

[0152] (8) In each of the above-described forms, the rate of decrease relative to the base multiplier D0 was given as an example of the adjustment value Z, but the ratio of the dividend multiplier D to the base multiplier D0 may also be applied as the adjustment value Z to calculate the dividend multiplier D. Specifically, the value of (1-Z) in the above-mentioned formula (1) may be used as the adjustment value Z. In each of the above-described forms in which the rate of decrease relative to the base multiplier D0 is used as the adjustment value Z, the smaller the adjustment value Z, the larger the dividend multiplier D will be set to. On the other hand, in the form in which the ratio of the dividend multiplier D to the base multiplier D0 is used as the adjustment value Z, the larger the adjustment value Z, the larger the dividend multiplier D will be set to. As described above, the relationship between the adjustment value Z and the dividend multiplier D (increase / decrease in the dividend multiplier D according to the adjustment value Z) is arbitrary in this disclosure.

[0153] (9) The functions of the information processing system 10 in each of the above-described forms are realized through the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 11 and the program stored in the storage device 12. The program in the above forms can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) like a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. A non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network 200, the recording medium in which the distribution device stores the program corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0154] (10) The notation "nth" (where n is a natural number) in this application is used solely as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in notation and has no substantive meaning whatsoever. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position or manufacturing order of each element based on the notation "nth".

[0155] [Note] From the above description, preferred embodiments of this disclosure can be understood, for example, as follows. For the sake of ease of understanding each embodiment, the reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently included in parentheses below, but this does not mean that this disclosure is limited to the embodiments shown.

[0156] [Note 1] To solve the above problems, an information processing system (10) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix 1) comprises a selection reception unit (42) that receives a selection from a user (U) of any of a plurality of options (M) corresponding to different conditions (C), and a dividend management unit (43) that grants a dividend to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U) from among the plurality of options (M) is met, wherein the selection reception unit (42) can receive a change of selection target from the user (U), and when the selection target is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M), the first quantity of dividends granted to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is less than the second quantity of dividends granted to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) when the second option (M) is selected without a change of selection target.

[0157] In the above embodiment, changes to the selected item are accepted. Therefore, compared to an embodiment where the selected item cannot be changed after the initial selection of option (M), user (U) interest can be maintained over a long period after the selection of option (M). Furthermore, the first quantity of dividends when the selected item is changed from the first option (M) to the second option (M) is lower than the second quantity of dividends when the second option (M) is selected without changing the selected item. In other words, users (U) can change their selected item in exchange for a reduction in dividends. Therefore, excessive changes to the selected item can be suppressed.

[0158] "Condition (C)" is an item whose actual fulfillment is uncertain. For example, an item that may be fulfilled in a particular event (hereinafter referred to as the "Target Event") is exemplified as "Condition (C)". The "Target Event" is any event, regardless of its purpose or participants, such as a sports event related to sports like soccer or baseball, a gaming event like e-sports, a social event like an election, an entertainment event like a movie or music event, a game event like shogi or chess, etc.

[0159] The user (U) selects an option (M) from among several options (M) that corresponds to a condition (C) that is expected to be met. The user (U) who selected the option (M) that corresponds to the condition (C) that was actually met is awarded a dividend. Therefore, "condition (C)" in this disclosure can also be expressed as, for example, an event that must be met for the user (U) to be awarded a dividend. The relationships between the multiple conditions (C) may be mutually exclusive or some may be partially concurrent.

[0160] "Dividends" are values ​​given to the user (U). "Dividends" are elements that can be conceptually expressed as quantities, for example. Specifically, "dividends" are given to the user (U) as a reward for selecting an option (M) that corresponds to a condition (C) that actually occurred (i.e., for the user (U)'s prediction being correct).

[0161] "Dividends" are awarded to users (U) in the form of a medium of value. A "medium of value" is a medium on which value is set. A "medium of value" can be, for example, value exchangeable for goods or services, value consumed to enjoy benefits such as discounts, or value exchangeable for other types of mediums of value. For example, points used for various services, or currency (money) such as physical or electronic currency are examples of "mediums of value."

[0162] "When the selected item is changed from the first option (M) to the second option (M)" means when the second option (M) is selected as the replacement for the already selected first option (M). "When the second option (M) is selected without a change in the selected item" means when the second option (M) is selected by the user (U) as an initial choice, rather than as a change from an already selected option (M). As described above, in this disclosure, for example, the quantity of dividends (Qw) granted to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) will differ depending on whether the second option (M) is selected as a change from the already selected first option (M) or as an initial selection of the second option (M). In other words, the quantity of dividends (Qw) decreases as a result of the change in option (M).

[0163] Furthermore, the method for differentiating the amount of payout (Qw) when the selection target is changed from the amount of payout (Qw) when the selection target is not changed is arbitrary. For example, in a system where the amount of payout (Qw) is calculated according to the amount of value medium used by the user (U) (e.g., the bet amount) and the payout multiplier (D) (e.g., odds) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U), one possible method is to differentiate the payout multiplier (D) depending on whether or not the option (M) is changed. Alternatively, a system that directly changes the amount of payout (Qw) depending on whether or not the option (M) is changed is also possible.

[0164] [Note 2] In the specific example of Appendix 1 (Appendix 2), the dividend management unit (43) calculates the dividend quantity (Qw) according to at least the amount of value medium used by the user (U) (Qb) and the dividend multiplier (D) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U), and the first multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier (D) when the selected item is changed from the first option (M) to the second option (M), is lower than the second multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier (D) when the second option (M) is selected regardless of the change in the selected item. In the above embodiment, the dividend multiplier (D) (first multiplier) when the selected item is changed is lower than the dividend multiplier (D) (second multiplier) when the selected item is not changed. Therefore, for example, the user (U) can easily grasp the difference between the dividend quantity (Qw) when the selected item is changed and the dividend quantity (Qw) when the selected item is not changed.

[0165] "Usage (Qb)" is the quantity of value medium used by the user (U). For example, "Usage (Qb)" is the quantity of value medium used by the user (U) as payment for selecting an option (M). The "use" of value medium can also be expressed as the "consumption" of value medium. Furthermore, "Dividend Multiplier (D)" is a parameter used to determine the dividend quantity (Qw).

[0166] [Note 3] In the specific example of Appendix 2 (Appendix 3), the dividend management unit (43) calculates the first multiplier by adjusting the second multiplier according to the adjustment value (Z). In the above embodiment, the first multiplier corresponding to the changed option (M) is calculated by adjusting the second multiplier corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U) before the change according to the adjustment value (Z). Therefore, the relationship between the first multiplier and the second multiplier can be easily controlled according to the adjustment value (Z).

[0167] The "adjustment value (Z)" is a parameter used to adjust the second multiplier. The first multiplier is calculated by adjusting the second multiplier according to the adjustment value (Z). Therefore, the adjustment value (Z) can also be described as a parameter that defines the relationship between the second multiplier and the first multiplier. For example, the rate of decrease of the first multiplier relative to the second multiplier, or the ratio of the first multiplier to the second multiplier, can be exemplified as the adjustment value (Z). The second multiplier can also be described as the baseline value or initial value of the dividend multiplier (D).

[0168] [Note 4] In the specific example of Appendix 3 (Appendix 4), the selection receiving unit (42) can accept changes to the selected target multiple times, and the dividend management unit (43) controls the adjustment value (Z) according to the number of times the selected target is changed (N). In the above embodiment, since the adjustment value (Z) is controlled according to the number of times the selected target is changed (N), the relationship between the dividend multiplier (D) (first multiplier) in each change and the dividend multiplier (D) (second multiplier) when the selected target is not changed can be adjusted according to the number of changes (N).

[0169] Controlling the adjustment value (Z) in accordance with the number of changes (N) is a process that changes the adjustment value (Z) in conjunction with an increase in the number of changes (N). The relationship between the number of changes (N) and the adjustment value (Z) is arbitrary. For example, one example is to change the adjustment value (Z) in proportion to the number of changes (N). Another example is to change the adjustment value (Z) by a predetermined amount for each increase in the number of changes (N). The amount of change in the adjustment value (Z) may change (for example, increase or decrease) for each increase in the number of changes (N).

[0170] [Note 5] In the specific example of Appendix 3 or Appendix 4 (Appendix 5), the dividend management unit (43) controls the adjustment value (Z) applied to the calculation of the first multiplier corresponding to the changed option (M) in accordance with the information related to the changed option (M). In the above embodiment, since the adjustment value (Z) is controlled in accordance with the information related to the changed option (M), the user (U) can decide whether or not to change the selection target or the changed option (M) while considering the information related to the option (M).

[0171] [Note 6] In the specific example of Appendix 5 (Appendix 6), the information related to the modified option (M) includes the return rate (R), which is the ratio of the total amount of dividends awarded when the condition (C) corresponding to option (M) is met to the total amount of value medium usage (Qb). In the above embodiment, since the adjustment value (Z) is controlled according to the return rate (R), it is easier to secure the profits of the operator who operates the service that awards dividends to users (U).

[0172] The return rate (R) is the ratio of the total amount of dividends awarded to users (U) depending on whether condition (C) is met, to the total amount of value media used by the user (U). Therefore, the lower the return rate (R), the easier it is for the operator to secure profits. Under these circumstances, if we assume that the rate of decrease of the first multiplier relative to the second multiplier is the adjustment value (Z), then an example can be given in which the adjustment value (Z) decreases as the return rate (R) decreases.

[0173] The relationship between the reduction rate (R) and the adjustment value (Z) is arbitrary. For example, one possible configuration is one in which the adjustment value (Z) changes continuously in conjunction with the reduction rate (R). Alternatively, one possible configuration is one in which the adjustment value (Z) is associated with each range of the numerical range of the reduction rate (R), and the adjustment value (Z) changes stepwise with respect to the numerical value of the reduction rate (R). Furthermore, there may be intervals within the range of the reduction rate (R) in which the adjustment value (Z) does not change even if the reduction rate (R) changes.

[0174] The relative magnitudes of the total value medium used by the user (U) (total usage) and the total dividends awarded to the user (U) (total dividends) are arbitrary. In other words, it is generally assumed that the total usage will exceed the total dividends (return rate (R) < 1), but it is also possible that the total usage will be less than the total dividends (return rate (R) > 1), or that the total usage and total dividends will be equal (return rate (R) = 1).

[0175] [Note 7] In the specific examples of Appendix 5 or Appendix 6 (Appendix 7), each of the multiple options (M) corresponds to a different stage regarding the content of the option (M), and the information related to the changed option (M) includes the stage difference (δ) between the original option (M) and the changed option (M). In the above embodiment, the adjustment value (Z) is controlled according to the stage difference (δ) between the options (M) before and after the change. Therefore, it is possible to differentiate the degree of change in the dividend multiplier (D) due to the change in the selection target depending on whether the selection target is changed between options (M) with large content differences or between options (M) with small content differences.

[0176] The "stages" in relation to the content of each option (M) refer to the divisions based on the content of each option (M). Multiple options (M) are arranged sequentially according to the stages of each option (M). In other words, the "stages" of each option (M) are content divisions for arranging multiple options (M) in order.

[0177] The relationship between the step difference (δ) and the adjustment value (Z) is arbitrary. For example, one might consider a configuration where the adjustment value (Z) increases or decreases in conjunction with an increase in the step difference (δ). However, there may be intervals within the range of the step difference (δ) in which the adjustment value (Z) does not change even if the step difference (δ) changes.

[0178] [Note 8] In any specific example of Appendix 2 to Appendix 7 (Appendix 8), the user (U) can indicate whether or not to change the selected item, and the value of the first multiplier when the user is instructed not to change the selected item is greater than the value of the first multiplier when the user is instructed to change the selected item. In the above embodiment, the first multiplier for each option (M) when the user is instructed not to change the selected item is greater than the first multiplier for each option (M) when the user is instructed to change the selected item. Therefore, the user (U) can easily obtain a large number of dividends by instructing not to change the selected item. In other words, the user (U) can aim to increase the dividends that can be obtained by waiving the right to change the selected item.

[0179] "Not changing the selection" means that the user (U) relinquishes the right to change the selection and transitions to a state where the selection cannot be changed. In other words, "not changing the selection" is equivalent to confirming the selection of option (M).

[0180] [Note 9] In any specific example of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8 (Appendix 9), the dividend management unit (43) suppresses the decrease in the first quantity relative to the second quantity by the payment of a predetermined amount by the user (U). According to the above embodiment, the decrease in the first quantity relative to the second quantity is mitigated by the payment of a predetermined amount. Therefore, an effective incentive can be provided to users (U) who aim to acquire a large amount of dividends to pay a predetermined amount.

[0181] [Note 10] In any specific example from Appendix 1 to Appendix 9 (Appendix 10), the selection receiving unit (42) repeatedly accepts changes to the selected item until the number of changes (N) reaches the upper limit. According to the above configuration, the possibility of excessively frequent changes to the selected item can be reduced.

[0182] [Note 11] An information processing method relating to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix 11) includes receiving a selection from a user (U) of one of a plurality of options (M) corresponding to different conditions (C), and granting a dividend to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U) from among the plurality of options (M) is met, wherein the user (U) can request a change in the selection target when the selection target is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M), and the first quantity of dividends granted to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) when the selection target is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M) is less than the second quantity of dividends granted to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is met when the second option (M) is selected without a change in the selection target.

[0183] [Note 12] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix 12) is a program that causes a computer system to function as a selection receiving unit (42) that receives a selection from a user (U) of any of a plurality of options (M) corresponding to different conditions (C), and a dividend management unit (43) that grants a dividend to the user (U) when the condition (C) corresponding to the option (M) selected by the user (U) from among the plurality of options (M) is met, wherein the selection receiving unit (42) can receive a change of selection target from the user (U), and when the selection target is changed from a first option (M) to a second option (M), the first quantity of dividends granted to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) is less than the second quantity of dividends granted to the user (U) upon the fulfillment of the condition (C) corresponding to the second option (M) when the second option (M) is selected without a change of selection target. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 100...Communication system, 200...Communication network, 10...Information processing system, 11...Control device, 12...Storage device, 13...Communication device, 20...Management system, 30...Terminal device, 31...Control device, 32...Storage device, 33...Communication device, 34...Display device, 35...Operation device, 41...Display control unit, 42...Selection reception unit, 43...Dividend management unit.

Claims

1. A selection reception unit that accepts the user's selection from multiple options corresponding to different conditions, The system comprises a dividend management unit that, when the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user from among the aforementioned multiple options are met, grants the user a dividend in an amount corresponding to the amount of value medium used by the user and the dividend multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user. The selection receiving unit can receive requests from the user to change the selected item. The first multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the selected item is changed from the first option to the second option, is lower than the second multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the second option is selected regardless of the change in the selected item. The first multiplier is a multiplier corresponding to the return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of dividends awarded when the conditions corresponding to the second option are met to the total amount of value media used by multiple users. Information processing system.

2. Information processing system, The system accepts the user's selection from multiple options corresponding to different conditions. When the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user from among the aforementioned multiple options are met, the user is granted a dividend in an amount corresponding to the amount of value medium used by the user and the dividend multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user. Information processing method, In the process of accepting the aforementioned selection, the user can request a change to the selected item. The first multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the selected item is changed from the first option to the second option, is lower than the second multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the second option is selected regardless of the change in the selected item. The first multiplier is a multiplier corresponding to the return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of dividends awarded when the conditions corresponding to the second option are met to the total amount of value media used by multiple users. Information processing methods.

3. A selection reception unit that accepts a selection from the user for one of several options corresponding to different conditions, and A dividend management unit grants the user a dividend in an amount corresponding to the amount of value medium used by the user and the dividend multiplier corresponding to the option selected by the user, when the conditions corresponding to the option selected by the user are met from among the aforementioned multiple options. It is a program that makes a computer system function as follows: The selection receiving unit can receive requests from the user to change the selected item. The first multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the selected item is changed from the first option to the second option, is lower than the second multiplier, which is the dividend multiplier when the second option is selected regardless of the change in the selected item. The first multiplier is a multiplier corresponding to the return rate, which is the ratio of the total amount of dividends awarded when the conditions corresponding to the second option are met to the total amount of value media used by multiple users. program.

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