Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To appropriately support user-driven support activities. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention comprises a granting unit and a utilization unit. The granting unit grants rewards to users who have performed support activities for a target of support. The utilization unit uses the rewards granted by the granting unit for the target of support at the user's request.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] Conventionally, services have been provided to support so-called "oshi katsu" activities, in which users cheer on specific targets. Patent Document 1 discloses a service in which users present products to a specific target through a platform joined by users who cheer on that specific target. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-170977 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] However, conventional techniques have room for improvement in supporting users' cheering activities.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can appropriately support users' cheering activities. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an awarding unit and a utilizing unit. The awarding unit awards a reward to a user who has performed a cheering activity for a cheering target. The utilizing unit uses the reward awarded by the awarding unit for the cheering target in accordance with the user's request. [[Effect of the Invention]]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately support cheering activities by users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overview diagram illustrating the information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a community according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a crowdfunding screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of information stored in the user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of information stored in the community information storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program relating to this application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). However, these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program relating to this application.

[0010] [1. Information Processing] First, an overview of the information processing according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the information processing according to the embodiment. The information processing according to the embodiment is realized by information communication between the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 1 and the user terminal 50.

[0011] The information processing device 1 provides various web services to each user through the user terminal 50. For example, the information processing device 1 provides various web services such as news sites and shopping sites.

[0012] The user terminal 50 is a terminal device owned by the user and provides various services distributed from the information processing device 1 to the user through data communication with the information processing device 1. Examples of user terminals 50 include smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, and wearable devices.

[0013] By the way, the term "oshi-katsu" (supporting a favorite idol / celebrity) has been gaining traction in recent years. For example, oshi-katsu is an activity in which people support a particular idol by purchasing merchandise related to that idol. On the other hand, for young people such as junior and senior high school students, oshi-katsu can be financially burdensome and difficult from an economic standpoint.

[0014] This disclosure provides a platform that allows users to support their favorite idols without incurring financial burdens. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, users perform support activities (so-called "idol activities") for their favorite idols via the user terminal 50 (Step S1).

[0015] For example, users can engage in support activities on the platform provided by the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 creates a community on the platform for each support target, and users can communicate with other users participating in the support target community.

[0016] For example, support activities include promotion activities for support targets and activities within a community. Promotion activities for support targets include actions such as inviting people to join the community. Activities within the community include, for example, posting content to the community and browsing content published within the community. Note that activities within the community may also be defined as the length of stay in the community. In other words, the information processing device 1 provides a space for each support target where users who engage in "oshi activities" (supporting favorite people / things) can discuss the support target with each other.

[0017] The information processing device 1 provides rewards to the user via the user terminal 50 in accordance with the user's support activities (step S2). The reward is a currency that can be used on the platform provided by the information processing device 1. In the following description, it is assumed that 1 point is equivalent to 1 yen.

[0018] For example, when a user invites other users to the community of the support target via another community, SNS, or the like, and the invited user newly joins the community, a reward is provided to the inviting user.

[0019] In other words, the more recognition the user gains for the support target, the more users the user can invite to the community, and the more rewards the user can receive. In other words, the user can receive rewards through promotion activities for the support target.

[0020] Note that, for example, when a user joins a community, by inputting the user ID or the like of the user who invited the user to the community, the information processing device 1 can identify the inviting user.

[0021] Then, the information processing device 1 uses the reward acquired by each user for the support target in accordance with the request of each user (step S3). In each community, a usage method for the rewards can be planned, and each user can donate rewards to a plan that they approve of.

[0022] As a more concrete example, suppose a specific user initiates a project to raise funds for advertising on a website they support. Each user participating in the community can contribute their own resources if they agree with the project.

[0023] Specifically, the operating team of Information Processing Device 1 will comprehensively compile permission for advertising placement and the advertisements to be published from the rights holders of the supported items in advance. Then, when the total amount of donated rewards reaches the target amount set for the project, the supported advertisements will be published on various web media such as news sites. The advertisements here may be, for example, advertisements related to the supported community, and such advertisements may also be advertisements that redirect users to the supported community when clicked.

[0024] In this way, users can further promote their supported project by using their rewards to fund advertising campaigns for the project. In other words, users can receive rewards for their support activities and use those rewards to promote their supported project. Therefore, users can support their project without incurring any financial burden.

[0025] Thus, the information processing according to this embodiment provides a platform that offers rewards in response to user support activities and further utilizes the provided rewards for support activities. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately support user support activities.

[0026] Next, the platform provided by the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a community according to the embodiment. Figure 2 shows the screen of one supported community.

[0027] Figure 2 shows that the community screen displays the community name (for example, the name of the person being supported) and participating members. The community screen also displays chat rooms such as topics and featured content.

[0028] Each thread allows community members to freely post and view content. Note that each thread may be configured by the information processing device 1, or it may be configured arbitrarily by the participating members.

[0029] Additionally, a "Crowdfunding" tab will appear on the community screen. When a user selects the "Crowdfunding" tab, a list of crowdfunding projects will be displayed.

[0030] In this context, crowdfunding refers to projects where individual users can utilize their own rewards. For example, a specific user can initiate a crowdfunding campaign, and these projects will be displayed under "Crowdfunding."

[0031] Here, we will explain an example of a crowdfunding screen using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a crowdfunding screen according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the crowdfunding screen displays the current amount, the target amount, etc.

[0032] Each user can donate their rewards by selecting the "Participate" button displayed on the crowdfunding screen. In this way, the information processing according to this embodiment allows users to use the rewards they earn from their support activities as crowdfunding for the project they are supporting.

[0033] [2. Example of Information Processing Device Configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 1 has a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, and a control unit 4.

[0034] The communication unit 2 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 2 transmits and receives information with external devices via various wireless communication networks such as 4G (Generation), 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiFi (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or various wired communication networks.

[0035] The storage unit 3 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The storage unit 3 also includes a user information storage unit 31 and a community information storage unit 32.

[0036] The user information storage unit 31 stores user information. Figure 5 shows an example of the information stored in the user information storage unit 31 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the user information storage unit 31 stores information such as "user ID," "participating communities," "support actions," and "rewards" in association with each other.

[0037] The "User ID" field stores an identifier to identify each user. The "Communities Participated In" field stores information about the communities that the user identified by the corresponding User ID participates in.

[0038] The "Support Activities" field stores information about the support activities performed by the user identified by the corresponding user ID. If a user participates in multiple communities, the "Support Activities" field will also store identifiers for each community, associated with the support activities.

[0039] The "Rewards" field stores information about the rewards of a user identified by their corresponding user ID. For example, the "Rewards" field may store information about the rewards a user has received and the history of rewards they have used. Each reward may also be associated with the identifier of the community that received the reward.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, let's describe the community information storage unit 32. The community information storage unit 32 stores community information. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the community information storage unit 32 according to this embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the community information storage unit 32 stores information on items such as "community ID," "participating members," "talk rooms," and "support events" in a manner that associates them with each other.

[0042] The "Community ID" field stores an identifier to identify each community (or the object of support). The "Participating Members" field stores information about the participating members of the community identified by the corresponding Community ID. This information about participating members may include, for example, the user ID of the participating member.

[0043] The "Chat Room" item stores information about chat rooms created within a community identified by its corresponding community ID. This information includes the chat room name and the posts within the chat room.

[0044] The "Support Events" section stores information about support events launched within communities identified by their corresponding community IDs. These support events correspond to the crowdfunding mentioned above. Information about support events includes details about the event, the target amount, the current amount raised, and information about the users who have supported it.

[0045] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, let's describe the control unit 4. The control unit 4 is, for example, a controller, and is realized by the execution of various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 1 using RAM as the working area, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 4 comprises a supply unit 41, a creation unit 42, a granting unit 43, and a utilization unit 44.

[0047] The provision unit 41 provides a platform related to the community being supported to each user terminal 50 via the communication unit 2.

[0048] The creation unit 42 creates a community for each support target. The creation unit 42 sets the support target and creates a community for each support target. The support target may be set by the operator of the information processing device 1, or it may be automatically generated by extracting popular artists or idols on social media, etc. Alternatively, the support target may be set by the user, for example.

[0049] The rewarding unit 43 rewards users who have engaged in support activities for the target of support. Specifically, it rewards users for their support activities within the community. For example, the rewarding unit 43 rewards users who have engaged in support activities such as inviting new users to the community or viewing content published within the community.

[0050] Furthermore, the rewarding unit 43 may, for example, reward the user who invited the newly joined user for their support actions. Also, when the rewarding unit 43 rewards a user, it may associate the community ID of the community in which the support action was performed with the reward. In addition, the rewarding unit 43 may award a badge to the user based on the total amount of rewards it has awarded the user.

[0051] Furthermore, the source of the rewards could be, for example, advertisements placed within the community. Specifically, a community is a group of users who support the same target. Therefore, by soliciting advertisements targeting such communities, it is possible to acquire the source of rewards while simultaneously developing a new advertising business.

[0052] The utilization unit 44 uses the rewards granted by the granting unit 43 for the support target at the user's request. For example, the utilization unit 44 uses the rewards as advertising costs for the support target.

[0053] Specifically, within the community described above, it is possible to launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for advertising, and the user unit 44 will use the rewards owned by the user for the crowdfunding campaign for advertising costs, in response to the user's request. For example, the user unit 44 will use the rewards corresponding to the amount specified by the user for the crowdfunding campaign for advertising costs.

[0054] This allows users to use the rewards they earn through their support activities to cover the costs of advertising the project they are supporting. The usage unit 44 may also restrict the communities in which the rewards can be used depending on the source of the rewards. Specifically, rewards earned by a user in community A may be limited to use only for crowdfunding within community A.

[0055] The user unit 44 may also allow the rewards earned from supporting multiple targets to be used for a target selected by the user. Specifically, rewards earned by the user in community A may also be made available for crowdfunding within community B.

[0056] Furthermore, the user unit 44 may use the user's rewards for supporting the target product. In other words, it may use the user's rewards for support consumption. For example, in this case, the user unit 44 may extract products related to the target product from a shopping site partnered with the information processing device 1, and use the rewards earned by the user to pay for those products.

[0057] [3. Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow executed by the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of information processing according to the embodiment.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 1 grants a reward for the support action taken by the user regarding the object of support (step S101). Subsequently, the information processing device 1 accepts the user's request to use the reward (step S102). The processing in step S102 is performed in response to a request from the user.

[0059] Next, the information processing device 1 determines whether the total amount of rewards used has reached the target amount set in the crowdfunding campaign (step S103). If the information processing device 1 determines that the target amount has been reached (step S103; Yes), it uses the rewards to deliver advertisements (step S104) and terminates the process. If, in the determination in step S103, the information processing device 1 determines that the target amount has not been reached (step S103; No), it omits the process in step S104 and terminates the process.

[0060] [4. Variations] By the way, in the embodiment described above, the use of the reward was limited to using it for the person being supported, but it is not limited to this. For example, the reward may be made convertible into cash.

[0061] [5. Effects] The information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment includes a rewarding unit 43 that provides rewards to users who have performed support activities for a target of support, and a utilization unit 44 that uses the rewards provided by the rewarding unit 43 for the target of support at the user's request.

[0062] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 includes a creation unit 42 that creates a community for each support target, and a rewarding unit 43 that provides rewards for users' support activities within the community. The rewarding unit 43 also provides rewards for at least one of the following as support activities: inviting new users to the community, or viewing content published within the community.

[0063] Furthermore, the utilization unit 44 uses the rewards as advertising costs for the supported project. Additionally, the utilization unit 44 uses the rewards as advertising costs when the total amount of rewards reaches the target amount for advertising costs.

[0064] Furthermore, the user unit 44 uses the rewards for the merchandise of the supported target. In addition, the user unit 44 uses the rewards awarded for support activities for multiple supported targets for the supported target selected by the user.

[0065] Through any or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device according to this application can appropriately support cheering activities by users.

[0066] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0067] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0068] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via the network (communication network) N and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the network N.

[0069] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice (in Figure 8, output devices and input devices are collectively referred to as "input / output devices") via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0070] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0071] For example, when computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of control unit 4 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via network N.

[0072] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0073] [7. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0074] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0075] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0076] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1. Information Processing Device 2 Communications Department 3 Storage section 4. Control Unit 31 User information storage unit 32 Community Information Storage Unit 41 Providing Department 42 Creation Section 43 Granting section 44 Usage Department 50 User Terminals

Claims

1. A rewarding unit that provides rewards to users who have engaged in support activities for the target of support, A utilization unit that uses the reward granted by the granting unit for the support target at the user's request. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. Creation unit that creates a community for each of the aforementioned support targets. Equipped with, The aforementioned attachment unit is, To grant the aforementioned rewards for the support activities of the aforementioned users within the aforementioned community. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The aforementioned attachment unit is, As part of the aforementioned support activities, the aforementioned rewards are granted for at least one of the following: inviting new users to the community, or viewing content published within the community. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. The aforementioned utilization unit is, The aforementioned compensation will be used as advertising costs for the supported subject. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

5. The aforementioned utilization unit is, If the total amount of the aforementioned compensation reaches the target amount for the aforementioned advertising expenses, the aforementioned compensation will be used as the aforementioned advertising expenses. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The aforementioned utilization unit is, Use of the aforementioned reward for the aforementioned support items The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

7. The aforementioned utilization unit is, The rewards granted for the support activities for multiple of the aforementioned support targets are used for the support target selected by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

8. A method of information processing performed by a computer, The process of awarding rewards to users who have engaged in support activities for the target of support, A utilization step in which the reward granted in the granting step is used for the support target at the request of the user. An information processing method characterized by including

9. The procedure for awarding rewards to users who have engaged in support activities for the target of support, A usage procedure for using the reward granted by the granting procedure for the support target at the user's request. An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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