Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To prevent a vote for the same player from being too concentrated.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 for accepting a vote for a competition capable of voting for a voting object includes: a storage unit 12 for storing a predicted voting target designated by each of a plurality of predictors in association with each of a plurality of predictors for predicting results of the competition; and a presentation unit 111 for presenting, to voters for voting the competition, at least one of one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number or less of voters among a plurality of predicted voting targets or predicted voting targets of one or more predictors selected by a predetermined number or less of voters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a system that enables voting in various sports where voting such as bicycle racing, horse racing, or boat racing is conducted, using a mobile terminal. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that enables a voter to purchase a ballot 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] The voting methods adopted in sports where voting is conducted are complicated, and for voters with little voting experience (hereinafter referred to as "novice voters"), the hurdle for voting is high. For example, in the case of bicycle racing, horse racing, boat racing, etc., novice voters have to select a voting method and a competitor from many voting patterns, so it is difficult to understand how to vote.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to present to novice voters the content of voting by other voters with rich experience, and for novice voters to vote with the same content as other voters. However, if many novice voters refer to the content of voting by the same other voter, there will be a problem that the voting for the same competitor will be too concentrated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent the voting for the same competitor from being too concentrated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for receiving votes for a competition in which voting is possible for a target of voting, and comprises: a storage unit that stores a target of voting that is predicted to be voted for, in association with each of a plurality of predictors who predict the results of the competition; and a presentation unit that presents to a voter who votes for the competition at least one of the following: one or more targets of voting that have been selected by a predetermined number or fewer voters from among the plurality of targets of voting; or one or more targets of voting that have been selected by a predetermined number or fewer voters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this invention, it is possible to prevent excessive concentration of votes on the same athlete. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of the voting system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a table for predicting voting targets. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of the terminal's hardware configuration. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of a processor. [Figure 6] This is the screen displayed on a device with the voting application software running. [Figure 7] This is an example of the screen displayed on a device when a voter chooses to vote on behalf of another candidate. [Figure 8] This is an example of the screen displayed on a device when a voter chooses to vote on behalf of another candidate. [Figure 9] This is an example of the screen displayed on a device when a voter chooses to vote on behalf of another candidate. [Figure 10]This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the voting system 1 according to this embodiment. The voting system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an information processing device 10 and one or more terminals 20. The information processing device 10 and the terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication network N such as the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN, or mobile communication network.

[0011] The information processing device 10 is a device that accepts votes for competitions in which voting is possible. Specifically, the information processing device 10 is a device that assists voters using terminal 20 in placing bets of a predetermined value on the competitor they predict will win the competition, such as in bicycle racing, horse racing, and boat racing.

[0012] Voters can choose multiple athletes they predict will win the competition, or the number of entries and voting methods corresponding to those athletes. The bettor can place a bet by determining the betting target (i.e., the betting type) in combination with the betting method, and setting the determined betting target and the number of bets or bet amount of a predetermined value for that target on terminal 20. If the sport being bet on is keirin (bicycle racing), the betting targets are, for example, "a 2-car exacta with rider #5 in first place and rider #3 in second place" or "a 3-car trifecta selecting riders #1, #2 and #5". A 2-car exacta is predicting the riders who will come in first and second place in the correct order, while a 3-car trifecta is predicting the riders who will come in first, second, and third place, regardless of the order.

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

[0014] A voter can receive a refund value (e.g., money) determined based on the magnitude of a predetermined value and odds used for voting. For example, if the voting content hits the target as a result of voting using the first value, a first refund value is determined based on the odds corresponding to the voting content and the first value used for voting. Also, if the voting content hits the target as a result of voting using the second value, a second refund value is determined based on the odds corresponding to the voting content and the second value used for voting. Here, the first refund value and the second refund value are different values respectively. Also, the odds for the voting content may be determined based on the voting content of all voters based on the second value. (For example, money). For example, if the voting content hits the target as a result of voting using the first value, a first refund value is determined based on the odds corresponding to the voting content and the first value used for voting. Also, if the voting content hits the target as a result of voting using the second value, a second refund value is determined based on the odds corresponding to the voting content and the second value used for voting. Here, the first refund value and the second refund value are different values respectively. Also, the odds for the voting content may be determined based on the voting content of all voters based on the second value.

[0015] The information processing apparatus 10 is composed of, for example, one or more physical servers. The information processing apparatus 10 may be composed of virtual servers operating on a hypervisor, or may be composed of cloud servers.

[0016] The terminal 20 is a terminal used by a voter who votes. For example, it is an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. A voter can vote for a voting target by operating the terminal 20. When the terminal 20 receives an input of a voting target from the voter, it transmits information indicating the voting target to the information processing apparatus 10 in association with voter identification information (hereinafter referred to as "voter ID") for identifying the voter using the terminal 20.

[0017] The information processing apparatus 10 executes processes such as storing the voting target voted by the voter using the terminal 20, storing the magnitude of the value owned by the voter, and determining the reward amount (i.e., the refund amount) according to the result of the competition.

[0018] In voting system 1, to make it easier for novice voters to understand what to vote for, the information processing device 10 displays the voting targets specified by the predictor who predicts the results of the competition on the terminal 20, thereby presenting the voting targets to the voters. The predictor is, for example, a voter with extensive experience in voting in competitions, or a voter with extensive knowledge about the competitors, and is registered in the information processing device 10 in advance. The predictor may be some of the voters among several voters, or may be someone who only makes predictions without voting.

[0019] Voters can view one or more voting targets displayed on terminal 20 and then vote for the same target as, or at least partially the same target as, the displayed target. In this specification, voting for the same target as, or at least partially the same target as, the target predicted by the forecaster is referred to as "joint voting."

[0020] If a large number of voters cast joint votes for the same target, there is a risk that the votes for that target will become excessively concentrated. Therefore, the information processing device 10 is characterized by presenting at least one of the following: a target selected by a predetermined number of voters from among multiple targets predicted by the predictor, or a target predicted by the predictor that has been selected by a predetermined number of voters. The configuration and operation of the information processing device 10 and the terminal 20 will be described in detail below.

[0021] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15.

[0022] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and it realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit 12.

[0023] The storage unit 12 has a storage medium such as memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 stores the program executed by the processor 11. The storage unit 12 stores the voting target and voting amount (i.e., betting amount) selected by the voter, associating them with the voter ID. The storage unit 12 also stores a prediction target table that includes information associating each of the multiple predictors who make predictions about the competition with the prediction voting targets specified by each of the multiple predictors.

[0024] Figure 3 shows an example of a prediction voting target table. In the prediction voting target table shown in Figure 3, the following are associated: the name of the predictor, the prediction ID, the voting method, the athlete that the predictor predicted would win (i.e., the predicted winner), the number of voters who selected each prediction target (i.e., the number of selectors), and the number of voters who selected the predictor (i.e., the total number of selectors). Figure 3 illustrates a case where one predictor makes multiple predictions, but a single predictor may make only one prediction.

[0025] "Prediction ID" is information used to identify the content predicted by the predictor. "Predicted Voting Target" is, for example, a combination of voting method and predicted winner corresponding to a voting target that the predictor has already voted for, or a combination of voting method and predicted winner corresponding to a voting target that the predictor has notified the information processing device 10 of their intention to vote for. "Number of Selectors" is the number of voters who have made a joint vote, voting for the same content as the predicted voting target. "Total Number of Selectors" is the number of voters who have made a joint vote, voting for the voting target predicted by the predictor.

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

[0027] The input device 14 receives input operations from, for example, the administrator of the information processing device 10. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, or microphone. The output device 15 outputs information to, for example, the administrator of the information processing device 10. The output device 15 is, for example, a display or speaker.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 20. Terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication interface 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0029] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, and it performs various functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit 22. The memory unit 22 has storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory unit 22 stores programs that the processor 21 executes.

[0030] The communication IF23 has a communication controller for wired or wireless communication with the information processing device 10 via the network N. The communication IF23 notifies the processor 21 of data received from the information processing device 10. The communication IF23 also transmits data input from the processor 21 to the information processing device 10.

[0031] The input device 24 receives input from, for example, a voter. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, or microphone. The output device 25 outputs information to, for example, a voter. The output device 25 is, for example, a display or speaker.

[0032] <Functional Block Configuration> Figure 5 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the processor 11. The processor 11 has a presentation unit 111, a reception unit 112, and a reward granting unit 113. The processor 11 functions as the presentation unit 111, reception unit 112, and reward granting unit 113 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0033] The display unit 111 presents various information to the voter by displaying various information on the terminal 20. The display unit 111 may, for example, transmit information to be displayed on the terminal 20 to the terminal 20, or it may transmit screen data to be displayed on the terminal 20 to the terminal 20.

[0034] The reception unit 112 receives information indicating the actions taken by the voter using the terminal 20. The reception unit 112 receives information indicating the actions taken by the voter and identifies the actions indicated by the received information.

[0035] The reward granting unit 113 grants rewards to voters who have selected a predictor to be included in a joint vote and who meet certain conditions. Details of the reward granting unit 113 will be described later.

[0036] <Content displayed on terminal 20> The presentation unit 111 presents voters who are voting for the competition with at least one of the following: one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer from among multiple predicted voting targets, or one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer. The predetermined number is, for example, the number set by the operator running the competition as the number of people allowed to vote for the same voting target as one predicted voting target. The predetermined number may also be the number of people corresponding to a predetermined percentage of the total number of voters who have voted at that time. For example, if the total number of voters is 10,000 and the predetermined percentage is 1%, the predetermined number is 100 people.

[0037] Figures 6 to 9 show examples of screens that the display unit 111 displays on the terminal 20. Figure 6 is the screen displayed on the terminal 20 when the application software for voting is launched. Figures 7 to 9 are examples of screens displayed on the terminal 20 when a voter chooses to vote together with another voter.

[0038] In the screen shown in Figure 6, there is an area 251 for selecting the voting method, an area 252 for entering the predicted voting target, an operation image 253 for selecting a joint vote, an operation image 254 for canceling, and an operation image 255 for confirming. If a voter wants to decide on their voting target themselves, they can do so by selecting the voting method in area 251, entering the number of the athlete or entry slot in area 252, and selecting the "Confirm" button in operation image 255.

[0039] Voters who wish to participate in a joint vote can do so by selecting the "Joint Vote" button in operation image 253 and then selecting the "Confirm" button in operation image 255, without having to operate areas 251 and 252. When the joint vote button is selected, the display unit 111 displays a screen on the terminal 20 showing the predicted voting targets of one or more predictors, as shown in Figure 7.

[0040] Figure 7(a) is an example of the screen displayed on the terminal 20 of a voter who selected joint voting at the first point in time, immediately after voting became possible. Figure 7(b) is an example of the screen displayed on the terminal 20 of a voter who selected joint voting at a second point in time, after the first point in time.

[0041] In Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the prediction ID, the predicted betting target, and the odds are displayed in association. Since Figure 7(a) is the screen displayed immediately after betting becomes possible, terminal 20 can sequentially display all the predicted betting targets registered in the predicted betting target table shown in Figure 3.

[0042] On the other hand, at the second point in time when Figure 7(b) is displayed, it is assumed that time has passed since voting became possible, and as indicated by the "Number of Selectors" in Figure 3, multiple voters who have selected joint voting are performing the process of copying their predicted voting targets. It is then assumed that the presentation unit 111 will only present the predicted voting targets selected by 50 or fewer voters.

[0043] In the example in Figure 3, the predicted voting target with prediction ID A2 was selected by 60 voters, and the predicted voting target with prediction ID B1 was selected by 55 voters. As described above, in the example shown in Figure 7(b), the display unit 111 displays one or more predicted voting targets that have been selected by 50 or fewer voters, and therefore does not display the predicted voting target with prediction ID A2 and the predicted voting target with prediction ID B1, which have been selected by more than 50 voters, to the terminal 20. As a result, the screen in Figure 7(b) displays the predicted voting targets with prediction IDs A1, B2, and C1.

[0044] By presenting one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer, the presentation unit 111 reduces the probability that a voter will vote for the same target as a target selected by a larger number of voters than the predetermined number. As a result, the voting system 1 can prevent excessive concentration of votes on the same athlete.

[0045] Figure 8 shows another example of a screen displayed on terminal 20 when a voter chooses to vote together. In the screen shown in Figure 8, the display unit 111 presents to terminal 20 one or more predictors and their predicted voting targets in association with each predictor. In the screen shown in Figure 8, one of the multiple predicted voting targets for each predictor shown in the predicted voting target table in Figure 3 is displayed in association with the predictor's name.

[0046] Figure 8(a) is an example of the screen displayed on the terminal 20 of a voter who selected joint voting at the first point in time, immediately after voting became possible. Figure 8(b) is an example of the screen displayed on the terminal 20 of a voter who selected joint voting at a second point in time, after the first point in time.

[0047] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) display the forecaster's name, voting method, target of the forecast, and odds. Figure 8(a) is the screen displayed immediately after voting becomes possible, so all forecasters registered in the target of the forecast table shown in Figure 3 are displayed in order. On the other hand, at the second point in time when Figure 8(b) is displayed, it is assumed that some time has passed since voting became possible, and voters who have selected joint voting are performing the process of copying their target of the forecast. It is also assumed that the presentation unit 111 presents forecasters selected by 100 or fewer voters.

[0048] In the example in Figure 3, as shown in "Total Number of Selectors," predictor A, predictor B, predictor C, and predictor D were selected by 95, 87, 160, and 35 voters, respectively. As described above, in the example shown in Figure 8(b), the display unit 111 displays one or more predictors selected by 100 or fewer voters, so predictor C, which was selected by more than 100 voters, is not displayed to terminal 20. As a result, predictors A, B, and D are displayed on the screen in Figure 8(b) in association with the predicted voting targets.

[0049] By presenting one or more predictors selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer, the presentation unit 111 reduces the probability that a voter will vote for the same target as a target predicted by a predictor selected by a larger number of voters than the predetermined number. As a result, the voting system 1 can prevent excessive concentration of votes on the same athlete.

[0050] Figure 9 shows another example of the screen displayed on terminal 20 when a voter chooses to participate in a joint vote. In the screen shown in Figure 9, the predicted vote target is not displayed, but the name of the predictor, along with the number of votes each predictor has previously cast and their win rate, are shown. Similar to Figures 7 and 8, Figure 9(a) is an example of the screen displayed on terminal 20 of a voter who chose to participate in a joint vote at the first point in time, immediately after voting becomes possible. Figure 9(b) is an example of the screen displayed on terminal 20 of a voter who chose to participate in a joint vote at a second point in time, after the first point in time.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 9, predictor C, selected by a predetermined number of voters, is not shown in Figure 9(b). Even when the display unit 111 does not associate the predicted voting target with a predictor, the probability of a voter voting for the same target as a predictor selected by a predetermined number of voters decreases. As a result, the voting system 1 can prevent excessive concentration of votes on the same athlete.

[0052] <Other examples of the content presented> In the example described above, the presentation unit 111 determined the content to present to the terminal 20 based on the number of voters who selected a predicted voting target or predictor. However, the presentation unit 111 may also determine the priority of the content to present to the terminal 20 based on other conditions. For example, the presentation unit 111 may set a lower priority for presenting voters with the predicted voting targets of a first predictor who has the same prediction as other predictors, compared to the priority for presenting voters with the predicted voting targets of a second predictor who does not have the same prediction as other predictors. The presentation unit 111 may also determine the priority for presenting voters with predicted voting targets among one or more predictors based on the number of other predictors who have the same prediction.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 3, forecasters A and B predict that the winner will be in gate 4 and the second place in gate 3, respectively. In this case, the display unit 111 gives higher priority to forecasters C and D, who do not have the same prediction as the other forecasters, than to forecasters A and B, who have the same prediction. The display unit 111 notifies the terminal 20 of the priority, for example, by associating it with the names of multiple forecasters. By receiving information indicating priority from the display unit 111, the terminal 20 can display the predicted betting targets of forecasters with relatively higher priority at the top of the screen, highlight them, or increase the frequency of their display.

[0054] The presentation unit 111 may, if the total number of voters who selected the first predictor and the total number of voters who selected other predictors who made the same prediction as the first predictor are above a threshold, prioritize presenting the first predictor's predicted voting targets to voters lower than the priority of presenting the second predictor's predicted voting targets, for which no other predictors have made the same prediction. In the example shown in Figure 3, the total number of voters who selected the predicted voting target with prediction ID A2, as predicted by predictor A, is 60, and the total number of voters who selected the predicted voting target with prediction ID B2, as predicted by predictor B, is 32, for a total of 92. If this total number is above a threshold, the presentation unit 111 may prioritize presenting targets other than those predicted by predictor A and predictor B to the terminal 20, or prioritize presenting targets other than those predicted with prediction IDs A2 and B2 to the terminal 20.

[0055] The presentation unit 111 may lower the priority of presenting the first predictor's predicted voting target to voters than the priority of the second predictor, provided that the total number of voters who selected the first predictor and the number of voters who selected other predictors making the same prediction as the first predictor is greater than the number of voters who selected the second predictor for whom no other predictors are making the same prediction. For example, suppose predictor A (first predictor) and predictor B (other predictors) have voted for the same voting target, with 50 voters selecting predictor A and 50 voters selecting predictor B. Furthermore, suppose there are 70 voters who selected predictor C (second predictor), who voted for a different voting target than those voted for by predictors A and B.

[0056] In this case, the number of voters who selected predictor A (50 people) and the number of voters who selected predictor B (50 people) are less than the number of voters who selected predictor C (70 people). However, the total number of voters who selected predictor A and predictor B (100 people) is greater than the number of voters who selected predictor C (70 people). Therefore, in order to make it less likely for voters to vote for the same target, it is preferable for the presentation unit 111 to give a lower priority to presenting the predicted target of predictor A, the first predictor, to voters than to present the predicted target of predictor C, the second predictor. By operating in this manner, the presentation unit 111 can make it less likely for voters to vote for the same target, even if there are multiple predictors who have voted for the same target.

[0057] The presentation unit 111 may prioritize presenting voters with a vote for a voter for which other voter-choice

[0058] By having the presentation unit 111 present predictors or predicted voting targets to the terminal 20 based on their priority, the same voting target is less likely to be selected, thus preventing excessive concentration of votes on the same athlete.

[0059] <Benefits will be granted> As described above, the reward granting unit 113 grants rewards to voters who have selected a predictor to vote with and who meet certain conditions. The rewards may be, for example, points that allow for free voting, or points that can be exchanged for goods.

[0060] The reward-granting unit 113 grants a greater reward to voters who select a predictor with a small number of voters than to voters who select a predictor with a large number of voters. In other words, the reward-granting unit 113 grants a greater reward to voters who select a predictor selected by a first number of voters than to voters who select a predictor selected by a second number of voters, which is greater than the first number. Similarly, the reward-granting unit 113 may grant a greater reward to voters who select a predictor with a small number of voters than to voters who select a predictor with a large number of voters.

[0061] Here, "great reward" includes not only directly assigning value to voters, but also increasing the reward amount if the voter's vote is correct, or increasing the probability of the vote being correct. For example, the information processing device 10 may set the first payout value assigned to the same voter for the same vote if the voter is using a second value to be greater than if the voter is not using a second value. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may also set a different third value to be assigned in addition to the first payout value assigned if the voter is not using a second value, if the voter is using a second value to bet on the competition.

[0062] The reward granting unit 113 may grant rewards of a magnitude based on the number of voters who have selected the same predictor as the voter. In other words, the reward granting unit 113 may grant larger rewards the fewer voters there are who have selected the same predictor as the voter.

[0063] Thus, when the reward granting unit 113 determines the size of the reward based on the number of people who have selected it, the presentation unit 111 may display the number of voters who have selected each predictor or predict target on the screen displaying the predictors or predict targets, so that voters can select a predictor or predict target after being aware of the number of people who have selected it. By having the presentation unit 111 and the reward granting unit 113 operate in this way, the voting system 1 can motivate voters to select predictors with fewer selections.

[0064] <Presentation by voting method> In the examples shown in Figures 7 to 9, the predicted voting targets or predictors were displayed on the terminal 20 regardless of the voting method. However, the display unit 111 may determine the priority for displaying the predicted voting targets or predictors based on the voting method selected by the voter.

[0065] In this case, the presentation unit 111 may prioritize presenting to the terminal 20 the predicted voting target corresponding to the voting method selected by the voter on the screen for selecting the voting method shown in Figure 6, or the predictor who is making predictions using the same voting method as the voter, over the priority given to presenting to the terminal 20 other predicted voting targets or other predictors. For example, the presentation unit 111 may present to the terminal 20 only the predicted voting target corresponding to the voting method selected by the voter on the screen shown in Figure 6, or the predictor who is making predictions using the same voting method as the voter.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 3, when a voter selects a 2-frame single bet and a 2-car single bet, the display unit 111 displays to the terminal 20 the predicted betting targets with prediction IDs A2, B2, C1, and D1, where the number of voters who selected them is less than or equal to a predetermined number. By operating in this manner, the display unit 111 allows voters to easily select their desired predicted betting target or predictor, as they only need to check the predicted betting targets or predictors who voted using the same voting method as the voter they selected.

[0067] <Processing flow of the information processing device 10> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the information processing device 10. The flowchart shown in Figure 10 starts from the point when "Joint Vote" is selected on the screen shown in Figure 6.

[0068] First, the presentation unit 111 refers to, for example, the predicted voting target table shown in Figure 3 (S11), and selects one predicted voting target from among multiple predicted voting targets in the predicted voting target table (S12). The presentation unit 111 then determines whether the number of voters who selected the selected predicted voting target (i.e., the number of selectors) is less than or equal to a predetermined number (S13).

[0069] The presentation unit 111 decides to present the selected predicted voting target to the voters if the number of voters corresponding to that target is less than or equal to a predetermined number (YES in S13) (S14). On the other hand, the presentation unit 111 decides not to present the selected predicted voting target to the voters if the number of voters corresponding to that target is greater than a predetermined number (NO in S13). (S15).

[0070] Next, the presentation unit 111 determines whether or not it has finished checking whether the number of selectors for all predicted voting targets included in the predicted voting target table is less than or equal to a predetermined number (S16). If the presentation unit 111 determines that the check is not finished (NO in S16), it executes the processes from steps S12 to S16 for the next predicted voting target. If the presentation unit 111 determines that the check is finished (YES in S16), it displays the predicted voting target that it decided to present in step S14 on the terminal 20 (S17).

[0071] Figure 10 shows the process by which the presentation unit 111 determines whether the number of voters who selected a predicted voting target is less than or equal to a predetermined number. The process by which the presentation unit 111 determines whether the number of voters who selected a predictor is less than or equal to a predetermined number follows a similar flow.

[0072] <Effects of Voting System 1> As explained above, the presentation unit 111 presents voters who are voting on a competition with at least one of the following: one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer from among multiple predicted voting targets, or one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer. By operating in this manner, the presentation unit 111 makes it less likely for a predicted voting target or predictor that has been selected by many voters to be selected again, thus preventing an excessive concentration of votes on the same athlete.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments.

[0074] In addition to the embodiments described above, the following should be added. (Note 1) An information processing device that accepts votes for competitions in which voting is possible for the target of voting, A storage unit that stores the predicted voting targets specified by each of the multiple predictors who make predictions about the results of the aforementioned competition, A display unit that presents to voters who cast votes for the aforementioned competition at least one of the following: one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer from among the multiple predicted voting targets, or one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters or fewer; An information processing device having With the information processing device configured in this way, it becomes less likely that a predicted voting target will be selected if it has been chosen by more voters than a predetermined number, thus preventing an excessive concentration of votes on the same target. (Note 2) The display unit presents the one or more predictors and the predicted voting targets of those predictors in association with each other. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. This configuration of the information processing device makes it easier for voters to select the appropriate target for their predicted vote. (Note 3) The presentation unit determines the priority for presenting the predicted voting target to the voter among the one or more predictors, based on the number of other predictors making the same prediction. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. This configuration of the information processing device prevents excessive concentration of votes on the same target when other predictors are making the same prediction. (Note 4) The presentation unit sets a lower priority for presenting the voter with the predicted voting target of the first predictor, of whom there are other predictors making the same prediction, than for presenting the voter with the predicted voting target of the second predictor, of whom there are no other predictors making the same prediction. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. This configuration of the information processing device makes it easier to present forecasters who do not have the same prediction as other forecasters, thus preventing excessive concentration of votes on the same target. (Note 5) The presentation unit, when the sum of the number of voters who selected the first predictor and the number of voters who selected other predictors who made the same prediction as the first predictor exceeds a threshold, lowers the priority of presenting the first predictor's predicted voting targets to voters than the priority of presenting the second predictor's predicted voting targets to voters. The information processing device described in Appendix 4. This configuration of the information processing device makes it more likely to present predictions when the total number of voters who selected the same predictor is small, thus preventing excessive concentration of votes on the same target. (Note 6) The display unit sets a higher priority for displaying, among the multiple predictors, the predicted voting target corresponding to the voting method selected by the voter on the voting method selection screen, or predictors who are making predictions using the same voting method as the voter selected, than for displaying other predicted voting targets or other predictors. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. This configuration of the information processing device makes it easier for voters to select forecasters who have the same predictions as the voting method they have chosen. (Note 7) The system further includes a rewarding unit that grants a greater reward to voters who select a predictor selected by a first number of voters from among the aforementioned multiple predictors than to voters who select a predictor selected by a second number of voters, which is greater than the first number. An information processing device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to choose a predictor that many others have not selected, thus preventing excessive concentration of votes on the same candidate. (Note 8) The aforementioned reward granting unit grants rewards of a magnitude based on the number of voters who have selected the same predictor as the voter. The information processing device described in Appendix 7. This configuration of the information processing device motivates voters to choose predictors that other voters have not chosen, thus preventing an over-concentration of votes on the same candidate. (Note 9) The computer that accepts votes for the competitions in which voting is possible executes the following: The steps include: storing in a memory unit the predicted voting targets specified by each of the multiple predictors who predict the results of the aforementioned competition, in association with each of the multiple predictors; The steps include presenting voters who cast votes for the aforementioned competition with at least one of the following: one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters from among the multiple predicted voting targets, or one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number of voters; An information processing method having This information processing method makes it less likely for a predicted voting target to be selected by more voters than a predetermined number, thus preventing excessive concentration of votes on the same target. (Note 10) A computer that accepts votes for competitions in which voting is possible for the target of voting, A program for functioning as a memory control unit that stores in a memory unit the predicted voting targets specified by each of several predictors who predict the results of the competition, and a presentation unit that presents to voters who vote in the competition at least one of the following: one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number or fewer voters from among the multiple predicted voting targets, or one or more predicted voting targets selected by a predetermined number or fewer voters. By running such a program on a computer, it becomes less likely that a predicted voting target that has been selected by more voters than a predetermined number will be selected, thus preventing an excessive concentration of votes on the same target. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Voting System 10 Information Processing Devices 11 processors 12 Storage section 13 Communication IF 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 20 devices 21 processors 22 Memory section 24 Input Devices 25 Output Devices 111 Presentation section 112 Reception Department 113 Special Benefits Department

Claims

1. Multiple users, each specifying their preferred voting target, submit their votes based on the outcome of a competition, and these votes are accepted via communication with the user's terminal. At the first point in time immediately after voting becomes possible, the voting target designated by the first user among the multiple users is displayed on the screen of the terminal of the user who votes for the competition. If, at a second time point later than the first time point, the number of users who have voted based on the voting target of the first user exceeds a predetermined number, the voting target of the first user will not be displayed on the screen. Information processing device.

2. The processor receives votes based on voting targets specified by multiple users who predict the outcome of a competition, via communication with the user's terminal. The processor, at a first point in time immediately after voting becomes possible, displays the voting target designated by the first user among the multiple users on the screen of the terminal of the user who votes for the competition. If, at a second time point later than the first time point, the number of users who have voted based on the voting target of the first user exceeds a predetermined number, the processor will not display the voting target of the first user on the screen. Information processing methods.

3. A computer connected to a server that can communicate with the terminals operated by the users receives votes based on the voting targets specified by each user, who make predictions about the outcome of a competition for the target of voting. At the first point in time immediately after voting becomes possible, the voting target designated by the first user among the multiple users is displayed on the screen. If, at a second time point later than the first time point, the number of users who have voted based on the voting target of the first user exceeds a predetermined number, the voting target of the first user will not be displayed on the display. A program to execute a process.

4. Equipped with a server and terminals, The aforementioned server, Multiple users, each specifying their preferred voting target, submit their votes based on the outcome of a competition, and these votes are accepted via communication with the user's terminal. At the first point in time immediately after voting becomes possible, the voting target designated by the first user among the multiple users is displayed on the screen of the terminal of the user who votes for the competition. If, at a second time point later than the first time point, the number of users who have voted based on the voting target of the first user exceeds a predetermined number, the voting target of the first user will not be displayed on the screen. system.

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