Voting system, voting method and venue server

Abstract

To provide a voting system, a voting method, and a venue server capable of streamlining management of member information.SOLUTION: In a voting system including a user terminal 1, a voting terminal 2, a venue server 10, and a net member server 20, the net member server 20 manages a member account of a net member and accepts net voting for publicly managed gaming using the member account from the user terminal 1. When receiving voting contents by the net member from the voting terminal 2 installed at the venue of the publicly managed gaming, the venue server 10 causes the net member server 20 to subtract a voting money amount included in the voting contents from the member account. The venue server 10 then accepts the voting based on the voting contents.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a voting system, a voting method, and a venue server. [Background technology]

[0002] Cashless betting is becoming common in publicly managed sports events such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing. For example, users of publicly managed sports events can place bets by holding their IC (Integrated Circuit) card over a cashless terminal and using the remaining balance. Users of publicly managed sports events can also access a server that accepts online bets from their user terminal and place online bets using the balance in their online account.

[0003] As a technology related to cashless betting, for example, a terminal / server communication device has been proposed that allows fans who do not want to register their bank account information in advance to place online bets with cash using a Totalizator terminal. Also, for example, in a reservation betting system where betting tickets are purchased from a betting terminal connected to a network, a reservation betting management server has been proposed that allows reserved betting details to be changed or canceled before the race starts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-106224 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-322151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If users use both cashless voting using IC cards and online voting, they will need to open separate accounts for charging funds to their IC cards and for online voting, which makes managing member information cumbersome.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention aims to streamline the management of member information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One proposal provides a betting system that has an online member server and a venue server. The online member server manages the membership accounts of online members and accepts online bets for publicly managed competitions using the membership accounts from user terminals. When the venue server accepts the bets made by online members from betting terminals installed at the venue of the publicly managed competition, it causes the online member server to deduct the bet amount included in the bets from the member account and accepts the bet based on the bets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect, the management of member information can be made more efficient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a voting system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a voting system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a venue server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a cashless terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a depositing / withdrawing terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of each device included in the voting system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of member information. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of account information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of voting information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a registration procedure process for an online member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a deposit process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of online voting processing. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a cashless voting process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a withdrawal process. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an event outline distribution process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments within a range that does not contradict each other. [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a voting system according to the first embodiment. The voting system according to the first embodiment provides cashless voting for publicly managed sports events such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing.

[0012] The voting system of the first embodiment comprises a user terminal 1, a voting terminal 2, a venue server 10, and an online member server 20. The user terminal 1 is a terminal operated by an online member. The user terminal 1 is, for example, a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer). The voting terminal 2 is installed at the venue of a publicly managed race. The voting terminal 2 is, for example, a cashless voting terminal that reads an ID from a swiped IC card and can use funds in an account corresponding to that ID to cast a vote.

[0013] The venue server 10 is a computer that accepts votes for publicly managed competitions from the betting terminals 2. The venue server 10 has a processing unit 11. The processing unit 11 controls the venue server 10 and is capable of executing required processing. The processing unit 11 is, for example, a processor or arithmetic circuit that the venue server 10 has.

[0014] The online member server 20 is a computer that manages the membership accounts of online members and accepts online bets for publicly managed competitions using the membership accounts. The online member server 20 has a memory unit 21 and a processing unit 22. The memory unit 21 stores data used in the processing performed by the online member server 20. The memory unit 21 is, for example, a memory or storage device possessed by the online member server 20. The processing unit 22 is capable of controlling the online member server 20 and executing the required processing. The processing unit 22 is, for example, a processor or arithmetic circuit possessed by the online member server 20.

[0015] First, we will explain how online voting is accepted by the online member server 20. The storage unit 21 stores account information 21a. The account information 21a stores information about the membership account of each online member. For example, the account information 21a stores the online member's ID and the balance of the online member's membership account in association with each other.

[0016] The processing unit 22 accepts online bets for publicly managed races using a member account from the user terminal 1. For example, the user terminal 1 logs in using the online member's ID. The user terminal 1 transmits the betting details (track name, race number, type of betting, group number, betting amount, etc.) entered by the online member to the online member server 20. The processing unit 22 subtracts the betting amount included in the betting details accepted from the user terminal 1 from the member account corresponding to the ID used to log in, and accepts the bet based on the betting details.

[0017] Next, we will explain how the venue server 10 accepts votes from the voting terminal 2. The voting terminal 2 reads the online member's ID from the IC card held up by the online member. The voting terminal 2 also accepts the online member's vote via touch panel input or a mark card. The voting terminal 2 transmits the online member's ID and vote to the venue server 10.

[0018] When the processing unit 11 receives the betting details of an online member from the betting terminal 2, it causes the online member server 20 to subtract the betting amount included in the betting details from the member's account. For example, the processing unit 11 notifies the online member server 20 of the online member's ID received from the betting terminal 2 and the betting amount included in the betting details, and requests that the account balance be subtracted. The processing unit 22 of the online member server 20 subtracts the notified betting amount from the member's account corresponding to the notified ID. The processing unit 11 then accepts the votes based on the betting details received from the betting terminal 2, and transmits the number of votes to a betting server (not shown). The betting server is a computer that manages betting for publicly managed lotteries.

[0019] According to the first embodiment, online member server 20 manages the membership accounts of online members and accepts online bets for publicly managed racing events using the membership accounts from user terminal 1. When venue server 10 accepts the betting details of an online member from betting terminal 2 installed at the venue of the publicly managed racing event, it causes online member server 20 to subtract the betting amount included in the betting details from the member account, accepts the votes based on the betting details, and transmits the number of votes to the betting server.

[0020] As a result, the voting system of the first embodiment allows online members to use the same membership account as the membership account used for online voting to vote using the voting terminal 2. Therefore, the voting system of the first embodiment can make the management of member information more efficient.

[0021] The processing unit 22 of the online member server 20 may accept online votes including venue information from the user terminal 1 and transmit the number of online votes to the venue server 10 corresponding to the venue information. The processing unit 11 of the venue server 10 may then transmit the number of online votes to the voting server as the number of votes for the venue. This allows the voting system of the first embodiment to tally the number of votes for each venue.

[0022] Furthermore, the processing unit 11 of the venue server 10 may acquire the event outline managed by the voting server from the voting server and transmit the event outline to the online member server 20. This allows the venue server 10 to have the online member server 20 acquire the event outline even if the voting server and the online member server 20 are not directly connected.

[0023] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment provides cashless betting and online betting using IC cards for publicly managed races.

[0024] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a voting system according to the second embodiment. In the voting system according to the second embodiment, a venue 40, a user terminal 51, an online member server 200, and a voting server 300 are connected via a network 30. Note that other venues (not shown) similar to venue 40 are also connected to network 30. Network 30 may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.

[0025] Venue 40 is, for example, a venue for publicly managed races such as a horse racetrack, bicycle racing track, boat racing track, or auto racing track. Venue 40 has a member registration terminal 41, a venue server 100, a cashless terminal 400, and a deposit / withdrawal terminal 500. Member registration terminal 41 is a terminal operated by a staff member at venue 40. Member registration terminal 41 registers a user who has requested member registration in online member server 200 as an online member who can vote cashlessly and online.

[0026] The venue server 100 is a server computer that accepts cashless votes by online members from the cashless terminal 400. When the venue server 100 accepts a cashless vote from the cashless terminal 400, it requests that the voting amount be deducted from the online member's membership account. The venue server 100 then transmits the voting data of the cashless vote to the voting server 300. The venue server 100 also acquires the voting data of the online vote accepted by the online member server 200 and transmits it to the voting server 300.

[0027] Cashless terminal 400 is a terminal installed at venue 40 and used by online members to place cashless bets. Online members can place bets in publicly managed races by holding their IC card over cashless terminal 400 and having cashless terminal 400 read a mark card with the bet details marked on it. The bet details may be a combination of, for example, the venue name, race number, type of bet (win, place, etc.), pair number, and bet amount. Cashless terminal 400 notifies the venue server 100 of the online member's membership number read from the IC card and the bet details read from the mark card, and sends a cashless bet request to the venue server 100.

[0028] The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 is a terminal used by online members to deposit money into their member accounts and withdraw winnings. Online members can deposit money into their member accounts by holding their IC card over the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 and inserting cash into the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500. The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 then sends an instruction to the online member server 200 to add the deposit amount to the online member's member account. Users can also withdraw winnings by holding their IC card over the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 and entering the amount to be withdrawn into the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500. The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 then sends an instruction to the online member server 200 to subtract the withdrawal amount from the amount of winnings that the online member can withdraw. The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 then dispenses the withdrawal amount in cash.

[0029] The user terminal 51 is a terminal held by an online member, such as a smartphone or PC. The user terminal 51 accesses the online member server 200 and casts an online vote by transmitting voting data indicating the voting details entered by the online member.

[0030] The online member server 200 is a server computer that manages the membership accounts of online members and accepts online votes. When the online member server 200 accepts an online vote from the user terminal 51, it subtracts the betting amount of the accepted online vote from the online member's membership account. The online member server 200 then transmits the voting data of the accepted online vote to the venue server 100. In addition, in response to a request from the venue server 100, the online member server 200 subtracts the betting amount of the cashless vote by the online member from the online member's membership account.

[0031] The voting server 300 is a server computer that manages voting for publicly managed races. For example, the voting server 300 tallies the number of votes cast by cash, online voting, and cashless voting. The voting server 300 also manages the event guidelines for publicly managed races. The event guidelines include information on the athletes competing in the races and information on betting odds.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a venue server. Venue server 100 is entirely controlled by processor 101. Memory 102 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to processor 101 via bus 109. Processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. Processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions realized by processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0033] The memory 102 is used as the main storage device of the venue server 100. The memory 102 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS (Operating System) programs and application programs to be executed by the processor 101. The memory 102 also stores various data used in processing by the processor 101. The memory 102 may be a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0034] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 109 include a storage device 103, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 104, an input interface 105, an optical drive device 106, a device connection interface 107, and a network interface 108.

[0035] The storage device 103 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 103 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that the storage device 103 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0036] The GPU 104 is connected to a monitor 31. The GPU 104 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 31 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101. The monitor 31 may be a display device using an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

[0037] The input interface 105 is connected to a keyboard 32 and a mouse 33. The input interface 105 transmits signals sent from the keyboard 32 and the mouse 33 to the processor 101. The mouse 33 is an example of a pointing device, and other pointing devices can also be used. Examples of other pointing devices include a touch panel, a tablet, a touch pad, and a trackball.

[0038] The optical drive device 106 uses a laser beam or the like to read data recorded on the optical disc 34. The optical disc 34 is a portable recording medium on which data is recorded so that it can be read by reflected light. The optical disc 34 includes a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (Rewritable), etc.

[0039] The device connection interface 107 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices to the venue server 100. For example, a memory device 35 or a memory reader / writer 36 can be connected to the device connection interface 107. The memory device 35 is a recording medium equipped with a function for communicating with the device connection interface 107. The memory reader / writer 36 is a device for writing data to the memory card 37 or reading data from the memory card 37. The memory card 37 is a card-type recording medium.

[0040] The network interface 108 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 108 transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network 30.

[0041] The venue server 100 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment with the hardware configuration described above. The user terminal 1, venue server 10, and online member server 20 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized with hardware similar to that of the venue server 100 shown in Figure 3. The member registration terminal 41, user terminal 51, online member server 200, and voting server 300 can also be realized with hardware similar to that of the venue server 100. The processor 101 is an example of the processing unit 11 shown in the first embodiment.

[0042] Venue server 100 realizes the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing to be executed by venue server 100 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by venue server 100 can be stored in storage device 103. Processor 101 loads at least a portion of the program in storage device 103 into memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by venue server 100 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium such as optical disk 34, memory device 35, or memory card 37. A program stored on a portable recording medium becomes executable after being installed on storage device 103, for example, under the control of processor 101. Processor 101 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a cashless terminal. The entire cashless terminal 400 is controlled by a processor 401. A memory 402 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the processor 401 via a bus 410. The processor 401 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 401 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a DSP. At least some of the functions realized by the processor 401 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC or PLD.

[0044] The memory 402 is used as the main storage device of the cashless terminal 400. The memory 402 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS program and application programs to be executed by the processor 401. The memory 402 also stores various data used in processing by the processor 401. The memory 402 may be, for example, a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM.

[0045] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 410 include a storage device 403 , a display device 404 , a touch panel 405 , a contactless card reading unit 406 , a mark card processing unit 407 , a receipt processing unit 408 , and a network interface 409 .

[0046] The storage device 403 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 403 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 403 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that, for example, an HDD or SSD can be used as the storage device 403.

[0047] The display device 404 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the processor 401. The display device 404 may be a display device using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The touch panel 405 is disposed in front of the screen of the display device 404, detects a pressed position on the screen, and transmits a signal indicating that position to the processor 401.

[0048] The contactless card reading unit 406 reads information stored in the contactless IC card and transmits the read information to the processor 401 . The mark card processing unit 407 reads the information marked on the mark card used for betting on publicly managed races, and transmits the read information to the processor 401.

[0049] The receipt processing unit 408 prints characters and graphics on paper in accordance with instructions from the processor 401. For example, the receipt processing unit 408 prints a detailed slip (receipt) on which the voting details are printed.

[0050] The network interface 409 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 409 transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network 30. The voting terminal 2 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized by the same hardware as the cashless terminal 400 shown in FIG.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a deposit / withdrawal terminal. The entire deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 is controlled by a processor 501. A memory 502 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the processor 501 via a bus 510. The processor 501 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a DSP. At least some of the functions realized by the processor 501 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC or PLD.

[0052] The memory 502 is used as the main storage device of the depositing / dispensing terminal 500. The memory 502 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS program and application programs to be executed by the processor 501. The memory 502 also stores various data used in processing by the processor 501. As the memory 502, for example, a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM is used.

[0053] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 510 include a storage device 503 , a display device 504 , a touch panel 505 , a contactless card reading unit 506 , a cash processing unit 507 , a receipt processing unit 508 and a network interface 509 .

[0054] The storage device 503 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 503 is used as an auxiliary storage device for the computer. The storage device 503 stores the OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that the storage device 503 may be, for example, an HDD or SSD.

[0055] The display device 504 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the processor 501. The display device 504 may be a display device using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. Touch panel 505 is placed in front of the screen of display device 504, detects a pressed position on the screen, and transmits a signal indicating that position to processor 501.

[0056] The contactless card reading unit 506 reads information stored in the contactless IC card and transmits the read information to the processor 501 . The cash handling unit 507 controls the deposit and withdrawal of coins and banknotes according to instructions from the processor 501. The cash handling unit 507 reads the type of deposited coins and banknotes and outputs it to the processor 501. The cash handling unit 507 also dispenses coins and banknotes of the type instructed by the processor 501.

[0057] The receipt processing unit 508 prints characters and graphics on paper in accordance with instructions from the processor 501. For example, the receipt processing unit 508 prints a detailed statement (receipt) on which the details of deposits and withdrawals are printed.

[0058] The network interface 509 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 509 transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network 30.

[0059] Next, the functions of each device included in the voting system of the second embodiment will be described in detail. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of each device included in the voting system. The venue server 100 has a transmission / reception unit 120 and a vote acceptance unit 130. The transmission / reception unit 120 and the vote acceptance unit 130 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102.

[0060] The transmitting and receiving unit 120 transmits and receives data with the online member server 200 and the voting server 300. The transmitting and receiving unit 120 transmits voting data received through cashless voting to the voting server 300 as votes from venue 40. Furthermore, when the transmitting and receiving unit 120 acquires voting data for online votes cast at the voting site of venue 40 from the online member server 200, it transmits the voting data acquired from the online member server 200 to the voting server 300 as votes from venue 40. In other words, the transmitting and receiving unit 120 causes the voting server 300 to add the number of online votes cast at the voting site of venue 40 to the number of votes for venue 40. Furthermore, the transmitting and receiving unit 120 acquires the event guidelines managed by the voting server 300 and transmits the acquired event guidelines to the online member server 200.

[0061] The vote acceptance unit 130 accepts cashless votes from online members. When the vote acceptance unit 130 acquires the cashless vote voting data from the cashless terminal 400, it accepts the cashless vote based on the acquired voting data. The vote acceptance unit 130 then notifies the online member server 200 of the cashless vote voting data and sends a request to deduct the voting amount from the online member's membership account.

[0062] The online member server 200 has a memory unit 210, a registration unit 220, a balance management unit 230, a vote acceptance unit 240, and an event outline update unit 250. The memory unit 210 is realized using the memory of the online member server 200 or a memory area of ​​a storage device. The registration unit 220, balance management unit 230, vote acceptance unit 240, and event outline update unit 250 are realized by the processor of the online member server 200 executing programs stored in the memory of the online member server 200.

[0063] The storage unit 210 stores member information 211, account information 212-1, 212-2,..., and voting information 213-1, 213-2,.... The member information 211 is information for managing the membership accounts of online members. The account information 212-1, 212-2,... is information on the membership account of each online member. The voting information 213-1, 213-2,... is information showing the voting data history of each online member.

[0064] When the registration unit 220 receives a member registration request from the member registration terminal 41, it registers the user as an online member. For example, the registration unit 220 adds information about the user to be registered as an online member to the member information 211. The registration unit 220 also adds account information about the user to be registered as an online member to the account information 212-1, 212-2, .... The registration unit 220 also adds voting information about the user to be registered as an online member to the voting information 213-1, 213-2, ....

[0065] The balance management unit 230 manages the balance of the member's account. When an online member deposits or withdraws money from the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500, the balance management unit 230 registers the deposit / withdrawal information in the online member's account information among the account information 212-1, 212-2, .... In addition, when the balance management unit 230 receives a request from the venue server 100 to subtract the voting amount of the online member's cashless voting from the member's account, it subtracts the voting amount from the account balance registered in the online member's account information.

[0066] The voting acceptance unit 240 accepts online votes from online members. When the voting acceptance unit 240 acquires voting data from the user terminal 51, it subtracts the voting amount from the online member's membership account. The voting acceptance unit 240 also registers the contents of the voting data acquired from the user terminal 51 in the online member's voting information. The voting acceptance unit 240 then transmits the online voting data to a venue server corresponding to the venue whose information is included in the voting data.

[0067] When the event outline update unit 250 acquires the event outline from the venue server 100, it updates the event outline stored in the online member server 200 to the event outline acquired from the venue server 100.

[0068] 6 indicates only a portion of the communication path, and communication paths other than those shown in the figure can also be set. Next, the information stored in the memory unit 210 of the online member server 200 will be described in detail.

[0069] 7 is a diagram showing an example of member information. Member information 211 is information for managing the member account of an online member. Member information 211 has items such as member number, name, PIN number, and bank account.

[0070] The member number field is set with the member number of the online member. The name field is set with the name of the online member. The PIN field is set with the PIN for the member's account. The bank account field is set with the bank account number of the online member.

[0071] 8 is a diagram showing an example of account information. Account information 212-1, 212-2, ... is information on the member account of each online member. Account information 212-1 has fields for member number, balance, winnings, and deposit / withdrawal history. Note that account information 212-2, ... also has the same fields as account information 212-1.

[0072] The member number field contains the member number of the online member. The balance field contains the balance of the online member's member account. The winnings field contains the amount of winnings that the online member can withdraw. The deposit and withdrawal history field contains the history of deposits and withdrawals made by the online member.

[0073] 9 is a diagram showing an example of voting information. Voting information 213-1, 213-2, ... is information showing the history of voting data for each online member. Voting information 213-1 has fields for member number, venue name, race, betting type, group number, and amount. Note that voting information 213-2, ... also has the same fields as voting information 213-1.

[0074] The membership number field is set to the membership number of the online member. The venue name field is set to the name of the venue where the race is held. The race field is set to the race number. The type field is set to the type of betting. The group number field is set to the group number for which the bet is being made. The amount field is set to the amount of the bet.

[0075] Next, the registration procedure for online members will be described with reference to a sequence diagram. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the online member registration procedure processing. First, the member registration terminal 41 sends a member registration request to the online member server 200 in accordance with the operation of the attendant (step S11). For example, the member registration terminal 41 notifies the attendant of the name of the user to be registered and the password for the member account, which have been entered by the attendant, and sends the member registration request to the online member server 200.

[0076] When the registration unit 220 of the online member server 200 receives a member registration request from the member registration terminal 41, it registers the user as an online member (step S12). For example, the registration unit 220 adds a record to the member information 211 in which the new member number is set in the member number field. The registration unit 220 then sets the name notified from the member registration terminal 41 in the name field of the added record, and sets the PIN notified from the member registration terminal 41 in the PIN field. The registration unit 220 also adds account information corresponding to the new member number to the account information 212-1, 212-2, .... The registration unit 220 also adds voting information corresponding to the new member number to the voting information 213-1, 213-2, ....

[0077] In this way, the user is registered as an online member. An IC card storing the member number is issued to the user who has become an online member. Next, the deposit process will be explained using a sequence diagram.

[0078] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a deposit process. First, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 reads an IC card (step S21). For example, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 uses the contactless card reading unit 506 to read the membership number from the IC card held up by the online member.

[0079] Next, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 accepts a deposit (step S22). For example, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 accepts an input of an amount by an online member from the touch panel 505. The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 accepts an input of cash of the input amount from the cash handling unit 507.

[0080] The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 then transmits the deposit data to the online member server 200 (step S23). For example, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 notifies the online member server 200 of the read member number and deposit amount as deposit data. The balance management unit 230 of the online member server 200 registers the deposit data (step S24). For example, the balance management unit 230 identifies the account information (e.g., account information 212-1) from the account information 212-1, 212-2, ... that corresponds to the member number notified from the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500. The balance management unit 230 adds the deposit amount notified from the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 to the amount set in the balance field of the account information 212-1. The balance management unit 230 also adds the date, information indicating the deposit, and the deposit amount to the deposit / withdrawal history field of the account information 212-1.

[0081] Next, the online voting process will be explained using a sequence diagram. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of online betting processing. First, the user terminal 51 accesses a betting site for each venue operated by the online member server 200 and logs in using the online member's membership number and PIN number (step S31). For example, the user terminal 51 accesses the betting site for the venue where the race to be bet on is being held. The user terminal 51 accepts input of betting data by the online member (step S32). For example, the user terminal 51 accepts input of the race number, betting type, group number, and betting amount. The user terminal 51 transmits the input betting data to the online member server 200 (step S33). The transmitted betting data includes information about the venue corresponding to the betting site accessed by the user terminal 51.

[0082] The voting acceptance unit 240 of the online member server 200 accepts the online vote based on the contents of the voting data acquired from the user terminal 51 (step S34). The voting acceptance unit 240 subtracts the voting amount from the member's account (step S35). For example, the voting acceptance unit 240 identifies the account information (e.g., account information 212-1) corresponding to the member number used to log in from among the account information 212-1, 212-2, .... The voting acceptance unit 240 subtracts the voting amount included in the voting data from the amount set in the balance item of the account information 212-1.

[0083] The vote acceptance unit 240 registers the contents of the voting data acquired from the user terminal 51 (step S36). For example, the vote acceptance unit 240 identifies the voting information (e.g., voting information 213-1) corresponding to the membership number used for logging in from among the voting information 213-1, 213-2, .... The vote acceptance unit 240 adds to the voting information 213-1 a record in which the name of the venue whose information is included in the voting data is set in the venue name field. The vote acceptance unit 240 sets the race number, betting type, group number and betting amount included in the voting data in the race, betting type, group number and amount fields of the added record.

[0084] The voting acceptance unit 240 transmits the voting data to the venue server (e.g., venue server 100) corresponding to the venue whose information is included in the voting data (step S37). The transmission / reception unit 120 of the venue server 100 transmits the voting data acquired from the online member server 200 to the voting server 300 as votes from venue 40 (step S38). The voting server 300 tallies the number of votes (step S39). For example, when the voting server 300 acquires the voting data from the venue server 100, it adds it to the number of votes for venue 40. In other words, the transmission / reception unit 120 causes the voting server 300 to add the number of online votes cast from the voting site of venue 40 to the number of votes for venue 40.

[0085] In this way, the voting system of the second embodiment accepts online votes. The online member server 200 can accept votes from user terminals 51 that access the betting site. Therefore, the voting system of the second embodiment allows online members to vote from locations other than public racing venues. In addition, the venue server 100 obtains voting data for online votes made from the betting site of the venue 40 from the online member server 200, and adds the number of online votes to the number of votes for the venue 40. In this way, the voting system of the second embodiment can tally the number of votes for each venue where a race is held.

[0086] In addition, each venue for publicly managed racing events may have a contract under which a portion of the sales revenue is returned to the venue in proportion to the number of votes cast. The betting system of the second embodiment adds the number of online votes to the number of votes cast at each venue, thereby increasing the amount of sales revenue returned to each venue.

[0087] Next, the cashless voting process will be explained using a sequence diagram. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of cashless voting processing. First, the cashless terminal 400 reads the IC card (step S41). For example, the cashless terminal 400 uses the contactless card reading unit 406 to read the membership number from the IC card held by the online member. Next, the cashless terminal 400 reads the mark card (step S42). For example, the cashless terminal 400 uses the mark card processing unit 407 to read the venue name, race number, type, group number, and betting amount marked on the mark card received from the online member. The cashless terminal 400 transmits voting data including the information read from the mark card and the membership number read from the IC card to the venue server 100 (step S43).

[0088] The voting acceptance unit 130 of the venue server 100 accepts the cashless vote using the voting data acquired from the cashless terminal 400 (step S44). The voting acceptance unit 130 notifies the voting data and sends a request to the online member server 200 to deduct the voting amount from the member account (step S45).

[0089] The balance management unit 230 of the online member server 200 then subtracts the voting amount from the member's account (step S46). For example, the balance management unit 230 identifies the account information (e.g., account information 212-1) from among the account information 212-1, 212-2, ... that corresponds to the member number included in the voting data notified from the venue server 100. The balance management unit 230 subtracts the voting amount from the amount set in the balance item of the account information 212-1.

[0090] The voting acceptance unit 240 of the online member server 200 registers the contents of the voting data notified by the venue server 100 (step S47). For example, the voting acceptance unit 240 identifies the voting information (e.g., voting information 213-1) corresponding to the member number included in the voting data from among the voting information 213-1, 213-2, .... The voting acceptance unit 240 adds to the voting information 213-1 a record in which the venue name, race number, type of betting, group number and betting amount included in the voting data are set in the fields of venue name, race, type of betting, group number and amount.

[0091] Then, the transmitter / receiver 120 of the venue server 100 transmits the voting data to the voting server 300 as votes from the venue 40 (step S48). The voting server 300 tallies the number of votes (step S49). For example, when the voting server 300 receives the voting data from the venue server 100, it adds it to the number of votes for the venue 40.

[0092] In this way, the voting system of the second embodiment accepts cashless votes. When the venue server 100 accepts a cashless vote from an online member's cashless terminal 400, it sends a request to the online member server 200 to deduct the betting amount from the online member's membership account. This allows the voting system of the second embodiment to allow the online member to cast a cashless vote from the same membership account used for online voting. Therefore, the voting system of the second embodiment can make the management of member information more efficient.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case of cashless voting at other venues connected to network 30, the venue servers at the other venues send requests to online member server 200 to deduct the voting amount from the online member's membership account. Therefore, the voting system of the second embodiment allows online members to vote at multiple venues using a common membership account, making it easier for online members to manage their own accounts.

[0094] Next, the withdrawal process will be described using a sequence diagram. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a withdrawal process. First, the depositing / withdrawing terminal 500 reads an IC card (step S51). For example, the depositing / withdrawing terminal 500 uses the contactless card reading unit 506 to read the membership number from the IC card held up by the online member.

[0095] Next, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 accepts a withdrawal request (step S52). For example, the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 accepts input of the withdrawal amount by the online member from the touch panel 505. The deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 then notifies the online member server 200 of the read member number and withdrawal amount as withdrawal data.

[0096] The balance management unit 230 of the online member server 200 registers the withdrawal data (step S53). For example, the balance management unit 230 identifies the account information (e.g., account information 212-1) from the account information 212-1, 212-2, ... that corresponds to the member number notified from the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500. The balance management unit 230 subtracts the withdrawal amount notified from the deposit / withdrawal terminal 500 from the amount set in the winning amount field of the account information 212-1. The balance management unit 230 also adds the date, information indicating that a withdrawal was made, and the withdrawal amount to the deposit / withdrawal history field of the account information 212-1.

[0097] When the withdrawal data is registered, the depositing / withdrawing terminal 500 dispenses the money (step S54). For example, the depositing / withdrawing terminal 500 uses the cash handling unit 507 to dispense cash in the input amount to be withdrawn.

[0098] Next, the distribution process of the event outline will be described. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the event outline distribution process. The voting server 300 updates the event outline (step S61). Then, the voting server 300 transmits the updated event outline to the venue server 100 (step S62). When the transmission / reception unit 120 of the venue server 100 acquires the event outline from the voting server 300, it transmits the acquired event outline to the online member server 200 (step S63). Then, the event outline update unit 250 of the online member server 200 updates the event outline stored in the online member server 200 to the event outline acquired from the venue server 100 (step S64).

[0099] In this way, the venue server 100 can cause the online member server 200 to acquire the event outline managed by the voting server 300 even if the online member server 200 and the voting server 300 are not directly connected.

[0100] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configuration of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts having similar functions. Any other components or processes may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. User terminal 2 Voting terminals 10 Venue Server 11,22 Processing section 20 Net Member Server 21 Memory section 21a Account Information

Claims

1. an online member server that manages the member accounts of online members, and when online betting details are received from a user terminal, subtracts the betting amount included in the online betting details from the member account and receives online betting for publicly managed competitions based on the online betting details; a venue server that, upon receiving the betting details of the online members from the betting terminals installed at the venue of the publicly managed racing event, causes the online member server to subtract the betting amount included in the betting details from the member's account and accepts the betting based on the betting details; and The online member server accepts the online vote including the venue information from the user terminal, and transmits voting data indicating the number of votes in the online vote to the venue server corresponding to the venue information, The venue server transmits the voting data indicating the number of online votes as voting data indicating the number of votes at the venue to a voting server that acquires voting data indicating the number of votes received by the venue server. Voting system.

2. The venue server acquires the event outline managed by the voting server from the voting server and transmits the event outline to the online member server. The voting system of claim 1.

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