Information processing device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a program and an information processing method with which, with regard to invitation of new users, it is possible to give a sense of great value and a game feeling to both the inviter and the invited.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, an information processing device is provided that comprises a lottery processing unit and a value management unit. The lottery processing unit determines, on the assumption of use registration of services by a second user having received invitation from a first user, a first and a second grant amount usable in said services by lottery, for each of the first and second users. The value management unit stores in memory the first and second grant amounts in association with the first and second users, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for inviting other players to a network game. It also describes that when the invitee plays the game to which he or she has been invited, benefits may be given to both the invitee and the inviter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6202226 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since certain benefits are given to both the inviter and the invitee, there is a certain merit in being able to receive the benefits, but there is an aspect to the invitation and registration being carried out mechanically.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing device, program, and information processing method that can give a sense of value and a gaming feel to both the inviter and the invitee when inviting a new user by determining the amounts to be awarded to the inviter and the invitee through a lottery process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a lottery processing unit and a value management unit, wherein the lottery processing unit determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user and the second user, on the condition that the second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service, and the value management unit associates and stores the first grant amount with the first user and the second grant amount with the second user.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the amount of money to be awarded to the inviter and the invitee is determined by a lottery process, giving both the inviter and the invitee a sense of value and a sense of game-like value when inviting a new user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a value management system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server 10 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how the lottery processing unit 11a determines the amount to be granted to each user. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a flow of processing by a value management system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between reaching the invitation upper limit of the first user and determination of the granted amount, etc., in the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between reaching the invitation upper limit of the first user and determination of the granted amount, etc., in a first modified example (another aspect) of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of processing by the value management system 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a value management system 1 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 10 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow by a value management system 2 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between voting and reward awarding in the first modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between voting and reward awarding in the second modification of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, each feature can be an invention independently.

[0010] <1. First embodiment> (1-1. Value Management System 1) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 constituting a part of a value management system 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The value management system 1 includes the server 10, a user terminal 20a, and a user terminal 20b (which may be collectively referred to as "user terminal 20" in the following common explanation).

[0011] The server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 20a of the first user U1 and the user terminal 20b of the second user U2 via the communication line 5. The server 10 determines the amount of the grant to each user as a privilege by lottery, and grants it to each user, on the condition that the second user U2 who has been invited to the service by the first user U1 registers for use. Each component will be described below.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware configuration of value management system 1) The hardware configuration of the value management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (1-2-1. Hardware configuration of server 10) 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 10 according to this embodiment. The server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The server 10 may also include an operation input unit 14 including a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, for accepting input of various operations, and a display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display device for displaying various images.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processes based on various programs. In addition, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include the program related to this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Instead of or together with the NIC, the communication unit 13 may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function of enabling short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and infrared communication, etc. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as a user terminal 20 via the communication line 5, and can transmit and receive various data to and from the other information processing devices, etc.

[0018] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and display unit 15 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the display unit 15, grasp the operation state of the operation input unit 14 by the user, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0019] (1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, etc.) according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display capable of displaying images and receiving operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 to which sound is input, a camera 27 that captures an image of a subject, and operation buttons 28. The following description will focus on the differences from the server 10.

[0020] The operation buttons 28 are provided on the side of the user terminal 20, and include a power button for starting and stopping the user terminal 20, a button for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 25, and the like.

[0021] The control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the storage unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

[0022] (1-3. Functional configuration of server 10) 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a lottery processing unit 11a and a value management unit 11b. The control unit 11 may further include a user management unit 11c.

[0023] The lottery processing unit 11a determines by lottery the first and second grant amounts available for the service for each of the first and second users U1 and U2, on the condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service. The value management unit 11b associates the first grant amount with the first user U1 and the second grant amount with the second user U2, and stores them. In addition, the user management unit 11c accepts a request for registration from the second user U2, and stores the second user U2 as a user of the service. Details of the functions will be described later.

[0024] The above-mentioned functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed in the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, various functions can be realized by the control unit 11 executing a program constituting the software.

[0025] When the program is executed, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built into the server 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The program may be read from an external storage device and implemented by so-called cloud computing. When the program is implemented by hardware, the program may be implemented by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. The above-mentioned functional configuration may be processed by the user terminal 20 or the like, with some of the functional configuration or some of the functions being implemented by software or hardware.

[0026] (1-4. Functions of lottery processing unit 11a) The lottery processing unit 11a is configured to determine, by lottery, the first and second grant amounts available for the service for each of the first and second users U1 and U2, on condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service. With this configuration, the grant amounts for the inviter and the invitee are determined by lottery processing, so that the invitation of a new user gives both the inviter and the invitee a sense of value and a sense of game.

[0027] Here, a "service" refers to various individual or combined services for which user registration can be performed, such as voting on the results of competitions, listening to music or videos, shopping, communication, games, or various procedures. In such services, user registration may be mandatory for use of the service. In addition, a difference may be created between registered users and unregistered users in the way of use, such as providing registered users with functions that cannot be used by unregistered users. The value management system 1 is used for such services.

[0028] In addition, whether the user registration by the second user U2 is a registration based on an invitation from the first user U1 can be determined based on information about the first user U1 provided by the second user U2 or information issued to the first user U1 for a new user invitation. For example, it can be identified that the registration is based on an invitation from the first user U1 based on information such as the user ID of the first user U1 that is sent by the user terminal 20b of the second user U2 when requesting user registration and received by the user management unit 11c. In addition, even if the second user U2 performs user registration using the user terminal 20b via an invitation URL issued to the first user U1, it can be identified that the registration is based on an invitation from the first user U1.

[0029] The lottery processing by the lottery processing unit 11a to determine the amount to be granted to each user is conditional on the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registering to use the service, and can be executed after the second user U2 has completed registration to use the service.

[0030] The lottery processing unit 11a may independently determine the first grant amount and the second grant amount by lottery. With such a configuration, the first grant amount and the second grant amount may be different, and communication about the results between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may be promoted. Furthermore, the lottery processing unit 11a may determine the first grant amount and the second grant amount at once by lottery, and the first grant amount and the second grant amount may be the same amount. With such a configuration, the first grant amount and the second grant amount can be determined by a single calculation in the lottery, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0031] In one embodiment, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to automatically process the lottery without a user request. For example, immediately after the second user U2 completes the user registration, even if there is no request from either the first user U1 or the second user U2, the first and second grant amounts for the first user U1 and the second user U2 are determined by lottery, and the lottery results are notified to the users when they use the service thereafter.

[0032] Also, the user may be notified by email, push notification via an app related to the service, etc. The lottery result may be notified to the user by a lottery result notifying unit or the like included in the control unit 11.

[0033] In one embodiment, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to perform lottery processing in response to a user request. For example, a lottery ticket is issued to each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 by the second user U2 registering for use, and the lottery processing unit 11a receives requests from the user terminals 20a and 20b to execute lottery processing based on the lottery tickets issued by each user. The lottery processing unit 11a then executes lottery processing in response to the execution requests from each user, and notifies the user of the lottery results. With this configuration, the user can control the timing of the lottery processing, and can enjoy the lottery in real time.

[0034] Note that one lottery right may be controlled so that a lottery can be drawn once, or may be controlled so that a lottery can be drawn multiple times. A usage limit may be set for the lottery right. The lottery right may be distributed as an item for drawing lots within the service, and may be configured so that a lottery can be drawn by using the item.

[0035] In one embodiment, whether or not a user request is required to start the lottery process may differ between the first user U1 who is the inviter and the second user U2 who is the invitee. For example, the lottery processing unit 11a may control the lottery process to start for the first user U1 who is the inviter upon a request at any time by the user, while automatically starting the lottery process for the second user U2 who is the invitee following the user registration process.

[0036] The lottery processing by the lottery processing unit 11a for determining the amount to be granted to each user is conditional on the second user U2 registering to use the service after receiving an invitation from the first user U1, but the lottery processing may be configured to be performed when other predetermined conditions are also met. The other predetermined conditions may be, for example, that the second user U2 has not previously registered to use the service, or that the registration occurred within a predetermined period of time. Previous registration may be verified based on information such as the name, email address, or phone number of the second user U2.

[0037] Here, the "lottery" may be a process of determining the amount to be awarded from a predetermined range of amounts. In this case, the lottery process may be executed to select the amount to be awarded from a predetermined range of amounts based on a predetermined selection method. The "predetermined range of amounts" is, for example, 500 to 20,000 points (pt) if the value of the amount to be awarded that can be used in the service is points.

[0038] The "predetermined selection method" is, for example, a method of randomly selecting from a predetermined range of amounts, or a method of selecting from a plurality of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability.

[0039] In the case of a method of selecting from a plurality of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability, for example, 500 points that can be selected with a 40% probability, 2000 points that can be selected with a 30% probability, 5000 points that can be selected with a 20% probability, and 20000 points that can be selected with a 10% probability are prepared. These predetermined amounts and their probabilities may be associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 12 or the like as a table that constitutes part of a database. These predetermined amounts are selected according to random numbers generated in the lottery process.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a process in which the lottery processing unit 11a determines the first and second grant amounts for the first and second users U1 and U2 by lottery. The lottery processing unit 11a receives a lottery request from each user from the user terminal 20. In the example of FIG. 5, the lottery processing unit 11a performs lottery processing by selecting from a plurality of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability. The grant amount is selected and determined based on a random number generated by the lottery processing unit 11a and a table 50 in which a plurality of predetermined amounts and their probabilities are stored in correspondence with each other. In a certain lottery, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined that 500 points are to be granted to the first user U1 and 20,000 points are to be granted to the second user U2.

[0041] The user management unit 11c also manages the second user U2 who was invited by the first user U1 and has registered for use, as a user who can invite new users.

[0042] (1-5. Functions of the value management unit 11b) The value management unit 11b is configured to store the first granted amount in the storage unit 12 or the like in association with the first user U1 and the second granted amount in association with the second user U2. By storing the granted amount in association with the user, each granted amount is managed as having been granted to each user. Then, the value management unit 11b can accept from the user the use of the granted amount in a service, etc., based on the stored information on the granted amount.

[0043] (1-6. Processing flow by value management system 1) An example of the flow of processing by the value management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] First, S200 and S100 are executed as shown in Fig. 6. In S200, the user terminal 20a of the first user U1 transmits a request for invitation information to the server 10. In S100, the user management unit 11c of the server 10 issues invitation information and transmits it to the user terminal 20a. Here, the invitation information is information for inviting a new user, and more specifically, an invitation URL, an invitation code (character string, barcode, or two-dimensional code), etc.

[0045] Next, S205 is executed. In S205, the user terminal 20a transmits the invitation information to the user terminal 20b of the second user U2. The invitation information may be transmitted via email or a social networking service (SNS), or may be transmitted by posting to an SNS or blog, posting on a homepage, or the like, and the second user U2 may refer to and obtain the information.

[0046] Next, S300 and S105 are executed. In S300, the user terminal 20b transmits a registration application for use of the service by the second user U2 to the server 10. In S105, the user management unit 11c stores information about the second user U2 in the storage unit 12 or the like, and registers the second user U2 as a user of the service.

[0047] Next, S110 is executed. In S110, the lottery processing unit 11a issues a lottery ticket available to the first user U1 and the second user U2 and stores the lottery ticket. The lottery processing unit 11a also notifies the first user U1 and the second user U2 of the lottery ticket by transmitting the lottery ticket to the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b.

[0048] Next, S305, S115 (lottery processing step), S120 (value management step), and S125 are executed. In S305, the user terminal 20b transmits a request for processing a lottery based on the lottery right by the second user U2 to the server 10. In S115, the lottery processing unit 11a determines by lottery a second grant amount available for the service to the second user U2. In S120, the value management unit 11b associates the second grant amount determined for the second user U2 with the second grant amount and stores it in the memory unit 12 or the like. Then, in S125, the server 10 transmits the second grant amount as a lottery result to the user terminal 20b and notifies the second user U2.

[0049] Next, S210, S130 (lottery processing step), S135 (value management step), and S140 are executed. These are processes related to the first user U1 and his / her user terminal 20a, and are similar to S305, S115, S120, and S125 except that the first grant amount is determined.

[0050] Note that S210 etc. may be performed before S305 etc. Furthermore, the first granted amount may be notified to the second user U2, and the second granted amount may be notified to the first user U1.

[0051] (1-7. Modification 1 of the first embodiment) 7, the server 10 may be configured to control the lottery processing unit 11a not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1 even if a third user U3 who has received an invitation (invitation B) from the first user U1 registers for use of the service after the number of user registrations based on an invitation (invitation A) from the first user U1 in a predetermined period due to the second user U2 registering for use has reached the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, as shown in FIG. 7. With such a configuration, it is possible to control the users who receive the benefit of the invitation so that it is not biased towards a specific user.

[0052] Here, the "specified period" refers to a period during which registration by invitation is available. It can also be said to be a period during which an invitee can register by invitation and inviters and non-invites can receive benefits by lottery. Specifically, it is a campaign period set up by the service provider. If similar or different campaigns are held multiple times, each of those campaign periods will be a different "specified period."

[0053] The "number of user registrations based on an invitation from the first user U1 in a specified period" refers to the number of user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from the first user U1 within the specified period. This number does not include second user registrations made using an invitation from the first user U1, user registrations made outside the specified period, or user registrations made based on an invitation made outside the specified period.

[0054] The "maximum number of users that the first user U1 can invite" refers to the maximum number of user registrations that the first user U1 can register for lottery processing based on user registrations by invitation within a certain period of time. It can also be said to be the number of times that the first user U1 can receive a grant amount by registering other users by invitation.

[0055] For example, if the "maximum number of users that the first user U1 can invite" is 100, and 99 users have registered through the invitation of the first user U1, then if a second user U2 registers through the invitation of the first user U1, the maximum number can be said to have been reached. In this case, even if a third user U3 registers through the invitation of the first user U1 after the second user U2 has registered, the lottery process is not executed for the first user U1 based on the registration of the third user U3, and therefore the first user U1 cannot receive the grant amount.

[0056] In addition, after the number of user registrations based on invitations from the first user U1 in a specified period due to registration by the second user U2 reaches the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may control to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the third user U3 when the third user U3, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service.

[0057] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, when the number of user registrations based on the invitation A of the first user U1 in a predetermined period due to the second user U2 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may control not to perform a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the third user U3 even if the third user U3 who has received the invitation B from the first user U1 has registered to use the service. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to invite users who belong to a community centered around various inviters. In other words, it is possible to control so that the newly registered users who can receive the amount to be granted by the lottery are not concentrated among the invitees of a specific user.

[0058] At this time, the user terminal 20c (with the same configuration as the user terminal 20a) of the third user U3 may be notified that the lottery cannot be held because the first user U1 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that can be invited.

[0059] (1-8. Modification 2 of the First Embodiment) In one embodiment, the server 10 may be configured to control the lottery processing unit 11a not to perform a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1 and the third user U3 even if the third user U3 who has been invited by the first user U1 registers for use of the service after the cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period has reached the upper limit of the number of users who can be invited by all users in a predetermined period due to the second user U2 registering for use, or after the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period has reached the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control not to grant more than planned when the target amount to be granted and the number of user registrations by invitation have been achieved.

[0060] Here, the "cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users during a specified period" refers to the cumulative number of user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from any of all users during the specified period. User registrations not based on an invitation, second user registrations, or user registrations made outside the specified period are not included in this number.

[0061] The "maximum number of users that can be invited by all users in a specified period" refers to the maximum number of user registrations for which lottery processing is performed based on user registrations by invitation from any of all users within a specified period. It can also be said to be the number of times that all users can receive the grant amount by invitation.

[0062] "Cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users during a specified period" is the sum of amounts granted to inviters and invitees upon user registration that is determined to have been made in response to an invitation from any of all users during a specified period.

[0063] The "maximum amount that can be granted to all users in a specified period" is the maximum cumulative amount that can be granted based on user registration by any of all users through an invitation within a specified period. It can also be said to be the maximum amount that all users can receive through an invitation.

[0064] (1-9. Modification 3 of the first embodiment) In one embodiment, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of users registered based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period, or the total amount of grants granted to the first user U1 based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the invitation activities of the user, taking into account the degree of contribution of the user through the invitation and the amount of grant obtained through the invitation.

[0065] Here, "the total amount of grant granted to the first user U1 based on the invitation of the first user U1 during a specified period" refers to the total amount of grant granted to the first user U1 through user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from the first user U1 during the specified period.

[0066] For example, the probability may be controlled so that the more invitees a user has, the more likely he or she is to win a larger amount by lottery. Also, the amount in the predetermined range may be controlled so that it is different for users with many invites and users with few invites.

[0067] (1-10. Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment) In one embodiment, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount or the second grant amount based on the cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period, or the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the overall status of invitation activities in relation to the number of user registrations or the grant amount through invitations.

[0068] For example, when the remaining amount that can be awarded is small and the number of invited users is small, the system is controlled so that it is difficult to win a large amount of the award. On the other hand, when the remaining amount that can be awarded is large and the number of remaining users that can be invited is small, the system is controlled so that it is easy to win a large amount of the award.

[0069] <2. Second embodiment> (2-1. Value Management System 1) The value management system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The value management system 1 in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it controls the value that a user can obtain by invitation and use within the service so that it can be exchanged for value that can be used outside the service. The following description will focus on the differences.

[0070] (2-2. Functions of Value Management Unit 11b) The value management unit 11b is configured to store the first granted amount and the second granted amount as amounts of the first value usable in the service, store a reward granted in accordance with the result of using the first value in the service as a reward granted in the second value, and control the second value so as to be exchangeable for value usable outside the service. With such a configuration, the first value (a privilege obtained by an invitation) can be made usable in the service, while the second value exchangeable for value usable outside the service is granted by using the first value, thereby increasing motivation for using the first value.

[0071] Here, the "value" in the first value, second value, etc. refers to a medium that is circulated and usable within a certain range, such as banknotes, electronic money, points, etc. When two different values ​​are mutually exchangeable, they can be exchanged based on a fixed or variable exchange rate.

[0072] The first value is managed as a medium that can be used in the service. The range in which the first value can be used is limited within the service, and use outside the service is restricted. The first value may also be further restricted to be used only for specific purposes within the service. In addition to the amount of the grant determined by lottery based on the invitation, benefits, rewards, etc. obtained for other reasons may also be stored and managed in association with the user as the first value.

[0073] The second value is a medium that can be used in the service and is managed as a medium that can be exchanged for value that can be used outside the service (third value). "Value that can be used outside the service" refers to value that can be used in different services, points, electronic money that can be used for various shopping, or currency issued by a national government or its central bank, etc.

[0074] The second value is provided in response to the result of using the first value within the service, but may be provided by exchanging the third value for the second value. In one embodiment, the second value may be managed so as to be usable as it is outside the service.

[0075] (2-3. Processing flow by value management system 1) An example of the flow of processing by the value management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9 and the following description, processing similar to that in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] In S135, the value management unit 11b stores the first granted amount as the first value, and then S140 is executed.

[0077] Next, S215 is executed. In S215, the user terminal 20a transmits a request for use of a first value in the service by the first user U1 to the server 10. The server 10 processes the use of the first value in accordance with the request, and calculates a reward to be granted according to the processing result. Then, the value management unit 11b stores the reward as a second value together with its amount. At this time, the value management unit 11b may notify the user terminal 20a that it has been stored as the reward and the second value.

[0078] Next, S220 and S150 may be executed. In S220, the user terminal 20a transmits a request to the server 10 to exchange the second value by the first user U1 for the third value. At this time, the amount of the second value to be exchanged is also specified and transmitted at the same time. The value management unit 11b or the like may inform the exchange rate in advance or when receiving the exchange request. In S150, the value management unit 11b exchanges the specified amount of the second value for the third value based on the exchange rate in accordance with the exchange request and stores it. The granting to the first user U1 may be executed in cooperation with a server or the like that manages a point account, electronic money account, bank account, or the like of another service so that the granted information is reflected.

[0079] <3. Third embodiment> (3-1. Value Management System 2) The value management system 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As shown in Fig. 10, the value management system 2 in the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the control unit 11 of the server 10 further includes a voting reception unit 11d, and the first value obtained by registration based on an invitation can be used to vote for the results of the competition. The following description will focus on the differences.

[0080] (3-2. Functional configuration of server 10) 11, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a lottery processing unit 11a, a value management unit 11b, and a vote acceptance unit 11d. The control unit 11 may further include a user management unit 11c.

[0081] (3-3. Functions of the Voting Reception Unit 11d) The vote acceptance unit 11d is configured to accept a vote using the first value from the first user U1 or the second user U2 for the result of the competition. By configuring in this manner, the first value can be used to vote for the result of the competition, and it is possible to encourage users to use the first value.

[0082] Here, a "competition" refers to a match or contest in which abilities or skills are pitted against one another. Examples of athletic competitions (sports) include races in which participants compete for ranking using bicycles, cars, boats, or racehorses, as well as baseball or soccer matches. Examples of competitions other than athletic competitions include matches in shogi, go, chess, card games, or computer game tournaments.

[0083] The "result of a competition" is information determined by the situation of the competition, which may include progress during the competition. For example, the outcome or score of a match, the order of finish in a race, or the performance of each athlete.

[0084] Also, "voting" is the act of predicting or selecting the outcome of a competition, setting a betting amount for that outcome. For example, in a race where rankings are determined by predicting the combination of athletes who will come first, second, and third, setting the betting amount based on available value, the bet is placed on that outcome.

[0085] The first user U1 or the second user U2 can use the first value for the results of the competition. As described in the second embodiment, the first value, which can also be obtained by registration through an invitation, can be used within the service. By making it possible to vote for the results of the competition using the first value within the service, it can be expected that users who are interested in such voting will use the first value. It can also be expected that users who are interested in such voting will actively invite new users. It can also be expected that those who are interested in such voting will accept an invitation and register to use the service.

[0086] The vote receiving unit 11d may be configured to receive votes for the results of the competition from the first user U1 or the second user U2 using a combination of the first value and the second value or other values.

[0087] (3-4. Functions of the value management unit 11b) The value management unit 11b is configured to store a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote, as a reward to be granted in the form of the second value to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who cast the vote. With this configuration, the first value can be used to vote on the results of the competition, and the second value exchangeable for value usable outside the service can be obtained in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the first value bet, depending on the results of the competition, thereby promoting the use of the first value.

[0088] Here, the "reward" obtained by voting on the outcome of a race is the amount paid out to the user if the bet is correct, and is the amount multiplied by the multiplier. A more specific example is the amount of the so-called "refund" in bicycle racing, horse racing, etc. Also, the "multiplier" is a multiplier that is set according to the bet based on the overall voting trend. A more specific example is the so-called fixed "odds" and "dividend rate" in bicycle racing, horse racing, etc.

[0089] (3-5. Processing flow by value management system 2) An example of the flow of processing by the value management system 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In Fig. 12 and the following description, processing similar to that in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0090] After S140, S215 and S155 (vote acceptance step) are executed. In S215, the user terminal 20a transmits a vote by the first user U1 using the first value for the result of the competition to the server 10. In S155, the value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount as the first value. Then, S140 is executed.

[0091] (3-6. Modification 1 of the third embodiment) In one aspect, the value management unit 11b may be configured to store a reward in the form of a second value to be given to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who did not vote when the first user U1 or the second user U2 uses the first value granted based on the invitation from the first user U1 to the second user U2 to vote on the result of the competition. By configuring in this way, communication between the inviter and the invitee can be promoted even when the granted amount obtained based on the invitation is used.

[0092] 13, a case will be described in which a first user U1 uses a first value granted based on an invitation from the first user U1 to a second user U2 for a vote C on the result of a competition. In this modified example, in such a case, a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote C and the amount of the first value used for the vote C is processed as being granted not only to the first user U1 but also to the second user U2.

[0093] In addition, when using a mode in which the first value obtained through the invitation between the inviter and the invitee in a vote and a reward is also given to the other user who has not voted, the voting may be restricted to only using the first value obtained through the invitation. Also, the reward for the other user who has not voted may be calculated according to the ratio of the first value obtained through the invitation to the voting amount.

[0094] (3-7. Modification 2 of the third embodiment) The vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept votes on the condition that the votes for the results of the competition using the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 are votes by agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2, and the value management unit 11b may be configured to grant a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used, as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user U1 and the second user U2. With such a configuration, the amount granted based on the invitation can be controlled so that it can be used only by agreement between the inviter and the invitee, and communication between the inviter and the invitee about predictions for the competition results and until the competition results are known can be promoted.

[0095] 14, if a vote for the result of a competition using a first value granted based on an invitation from a first user U1 to a second user U2 is not made based on an agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2, the vote acceptance unit 11d does not accept the vote. If a vote is made based only on the will of each user, the vote acceptance unit 11d does not accept the vote.

[0096] The agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may be formed between the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b, and the voting content, voting amount, and the fact that they have been agreed upon may be transmitted from one or both of the user terminals 20a and 20b to the server 10. Also, the agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may be formed via the server 10.

[0097] (3-8. Modification 3 of the third embodiment) The value management unit 11b may be configured to store the award amount determined by the lottery as a first value in association with the lottery, and the vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept votes using the first value associated with the lottery for each lottery. By configuring in this way, it is possible to restrict the use of award amounts awarded in multiple lotteries together for one vote, thereby increasing the number of times a user can vote.

[0098] A case will be described where an award amount A is determined in lottery A and an award amount B is determined in lottery B, and these are stored as a first value in association with the first user U1 and each lottery. In this modified example, the first user U1 cannot use the first value associated with lottery A (amount of award A) and the first value associated with lottery B (amount of award B) together for voting. For example, if the award amount A is 1000 points and the award amount B is 2000 points, the first user U1 is restricted from adding these together to use them as 3000 points.

[0099] In one embodiment, the vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept multiple votes using the first value divided from the award amount determined by lottery. For example, the first user U1 can make two votes using 500 points each of the award amount A of 1000 points.

[0100] <4. Other embodiments> Although the embodiment and its modified examples of the present invention have been described above, application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

[0101] In addition, in the above embodiment, the server 10 is mainly responsible for each function, but the user terminal 20 may be responsible for some of the functions, or both the server 10 and the user terminal 20 may be responsible for some of the functions.

[0102] For example, in the first embodiment, the lottery processing is performed in the lottery processing unit 11a, but the lottery processing may be performed in the user terminal 20a or the like. For example, when the user terminal 20a communicates with the server 10 and confirms that a lottery is possible (lottery permission has been issued, or unused lottery rights have been recorded, etc.), the user terminal 20a performs processing to determine the amount to be awarded from a predetermined range of amounts. The result of the lottery can be transmitted to the server 10 and stored.

[0103] In addition, if the grant amount determined by the lottery processing, is the upper limit of a predetermined range of grant amounts, the lottery processing unit 11a may set a low probability for the user who has been granted the upper limit amount to win the upper limit of the predetermined range of grant amounts in the next lottery or the lottery after that.

[0104] In addition, if the grant amount determined by the lottery processing is the upper limit of a predetermined range of grant amounts, the lottery processing unit 11a may reduce the upper limit of the number of users that the user who has been granted the upper limit amount can invite.

[0105] In addition, if the cumulative amount granted to a user based on invitations from all users during a specified period does not reach a reference amount at a specified timing, the lottery processing unit 11a may increase the upper limit of the number of users that each user can invite.

[0106] In addition, when the second user U2 is registered by the invitation of the first user U1, and the fourth user U4 is further registered by the invitation of the second user U2, the lottery processing unit 11a may determine the amount of grant to the first user U1 in addition to the second user U2 and the fourth user U4 by lottery based on the registration of the fourth user U4. The amount of grant obtained by such a secondary invitation may be controlled to be less than the amount of grant obtained by the primary invitation by changing the probability or the range of the amount. In addition, a part of the amount of grant to the second user U2 or the fourth user U4 may be controlled to be appropriated to the amount of grant to the first user U1.

[0107] Furthermore, an information processing device such as the server 10 may not only be a device that is physically composed of a single device, but may also include a plurality of devices that are connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so as to function as essentially a single information processing device.

[0108] Moreover, each step described in the above embodiment as being executed by the server 10 may be realized in a form in which it is executed by the user terminal 20 .

[0109] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a program that causes a stage management system to function in order to realize the above-mentioned system.

[0110] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the above-mentioned program.

[0111] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0112] <5. Features of the embodiment> The features of the embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0113] A server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lottery processing unit 11a and a value management unit 11b. The lottery processing unit 11a is an information processing device that determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of a first user U1 and a second user U2, on the condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service, and the value management unit 11b associates the first grant amount with the first user U1 and the second grant amount with the second user U2 and stores them.

[0114] With this configuration, the amount of money to be awarded to the inviter and the invitee is determined by lottery processing, giving both the inviter and the invitee a sense of value and a sense of game-like value when inviting a new user.

[0115] In addition, if the number of user registrations based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period due to the second user U2 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may control not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount of the grant to the first user U1 even if a third user who has received an invitation from the first user U1 has registered to use the service. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control so that the users who receive the grant are not biased toward a specific user.

[0116] In addition, when the cumulative number of registered users based on the invitations of all users in a predetermined period has reached the upper limit of the number of users that can be invited by all users in a predetermined period due to the registration of the second user U2, or when the cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitations of all users in the predetermined period has reached the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users in the predetermined period, the lottery processing unit 11a may control not to perform a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1 and the third user U3, even if a third user invited by the first user U1 has registered to use the service. With this configuration, it is possible to control not to grant more than planned when the target amount to be granted and the number of registered users by invitation have been achieved.

[0117] The lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of users registered based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period, or the total amount of grants granted to the first user U1 based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period. With such a configuration, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the invitation activities of the user by taking into consideration the degree of contribution of the user through the invitation and the amount of grant obtained through the invitation.

[0118] The lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first or second grant amount based on the cumulative number of registered users based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period, or the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the overall status of invitation activities in relation to the number of registered users or the amount granted through invitations.

[0119] Furthermore, the value management unit 11b may store the first granted amount and the second granted amount as the amount of the first value usable in the service, store the reward given in accordance with the result of using the first value in the service as a reward given in the second value, and control the second value to be exchangeable for value usable outside the service. With such a configuration, the first value (benefit obtained by the invitation) can be used in the service, while the second value exchangeable for value usable outside the service is granted by using the first value, thereby increasing motivation for using the first value.

[0120] The service may further include a vote acceptance unit 11d, which accepts votes from the first user U1 or the second user U2 using the first value for the result of the competition, and the value management unit 11b may be configured to store a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote, as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who cast the vote. With this configuration, the first value can be used to vote for the result of the competition, and the second value exchangeable for value usable outside the service can be obtained in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the first value bet depending on the result of the competition, thereby promoting the use of the first value.

[0121] Furthermore, the value management unit 11b may be configured to store a reward in the form of a second value to be given to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who did not cast a vote when the first user U1 or the second user U2 uses the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 for voting. With such a configuration, communication between the inviter and the invitee can be promoted even when the granted amount obtained based on the invitation is used.

[0122] The vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept a vote using the first value granted based on an invitation from the first user U1 to the second user U2 on the condition that the vote is a vote agreed upon by the first user U1 and the second user U2, and the value management unit 11b may be configured to grant a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used, as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user U1 and the second user U2. With such a configuration, the amount granted based on the invitation can be controlled so that it can be used only with the agreement of both the inviter and the invitee, and communication between the inviter and the invitee about predictions for the competition results and until the competition results are known can be promoted.

[0123] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a lottery processing step and a value management step, in which in the lottery processing step, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service are determined by lottery for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2, on the condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service, and in the value management step, the first grant amount is associated with the first user U1 and the second grant amount is associated with the second user U2 and stored.

[0124] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method in which a computer determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for a service for each of a first user U1 and a second user U2, on the condition that a second user U2 who has received an invitation from a first user U1 registers to use the service, and the computer associates the first grant amount with the first user U1 and stores the second grant amount with the second user U2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1, 2: value management system, 5: communication line, 10: server, 11: control unit, 11a: lottery processing unit, 11b: value management unit, 11c: user management unit, 11d: vote acceptance unit, 12: memory unit, 13: communication unit, 14: operation input unit, 15: display unit, 16: system bus, 20 (20a, 20b, 20c): user terminal, 21: control unit, 22: memory unit, 23: communication unit, 24: display unit, 25: speaker, 26: microphone, 27: camera, 28: operation button, 29: system bus, 50: table, U1: first user, U2: second user, U3: third user, U4: fourth user

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: When the upper limit of the number of users that a first user can invite has not been reached within a predetermined period, a lottery ticket is issued to each of the first user and the second user on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers for use of the service; granting to the first user a first grant amount available for the service, the first grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the first user; granting to the second user a second grant amount available for the service, the second grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the second user; Information processing device.

2. a processor, when an upper limit of the number of users that a first user can invite within a predetermined period has not been reached, issues a lottery ticket to each of the first user and the second user on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers for use of a service; A processor grants to the first user a first grant amount available for the service, the first grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the first user; a processor grants to the second user a second grant amount available for the service, the second grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the second user; Information processing methods.

3. When the upper limit of the number of users that a first user can invite has not been reached within a predetermined period, a lottery ticket is issued to each of the first user and the second user on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers for use of the service; granting to the first user a first grant amount available for the service, the first grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the first user; granting to the second user a second grant amount available for the service, the second grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the second user; A program that causes a processor to execute a process.

4. A server and a terminal are provided, The server, When the upper limit of the number of users that a first user can invite has not been reached within a predetermined period, a lottery ticket is issued to each of the first user and the second user on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers for use of the service; notifying a terminal of the first user of a first grant amount available for the service, the first grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the first user; notifying a terminal of the second user of a second grant amount available for the service, the second grant amount being determined by a lottery based on the lottery right issued to the second user; system.

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