Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method and a program capable of confirming with a user that whose prediction was referred to for voting after the voting and urging the user's voting action.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a reception unit for receiving voting to predict a result of a race from a user, and a display control unit for displaying information on a second user on a terminal of a first user when a prescribed condition is satisfied after the reception unit receives first voting based on the prediction made by the second user from the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, services that enable voting for public competitions and the like through communication networks have been provided. Users who use this service predict the results of the competition and vote by investing a value such as money in the prediction content. The vote is received by the server computer of the service provider company, and when the competition result is determined, a payout (refund) corresponding to the winning result of the vote is given to the user.

[0003] Also, in the above service, a user can also vote by referring to the prediction content of others. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a voting prediction disclosure system used for disclosure of predictions about public competitions and purchase of voting tickets based on the disclosed predictions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, although information of predictors such as the winning rate is displayed to the user before the user votes, it does not display the information of the predictors after the user votes. Therefore, the user cannot look back and confirm after voting on which predictor's prediction they voted based on, that is, which predictor's prediction they referred to was a winning or non - winning vote. Therefore, the user's willingness to vote again using the predictor's prediction may be suppressed, which may cause the number of votes not to increase.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can allow users to confirm whose predictions they based their vote on after voting, thereby promoting user voting behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit that receives votes from a user predicting the results of a competition, and a display control unit that, after the reception unit receives a first vote from the first user based on the second user's prediction, displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal if predetermined conditions are met. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, after voting, users can be allowed to confirm whose predictions they based their vote on, thereby promoting user voting behavior. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a vote confirmation screen. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the second user list screen. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying prediction results. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a race results confirmation screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a purchase history confirmation screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the second user details screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an information processing device and peripheral equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the functions of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of user information. [Figure 10]This is a diagram showing an example of race information. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of voting information. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of voting usage information. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of race result information. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the flow of voting reception processing. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the flow of the second user display processing. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing the flow of notification processing.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Regarding the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention, a specific embodiment (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) will be described as an example. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved from the embodiment described below as long as it does not deviate from its gist. Naturally, equivalents of the present invention are also included.

[0011] Also, the screen examples shown in the drawings referred to in the following description are merely examples, and the configuration examples of the screen, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and user preferences, etc., and can also be changed as appropriate.

[0012] Also, in this specification, the "apparatus" includes not only a single apparatus that exhibits a predetermined function alone, but also a plurality of apparatuses that cooperate to exhibit a predetermined function although they are separated from each other.

[0013] In addition, in this specification, a "user" refers to a user of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. Specifically, it is a user of the service provided by the information processing apparatus of the present invention and is a unit to which a service use account is assigned. Note that, unless otherwise specified, a user is an individual, but a group of multiple people may also be a user.

[0014] [Regarding the service using the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment] First, a voting service as a service provided using the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

[0015] The voting service is an online service. Regarding a predetermined competition held in a predetermined area, as long as a communication line is available, voting can be performed at any location. Voting is performed by predicting the result of the competition and investing a voting value, that is, a stake, for the prediction. Voting for each competition can be performed within the acceptance period set for each competition, and after the end of the acceptance period, voting for that race is closed.

[0016] The competition is held in a virtual space such as the real space or the game space, for example, a public competition. Hereinafter, it is assumed to be a race such as horse racing, motorcycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing. However, the competition is not limited to public competitions, and any competition that can be a voting target is acceptable. For example, a sports game that is the target of betting, a game tournament such as so-called e-sports, or other competitions that compete for victory or defeat other than these may also be acceptable. Note that e-sports may be a competition between humans as players, or may be a competition between a human and a computer (for example, AI or a robot, etc.).

[0017] When a user performs voting in the voting service, the user operates a communication terminal. The voting service may be made available by accessing a predetermined website, or may be made available by installing a predetermined application program on the user's terminal.

[0018] To explain the voting procedure, users select the race they want to vote on while looking at the operation screen displayed on their device, and then predict the race result while referring to basic information and past performance of the participants (competitors or racehorses, etc.) and vote on their prediction. You place your bet. To select a race to bet on, you choose the date and location of the race, and if multiple races are held on the same date and at the same location, you select which race it is. To predict the race result, you specify a betting method (type of bet) such as win, exacta, trifecta, or quinella, and predict the order of finish according to the specified betting method, specifying the numbers of the horses competing (for example, a combination of 1 and 2). In addition, one bet can include multiple predictions, i.e., multiple bets. For example, you can make multiple predictions using the same betting method but with different combinations of horses competing, or you can make predictions for each betting method. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the term "prediction" includes both predictions for which betting value has actually been placed and predictions for which no betting value has yet been placed.

[0019] Voting value is value available to users within the service, and in this embodiment, it is service-specific value, including a first value and a second value that have different properties from each other. For example, the first value has monetary value, can be obtained by purchasing it for a fee or by fulfilling certain conditions, and is convertible to cash. The second value is points that have no monetary value, can be obtained by users by fulfilling certain conditions, such as logging into the service, and is not convertible to cash. However, this is not limited to the above case, and both the first and second values ​​may be convertible to cash, or neither value may be convertible to cash.

[0020] Furthermore, the voting value may be money that can be withdrawn from a cash card or bank account linked to the user's service account, or it may be electronic money or virtual currency usable with a third-party application (an application that allows payment using barcodes, stacked 2D codes, or matrix 2D codes, etc.). In addition, the voting value may include values ​​other than the first and second values.

[0021] Users specify either a first value, a second value, or both as the value they will bet on their prediction, and set the amount to bet (the quantity of value to bet) for each specified value. If a single bet includes multiple predictions, the type of value to bet and the amount to bet are set for each prediction. In the following, one combination of betting method and target (i.e., bet) is referred to as one prediction, and one combination of prediction and bet amount (i.e., combination of betting method, target, and bet amount) is referred to as one bet. A single bet may contain multiple bets.

[0022] Once the above steps are completed, the user's device will display the betting confirmation screen G1 shown in Figure 1. The betting confirmation screen G1 displays the race to bet on, the betting details (i.e., the prediction, and the amounts invested in the first and second values ​​for that prediction), and the odds set for each prediction (more precisely, for each prediction). The user confirms this information and finally completes the bet by tapping the betting execution button on the screen.

[0023] Once the race in which betting took place has ended and the race results, including the order of finish, have been determined, the success or failure of each bet (more precisely, each bet individually) is determined. Users whose bets were correct can receive a payout (reward) according to the odds set for that prediction. In principle, the payout is awarded based on the value used for the bet. For example, if a bet using value 1 is successful, a payout equivalent to the amount (money) of value 1 will be awarded. However, the payout may also be awarded based on a value different from the value used for the bet. For example, if a bet using value 2 is successful, a value 3 (such as value usable when participating in events like lotteries in the betting service or other computer games) may be awarded.

[0024] By the way, in a voting service, in addition to voting as described above, users can also... Users can communicate with other users with whom they have a (friend) relationship. A friend relationship corresponds to a predetermined relationship in this invention, and is a relationship formed by mutual agreement when one user sends a friend request and the other user accepts the request. Incidentally, users with a predetermined relationship are not limited to users with a friend relationship. For example, if another user Y uses a public prediction of a certain user X more than a predetermined number of times, user Y may be considered a user with a predetermined relationship with user X.

[0025] Users who are friends or in a designated relationship can exchange messages through a chat screen (not shown) and form groups to vote as a group. Furthermore, users belonging to the same group can refer to and share each other's votes or predictions within the group. In other words, users who are not friends have limited means of communication; they cannot exchange messages or vote as a group. Also, users who are not friends cannot view all or part of each other's votes or predictions.

[0026] In cases where some information cannot be viewed, this includes cases where the amount invested is hidden, or where 5 out of 10 voting items are hidden. Furthermore, "hiding" includes not only cases where the information itself is not displayed, but also cases where the information is displayed in a manner that makes its content illegible. For example, this includes cases where the display area for the invested amount is blurred, or where it is displayed as "??? yen." Additionally, tapping on the "??? yen" display area may prompt the user to perform the necessary actions to make the information's content illegible. For example, if user Y's voting items for user X are displayed as "??? yen," a screen may be displayed asking whether or not to send a friend request to user X. If user Y sends a friend request to user X, user X will receive a friend request from user Y, and if user X accepts the request, a friend relationship is established between user X and user Y. As a result, the previously hidden information is displayed to user Y in an illegible state.

[0027] Furthermore, each user can perform a public setting operation as a setting operation for their predictions. The public setting operation is an operation to make predictions (vote content) public to other users, and specifically, it is an operation to select whether or not to allow the prediction to be made public through a selection screen (not shown). In this embodiment, the public setting operation can only be performed when a vote is made using the first value. However, the public setting operation may be performed for all predictions for which a vote has been finalized (predictions that have actually been voted on), regardless of the type of voting value. Also, predictions for which the public setting operation can be performed may include predictions before voting, that is, mere predictions at the stage where voting value has not yet been actually cast. If a vote includes multiple predictions (vote content or prediction content), the public setting operation may be performed only for predictions for which the amount of the first value has been set. Alternatively, if at least one prediction includes predictions for which the amount of the first value has been set, the public setting operation may be performed on multiple predictions at once.

[0028] Furthermore, the scope of publication may be specified in the publication settings. For example, it may be possible to restrict at least one of the following: which users can view the published forecast, the publication period, and the content of the published forecast. Also, viewing the published forecast may be free or require a fee.

[0029] Hereafter, a publicly released prediction will be referred to as a "public prediction," and the user who published the prediction (predictor) will be referred to as the "second user." Furthermore, a vote made by other users (users other than the second user) using that public prediction (i.e., a vote based on the second user's prediction) will be referred to as the "first vote," and other users who have made such a first vote, and other users who are about to make such a first vote, will be referred to as the "first user." In addition, a vote made independently by other users (including the first user) based on their own predictions, regardless of the second user's public prediction (i.e., a vote that does not correspond to the second user's prediction), will be referred to as the "second vote." Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the term "vote" hereafter will include votes by the second user, first votes, and second votes. In this embodiment, a public prediction is described as a prediction included in a vote made using the first value, but as stated above, it is not limited to this.

[0030] The second user who has published their prediction will be displayed on the user's device on the second user list screen G2 shown in Figure 2. The second user list screen G2 displays a list of information about the second user, namely the second user's name and image (icon image), user rank (e.g., 25 ranks) which changes depending on the number of votes, and the number of first users who have already made their first vote using the published prediction (e.g., 251 people). Other users can sort or filter the second users displayed on the second user list screen G2 by popularity, performance, number of first votes, or new arrivals. Other users can also select any second user from those displayed on the second user list screen G2. This selection operation can be performed by, for example, tapping the area where the second user's name is displayed.

[0031] When another user makes a selection, the user transitions from the second user list screen G2 to the prediction content publication screen G3 shown in Figure 3, and the content of the publicly available prediction, which has been set for publication by the second user selected through the selection operation, is made public to other users. In other words, other users can view information about the publicly available prediction through the prediction content publication screen G3 displayed on their terminal. Information about the publicly available prediction includes the name and image (icon image) of the second user who made the prediction, the user rank which changes according to the number of votes, the number of first users who have already made their first vote using that publicly available prediction, the race to bet on, the content of the prediction, the odds set for the prediction, and the amounts invested in the first and second values ​​of the prediction.

[0032] Furthermore, the prediction disclosure screen G3 may also display other information besides the above, such as the performance of the second user who made the prediction for that day (e.g., number of correct predictions, winnings, win rate, and return rate). The number of correct predictions for the day refers to the total number of votes placed by users on the day of the race that resulted in a correct prediction. In this embodiment, the number of correct predictions is counted for each individual vote. For example, if a single vote contains multiple predictions, and one of those predictions is correct, the number of correct predictions is 1. Similarly, if two of those predictions are correct, the number of correct predictions is also 1. The number of correct predictions may also be counted for each individual prediction. Winnings refer to the total amount of winnings received from bets placed by users on race days, based on correct predictions. The win rate for the day is synonymous with the hit rate, and is the ratio of the number of votes in which the user's prediction was correct out of the total number of votes placed by the user on the day the race was held. In this embodiment, the win rate is calculated for each vote. For example, if the first race has 3 / 10 (number of correct votes / number of votes included in the vote, the same applies hereafter), the second and third races have 0 / 10 each (i.e., incorrect), and the fourth race has 1 / 10, then 2 out of 4 races were correct, so the win rate is 50%. The win rate may also be calculated for each individual vote. In this case, using the above example, 4 out of 40 votes were correct, so the win rate is 10%. The return rate for the day is the ratio of the total amount of winnings received on a race day to the total amount of value that users invested in betting on that day. A return rate exceeding 100% means that the user made a profit on that day.

[0033] Furthermore, the voting details included in the public predictions displayed on the prediction details screen G3 may be set to be public or private by the second user themselves. For example, the prediction details may be made public, while the type of voting value and the amount invested may be kept private. For voting details that the second user has not set to be public, at least some of the information may be displayed to other users' devices in a private state. Also, if other users are not friends with the second user, the information that the second user has set to be public may be displayed, but the information that has been set to private may not be displayed. Note that "private" includes not only not displaying the information itself, as well as displaying it in a manner that makes the content of the information identifiable, similar to hiding it as described above.

[0034] Other users who view the prediction content disclosure screen G3 can use the publicly available predictions by tapping the "Use Prediction" button displayed on the G3 screen. In other words, other users can see the publicly available predictions of others (second users) and use them to cast their first vote (a "piggyback vote") on the same prediction. This makes it easy for even users with little voting experience to vote, and as a result, it can stimulate users' motivation to vote.

[0035] Furthermore, when another user (the first user) casts their first vote, they may edit the content of the public prediction. Specifically, they may change the type of value used in the public prediction and / or the amount of value invested, or they may add their own predictions (prediction content) that are not included in the public prediction.

[0036] Furthermore, if a public prediction includes multiple voting options, for example, if it includes multiple predictions for different combinations of competition subjects, another user (the first user) may select one or more of these predictions and make their first vote using the selected predictions (hereinafter also referred to as the "specified predictions"). However, this is not the only option; users may also use all of the multiple prediction options included in the public prediction as a whole, or in other words, they may use the public prediction on a vote-by-vote basis to make their first vote.

[0037] In this embodiment, if another user (the first user) makes a first vote based on the second user's prediction, the second user will receive a push notification indicating this. Specifically, a notification message such as "The first vote has been made using your prediction" will be displayed on the second user's device. This allows the second user to recognize that their prediction has been used by another user (the first user).

[0038] After the race, if the publicly announced prediction is correct, both the second user and the first user who placed the first vote will receive a payout according to the odds of the correct prediction. In this embodiment, the public setting operation can only be performed on predictions that have been voted on using the first value. However, if predictions that have not yet been voted on are also included in the public predictions, then naturally, the second user who has not voted will not receive a payout even if the public prediction is correct.

[0039] In addition to dividends, the second user is also granted a bonus corresponding to the dividends earned by the first user, resulting in a favorable effect for the second user. The type and amount of the bonus is determined by the type and amount of value used in the first vote (for example, 1% of the first user's investment). In other words, if the first user invests a large amount of value in the first vote, the second user can receive a large bonus. In this embodiment, the bonus is granted when the first user uses the first value to make the first vote, and not when the first user uses the second value to make the first vote. Furthermore, if there are multiple first users, i.e., if the public prediction is used by multiple first users, the bonus will be determined according to the number of first users. If predictions that have not yet invested any voting value are also included in the public prediction, the bonus will be granted to second users who have not yet voted, based on the above conditions.

[0040] Furthermore, each user can perform a race results confirmation operation after the race has ended. The race results confirmation operation is an operation to check the results of the race, that is, the finishing order of the competitors, the payout odds, and whether or not the prediction of the bet made was correct. Specifically, it is an operation to select the race for which to display the race results through a selection screen (not shown). Performing the race results confirmation operation is one of the predetermined conditions of the present invention. For example, if the first user performs the race results confirmation operation after the race in which the first bet was made has ended and the finishing order and payout odds have been determined, the race results confirmation screen G4 shown in Figure 4 will be displayed on the first user's terminal. Note that the race results confirmation screen G4 is the first screen on which the user checks the race results after the race has ended.

[0041] The G4 race results confirmation screen displays user information such as the username and the amount of betting value held, as well as the race to bet on, the betting details, and the payout multiplier set for each prediction (more precisely, for each prediction). The odds are displayed, and if the bet is correct, a mark indicating a correct bet and the winnings (payout) are displayed. Furthermore, if the correct prediction is included in the first bet based on the second user's public prediction, information about the second user on whom the public prediction was based, along with information about the result of the first bet (more precisely, the correct bet and payout), is displayed in the second user information display area 41.

[0042] Information about the second user refers to information indicating whose public predictions were used as the basis for the first vote, such as "User AA + predictions from ○ others were correct!!", and includes information to identify the second user, such as the second user's name and image (icon image). In this embodiment, information about the second user is displayed only if the first vote was correct, and not if the first vote was incorrect. However, this is not limited to this, and information about the second user may also be displayed for first votes that were incorrect.

[0043] Furthermore, the first user can perform a purchase history confirmation operation at any time. The purchase history confirmation operation is an operation to check the results of each race that the user purchased (i.e., voted for) during a predetermined period (for example, on the day or during the same event period), either individually or collectively. Specifically, it is an operation to select one or more races that the user has voted for in the past through a selection screen (not shown). Performing a purchase history confirmation operation is one of the predetermined conditions of the present invention. For example, if the first user performs a purchase history confirmation operation for a race that took place on the day and whose race results have been determined, and other predetermined conditions are met, the purchase history confirmation screen G5 shown in Figure 5 will be displayed on the first user's terminal.

[0044] The purchase history confirmation screen G5 displays user information such as the username and the amount of voting value held, as well as the race to bet on, the voting details, the odds set for each prediction (more precisely, for each prediction), and, if the voting details are correct, a mark indicating that it is correct and the winnings (payout) received. Furthermore, if the correct prediction details are included in the first vote based on the second user's publicly available prediction, information regarding the second user that formed the basis of the publicly available prediction, such as the second user's image (icon image), is displayed in the second user information display area 51, along with information regarding the results of the first vote (more precisely, the correct voting details and payout).

[0045] In this case, if the first user has made multiple first votes based on the public predictions of multiple second users, and some of those first votes are correct, the priority of the second users whose information is displayed on the race results confirmation screen G4 and the purchase history confirmation screen G5 will be determined according to the rules exemplified below. Alternatively, the priority may be determined by combining the following rules. Furthermore, all users may be displayed. (a) Determined based on odds The system selects which second users to display preferentially based on the odds (payout rate) associated with the first vote. For example, on the race results confirmation screen G4, the system selects the second user who correctly predicted the bet with the relatively highest odds among multiple second users as a representative, and only displays the number of other second users. On the purchase history confirmation screen G5, the system may select the top few (e.g., 4) second users who correctly predicted the bet with the relatively highest odds among multiple second users, or it may select second users who correctly predicted the bet with odds higher than a predetermined threshold (e.g., odds of 10 times or more). The predetermined threshold may be fixed, or it may be changed depending on the race results, for example, by lowering the threshold if the favorite wins. (b) Determined by comparison with the second vote. The process is the same as in (a) above in that a second user is selected to be displayed preferentially based on the odds (payout rate) associated with the first vote, but in this case, the second user is selected by comparing the odds of the predictions included in the second vote, which the first user correctly predicted based on their own predictions. That is, if both the first and second votes are correct, the second user who correctly predicted a prediction with higher odds (e.g., trifecta: 99 times) than the second vote which includes a prediction that the user independently predicted (e.g., trifecta: 20 times) is selected. (c) Determined based on the relationship between the first user and the second user. Based on the relationship between the first and second users, specifically their user information, the system selects which second user to display preferentially. Specifically, a second user who is friends with the first user (a predetermined relationship) will be given priority over a second user who is not friends with the first user. (d) Determined based on information from the second user The system selects which second users to display preferentially based on the number of votes from other users associated with the second user, the user rank, the results of races the first user is currently reviewing (e.g., number of correct bets, payouts received, win rate and return rate, etc.), or the results for the entire period or a specified period (e.g., number of correct bets, payouts received, win rate and return rate, etc.). Races the first user is currently reviewing refer to the races eligible for betting displayed on the race results confirmation screen G4 or the purchase history confirmation screen G5 (if multiple races eligible for betting are displayed, it may be limited to the races selected by the first user). A specified period refers to, for example, the same day (e.g., June 1st) or the same event period (e.g., June 1st to June 5th). In addition, the second user's results may include results from races held at different venues (e.g., races 1-12 at the Tokyo venue on June 1st and races 1-12 at the Osaka venue on June 1st).

[0046] Here, "prioritizing display" includes, for example, the following cases: (a) Display information about the second user who is given priority, and do not display information about other second users. (b) Display information about the preferred secondary user higher in the display order than information about other secondary users (for example, display it at the top of the screen). (c) Provide more information about the second user who is given priority than information about other second users. (d) Display information about the preferred secondary user in a relatively larger size than information about other secondary users. (e) The text or background of information about the preferred second user shall be displayed in a different color from the information about other second users. (f) Information about the second user who is given priority will be marked with a special symbol. For example, if a second user who is friends with the first user is to be displayed preferentially, information about the second user who is friends with the first user may be displayed in a different manner than information about other second users who are not friends with the first user, or information about the second user may be displayed with a mark that identifies them as friends. Alternatively, information about all second users may be displayed according to a determined display order, or information about a predetermined number of second users (for example, the top 4) who rank highly in the determined display order may be extracted and displayed. In this case, the predetermined number may be fixed, or it may vary so that all second users above a predetermined threshold are displayed. In this case, the display order of the information about the second users within the predetermined number to be displayed may not matter.

[0047] Furthermore, the first user can perform a selection operation on the race results confirmation screen G4 or the purchase history confirmation screen G5, where information about the second user is displayed in the second user information display area 41 or the second user information display area 51, to select any second user. This selection operation can be performed, for example, by tapping the area where the second user's image (icon) is displayed.

[0048] When the first user performs a specified operation, the system transitions from the race results confirmation screen G4 or the purchase history confirmation screen G5 to the second user details screen G6 shown in Figure 6, and other information about the second user specified by the operation is displayed on the first user's terminal. In other words, the first user can view other information about the second user through the second user details screen G6 displayed on their terminal.

[0049] Other information about the second user may include, for example, the second user's name and image (icon image), the number of friends, the amount of first and second value held, links to social media or video channels associated with the second user, and voting results for the day and the entire period. By tapping the "See More Data" button, users can view a more detailed profile of the second user. By tapping the "View Predictions" button, users can view the second user's public predictions for races that are available for voting (races before the voting deadline). In this case, if there are multiple public predictions for a race that is available for voting, predictions that include the same competition as the first user's first vote may be displayed with priority over predictions that do not include the same competition as the first user's first vote. Users can also make a new first vote for a race by tapping a new prediction for that race.

[0050] Furthermore, on the second user details screen G6, the first user can send interaction requests to the second user, such as friend requests, requests to view private information, sending messages (including emojis), and sending the first user's predictions.

[0051] Furthermore, the first user can register the second user as a favorite user by tapping the "Add to Favorites" button on the second user details screen G6. When a second user is registered as a favorite user, the first user will receive a push notification when the second user publishes new predictions for other races that are open for voting (races before the voting deadline). Specifically, a notification message such as "User XX has published predictions for race X" will appear on the first user's device, and by tapping this message, the prediction details screen G3, which includes the newly published predictions, will be displayed. This allows the first user to check new published predictions from the second user they have registered as a favorite without missing them. Note that, unlike friendships, the other party's consent is not required to register someone as a favorite.

[0052] [Configuration of the information processing device and peripheral equipment according to this embodiment] The information processing device according to this embodiment is composed of a computer, more specifically a server computer 10. As shown in Figure 7, the server computer 10, as an information processing device, is connected to a terminal used by a user to access the service (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal 12) and a race result distribution device 14 in a communicative manner. The communication network 16 connecting the devices may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, and Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.

[0053] The server computer 10 performs a series of information processing related to the provision of the voting service. Specifically, the server computer 10 communicates with the user terminal 12 to receive user votes, determines whether each vote was correct after the race ends, and awards payouts to users who made correct votes. The server computer 10 may be a single computer or multiple computers distributed in parallel. Furthermore, the server computer 10 may be a computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the server computer 10 has hardware components including a processor 21, memory 22, communication interface 23, and storage 24, which are electrically connected via a bus 25. The server computer 10 also has software installed, including an operating system (OS) program and a program for providing voting services. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention.

[0055] The processor 21 operates according to the above program, causing the server computer 10 to function as an information processing device of the present invention and to execute a series of processes related to the present invention. The program may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or by receiving (downloading) it via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0056] The processor 21 may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0057] The memory 22 may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0058] The communication interface 23 may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard using the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited and may include communication via Wi-Fi®-based wireless LAN, communication via 3G to 5G or later generations of mobile communication systems, or communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0059] Storage 24 includes flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), and CD. The storage device may consist of a Compact Disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. Furthermore, the storage device 24 may be built into the enclosure of the server computer 10, which constitutes the information processing device, or it may be attached to the server computer 10 as an external device. Additionally, the storage device 24 may consist of another computer or the like that is connected to the server computer 10 in a communicative manner. As a technology for recording various types of data, a distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used to prevent unauthorized data tampering.

[0060] The user terminal 12 consists of a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or other terminal with communication capabilities. The user terminal 12 receives various operations performed by the user when using the voting service and transmits data corresponding to the received operations to the server computer 10 via the communication network 16. It also outputs (displays and plays back, etc.) information distributed from the server computer 10 via the communication network 16. Operations performed by the user on the user terminal 12 include various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations. Although Figure 7 shows three user terminals 12 for illustrative purposes, in reality, there are, of course, the number of user terminals 12 corresponding to the number of users.

[0061] The race result distribution device 14 is composed of a computer used by the race organizer and, once each race has finished and the race results have been finalized, distributes the race results, i.e., information indicating the finishing order, to the server computer 10 and the user terminal 12. The race result distribution device 14 may also have an IP camera installed at the race venue, which captures video of the race and distributes the video data. Alternatively, instead of obtaining race results from the race result distribution device 14, for example, a betting service provider may input the race results after the race has finished and transmit that input information to the server computer 10.

[0062] [About the functions of the information processing device according to this embodiment] The functions of the information processing device, i.e., the server computer 10, according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the server computer 10 includes a storage unit 30, a reception unit 31, a display control unit 32, a notification unit 33, a hit / miss determination unit 34, a payout awarding unit 35, and a bonus awarding unit 36. Of these functional units, the storage unit 30 is implemented by memory 22 or storage 24, while the other functional units are implemented through the cooperation of hardware devices constituting the server computer 10 and programs installed on the server computer 10. If the server computer 10 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs different functions from one another. The following sections will provide a detailed explanation of each functional component.

[0064] (Storage part) The memory unit 30 stores various types of information necessary for providing the voting service. As shown in Figure 8, the information stored by the memory unit 30 includes user information, race information, voting information, prediction usage information, and race result information.

[0065] User information is information about users who have an account to use the voting service, and is stored for each user. As shown in Figure 9, user information includes identification information such as user ID and username, profile, number of voting values ​​held, identification information of users in a friend relationship, voting history, and winning record. Profile is information about the user's attributes (category), such as gender, age, place of residence, and occupation. Voting history shows the target races and predictions for the votes the user has made so far. Winning record is the winning record of predictions for votes the user has made so far, specifically including the content of the winning predictions and the payouts (refunds). In addition, the winning record may include the winning rate, number of wins, total payouts received, and return rate for the day. Furthermore, user information may also include information other than those mentioned above, such as the user's personal information such as contact information, login history (login date and time and number of logins), and payment history and total billing information.

[0066] Race information is information about the competition (race) to be voted on, and is stored for each race. As shown in Figure 10, race information includes identification information such as race ID and race name, venue, date and time, competition participants, voting candidates (candidates for finishing order), and the current number of votes. Voting candidates are information (voting method and competition participants) about the candidates (options) that users can select when voting, and the payout multiplier set for each voting candidate. Includes (odds).

[0067] Voting information is information about each user's vote (including predictions made before voting) received by the reception unit 31, and is stored for each vote. As shown in Figure 11, voting information includes identification information such as the voting ID, the race to bet on, the voter, the content of the prediction, the amount of first and second value invested in the prediction, whether or not another user's prediction was used (i.e., whether or not it is the first vote), and whether or not the prediction will be made public. If another user's prediction was used, the voting ID of the user who used it (i.e., the second user) and the voting ID of the prediction used (i.e., the public prediction) are included. Note that if the prediction content is before voting, i.e., if no voting value has actually been invested yet, NULL is entered in the value invested amount field.

[0068] Prediction usage information is information about the public predictions that were used and is stored for each vote. As shown in Figure 12, prediction usage information includes identification information such as the vote ID related to the public prediction used, the name of the race to be predicted, the identification information of the second user who made the prediction, the content of the public prediction, the number of times the public prediction was used, and the identification information of the first user who used it. Furthermore, if the public predictions include multiple predictions with different content (finishing order), the first user can specify one or more predictions as described above and make a first vote using the specified predictions. In this case, the number of times the public prediction was used and the identification information of the first user are stored for each prediction among the prediction usage information. (See Figure 12).

[0069] Race result information is the confirmed race results information distributed by the race result distribution device 14 and is stored for each race. As shown in Figure 13, the race result information includes identification information such as the race ID and race name, the race venue, the date and time of the race, and the confirmed race results (i.e., the finishing order for each betting method).

[0070] (Reception Department) The reception unit 31 receives operations performed by users using the voting service through the user terminal 12 by communicating with the user terminal 12, and more specifically, acquires data indicating the content of the operations. Operations accepted by the reception unit 31 include, for example, voting on races (including predictions), race result confirmation operations to check race results, purchase history confirmation operations to check purchase history, public setting operations to publish predictions, selection operations to select a second user who has published predictions, designation operations to specify a second user after voting, registration operations to register a second user as a favorite, and various interaction request operations to other users (however, message sending is limited to users who are friends). In addition to the above, the data acquired by the reception unit 31 also includes data based on various selections, designations, instructions, requests, orders, permission or denial, registration and other input operations performed by the user at various stages during the voting service.

[0071] For example, if user X publishes a prediction for the target race R as a second user, and user Y makes the first vote using that published prediction, the reception unit 31 will receive the prediction for race R. The system accepts votes (using the first value) and requests from user X to make their predictions public. In other words, when a vote is made using the first value, the reception unit 31 can accept requests to make the predictions included in that vote public. Upon acceptance of the public setting request, user X's predictions are made public to other users. Each race, including race R, has a set voting period, and the reception unit 31 accepts predictions made within the voting period for race R. The reception unit 31 then accepts the first vote from user Y using the publicly available predictions. User Y's first vote includes the identification information of user X who made the publicly available predictions, the predictions themselves, and the type and amount of value invested in the predictions.

[0072] Furthermore, if the reception unit 31 receives multiple different predictions (specifically, predicted finishing order) from user X, user Y can select one or more predictions from among those predictions and make a first vote using the selected predictions. In this case, the reception unit 31 will receive the first vote from user Y based on the selected predictions. However, this is not the only option; when using public predictions, they may be used on a vote-by-vote basis. In other words, user Y may use all of the multiple predictions included in the public predictions at once, and the reception unit 31 may receive a first vote from user Y using all of the multiple predictions.

[0073] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 32 controls the user terminal 12 while the user is using the voting service and displays predetermined operation screens on the user terminal 12. Specifically, the display control unit 32 generates data for screen display in response to user operations received by the reception unit 31 and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 12. The screens displayed on the user terminal 12 by the display control unit 32 include the voting confirmation screen G1 shown in Figure 1, the second user list screen G2 shown in Figure 2, the prediction content publication screen G3 shown in Figure 3, the race result confirmation screen G4 shown in Figure 4, the purchase history confirmation screen G5 shown in Figure 5, and the second user details screen G6 shown in Figure 6. In addition, the display control unit 32 controls the information about the second user displayed on the race result confirmation screen G4 and the purchase history confirmation screen G5 according to the above rules.

[0074] (Notification Department) The notification unit 33 sends notification data to the user terminal 12 of the user, and displays a notification message on the display of the user terminal 12. Specifically, after the reception unit 31 receives a registration operation from the first user to register the second user as a favorite user, if the registered favorite user publishes new predictions for races in which voting is possible, the notification unit 33 sends a push notification to the first user regarding this fact. Also, after the reception unit 31 receives a published prediction from the first user, if the notification unit 33 receives a first vote using that published prediction from another user (the first user), the notification unit 33 sends a push notification to the second user regarding the receipt of the first vote. At this time, the message displayed as a push notification may include information regarding the receipt of the first vote, such as user information such as the name of the other user who made the first vote, the number of times the first vote was received, the amount of value invested in the first vote and its total value (total amount), and whether or not there is a friendship relationship between the second user and the first user. Push notifications are not limited to text-based notifications such as messages; they may also include notifications via sound, light, or vibration.

[0075] (Accuracy Judgment Department) The hit rate determination unit 34 obtains the final results of the target race from the race result distribution device 14 after the target race has finished, and determines whether the prediction (predicted finishing order) of the bet made for the target race was correct based on the obtained final results. In addition, for bets that include multiple predictions, the hit rate determination unit 34 determines whether each prediction is correct.

[0076] (Dividend Distribution Department) The dividend distribution unit 35 distributes dividends (payouts) to users who have placed bets with correct predictions, according to the race results (specifically, the final finishing order) and odds. In this embodiment, the dividends are distributed in the same type of value as the value used for the bet. The value distributed as a dividend is stored in the user information of the storage unit 30, associated with the user to whom the dividend was distributed.

[0077] (Benefits Distribution Department) The reward granting unit 36 ​​grants a reward to the second user if both the publicly available prediction and the first vote using that publicly available prediction are correct. The reward is determined according to the payout received by the user using the publicly available prediction and the number of users who used it (i.e., the number of times the first vote using the publicly available prediction was accepted). The granted reward is stored in the user information of the storage unit 30 in association with the second user to whom the reward was granted.

[0078] The configurations of the server computer 10 and the user terminal 12 have been described above. While the server computer 10 and the user terminal 12 generally have various other functions, only the characteristic functions that contribute to the effectiveness of the information processing system S in this invention will be described here. Other known functions will not be illustrated or described.

[0079] [Regarding the information processing method according to this embodiment] Next, as an example of the information processing method according to this embodiment, an information processing flow using the server computer 10 described above will be explained with reference to Figures 14 to 16. However, the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the order of execution of steps changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0080] (Vote acceptance processing) First, we will explain the basic information processing flow (voting flow) related to the progress of the voting service. This information processing flow is the flow of information processing related to receiving votes from users for the target race and the various processes associated with them, and proceeds as shown in Figure 14, for example.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, first, the server computer 10 receives predictions about the target race (predictions related to bets made using the first value) from user X through communication with the user terminal 12 (S101).

[0082] Next, the server computer 10, through communication with the user terminal 12, receives a public setting operation from user X who made the prediction (S102:YES). In this case, the server computer 10 displays the second user list screen G2 and the prediction content publication screen G3 on the user terminals 12 of user X (hereinafter referred to as second user X) and other users, thereby publishing the prediction made by second user X (S103). In this embodiment, the second user X prediction content publication screen G3 is accessed from the second user list screen G2 when the user selects second user X.

[0083] Then, when the server computer 10 receives a vote from another user (for example, user Y) through communication with the user terminal 12 (S104:YES), it then determines whether the vote is the first vote based on the public prediction published by the second user X (S105). If it determines that the vote is the first vote (S105:YES), it confirms the vote as the first vote and stores it as vote information in the storage unit 30 (S106). On the other hand, if the server computer 10 determines that the vote is not the first vote, that is, that it is a vote based on user Y's own prediction unrelated to the public prediction of the second user X (S105:NO), it confirms the vote as the second vote and stores it as vote information in the storage unit 30 (S107). If no vote based on public predictions has been received (S104:NO), the server computer 10 proceeds to the next process.

[0084] Then, the server computer 10 determines whether the set acceptance period for the target race has ended and voting has closed (S108), and if voting has not yet closed, (S108:NO) The system returns to a state where it can accept votes based on publicly available predictions again. On the other hand, if voting for the target race is closed (S108:YES), the server computer 10 terminates processing at that point. The specific processing and flow of the process regarding the determination of correct predictions and the awarding of payouts after the voting closes are publicly known, so the explanation will be omitted. The above is an example of the vote acceptance process.

[0085] (Second user display processing) Next, an example of the second user display process will be explained based on Figure 15. The second user display process is a process executed on the server computer 10 (mainly the display control unit 32, etc.) after the first user has made their first vote based on the second user's prediction. In the following, information about the second user will be displayed after the race results have been finalized, provided that the first vote was correct. However, since the first vote being correct is not a mandatory requirement for displaying information about the second user, the second user display process may be performed before the race results are finalized.

[0086] As shown in Figure 15, first, when the server computer 10 receives a race result confirmation operation or purchase history confirmation operation from the first user through communication with the user terminal 12, that is, when it determines that the predetermined conditions are met (S201: YES), it then determines whether or not the prediction for the first vote was correct (S202).

[0087] Next, if the server computer 10 determines that the prediction for the first vote was correct (S202: YES), it reads information associated with the second user from the user information and prediction usage information stored in the memory unit 30, and selects the second user whose information to be displayed based on the second user's information read (S203). Specifically, as described above, the server computer 10 selects the second user to be displayed preferentially, i.e., the second user to be displayed, based on (a) the odds associated with the prediction content included in the correct first vote, (b) the relationship between the odds associated with the prediction content included in the correct first vote and the odds associated with the prediction content included in the correct second vote, (c) the relationship between the first user and the second user, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined relationship, or (d) information about the second user, such as the number of votes collected by the second user in the first vote, user rank, or performance.

[0088] The server computer 10 then communicates with the user terminal 12 to display information about the selected second user on the first user's user terminal 12 (S204). Specifically, if the server computer 10 has received a request to check race results, it displays a race results confirmation screen G4 (Figure 4) containing information about the second user on the first user's user terminal 12. If it has received a request to check purchase history, it displays a purchase history confirmation screen G5 (Figure 5) containing information about the second user on the first user's user terminal 12.

[0089] Furthermore, when the server computer 10 receives a designation operation from the first user to specify an arbitrary second user through communication with the user terminal 12 (S205:YES), it displays other information about the second user specified by the designation operation on the first user's user terminal 12 through communication with the user terminal 12 (S206), and then terminates the process. Specifically, the server computer 10 displays the second user details screen G6 (Figure 6), which contains other information about the second user and was accessed starting from the race results confirmation screen G4 or the purchase history confirmation screen G5, on the first user's user terminal 12. Furthermore, if the server computer 10 determines that the predetermined conditions are not met (S201:NO), determines that the prediction for the first vote was incorrect (S202:NO), or determines that the specified operation has not been accepted (S205:NO), it will terminate the process. The above is an example of the second user display process.

[0090] (Notification processing) Next, an example of notification processing will be explained based on Figure 16. Notification processing is a process executed on the server computer 10 (mainly the notification unit 33, etc.) when the second user is registered as a favorite user by the first user.

[0091] As shown in Figure 16, first, the server computer 10 receives a registration operation from the first user to the second user through communication with the user terminal 12 (S301), registers the second user as the first user's favorite user, and stores it in the user information of the storage unit 30 (S302).

[0092] Next, if the server computer 10 determines that a new prediction has been published by the second user who has registered it as a favorite for another race that can be voted on (S303:YES), it sends a push notification to the first user's user terminal 12 via communication with the user terminal 12 (S304) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the server computer 10 determines that no new prediction has been published (S303:NO), it terminates the process as is. The above is an example of notification processing.

[0093] [Other embodiments] To date, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described with specific examples. However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments; other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the server computer 10 that performs voting information processing functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but the invention is not limited to this. Some of the functions of the server computer 10 may be realized by the user terminals 12 of the second user and the first user. For example, when the user terminals 12 of the second user and the first user communicate using a P2P (peer-to-peer) method, the functions of a reception unit 31 that accepts votes or various operations, or a display control unit 32 that displays information about the second user on the user terminal 12 of the first user, may be configured by the user terminals 12 of one or both users.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the second user publishes their predictions and the first user uses the published predictions to cast their first vote, but the system is not limited to this case. For example, if the second user and the first user, who are friends with each other, form a group and each user's voting predictions are shared within the group, the voting prediction made by the second user may be shared, and the first vote using the shared predictions may be accepted from the first user, who belongs to the same group as the second user. Alternatively, if a second user predicts the outcome of a race and casts a vote, and also distributes their prediction to the public as a video or social networking service (SNS) post, the first user may use the distributed video or post to cast their own vote.

[0096] In the above embodiment, player information and the like are stored in the server computer 10. However, a separate database server (not shown) may be provided to store the information collectively in that database server, or the information may be stored on the user terminal 12 side.

[0097] In the above embodiment, players can, in principle, enjoy all functions free of charge. However, some functions may be limited, and these limited functions may be available upon payment of a predetermined fee. Furthermore, various conditions may be set to give players who pay a predetermined fee an advantage in voting, such as access to more information. This fee may be based on a pay-per-use system, or it may be a one-time payment that is effective for a certain period (e.g., one month or one year) for the player (subscription).

[0098] [summary] The main features of the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the embodiment described above are as follows.

[0099] [1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a reception unit that receives votes from a user predicting the results of a competition, and a display control unit that, after the reception unit has received a first vote from the first user based on the second user's prediction, displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal if predetermined conditions are met. According to the information processing device described above, after voting, the first user can check which second user's predictions they referenced when making their first vote, allowing them to recognize the presence of second users who contributed to their vote. This enables the first user to refer to information about those second users when voting in the future, thereby promoting their voting behavior (especially their voting behavior for the first vote). Furthermore, the first user can analyze the results, such as which second user's predictions yielded better results, and use this information to inform future voting decisions. In addition, it can facilitate communication between the first and second users.

[0100] [2] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information about the second user, along with information about the results of the first vote, on the terminal of the first user. This allows the first user to see, along with the voting results, which second user's predictions they used as a reference for their first vote, and to feel the influence of the second user who contributed to their vote, relating it to whether their prediction was correct or incorrect. As a result, the first user can refer to information about that second user when voting in the future, further encouraging their voting behavior.

[0101] [3] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal if the first vote is correct, and does not display information about the second user on the first user's terminal if the first vote is incorrect. This allows the first user to see which second user's prediction they referenced when making their initial vote, and to recognize the contributions of the second user that led to the successful vote. As a result, the first user can use information about that second user as a reference when voting in the future, further encouraging their voting behavior.

[0102] [4] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information about the second user, determined based on the odds associated with the first vote, on the first user's terminal when the first vote is successful. This allows the first user to see which second user's prediction they referenced when their vote prediction was correct, and to particularly recognize the second user who contributed to the vote that correctly predicted high odds. As a result, the first user can refer to information about that second user when voting in the future, further encouraging their voting behavior.

[0103] [5] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal when the first vote is correct and the odds associated with the first vote are higher than a predetermined standard. This allows the first user to see which second user's prediction they referenced when their vote prediction was correct, and to particularly recognize the second user who contributed to the vote that correctly predicted high odds. As a result, the first user can refer to information about that second user when voting in the future, further encouraging their voting behavior.

[0104] [6] In the above-described information processing device, if the reception unit receives a second vote from the first user that does not correspond to the second user's prediction, the display control unit displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal if both the first and second votes are correct and the odds associated with the first vote are higher than the odds associated with the second vote. This allows the first user to see which second user's prediction they referenced when their first vote, which had higher odds than their second vote based on their own prediction, was correct. In particular, they can feel the presence of the second user who contributed to the vote that resulted in a high-odds prediction. Therefore, the first user can refer to information about that second user when voting in the future, further encouraging the first user's voting behavior.

[0105] [7] In the above-described information processing device, if the reception unit receives multiple first votes from the first user based on the predictions of multiple second users, the display control unit displays information about second users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user on the first user's terminal, prioritizing this information over information about second users who do not have a predetermined relationship with the first user. This allows the first user to prioritize reviewing first votes made with reference to the predictions of a second user with a predetermined relationship, even if they have made multiple first votes, and to realize the existence of the second user with a predetermined relationship who contributed to their vote. As a result, the first user can refer to information about that second user with a predetermined relationship when voting in the future, further promoting the first user's voting behavior.

[0106] [8] In the above-described information processing device, the receiving unit receives messages from the first user for a second user with whom it has a predetermined relationship, but does not receive messages for a second user with whom it does not have a predetermined relationship. This allows the first user to further facilitate communication with the second user with whom they have a predetermined relationship that contributed to their vote. As a result, the first user can refer to the information obtained from their communication with the second user with whom they have a predetermined relationship when voting in the future, further promoting their voting behavior.

[0107] [9] In the above-described information processing device, the display control unit displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal, and then displays other information about the second user on the first user's terminal, starting from the information about the second user. This allows the first user to recognize the existence of the second user who contributed to their vote, and to also check further information about that second user. Therefore, the first user can refer to other information about the second user when voting in the future, further encouraging the first user's voting behavior.

[0108]

[10] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the display control unit displays, as other information, the second user's predictions for the votingable competitions on the first user's terminal. This allows the first user to feel the presence of the second user who contributed to their vote, and to see the second user's predictions for future voting opportunities. Therefore, the first user can refer to the second user's predictions when voting in the future, further encouraging the first user's voting behavior.

[0109]

[11] In the above-described information processing device, if there are multiple predictions from the second user for a competition that can be voted on, the display control unit displays on the first user's terminal predictions that include the competition subject included in the first correct vote, with priority over predictions that do not include the competition subject included in the first correct vote. This allows the first user to feel the presence of the second user who contributed to their vote, and to prioritize reviewing the second user's predictions for future voting opportunities, especially those that include games where the second user has a track record of success. As a result, the first user can refer to the second user's predictions when voting in the future, further encouraging the first user's voting behavior.

[0110]

[12] In the above-described information processing device, the reception unit receives an exchange request from the first user to the second user related to the prediction corresponding to the first vote, after the display control unit has displayed other information on the first user's terminal. This allows the first user to further facilitate communication with users who contributed to their vote. As a result, the first user can refer to the information obtained from their communication with the second user who initiated the interaction when voting in the future, further encouraging their voting behavior.

[0111]

[13] In the above-described information processing device, the reception unit receives a registration operation from the first user to register a second user associated with the prediction corresponding to the first vote after the display control unit has displayed other information on the first user's terminal, and further includes a notification unit that notifies the first user of the prediction when the second user registered through the registration operation publishes the prediction. This allows the first user to receive notifications when a designated second user who contributed to their vote publishes a new prediction. Therefore, the first user can refer to the predictions of the notified second users when voting in the future, further encouraging the first user's voting behavior.

[0112]

[14] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, the computer receives a vote from a user predicting the outcome of a competition, and after the computer receives a first vote from the first user based on the second user's prediction, if predetermined conditions are met, it displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal. According to the information processing method described above, after voting, the first user can confirm which second user's predictions they referenced when making their first vote, and can recognize the existence of the second user who contributed to their vote. This allows the first user to refer to information about that second user when voting in the future, thereby promoting the first user's voting behavior (especially their voting behavior for the first vote).

[0113]

[15] Furthermore, according to the program of this embodiment, the computer receives votes from users predicting the results of a competition, and after receiving a first vote from the first user based on the second user's prediction, if predetermined conditions are met, it displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal. According to the program described above, after voting, the first user can see which second user's predictions they referenced when making their first vote, allowing them to recognize the presence of second users who contributed to their vote. This enables the first user to refer to information about those second users when voting in the future, thereby promoting the first user's voting behavior (especially their voting behavior for the first vote). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 10 servers 12 User terminals 14 Race Result Distribution Device 16. Communication Network 21 processors 22 memory 23 Communication Interfaces 24 storage 25 buses 30 Storage section 31 Reception Department 32 Display Control Unit 33 Notification Department 34 Hit judgment part 35. Dividend Distribution Department 36. Special Offer Section 41 Second User Information Display Area 51 Second User Information Display Area G1 Voting Confirmation Screen G2 Second User List Screen G3 Prediction Details Release Screen G4 Race Results Confirmation Screen G5 Purchase History Confirmation Screen G6 Second User Details Screen S Information Processing System

Claims

1. The processor comprises, Based on the actions of the first user, a specific second user is registered as a favorite. When the aforementioned second user, who has been added to favorites, publishes a prediction for a new competition, a message is sent to the first user's terminal. In response to the aforementioned message, information regarding the second user's prediction is displayed on the first user's terminal. After the first user casts a vote based on the second user's prediction, if the vote is correct, information about the second user is displayed on the first user's terminal; if the vote is incorrect, information about the second user is not displayed on the first user's terminal. Information processing device.

2. The processor registers a specific second user as a favorite based on the actions of the first user. The processor notifies the first user's terminal of a message when the second user, who has been added to favorites, publishes a prediction for a new competition. The processor, in response to the operation on the message, causes the first user's terminal to display information regarding the second user's expectations. The processor, after the first user has cast a vote based on the second user's prediction, displays information about the second user on the first user's terminal if the vote is correct, and does not display information about the second user on the first user's terminal if the vote is incorrect. Information processing methods.

3. Based on the actions of the first user, a specific second user is registered as a favorite. When the second user, who has been added to favorites, publishes a prediction for a new competition, a message will be displayed on the first user's display. In response to the aforementioned message, information regarding the second user's predictions is displayed on the display. After the first user casts a vote based on the second user's prediction, if the vote is correct, information about the second user is displayed on the display; if the vote is incorrect, information about the second user is not displayed on the display. A program that instructs the processor to perform a task.

4. The system comprises a server and a terminal, and the server is Based on the actions of the first user, a specific second user is registered as a favorite. When the aforementioned second user, who has been added to favorites, publishes a prediction for a new competition, a message is sent to the first user's terminal. In response to the aforementioned message, information regarding the second user's prediction is displayed on the first user's terminal. After the first user casts a vote based on the second user's prediction, if the vote is correct, information about the second user is displayed on the first user's terminal; if the vote is incorrect, information about the second user is not displayed on the first user's terminal. system.

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