Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and an information processing method which provide a voting environment equivalent to a voting terminal in a racetrack when voting is performed using a portable terminal.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an information processing system for processing the voting for competition which includes: a portable terminal 4 which is connected to the cloud computing service 5 and transmits and votes the authentication information for being connected to a voting server 2; and a voting server 2 for receiving the voting from the portable terminal after receiving a result of successful authentication from the cloud computing service 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method, and more particularly to an information processing system and an information processing method for processing information relating to voting in publicly managed races. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cashless voting (voting using a cashless system) has become widely used as a voting method in public races such as boat racing, horse racing, bicycle racing, and auto racing (for example, Patent Document 1). In cashless voting, voting is generally performed using a voting terminal installed at the public racecourse (racing track) where the public race is held. In addition, official telephone voting using the user's personal phone or mobile terminal is used as a convenient voting method.

[0003] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional (current) voting system (information processing system).

[0004] The voting system includes a central TZS (totalizator system) 1, a voting server 2, a voting terminal 3, and a user's mobile terminal 4. The voting terminals 3 in the racetrack include a cashless voting terminal where the user can vote cashlessly, an automatic voting terminal where the user can operate it themselves to purchase a voting ticket with cash, and a manned voting terminal operated by a staff member at the ticket sales booth, but here, the explanation is based on the cashless voting terminal. Although many voting terminals 3 and mobile terminals 4 are actually connected to the system, here, one of each is described as a representative. The central TZS1 and the voting server 2 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the central TZS1 and the mobile terminal 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the voting server 2 and the voting terminal 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0005] The central TZS1 is provided at the center of the public lottery and manages the entire voting process for the public lottery (for example, counting votes, calculating approximate dividend rates (odds), and paying out money, etc.).

[0006] The voting server 2 is generally installed in the racetrack (track) of the event, and transmits voting requests (information on voting from users) from the voting terminals 3 installed in the racetrack to the central TZS1, and transmits voting responses (information on the results of voting processing) from the central TZS1 to the voting terminals 3. The voting server 2 is equipped with a MICS (Member Information and Customer relationship management System: Member Management Device) function that manages members of the cashless system and points of cashless members, a CWS (Cashless Web Service server: Web voting server) function that transmits and receives information on cashless voting with the voting terminals 3 and receives and holds competition data (race information), and a UTM (Unified Threat Management) function for security.

[0007] The voting terminals 3 include a fixed cashless voting terminal 31 installed within the venue, and a tablet-type voting terminal 32 connected to the voting server 2 via dedicated Wi-Fi. The voting terminal 3 is operated by the user and accepts personal authentication information and voting information. The user can cast a cashless vote by performing a predetermined input operation for voting on the voting terminal 3. The user can also obtain points according to the amount of the cashless vote.

[0008] The mobile terminal 4 is a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet, etc.) owned by the user. By registering in advance, the user can use his / her mobile terminal 4 to vote online via a carrier line and the Internet. The mobile terminal 4 can directly connect to the central TZS1 using the Internet and vote. Voting from the mobile terminal 4 is a type of official telephone voting, just like traditional voting using a telephone, and the sales are directly recorded in the central TZS1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-35211 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In conventional betting systems, users of public races may use their own mobile terminal 4 to cast their votes while actually watching the race at the racetrack. However, even if a user casts a vote from inside the racetrack, if the vote is cast by official telephone voting using the mobile terminal 4, this does not count as sales at the racetrack. Furthermore, even though users cast their votes at the racetrack, they cannot receive the same voting environment as those available at the betting terminals at the racetrack (for example, points services according to the betting amount for cashless voting).

[0011] Therefore, in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an information processing method that enable a voting environment equivalent to that of a voting terminal located at a racetrack to be provided even when a user votes using a mobile terminal, and that enables sales at the racetrack to be realized by voting using a mobile terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing system of the present invention is an information processing system that processes votes for competitions, and is equipped with a voting server and a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal connects to a cloud computing service to send authentication information for connecting to the voting server and to cast a vote, and the voting server accepts votes from the mobile terminal after receiving a successful authentication result from the cloud computing service.

[0013] In addition, an information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method for processing votes for a competition, and is characterized in that it includes the steps of a mobile terminal connecting to a cloud computing service and sending authentication information, the cloud computing service performing authentication based on the authentication information, and, when the authentication is successful, sending a result of successful authentication to a voting server, the voting server receiving the result of successful authentication, the mobile terminal voting, and the voting server accepting votes from the mobile terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the information processing system and information processing method of the present invention, even when a user votes using a mobile terminal, a voting environment equivalent to that of the voting terminals located within the racetrack can be provided, and votes cast using a mobile terminal can be counted as sales within the racetrack. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 10 is an example of a schematic flow of a process performed when logging in to the information processing system for the first time. [Diagram 3] 13 is an example of a schematic flow of a process performed when logging in to the information processing system for the second or subsequent time. [Figure 4] This is an example of a general flow of cashless voting processing after user authentication processing. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional voting system (information processing system). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system of the present invention is a system for processing information when a user bets in public races such as boat races, horse races, bicycle races, and auto races.

[0018] The information processing system of the present invention includes a central TZS (totalizator system) 1, a voting server 2, a cloud computing service 5, and a user's mobile terminal 4. The information processing system may further include a voting terminal (cashless voting terminal, etc.) 3 connected to the voting server 2. Although one mobile terminal 4 is shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system may include multiple mobile terminals 4. The central TZS 1 and the voting server 2, the voting server 2 and the cloud computing service 5, and the cloud computing service 5 and the mobile terminal 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the voting server 2 and the voting terminal 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0019] The central TZS1 is the same as the central TZS1 in a conventional voting system, and is provided in the center of a publicly managed lottery, and may be configured, for example, as a large-scale information processing device. The central TZS1 is connected to the voting server 2 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate information, receive a voting request from the voting server 2, and output a voting response to the voting request. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the central TZS1 may be connected to a mobile terminal 4 using the Internet, as in FIG. 6, and accept official telephone votes. The central TZS1 manages the entire process of voting for a publicly managed lottery, including accepting votes for the race, tallying up the number of tickets sold, calculating the estimated dividend rate (odds) according to the number of tickets sold, and calculating the payout amount.

[0020] The voting server 2 can be configured, for example, as an information processing device installed within the racetrack. The voting server 2 is connected to the central TZS 1 and the cloud computing service 5 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with the information, and can also communicate with the user's mobile terminal 4 via the cloud computing service 5. In addition, the voting server 2 may be connected via wired or wireless communication to the voting terminals 3 (cashless voting terminal 31, tablet voting terminal 32, etc.) installed within the racetrack in the same manner as in the past.

[0021] In this embodiment, the voting server 2 receives a voting request from the mobile terminal 4 and / or the voting terminal 3 and transmits it to the central TZS1, and also receives a voting response from the central TZS1 and transmits it to the mobile terminal 4 and / or the voting terminal 3. In other words, the voting server 2 is a server device that manages data related to user votes, and is equipped with a MICS function, a CWS function, and a UTM function.

[0022] The MICS function is, for example, a function for managing members of the cashless system, managing points for cashless members, exchanging points for prizes and the like, cashback, outputting reports from accumulated data, etc. Specifically, member management involves processing such as member card management (linking member cards to member numbers, and managing card validity periods), personal information management, electronic money management (management of members' electronic money balances and history of increases and decreases in electronic money), point management (management of members' point balances and history of increases and decreases in points), and accumulation of data for reports, but the management carried out may differ depending on the competition.

[0023] The CWS function is a function that manages voting processing in a cashless system, and means, for example, a function of connecting to a voting terminal 3 or a mobile terminal 4 at the racetrack via wired or wireless connection, receiving voting information (information about votes from users) and transmitting it to a higher-level system (here, the central TZS1), a function of receiving and storing competition data (race information) from the higher-level system (central TZS1), and a function of displaying competition data (race information) on the voting terminal 3 or the mobile terminal 4.

[0024] The UTM function is realized by a device that integrates multiple security functions such as firewall, antivirus, intrusion detection and prevention (IPS / IDS), and web filtering, and is a function that performs centralized network management, or unified threat management.

[0025] The voting server 2 includes, as functional blocks, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, as shown in FIG.

[0026] The control unit 21 is a processor that controls and manages the entire voting server 2, including each functional block of the voting server 2. The control unit 21 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program that defines a control procedure. The program executed by the processor is stored, for example, in the memory unit 22 or an external storage medium. The control unit 21 controls information processing between the cloud computing service 5, information processing between the user's mobile terminal 4 via the cloud computing service 5 (display processing of the login screen and voting screen, etc.), member authentication processing of the user's cashless system, processing related to the transmission and reception of voting requests and voting responses via the communication unit 23, and processing of point allocation according to the voting amount.

[0027] The storage unit 22 has various memory devices, and stores various information according to the purpose, for example, programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit 21. For example, the storage unit 22 can be composed of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 22 stores various information and programs for operating the voting server 2. The storage unit 22 also has devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that function as a work memory. The storage unit 22 further holds membership information and point management information of cashless members, user registration information of this information processing system, competition data (race information), etc.

[0028] The communication unit 23 is composed of a communication device, and transmits and receives various information by communicating with external devices. For example, the communication unit 23 performs communication processing between the central TZS1 and the cloud computing service 5 based on the control of the control unit 21. For example, the communication unit 23 transmits a voting request to the central TZS1, receives a voting response from the central TZS1, receives a voting request from a user via the cloud computing service 5, transmits a voting response to the user's mobile terminal 4 and voting terminal 3, and the like.

[0029] Next, the cloud computing service 5 is a service provided by a computer on the Internet, and various IT resources can be used on demand via the Internet. In this embodiment, the cloud computing service 5 connects to the mobile terminal 4 to perform user authentication processing, and after user authentication, performs processing to connect the mobile terminal 4 to the voting server 2. The outline flow of the processing of the cloud computing service 5 will be described later.

[0030] The mobile terminal 4 is configured by a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile terminal 4 may be owned by the user, or may be loaned to the user by a specific business operator. The mobile terminal 4 includes, as functional blocks, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a display unit 44, an input unit 45, and a location information acquisition unit 46.

[0031] The control unit 41 is a processor that controls and manages the entire mobile terminal 4, including each functional block of the mobile terminal 4. The control unit 41 is composed of a processor such as a CPU that executes a program that defines a control procedure. The program executed by the processor is stored, for example, in the memory unit 42 or an external storage medium. The control unit 41 displays an input screen for authentication information on the display unit 44 based on the authentication process of the cloud computing service 5, and performs reception and transmission processing of the input of authentication information. In addition, the control unit 41 displays a screen for receiving input related to voting on the display unit 44 based on the voting screen processing of the voting server 2. With the screen for receiving input related to voting displayed on the display unit 44, the user can perform input operations to vote.

[0032] The storage unit 42 has various memory devices, and stores various information according to the purpose, for example, data necessary for the operation of the control unit 41. For example, the storage unit 42 can be composed of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 42 stores various information and programs for operating the mobile terminal 4. The storage unit 42 also has a device such as a RAM that functions as a work memory.

[0033] The communication unit 43 is composed of a communication device, and transmits and receives various information by performing wireless communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit 43 receives information transmitted by the cloud computing service 5, and transmits information input from the input unit 45 to the cloud computing service 5. In addition, the communication unit 43 transmits voting information data to the voting server 2 under the control of the control unit 41 when a communication connection is established between the voting server 2 and the mobile terminal 4.

[0034] The display unit 44 is a display device configured with a known display such as an LED display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The display unit 44 displays various information based on the control of the control unit 41. For example, the display unit 44 displays information transmitted from the cloud computing service 5 based on the control of the control unit 41, and also displays a screen for accepting input related to user authentication and voting.

[0035] The input unit 45 accepts operation input from the user. The input unit 45 is configured with, for example, operation buttons (operation keys). The input unit 45 may be configured with a touch screen, and an input area for accepting operation input from the user may be displayed in a part of the display device, and touch operation input from the user may be accepted. The user can input user authentication information and voting information from the input unit 45.

[0036] The location information acquisition unit 46 acquires location information of the mobile terminal 4, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) information. The location information acquisition unit 46 can obtain the longitude and latitude of the current location of the mobile terminal 4 from the GPS information.

[0037] According to the information processing system of this embodiment, a cashless vote can be made from a mobile terminal 4 using the voting server 2 via a cloud computing service 5. As a result, a user can receive services such as points in response to a cashless vote. Furthermore, information on the vote from the mobile terminal 4 is transmitted as a vote request from the voting server 2 to the central TZS as a vote within the racetrack. As a result, the vote from the mobile terminal 4 via the voting server 2 can be processed as sales at the racetrack.

[0038] Next, an example of the processing from user authentication to voting by the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Here, the information processing method of the present invention will be described using as an example a case where cashless voting is performed from a mobile terminal 4 using the voting server 2.

[0039] In order to vote cashlessly, a user must first register as a cashless system member. This procedure may be the same as in the past.

[0040] First, the user applies to become a member. For example, the user may fill in and submit an application form with information such as address, name, date of birth, etc., or may access a designated website from a mobile terminal 4 or the like and enter the same information. The cashless member registration department (sometimes called information) at the racetrack accepts the membership application and enters the membership registration information into the cashless system.

[0041] The cashless system issues a membership number when a new member registers. The cashless member registration department also issues a membership card to the user. The cashless system manages the link between the issued membership number and the membership card. The PIN used to log in to the cashless system may be registered by the user when applying for membership, or it may be assigned by the system. The user receives their membership number and membership card and their registration as a member to the cashless system is completed.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to use the information processing system using the cloud computing service 5 of the present invention, the user must register in advance (user registration for mobile terminal external voting).

[0043] The registration application may be, for example, submitted by filling in a user registration application form with an email address, mobile phone number, etc., or the same information may be entered by connecting to a specified site from a mobile terminal 4. It is desirable to limit use of the information processing system of the present invention to only members who are registered with the cashless system. When the information center receives a user registration application, the information center inputs the member number, email address, mobile phone number, etc., for use in the information processing system into the cloud computing service 5 for user registration. The member number for use in the information processing system may be newly assigned, or may be the same as the member number for the cashless system.

[0044] After completing user registration, the cloud computing service 5 sends, for example, to the user's email address, an email (user registration email) including a temporary password and a URL for logging in to the cloud computing service 5. This is the preparation stage for using the information processing system of this embodiment.

[0045] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic flow of authentication processing by the information processing system when a user first logs in. Each step will be described.

[0046] Step S1: First, the user accesses a login URL from the mobile terminal 4 and connects to the cloud computing service 5. The login URL is communicated to the user by some means, for example, by being included in a user registration email.

[0047] Step S2: The cloud computing service 5 transmits an authentication screen (authentication information input screen) to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays the authentication screen on the display unit 44 thereof.

[0048] Step S3: The user inputs authentication information for identifying the user from the input unit 45 of the mobile terminal 4, and transmits it to the cloud computing service 5. This authentication information can be, for example, information for identifying the user, such as a membership number or name for using the cloud computing service 5, and a temporary password sent to the user by email or the like.

[0049] Step S4: The cloud computing service 5 performs user authentication. If the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S5. If the authentication succeeds, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0050] Step S5: The cloud computing service 5 transmits information about the authentication error to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 44. If an authentication error occurs, the user can start again from step S1.

[0051] Step S6: The cloud computing service 5 transmits information about a password change screen, and the mobile terminal 4 displays the password change screen on the display unit 44.

[0052] Step S7: The user enters a new password from the mobile terminal 4 and transmits it to the cloud computing service 5.

[0053] Step S8: The cloud computing service 5 registers the new password.

[0054] Step S9: The cloud computing service 5 also sends an authentication code to the user's mobile terminal 4 by email.

[0055] Step S10: Furthermore, the cloud computing service 5 transmits a secondary authentication screen (an authentication code input screen for secondary authentication) to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays the authentication code input screen on its display unit 44.

[0056] Step S 11 : The user inputs the transmitted authentication code from the input unit 45 of the mobile terminal 4 , and transmits it to the cloud computing service 5 .

[0057] Step S12: The cloud computing service 5 performs secondary authentication using the authentication code. If the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S13, and if the authentication is successful, the process grants an authentication token and proceeds to step S14.

[0058] Step S13: The cloud computing service 5 transmits information about the authentication error, and the mobile terminal 4 displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 44 thereof.

[0059] Step S14: The voting server 2 receives information on successful authentication from the cloud computing service 5, performs a cashless (CL) login screen display process, and transmits information on the cashless (CL) login screen to the mobile terminal 4. It also transmits information such as the member number of the cashless system of the authenticated user to the cloud computing service 5.

[0060] Step S15: The cloud computing service 5 acquires and stores the member number of the authenticator's cashless system.

[0061] Step S16: The mobile terminal 4 receives the information from the voting server 2 and displays the cashless (CL) login screen on the display unit 44. Note that the login screen at this time may be a screen in which the member number of the cashless system has already been entered. Then, the process proceeds to process A (see FIG. 4 described later).

[0062] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic flow of authentication processing by the information processing system when a user logs in for the second or subsequent time. Each step will be described.

[0063] Step S21: The user accesses the login URL provided to the user via a user registration email or other means from the mobile terminal 4, and connects to the cloud computing service 5.

[0064] Step S22: The cloud computing service 5 judges whether or not there is an authentication token for the user based on the access from the mobile terminal 4. If there is an authentication token, proceed to step S23. If there is no authentication token, proceed to step S24.

[0065] Step S23: If there is an authentication token, the cloud computing service 5 judges whether the authentication token is within its validity period. If the authentication token is within its validity period, the process proceeds to step S25, and if it is outside its validity period, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0066] Step S24: The cloud computing service 5 transmits an authentication screen (authentication information input screen) to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays the authentication screen on the display unit 44 thereof.

[0067] Step S25: The voting server 2 judges whether the cashless (CL) login session is continuing. If it is a timeout, the process proceeds to step S34, and if it is continuing, the process proceeds to process B (see FIG. 4 described later).

[0068] Step S26: The user inputs authentication information for identifying the user from the input unit 45 into the authentication screen displayed on the mobile terminal 4, and transmits it to the cloud computing service 5. The authentication information is, for example, a membership number for using the cloud computing service 5 and a new password registered by the user.

[0069] Step S27: The cloud computing service 5 performs user authentication. If the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S28. If the authentication succeeds, the process proceeds to steps S29 and S30.

[0070] Step S28: The cloud computing service 5 transmits information about the authentication error to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 44 thereof.

[0071] Step S29: If the authentication is successful, the cloud computing service 5 sends an authentication code to the user's mobile terminal 4 by email.

[0072] Step S30: Furthermore, the cloud computing service 5 transmits a secondary authentication screen (an authentication code input screen for secondary authentication) to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays the authentication code input screen on its display unit .

[0073] Step S31: The user inputs the transmitted authentication code from the input unit 45 of the mobile terminal 4 and transmits it to the cloud computing service 5.

[0074] Step S32: The cloud computing service 5 performs secondary authentication using the authentication code. If the authentication fails, the process proceeds to step S33, and if the authentication is successful, the process grants an authentication token and proceeds to step S34.

[0075] Step S33: The cloud computing service 5 transmits information about the authentication error, and the mobile terminal 4 displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 44 thereof.

[0076] Step S34: The voting server 2 receives information of successful authentication from the cloud computing service 5, performs a cashless (CL) login screen display process, and transmits information of the cashless (CL) login screen to the mobile terminal 4. It also transmits information such as the member number of the cashless system of the authenticated user to the cloud computing service 5. Note that, even if the CL login session times out in step S25, the voting server 2 performs a similar cashless (CL) login screen display process.

[0077] Step S35: The cloud computing service 5 acquires and stores the cashless (CL) membership number of the authenticated person.

[0078] Step S36: The mobile terminal 4 receives the information from the voting server 2 and displays the cashless (CL) login screen on the display unit 44. Note that the login screen at this time may be a screen in which the member number of the cashless system has already been entered. Then, the process proceeds to process A (see FIG. 4 described later).

[0079] 2 and 3, that is, a diagram showing an example of a schematic flow of processing by the information processing system after the cashless (CL) login screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 4. Each step will be described.

[0080] Step S41: The user inputs the registered cashless system PIN number to the cashless (CL) login screen from the input unit 45 of the mobile terminal 4, and transmits it to the voting server 2. In addition, the mobile terminal 4 acquires location information (GPS information) by the location information acquisition unit 46, and transmits it to the voting server 2.

[0081] Step S42: The voting server 2 performs cashless (CL) login authentication (cashless system member authentication) based on the transmitted membership number and PIN. If the authentication fails, proceed to step S43. If the authentication is successful, proceed to step S44.

[0082] Step S43: The voting server 2 transmits information about the authentication error, and the mobile terminal 4 displays an authentication error screen on its display unit 44.

[0083] Step S44: If the authentication is successful, the voting server 2 judges whether the longitude and latitude are within the designated range from the GPS information of the mobile terminal 4. Here, the designated range is the range within which a vote from the mobile terminal 4 is recognized as a vote within the racecourse, for example, within the grounds of the racecourse. If the GPS information (i.e., the position of the mobile terminal 4) is outside the designated range, the process proceeds to step S45, and if it is within the designated range (the mobile terminal 4 is present within the racecourse), the process proceeds to step S46. Note that in FIG. 3, process B when the login session is continuing also proceeds to step S46.

[0084] Step S45: The voting server 2 transmits the information of the voting place to the mobile terminal 4, and the mobile terminal 4 displays a guidance screen of the voting place on the display unit 44. The user can use the cashless system from the mobile terminal 4 by moving within the grounds of the racecourse based on the guidance of the voting place.

[0085] Step S46: The voting server 2 performs voting screen processing and transmits information of the voting screen to the mobile terminal 4. At this time, the voting server 2 holds the GPS information of the mobile terminal 4.

[0086] Step S47: The mobile terminal 4 displays a voting screen on the display unit 44 based on the information from the voting server 2. After that, the user casts a vote on the voting screen. That is, the user uses the input unit 45 to input betting information such as the race number, betting type, group number, and amount. The mobile terminal 4 may hold the transmitted GPS information, or may update the GPS information at an appropriate timing and transmit it to the voting server 2.

[0087] After that, the voting information input and transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 is transmitted as a voting request from the voting server 2 to the central TZS as a vote within the racetrack. In this way, cashless voting can be performed using the voting server 2 from the mobile terminal 4 via the cloud computing service 5. After that, the voting server 2 gives points to the user according to the amount of the bet, and stores and manages them in the memory unit 22.

[0088] In the above outline flow, it has been described that after the voting screen is displayed on the display unit 44 of the mobile terminal 4 based on the processing of the voting server 2, the user inputs the voting information on the voting screen, but the voting information may be prepared in advance. That is, the mobile terminal 4 displays a screen for accepting input related to voting on the display unit 44 in response to, for example, an operational input by the user. With the screen for accepting input related to voting displayed on the display unit 44, the user can perform an input operation for voting and store this voting information in the storage unit 42. Then, after the authentication process is completed and the cashless voting line is connected between the mobile terminal 4 and the voting server 2, the information related to voting that has been prepared in advance may be transmitted.

[0089] Second embodiment 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be simplified.

[0090] The information processing system of this embodiment includes a central TZS1, a voting server 2, a cloud computing service 5, and a user's mobile terminal 4, and the cloud computing service 5 constitutes a cloud server 50. The information processing system may further include a voting terminal (cashless voting terminal, etc.) 3 connected to the voting server 2. The central TZS1 and the voting server 2, the voting server 2 and the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 and the mobile terminal 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the voting server 2 and the voting terminal 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0091] The central TZS1 is the same as the central TZS1 in the voting system of the first embodiment, is connected to the voting server 2 via wired or wireless communication to enable information communication, receives voting requests from the voting server 2, and outputs voting responses to the voting requests. The central TZS1 manages the entire process of voting for publicly managed lotteries, including accepting votes for the races, tallying up the number of tickets sold, calculating estimated dividend rates (odds) according to the number of tickets sold, and calculating payouts.

[0092] The voting server 2 can be configured, for example, by an information processing device installed within the racetrack. The voting server 2 is connected to the central TZS1 and a cloud computing service 5 (cloud server 50) via wired or wireless communication, and can also communicate with a user's mobile terminal 4 via the cloud computing service 5. In addition, the voting server 2 may be connected to a voting terminal 3 (such as a cashless voting terminal 31 and a tablet voting terminal 32) installed within the racetrack in the same manner as in the past, via wired or wireless communication.

[0093] In this embodiment, the voting server 2 is a device that mainly manages security and has a UTM function, i.e., a function of integrating multiple security functions such as a firewall, antivirus, intrusion detection and prevention (IPS / IDS), and web filtering to perform unified threat management. In this embodiment, the voting server 2 does not have a MICS function or a CWS function, but has a so-called SW-HAB function that receives a voting request sent from a mobile terminal 4 and processed by a cloud server 50, sends it to the central TZS1, and also receives a voting response from the central TZS1 and sends it to the mobile terminal 4.

[0094] The voting server 2 includes, as functional blocks, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, as shown in FIG.

[0095] The control unit 21 is a processor that controls and manages the entire voting server 2, including each functional block of the voting server 2. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 mainly controls the UTM function related to security and the SW-HAB function for signal transmission and reception.

[0096] The storage unit 22 has various memory devices and stores various information according to the purpose, such as programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 holds data necessary for the UTM function and the SW-HAB function.

[0097] The communication unit 23 transmits and receives various information by communicating with external devices. For example, the communication unit 23 performs communication processing between the central TZS 1, the cloud computing service 5, and the mobile terminal 4 under the control of the control unit 21, and realizes a SW-HAB function related to the transmission and reception of voting requests, voting responses, and the like.

[0098] The cloud server 50 is a service provided by the cloud computing service 5, but functions like a physical server and is capable of communicating with the voting server 2 and the mobile terminal 4 of the user.

[0099] In this embodiment, the cloud server 50 authenticates the user based on access from the mobile terminal 4, transmits a voting screen to the mobile terminal 4, and receives a voting request and transmits it to the voting server 2. It also receives a voting response from the central TZS1 via the voting server 2 and transmits it to the mobile terminal 4. The cloud server 50 is a server device that manages data related to user voting, and has a MICS function and a CWS function.

[0100] In this embodiment, the cloud server 50 performs operations that were previously performed by the voting server 2 in the system of Fig. 1, such as managing members of the cashless system, managing points for cashless members, receiving voting information from the mobile terminal 4, and receiving and storing competition-related data, as well as displaying competition-related data (race information) on the voting terminal 3 and the mobile terminal 4. That is, in this embodiment, part of the voting server 2 is configured as the cloud server 50.

[0101] Cloud server 50 does not mean a specific physical server, but has functions corresponding to a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53 as functional blocks, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example.

[0102] The control unit 51 controls information processing between the mobile terminal 4 (user authentication processing, display processing of the login screen and voting screen, etc.), processing related to the sending and receiving of voting requests and voting responses via the communication unit 53, point management processing, etc.

[0103] The storage unit 52 stores various information and programs for operating the cloud server 50. The storage unit 22 also stores membership information and point management information for cashless members, user registration information for this information processing system, competition data (race information), and the like.

[0104] The communication unit 53 transmits and receives various information by communicating with external devices. For example, the communication unit 53 performs communication processing between the voting server 2 and the mobile terminal 4 based on the control of the control unit 25. For example, the communication unit 53 receives a voting request from the user's mobile terminal 4, transmits a voting request to the voting server 2, receives a voting response from the central TZS1 via the voting server 2, transmits a voting response to the user's mobile terminal 4, and the like.

[0105] The mobile terminal 4 is configured by a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile terminal 4 may be the same as the mobile terminal 4 in the first embodiment. The mobile terminal 4 includes, as functional blocks, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a display unit 44, an input unit 45, and a position information acquisition unit 46.

[0106] The control unit 41 is a processor that controls and manages the entire mobile terminal 4, including each functional block included in the mobile terminal 4. For example, the control unit 41 displays an input screen for authentication information on the display unit 44 based on the processing of the cloud server 50, and performs processing for receiving and transmitting the authentication information.

[0107] The storage unit 42 has various memory devices and stores various information according to the purpose, such as data necessary for the operation of the control unit 41. The storage unit 42 stores various information, programs for operating the mobile terminal 4, etc.

[0108] The communication unit 43 transmits and receives various information by performing wireless communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit 43 receives a signal transmitted by the cloud server 50, and transmits voting information data to the cloud server 50 based on the control by the control unit 41.

[0109] The display unit 44 is a display device configured by a known display. The display unit 44 displays various information under the control of the control unit 41. For example, the display unit 44 displays a screen for accepting input related to user authentication and voting under the control of the control unit 41.

[0110] The input unit 45 accepts operation input from a user. The input unit 45 is configured with, for example, operation buttons (operation keys) and a touch screen. The user can input user authentication information and voting information from the input unit 45.

[0111] The location information acquisition unit 46 acquires location information of the portable terminal 4, for example, GPS information, and obtains the longitude and latitude of the current location of the portable terminal 4 from the GPS information.

[0112] In the information processing system of this embodiment, the MICS function and the CWS function that the voting server 2 had in the first embodiment are realized by the cloud server 50. Therefore, the processing in the mobile terminal 4 is the same as in the first embodiment, but the processing in the cloud computing service 5 and the voting server 2 described in Figures 2 to 4 is all executed by the cloud server 50.

[0113] In this embodiment, even when the voting terminal 3 accesses the system, the authentication process for cashless members and point management, as well as the transmission and reception of voting information and competition-related data, are performed by the cloud server 50.

[0114] According to the information processing system of this embodiment, a cashless vote can be made from a mobile terminal 4 using the cloud server 50. As a result, a user can receive services such as points in response to a cashless vote. Furthermore, information on the vote from the mobile terminal 4 is transmitted as a vote request from the voting server 2 to the central TZS as a vote within the racetrack. As a result, a vote from the mobile terminal 4 via the voting server 2 can be processed as sales for the racetrack. Furthermore, since the voting server 2 within the racetrack only needs to have a UTM function related to security and a SW-HAB function for signal transmission and reception, and does not require large facilities, the racetrack can reduce the initial investment in hardware and maintenance and operation costs.

[0115] Although the above-mentioned embodiment has been described as a representative example, it is clear to those skilled in the art that many modifications and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications or changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the functions included in each block, each step, etc. described in the embodiment can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple configuration blocks, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Central TZS 2. Voting Server 3 Voting terminal 4. Mobile devices 5. Cloud Computing Services 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13. Communications Department 41 Control section 42 Storage section 43 Communications Department 44 Display section 45 Input section 46 Location information acquisition unit 50 Cloud Servers

Claims

1. 1. An information processing system for processing votes for a competition, comprising: A voting server and a mobile terminal are provided, The mobile terminal connects to a cloud computing service, transmits authentication information for connecting to the voting server, and casts a vote; The cloud computing service determines whether an authentication token is present for access from the mobile device, and if there is no authentication token, performs authentication using an authentication code, and if the authentication is successful, grants an authentication token and connects the mobile device to the voting server as authentication success, and if there is an authentication token, determines whether the authentication token is within its validity period, and if it is within its validity period, connects the mobile device to the voting server as authentication success, The voting server accepts votes from the mobile terminal after receiving a successful authentication result from the cloud computing service. In an information processing system, The mobile device transmits location information to the voting server; The voting server accepts votes based on the location information when the mobile terminal is present within a stadium where the voting server is installed, and processes the votes as sales within the stadium.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The voting server further performs member authentication for voting.

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, The voting server awards points according to the amount of a vote from the mobile terminal.

4. 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, An information processing system in which a part of the voting server is configured as a cloud server.

5. 1. A method of processing information for processing votes for a competition, comprising the steps of: The mobile device connects to a cloud computing service and transmits authentication information; The cloud computing service determines whether an authentication token is present for access from the mobile terminal, and if there is no authentication token, performs authentication using an authentication code, and if the authentication is successful, grants an authentication token and connects the mobile terminal to the voting server as authentication success, and if there is an authentication token, determines whether the authentication token is within its validity period, and if it is within its validity period, connects the mobile terminal to the voting server as authentication success; The voting server performs member authentication for voting on the mobile terminal connected as a result of the successful authentication; The mobile terminal votes; The voting server accepts votes from the mobile terminal; In the information processing method, the mobile device transmitting location information to the voting server; The voting server accepts votes based on the location information when the mobile terminal is present in a stadium where the voting server is installed, and processes the votes as sales in the stadium; An information processing method comprising:

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, further comprising: The voting server awards points according to the amount of the vote from the mobile terminal; An information processing method comprising:

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