Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

To provide a technology that can notify a user of a predicting person having a voting object close to user's taste for games held thereafter.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus that performs processing associated with voting for a game in which voting can be done for a voting object, comprises: a first reception unit that receives specification of the voting object from a first player; a second reception unit that receives specification of the voting object and a voting method from a plurality of second players; an extraction unit that extracts a second player in which the voting object of at least the first player is included in the voting object of each of the plurality of second players, from among the plurality of second players; and a notification unit that notifies the first player of the extracted second player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Currently, public competitions such as horse racing, motorcycle racing, and boat racing are being held. Patent Document 1 discloses a voting prediction disclosure system in which, on a website that discloses predictions of public competitions on the Internet, the objective reliability of predictors is displayed as an image, so that viewers of the website can visually recognize the reliability of the predictors and refer to the predictions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique for notifying a user of a predictor with high reliability based on the reliability based on past achievements such as the hit rate or recovery rate in the past votes of the predictor. In other words, the technique described in Patent Document 1 commonly notifies users of predictors with high reliability regardless of the user's preferences (for example, aiming for big wins or being a conservative type). Therefore, it is not possible to notify a user of a predictor who makes predictions or votes according to the user's preferences (for example, aiming for big wins or being a conservative type) for the competition that the user will vote on in the future.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of notifying a user of a predictor whose voting target is close to the user's preferences for a competition to be held in the future.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that executes processing related to voting for a competition in which voting is possible for a voting target, and includes a first reception unit that receives a designation of a voting target from a first player, a second reception unit that receives designations of a voting target and a voting method from a plurality of second players, an extraction unit that extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player whose voting target includes at least the voting target of the first player for each voting target of the plurality of second players, and a notification unit that notifies the first player of the extracted second player.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for notifying a user of a predictor whose voting target is close to the user's preference for a competition to be held in the future.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, elements with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a voting system 1 according to the present embodiment. The voting system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 10 and one or more terminals 20. The server 10 and the terminals 20 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network N such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN, or mobile communication. The server 10 and the terminals 20 may be referred to as information processing apparatuses.

[0011] The server 10 may be composed of one or more physical servers or the like, may be configured using virtual servers operating on a hypervisor, or may be configured using cloud servers. The terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user, and the user can vote for a voting target by operating the terminal 20. The terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

[0012] The server 10 executes various processes such as management of voting targets, voting methods, and predetermined values for which predictors (Tipsters) make predictions and cast votes, management of voting targets, voting methods, and predetermined values for which users make predictions and cast votes, management of predetermined values held by users and predictors, and management of the amount of refund (refund money) according to the results of competitions (races) in various competitions where voting acts are performed, such as motorcycle racing, horse racing, boat racing, and auto racing.

[0013] The predictor can be any person. For example, it may be a group composed of multiple persons, or it may be a single person. Also, it may be a famous person such as an entertainer, or an ordinary person without a name. Further, the predictor is not necessarily limited to an actual person, and may be a virtual person created by computer simulation. In the present embodiment, the user can view, on the screen of the terminal 20, a video that is shot in real time of the predictor predicting the competition result, and can experience enjoying the competition together with the predictor.

[0014] The voting target is a participant (including athletes and animals) who participates in the competition. For example, in the case of a competition in which the participants numbered from 1 to 5 compete, each of the participants numbered from 1 to 5 becomes the voting target.

[0015] The voting method is a method of voting (betting) a predetermined value on the voting target. For example, a single win is a method of predicting the voting target that comes in first place and voting a predetermined value, and a multiple win is a method of predicting the voting target that enters the top three and voting a predetermined value. A double single is a method of predicting the voting targets for the first and second places in order of finish and voting a predetermined value, and a double multiple is a method of predicting two voting targets that enter the first and second places (regardless of the order of finish) and voting a predetermined value. A triple single is a method of predicting the voting targets for the first, second, and third places in order of finish and voting a predetermined value, and a triple multiple is a method of predicting three voting targets that enter the top three (regardless of the order of finish) and voting a predetermined value. The voting method according to the present embodiment includes voting methods other than these methods.

[0016] In this embodiment, an object that can vote a predetermined value, which is uniquely determined by specifying a voting method and a voting target, is called a "voting ticket". The voting ticket may be issued on a paper medium or may be data managed within the voting system 1. As an example of a voting ticket, there are a two-consecutive voting ticket with numbers 1-1 and 2-5, and a three-consecutive voting ticket with numbers 5, 7, and 8. In this embodiment, "a user or a predictor purchases a voting ticket" is synonymous with "a user or a predictor votes a predetermined value for the selected voting method and voting target".

[0017] The predetermined value is a value that can be voted for a voting target. For example, it may be money or points. The points may be available for use in a predetermined service or game in addition to voting. Also, the points may be, for example, points (free points) that a user who plays a predetermined service or game can receive for free within the predetermined service or game, or points (paid points) that can be received in exchange for payment of money (by charging) within the predetermined service or game. The predetermined value may simply be referred to as "value".

[0018] If the voting ticket hits as a result of the competition, the user and the predictor can receive a refund of the predetermined value. For example, if a triple voting ticket hits, the user and the predictor can receive a refund of the predetermined value in an amount three times the predetermined value they voted.

[0019] In this embodiment, the server 10 notifies the user of a predictor having a preference similar to that of the user (the first player), such as aiming for a big win or being a conservative player. More specifically, when the server 10 receives from the user a designation of a voting target expected to rank high, the server 10 extracts from the predictors a predictor (the second player) who predicts that a voting ticket including the same voting target as the voting target designated by the user will win, and notifies the user of the extracted predictor.

[0020] In addition, the user can purchase all or part of the lottery tickets that are the same as the lottery tickets predicted by a certain predictor designated from the extracted predictors on the screen of the terminal 20. In the following description, when the user purchases the same lottery tickets as the lottery tickets predicted by the predictor, it is expressed that the user "rides along with" the predictor. That is, the user can identify a predictor whose preferences are close to the user's own, and can purchase lottery tickets with reference to the lottery tickets predicted by the predictor.

[0021] Note that in this embodiment, "prediction" includes both the meaning of predicting which lottery targets will rank highly for purchasing lottery tickets and the meaning of only making predictions without purchasing lottery tickets.

[0022] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10. The server 10 includes a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a memory, a storage device 12 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF (Interface) 13 for performing wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for receiving input operations, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and / or a microphone, etc. The output device 15 is, for example, a display and / or a speaker, etc.

[0023] <Functional Block Configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional block configuration of server 10. Server 10 includes a storage unit 100, a display control unit 101, a first reception unit 102, a second reception unit 103, an extraction unit 104, a notification unit 105, and a voting processing unit 106. The storage unit 100 can be realized using a storage device 12 provided in server 10. Also, the display control unit 101, the first reception unit 102, the second reception unit 103, the extraction unit 104, the notification unit 105, and the voting processing unit 106 can be realized by the processor 11 of server 10 executing a program stored in the storage device 12. Further, the program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium storing the program may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0024] The storage unit 100 stores a user management DB 100a that manages various information about users and a predictor management DB 100b that manages various information about predictors.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows an example of the user management DB 100a and the predictor management DB 100b. In the "user ID" of the user management DB 100a, an identifier for uniquely identifying a user within server 10 is stored. In the "nickname", the nickname entered by the user at the time of user registration is stored. The "possessed value" stores the amount of a predetermined value possessed by the user. In the "voting history", the voting tickets voted by the user and the predetermined value voted (bet) are stored for each race.

[0026] In the "Predictor ID" of the predictor management DB 100b, an identifier for uniquely identifying a predictor (including a group of predictors) within the server 10 is stored. In the "Nickname", the nickname of the predictor is stored. The "Held value" stores the amount of a predetermined value held by the predictor. In the "Prediction", for a competition to be held in the future, the voting tickets predicted by the predictor and the predetermined value planned or already voted are stored. Note that the competition to be held in the future is not limited to the competition held most recently or on the same day, and includes predictions for competitions to be held in the future, such as competitions held the next day. In the example of FIG. 4, for the 5th competition, the contents of the voting tickets predicted by teams A to C are stored. In the "Voting history", for competitions that have already ended, the voting tickets voted by the predictor and the predetermined value used for purchasing the voting tickets are stored for each competition.

[0027] The display control unit 101 performs various processes necessary to display on the display of the terminal 20 a video of the predictor making a prediction, a screen for receiving from the user a designation of the voting target for prediction, a screen showing the voting ticket predicted by the predictor and the amount of the predetermined value to be voted for the voting ticket, etc. The display control unit 101 transmits to the terminal 20 data for displaying various screens in response to an access from the Web browser provided in the terminal 20 or in response to an access from a dedicated application installed in the terminal 20.

[0028] The first reception unit 102 receives from the user a designation of the voting target. Note that receiving a designation of the voting target includes both receiving from the user a designation of the voting target for voting a predetermined value and receiving from the user a designation of the voting target for prediction (including cases where only prediction is made and no predetermined value is voted).

[0029] Also, the first reception unit 102 may be configured to receive from among the predictors extracted by the extraction unit 104 described later, the user's selection of the predictor to hitch a ride with.

[0030] In addition, the first reception unit 102 may receive a selection of a predictor from among the predictors extracted by the extraction unit 104 (described later) from the user (that is, receive a selection of predictors to carpool), and from among the voting targets and voting methods specified by the selected predictor, receive a specification of the voting target and voting method for the user to vote, and a specification of a predetermined value to vote.

[0031] The second reception unit 103 receives specifications of voting targets and voting methods (specifications of voting tickets to purchase) from a plurality of predictors. Note that receiving a specification of a voting target includes both receiving a specification of a voting target and voting method from a predictor to vote a predetermined value, and receiving a specification of a voting target and voting method that the predictor expects to win (including cases where only predictions are made and no predetermined value is voted).

[0032] The extraction unit 104 extracts, from among a plurality of predictors, predictors whose voting targets each include at least the voting target of the user.

[0033] The notification unit 105 notifies the user of the extracted predictors. In addition to the extracted predictors, the notification unit 105 may notify the user of the voting targets and voting methods predicted by the predictors.

[0034] The voting processing unit 106 performs various processes related to voting of a predetermined value. For example, the voting processing unit 106 votes the specified predetermined value for the specified voting target and voting method.

[0035] <Processing Procedure> FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the voting system 1. Using FIG. 5, the processing procedures performed by the server 10 and the terminal 20 will be specifically described. In FIG. 5, the terminal used by the user is denoted as terminal 20a, and the terminal used by the predictor is denoted as terminal 20b.

[0036] In step S101, the terminal 20b used by each predictor transmits video data to the server 10, which captures a state where the predictor is making a prediction about which voting target will rank at the top as a result of the competition. The transmission of the video data is continuously performed during a predetermined period (which is a period including at least the time zone when a plurality of competitions are held, for example, from 9:00 am to 21:00 pm). Also, the terminal 20b transmits prediction data indicating the voting ticket (voting method and voting target) predicted by the predictor and the amount of a predetermined value to vote for the voting ticket to the server 10. The second reception unit 103 of the server 10 receives from the terminal 20b of each predictor the designation of the voting ticket predicted by the predictor and the designation of the amount of the predetermined value to vote for each voting ticket.

[0037] In step S102, the terminal 20a used by the user transmits a message to the server 10 requesting the transmission of a screen for voting or the like. The message is transmitted, for example, at the timing when a web browser or a dedicated application is launched on the terminal 20a.

[0038] In step S103, the display control unit 101 of the server 10 transmits a message including data for causing the terminal 20a to display a prediction input screen to the terminal 20a.

[0039] In step S104, the terminal 20a displays a prediction input screen and receives from the user the designation of the voting target predicted to rank at the top. The screen D10 in FIG. 6 is an example of a prediction input screen. The user designates, on the screen D10, the voting target predicted to be the first place, the voting target predicted to be the second place, and the voting target predicted to be the third place. Note that it is not necessary to predict all of the first to third places. It is also possible to predict only the first place, or to predict the first and second places and not predict the third place. Also, in the screen D10, the designation of the voting target is received in the order of ranking, but it is not limited to this. For example, regardless of the order of ranking, a configuration may be adopted in which a predetermined number (for example, three) of voting targets predicted to rank at the top are received. When the button B10 is pressed by the user, the terminal 20a executes the processing procedure of step S105 in FIG. 5. Returning to FIG. 5, the description will continue.

[0040] In step S105, the terminal 20a transmits a message indicating the voting target specified by the user to the server 10. The first reception unit 102 of the server 10 receives the voting target specified by the user.

[0041] In step S106, the extraction unit 104 of the server 10 extracts predictors whose predictions are similar to those of the user. More specifically, the extraction unit 104 accesses the predictor management DB 100b and extracts, from among a plurality of predictors, a predictor whose "prediction" column includes at least the voting target of the user.

[0042] For example, assume that the data shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the predictor management DB 100b. In this case, if the user predicts that the 7th participant will rank among the top, the extraction unit 104 extracts Team B whose prediction ticket includes the 7th voting target. Also, if the user predicts that the 3rd participant will rank among the top, the extraction unit 104 extracts Team A and Team C whose prediction tickets include the 3rd voting target. Further, if the user predicts that the 3rd will come in 1st place and the 1st will come in 2nd place, the extraction unit 104 extracts Team A whose prediction ticket includes the ticket where the 3rd comes in 1st place and the 1st comes in 2nd place (the double of the 3rd and the 1st).

[0043] In step S107, the notification unit 105 notifies the terminal 20a of a message including the nickname of the predictor extracted by the extraction unit 104 and data for displaying a predictor display screen indicating the prediction (prediction ticket, predetermined value to vote) of the predictor. For example, if Teams A and C are extracted in the processing procedure of step S106, the notification unit 105 notifies the terminal 20a of a message indicating the prediction of Team A (500 yen for a single win on the 3rd, 200 yen for a double of 1st on the 3rd and 2nd on the 5th, 200 yen for a double of 1st on the 3rd and 2nd on the 1st) and the prediction of Team C (200 yen for a double of the 3rd and the 4th, 200 yen for a double of the 1st and the 5th).

[0044] In step S108, the terminal 20 displays a list screen of predictors indicating predictors similar to the user's prediction. The screen D11 in FIG. 6 is an example of a screen for displaying a list of predictors. On the screen for displaying the list of predictors, the predictions of each predictor notified from the server 10 in the processing procedure of step S107 are displayed. The order of the predictors displayed on the screen may be, in order from the top of the screen, the order of most votes for the ballot papers including the voting target predicted by the user. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the user predicts that the 3rd entrant will come in 1st place, but the ballot papers of Team A including the 3rd entrant are three: a single-win 3rd, a double-single ballot paper of 1st 3rd and 2nd 5th, and a ballot paper of 1st 3rd and 2nd 1st. On the other hand, the ballot papers of Team C including the 3rd entrant are only the double-complex ballot papers of 3rd and 4th. Therefore, the terminal 20 displays the display area T10 indicating the prediction of Team A above the display area T11 indicating the prediction of Team C. Returning to FIG. 5, the description continues.

[0045] In step S109, the terminal 20 accepts the selection of the predictors to be multiplied from the user. For example, when the display area T10 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the terminal 20 may recognize that Team A is selected, and when the display area T11 is pressed, the terminal 20 may recognize that Team C is selected. When the display area T10 or the display area T11 is pressed by the user, the terminal 20 proceeds to the processing procedure of step S110 in FIG. 5.

[0046] In step S110, the terminal 20 notifies the server 10 of the predictor selected in the processing procedure of step S109. The first reception unit 102 of the server 10 receives the predictor (the predictor to be multiplied) selected by the user.

[0047] In step S111, the display control unit 101 of the server 10 transmits a message including data for causing the terminal 20a to display a screen for accepting the ballot papers for voting a predetermined value and the designation of the predetermined value to be voted.

[0048] In step S112, the terminal 20 receives from the user a ballot for voting a predetermined value and a designation of the predetermined value to be voted. The screen D12 in FIG. 6 is an example of a vote reception screen. On the screen D12, the ballots for the predictors selected on the screen D11 to vote and the predetermined values to be voted are displayed side by side. On the screen D12, input areas P10 to P12 for inputting the predetermined value to be voted are displayed for each ballot. When the predetermined value to be voted is input to the input areas P10 to P12 and the vote execution button B10 is pressed, the terminal 20a executes the processing procedure of step S113 in FIG. 5. Note that when "0" is input in the column of the predetermined value, it may be assumed that no vote is cast for the ballot corresponding to the column of the predetermined value. Returning to FIG. 5, the description will continue.

[0049] In step S113, the terminal 20 transmits to the server 10 a purchase instruction message indicating the predetermined value that the user votes, which is input on the screen D12. The first reception unit 102 of the server 10 receives the designation of the voting target and the voting method that the user votes and the designation of the predetermined value to be voted.

[0050] In step S114, the vote processing unit 106 of the server 10 performs a process of voting the predetermined value designated for the ballot notified from the terminal 20 (that is, a process of purchasing a ballot). This process may be executed by the vote processing unit 106 requesting another information processing device of the organization operating the competition to vote the predetermined value.

[0051] <Modification Example when Extracting Predictors with Similar Predictions to the User> Subsequently, a plurality of modification examples will be described regarding the process of the extraction unit 104 extracting predictors with similar predictions to the user.

[0052] (Modification Example 1) The extraction unit 104 may further extract a predetermined number of predictors (for example, the top two predictors, etc.) from among the predictors extracted in the processing procedure of step S106 in FIG. 5 in descending order of the degree of coincidence between the prediction of the predictor and the prediction of the user. Further, the notification unit 105 may notify the user of the extracted predictors, the lottery tickets predicted by the predictors, and the amount of the predetermined value that the predictors vote for each lottery ticket in the order extracted by the extraction unit 104. The degree of coincidence between the prediction of the predictor and the prediction of the user may be determined according to the number of lottery tickets including the voting target predicted by the user among the lottery tickets predicted by the predictor. For example, it is assumed that the data shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the predictor management DB 100b. If the user predicts the voting target of No. 3, the number of lottery tickets including the voting target of No. 3 is 3 for Team A and 1 for Team C. Therefore, the degree of coincidence is higher for Team A than for Team C.

[0053] (Modification Example 2) The extraction unit 104 may further extract a predetermined number of predictors (for example, the top three predictors, etc.) from among the predictors extracted in the processing procedure of step S106 in FIG. 5 in descending order of the number of voting targets that are the same as the voting targets voted by the user among the voting targets voted by each predictor in past competitions. Further, the notification unit 105 may notify the user of the extracted predetermined number of predictors, the lottery tickets predicted by the predictors, and the amount of the predetermined value that the predictors vote for each lottery ticket in the order extracted by the extraction unit 104. The past competition to be compared may be the most recent 1 race (that is, the race immediately before the next race to be held), or a plurality of the most recent races, or 1 or a plurality of the most recent races from among the races in which the user won (the races in which the lottery tickets won).

[0054] For example, assume that the predictors extracted in the processing procedure of step S106 in FIG. 5 are Team A and Team C. Also, assume that in a past competition (herein referred to as the first competition), the tickets voted by Team A were a consecutive double of numbers 1 and 5 and a consecutive double of numbers 4 and 5. Similarly, assume that in the past competition, the tickets voted by Team C were a single win for number 2 and a single win for number 3. That is, the voting targets for which Team A voted in the past competition are three numbers: 1, 4, and 5, and the voting targets for which Team C voted in the past competition are two numbers: 2 and 3. In this case, assuming that the voting targets included in the tickets voted by the user in the past competition were numbers 2 and 3, the number of voting targets that are the same as those voted by the user in the past competition is two for Team C and zero for Team A. Therefore, the extraction unit 104 extracts Team C as the predictor to be notified to the user, and the notification unit 105 notifies the user of the tickets predicted by Team C and the amount of the predetermined value for which Team C votes for each ticket.

[0055] (Modification Example 3) The extraction unit 104 may extract, from among a plurality of predictors, a predictor in which at least the voting target and voting method of the user are included in the voting target and voting method of each of the plurality of predictors. More specifically, the extraction unit 104 accesses the predictor management DB 100b and extracts, from among a plurality of predictors, a predictor in which at least the voting target and voting method predicted by the user are included in the voting target and voting method included in the "prediction" column.

[0056] For example, assume that the data shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the predictor management DB 100b. In this case, when the user predicts a single win for number 7, the extraction unit 104 extracts Team B in which a single win for number 7 is included in the ticket predicted by the predictor. Also, when the user predicts a single win for number 3, the extraction unit 104 extracts Team A in which a single win for number 3 is included in the ticket predicted by the predictor.

[0057] (Modification Example 4) The extraction unit 104 may extract a predetermined number of predictors from among a plurality of predictors in descending order of the total value of the predetermined values voted for the voting target and voting method that are the same as the user's voting target and voting method. Further, the notification unit 105 may notify the user of the extracted predetermined number of predictors and the voting target and voting method of the predictor in the order extracted by the extraction unit 104.

[0058] For example, assume that Team M, Team N, Team O, and Team P each vote 200 yen, 700 yen, 300 yen, and 1000 yen for the single-win 3rd place, and 500 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, and 500 yen for the single-win 4th place. Also assume that the predetermined number is set to two. Also assume that the user is predicting the single-win 3rd place and the single-win 4th place. In this case, the teams whose predicted voting tickets include the single-win 3rd place and the single-win 4th place are Team M, Team N, Team O, and Team P, and the total values of the predetermined values voted for the single-win 3rd place and the single-win 4th place are 700 yen, 900 yen, 600 yen, and 1500 yen, respectively. Therefore, the extraction unit 104 extracts two teams (i.e., Team P and Team N) in descending order of the total value of the predetermined values.

[0059] (Modification Example 5) The extraction unit 104 may extract a predetermined number of predictors from among a plurality of predictors in descending order of the ratio of the total value of the predetermined values voted for the voting target and voting method that are the same as the user's voting target and voting method to the total amount of the predetermined values voted by each predictor. Further, the notification unit 105 may notify the user of the extracted predetermined number of predictors and the voting target and voting method of the predictor in the order extracted by the extraction unit 104.

[0060] For example, assume that Team M, Team N, Team O, and Team P voted 200 yen, 700 yen, 300 yen, and 1000 yen respectively for the single-win 3rd place, 500 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, and 5000 yen for the single-win 4th place, and 100 yen, 500 yen, 800 yen, and 30000 yen for the single-win 5th place. Also assume that the predetermined number is set to two. Further assume that the user has predicted the single-win 3rd place and the single-win 4th place. In this case, the teams whose voting tickets predicted by the predictor include the single-win 3rd place and the single-win 4th place are Team M, Team N, Team O, and Team P. The ratios of the predetermined values for voting for the single-win 3rd place and the single-win 4th place to the total amount of all votes are (200 + 500) ÷ (200 + 500 + 100) = 0.875, (700 + 200) ÷ (700 + 200 + 500) = 0.642, (300 + 300) ÷ (300 + 300 + 800) = 0.428, and (1000 + 5000) ÷ (1000 + 5000 + 30000) = 0.166 respectively. Therefore, the extraction unit 104 extracts two teams (that is, Team M and Team N) in descending order of the calculated ratios.

[0061] <Summary> According to the embodiment described above, when the server 10 receives from the user a designation of a voting target that is expected to rank high, the server 10 extracts, from among the predictors, the predictors who predict that a voting ticket including the same voting target as the voting target designated by the user will win, and notifies the user of the extracted predictors. As a result, for a competition to be held in the future, it becomes possible to notify the user of predictors whose voting targets are close to the user's preferences (for example, aiming for big wins or being a steady player).

[0062] The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. The flowcharts, sequences, each element included in the embodiments, and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc. described in the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. Also, it is possible to partially replace or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments.

[0063] <Supplementary Note> [Appendix 1] An information processing apparatus that executes processing related to voting for a competition in which voting can be performed on a voting target, comprising: a first reception unit that receives a designation of a voting target from a first player; a second reception unit that receives designations of a voting target and a voting method from a plurality of second players; an extraction unit that extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player whose voting target includes at least the voting target of the first player for each voting target of the plurality of second players; a notification unit that notifies the first player of the extracted second player; An information processing apparatus having the above.

[0064] According to Appendix 1, it becomes possible to provide a technique for notifying a user of a predictor whose voting target is close to the user's preference for a competition to be held in the future.

[0065] [Appendix 2] The notification unit notifies the first player of the voting target and the voting method of the second player. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1.

[0066] According to Appendix 2, it becomes possible to notify a user of the voting target and the voting method predicted by a predictor.

[0067] [Appendix 3] The first reception unit receives a selection of a second player from among the extracted second players, and has a voting processing unit that receives a designation of a voting target and a voting method for the first player to vote from among the voting target and the voting method designated by the selected second player, and a designation of a predetermined value to vote. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[0068] According to Appendix 3, a user can hitch a ride with a predictor, and even a user who is not used to voting can easily vote.

[0069] [Appendix 4] The extraction unit extracts a predetermined number of second players from among the extracted second players, in descending order of the number of voting targets that are the same as the voting target of the first player among the voting targets of each of the extracted second players. The notification unit notifies the first player of the extracted predetermined number of second players, the voting targets of the second players, and the voting methods. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0070] According to Appendix 4, when a plurality of predictors are extracted, it becomes possible to preferentially notify the user of predictors having a voting tendency closer to the voting tendency of the user.

[0071] [Appendix 5] The extraction unit extracts a predetermined number of second players from among the extracted second players, in descending order of the number of voting targets that are the same as the voting target of the first player in the past competitions among the voting targets that each of the extracted second players voted on in past competitions. The notification unit notifies the first player of the extracted predetermined number of second players, the voting targets of the second players, and the voting methods. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0072] According to Appendix 5, when a plurality of predictors are applicable, it becomes possible to preferentially notify the user of predictors having a voting tendency closer to the voting tendency of the user even in past competitions.

[0073] [Appendix 6] The extraction unit extracts second players whose voting targets and voting methods include at least the voting targets and voting methods of the first player from among the voting targets and voting methods of each of the plurality of second players. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5.

[0074] According to Supplementary Note 6, in addition to the voting targets, it becomes possible to extract predictors close to the user's preferences regarding the voting method and notify the user thereof.

[0075] [Supplementary Note 7] The extraction unit extracts a predetermined number of second players in descending order of the total value of predetermined values for voting on voting targets and voting methods that are the same as the voting targets and voting methods of the first player. The notification unit notifies the first player of the extracted predetermined number of second players and the voting targets and voting methods of the second players. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 6.

[0076] According to Supplementary Note 7, in addition to the voting targets, it becomes possible to extract predictors close to the user's preferences regarding the voting method and notify the user thereof. Further, when a plurality of predictors are extracted, it becomes possible to preferentially notify the user of a predictor who has bet a large number of predetermined values on a ballot that matches the user's preferences (a predictor who seems to be confident in the prediction).

[0077] [Supplementary Note 8] An information processing method performed by an information processing apparatus that executes processing related to voting on a competition in which voting on voting targets is possible, A step of receiving a designation of a voting target from a first player, A step of receiving designations of voting targets and voting methods from a plurality of second players, A step of extracting, from among the plurality of second players, second players each of whose voting target includes at least the voting target of the first player, A step of notifying the first player of the extracted second players, An information processing method having:

[0078] According to Supplementary Note 8, it becomes possible to provide a technique for notifying a user of a predictor whose voting target is close to the user's preferences regarding a competition to be held in the future.

[0079] [Appendix 9] A computer that executes processing related to voting for a competition in which voting is possible for a voting target causes: to receive a designation of a voting target from a first player; to receive designations of a voting target and a voting method from a plurality of second players; to extract, from among the plurality of second players, a second player whose voting target includes at least the voting target of the first player for each voting target of the plurality of second players; to notify the first player of the extracted second player; A program for causing the above to be executed.

[0080] According to Appendix 9, it becomes possible to provide a technology for notifying a user of a predictor whose voting target is close to the user's preference regarding a competition to be held in the future.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the voting system 1 according to the second embodiment can adopt the same configuration as the voting system 1 according to the first embodiment in terms of system configuration and hardware configuration, the description here will be omitted. Also, regarding the functional configuration provided in the server 10, the same configuration as in FIG. 3 can be adopted, but there are differences in the processing executed by each part. Hereinafter, centering on the differences from the first embodiment, first, the functions provided in the server 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0082] The first reception unit 102 receives a first vote in which a voting target and a predetermined value are specified from a first player for a predetermined competition. Here, the first player is a user who operates the terminal 20a. Also, the predetermined competition is a competition that is the target of voting by the first player. The first vote is information in which a voting target and the amount of the predetermined value set for the voting target are specified regarding the predetermined competition. For example, the first vote may be information on a voting ticket with which the first player votes in a predetermined competition.

[0083] Further, the first reception unit 102 may receive a plurality of first votes from the first player, each specifying a voting target and a predetermined value for a predetermined competition. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, each voting target, voting method, and voting amount voted by the first player corresponds to each first vote. The first reception unit 102 may receive a plurality of first votes at the same timing, or may receive at least one first vote at a timing different from that of the other first votes.

[0084] The voting processing unit 106 executes voting based on the first votes received by the first reception unit 102. Specifically, the voting processing unit 106 executes processing for purchasing the voting tickets indicated by the first votes. When there are a plurality of first votes received by the first reception unit 102, the voting processing unit 106 executes voting based on each first vote. Note that, after the end of a predetermined competition, when the result of the competition is determined, if the voting target and voting method specified in the first vote are a hit, the winning amount calculated based on the corresponding multiple and the voting amount specified in the first vote will be given to the first player.

[0085] The second reception unit 103 receives at least the designation of a voting target for a predetermined competition from a plurality of second players. The plurality of second players may be users other than the first player who have specified information on the voting target for a predetermined competition. The second reception unit 103 may receive, from the plurality of second players, in addition to the voting target, the designation of information on the voting method, or may further receive the designation of information on the voting amount. The information on the designation of the voting target received from the plurality of second players is stored in, for example, the predictor management DB 100b shown in FIG. 4.

[0086] The extraction unit 104 extracts, from among the plurality of second players, the second players whose voting targets each include at least the voting target specified in the first vote. Specifically, a prediction including the voting target specified in the first vote is searched for from the predictor management DB 100b, and the searched predictors are extracted as the second players.

[0087] In addition, when there are multiple first votes, the extraction unit 104 may extract a second player among the plurality of second players who includes the voting target specified in one or more first votes selected from among the plurality of first votes. For example, the extraction unit 104 may extract the second player who made a prediction (vote) including the most voting targets among the voting targets specified in each of the plurality of first votes. Further, the extraction unit 104 may select two or more first votes from among the plurality of first votes and extract a second player who includes all of the voting targets specified in each of the two or more first votes.

[0088] Also for example, the extraction unit 104 may extract a second player among the plurality of second players who includes the voting target specified in the first votes selected in a predetermined number in descending order of the large predetermined value specified in the plurality of first votes. The predetermined number may be any value of 1 or more, but when the predetermined number is 1, the extraction unit 104 selects the first vote with the largest predetermined value specified among the plurality of first votes, and the prediction (vote) including the voting target specified in the selected first vote. The second player who performed the above may be extracted.

[0089] The notification unit 105 notifies the first player of information regarding the extracted second player. The information regarding the second player may include at least any one of information for identifying the second player and information regarding votes or predictions made by the second player for a predetermined competition. The notification unit 105 may perform the above notification by causing the information regarding the second player to be displayed on the display of the terminal 20a operated by the first player.

[0090] The notification unit 105 may notify the first player of information regarding the vote of the extracted second player when the operation for additional voting for a predetermined competition is received from the first player after the reception of the first vote. The operation for additional voting for a predetermined competition may be an operation to transition to a screen for voting for a predetermined competition in addition to the first vote, or may be an operation to obtain information for voting.

[0091] In addition, the notification unit 105 may notify the extracted voting targets of the second player in a distinguishable manner between the voting targets included in the first vote and the voting targets not included in the first vote. For example, the notification unit 105 may add different images to the voting targets of the second player that are included in the first vote and those not included in the first vote, display them in different manners (colors, highlighting, etc.), add a specific image only to one of them, or display them in a specific manner. Further, the notification unit 105 may further notify the voting targets of the second player that are included in the first vote of the information on the voting amount for which the first player has voted.

[0092] Next, based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 7, an example of the processing executed in the voting system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In FIG. 7, the terminal 20a is a computer operated by the first player, and the terminal 20b is a computer operated by the second player. Although one terminal 20b is shown in FIG. 7, there are a plurality of terminals 20b, and since the processing of each terminal 20b is the same, repeated description will be omitted.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, when the terminal 20b receives a vote for a predetermined competition from the second player, it transmits the vote information to the server 10 (S201). The server 10 executes a ticket purchase process based on the vote information received from the terminal 20b (S203), and stores the information regarding the vote of the second player in the predictor management DB 100b.

[0094] When the terminal 20a receives a vote (first vote) for a predetermined competition from the first player, it transmits the vote information to the server 10 (S202). The server 10 executes a ticket purchase process based on the vote information received from the terminal 20a (S203), and stores the information regarding the vote of the first player in the user management DB 100a.

[0095] After the execution of the first vote, the terminal 20a receives a search request for additional voting from the first player (S204). This search request for additional voting may be realized by pressing a button or the like for searching for a second player based on the first vote, and corresponds to an example of "an operation for additional voting for a predetermined competition".

[0096] When the server 10 receives a search request from the terminal 20a (S205), it searches for a second player (user) based on the first vote (S206). Specifically, the server 10 searches, with reference to the predictor management DB 100b, for a second player who has voted for the voting target specified in the first vote for a predetermined competition. Note that the process of S206 is executed in the extraction unit 104.

[0097] Next, the server 10 generates an additional voting screen D20 that includes information regarding the vote of the second player searched in S206 and is for performing an additional vote for a predetermined competition (S207), and transmits data for displaying the additional voting screen D20 to the terminal 20a (S208).

[0098] The terminal 20a receives the data of the additional voting screen D20 from the server 10 (S209), and displays the additional voting screen D20 on the display based on the data (S210). Here, an example of the additional voting screen D20 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8, the additional voting screen D20 includes a vote content display area 250 that displays the vote content of the second player (predictor D in the example shown in FIG. 8) searched in S206. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first vote content 251B, the second vote content 252B, and the third vote content 253B of the second player are displayed in the vote content display area 250. Each vote content indicates information on the voting ticket for which the second player has voted for a predetermined competition.

[0100] The first voting content 251B corresponds to the first vote cast by the first player for a predetermined competition and the ballot ticket with the same voting target. Therefore, in the voted flag 251A corresponding to the first voting content 251B, a value indicating that the first player has already voted ( "voted") is set. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first voting content 251B includes information on the voting amount already voted by the first player, but the area for displaying the information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8.

[0101] On the other hand, since the second voting content 252B and the third voting content 253B do not share the same voting target as the first vote cast by the first player for a predetermined competition, in the voted flag 252A corresponding to the second voting content and the voted flag 253A corresponding to the third voting content 253B, values indicating that the first player has not voted yet ( "not voted") are set respectively.

[0102] Note that voting amount input areas 251C, 252C, and 253C for setting the voting amount are set in the first voting content 251B, the second voting content 252B, and the third voting content 253B respectively. By inputting the voting amount into the respective voting amount input areas 251C, 252C, and 253C of the first voting content 251B, the second voting content 252B, and the third voting content 253B and pressing the button 255, additional voting for each voting content becomes possible. For voting contents for which no voting is to be performed, the voting amount may be set to 0.

[0103] Here, returning to FIG. 7, the explanation continues. As shown in FIG. 7, when the terminal 20a receives an additional vote from the first player via the additional voting screen D20 (S211), it transmits the information on the additional vote to the server 10 (S212).

[0104] When the server 10 receives the information on the additional vote from the terminal 20a, it executes the ballot ticket purchase process based on the information on the additional vote (S213) and ends the process.

[0105] The above is the description of the voting system 1 according to the second embodiment. According to the voting system 1 according to the second embodiment, based on the information of the ballot that the user has already voted, it is possible to perform additional voting with reference to the voting content of other users whose voting viewpoints are similar to that of the user.

[0106] <Appendix> [Appendix 11] An information processing apparatus that executes processing related to voting for a competition in which voting is possible for a voting target, a first reception unit that receives a first vote specifying a voting target and a predetermined value for a predetermined competition from a first player, a second reception unit that receives at least a designation of a voting target for the predetermined competition from a plurality of second players, an extraction unit that extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player whose voting target includes at least the voting target specified in the first vote, a notification unit that notifies the first player of information regarding the extracted second player; An information processing apparatus having the above. According to Appendix 11, based on the first vote that the first player has already voted, it is possible to notify the first player of information regarding the second player extracted from among the plurality of second players. Thereby, it is possible to inform the first player of information regarding a player whose voting viewpoint is close to that of the first player.

[0107] [Appendix 12] The notification unit notifies the first player of information regarding the vote of the extracted second player when, after receiving the first vote, the notification unit receives an operation for additional voting for the predetermined competition from the first player. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 11. According to Appendix 12, when the first player votes additionally, it is possible to provide the information of the vote of the extracted second player as reference information.

[0108] [Appendix 13] The notification unit notifies in a distinguishable manner, among the voting targets of the second player extracted, the voting targets included in the first vote and the voting targets not included in the first vote. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 12. According to Supplementary Note 13, when the first player casts an additional vote, among the voting targets of the second player, those that the first player has already voted for and those that have not can be distinguished.

[0109] [Supplementary Note 14] The first reception unit receives a plurality of first votes from the first player, each specifying a voting target and a predetermined value for a predetermined competition. The extraction unit extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player that includes a voting target specified in one or more first votes selected from among the plurality of first votes. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 13. According to Supplementary Note 14, a second player can be extracted based on a vote selected from among a plurality of votes of the first player. Thereby, it becomes easier to extract a second player whose voting perspective is similar to that of the first player.

[0110] [Supplementary Note 15] The extraction unit extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player that includes a voting target specified in a predetermined number of first votes selected in descending order of the specified predetermined value from among the plurality of first votes. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 14. According to Supplementary Note 15, a second player can be extracted based on a vote in which the first player has invested a large predetermined value. Thereby, it becomes easier to extract a second player who is similar in the voting perspective that the first player values.

[0111] [Supplementary Note 16] An information processing method for executing processing related to voting for a competition in which voting is possible for a voting target, A computer receives a first vote specifying a voting target and a predetermined value for a predetermined competition from a first player. The computer receives at least a designation of a voting target for the predetermined competition from a plurality of second players. The computer extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player whose voting target for each of the plurality of second players includes at least the voting target designated in the first vote. An information processing method in which the computer notifies the first player of information regarding the extracted second player.

[0112] [Appendix 17] A computer that executes processing related to voting for a competition in which voting is possible for a voting target, A first reception unit that receives a first vote in which a voting target and a predetermined value are designated for a predetermined competition from a first player, A second reception unit that receives at least a designation of a voting target for the predetermined competition from a plurality of second players, An extraction unit that extracts, from among the plurality of second players, a second player whose voting target for each of the plurality of second players includes at least the voting target designated in the first vote, A program for causing the computer to function as a notification unit that notifies the first player of information regarding the extracted second player.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 10…Server, 11…Processor, 12…Storage device, 13…Communication IF, 14…Input device, 15…Output device, 20…Terminal, 100…Storage unit, 100a…User management DB, 100b…Predictor management DB, 101…Display control unit, 102…First reception unit, 103…Second reception unit, 104…Extraction unit, 105…Notification unit, 106…Voting processing unit

Claims

1. Comprising a processor, the processor: Receives a first vote from a first player designating a voting target and a voting method for a predetermined competition; Receives information on voting tickets designating a voting target and a voting method for the predetermined competition from a plurality of players; After receiving the first vote, when an operation for additional voting for the predetermined competition is received from the first player, a screen is displayed showing the content of the vote cast by a second player among the plurality of players who have designated at least the voting target and the voting method included in the first vote for the predetermined competition; On the screen, among the voting tickets designated by the second player, in the voting method included in the first vote, voting tickets designating the voting target included in the first vote and voting tickets designating voting targets not included in the first vote are displayed in a distinguishable manner; An information processing apparatus.

2. The processor receives a first vote from a first player designating a voting target and a voting method for a predetermined competition; The processor receives information on voting tickets designating a voting target and a voting method for the predetermined competition from a plurality of players; After receiving the first vote, when an operation for additional voting for the predetermined competition is received from the first player, the processor displays a screen showing the content of the vote cast by a second player among the plurality of players who have designated at least the voting target and the voting method included in the first vote for the predetermined competition; On the screen, the processor displays, among the voting tickets designated by the second player, in the voting method included in the first vote, voting tickets designating the voting target included in the first vote and voting tickets designating voting targets not included in the first vote in a distinguishable manner; An information processing method.

3. Receives a first vote from a first player designating a voting target and a voting method for a predetermined competition; After receiving information on voting tickets designating a voting target and a voting method for the predetermined competition from a plurality of players and after receiving the first vote, when an operation for additional voting for the predetermined competition is received from the first player, a screen is displayed showing the content of the vote cast by a second player among the plurality of players who have designated at least the voting target and the voting method included in the first vote for the predetermined competition; A program for causing a processor to execute a process of displaying, on the screen, in a distinguishable manner, among the voting tickets designated by the second player, the voting tickets designating the voting targets included in the first vote and the voting tickets designating the voting targets not included in the first vote in the voting method included in the first vote.

4. An information processing system comprising a first terminal, a plurality of second terminals, and a server, wherein the server receives a first vote designating voting targets and a voting method for a predetermined competition from the first terminal operated by a first player, receives information on voting tickets designating voting targets and a voting method for the predetermined competition from the plurality of second terminals operated by a plurality of players, when, after receiving the first vote, an operation for additional voting for the predetermined competition is received from the first terminal, causes the first terminal to display a screen showing the content of the vote cast by a second player among the plurality of players who have designated at least the voting targets and the voting method included in the first vote for the predetermined competition, and on the screen, displays, on the first terminal in a distinguishable manner, among the voting tickets designated by the second player, the voting tickets designating the voting targets included in the first vote and the voting tickets designating the voting targets not included in the first vote in the voting method included in the first vote. Information processing system.

Images