Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program which allow a competition result information relating to a result of a competition for which a user voted, to be easily shared with other users.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to the present invention has a display control unit. When a first user votes for a competition, the display control unit, in accordance with a display request for a result of the competition from the first user, displays competition result information relating to results of the competitions on a first terminal and a second terminal respectively usable by the first user and a second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a voting system is known in which voting in various competitions where voting such as bicycle racing, horse racing, auto racing, or speedboat racing is performed can be performed by, for example, a mobile terminal. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a voting system in which a voter can purchase a voting ticket using a mobile terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional voting system including the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, there is a problem that it is not possible to easily share competition result information related to the result of a competition in which the user himself / herself has voted with another user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of easily sharing competition result information related to the result of a competition in which the user himself / herself has voted with another user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display control unit, When a vote is cast in a competition by the first user, the display control unit causes the first user and the second user to display competition result information related to the competition result on the first and second terminals available to the first and second users, respectively, based on the first user's request to display the competition result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, users can easily share competition results information related to the results of competitions in which they themselves voted with other users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the voting system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the server hardware configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the server's functional configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 6] This is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram of the server and user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram of the server and user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing an example of the server's functional configuration in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing an example of the server's functional configuration in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the voting system 1 in this embodiment. The voting system 1 is a system that manages user votes in various competitions in which betting takes place, such as bicycle racing, horse racing, or boat racing.

[0010] In this embodiment, the example of using the voting system 1 in bicycle racing will be explained, but the voting system 1 is not limited to bicycle racing and may be used in various sports in which voting takes place, such as horse racing, boat racing, and auto racing. Furthermore, the voting system 1 may be used in various sports in which rankings are determined, such as dog racing and automobile racing, as well as in team sports such as baseball, rugby, and soccer, or in electronic sports. In addition, the voting system 1 may be used in simulation games for the above-mentioned sports.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the voting system 1 comprises a server 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, user terminal 20c, user terminal 20d). The server 10 and the plurality of user terminals 20 are connected to each other via a communication line 5 such as the Internet or a wireless LAN. The server 10 functions as the "information processing device" of the present invention. The plurality of user terminals 20 functions as the "first terminal" and the "second terminal" of the present invention.

[0012] In this embodiment, the users who use user terminals 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are referred to as user U1, user U2, user U3, and user U4, respectively. If it is not necessary to distinguish between users U1, U2, U3, and U4, they are all referred to as user U.

[0013] Furthermore, if there is no need to distinguish between user terminals 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, they will all be referred to as user terminal 20.

[0014] Note that the number of user terminals 20 included in the voting system 1 is not limited to four, and it may have at least one or more user terminals 20.

[0015] The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Note that the user terminal 20 may be any terminal such as a mobile phone, a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a home game device, etc.

[0016] The server 10 may be composed of one device or may be composed of a plurality of devices. Also, the server 10 may be a server realized on the cloud.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the voting performed using the voting system 1 will be described. First, the user U operates the user terminal 20 to access the server 10. Next, after the user U accesses the server 10, in order to log in to the server 10, the user U inputs information (such as a user ID, a password, etc.) for uniquely identifying the user U into the user terminal 20. The input information is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 via the communication line 5.

[0018] Next, the server 10 identifies the user U using the voting system 1 based on the information received from the user terminal 20. Next, the server 10 generates screen information including information for displaying a voting screen and transmits it to the user terminal 20.

[0019] Next, the user terminal 20 displays a voting screen based on the screen information received from the server 10. User U then places their vote using the voting screen displayed on the user terminal 20. The voting screen is the screen on which user U places their vote. For example, in the case of keirin (bicycle racing), the voting screen displays options for betting methods such as "trifecta," "quinella," "exacta," "double exacta," "double frame exacta," "double frame exacta," and "wide," as well as the riders to bet on (for example, if the betting method is "exacta," the riders who will come in first and second place). User U can use the voting screen to select the betting method and the riders to bet on.

[0020] Once User U completes their vote, the entered vote information is transmitted from User Terminal 20 to Server 10 via Communication Line 5. Server 10 then determines whether User U's vote was correct based on the actual race results and sends the determination result information to User Terminal 20. User Terminal 20 displays the determination result information received from Server 10. User U can then confirm whether their vote was correct by referring to the determination result information displayed on User Terminal 20.

[0021] (Hardware configuration of Server 10) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the server 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation input unit 14, and a monitor 15.

[0022] The control unit 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

[0023] A portion of the memory unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processing based on various programs.

[0024] Furthermore, a portion of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used for processing by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 can also maintain a database that includes one or more tables for recording various information and processing results.

[0025] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions, and include programs that function as the "information processing program" of the present invention.

[0026] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to user terminals 20, etc., via the communication line 5 and can send and receive various types of data with the user terminals 20, etc.

[0027] The operation input unit 14 consists of a keyboard and mouse, and accepts various operations input from the user. The monitor 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various images.

[0028] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, understand the user's operation status on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and user terminals 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0029] (Hardware configuration of user terminal 20) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 20 is configured to include a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, a speaker 25, a microphone 26, a camera 27, and operation buttons 28.

[0030] The control unit 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20.

[0031] A portion of the memory unit 22 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 21 executes processing based on various programs.

[0032] Furthermore, a portion of the storage unit 22 is, for example, non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores various data and programs used for processing by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 can also maintain a database including one or more tables for recording various information and processing results.

[0033] The programs stored in the memory unit 22 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the user terminal 20, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions.

[0034] The communication unit 23 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The user terminal 20 is connected to the server 10 and other user terminals 20 via the communication line 5, and can send and receive various types of data between the server 10 and other user terminals 20.

[0035] The display unit 24 is a touch panel display or the like, capable of displaying images and accepting operations from the user U.

[0036] The speaker 25 outputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The microphone 26 receives various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The camera 27 captures images of the subject under the control of the control unit 21.

[0037] The operation buttons 28 are located on the side of the user terminal 20, for example, and include power buttons for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, and buttons for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker 25.

[0038] The control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the storage unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, understand the operation status of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user U, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks, the server 10, and other user terminals 20 via the communication unit 23.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 provided in the server 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 11 includes a display control unit 11a, a presentation unit 11b, and a proposal unit 11c as its functional configuration. In general, the control unit 11 of the server 10 has various other functions besides those described above, but here we will only describe the functions that are characteristic of the voting system 1 in the first embodiment, and other known functions will not be shown or described.

[0040] When a vote is cast in a competition by a first user U (e.g., user U1, corresponding to the "first user" in this invention), the display control unit 11a causes the display units 24 of the first user terminal 20 (e.g., user terminal 20a, corresponding to the "first terminal" in this invention) and the second user terminal 20 (e.g., user terminal 20b, corresponding to the "second terminal" in this invention), which are available to the first user U and the second user U (e.g., user U2, corresponding to the "second user" in this invention), respectively, to display competition result information related to the result of the competition, based on a request from the first user U to display the result of the competition.

[0041] In this embodiment, the display control unit 11a displays competition result information in a timely and synchronized manner between the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20. The second user U is specified by the first user U.

[0042] The competition results information includes the content of the first user U's vote for the competition (e.g., voting method, target, and vote amount), competition video (e.g., video showing the content of the competition filmed by a camera or other recording device), and the voting results (e.g., whether the vote was correct or incorrect, and the payout amount if correct). In this embodiment, the display control unit 11a displays the competition video showing the content of the competition as competition results information to the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20, and then displays the results of the votes cast by the first user U and the second user U for the competition.

[0043] When the first user U casts a vote in a competition and the first user U requests to display the results of the competition, the display unit 11b presents the first user U with candidate users who could be candidates for the second user U.

[0044] In this embodiment, the display unit 11b presents as candidate users users U who have voted in the same competition as the first user U. Specifically, the display unit 11b displays for each candidate user the voting status (e.g., whether or not a vote has been cast) for the target race (the race whose results the first user U is trying to view). The display unit 11b may also present as candidate users users U who have voted in the same competition as the first user U, but have not yet checked the results of that competition.

[0045] Furthermore, the display unit 11b presents user U associated with the first user U as a candidate user. The display unit 11b also presents user U currently logged into server 10 as a candidate user. Specifically, the display unit 11b displays the login status to server 10 for each candidate user (for example, whether or not they are logged in, or the time of their most recent login).

[0046] Based on a request from the first user U to display the competition results, the proposal unit 11c proposes the display of competition result information to multiple users U other than the first user U. In this embodiment, the proposal unit 11c proposes the display of competition result information to the candidate user designated as the first user U from among the candidate users presented by the presentation unit 11b.

[0047] The display control unit 11a designates the user U (candidate user) who has agreed to the display of competition results information from among the proposed user U as the second user U, and causes the display unit 24 of the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 to display the competition results information.

[0048] Based on the candidate user's disagreement with the display of competition result information, the presentation unit 11b presents a new candidate user who is a candidate for the second user U.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the first user terminal 20 when the first user U casts a vote in a competition and requests the first user U to display the results of that competition.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 11b (control unit 11) of the server 10 displays a message box 50 (in the illustrated example, "Do you want to see the results of the new race with your friends?") on the display unit 24 of the first user terminal 20, which asks whether or not to share the competition results information related to the results of the competition in which the first user U voted with another user (second user U). It also displays a button 52 for selecting not to share the competition results information with the other user (second user U) and a button 54 for selecting to share the competition results information with the other user (second user U).

[0051] The first user U checks the message box 50 and presses button 52 if they do not wish to share the competition results information related to the results of the competition they voted for with another user (the second user U). In this case, the display control unit 11a causes the display unit 24 of the first user terminal 20, which is available to the first user U, to display the competition results information related to the results of the competition they voted for.

[0052] Meanwhile, if the first user U checks the message box 50 and wishes to share the competition results information related to the results of the competition in which they voted with another user (second user U), they press button 54. In this case, the presentation unit 11b displays a presentation screen on the display unit 24 of the first user terminal 20, presenting candidate users who are candidates for the second user U.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of a presentation screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the first user terminal 20.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the display unit 11b displays a predetermined message (in the illustrated example, "You can view this with the following friends.") along with checkboxes 60, 62, and 64 on the display screen that allow the user to specify other users (candidate users) with whom to share the competition results information.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 6, checkbox 60 is a checkbox that allows specifying a second user U (candidate user) who voted in the competition in which the first user U voted (for example, user U2). Checkbox 62 is a checkbox that allows specifying a second user U (candidate user) who is currently logged into server 10 (for example, user U3). Checkbox 64 is a checkbox that allows specifying a second user U (candidate user) who has a predetermined relationship with the first user U (for example, user U4). Here, a user U with a predetermined relationship is a user U associated with the first user U, for example, another user U who has a friendship with the first user U and who has mutually agreed to have a predetermined relationship with each other (also called a friend).

[0056] The first user U can designate a second user U (for example, user U2) who voted in the same competition as the first user U by checking checkbox 60. Note that checkbox 60 may also be a checkbox that allows the designation of a second user U who voted in the same competition as the first user U but did not check the results of that competition.

[0057] The first user U can specify a user U currently logged into server 10 (for example, user U3) as the second user U by checking check box 62. The first user U can also specify a user U with a predetermined relationship to the first user U (for example, user U4) as the second user U by checking check box 64.

[0058] The display control unit 11a causes the first user U and the second user U, who are designated by the first user U via the display screen, to display competition result information related to the results of the competition in which the first user U voted, on the first user U and the second user U, who are both available to the first user U and the second user U, respectively.

[0059] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of the server 10 and user terminals 20 (corresponding to the "information processing method" of the present invention) when competition result information is displayed on the display units 24 of the first user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a) and the second user terminal 20 (user terminal 20b) in the first embodiment.

[0060] First, the first user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a) available to the first user U (user U1) transmits display request information to the server 10 via an operation on the display unit 24 after user U1 has cast a vote for the competition (step S100).

[0061] Next, the presentation unit 11b (server 10) receives display request information from the user terminal 20a and generates presentation screen information to display a presentation screen that presents candidate users who are candidates for the second user U to the first user U (step S110). Then, the presentation unit 11b transmits the generated presentation screen information to the user terminal 20a.

[0062] Next, the user terminal 20a displays a presentation screen on the display unit 24 based on the presentation screen information received from the server 10 (step S120). As a result, candidate users who are candidates for the second user U are presented to user U1.

[0063] Next, the user terminal 20a accepts the designation of a candidate user (second user U) by user U1 through an operation on the displayed screen (step S130). Then, the user terminal 20a sends designation information to the server 10 indicating the candidate user (user U2) designated as the second user U by user U1.

[0064] Next, the proposal unit 11c (server 10) receives the specified information sent from the user terminal 20a and generates proposal screen information to display a proposal screen that suggests the display of competition result information to the user terminal 20b available to the candidate user (user U2) indicated in the specified information (step S140). The proposal screen includes a message such as, "User U1 has suggested that we view the competition results together." The proposal unit 11c then sends the generated proposal screen information to the user terminal 20b. After that, the user terminal 20a displays a message on the display unit 24 such as, "Waiting for a response from user U2."

[0065] Next, the user terminal 20b displays a suggested screen on the display unit 24 based on the suggested screen information received from the server 10. This suggests that the display of competition result information is suggested to the candidate user (user U2) designated by user U1.

[0066] Next, the user terminal 20b receives user U2's consent to display the competition results information through an operation on the suggestion screen (step S150). The user terminal 20b sends consent information indicating user U2's consent to display the competition results information to the server 10. After that, the user terminal 20b displays a message on the display unit 24, for example, "Please wait until user U1 is ready."

[0067] Next, the display control unit 11a (server 10) receives consent information transmitted from the user terminal 20b and generates consent request screen information to display a consent request screen requesting consent to start displaying the competition results information (step S160). The consent request screen includes a message such as, "User U2 has consented to the display. Do you want to start the display?" Then, the display control unit 11a transmits the generated consent request screen information to the user terminal 20a.

[0068] Next, the user terminal 20a displays a consent request screen on the display unit 24 based on the consent request screen information received from the server 10. This requests user U1 to consent to the start of displaying the competition results information.

[0069] Next, the user terminal 20a receives consent from user U1 to start displaying the competition results information through an operation on the consent request screen (step S170). Then, the user terminal 20a sends consent information indicating consent to start displaying the competition results information to the server 10.

[0070] Next, the display control unit 11a receives consent information transmitted from the user terminal 20a, designates user U2, who has consented to the display of competition results information, as the second user U, and generates competition results screen information to display the competition results information on the display units 24 of user terminals 20a and 20b, respectively, which are available to user U1 and user U2 (step S180). Then, the display control unit 11a transmits the generated competition results screen information to user terminals 20a and 20b.

[0071] Finally, user terminals 20a and 20b display the competition results screen on the display unit 24 based on the competition results screen information received from the server 10 (step S190). This allows user U1 to easily share competition results information related to the results of the competitions in which he voted with another user (user U2).

[0072] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram of the server 10 and user terminals 20 in the first embodiment when competition result information is displayed on the display units 24 of the first user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a) and the second user terminal 20 (user terminals 20b and user terminal 20c).

[0073] First, the first user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a) available to the first user U (user U1) transmits display request information to the server 10 via an operation on the display unit 24 after user U1 has cast a vote for the competition (step S200).

[0074] Next, the presentation unit 11b (server 10) receives display request information from the user terminal 20a and generates presentation screen information to display a presentation screen that presents candidate users who are candidates for the second user U to the first user U (step S210). Then, the presentation unit 11b transmits the generated presentation screen information to the user terminal 20a.

[0075] Next, the user terminal 20a displays a presentation screen on the display unit 24 based on the presentation screen information received from the server 10 (step S220). As a result, candidate users who are candidates for the second user U are presented to user U1.

[0076] Next, the user terminal 20a accepts the designation of candidate users (second user U) by user U1 through operations on the displayed screen (step S230). Then, the user terminal 20a sends designation information to the server 10 indicating the candidate users (user U2, user U3, and user U4) designated as second user U by user U1.

[0077] Next, the proposal unit 11c (server 10) receives the specified information transmitted from the user terminal 20a and generates proposal screen information to display a proposal screen that suggests the display of competition result information to user terminals 20b, 20c, and 20d, which are available to the candidate users (users U2, U3, and U4) indicated in the specified information (step S240). Then, the proposal unit 11c transmits the generated proposal screen information to user terminals 20b, 20c, and 20d.

[0078] Next, user terminals 20b, 20c, and 20d display the suggested screen on the display unit 24 based on the suggested screen information received from the server 10. This suggests that the display of competition result information is proposed to the candidate users (users U2, U3, and U4) designated by user U1.

[0079] Next, the user terminal 20b receives user U2's consent to display the competition results information through an operation on the proposed screen (step S250). The user terminal 20b sends consent information to the server 10 indicating user U2's consent to display the competition results information.

[0080] Next, the user terminal 20c receives user U3's consent to display the competition results information through an operation on the proposed screen (step S260). The user terminal 20c sends consent information indicating user U3's consent to display the competition results information to the server 10.

[0081] Next, the user terminal 20d receives user U3's disagreement (disagreement) regarding the display of competition results information through an operation on the proposed screen (step S270). In other words, the user terminal 20d receives user U3's disagreement (disagreement) by receiving an operation indicating that user U3 does not agree to the display of competition results information. The user terminal 20d sends disagreement information indicating user U3's disagreement regarding the display of competition results information to the server 10. Note that, for example, if user U3 ignores it, the user terminal 20d will remain silent for a certain period of time. If user U3 does not consent to the display of competition results information through an action on the proposal screen within (for example, 30 seconds, 60 seconds), it may be assumed that user U3 has given their refusal (does not consent). The set time period is set, for example, by the first user U who has access to user terminal 20a.

[0082] Next, the display control unit 11a (server 10) receives consent information transmitted from user terminal 20b, consent information transmitted from user terminal 20c, and non-consent information transmitted from user terminal 20d, and generates consent request screen information to display a consent request screen requesting consent to start displaying the competition results information (step S280). Then, the display control unit 11a transmits the generated consent request screen information to user terminal 20a.

[0083] Next, the user terminal 20a displays a consent request screen on the display unit 24 based on the consent request screen information received from the server 10. This requests user U1 to consent to the start of displaying the competition results information.

[0084] Next, the user terminal 20a receives consent from user U1 to start displaying the competition results information through an operation on the consent request screen (step S290). Then, the user terminal 20a sends consent information indicating consent to start displaying the competition results information to the server 10.

[0085] Next, the display control unit 11a receives consent information transmitted from the user terminal 20a, designates users U2 and U3, who have consented to the display of competition result information, as second users U, and generates competition result screen information to display the competition result information on the display units 24 of user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c, which are available to users U1, U2, and U3, respectively (step S300). Then, the display control unit 11a transmits the generated competition result screen information to user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0086] Finally, user terminals 20a, 20b, and 20c display the competition results screen on the display unit 24 based on the competition results screen information received from the server 10 (step S310). This allows user U1 to easily share competition results information related to the results of the competitions in which he voted with other users (users U2 and U3).

[0087] As explained in detail above, in the first embodiment, the server 10 (information processing device) includes a display control unit 11a. When a vote is made in a competition by the first user U (first user), the display control unit 11a displays competition result information related to the competition result on the first user terminal 20 (first terminal) and the second user terminal 20 (second terminal), which are available to the first user U and the second user U (second user), respectively, based on a request from the first user U to display the competition result.

[0088] According to this first embodiment, a first user U can easily share competition result information related to the results of the competition in which they voted with another user (second user U). This, in turn, facilitates communication between users regarding competition results.

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 11a may cause the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 to display second competition result information relating to the results of competitions in which the dissenting user U did not vote, before displaying first competition result information relating to the results of competitions in which the dissenting user U voted. In other words, the display control unit 11a may display second competition result information relating to the results of competitions in which the dissenting user U did not vote first, in the hope that the dissenting user U will later agree.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 11a may display the content of the votes cast by the first user U and the second user U for the competition as competition result information to the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 11a displays the competition result information on the first display area (for example, the upper half) of the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20, while the second display area of ​​the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20... For example, the content of communication (e.g., chat, stamps, etc.) between the first user U and the second user U may be displayed in the lower half of the area. In other words, while the competition results information is being displayed, the first user U and the second user U may be able to communicate with each other using chat, stamps, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 11a may also display to the first user terminal 20 the timing at which the second user U can confirm the display of the competition results information. For example, if the display control unit 11a receives a rejection (does not agree) from the second user U regarding the display of the competition results information via an operation on the proposed screen, it displays an input screen on the second user terminal 20 in which the timing at which the display of the competition results information can be confirmed can be entered. Next, the second user terminal 20 receives the timing input from the second user U (for example, a time input such as "21:00"). Finally, the display control unit 11a displays the timing (time) at which the input was received on the first user terminal 20.

[0093] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 11a may display competition result information on the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 based on the display timing specified by the first user U (for example, the display start date and time). For example, after the first user U has specified a candidate user, the display control unit 11a displays an input screen on the first user terminal 20 in which the display timing can be entered. Next, the first user terminal 20 receives input for the display timing from the first user U (for example, input of a time such as "21:00"). Finally, the display control unit 11a displays a suggestion screen on the second user terminal 20 that includes a message such as, "User U1 has suggested that we view the competition results together at 21:00."

[0094] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 10 (control unit 11A) according to the second embodiment. In Figure 9, components with the same reference numerals as those shown in Figure 4 have the same functions, so redundant explanations will be omitted here.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 11A according to the second embodiment is further configured to include a notification unit 11d as part of its functional configuration.

[0096] After the display control unit 11a has displayed the competition result information, if there is a competition for which voting has been performed by at least one of the first user U and the second user U, and the results have not yet been confirmed, the notification unit 11d notifies the first user U and the second user U of the existence of competition result information related to the results of that competition.

[0097] For example, if there is a competition in which voting has been conducted by at least one of the first user U and the second user U, and the results have not yet been confirmed, the notification unit 11d (server 10) generates notification screen information to display a notification screen to the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 informing them of the existence of competition result information related to the results of that competition. The notification unit 11d then transmits the generated notification screen information to the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20. The first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 then display a notification screen on the display unit 24 based on the notification screen information received from the server 10.

[0098] According to the second embodiment configured in this way, after the display of competition results information, the first user U and the second user U can become aware of the existence of competition results information related to the results of a competition in which at least one of the first user U and the second user U has voted and the results have not yet been confirmed, and can then take action to share that competition results information.

[0099] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 10 (control unit 11B) according to the third embodiment. In Figure 10, components with the same reference numerals as those shown in Figure 9 have the same function, so redundant explanations will be omitted here.

[0100] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11B according to the third embodiment is further configured to include a recommendation unit 11e as part of its functional configuration.

[0101] After the competition results information is displayed by the display control unit 11a, the recommendation unit 11e recommends that at least one of the first user U and the second user U cast a vote for a competition in which no votes have been cast by at least one of the first user U and the second user U.

[0102] For example, the recommendation unit 11e (server 10) generates recommendation screen information to display a recommendation screen that recommends at least one of the first user U and the second user U to vote in a competition that has not yet been voted on by at least one of the first user U and the second user U. The recommendation unit 11e then transmits the generated recommendation screen information to at least one of the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20. At least one of the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 then displays a recommendation screen on the display unit 24 based on the recommendation screen information received from the server 10.

[0103] According to the third embodiment configured in this way, after the display of competition results information, at least one of the first user U and the second user U can be prompted to vote for competitions in which no votes have been cast by at least one of them (joint voting).

[0104] In the third embodiment described above, the recommendation unit 11e may recommend to at least one of the first user U and the second user U that they vote for a competition in which they have not yet voted, while the first user U and the second user U are in a state where they can mutually confirm the contents of their votes.

[0105] It should be noted that the above embodiments merely represent examples of how the present invention may be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

[0106] The characteristic functions and effects of the above embodiment are summarized below.

[0107] The server 10 (information processing device) includes a display control unit 11a. When a vote is made in a competition by the first user U (first user), the display control unit 11a displays competition result information related to the competition result on the first user terminal 20 (first terminal) and the second user terminal 20 (second terminal), which are available to the first user U and the second user U (second user), respectively, based on a request from the first user U to display the competition result.

[0108] This configuration allows the first user U to easily share competition results information related to the outcome of the competition in which they voted with another user (the second user U).

[0109] The display control unit 11a displays the competition results information in a time-synchronized manner between the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20.

[0110] With this configuration, the first user U can share competition result information related to the results of the competition in which they voted with another user (the second user U) in a time-synchronized manner.

[0111] The server 10 further includes a presentation unit 11b. The presentation unit 11b presents candidate users who are candidates for the second user U to the first user U.

[0112] With this configuration, the first user U can identify potential candidates for the second user U (candidate users) without having to search for them themselves.

[0113] The presentation unit 11b presents user U, who voted for the competition, as a candidate user.

[0114] This configuration allows the first user U to identify other candidate users who have voted for the same competition without having to search for them themselves.

[0115] The presentation unit 11b presents user U, who has voted in the competition but has not yet checked the results, as a candidate user.

[0116] With this configuration, the first user U can identify candidate users who have voted in the same competition and have not yet checked the results of that competition, without having to search for them themselves.

[0117] Based on the candidate user's disagreement with the display of competition result information, the presentation unit 11b presents a new candidate user who is a candidate for the second user U.

[0118] With this configuration, the first user U can identify new potential users without having to search for them themselves, even if the consent of the existing potential users is not obtained.

[0119] Based on the candidate user's consent to display the competition results information, the display control unit 11a causes the second user terminal 20, which is available to the candidate user as a second user U, to display the competition results information.

[0120] With this configuration, the first user U can share competition result information related to the outcome of the competition in which they voted with the candidate user (second user U), provided that the candidate user consents.

[0121] The server 10 further includes a proposal unit 11c. Based on a request from the first user U to display the competition results, the proposal unit 11c proposes the display of competition result information to multiple users U. The display control unit 11a designates the users U who have agreed to display the competition result information as second users U and causes the competition result information to be displayed on the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20.

[0122] With this configuration, the first user U can share the competition results information with the second user U, who is one of several users U to whom the display of the competition results information has been proposed and who has given their consent to such display.

[0123] The display control unit 11a causes the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20 to display second competition result information, which relates to the results of competitions not voted on by the dissenting user U, before the first competition result information, which relates to the results of competitions voted on by the dissenting user U.

[0124] By adopting this configuration, even if it takes time to obtain consent from a dissenting user U, it remains possible to share the results of the first competition voted on by that user U once consent is obtained.

[0125] The display control unit 11a displays the content of the votes cast by the first user U and the second user U for the competition as competition result information to the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20.

[0126] With this configuration, the first user U and the second user U can share the details of their votes for a competition as competition result information related to the outcome of the competition they voted for.

[0127] The display control unit 11a displays competition result information in the first display area of ​​the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20, while displaying the content of communication between the first user U and the second user U in the second display area of ​​the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20.

[0128] With this configuration, the first user U and the second user U can share competition results information from the content displayed in the first display area, and share the content of communication between the first user U and the second user U from the content displayed in the second display area.

[0129] The server 10 further includes a notification unit 11d. After the display control unit 11a has displayed the competition result information, if there is a competition in which voting has been performed by at least one of the first user U and the second user U, and the results have not yet been confirmed, the notification unit 11d notifies the first user U and the second user U of the existence of competition result information related to the results of that competition.

[0130] With this configuration, after the display of competition results information, the first user U and the second user U can become aware of the existence of competition results information related to competitions in which at least one of the first user U and the second user U has voted and the results have not yet been confirmed, and can then take action to share that competition results information.

[0131] The server 10 further includes a recommendation unit 11e. After the display control unit 11a displays the competition results information, the recommendation unit 11e recommends to at least one of the first user U and the second user U that they vote for a competition in which they have not yet voted.

[0132] With this configuration, after the display of competition results, it is possible to prompt at least one of the first user U and the second user U to vote for competitions in which no votes have been cast by at least one of them.

[0133] The recommendation unit 11e recommends that at least one of the first user U and the second user U cast a vote for a competition in which at least one of them has not yet voted, while the contents of the votes can be confirmed between the first user U and the second user U.

[0134] With this configuration, it is possible to encourage at least one of the first user U and the second user U to vote in competitions for which no votes have been cast, while both users U and the first user U can mutually confirm the contents of each other's votes.

[0135] In the information processing method executed on server 10, when a vote is cast in a competition by the first user U, the computer, based on a request from the first user U to display the competition results, causes the first user U and the second user U to display competition result information related to the competition results on the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20, which are available to the first user U and the second user U, respectively.

[0136] This configuration allows the first user U to easily share competition results information related to the outcome of the competition in which they voted with another user (the second user U).

[0137] The information processing program running on server 10 instructs the computer to, when a vote is made in the competition by the first user U, to display competition result information related to the competition result on the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 20, which are available to the first user U and the second user U, respectively, based on a request from the first user U to display the competition result.

[0138] This configuration allows the first user U to easily share competition results information related to the outcome of the competition in which they voted with another user (the second user U). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1. Voting System 10 servers 11, 11A, 11B Control Unit 11a Display Control Unit 11b Presentation part 11c Proposal Department 11d News Department 11e Recommended section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14. Operation Input Section 15 monitors 16 System bus 20, 20a, 20c, 20d User terminals 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Display 25 speakers 26 Mike 27 Cameras 28 Operation buttons 29 System bus 60, 62, 64 checkboxes U,U1,U2,U3,U4 Users

Claims

1. It comprises a display control unit and a presentation unit, When a vote is made by the first user in a competition, the display unit presents a number of candidate users who are candidates to share competition result information related to the competition result, based on the first user's request to display the competition result. The display control unit causes the competition results information to be displayed on the first terminal available to the first user and on the second terminal available to the second user selected from the presented group of candidate users. The information processing device wherein the aforementioned multiple candidate users are users who satisfy different conditions from each other.

2. When a first user votes in a competition, the processor, based on a request from the first user to display the results of the competition, presents a plurality of candidate users who are candidates to share competition result information related to the results of the competition. A method for causing a processor to display the competition results information on a first terminal available to the first user and on a second terminal available to a second user selected from the presented plurality of candidate users, A method in which the aforementioned multiple candidate users are users who satisfy different conditions from each other.

3. The processor includes: When a first user votes in a competition, the process involves presenting multiple candidate users who are candidates to share competition result information related to the competition result, based on the first user's request to display the competition result. A program that causes the first user to use a first terminal and the second user selected from the presented list of candidate users to use a second terminal, to perform a process of displaying the competition results information, The aforementioned multiple candidate users are programs that satisfy different conditions from each other.

4. A system including a terminal and a server, The aforementioned server, When a first user votes in a competition, based on the first user's request to display the results of the competition, several candidate users who are candidates to share competition result information related to the results of the competition are presented. The competition results information is displayed on the first terminal available to the first user and on the second terminal available to the second user selected from the presented group of candidate users. The aforementioned multiple candidate users are users who satisfy different conditions from each other.

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