Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To make more people vote easily.SOLUTION: An information processing device 20 includes an acquisition section 212 for acquiring voting information representing that a user votes for a competition, and a privilege assignment section 214 for, when the acquisition section 212 acquires a plurality of pieces of voting information representing that out of a plurality of users associated with a same group, two or more users have voted, assigning a privilege capable of giving preferential treatment in purchase of a product or use of service to one or more users out of the plurality of users associated with a group with which the two or more users are associated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system that can provide benefits to voters who have placed bets on races such as bicycle races, horse races, or boat races. Patent Document 1 discloses a voting device that issues gift certificates in exchange for voters answering a questionnaire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-91624 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional voting devices issue gift certificates to voters who have cast a ballot. One purpose of offering benefits such as gift certificates is to motivate voters to vote again. However, even if a voter is offered a benefit, it is not possible to motivate people other than the original voter to vote, which has led to a problem of not increasing the number of voters.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it easier for more people to vote. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition, and a benefit granting unit that, when the acquisition unit acquires multiple pieces of voting information indicating that two or more users out of multiple users associated with the same group have voted, grants a benefit that can provide preferential treatment in purchasing a product or using a service to one or more users out of multiple users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention has the effect of making it easier for more people to vote. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device 20. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit 22. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a processor 11. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 10. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of a processor 21 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by a processor 21 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 1 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 10b. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by a processor 21 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 1 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 10c. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of benefit granting condition information displayed on the terminal 10 used by a user belonging to the first group. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by a processor 21 according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [System Configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of terminals 10 (10a, 10b) and an information processing device 20. The plurality of terminals 10 and the information processing device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0010] Terminal 10 is a terminal used by a voter (hereinafter referred to as "user") who uses information processing system 1 to vote on a competition, and is an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The competition is, for example, bicycle racing, auto racing, horse racing, or boat racing, and is a competition in which voting is possible for a betting target. The competition is not limited to competitions between people or animals, but may also be e-sports conducted using a computer. Users can vote for a betting target by operating terminal 10.

[0011] The terminal 10 displays a betting ticket on a display provided in the terminal 10 based on the betting objects for which the user has voted and the predetermined value bet on the betting objects. The betting ticket displayed by the terminal 10 shows one or more betting objects and the predetermined value bet on the betting objects. The terminal 10 transmits voting information indicating the betting content, including the betting objects and the predetermined value shown on the betting ticket, to the information processing device 20.

[0012] The betting targets are, for example, "number 5 comes first, number 3 comes second" selected in the "double" bet, or "numbers 1, 2 and 5" selected in the "trifecta" bet. Note that a double bet is predicting the first and second place competitors (including athletes or animals) in the order of their finish, while a trifecta is predicting the competitors who will come in first through third place regardless of their order of finish.

[0013] The predetermined value may be money, or may be points that can be used for a predetermined service or game, etc. Furthermore, the points may be points that the user can receive free of charge (free points), or points that the user can receive in exchange for payment of money (paid points).

[0014] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer, and is configured from one or more physical servers. The information processing device 20 may be configured using a virtual server that operates on a hypervisor, or may be configured using a cloud server.

[0015] The information processing device 20 is a device that accepts votes for a competition in which voting objects can be cast. Specifically, the information processing device 20 is a device that supports users of the terminals 10 in betting by betting a predetermined value on a contestant who the user predicts will win the competition. The information processing device 20 performs, for example, a process of storing the voting objects bet by the users of the terminals 10 and the magnitude of the predetermined value bet on the voting objects, a process of determining a reward amount (i.e., a payout amount) according to the results of the competition, and a process of notifying the terminals 10 of the results of the competition and the reward amount.

[0016] The information processing device 20 grants a benefit based on the user's vote. The benefit is, for example, a ticket or coupon that allows the user to receive preferential treatment when purchasing a specific product or using a service. Based on the fact that the benefit has been granted to the user, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user that the benefit has been granted. The terminal 10 displays the content of the benefit acquired from the information processing device 20 on a display provided on the terminal 10.

[0017] First Embodiment [Outline of Information Processing System 1] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows an EC (Electronic Commerce) site server 30 that allows users to purchase products using benefits. In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, an information processing device 20 grants a benefit to a user using a terminal 10 based on the content of the user's vote when the user votes in a competition and the results of the competition.

[0018] The user operates the terminal 10 to select a competition to bet on, and determines the betting object to bet on in the selected competition and the predetermined value to bet on the betting object. The terminal 10 transmits betting information indicating the betting content including the betting object and the predetermined value determined by the user to the information processing device 20 (S1).

[0019] The information processing device 20 determines a benefit to be granted to the user based on the voting details corresponding to the voting information acquired from the terminal 10 and the results of the competition (S2). Details of the process by which the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to a user will be described later; for example, if the voting target included in the voting details acquired from the terminal 10 is correct, the information processing device 20 grants a first type of benefit to the user of the terminal 10 that transmitted the voting details, and if the voting target is not correct, the information processing device 20 grants a second type of benefit to the user. For example, based on the fact that the benefit has been granted to a user whose voting was correct, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10 used by that user of the content of the benefit (S3).

[0020] The user can use the benefit by operating the terminal 10 (S4). The terminal 10 displays on the display information to be used when using the benefit, such as the name of the product that is the subject of the benefit obtained from the information processing device 20, the discount amount or discount rate when purchasing the product, or an information code such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or QR code (registered trademark) required to purchase the product.

[0021] For example, the user can select the displayed URL to connect the terminal 10 to the EC site server 30, or send an information code such as a QR code from the terminal 10 to the EC site server 30, thereby purchasing the product that is the subject of the benefit at a price corresponding to the discount amount or discount rate indicated by the benefit.

[0022] Users' feelings about voting differ depending on whether their votes were successful or not. For example, it is thought that users whose votes were successful are satisfied with the voting results, while users whose votes were unsuccessful are dissatisfied with the voting results. In such a case, for example, if a better benefit is awarded to users whose votes were unsuccessful than to users whose votes were successful, the satisfaction of the users whose votes were unsuccessful increases, and they are motivated to vote again. Conversely, if a good benefit is awarded to users whose votes were successful, the enjoyment of voting increases, and the satisfaction of the users whose votes were successful increases, and they are motivated to vote again. In this way, by the information processing device 20 awarding users with benefits determined based on the competition results and the voting details, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of more users.

[0023] [Hardware configuration] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 10. The terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication IF (Interface) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15.

[0024] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes programs stored in the storage unit 12 to realize various functions.

[0025] The storage unit 12 includes storage media such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 12 stores programs that the processor 11 executes.

[0026] The communication IF 13 has a communication controller for performing wired communication or wireless communication with the information processing device 20 via the communication network N. The communication IF 13 transmits data input from the processor 11 to the information processing device 20. The communication IF 13 notifies the processor 11 of the data input from the information processing device 20.

[0027] The input device 14 receives input operations from, for example, a user. The input device 14 is, for example, a touch panel. The output device 15 outputs various types of information. The output device 15 is, for example, a display. The output device 15 displays a screen on which the user can make various settings and cast votes. The output device 15 displays a screen on which the user can confirm the contents of the benefit notified by the information processing device 20.

[0028] 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication IF 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0029] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and executes programs stored in the storage unit 22 to realize various functions.

[0030] The storage unit 22 has storage media such as a ROM, a RAM, and an SSD. The storage unit 22 stores a program executed by the processor 21 and a plurality of databases. The storage unit 22 stores users and benefits given to the users in association with each other.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows an example of a database stored in the storage unit 22. Fig. 5(a) shows a benefit database including competition information indicating a competition and benefit information. Fig. 5(b) shows a history database showing the voting details when each of multiple users voted for a competition. Fig. 5(c) shows a user database including information associated with users.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the storage unit 22 stores, for example, competition information indicating a competition and bonus information in association with each other. The competition information includes competition identification information (hereinafter referred to as "competition ID") for identifying the competition, and at least one of the competition venue, grade, and race name. The bonus information includes the conditions for granting a bonus and the content of the bonus. The conditions for granting a bonus include, for example, that the bet is correct, that the bet is incorrect, or that the predetermined value of the bet is equal to or greater than a threshold. Details of the conditions for granting a bonus will be described later.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the storage unit 22 may store a voting history indicating the content of votes cast by users for competitions. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, voting information indicating the content of votes cast by users and winning result information indicating whether the vote was a winner or loser, in association with each of multiple users. A "winning vote" means, for example, that at least one of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund. A "losing vote" means, for example, that none of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund.

[0034] In the history database shown in Figure 5(b), user IDs, competition IDs, voting methods, target groups, betting amounts, winning results, rewards, and rewarded users are associated with each other. The rewarded users are other users different from the user whose history is displayed, and are other users who have been granted rewards based on the results of voting by the user whose history is displayed. Details of the rewarded users will be described later.

[0035] The storage unit 22 may store user identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") for identifying multiple users in association with group identification information (hereinafter referred to as "group ID") for identifying a group. A group is a group including multiple users who vote in a competition. As shown in FIG. 5(c), the storage unit 22 stores a user database in which user names, user IDs, group IDs, friend identification information (hereinafter referred to as "friend IDs") for identifying friends, the number of votes, and the number of winning combinations are associated with each other. Friends are other users designated by each of the multiple users, for example, other users who each of the multiple users has allowed to share their voting details.

[0036] When a user uses the terminal 10 to request friend status from another user with whom the user wants to share voting details, the other user who receives the request can choose whether or not to approve the request by operating the terminal 10 used by the other user. If the other user approves the request, the other user will have a friend relationship with the user who made the request, and will be able to share the voting details. On the other hand, if the other user does not approve the request, the user who made the request and the other user will not have a friend relationship, and will not be able to share the voting details.

[0037] The communication IF 23 has a communication controller for performing wired communication or wireless communication with the terminal 10 via the communication network N. The communication IF 23 transmits data input from the processor 21 to the terminal 10. The communication IF 23 notifies the processor 21 of the data input from the terminal 10.

[0038] The input device 24 receives an input operation from, for example, an administrator of the information processing device 20. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or a microphone. The output device 25 is, for example, a display or a speaker.

[0039] [Function block configuration] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the processor 11. The processor 11 has an information transmitting unit 111, an information receiving unit 112, and a display control unit 113. The processor 11 functions as the information transmitting unit 111, the information receiving unit 112, and the display control unit 113 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0040] The information transmitting unit 111 transmits voting information to the information processing device 20. Based on the user's operation received by the input device 14, the information transmitting unit 111 generates voting information indicating the voting content including the voting target for which the user has voted and the predetermined value bet on the voting target, and transmits the generated information to the information processing device 20.

[0041] The information transmitting unit 111 may transmit voting information including content viewing information indicating that the user has viewed content predicting the outcome of a competition to the information processing device 20, for example, based on the user having viewed content predicting the outcome of the competition and then having voted for the competition.

[0042] The information receiving unit 112 receives winning result information and bonus information. The information receiving unit 112 receives winning result information and bonus information corresponding to the voting information transmitted by the information transmitting unit 111. The display control unit 113 causes the output device 15 to display a voting screen on which the user can vote for the competition and a confirmation screen on which the user can confirm whether or not their vote was successful. The display control unit 113 causes the output device 15 to display a screen on which the user can confirm the details of the bonus.

[0043] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 10. Fig. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a voting screen displayed on the terminal 10. Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a competition result confirmation screen displayed on the terminal 10.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7(a), the terminal 10 displays an area 151 for displaying the stadium and name of the event corresponding to the event to be voted on, an area 152 for displaying the voting method, an area 153 for displaying the object to be voted on and the amount of the bet, and an operation image 154 for voting on the event.

[0045] The user of terminal 10 selects the betting method by pressing the operation image "Dual Bet" shown in area 152. The user of terminal 10 decides the betting target or betting amount by pressing the betting target or betting amount shown in area 153, and adds the betting target by pressing the operation image "Add." The user of terminal 10 votes for the competition by pressing the operation image 154.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the terminal 10 has an area 155 for displaying the stadium and name of the event corresponding to the event for which the user voted, an area 156 for displaying the results of the event, an area 157 for displaying the winning results corresponding to the user's vote, and an area 158 for displaying the reward corresponding to the user's vote.

[0047] If the user's vote is correct, the terminal 10 displays in area 157 a message notifying the user that the vote was correct, "You won!", along with the reward amount (i.e., the refund amount), and displays details of the benefit that will be awarded as a result of the correct vote, in area 158. If the user's vote is not correct, the terminal 10 displays in area 157 a message notifying the user that the vote was not correct (for example, "You lost."), and displays details of the benefit that will be awarded if the vote was not correct, in area 158. If the user's vote is not correct, the terminal 10 may display in area 158 a message notifying the user that no benefit will be awarded (for example, "There is no benefit.").

[0048] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the first embodiment. The processor 21 has a vote acceptance unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, a payment processing unit 213, a reward granting unit 214, a period determination unit 215, and a notification unit 216. The processor 21 functions as the vote acceptance unit 211, the acquisition unit 212, the payment processing unit 213, the reward granting unit 214, the period determination unit 215, and the notification unit 216 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0049] The vote acceptance unit 211 accepts votes for the content of the vote. The vote acceptance unit 211 accepts voting information indicating the content of the vote for the competition that the user of the terminal 10 has placed by operating the terminal 10 from the terminal 10 via the communication network N. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the vote acceptance unit 211 associates the competition ID, voting method, pair number, and betting amount included in the accepted voting information with the user ID and stores them in the memory unit 22.

[0050] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the content of a user's vote when the user votes for a competition. The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the content of a vote, for example, including the voting object for which the user voted and a predetermined value. The acquisition unit 212 acquires the voting information by, for example, referring to the history database shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0051] The acquisition unit 212 may acquire schedule information indicating the voting targets and predetermined values ​​for which the user plans to vote before the vote acceptance unit 211 accepts the votes for the voting content. The schedule information is, for example, information indicating the voting targets and predetermined values ​​set by the user in the terminal 10 at the time before the vote acceptance unit 211 accepts the votes. Specifically, the schedule information is information displayed in the area 153 in the state before the user presses the operation image 154 shown in FIG. 7(a). The acquisition unit 212 acquires the schedule information from the terminal 10, for example, at regular intervals, and notifies the acquired schedule information to the benefit granting unit 214. The schedule information is used to notify the user of the contents of the benefit that may be granted if the user votes for the planned voting targets and with the predetermined value.

[0052] The payment processing unit 213 determines whether the user's bet is correct, and if the bet is correct, provides the user with a reward according to the amount of a predetermined value. The payment processing unit 213 determines whether the user's bet is correct based on, for example, the competition results entered by the administrator of the information processing device 20 or the competition results corresponding to the competition result information obtained from a server (not shown) that manages the competition results. The competition results include the winning pair number and the payout rate.

[0053] Next, if the bet is correct, the payment processing unit 213 determines the amount of reward to be paid to the user based on the payout rate included in the competition result, the bet target of the bet, and the amount of a predetermined value (bet amount). If the bet is correct, the payment processing unit 213 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user who cast the bet that the bet was correct and the reward amount, and if the bet is not correct, the payment processing unit 213 notifies the terminal 10 that the bet was not correct. Note that the server that manages the competition results and the information processing device 20 may be the same device.

[0054] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the user, which can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service, based on the results of the competition in which the user voted and the voting content indicated by the voting information. "Providing a reward to the user" means, for example, sending reward information indicating the reward to the terminal 10 used by the user, or storing the reward information indicating the reward in the storage unit 22 in association with the user ID. The reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the user, for example, by sending the reward information to the terminal 10 via the communication IF 23.

[0055] The reward granting unit 214 stores reward information indicating a reward based on the determination result, for example, in association with the user ID in the storage unit 22. Then, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the user associated with the user ID by allowing the user to access the stored reward information using the terminal 10. In this case, the reward granting unit 214 may notify the terminal 10 used by the user that a reward has been granted to the user.

[0056] To determine the content of the benefit, the benefit granting unit 214 determines whether the user's bet on the target of the competition was correct, for example, based on the competition result of the competition acquired by the payment processing unit 213 and the voting content corresponding to the voting information acquired by the acquisition unit 212. For example, if the bet is correct, the benefit granting unit 214 grants the user a first benefit out of multiple benefits, and if the bet is not correct, the benefit granting unit 214 grants the user a second benefit out of multiple benefits that is different from the first benefit.

[0057] As an example, the first benefit is a benefit that is more valuable than the second benefit. A more valuable benefit is, for example, a benefit that provides a larger discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price of a product or service. By the benefit granting unit 214 making the value of the first benefit higher than the value of the second benefit, users whose votes are correct are motivated to vote again because the joy of winning is doubled. The benefit granting unit 214 does not have to grant the second benefit to users whose votes are not correct, but granting the second benefit to users whose votes are not correct increases the satisfaction of the users and motivates them to vote again.

[0058] The first benefit may be a benefit having a lower value than the second benefit. By making the value of the second benefit higher than the value of the first benefit, the benefit granting unit 214 can reduce the dissatisfaction of users whose votes were not correct, and thus motivate them to vote again. The benefit granting unit 214 does not need to grant the first benefit to users whose votes were correct, but by granting the first benefit to users whose votes were correct, the satisfaction of the users increases, and thus the users are motivated to vote again. By operating in this manner, the benefit granting unit 214 can increase the satisfaction of more voters.

[0059] In addition, the bonus granting unit 214 may grant a bonus without storing the user ID and bonus information in the memory unit 22 by notifying the terminal 10 of a URL where the bonus can be used or an information code such as a QR code including the URL, as shown in area 158 of Figure 7(b).

[0060] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the user according to the amount of the reward. The reward granting unit 214 obtains the amount of reward to be paid to the user determined by the payment processing unit 213, and grants the user a reward according to the size of the reward amount. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a coupon with a larger discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a larger product value (for example, product price) to a user who has exceeded a predetermined reward amount (for example, 10,000 yen) among multiple users whose votes were correct, compared to users who did not exceed the predetermined reward amount. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users to vote a larger amount of the predetermined value so as to receive a larger reward amount.

[0061] If the voting target and the predetermined value indicated by the schedule information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 satisfy a predetermined right-granting condition, the reward granting unit 214 may notify the user of the content of a reward that may be granted by voting before the vote accepting unit 211 starts accepting votes for the voting content. The predetermined right-granting condition is, for example, that the vote indicated by the schedule information is a vote for a competition that grants a reward, or that the predetermined value indicated by the schedule information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

[0062] The reward granting unit 214 determines the payout rate if the betting target included in the schedule information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 is a winning bet at the time the schedule information is acquired, based on the betting target. The reward granting unit 214 calculates the expected remuneration amount based on the predetermined value included in the schedule information and the payout rate at the time the schedule information is acquired. The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 of the content of the reward corresponding to the expected remuneration amount.

[0063] The payout rate for a winning bet may change if other users cast their votes before the time when voting is closed. In response to this, the reward granting unit 214 identifies a reward corresponding to the expected remuneration amount and notifies the user that the bet is a target that may potentially receive a reward at the time when the prediction information is acquired. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can increase the probability that users will vote.

[0064] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to a user corresponding to the past voting details indicated by the user's voting history stored in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 acquires the number of votes for each user, for example, by referring to the user database shown in FIG. 5(c), and stores reward information indicating a reward corresponding to the number of votes in association with the user ID in the storage unit 22. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a coupon with a larger discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a higher product value to a user associated with the number of votes.

[0065] The reward granting unit 214 may obtain the reward amount for each of the user's correct votes, for example, by referring to the history database shown in Figure 5(b), and grant the user a reward corresponding to the total value of the reward amounts. Specifically, if the reward amounts associated with user ID "U001" shown in Figure 5(b) are "2100" and "1600," the reward granting unit 214 associates a reward corresponding to the total value of reward amount "3700" with user ID "U001" and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0066] For example, the greater the total value of a plurality of remuneration amounts, the greater the discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price, or the greater the coupon for a product with high product value that is given to the user.

[0067] For example, the reward awarding unit 214 may award a reward to a user who correctly votes in a predetermined number of sports among a predetermined number of sports. Specifically, when the sport IDs indicating three predetermined sports are "NGY-1," "NGY-2," and "NGY-3," the reward awarding unit 214 may award a reward to a user who correctly votes in two or more sports (for example, "NGY-1" and "NGY-2") among the three sports.

[0068] The reward awarding unit 214 acquires a predetermined number of competition IDs for which the user has voted and the winning results associated with each of the plurality of competition IDs, for example, by referring to a history database. If the number of competition IDs associated with winning results indicating that the vote was correct is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the reward awarding unit 214 awards a reward to the user.

[0069] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a coupon with a larger discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a higher commercial value to a user for whom the number of correct bets is greater among a predetermined plurality of sports. Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 may grant a coupon with a larger discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a higher commercial value to a user who has correctly voted in three sports than to a user who has correctly voted in two sports among a plurality of users who voted for each of three predetermined sports.

[0070] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a user who has correctly voted in three of the three predetermined sports out of a plurality of users who voted for each of the three predetermined sports a first coupon that has been granted to a user who has correctly voted in two of the three predetermined sports out of a plurality of users who voted for each of the three predetermined sports, and a second coupon different from the first coupon. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users to continue voting.

[0071] When a user makes a correct vote, the reward granting unit 214 may determine a reward to be granted to the user based on winning result information, which indicates whether the vote was a winning or losing vote and is stored in the history database, among one or more pieces of voting information of the user stored in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 determines the content of the reward based on, for example, one or more pieces of voting information stored in association with winning result information indicating that the vote was a losing vote, and grants the determined reward to the user.

[0072] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward according to, for example, at least one of the number of times a vote was lost or the amount of the predetermined value bet when a vote was lost. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward of higher value to a user the greater the number of times a vote was lost or the amount of the predetermined value bet when a vote was lost. The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward of higher value to a user the greater the value obtained by multiplying the number of times a vote was lost by the amount of the predetermined value bet when a vote was lost.

[0073] Specifically, when the votes of user "A" and user "B" shown in Fig. 5(c) are correct, the reward granting unit 214 calculates the number of missing votes of user "A" as "83", which is the difference between the number of votes associated with user "A" (126) and the number of correct votes (43). The reward granting unit 214 calculates the number of missing votes of user "B" as "72", which is the difference between the number of votes associated with user "B" (118) and the number of correct votes (46).

[0074] Subsequently, since the number of losing votes for user "A" is greater than the number of losing votes for user "B," the reward granting unit 214 grants user "A" a coupon with a higher discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a higher product value than the coupon granted to user "B." By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate the user to vote again even if the user loses a vote.

[0075] When the voting information indicating the content of a user's vote in a competition includes information indicating that the user voted based on specific content viewed by the user, the reward granting unit 214 may grant the user a reward associated with the specific content. The specific content is, for example, content including a prediction of the competition result for the competition in which the user is about to vote. The information indicating that the user voted based on the specific content is information indicating that a user who viewed the specific content voted after viewing the specific content, and is transmitted from the terminal 10 together with the voting information.

[0076] The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 of the details of the reward associated with the content viewing information, for example, based on the fact that the voting information includes content viewing information. If the voting is successful, the reward granting unit 214 stores the reward associated with the content viewing information and the reward not associated with the content viewing information in the storage unit 22 in association with the user ID to grant the reward to the user, and if the voting is unsuccessful, the reward granting unit 214 does not grant the reward to the user. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate the user to use specific content and vote.

[0077] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the user selected based on the user information. The user information may be, for example, the user's age, gender, or birthday. The user information is stored in the storage unit 22 in association with, for example, a user ID. For example, if a user whose birthday is "June 10th" votes for "June 15th" and is correct, the reward granting unit 214 may grant the user a coupon with a larger discount amount or discount rate for a product than a user whose birthday and voting date are in different months, based on the fact that the user's birthday and voting date are in the same month.

[0078] When awarding a reward to a first user who voted in a competition, the reward awarding unit 214 may also award the reward to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user. The second user who has a predetermined relationship is, for example, a second user who belongs to the same group as the first user, or a second user who is designated as a friend by the first user. A friend is, for example, another user who the first user has allowed to share the details of his or her vote.

[0079] For example, if the vote of user "A" corresponding to user ID "U001" shown in FIG. 5(c) is correct, the reward granting unit 214 will grant a reward to users (user "B" and user "D") corresponding to friend IDs "U002" and "U004" associated with user ID "U001." The reward granting unit 214 associates user ID "U002" and user ID "U004" with reward information indicating the reward, respectively, and stores the associated information in the storage unit 22, thereby granting the reward to user "B" and user "D."

[0080] Next, the reward granting unit 214 registers user "B" and user "D," who have been granted rewards based on the results of user "A's" voting, in the history database as users who have been granted rewards by user "A." For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the reward granting unit 214 stores user ID "U002" and user ID "U004" as rewarded users in association with user ID "U001," voting information, and voting results. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate other users to vote.

[0081] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to a second user if the first user's vote corresponding to the first vote content when the first user votes in the competition is correct, the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the memory unit 22 in association with the same group identification information, and the second user's vote corresponding to the second vote content when the second user votes in the competition is not correct.

[0082] For example, when the vote of user "A" shown in Fig. 5(c) is correct and the vote of user "B" is not correct, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to user "B" based on the fact that the group ID associated with user "A" is the same as the group ID associated with user "B." By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users to register in a group.

[0083] The period determination unit 215 determines the period during which the benefit can be used based on at least one of the type of game that the user won among the games for which the user bet, or the reward corresponding to the amount of a predetermined value that the user bet on the game that won. For example, the period determination unit 215 determines the benefit usage period to be longer the higher the grade, which is the type of game that the user won. For example, the period determination unit 215 determines the benefit usage period to be longer the larger the reward amount. By operating in this manner, the period determination unit 215 can motivate the user to vote for a specific game or for a pairing number that can obtain a high payout amount.

[0084] The notification unit 216 notifies the user of the content of the benefit corresponding to the benefit information and the content of the competition corresponding to the competition information associated with the benefit information. For example, the notification unit 216 notifies a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user of the content of the competition associated with the content of the benefit notified to the first user by the benefit granting unit 214. For example, based on the benefit granted to the first user by the benefit granting unit 214, the notification unit 216 notifies the second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user of the content of a competition that will start after the competition for which the first user bet and for which the same benefit as the benefit granted to the first user will be awarded.

[0085] The notification unit 216, for example, refers to the benefit database to identify the competition ID of a competition to which the same benefit as the benefit given to the first user by the benefit granting unit 214 will be granted. The notification unit 216 refers to the user database to identify a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, and notifies the second user of the content of the competition corresponding to the identified competition ID. By operating in this manner, the notification unit 216 can motivate the second user to vote in the competition.

[0086] [Processing flow of information processing device 20] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 shows the operation from when the acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information to when the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the user who uses the terminal 10.

[0087] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the content of the user's vote when the user voted for a competition (S11). The acquisition unit 212 acquires the voting information by, for example, referring to a history database. The payment processing unit 213 acquires the competition results for the competition in which the user voted (S12). The payment processing unit 213 determines whether the user's vote was correct or not based on the competition results (S13).

[0088] If the user's bet is correct (YES in S13), the payment processing unit 213 determines the amount of reward (reward amount) based on the payout rate included in the competition result, the bet target of the bet, and the bet amount (S14). The reward granting unit 214 determines the content of the first reward according to the reward amount determined by the payment processing unit 213 (S15). The reward granting unit 214 grants the first reward to the user (S16). For example, the reward granting unit 214 associates a user ID corresponding to the user with first reward information indicating the first reward and stores them in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user of the content of the first reward granted to the user.

[0089] If the user's vote is not correct (NO in S13), the benefit granting unit 214 grants the user a second benefit different from the first benefit (S17). The benefit granting unit 214 associates, for example, a user ID corresponding to the user with second benefit information indicating the second benefit and stores them in the storage unit 22. The benefit granting unit 214 notifies the terminal 10 used by the user of the content of the second benefit granted to the user.

[0090] If an operation to end the process has not been performed (NO in S18), processor 21 repeats the processes from S11 to S17. If an operation to end the process has been performed (YES in S18), processor 21 ends the process.

[0091] [Advantages of the information processing device 20 according to the first embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to the first embodiment has an acquisition unit 212 that acquires voting information indicating the content of a user's vote in a competition. The reward granting unit 214 then grants the user a reward that can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service based on the results of the competition in which the user voted and the content of the vote indicated by the voting information, thereby granting the user a reward depending on whether or not the vote was successful. This can increase the satisfaction of more voters.

[0092] <Second embodiment> [Outline of Information Processing System 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of terminals 10 (10a, 10b) and an information processing device 20. FIG. 10 differs from the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that it shows a terminal 10a used by a first user and a terminal 10b used by a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, but is otherwise the same. The second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user is, for example, a user who belongs to the same group and can send and receive messages with the first user, or a user who the first user has designated as a friend.

[0093] In the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment, the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user, based on the first user's betting on a competition. First, the first user operates the terminal 10a to select a competition on which to bet, and determines the betting object to bet on in the selected competition and a predetermined value to bet on the betting object. The terminal 10a transmits voting information indicating the betting content, including the betting object and the predetermined value determined by the first user, to the information processing device 20 (S21).

[0094] The information processing device 20 receives the vote of the first user by acquiring the voting information from the terminal 10a. Based on the received vote, the information processing device 20 determines the user to whom a benefit will be given and the content of the benefit to be given to the user (S22).

[0095] The details of the process by which the information processing device 20 determines the user to whom a benefit will be given and the content of the benefit will be described later, but for example, the information processing device 20 determines to give a benefit to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user who uses the terminal 10a based on the voting content indicated in the voting information obtained from the terminal 10a. Next, the information processing device 20 determines the content of the benefit to be given to the second user based on the voting content indicated in the voting information obtained from the terminal 10a.

[0096] Based on the fact that the second user has been granted the benefit, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10b used by the second user of the details of the benefit (S23). The second user can use the benefit by operating the terminal 10b (S24).

[0097] When the information processing device 20 grants a reward to a user who has voted, the user who has voted will be motivated to vote again because the reward will further increase the enjoyment of the user. On the other hand, users who have not voted will not be motivated to vote. In contrast, when the information processing device 20 grants a reward to other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user who has voted, the other users will become more interested in voting because of the reward, and will be motivated to vote. In this way, by the information processing device 20 granting a reward to other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user who has voted, the information processing device 20 can motivate more users to vote.

[0098] [Hardware configuration] The hardware configuration of the terminal 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the terminal 10 shown in Fig. 3. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 shown in Fig. 4.

[0099] [Function block configuration] An example of a functional block configuration of the processor 11 according to the second embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11 shown in FIG. 6. In the second embodiment, a second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user may vote based on the first vote content when the first user voted for the competition. In this case, the information receiving unit 112 included in the terminal 10b receives first voting information indicating the first vote content from the terminal 10a. The display control unit 113 included in the terminal 10b displays the first vote content on the output device 15 based on the first voting information received from the terminal 10a.

[0100] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10b. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a voting screen on which a second user casts a vote based on the first voting details. As shown in Fig. 11, terminal 10b displays an area 161 for displaying the stadium corresponding to the event to be voted for and the name of the event, an area 162 for displaying the first voting details when the first user casts a vote for the event, an area 163 for displaying the betting object and betting amount on which the second user will cast a vote based on the first voting details, and an operation image 164 on which the second user casts a vote for the event.

[0101] The second user can learn the voting method and voting target used by the first user by viewing the first voting details shown in area 162. The second user decides the amount to bet on the same voting target as the first voting details by pressing the voting amount shown in area 163. The second user votes in the competition by pressing the operation image 164. The information transmission unit 111 of terminal 10b transmits, for example, information indicating that the second user voted based on the first voting details to the information processing device 20 in association with second voting information indicating the second voting details when the second user voted in the competition.

[0102] An example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 21 shown in Fig. 8. Below, the operation of each functional block of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on functions that are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0103] The vote acceptance unit 211 accepts votes from the first user and the second user. If second voting information indicating the second vote content of the second user is associated with information indicating that the first user voted by referring to the first voting content when voting for the competition, the vote acceptance unit 211 associates the information with the second voting information and stores the information in the storage unit 22.

[0104] The acquisition unit 212 acquires first voting information indicating the content of a first vote when a first user votes in a competition. The acquisition unit 212 acquires the first voting information indicating the content of the first vote, including the voting object for which the first user voted and a predetermined value, by, for example, referring to the history database shown in FIG. 5(b). The acquisition unit 212 also acquires second voting information indicating the content of a second vote when a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user votes in a competition.

[0105] The acquisition unit 212 may acquire first competition information indicating a competition for which a first user has watched a video, and second competition information indicating a competition for which a second user has watched a video. The video is, for example, content including predicted competition results for a competition for which the first user or the second user intends to vote. For example, if the first user uses the terminal 10a to watch a video that predicts the competition result for a competition corresponding to the competition ID "NGY-1," the acquisition unit 212 acquires the first competition information including the competition ID "NGY-1" from the terminal 10a.

[0106] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward, which can give preferential treatment to purchase a product or use a service, to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in the competition. In order to grant a reward to the second user, the reward granting unit 214 first determines that the vote receiving unit 211 has received the vote of the first user, based on the first vote content acquired by the acquisition unit 212 by referring to the history database.

[0107] Next, the reward granting unit 214 identifies a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, for example, by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c), and grants a reward to the second user. For example, if the first user is user "B" shown in Figure 5(c), the reward granting unit 214 identifies user "A" corresponding to friend ID "U001" associated with user "B" as the second user, and grants a reward to user "A."

[0108] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the first user and the second user based on the first user's vote in the competition. The reward granted to the first user and the second user may be the same or different. By granting a reward to the first user and the second user in this manner in response to one of the first user and the second user's vote, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate more users to vote.

[0109] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the first user and the second user if the first voting content when the first user votes for a competition satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the amount of a predetermined value included in the first voting content (i.e., the voting amount) is equal to or greater than a threshold. The threshold is, for example, 5,000 yen. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the first user and the second user if, for example, the voting amount of the first user is 5,000 yen or more.

[0110] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user when the competition corresponding to the second voting details is a competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first voting details. The competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first voting details is, for example, a competition that matches the competition corresponding to the first voting details, another competition of the same grade (e.g., G1, G2, G3) as the competition corresponding to the first voting details, another competition in which the same reward as the reward that can be obtained with the first voting details can be obtained, or another competition held on the same day as the competition corresponding to the first voting details.

[0111] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second voting content when the second user voted for a competition is a competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first voting content and the first voting content satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, if the reward granting unit 214 determines that the competition ID included in the second voting content is associated with the competition ID included in the first voting content and that the voting amount included in the first voting content is equal to or greater than a threshold, the reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user even if the voting amount included in the second voting content is less than the threshold.

[0112] On the other hand, if the competition corresponding to the second voting content is not associated with the competition included in the first voting content, the reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the second user if the second voting content does not satisfy the predetermined condition, even if the first voting content satisfies the predetermined condition. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 motivates the second user to cast a vote that will grant a reward, taking into consideration the voting content of the first user. As a result, by appropriately setting the content of the predetermined condition, the operator of the competition can increase the number of votes for the competition for which they wish to increase the number of votes.

[0113] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user when the second voting information includes information indicating that the second user voted based on the first voting content. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user on the condition that, for example, the information indicating that the second user voted based on the first voting content and the second voting information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 makes it easier for a user with little voting experience to vote by referring to the voting content of other users with a predetermined relationship, thereby motivating a user with little voting experience to vote.

[0114] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward based on the first user's winning vote. A "winning vote" means, for example, that at least one of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund. For example, if a vote corresponding to the first vote content is winning, the payment processing unit 213 grants the first user a reward according to the amount of a predetermined value, and the reward granting unit 214 grants the first user a reward according to the amount of the reward. For example, the reward granting unit 214 may grant the first user a coupon with a larger discount amount or discount rate on the purchase price or a coupon for a product with a large product value, the larger the amount of the reward.

[0115] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user when the vote corresponding to the first vote content of the first user is correct. By operating the reward granting unit 214 in this manner, a reward is granted to another user (second user) when the first user's vote is correct, which can increase the first user's motivation to make the vote correct. As a result, the reward granting unit 214 can increase the first user's enjoyment of voting.

[0116] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition corresponding to the second vote is the same as the competition corresponding to the correct first vote. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if the second user voted for a competition in which the first user correctly voted.

[0117] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the first competition ID of the competition in which the first user correctly voted and the second competition ID of the competition in which the second user voted, for example, by referring to the history database shown in FIG. 5(b). If the first competition ID and the second competition ID match, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user. For example, the greater the number of users with a predetermined relationship who vote, the higher the probability that a user will be granted a reward. Therefore, by operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate a user to invite other users to join a group to which the user belongs, thereby increasing the number of users who vote.

[0118] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user if the competition for which the second user watched a video is the same as the competition for which the first user watched a video. The video is, for example, content including predicted competition results. The reward granting unit 214 can identify the competition for which the first user watched a video by the competition ID included in the first competition information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 from the terminal 10a, and can identify the competition for which the second user watched a video by the competition ID included in the second competition information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 from the terminal 10b. In this case, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if the competition ID included in the second competition information is the same as the competition ID included in the first competition information.

[0119] For example, if the first user's vote is correct, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user on the condition that the first user and the second user have both viewed content (e.g., a video) including content that predicted the result of the competition corresponding to the vote. Even if the first user's vote is correct, the reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the second user if the second user has not viewed the content that the first user viewed. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users to view content including content that predicted the result of the competition.

[0120] The reward granting unit 214 may determine whether to grant a reward to the second user in response to the first user's vote, based on a first voting history indicating one or more first voting details cast by the first user in one or more past competitions, and a second voting history indicating one or more second voting details cast by the second user in one or more past competitions. The first voting history and the second voting history may be, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in (b), the data is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0121] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to a second user, for example, when a first user votes and at least one of the competitions included in one or more first voting contents indicated by the first voting history is the same as at least one of the competitions included in one or more second voting contents indicated by the second voting history. The reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the second user when the first voting history and the second voting history indicate that the first user and the second user did not vote for the same competition.

[0122] The reward granting unit 214 identifies a plurality of first competition IDs corresponding to a plurality of competitions for which the first user has voted and a plurality of second competition IDs corresponding to a plurality of competitions for which the second user has voted, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user if at least one of the plurality of first competition IDs matches at least one of the plurality of second competition IDs, and does not grant a reward to the second user if they do not match. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users to vote while communicating with other users, thereby increasing the enjoyment of voting.

[0123] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user when the first user has voted and the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are associated with the same group identification information and stored in the storage unit 22. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the groups to which the first user and the second user belong, for example, by referring to the user database shown in Fig. 5(c), and grants a reward to the second user when the first user and the second user belong to the same group.

[0124] Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to user "B" when the user ID "U001" of user "A," the first user who cast a vote, and the user ID "U002" of user "B," the second user, are associated with the same group ID "G001" and stored in the memory unit 22.

[0125] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user when the first user's vote is correct and the second user who belongs to the same group as the first user's vote is incorrect. For example, if the vote corresponding to the first vote is correct, the first user identification information corresponding to the first user and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the same group identification information, and the second user's vote corresponding to the second vote when the second user voted for the competition is incorrect, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second user. By operating in this manner, when one user in a group votes, the other users can receive a reward, and the reward granting unit 214 can motivate other users to register in the same group as the user who voted.

[0126] [Determining the number of secondary users to whom benefits will be given] The reward granting unit 214 may grant rewards to multiple second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user. The reward granting unit 214 determines the number of second users to grant rewards to, for example, based on a predetermined value voted by the first user in the competition. As an example, the reward granting unit 214 increases the number of second users to grant rewards to, the greater the predetermined value voted by the first user in the competition. Operating the reward granting unit 214 in this manner is advantageous for the operator of the competition, since users who want to grant rewards to many other users will be inclined to vote a large predetermined value.

[0127] The reward awarding unit 214 may determine the number of second users to whom a reward will be given based on the content of the competition in which the first user voted. For example, when the first user votes in a competition selected in advance by the competition operator, the reward awarding unit 214 gives a greater number of second users to whom a reward will be given than when the first user votes in another competition. By operating the reward awarding unit 214 in this manner, a user who wants to give rewards to many other users will try to vote for a competition in which a large number of second users will be given rewards, making it possible for the competition operator to increase the number of votes for a particular competition.

[0128] However, if there is no limit to the number of second users to whom the reward granting unit 214 can grant a reward, the number of second users to whom the reward is granted may increase too much, which may make it unprofitable for the business operator that grants the reward. Therefore, the reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward only to second users whose number is equal to or less than the maximum number of second users to whom the reward is granted.

[0129] For example, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user is equal to or less than the maximum number of second users to whom a reward will be given, which is determined according to the magnitude of a predetermined value that the first users have voted for the competition, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to all second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user. On the other hand, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user exceeds the maximum number of second users to whom a reward will be given, the reward granting unit 214 selects some of the second users to whom a reward will be given from among the multiple second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user. The reward granting unit 214 determines the second users to whom a reward will be given, for example, by having the first user select the second users to whom a reward will be given.

[0130] The reward granting unit 214 transmits, to the terminal 10a used by the first user, reward-granting-number information indicating the number of second users to whom a reward will be given. The first user operates the terminal 10a to select second users in the number indicated by the reward-granting-number information, and transmits selected user information indicating the selected second users to the reward granting unit 214. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the second users indicated in the received selected user information.

[0131] When the first user is not allowed to select the second user to whom the reward will be given, the reward granting unit 214 determines the second user to whom the reward will be given, for example, by lottery. The reward granting unit 214 may select, from among the multiple second users, second users who have voted a relatively large number of times within a predetermined period in the past, or second users who have voted a relatively large total amount of a predetermined value within a predetermined period in the past, and whose number is less than the maximum value.

[0132] When the number of second users having a predetermined relationship with a first user is greater than the number of second users to whom the reward is to be given, the reward granting unit 214 may refer to the user reward granting history to identify second users who have voted to give the reward previously given to the first user, and may grant a reward that can be used by the identified second users. The user reward granting history is a history indicating one or more other users to whom the reward granting unit 214 has given a reward based on the user's vote in the competition, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The user reward granting history is, for example, the reward-given users shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0133] For example, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user exceeds the number of second users to whom a reward is to be given, the reward granting unit 214 refers to the history database to identify second users who have previously given a reward to the first user. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the identified second users.

[0134] Specifically, if the number of second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user, user “D”, exceeds the number of second users to whom a benefit can be given, the benefit granting unit 214 executes the process shown in FIG. 5 5(b), the user ID "U004" of user "D" is searched for. Next, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to user "A" corresponding to user ID "U001" based on the fact that user ID "U004" is included in the reward granting users associated with user ID "U001." By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can easily grant a reward to a second user who has belonged to the same group as the first user for a long period of time and is close to the first user. Therefore, this operation of the reward granting unit 214 is suitable for a first user who wants to grant a reward to a close friend.

[0135] [Determine the period during which benefits can be used] The reward granting unit 214 may determine a period during which the reward can be used. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to a second user, which the second user can use after the first user has used the reward. For example, the reward granting unit 214 determines that the second user can use the reward after the first user has used the reward to purchase an item that is the target of the reward. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate the first user to use the reward that he or she has acquired.

[0136] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to the second user that allows the second user to use the reward during the period in which the first user is using the reward. The reward granting unit 214 grants, for example, a reward that can be continuously used for a predetermined period to the first user and the second user. The predetermined period is, for example, one month from the start of use. By the reward granting unit 214 granting such a reward to the second user, it becomes easier for the first user and the second user to go out together and use the reward, which increases the value of voting for the users and motivates them to vote again.

[0137] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the predetermined period according to the voting amount included in the first voting content. For example, the reward granting unit 214 determines the predetermined period to be longer the larger the voting amount included in the first voting content. The reward granting unit 214 may determine the period during which the second user can use the reward to be a second period different from the first period during which the first user can use the reward. The second period is, for example, a period shorter than the first period. By operating the reward granting unit 214 in this manner, the first user is given a reward with a longer usage period than the second user, and is therefore motivated to vote in order to obtain the reward with a longer usage period again. Furthermore, the second user is motivated to vote because he or she is given a reward with a longer usage period.

[0138] The reward granting unit 214 notifies, for example, the first user that a reward has been granted, the period during which the reward can be continuously used, and the deadline by which the reward can be started to be used, and notifies the second user that a reward has been granted, and that the period during which the reward can be continuously used is the period used by the first user.

[0139] [Processing flow of information processing device 20] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the second embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 12 shows the operation from when the acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information of the first user to when the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to at least one of the first user and the second user who uses the terminal 10.

[0140] The acquisition unit 212 acquires first voting information indicating the first vote content when a first user voted for a competition (S31). The reward granting unit 214 searches for a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user by referring to the user database (S32). The reward granting unit 214 identifies the competition corresponding to the first vote content and the competition corresponding to the second vote content when the second user voted for the competition by referring to the history database.

[0141] If the competition corresponding to the first vote and the competition corresponding to the second vote are the same, i.e., if the first user and the second user voted for the same competition (YES in S33), the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the first user and the second user (S34).If the competition corresponding to the first vote and the competition corresponding to the second vote are different, i.e., if the first user and the second user voted for different competitions (NO in S33), the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the first user (S35).

[0142] If an operation to end the process has not been performed (NO in S36), processor 21 repeats the processes from S31 to S35. If an operation to end the process has been performed (YES in S36), processor 21 ends the process.

[0143] [Advantages of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment includes an acquisition unit 212 that acquires first voting information indicating the content of a first vote made by a first user in a competition. The reward granting unit 214 then grants a reward, which can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service, to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in the competition, thereby making it possible to grant a reward to a user other than the first user who voted. This makes it easier for more people to vote and increases the number of voters.

[0144] <Third embodiment> [Outline of Information Processing System 1] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 1 according to a third embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment has a plurality of terminals 10 (10a to 10c) and an information processing device 20. FIG. 13 differs from the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 10 in that a terminal 10c used by a third user is shown in FIG. 13, but is otherwise the same. The first user, second user, and third user are users who belong to a first group among multiple groups to which multiple users who vote in a competition belong.

[0145] In the information processing system 1 of the third embodiment, when two or more users belonging to the same group vote in a competition, the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to one or more users belonging to the same group (for example, users other than the two or more users who voted in the competition). In the example shown in Fig. 13, the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to a third user belonging to the same group as the first and second users, based on the fact that the first and second users vote in the competition.

[0146] A first user operates terminal 10a to select a sport to bet on and determine the betting object to bet on in the selected sport and a predetermined value to bet on the betting object. A second user operates terminal 10b to select a sport to bet on and determine the betting object to bet on in the selected sport and a predetermined value to bet on the betting object. Terminal 10a transmits voting information indicating the voting content including the betting object and predetermined value determined by the first user, and terminal 10b transmits voting information indicating the voting content including the betting object and predetermined value determined by the second user (S41).

[0147] The information processing device 20 accepts the vote of the first user by acquiring voting information from the terminal 10a, and accepts the vote of the second user by acquiring voting information from the terminal 10b. Based on the acceptance of the votes of the first and second users, the information processing device 20 determines the user to whom a benefit will be granted and the content of the benefit to be granted to that user (S42).

[0148] The details of the process by which the information processing device 20 determines the user to whom a privilege will be granted and the content of the privilege will be described later, but for example, the information processing device 20 determines to grant a privilege to a third user who belongs to the same first group as the first user using terminal 10a and the second user using terminal 10b, based on the voting information acquired from terminals 10a and 10b. Next, the information processing device 20 determines the content of the privilege to be granted to the third user based on the voting content indicated by the voting information acquired from terminals 10a and 10b.

[0149] Based on the fact that the third user has been granted the benefit, the information processing device 20 notifies the terminal 10c used by the third user of the details of the benefit (S43). The third user can use the benefit by operating the terminal 10c (S44).

[0150] When the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to a user who has voted, the user who has voted is motivated to vote again because the benefit increases the enjoyment of the vote. On the other hand, a user who has not voted is not motivated to vote. In contrast, when the information processing device 20 grants a benefit to one or more users among a plurality of users who belong to the same group as two or more users who have voted, when one user votes, the benefit is granted to the users in the group when one more user votes, and therefore other users who belong to the same group as the one user are motivated to vote.

[0151] Furthermore, users who belong to the same group as two or more users who voted will have a heightened sense of expectation that they may be awarded a special benefit, which will increase their interest in the competition. In this way, by the information processing device 20 awarding a special benefit to one or more users among a plurality of users who belong to the same group as two or more users who voted, the information processing device 20 can increase users' interest in the competition and motivate more users to vote.

[0152] [Hardware configuration] The hardware configuration of the terminal 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the terminal 10 shown in Fig. 3. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 shown in Fig. 4.

[0153] [Function block configuration] An example of a functional block configuration of the processor 11 according to the third embodiment is the same as the example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11 shown in Fig. 6. In the third embodiment, a terminal 10c used by a third user who belongs to the same group as the first and second users receives bonus information from the information processing device 20. In this case, a display control unit 113 included in the terminal 10c causes an information receiving unit 112 included in the terminal 10c to display, on the output device 15, the bonus information received from the information processing device 20.

[0154] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on terminal 10c. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for a third user to confirm the details of the benefit granted by information processing device 20. As shown in Fig. 14, terminal 10c shows an area 171 for displaying the details of the benefit, an area 172 for displaying a plurality of users (voting members) who have voted in association with the granting of the benefit, and an area 173 for displaying a URL at which the benefit can be used.

[0155] The third user can know that the privilege has been granted as a result of the votes of the first and second users among multiple users belonging to the same group by viewing the voting members shown in area 172. The third user can purchase a product using the privilege granted by information processing device 20, for example, by clicking the URL shown in area 173.

[0156] The information processing device 20 may notify the terminals 10 used by each of the users belonging to the group of the conditions under which a privilege is awarded to one or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group. In this case, the information receiving unit 112 of the terminal 10 receives from the information processing device 20 privilege awarding condition information indicating the conditions under which a privilege is awarded. The privilege awarding condition information includes information for identifying a competition in which a privilege will be awarded to users in the group when two or more users belonging to the group vote, and the details of the privilege that will be awarded when two or more users vote for the competition. The display control unit 113 of the terminal 10 causes the output device 15 to display the privilege awarding condition information received by the information receiving unit 112.

[0157] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of bonus awarding condition information displayed on terminal 10 used by a user belonging to the first group. As shown in Fig. 15, terminal 10 displays an area 181 for displaying the names of one or more events, an area 182 for displaying the conditions necessary for awarding a bonus in the event shown in area 181 and the details of the bonus, and an operation image 183 for voting on the event. The bonus awarding condition information is displayed at a time when voting is possible for one or more events shown in area 181.

[0158] By viewing the conditions required to be granted a privilege shown in area 182, a user using terminal 10 can find out the difference between the number of votes required for users belonging to the first group to be granted a privilege and the number of votes that have already been cast in one or more competitions shown in area 181. A user using terminal 10 can vote for one or more competitions shown in area 181 by pressing operation image 183. When a user using the terminal presses operation image 183, terminal 10 displays, for example, a voting screen shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0159] Note that area 182 may display at least either the total amount of votes cast by users belonging to the first group, or the difference between the amount of votes required to receive the special benefit and the amount of votes already cast by users belonging to the first group. For example, area 182 may display "The total amount of votes is XXX yen. You will receive the special benefit if you vote XXX yen more."

[0160] An example of a functional block configuration of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment is the same as the example of a functional block configuration of the processor 21 shown in Fig. 8. Hereinafter, the operation of each functional block of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment will be described, focusing on functions that are different from those of the first or second embodiment.

[0161] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating that the user has voted for a competition. The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the voting content, including, for example, the voting object for which the user has voted and a predetermined value.

[0162] When the acquisition unit 212 acquires multiple pieces of voting information indicating that two or more users among the multiple users associated with the same group have voted, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward that can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated. The user to whom the reward is granted may be a user who voted in the competition, or a user who did not vote in the competition. The competition for which the two or more users are voting may be the same competition, or multiple competitions.

[0163] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user IDs included in each of the plurality of pieces of voting information acquired by the acquiring unit 212, for example. The reward granting unit 214 identifies that two or more of the identified plurality of user IDs are associated with the same group ID, for example by referring to the user database shown in FIG. 5(c). The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users who belong to a group corresponding to the group ID to which the two or more user IDs are associated.

[0164] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to one or more of the multiple users associated with the group when the total of the predetermined value bet by the multiple users associated with the group in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be a fixed amount such as 10,000 yen, or an amount according to the number of users belonging to the group. For example, the amount according to the number of users belonging to the group may be 3,000 yen if the number of users belonging to the group is three, and 5,000 yen if the number of users belonging to the group is five.

[0165] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user ID and voting amount included in each of the multiple pieces of voting information acquired by the acquisition unit 212. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the group ID associated with each of the multiple identified user IDs by referring to the user database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the total voting amount of multiple users corresponding to the multiple user IDs associated with the same group ID.

[0166] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with each of the multiple groups if the total amount of voting is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and does not grant a reward if the total amount of voting is less than the predetermined amount. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users belonging to a group to vote so that the total amount of voting for the group is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. As a result, by appropriately setting the predetermined amount, the operator of the competition can increase the number of voters and the amount of voting.

[0167] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to one or more of the multiple users associated with the group when the total amount of rewards acquired by the multiple users associated with the group is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user ID corresponding to the user whose vote was correct and the reward (i.e., the payout amount) corresponding to the amount of predetermined value awarded to the user by the payment processing unit 213, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple group IDs associated with the identified multiple user IDs by referring to the user database. For each of the identified multiple group IDs, the reward granting unit 214 identifies the total amount of rewards of users belonging to the group corresponding to the group ID.

[0168] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with each of the multiple groups if the total reward amount for each group is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and does not grant a reward if the total reward amount is less than the predetermined amount. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 allows the competition operator to provide a reward appropriate to the winning amount of the bet. Furthermore, users are motivated to cast larger bets.

[0169] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to one or more users among the multiple users corresponding to the multiple user IDs associated with the same group ID, based on the fact that a predetermined number or more of the multiple users associated with the same group ID have voted for the competition. The predetermined number may be a fixed number, such as five, or may be a number corresponding to the number of users belonging to the group. For example, the predetermined number corresponding to the number of users belonging to the group is two if the number of users belonging to the group is four, or four if the number of users belonging to the group is eight.

[0170] The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple user IDs corresponding to multiple users who voted in the competition, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple group IDs associated with each of the identified multiple user IDs, for example, by referring to a user database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of user IDs associated with each of the multiple group IDs, and thereby identifies the number of users who voted in the competition among multiple users belonging to the group corresponding to the group ID.

[0171] When a predetermined number or more of users belonging to a group vote in the competition, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users belonging to the group. On the other hand, when less than a predetermined number of users belonging to a group vote in the competition, the reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the users belonging to the group. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 motivates users belonging to the group to vote so that the number of users belonging to the group reaches a predetermined number or more, making it easier for more users to vote.

[0172] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group when the votes of a predetermined number or more of the multiple users associated with the group are correct. A "correct vote" means, for example, that at least one of the voting targets included in the voting information is eligible for a refund. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the user ID corresponding to the user whose vote was correct, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple group IDs associated with the identified multiple user IDs by referring to a user database. The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of users whose votes were correct and who belong to each of multiple groups corresponding to the identified multiple group IDs.

[0173] The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users among the multiple users belonging to each of the multiple groups if the number of users whose votes were correct is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and does not grant a reward if the number of users whose votes were correct is less than the predetermined number. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 allows the competition operator to provide users with rewards appropriate to the number of users whose votes were correct. Furthermore, because a user's correct vote brings joy to other users in the group, the user's joy when they win is greater, and the user is motivated to vote again.

[0174] [Determining which users will receive rewards] The reward granting unit 214 may determine one or more users to whom a reward will be granted from among the multiple users belonging to the group. The reward granting unit 214 selects one or more users to whom a reward will be granted based on, for example, the amount of a predetermined value that each of the multiple users who voted has bet on the competition. The reward granting unit 214 selects users to whom a reward will be granted so that, for example, a reward is granted to a user who has bet a larger amount than to a user who has bet a smaller amount.

[0175] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the voting amount of each of the multiple users belonging to the group, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 selects a predetermined number of users from the top of the multiple users arranged in order from the users with the largest voting amount, and grants a reward to them. The predetermined number is determined, for example, based on the number of people belonging to the group. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can grant a reward according to the voting amount. This motivates users to cast larger votes.

[0176] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to a first user when a second user, among multiple users associated with a group, votes based on the content of a vote cast by a first user. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the first user on the condition that, for example, information indicating that the first user voted based on the content of a vote cast for a competition and the content of a vote cast by the second user for a competition are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0177] By the privilege granting unit 214 operating in this manner, users with a lot of voting experience are motivated to disclose their votes to users with less voting experience. Users with less voting experience can increase their chances of voting by referring to the votes of users with more voting experience. As a result, more users are motivated to vote.

[0178] The reward granting unit 214 may determine one or more users to whom a reward will be granted from among the multiple users belonging to the group based on past votes. The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to a user who has not voted in the competition, among the multiple users associated with the group, if the voting history indicating the content of votes cast by the user in the past in the competition satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0179] The predetermined condition is, for example, that the number of times that a user has cast a vote in a past competition or the number of times that the vote has been successful is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be a fixed number, such as 50, or may be a number determined based on the number of votes cast or the number of successful votes cast by multiple users belonging to a group. The number determined based on the number of votes cast or the number of successful votes cast by multiple users belonging to a group is, for example, the average number of votes or the number of successful votes cast by the multiple users.

[0180] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of votes or the number of winning combinations associated with each of the multiple users belonging to the group, for example, by referring to the user database shown in Figure 5(c). If the identified number of votes or the number of winning combinations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the user corresponding to the user ID associated with the identified number of votes or the number of winning combinations, even if the user did not vote in the target competition.

[0181] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a different reward to users who did not vote in a target competition than the reward granted to users who voted in the target competition, or may grant the same reward as the reward granted to users who voted in the target competition to users who did not vote in the target competition. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can make users who did not vote in the target competition interested in voting in the competition again by being granted a reward, even if they voted in the competition in the past but are not currently voting in the competition, and thus motivate them to vote again.

[0182] [Determining the benefits to be given to users] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of a reward to be granted to one or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group. The content of the reward may be, for example, the amount or rate of a discount when purchasing a product that is eligible for the reward, or the type of product that is eligible for the reward.

[0183] The reward granting unit 214 determines the content of the reward to be given to a user belonging to a group, for example, according to the total amount of reward paid when the votes of multiple users associated with the group are correct. For example, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to a user with a larger discount amount or discount rate when purchasing a product, the larger the total amount of reward paid to multiple users belonging to the group.

[0184] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the reward for each of multiple users belonging to the same group, for example, by referring to a history database. The reward granting unit 214 determines the total reward for each of the identified multiple users and grants the user a reward indicating a discount amount or discount rate corresponding to the total reward. By operating the reward granting unit 214 in this manner, the competition operator can grant a reward appropriate to the reward amount. Furthermore, users are motivated to cast votes with a large amount of predetermined value in order to be awarded a reward with a large discount amount or discount rate.

[0185] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the reward according to the number of users belonging to a group. For example, the reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward to users belonging to a group in which the larger the number of users belonging to the group, the larger the discount amount or discount rate when purchasing a product.

[0186] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of users corresponding to the user IDs associated with the group ID, for example, by referring to the user database shown in Fig. 5(c), and determines the content of the reward according to the number of identified users. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users to invite other users to join the group to which they belong, thereby increasing the number of users who vote.

[0187] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the reward to be given to each of multiple users based on the voting history of each of multiple users associated with a group corresponding to the same group ID. The voting history is information associated with a group ID for identifying the group, and includes at least one of reward information indicating a reward corresponding to the amount of a predetermined value that the user has bet on in a competition in which the user has won, and voting count information indicating the number of times the user has voted on a competition, such as the number of votes cast, the number of winning votes, or the total amount of rewards for winning votes. The voting history is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0188] The reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple user IDs associated with the same group ID and the number of winning votes associated with each of the multiple user IDs, for example by referring to a user database. The reward granting unit 214 grants a reward with a smaller discount amount to a user who has cast a fewer number of winning votes, and a reward with a larger discount amount to a user who has cast a larger number of winning votes.

[0189] Specifically, the bonus granting unit 214 refers to the user database shown in Figure 5(c) to identify the user ID "U003" and user ID "U005" associated with the group ID "G002", as well as the number of hits "95" associated with the user ID "U003" and the number of hits "74" associated with the user ID "U005".

[0190] Next, the reward granting unit 214 grants a first reward to user "C" corresponding to user ID "U003" associated with the number of hits "95," and grants a second reward to user "E" corresponding to user ID "U005" associated with the number of hits "74." The first reward is a reward that provides a larger discount amount or discount rate when purchasing a product than the second reward. By operating the reward granting unit 214 in this manner, users belonging to the group are motivated to vote more actively in order to increase the number of votes, the number of hits, or the amount of reward more than other users. As a result, the reward granting unit 214 can increase the number of times a user votes.

[0191] The reward granting unit 214 may determine the content of the reward based on which of the multiple sports each of two or more users associated with the group ID has voted for. The reward granting unit 214 may, for example, notify multiple terminals 10 used by multiple users belonging to multiple groups, of multiple sports that have been determined in advance. The users view the multiple sports notified by the reward granting unit 214, displayed on the terminal 10, and select a different sport from the sports voted for by other users belonging to the same group, and then vote for the selected sport.

[0192] Next, the reward granting unit 214 identifies the event corresponding to the event ID included in the voting details of each of the multiple users belonging to the same group. For example, if two or more users among the multiple users belonging to the group vote for two or more events among the multiple events notified to the terminal 10, and each of the two or more users votes for a different event than the other users, the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to the users belonging to the group.

[0193] On the other hand, if two or more users among the multiple users belonging to a group have not voted for two or more of the multiple sports notified to the terminal 10, or if two or more users have voted for the same sport among the multiple sports notified, the bonus awarding unit 214 does not award a bonus to the users of the group. By operating the bonus awarding unit 214 in this way, users belonging to a group are motivated to select the sport to vote for while communicating with other users belonging to the same group, which increases the enjoyment of voting.

[0194] The reward granting unit 214 may grant a reward associated with a specific vote forecaster to a user, among multiple users associated with a group, who voted based on the vote predictions of a specific vote forecaster who predicted votes, different from other users who did not vote based on the vote predictions. A specific vote forecaster is, for example, a vote forecaster who predicted the outcome of a competition in content including content predicting the outcome of a competition. A reward associated with a vote forecaster is, for example, a ticket for purchasing a product including a portrait, photo, or autograph of the vote forecaster. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, content viewing information indicating that a user has viewed content, the content name, the vote forecaster, and reward information indicating the content of the reward, in association with each other.

[0195] For example, when the user's voting information includes content viewing information, the reward granting unit 214 identifies a predicted voter associated with the content viewing information and a reward associated with the predicted voter, and grants the identified reward to the user. When the user's voting information does not include content viewing information, the reward granting unit 214 grants the same reward as other users who belong to the same group as the user. By operating in this manner, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate the user to view content.

[0196] The benefit granting unit 214 may grant a first benefit to one or more of the multiple users associated with the group if two or more users among the multiple users associated with the group vote for the same competition, and may grant a second benefit different from the first benefit to one or more of the multiple users associated with the group if two or more users among the multiple users associated with the group vote for multiple competitions.

[0197] The reward granting unit 214 identifies the competition ID corresponding to the competition for which each of the multiple users belonging to the group has voted by referring to the history database. If there is one type of competition ID corresponding to the competition for which two or more users have voted, the reward granting unit 214 grants a first reward to one or more users belonging to the group, and if there are two or more types of competition IDs identified, the reward granting unit 214 grants a second reward to one or more users belonging to the group.

[0198] If the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the first benefit is greater than the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the second benefit, the users belonging to the group are motivated to vote for the same competition as the other users. On the other hand, if the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the first benefit is less than the discount rate or amount when purchasing a product using the second benefit, the users belonging to the group are motivated to vote for a different competition than the other users.

[0199] In this way, multiple users belonging to a group are motivated to vote for the same event as the other users have voted for, or for a different event from the event that the other users have voted for, depending on the content of the first benefit and the content of the second benefit. Therefore, by having the benefit awarding unit 214 operate in this manner, the operator of the competition can encourage users to concentrate their votes on a specific event or to distribute them among multiple events by appropriately setting the content of the first benefit and the content of the second benefit.

[0200] The reward granting unit 214 may add up multiple rewards. When the reward granting unit 214 receives an instruction from a first user who has granted a first reward to provide the first reward to a second user who is associated with the first user in a group, the reward granting unit 214 may grant to the second user a reward that is the sum of the value of the reward corresponding to the second reward granted to the second user and the value of the reward corresponding to the first reward.

[0201] Specifically, the reward granting unit 214 grants the first user a first reward indicating "a 100 yen discount from the purchase price of product X," and grants the second user a second reward indicating "a 50 yen discount from the purchase price of product X." Subsequently, the first user operates the terminal 10 to transmit provision information for providing the first reward to the second user to the reward granting unit 214. Based on the acquired provision information, the reward granting unit 214 grants the second user a reward indicating "a 150 yen discount from the purchase price of product X," which is the sum of the first reward and the second reward.

[0202] By operating the reward granting unit 214 in this way, a user who has been granted a reward can provide the reward to other users who belong to the same group, thereby facilitating communication with other users who belong to the same group. As a result, the users who belong to the group become closer to each other, and the users' enjoyment of voting increases.

[0203] [Information to be provided before awarding benefits] The reward granting unit 214 may notify the users associated with the group of conditions under which a reward is granted to the users associated with the group. The conditions under which a reward is granted may be, for example, the difference between the number of votes required to grant a reward to the users associated with the group and the number of users who have already voted among the users belonging to the group, or the difference between the voting amount required to grant a reward to the users associated with the group and the total voting amount cast by the users belonging to the group, such as the conditions shown in area 182 in FIG. 15 .

[0204] For example, when determining whether to grant a reward based on the number of votes, the reward granting unit 214 refers to the history database to identify the difference between the number of users who have already voted in each of a plurality of groups and the number of votes required to grant a reward to one or more users associated with the group, and notifies the terminals 10 used by each of the plurality of users belonging to the group. Based on the notification received from the reward granting unit 214, the terminal 10 displays, for example, a screen shown in FIG. 15.

[0205] When determining whether to grant a reward based on the total amount of votes cast by users belonging to a group, the reward granting unit 214 refers to the history database to identify the difference between the total amount of votes cast by users belonging to each group and the amount of votes required to grant the reward, and notifies the terminal 10 used by each of the users belonging to the group of the identified difference and the total amount of votes. Based on the notification received from the reward granting unit 214, the terminal 10 displays, "The total amount of votes is XX yen. You will be granted the reward if you vote XX yen more."

[0206] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the content of a vote, including a betting target and a predetermined value, entered by each user on a screen in which the conditions are displayed by the reward granting unit 214 on each of the terminals 10 of the users. For example, the acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the content of a vote entered by a user of a terminal 10 displaying the screen shown in FIG. 15 by pressing an operation image 183. By operating the reward granting unit 214 and the acquisition unit 212 in this manner, the user is motivated to vote because the user can know the number of additional votes or the amount of votes required to receive a reward. Then, the user can easily vote by pressing the screen of the terminal 10 displaying the conditions.

[0207] The reward granting unit 214 may notify the users of the content of a reward corresponding to the maximum amount of a reward to be paid if the votes of the users corresponding to the user IDs associated with the same group ID are correct, before it is determined whether the votes of the users are correct. The reward granting unit 214 notifies the terminals 10 used by the users of the content of the reward, for example, at regular intervals.

[0208] The reward granting unit 214 acquires voting information stored in the memory unit 22, for example, at regular intervals. For each of a plurality of groups, the reward granting unit 214 identifies multiple voting targets and voting amounts voted for by multiple users associated with the group. The reward granting unit 214 identifies a combination of votes that can simultaneously win among the votes corresponding to the identified multiple voting targets, and identifies the maximum amount of reward at the time the voting information was acquired based on the voting amounts of the votes included in the identified combination. The reward granting unit 214 notifies multiple terminals 10 used by multiple users belonging to the group who may be awarded the reward, of the reward corresponding to the identified maximum amount of reward.

[0209] By operating the reward granting unit 214 in this manner, users can easily know about rewards that may be granted to them. As a result, the reward granting unit 214 can motivate users who have not voted to vote in order to be granted a reward.

[0210] [Processing flow of information processing device 20] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processor 21 according to the third embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 16 shows the operations from when the acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information of two or more users belonging to the first group to when the reward granting unit 214 grants a reward to one or more users belonging to the first group.

[0211] The acquisition unit 212 acquires voting information indicating the content of votes cast by users belonging to the first group for the competition (S51). The reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of voters who voted for the competition among the multiple users belonging to the first group. If the number of voters identified by the reward granting unit 214 is less than a predetermined number (NO in S52), the reward granting unit 214 does not grant a reward to the users belonging to the first group. The predetermined number is a number determined based on at least one of the content of the competition, the number of users belonging to the first group, or the cumulative amount of votes cast by users belonging to the first group within a predetermined period in the past, and is a number equal to or greater than 2.

[0212] If the number of voters identified by the reward awarding unit 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (YES in S52), the reward awarding unit 214 obtains the competition results of the competition in which the users belonging to the first group voted from the payment processing unit 213 (S53). The payment processing unit 213 determines the winning amounts corresponding to the votes of the multiple users belonging to the first group based on the competition results, thereby determining the total winning amounts of the multiple users belonging to the first group (S54).

[0213] If the total winning amounts identified by the reward granting unit 214 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (YES in S55), the reward granting unit 214 determines one or more users to whom a reward will be granted from among the multiple users belonging to the first group (S56). The reward granting unit 214 grants the reward to the determined users (S57). If the total winning amounts identified by the reward granting unit 214 is less than a predetermined amount If the result of S55 is NO, the reward granting unit 214 identifies the number of users whose votes were correct, among the plurality of users belonging to the first group (S58).

[0214] If the number of hits identified by the bonus awarding unit 214 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (YES in S59), the bonus awarding unit 214 determines one or more users to whom a bonus will be awarded from among the multiple users belonging to the first group (S56). Subsequently, the bonus awarding unit 214 awards a bonus to the determined users (S57). If the number of hits identified by the bonus awarding unit 214 is less than the predetermined number (NO in S59), the privilege granting unit 214 does not grant a privilege to the users belonging to the first group.

[0215] If an operation to end the process has not been performed (NO in S60), processor 21 repeats the processes from S51 to S59. If an operation to end the process has been performed (YES in S60), processor 21 ends the process. Note that in the flowchart shown in Fig. 16, information processing device 20 may interchangeably execute the process of identifying the total winning amounts of users belonging to the first group (S54) and determining whether the identified winning amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (S55) with the process of identifying the number of winning users belonging to the first group (S58) and determining whether the identified number of winning users is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S59).

[0216] [Advantages of the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment includes an acquisition unit 212 that acquires voting information indicating that users have voted in a competition. Then, based on the votes of two or more users among a plurality of users associated with the same group, a reward granting unit 214 grants a reward indicating a reward that can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group.

[0217] By operating the information processing device 20 in this manner, if one of the other users belonging to the same group has voted, the user is motivated to vote because there is a possibility that the user will be awarded a special benefit by voting. Furthermore, if other users who have not voted are awarded a special benefit, their interest in the competition will increase and they will be motivated to vote. As a result, the information processing device 20 can increase the number of users who vote.

[0218] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments.

[0219] In other words, each of the first, second, and third embodiments corresponds to a variation of one embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention also includes combining and implementing multiple functions described in the descriptions of multiple embodiments among the functions described using each embodiment as an example.

[0220] In addition to the above embodiment, the following is further noted. (Appendix 1) an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating the content of a user's vote in a competition; a reward provision unit that provides the user with a reward that can be used to purchase a product or use a service based on the competition result of the competition in which the user voted and the voting content indicated by the voting information; An information processing device having the above. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of more voters. (Appendix 2) a payment processor; the acquiring unit acquires the voting information indicating the voting content including the voting object for which the user voted and a predetermined value; the payment processing unit, if the vote is correct, gives the user a reward according to the amount of the predetermined value; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the user according to the amount of the reward. 10. The information processing device according to claim 1. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters are motivated to vote with a larger predetermined value so as to obtain a larger reward amount. (Appendix 3) the benefit granting unit grants a first benefit of the plurality of benefits to the user if the vote is correct, and grants a second benefit of the plurality of benefits, which is a benefit different from the first benefit, to the user if the vote is incorrect; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters are motivated to vote again. (Appendix 4) a storage unit that stores the voting information indicating the content of the vote when the user voted and hit result information indicating whether the vote was a hit or a miss, in association with each of the multiple users; When the user hits the new ballot, the reward granting unit grants the reward to the user based on one or more pieces of voting information stored in association with the winning result information indicating that the user's new ballot is a losing ballot, among the one or more pieces of voting information of the user stored in the storage unit. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to vote again even if they lose. (Appendix 5) Further, a vote acceptance unit that accepts votes for the voting content is provided, the acquiring unit acquires planned information indicating a voting object and a predetermined value for which the user plans to vote before the voting acceptance unit accepts the vote for the voting content; When the voting target indicated by the scheduled information and the predetermined value satisfy a predetermined right granting condition, the benefit granting unit notifies the user of the content of the benefit that may be granted by voting before the vote accepting unit starts accepting votes for the voting content. 5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the probability that a voter will cast a ballot can be increased. (Appendix 6) a storage unit that stores a voting history indicating the contents of votes made by the user in the competition; the benefit granting unit grants the user the benefit corresponding to past voting details indicated by the voting history of the user stored in the storage unit. 6. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters can be motivated to continue voting. (Appendix 7) the benefit granting unit grants the user a benefit associated with a specific content when the voting information indicating the content of the user's vote in the competition includes information indicating that the user voted based on the specific content viewed by the user; 7. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to use specific content and cast their votes. (Appendix 8) The system further includes a period determination unit that determines a period during which the benefit can be used based on at least one of the type of the event that the user has won among the events for which the user has voted, or a reward according to the amount of a predetermined value that the user has voted for in the event that the user has won. 8. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to vote for a particular event or for a bracket number that will enable them to obtain a large payout amount. (Appendix 9) a storage unit that stores competition information indicating the competition and benefit information indicating the benefit in association with each other; a notification unit that notifies the user of the competition information, the notification unit notifies a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user of content of the competition corresponding to the competition information associated with content of the benefit notified to the first user by the benefit granting unit; 9. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. By configuring the information processing device in this way, other voters who have a predetermined relationship with the voter can be motivated to vote in the competition. (Appendix 10) When the reward granting unit grants the reward to a first user who voted in the competition, the reward granting unit grants the reward to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user. 10. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 9. By configuring the information processing device in this way, other voters who have a predetermined relationship with the voter can be motivated to vote in the competition. (Appendix 11) a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying a plurality of users in association with group identification information for identifying a group; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when a first user casts a vote in the competition that corresponds to a first vote content and the first user identification information and the second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit in association with the same group identification information, and when a second user casts a vote in the competition that corresponds to a second vote content and the second user does not cast a vote content and the second user identification information and the second user identification information are stored in the storage unit in association with the same group identification information ... and the second user identification information are stored in the storage unit in association with the same group identification information and the second user identification information and the second user identification information and the second user identification information and the second user identification information and the second user identification information are stored in the storage unit in association with the same group identification information and the second user identification information and 11. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters can be motivated to register with the group. (Appendix 12) The computer executes acquiring voting information indicating the content of a user's vote in a competition; a step of providing the user with a benefit that can be used to purchase a product or use a service based on the results of the competition in which the user voted and the voting content indicated by the voting information; An information processing method comprising: By implementing such an information processing method, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of more voters. (Appendix 13) An information processing system including an information processing device and an information terminal, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating the content of votes cast by a user of the information terminal when the user votes in a competition; a reward provision unit that transmits to the user reward information indicating a reward that can be used to purchase a product or use a service based on the competition result of the competition in which the user voted and the voting content indicated by the voting information, The information terminal an information transmitting unit that transmits the voting information to the information processing device; an information receiving unit that receives the special benefit information; An information processing system having the above. By configuring such an information processing system, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of more voters. (Appendix 14) an acquisition unit that acquires first voting information indicating the content of a first vote when a first user votes for a competition; a reward granting unit that grants a reward, which can be a preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service, to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in the competition; An information processing device having the above. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it becomes easier for more people to vote and the number of voters can be increased. (Appendix 15) the reward granting unit grants the reward to the first user and the second user based on the first user's voting in the competition. 15. The information processing device according to claim 14. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate more people to vote. (Appendix 16) the acquisition unit acquires second voting information indicating second voting details when the second user votes for the competition; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when the competition corresponding to the second voting content is a competition associated with the competition corresponding to the first voting content. 16. The information processing device according to claim 14 or 15. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to increase the number of votes for a competition for which it is desired to increase the number of votes. (Appendix 17) the acquisition unit acquires second voting information indicating second voting details when the second user votes for the competition; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when the second voting information includes information indicating that the second user voted based on the first voting content. 17. The information processing device according to claim 14 or 16. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters who have little experience voting are motivated to vote. (Appendix 18) the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when a vote corresponding to the first vote content is correct. 18. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 17. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the voter's enjoyment of voting can be increased. (Appendix 19) the acquisition unit acquires second voting information indicating second voting details when the second user votes for the competition; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when the competition corresponding to the second betting content is the same as the competition corresponding to the winning first betting content. 19. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 18. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters can be motivated to invite other voters to join the group to which they belong, thereby increasing the number of voters. (Appendix 20) the acquisition unit acquires first competition information indicating a competition in which the first user watched a video, and second competition information indicating a competition in which the second user watched a video, the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when the competition indicated by the second competition information is the same as the winning competition indicated by the first competition information. 20. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 19. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to view content that includes predictions about the results of a competition. (Appendix 21) a payment processor; the acquiring unit acquires the first voting information indicating the first voting content including a voting object voted for by the first user and a predetermined value; the payment processing unit, when a vote corresponding to the first voting content is correct, gives a reward according to the amount of the predetermined value to the first user; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the first user according to the amount of the reward. 21. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 20. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to cast votes with a large amount of predetermined value. (Appendix 22) a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying a plurality of users in association with group identification information for identifying a group; the benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the second user when first user identification information corresponding to the first user and second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit in association with the same group identification information. 22. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 21. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate users to register in the same group as the user who voted. (Appendix 23) a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying a plurality of users in association with group identification information for identifying a group; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when the vote corresponding to the first vote content is correct, if first user identification information corresponding to the first user and second user identification information corresponding to the second user are stored in the storage unit in association with the same group identification information, and if the vote corresponding to the second vote content when the second user voted in the competition is not correct; 23. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 22. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate users to register in the same group as the user who voted. (Appendix 24) a storage unit that stores a first voting history indicating one or more first voting details cast by the first user for one or more competitions and a second voting history indicating one or more second voting details cast by the second user for one or more competitions; the reward granting unit grants the reward to the second user when at least one of the competitions included in the one or more first voting contents indicated by the first voting history is the same as at least one of the competitions included in the one or more second voting contents indicated by the second voting history. 24. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 23. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters are motivated to vote while communicating with other voters, which increases the enjoyment of voting. (Appendix 25) The reward granting unit determines the number of second users to whom the reward will be given based on a predetermined value voted by the first users in the competition. 25. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 24. By configuring the information processing device in this way, a voter who wishes to give a benefit to many other voters is motivated to vote a large predetermined value. (Appendix 26) a storage unit that stores, for each user, a user reward giving history that indicates one or more other users to whom the reward giving unit has given the reward based on the user's vote in a competition; When the number of second users having the predetermined relationship is greater than the number of second users to whom the privilege is to be given, the privilege granting unit refers to the user privilege granting history to identify the second users who have voted to grant the privilege previously given to the first user by the privilege granting unit, and grants the privilege that can be used by the identified second users. 26. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 25. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to give a special gift to a person who is close to the voter. (Appendix 27) The benefit is a benefit that can be used continuously for a predetermined period of time, the benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the second user, allowing the second user to use the benefit during a period in which the first user is using the benefit; 27. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 26. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the value of voting for the voter increases, and the voter is motivated to vote again. (Appendix 28) the benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the second user, allowing the second user to use the benefit after the first user has used the benefit; 28. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 27. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to use the benefits they have acquired. (Appendix 29) a storage unit that stores competition information indicating the competition and benefit information indicating the benefit in association with each other; a notification unit that notifies a user of the competition information, The notification unit notifies the second user of the competition information associated with the content of the benefit notified to the first user. 29. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 14 to 28. By configuring the information processing device in this way, a second user who has a predetermined relationship with a first user can be motivated to vote in a competition. (Appendix 30) The computer executes acquiring voting information indicating the content of a vote cast by a first user for a competition; A step of providing a benefit indicating a benefit that can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in the competition; An information processing method comprising: By implementing the information processing method in this way, it becomes easier for more people to vote and the number of voters can be increased. (Appendix 31) An information processing system including an information processing device, a first information terminal, and a second information terminal, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating the content of votes cast in a competition by a first user who uses the first information terminal; a reward granting unit that transmits reward information indicating a reward that can be used to purchase a product or use a service to a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user, based on the first user's vote in the competition; The first information terminal an information transmitting unit that transmits the voting information to the information processing device; a first information receiving unit that receives the special benefit information; a first display unit that displays the benefit information; The second information terminal a second information receiving unit that receives the special benefit information; a second display unit that displays the benefit information; An information processing system having the above. By configuring the information processing system in this way, it becomes easier for more people to vote and the number of voters can be increased. (Appendix 32) an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition; a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege that can give preferential treatment to purchase a product or use a service to one or more users among a plurality of users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated, when the acquisition unit acquires multiple pieces of voting information indicating that two or more users among a plurality of users associated with the same group have voted; An information processing device having the above. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters are motivated to vote because they may be awarded a special benefit for voting. (Appendix 33) the reward granting unit grants the reward to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group when the votes of a predetermined number or more of users among the plurality of users associated with the group are correct; 33. The information processing device according to claim 32. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the voter's joy when he or she wins is increased, and the voter is motivated to vote again. (Appendix 34) a payment processor; the acquiring unit acquires the voting information indicating voting details including a voting object for which the user has voted and a predetermined value; the payment processing unit, if the vote is correct, gives a reward according to the amount of the predetermined value to the user who voted; the reward granting unit grants the reward to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group when a total of the rewards acquired by the plurality of users associated with the group is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; 34. The information processing device according to claim 32 or 33. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the operator of the competition can provide a reward that is appropriate for the amount of the winning bet. (Appendix 35) the acquiring unit acquires the voting information indicating voting details including a voting object for which the user has voted and a predetermined value; the reward granting unit grants the reward to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group when a total of the predetermined values ​​voted for the competition by the plurality of users associated with the group is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; 35. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 34. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to increase the number of voters and the amount of votes. (Appendix 36) the acquiring unit acquires the voting information indicating voting details including a voting object for which the user has voted and a predetermined value; the reward granting unit selects one or more users to whom the reward is to be given based on the amount of the predetermined value that each of the plurality of users who voted has voted for the competition. 36. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 35. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters are motivated to cast larger votes. (Appendix 37) the reward granting unit notifies the plurality of users associated with the group of conditions under which the reward is granted to the one or more users associated with the group; 37. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 36. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters are motivated to vote more. (Appendix 38) the acquisition unit acquires the voting information indicating voting details including a voting target and a predetermined value input by each user on a screen on which the condition is displayed by the benefit granting unit on the information terminal of each user; 38. The information processing device according to claim 37. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters can easily cast their votes. (Appendix 39) the reward granting unit determines the content of the reward to be granted to the user belonging to the group according to the total amount of reward to be paid when the votes of the plurality of users associated with the group are correct; 39. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 38. By configuring the information processing device in this way, the competition operator can award benefits appropriate to the amount of compensation. (Appendix 40) a storage unit that stores a voting history, associated with group identification information for identifying the group, including at least one of reward information indicating a reward according to the amount of a predetermined value that a user has bet on in the competition that has been selected and voting count information indicating the number of times the user has bet on the competition; the reward granting unit determines the content of the reward to be granted to each of the plurality of users based on the voting history of each of the plurality of users associated with the group corresponding to the same group identification information. 40. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 39. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters belonging to a group are motivated to actively vote. (Appendix 41) when the privilege granting unit receives an instruction from a first user who has granted first privilege information to provide the first privilege information to a second user associated with the first user and the group, the privilege granting unit grants to the second user the privilege obtained by adding together a value of the privilege corresponding to the second privilege information granted to the second user and a value of the privilege corresponding to the first privilege information. 41. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 40. By configuring the information processing device in this way, a voter can smoothly communicate with other voters who belong to the same group, which increases the enjoyment of voting. (Appendix 42) the reward granting unit grants the reward associated with the specific vote predictor to a user who has voted based on the vote prediction content of a specific vote predictor who predicted the votes, the reward being different from that of other users who have not voted based on the vote prediction content, among the plurality of users associated with the group; 42. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 41. By configuring the information processing device in this way, it is possible to motivate voters to view content associated with predicted voters. (Appendix 43) the reward granting unit grants the reward to a first user when a second user, among a plurality of users associated with the group, votes based on the content of a vote cast by the first user; 43. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 42. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters with a lot of voting experience are motivated to disclose the details of their votes to voters with little voting experience. (Appendix 44) the reward granting unit grants the reward to a user who has not voted in the competition among the plurality of users associated with the group, when a voting history indicating the contents of votes cast by the user in past competitions satisfies a predetermined condition. 44. The information processing device according to any one of appendices 32 to 43. By configuring the information processing device in this way, voters who have voted in competitions in the past but are not currently voting in competitions are motivated to vote in competitions again. (Appendix 45) The computer executes obtaining voting information indicating that a user has voted in a competition; When a plurality of pieces of voting information indicating that two or more users among the plurality of users associated with the same group have voted is obtained, a step of giving a privilege that can give preferential treatment to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated, in order to purchase a product or use a service; An information processing method comprising: By implementing the information processing method in this manner, voters are motivated to vote because they may be granted special information by voting. (Appendix 46) An information processing system including an information processing device and a plurality of information terminals, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires voting information indicating that users have voted in the competition from the plurality of information terminals; a privilege granting unit that, when the acquiring unit acquires a plurality of pieces of voting information indicating that two or more users among a plurality of users associated with the same group have voted, transmits privilege information indicating a privilege that can provide preferential treatment for purchasing a product or using a service to one or more users among a plurality of users associated with the group to which the two or more users are associated, Each of the plurality of information terminals an information transmitting unit that transmits the voting information to the information processing device; an information receiving unit that receives the special benefit information; An information processing system having the above. With the information processing system configured in this way, voters are motivated to vote because they may be granted benefits by voting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] 10 devices 11 processors 12 Storage section 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 20 Information processing equipment 21 processors 22 Memory section 23 Communication Interface 24 Input Devices 25 Output Devices 30 EC site server 111 Information Transmission Unit 112 Information Receiving Unit 113 Display control unit 211 Voting Reception 212 Acquisition Department 213 Payment Processing Unit 214 Benefits Granting Department 215 Period Determination Department 216 Notification Department

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: Based on the amount of bets made by the user in the competition and the payout rate, a reward is awarded to the user if the user's bet is successful; When the total amount of bets made by multiple users associated with the same group in the competition, or the total amount of rewards obtained by the multiple users as a result of winning bets in the competition, is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a benefit different from the reward is granted to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group; The predetermined amount is determined based on the number of users belonging to the group.

2. a processor, the processor comprising: Based on the amount of bets made by the user in the competition and the payout rate, a reward is awarded to the user if the user's bet is successful; When the total amount of bets made by multiple users associated with the same group in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a benefit different from the reward is granted to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group; When voting for the competition is possible, display information indicating the difference between the total amount of votes already cast by the plurality of users associated with the group and the predetermined amount on the terminals of the plurality of users; The predetermined amount is determined based on the number of users belonging to the group.

3. The processor: Based on the amount of bets made by the user in the competition and the payout rate, a reward is awarded to the user if the user's bet is successful; An information processing method in which a processor grants a benefit other than the reward to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group when a total of the bet amounts cast by the plurality of users in the competition or a total of the rewards obtained as a result of winning bets by the plurality of users in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, The information processing method, wherein the predetermined amount is determined based on the number of users belonging to the group.

4. The processor awards a reward to the user based on the amount of the user's bet in the competition and the payout rate if the user's bet is successful; a processor, when a total amount of bets made by a plurality of users associated with the same group in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, granting a benefit different from the reward to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the group; an information processing method for displaying, on terminals of the plurality of users, information indicating a difference between a total of bet amounts already cast by the plurality of users associated with the group and the predetermined amount when voting for the competition is possible, the method comprising: The information processing method, wherein the predetermined amount is determined based on the number of users belonging to the group.

5. A process of awarding a reward to a user when the user's bet on a competition is successful, based on the bet amount and payout rate; and when the total amount of bets made by multiple users associated with the same group in the competition, or the total amount of rewards obtained by the multiple users as a result of winning bets in the competition, is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, granting a benefit other than the reward to one or more users among the multiple users associated with the group, The predetermined amount is determined based on the number of users belonging to the group.

6. A process of awarding a reward to a user when the user's bet on a competition is successful, based on the bet amount and payout rate; a process of granting a benefit different from the reward to one or more users among the plurality of users associated with the same group when the total amount of bets made by the plurality of users associated with the same group in the competition is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and when voting for the competition is possible, displaying information indicating the difference between the total amount of bets already cast by the plurality of users associated with the group and the predetermined amount on the terminals of the plurality of users, The predetermined amount is determined based on the number of users belonging to the group.

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