Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide information so that a user can efficiently participate in a prize competition when a privilege is offered as a prize in addition to the dividend based on a result of a game and votes.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: a reception unit which accepts participation in a prize competition with an upper limit set for a privilege which can be obtained in a target period, the prize competition in which a user can participate on condition that the user votes for a result of a game; and a notification unit which notifies the user of information based on a comparison between the upper limit and the total of the privileges which can be obtained in the target period from one or more prize competitions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] ,

[0007] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In a competition where votes for a competition are accepted and a payout according to the result of the competition and the content of the vote is given, there may be a lottery in which a privilege is given in association with the vote, separately from the payout based on the competition result and the vote content.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a game management apparatus that gives a user a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of a game and a second application medium that enables application to a lottery according to a charge for receiving an input of a payment procedure from the user, and gives the user a first application medium that enables application to a lottery according to the execution of the game, and receives an application by the user to the lottery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a lottery in which a privilege is given in association with a vote for a competition, it is required to enable efficient participation in the lottery. <​​​​​​​ One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a reception unit that accepts participation in a sweepstakes in which a user can participate on the condition that they vote on the results of a competition, and in which an upper limit is set on the number of prizes that can be obtained during the target period; and a notification unit that notifies the user of information based on a comparison between the total number of prizes that can be obtained during the target period from one or more sweepstakes and the upper limit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a competition where dividends are awarded according to the results of the competition and the content of the votes, when a prize is awarded separately from the dividends based on the results of the competition and the content of the votes, it is possible to provide information that enables efficient participation in the prize. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the voting server. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the prize contest server. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration for the voting server and the prize-winning server. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a setting for a contest. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a specific example of a prize set up in a prize system. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the prize server. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an operation screen displayed on a terminal device for accepting votes and entries into contests. [Figure 11] This figure shows a first example of how information is displayed to the user. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a second display example of information to be notified to the user. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a third display example of information to be notified to the user. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing a fourth display example of information to be notified to the user. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing a fifth display example of information to be notified to the user. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing a sixth display example of information to be notified to the user. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing a seventh display example of information to be notified to the user.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments below. For example, various modifications or improvements that do not deviate from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention to the content described in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] <System Configuration> This embodiment is realized by a voting system and a prize system linked to the voting system. The "voting system" is a system that provides a service that accepts votes on the results of a competition and makes a payout refund to the users (hereinafter referred to as "voters") who have voted according to the results of the competition and the content of the votes. The "competition" as the voting target is not particularly limited, and for example, motorcycle racing, horse racing, other races, ball games, games (Esports), quizzes, etc. can be the targets.

[0012] The "Reward System" is a system that is implemented in conjunction with a voting system and provides a reward service where a privilege is granted when certain conditions are met. In this reward service, users are accepted to participate on the condition that they have voted in the voting system. Among the users who participate in the reward (hereinafter referred to as "reward participants"), a predetermined privilege is granted to those who satisfy the conditions for granting the privilege (hereinafter referred to as "privilege granting conditions").

[0013] The reward system will be further explained. The reward implemented by the reward system targets voters in the voting system and does not include the so-called open rewards that anyone can apply for. Also, in addition to general rewards where the recipients of privilege grants are determined by lottery or the like, lump-sum rewards where privileges are granted to all participants are included. General rewards are an example of the first type of reward, and lump-sum rewards are an example of the second type of reward. Although joint rewards participated in by multiple operators are not particularly mentioned, the present reward system can also be applied to joint rewards in the same way as general rewards.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the system according to the present embodiment. This system includes a voting server 100, a reward server 200, and a terminal device 300. The voting server 100 is a server that realizes the service of the voting system. The reward server 200 is a server that realizes the reward service. The terminal device 300 is an information processing device used by a user to receive the services of the voting system and the reward service. The voting server 100, the reward server 200, and the terminal device 300 are connected via a network 400.<于 <于

[0015] <于 Network 400 is not limited in type or specifications, as long as it is a network used for data communication between each device. For example, it may be a mobile communication system such as 4G or 5G, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. The communication lines may be wired or wireless, and a mix of both may be used. Furthermore, relay devices such as gateway devices and routers may be used to connect each device via multiple networks and communication lines.

[0016] <Configuration of Voting Server 100> Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the voting server 100. The voting server 100 comprises a vote reception unit 110, an information processing unit 120, a storage unit 130, and an output unit 140. The voting server 100 is a server connected to the network 400 and may be configured as a single server machine, or its functions may be distributed across multiple server machines. It may also be implemented as a cloud server built using resources available in a so-called cloud environment.

[0017] The voting reception unit 110 accepts votes from users for the competition. Voting is done by users using a terminal device 300, for example, by purchasing a voting ticket that specifies the competition result. The voting reception unit 110 receives the voting data transmitted from the terminal device 300 and accepts the vote.

[0018] The information processing unit 120 performs various processes related to voting and payouts. Specifically, the information processing unit 120 calculates the expected payout rate (odds) based on the number of votes and the amount of money spent on betting tickets for each expected competition result. The information processing unit 120 also calculates the payout to voters who bet on a particular competition result, based on the finalized competition result.

[0019] The memory unit 130 stores various types of information used for processing by the information processing unit 120. Specifically, the memory unit 130 stores information related to votes received by the vote acceptance unit 110 (labeled "Voting Information 131" in Figure 2), the expected payout rate calculated by the information processing unit 120 (labeled "Odds Information 132" in Figure 2), and competition results information (labeled "Competition Information 133" in Figure 2). The memory unit 130 also stores programs for the voting server 100 to perform various processes and controls.

[0020] The output unit 140 outputs information related to the competition and payouts and transmits it to the terminal device 300. For example, before the start of the competition, the output unit 140 outputs information related to the implementation of the competition and information on the expected payout rate calculated by the information processing unit 120. After the end of the competition, the output unit 140 outputs information on the competition results and the payouts calculated by the information processing unit 120.

[0021] <Configuration of Prize Server 200> Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the prize server 200. The prize server 200 comprises a participation registration unit 210, a prize processing unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a notification unit 240. The prize server 200 is a server connected to the network 400 and may be configured as a single server machine, or its functions may be distributed across multiple server machines. It may also be implemented as a cloud server built using resources available in a so-called cloud environment.

[0022] The participation registration unit 210 accepts user entries for the sweepstakes. Participation in the sweepstakes is conditional on the user voting for the competition to which the sweepstakes is associated. Voting for the competition is done using the terminal device 300 as described above. For example, a user can operate the terminal device 300 to vote in the voting system and specify the sweepstakes associated with the competition to be voted for, thereby registering their participation in the specified sweepstakes.

[0023] In sweepstakes, there is a limit to the rewards that can be given to users under certain conditions. For example, in general sweepstakes, the maximum value of prizes that can be offered is legally defined. The maximum value of prizes is set at 20 times the transaction value if the transaction value is less than 5,000 yen, and a flat rate of 100,000 yen if the transaction value is 5,000 yen or more. Therefore, this sweepstakes system sets a limit on the rewards that sweepstakes participants can acquire within a certain period. Hereinafter, the period to which this limit is set will be referred to as the "target period." The participant registration unit 210 will, in principle, accept participation in the sweepstakes for users who wish to participate, provided that the rewards that can be acquired during the target period do not exceed the set limit. The target period, which is the basis for setting the reward limit, may be set as a period such as one day. The limit is not imposed on the rewards of a single sweepstakes, but on the total rewards acquired by a sweepstakes participant within the target period. Therefore, users can participate in multiple sweepstakes and win rewards in each sweepstakes, as long as the total rewards they earn within the specified period do not exceed the upper limit.

[0024] Furthermore, the upper limit may not only be the total of the benefits awarded in one or more sweepstakes that offer benefits during the target period, but may also be imposed on the total of the benefits that can be obtained from sweepstakes that meet the benefit awarding conditions during the target period. In addition, the upper limit may be imposed on the total of benefits awarded not only in general sweepstakes but also in the total of benefits awarded as a general giveaway.

[0025] To perform this control, as will be described later, the prize server 200 maintains information on each voter's participation in the prizes and the prizes they have won. The participation reception unit 210 also obtains user identification information when a user votes for a specific prize. User identification information may include, for example, an account used when using the voting system or the prize system's services. Examples of information included in an account include the user's ID, email address, phone number, password, name, age, date of birth, gender, address, and financial account. Even if multiple different accounts are used, if it can be determined from the information listed in each account that the identified user is the same person, the multiple accounts may be treated as being owned by the same person, and the prize information may be aggregated across multiple accounts. The participation reception unit 210 then investigates the user's participation in the prizes and the prizes they have won, identified by the obtained identification information, and restricts their participation in the prizes as necessary. Details on setting limits on prizes and restricting participation in the prizes in this prize system will be described later.

[0026] The prize processing unit 220 performs various processes related to the awarding of prizes in a sweepstakes. Specifically, the prize processing unit 220 determines, for example, who is eligible to receive the prize. In general sweepstakes, eligible recipients are determined by lottery, etc., while in sweepstakes where prizes are awarded to all participants, all participants are eligible. The prize processing unit 220 also determines, for example, how to allocate the prizes to each sweepstakes participant. For example, in a general sweepstakes, if the total prize money is 200,000 yen and there are 4 winners who are eligible to receive the prize, the prize money may be distributed so that 50,000 yen (= 200,000 yen ÷ 4 people) is awarded to each winner.

[0027] Furthermore, the reward processing unit 220 will change the rewards awarded to a user in a new sweepstakes if there is a possibility that the rewards a user can earn during the target period will exceed the upper limit. Specifically, if the amount of prize money awarded as a reward would cause the amount the user earns during the target period to exceed the upper limit, the reward processing unit 220 will limit the prize money and discard the excess amount. In addition, the reward processing unit 220 may change some or all of the rewards to alternative rewards that are different from the rewards initially set for the sweepstakes in conjunction with the above-mentioned restriction of rewards. Here, the alternative rewards may be rewards that are not associated with monetary value. For example, the right to participate in a sweepstakes that can be entered on the condition of voting in a competition is not associated with monetary value. This is because voting in a competition requires the payment of money to purchase voting tickets, but participating in a sweepstakes in conjunction with voting does not involve the payment of money. Therefore, as an alternative reward, the right to participate in other sweepstakes without voting can be granted.

[0028] Furthermore, as an alternative reward, the reward may be given not to the user who intends to participate in the sweepstakes, but to other users who have a specific relationship with this user and are participating in the sweepstakes. Various types of relationships are possible for this specific relationship, but as an example, consider a voting system where a user piggybacks on another user's vote. For example, instead of the user predicting and voting for the competition results themselves, they can designate another person and vote with the same content as that person's vote. In this case, the user and the other person who piggybacks are considered to be users with a specific relationship. This other user with a specific relationship is an example of a specific user. Various types of rewards can be given as an alternative reward to this user with a specific relationship, but as an example, the probability of this other user with a specific relationship receiving a reward may be varied. In this case, the higher the reward limit for the user whose rewards are restricted, the higher the probability that the other user with a specific relationship will receive a reward.

[0029] The above explanation describes how the reward processing unit 220 modifies rewards if the total number of rewards a user can earn during the target period exceeds the upper limit. In addition, if a user is confirmed to be awarded a reward in a contest, and this award causes the total number of rewards earned during the target period to exceed the upper limit, the reward processing unit 220 will similarly limit the reward or change it to an alternative reward.

[0030] The memory unit 230 stores various information used for processing by the reward processing unit 220. Specifically, the memory unit 230 stores identification information of contest participants (labeled "Participant Information 231" in Figure 3), information on rewards already obtained by each contest participant (labeled "Previously Obtained Reward Information 232" in Figure 3), and information on contests that have been held and contests that are scheduled to be held (labeled "Contest Information 233" in Figure 3). The memory unit 230 also stores programs for the contest server 200 to perform various processes and controls.

[0031] The notification unit 240 outputs various information regarding sweepstakes and prizes and transmits it to the terminal device 300 to notify users (sweepstakes participants and those intending to participate in sweepstakes). For example, when the awarding of a prize is confirmed, the notification unit 240 notifies the sweepstakes participants who are eligible for the prize that the prize has been awarded. In addition, when accepting a user's participation in a sweepstakes or when a sweepstakes participant is selected to receive a prize, the notification unit 240 notifies these users of information about prizes they have already received, or provides information about prizes they can receive or alternative prizes.

[0032] <Hardware configuration of servers 100 and 200> Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the voting server 100 and the prize server 200. The voting server 100 and the prize server 200 are configured, for example, by computers. The servers 100 and 200 shown in Figure 4 include a processor 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, auxiliary storage device 104, and a communication interface 105.

[0033] The processor 101 is a computing means and is composed of, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), etc. RAM 102 is main memory and is used as working memory when the processor 101 performs computing operations. ROM 103 is a storage means that stores data such as programs and pre-prepared setting values. The auxiliary storage device 104 is a storage means that stores programs and data executed by the processor 101 and is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The communication interface 105 is an interface for the voting server 100 and the prize server 200 to connect with other servers and terminal devices 300 via the network 400. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 4 is merely one example of a computer hardware configuration for realizing the voting server 100 and the prize server 200, and the voting server 100 and the prize server 200 may be realized with a configuration different from that shown.

[0034] When the voting server 100 is configured with the computer shown in Figure 4, the functions of the vote reception unit 110 and the output unit 140 are realized by a processor 101 that executes programs stored in the ROM 103 and auxiliary storage device 104, and a communication interface 105. The functions of the information processing unit 120 are realized by the processor 101 executing programs stored in the ROM 103 and auxiliary storage device 104. The storage unit 130 is realized by storage means such as RAM 102, ROM 103, and auxiliary storage device 104.

[0035] When the prize server 200 is configured with the computer shown in Figure 4, the functions of the participation acceptance unit 210 and the notification unit 240 are realized by a processor 101 that executes programs stored in ROM 103 and auxiliary storage device 104, and a communication interface 105. The functions of the reward processing unit 220 are realized by the processor 101 executing programs stored in ROM 103 and auxiliary storage device 104. The storage unit 230 is realized by storage means such as RAM 102, ROM 103, and auxiliary storage device 104.

[0036] <Configuration of terminal device 300> Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 comprises a reception unit 310, an information processing unit 320, a communication unit 330, and a display unit 340. The terminal device 300 is an information processing device that can be connected to the network 400, and can be implemented by, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or other devices.

[0037] The reception unit 310 receives operations from the user. Users select competitions and prizes and cast their votes in order to use the voting system and the prize system services. These operations are received by the user using the terminal device 300.

[0038] The information processing unit 320 performs various processes related to voting in competitions and participation in sweepstakes. Specifically, the information processing unit 320 connects to the voting server 100 and the sweepstakes server 200 in response to operations received by the reception unit 310. The information processing unit 320 then sends a command to the voting server 100 to vote in the selected competition and a command to the sweepstakes server 200 to participate in the selected sweepstakes. The information processing unit 320 also receives information about competitions and voting from the voting server 100 and notifies the user. Furthermore, the information processing unit 320 receives information about participation in sweepstakes and information about the granting of rewards from the sweepstakes server 200 and notifies the user.

[0039] The communication unit 330 connects to the voting server 100 and the prize server 200 via the network 400, in accordance with the control of the information processing unit 320, and exchanges data with these servers 100 and 200.

[0040] The display unit 340 displays various information for using the voting system and the sweepstakes system. Specifically, the display unit 340 displays an operation screen for the user to select a competition and sweepstakes and place a vote, and displays an information screen to inform the user of information about the competition and sweepstakes. Details of the screens displayed by the display unit 340 will be described later.

[0041] <Hardware configuration of terminal device 300> Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or other information processing device. The terminal device 300 shown in Figure 6 includes a processor 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, auxiliary storage device 304, display device 305, input device 306, and communication interface 307.

[0042] The processor 301 is a computing means and is composed of, for example, one or more CPUs, MPUs, GPUs, DSPs, etc. RAM 302 is the main memory and is used as working memory when the processor 301 performs computing operations. ROM 303 is a storage means that stores data such as programs and pre-prepared setting values. The auxiliary storage device 304 is a storage means that stores programs and data executed by the processor 301 and is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0043] The display device 305 is a device that displays screens for various operations and information, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device 306 is a device used by the user to select a competition to vote in or a prize to participate in, and to perform various other input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch sensor that outputs a control signal according to the position pressed or touched by a finger, etc. The display device 305 screen and the touch sensor as the input device 306 may be configured as a touch panel.

[0044] The communication interface 307 is an interface for the terminal device 300 to connect to the voting server 100 and the prize server 200 via the network 400. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 6 is merely one example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device that realizes the terminal device 300, and the terminal device 300 may be realized with a configuration different from that shown.

[0045] When the terminal device 300 is configured with the computer shown in Figure 6, the functions of the reception unit 310 are realized by a processor 301 that executes programs stored in the ROM 303 and auxiliary storage device 304, and an input device 306. The functions of the information processing unit 320 are realized by the processor 301 executing programs stored in the ROM 303 and auxiliary storage device 304. The functions of the communication unit 330 are realized by a processor 301 that executes programs stored in the ROM 303 and auxiliary storage device 304, and a communication interface 307. The functions of the display unit 340 are realized by a processor 301 that executes programs stored in the ROM 303 and auxiliary storage device 304, and a display device 305.

[0046] <Type of contest> Here, we will explain the nature of the sweepstakes service provided by the sweepstakes system. As mentioned above, in addition to making voting in the voting system a condition for participating in the sweepstakes, various other conditions and forms of implementation can be set for the sweepstakes service.

[0047] Figure 7 shows an example of settings for a sweepstakes. Figure 7 shows examples of configurable items in a sweepstakes service, including "Participation Conditions," "Award Conditions," "Confirmation Period," "Award Period," and "Prize Details." Note that the settings shown in Figure 7 are examples only; you do not have to set any of the illustrated items, and you may also set items or content not shown.

[0048] "Participation conditions" are the conditions for participating in the sweepstakes, and are conditions that can be set in addition to voting in the competition in the voting system described above. In the example shown in Figure 7, "number of votes" and "purchase amount" can be set as "participation conditions". "Number of votes" is the number of votes required to participate in the sweepstakes, and for example, participation may be accepted on the condition that the participant has voted 3 times for a particular series of competitions. "Purchase amount" is the amount of money spent on voting tickets required to participate in the sweepstakes, and for example, participation may be accepted on the condition that the participant has purchased a total of 3,000 yen worth of voting tickets in one or more votes in a particular series of competitions.

[0049] "Granting conditions" are the conditions for granting prizes to contestants. In the example shown in Figure 7, "prize draw" and "participation" can be set as "granting conditions." "Prize draw" is a prize granting condition in general contests, where the recipients of prizes are determined by lottery from among the contestants. "Participation" is a prize granting condition in contests where all contestants are eligible to receive prizes. In other words, participating in the contest is a condition for receiving a prize.

[0050] The "confirmation date" is the time when it is confirmed that a prize will be awarded to the contestant. In the example shown in Figure 7, the "confirmation date" can be set to "when participation is registered," "when the competition starts," "when the competition ends," or "a specific date and time." At "when participation is registered," it is confirmed whether or not a prize will be awarded to the contestant when their participation in the contest is registered. At "when the competition starts," it is confirmed whether or not a prize will be awarded to the contestant when the competition for which voting was a condition for participating in the contest has started. At "when the competition ends," it is confirmed whether or not a prize will be awarded to the contestant when the competition for which voting was a condition for participating in the contest has ended. At "a specific date and time," it is confirmed whether or not a prize will be awarded to the contestant when the date and time specified in the contest has arrived.

[0051] The "grant period" is the time when the prize is awarded to the contestant. In a contest, the time when the awarding of the prize is confirmed and the time when it is actually awarded do not have to coincide, and the "grant period" can be set separately from the "confirmation period". In the example shown in Figure 7, the "grant period" can be set to "confirmation time", "confirmation date", "end of contest", "specific date and time", etc. At "confirmation time", the prize is awarded to the contestant when the contestant who is eligible for the prize is confirmed. At "confirmation date", the prize is awarded to the contestant on the day they are confirmed to be eligible for the prize. At "end of contest", the prize is awarded to the contestant when the period during which they can participate in the contest ends. At "specific date and time", the prize is awarded to the contestant at the date and time specified in the contest. Note that the "specific date and time" in this "grant period" may be a different date and time from the "specific date and time" in the "confirmation period".

[0052] "Content of the reward" refers to the details of the reward given to participants in the sweepstakes. In the example shown in Figure 7, "content of the reward" can include "money," "prizes," "right to receive services," etc. "Money" means that the reward is money. Although not shown in the diagram, if the reward is "money," an amount is also set. The amount of "money" can be set as a total amount and distributed appropriately to each person who receives the reward, or the amount can be predetermined for each person who receives the reward. "Prizes" means that the reward is an item. Items as "prizes" may or may not have monetary value. However, if an item with monetary value is used as a "prize," the value of that item must not exceed the upper limit set for the reward. "Right to receive services" means that the reward is the right to receive some kind of service. Various rights can be set as "rights to receive services," such as the right to participate in other sweepstakes, the right to receive information or treatment that will give you an advantage in the sweepstakes, or rights to services other than the sweepstakes service. Furthermore, the services and rights included in the "right to receive services" can be either obtained by paying money or obtained without paying money. However, when services or rights obtained by paying money are granted as benefits, the amount paid to obtain those services or rights is usually set so as not to exceed the upper limit set for the benefit.

[0053] The conditions and details of the prize service described above are merely examples and are not limited to those specifically shown in Figure 7 and the above explanation. These conditions and details can be combined and set in various ways depending on the characteristics and design of each prize service.

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates a specific example of a sweepstakes system. Here, we describe a sweepstakes in which a winning option is randomly selected from multiple choices, and the amount of the prize awarded to each user who selected the winning option is determined based on the number of users who selected that option and the prize money associated with that option. In the example shown in Figure 8, ten numbers from "1" to "10" are used as the options. Specifically, sweepstakes participants are asked to select a desired number from the ten numbers from "1" to "10," a winning number is determined from these ten numbers, and the prize money is awarded to the sweepstakes participants who selected the winning number. Note that while the above example uses numbers as options, other options may be used, and the number of options is not limited to the example above.

[0055] In this contest, participants, when voting in the competition and entering the contest, designate this contest and select one of 10 numbers. As shown in Figure 8, each number has a set total prize amount. In the example shown in Figure 8, the total prize amounts are set at 100,000 yen for numbers "1" through "6" and "8" through "10", and 200,000 yen for number "7".

[0056] The winning numbers will be determined after the period during which participation in the sweepstakes is open has ended. If multiple sweepstakes participants (hereinafter referred to as "winners") select the winning number, the total prize money set for that number will be divided by the number of winners and awarded to each winner as prize money. For example, if the winning number is "1" and there are 4 winners, each winner will receive 25,000 yen (= 100,000 yen / 4 people). If the winning number is "7" and there are 5 winners, each winner will receive 40,000 yen (= 200,000 yen / 5 people).

[0057] <Operation of Prize Server 200> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the prize server 200. When a user operates the terminal device 300 to specify a prize and vote for a competition, the terminal device 300 sends the input information related to the vote to the voting server 100 and the input information including the request to participate in the prize to the prize server 200. It is assumed that user authentication is performed when the voting operation is performed, and information about the user is sent to the voting server 100 and the prize server 200.

[0058] When the prize server 200 receives a request to participate in a prize from the terminal device 300 (S101), it investigates the rewards the user has already received during the target period (S102). The prize server 200 then determines whether, if the user is awarded a reward in the selected prize, the total rewards the user may receive during the target period may exceed the upper limit. If there is no possibility that the rewards the user may receive during the target period will exceed the upper limit (NO in S103), the prize server 200 accepts the user's participation in the prize based on the request to participate in the prize received from the terminal device 300 (S106).

[0059] On the other hand, if there is a possibility that the rewards this user may acquire during the target period will exceed the upper limit (YES in S103), the prize server 200 will notify the user's terminal device 300 that if the user acquires a reward in this prize that they intend to participate in (in other words, if they are awarded the next reward), the total amount of rewards they may acquire during the target period may exceed the upper limit (S104). Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the prize server 200 may also include in this notification information that the rewards awarded will be limited so that the total amount of rewards does not exceed the upper limit, or it may include information suggesting that the user participate in other prize contests with smaller reward amounts instead of the prize contest they requested to participate in.

[0060] When the prize server 200 receives a response to this notification from the terminal device 300 (S105), it accepts the user's participation in the prize based on the participation request and response to the notification received from the terminal device 300 (S106). Examples of responses to the notification include requests to participate without changing the prize being entered, and requests to change to a different prize in accordance with the above guidance. The prize server 200 allows changes to the prize within a predetermined range according to the upper limit set for the prizes and accepts participation in the prize.

[0061] Next, the prize server 200 determines whether the conditions for granting a prize in the prize have been met for the user who was accepted as a prize participant in S106. For example, in the case of a general prize contest where the recipients are determined by lottery, if the prize participant wins the lottery, the conditions for granting the prize are met; if they lose, the conditions are not met. If the conditions for granting the prize are not met for this prize participant (NO in S107), the prize is not awarded to this prize participant and the contest ends.

[0062] On the other hand, if the conditions for granting the prize are met for this prize participant (YES in S107), the prize server 200 determines whether the granting of this prize has caused the prize participant to exceed the upper limit for prizes earned during the target period. If the granting of this prize does not exceed the upper limit (NO in S108), the prize is granted to the prize participant without any restrictions, and the prize server 200 notifies the prize participant's terminal device 300 that the prize has been granted (S111).

[0063] In response to this, if the awarding of this prize causes the total number of prizes earned by the prize participant during the eligible period to exceed the upper limit (YES in S108), the prize server 200 will send a notification to the prize participant's terminal device 300 asking whether they would accept a change to the awarded prize so that the total number of prizes does not exceed the upper limit (S109). Examples of changes to the prize include the cancellation of all or part of the prize, or the exchange for a prize of a different monetary value. When the prize server 200 receives a response from the prize participant's terminal device 300 indicating that they accept the change to the prize as a result of this notification (S110), it will send a notification to the terminal device 300 informing them that the prize will be awarded (S111).

[0064] <Example of a display screen in terminal device 300> Voting for competitions in the voting system and participation in sweepstakes in the sweepstakes system are performed by operating the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 connects to the voting server 100 and the sweepstakes server 200, and displays an operation screen for accepting votes and sweepstakes participation on the display unit 340 based on competition and sweepstakes information obtained from each server 100 and 200. When the user performs an operation on the operation screen to participate in a vote or sweepstakes, the vote and sweepstakes participation are accepted by the voting server 100 and the sweepstakes server 200.

[0065] Figure 10 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on terminal device 300 for accepting votes and participation in sweepstakes. The operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10 displays a list of competitions to be held ("Competition 1", "Competition 2", "Competition 3", ...) along with the title "Today's Competitions". To the right of the list of competitions, a list of sweepstakes ("Sweepstakes 1", "Sweepstakes 2", "Sweepstakes 3", "Sweepstakes 4", ...) is displayed. The user can use the operation screen 341 displayed on terminal device 300 to select a competition and a sweepstakes associated with that competition, and then vote for the selected competition to participate in the selected sweepstakes. The selection of competitions and sweepstakes is performed, for example, by touching the desired competition and sweepstakes from the list of competitions and sweepstakes on the operation screen 341 displayed on the display device 305, if the input device 306 of terminal device 300 is a touch panel combined with a display device 305. Then, the reception unit 310 of the terminal device 300 receives the selection of competitions and prizes entered through the operation screen 341, and the communication unit 330 transmits the information of the selected competitions and prizes to the voting server 100 and the prize server 200. In this way, the reception unit 310 of the terminal device 300 is an example of a reception unit that accepts participation in a prize draw in response to user operations.

[0066] Although Figure 10 does not explicitly show the relationship between the competition and the prize, display control is implemented to identify the relationship between a competition and the prize that can be obtained by voting for that competition, either initially or after the competition to be voted for has been selected, in relation to a specific prize that can be obtained by voting for that competition. Specifically, for example, when a specific competition is selected on the operation screen 341, the specific prize associated with this competition may be displayed in a different display manner than other prizes, or when a specific prize is selected, the specific competition to which this prize is associated may be displayed in a different display manner than other prizes.

[0067] As explained with reference to Figure 9, when the prize server 200 accepts participation in a prize draw, if winning a prize in the selected prize draw could cause the total amount of prizes the user could win during the target period to exceed the upper limit, it sends a notification to the user's terminal device 300 (see S104). Also, when the awarding of a prize in a prize draw is confirmed, if awarding the confirmed prize would cause the total amount of prizes the user could win during the target period to exceed the upper limit, the prize server 200 sends a notification to the user's terminal device 300 (see S109). The terminal device 300 notifies the user of the information notified by the prize server 200 by displaying it on the display unit 340. The information is displayed by means of, for example, overlaying a message window on a screen such as the operation screen 341 explained with reference to Figure 10. Thus, the display unit 340 of the terminal device 300 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of information based on a comparison between the total amount of prizes that can be won during the target period and the upper limit. Several display examples will be presented and explained below.

[0068] Figure 11 shows a first example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 11, the message window M1 is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The message window M1 displays the text, "Your total earnings have reached 80,000 yen. You will reach the upper limit of 100,000 yen if you earn another 20,000 yen." This text informs the user of the total amount of rewards earned during the period, the amount of additional rewards that can be earned during the period, and the upper limit. In this example, the upper limit is set at 100,000 yen, and the user is notified that they can only earn up to 20,000 yen in rewards from sweepstakes they participate in from now on during the period.

[0069] The above notification may be issued when the total amount of rewards earned by the user during the specified period reaches a threshold set to a value less than the upper limit. For example, with the upper limit of 100,000 yen, thresholds of 60,000 yen, 80,000 yen, and 90,000 yen could be set, and a notification would be issued when the total amount earned by the user reaches each threshold. The timing of the notification may be when the awarding of rewards is confirmed when the total amount earned reaches the threshold, or when the user first participates in the sweepstakes after the total amount earned reaches the threshold.

[0070] Figure 12 shows a second example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 12, the confirmation window G1 for earned rewards is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The confirmation window G1 shows a comparison between the total amount of rewards earned by the user during the target period and the upper limit using a gauge image. The confirmation window G1 also displays text such as "You can earn another 48,000 yen" and "Current earned amount: 52,000 yen / 100,000 yen," allowing the user to also check the comparison and difference between the total amount and the upper limit through text. This notification is displayed, for example, when the user takes an action to newly participate in a sweepstakes.

[0071] Figure 13 shows a third example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 13, the message window M2 is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The message window M2 displays the text, "If you win prizes in this sweepstakes, the total amount you can win may exceed 100,000 yen. We recommend that you participate in other sweepstakes." This text informs the user of the comparison between the total amount of prizes they can win during the period including the prizes of the sweepstakes they have selected and the maximum amount, and encourages them to participate in other sweepstakes other than the selected sweepstakes as a means to prevent the total amount of prizes during the period from exceeding the maximum amount. This notification is displayed, for example, when the user takes an action to participate in a new sweepstakes.

[0072] The text in message window M2 states, "If you receive a prize in this sweepstakes, your total winnings may exceed 100,000 yen." For example, this could apply if a user has already received 80,000 yen in prizes during the eligible period, and the sweepstakes has a prize amount of 20,000 yen or more. In this case, if a user wins a prize in another sweepstakes associated with the same competition, where the maximum prize amount is 20,000 yen or less, the total winnings will not exceed the 100,000 yen limit. Therefore, message window M2 states, "We recommend participating in other sweepstakes," but it would also be acceptable to specifically indicate which sweepstakes have a maximum prize amount of 20,000 yen or less.

[0073] Furthermore, instead of recommending other sweepstakes, it would be better to suggest ways of participating in the same sweepstakes that ensure the total amount won does not exceed 100,000 yen. For example, consider a sweepstakes where a winning option is randomly selected from several choices, and each choice offers a different amount of prize money as a reward. In this case, it would be possible to clearly distinguish between options associated with high prize money that would result in the total amount won by the user exceeding the 100,000 yen limit, and options associated with low prize money that would result in the total amount won by the user not exceeding the 100,000 yen limit.

[0074] As a concrete example, consider the sweepstakes explained with reference to Figure 8. In this sweepstakes, each of the numbers "1" through "10" as options will have a separate prize amount. Furthermore, regardless of the total amount set for each number, there will be a maximum prize amount awarded to each sweepstakes participant for each number. For example, the maximum prize amount for selecting numbers "1" through "5" is 30,000 yen, and the maximum prize amount for selecting numbers "6" through "10" is 20,000 yen. In this case, if a user has already earned 80,000 yen as a reward during the campaign period, if the user who wants to participate in this sweepstakes selects numbers "1" through "5", the total amount they could win would exceed the upper limit of 100,000 yen. However, if they select numbers "6" through "10", the total amount they could win would not exceed the upper limit of 100,000 yen. It is also possible to suggest in a message window that users should select the option "6" through "10" which has a lower prize amount. Specifically, options "1" through "5" and options "6" through "10" could be distinguished by means of changing the display method, for example.

[0075] Figure 14 shows a fourth example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 14, the message window M3 is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The message window M3 displays the text: "If you win a prize in this sweepstakes, the total amount you win may exceed 100,000 yen. Any amount exceeding 100,000 yen will be discarded, and you will be granted the right to participate in Sweepstakes 3. If the excess amount exceeds 10,000 yen, your chances of winning if you participate in Sweepstakes 3 will increase." This text informs the user of the comparison between the total amount of prizes that can be won during the period including the prizes of the sweepstakes selected by the user and the upper limit, and also informs the user that if the total amount of prizes during the period exceeds the upper limit, the amount of prizes awarded in the selected sweepstakes will be limited. This notification is given, for example, when the user takes an action to newly participate in a sweepstakes.

[0076] Furthermore, this text indicates that, instead of a limit on the amount of the prize, an alternative prize—the right to participate in Sweepstakes 3—will be granted. Here, the right to participate in Sweepstakes 3 is obtained by voting in the competition within the voting system, just like the other sweepstakes, and is not associated with any monetary value. In addition, this text indicates that the content of the alternative prize will vary depending on the amount discarded due to the limit. In the example above, the probability of winning if participating in Sweepstakes 3 changes depending on the amount discarded, but the number or type of sweepstakes that can be participated in may change depending on the amount discarded, or different types of prizes may be offered as alternative prizes. The prize initially set in the selected sweepstakes is an example of the first prize, and the alternative prize described above is an example of the second prize.

[0077] Figure 15 shows a fifth example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 15, the message window M4 is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The message window M4 displays the text: "If you win a prize in this sweepstakes, the total amount you win may exceed 100,000 yen. Any amount exceeding 100,000 yen will be discarded, but the probability of winning for participants associated with you will increase in proportion to the excess amount." This text informs the user of the comparison between the total amount of prizes that can be won during the period including the prizes of the sweepstakes selected by the user and the upper limit, and also informs the user that if the total amount of prizes during the period exceeds the upper limit, the amount of prizes awarded in the selected sweepstakes will be limited. This notification is given, for example, when the user takes an action to newly participate in the sweepstakes.

[0078] Furthermore, this text indicates that, instead of a limit on the amount of the prize, the user will be given an alternative prize in the form of benefits for other participants associated with them. Other participants associated with the user are other users who have a specific relationship with the user through the mechanisms provided by the voting system and who are participating in the sweepstakes. Examples of other users with a specific relationship include the users with whom the user is piggybacking on the vote mentioned above. Note that the relationship based on piggybacking on a vote is merely an example of the specific relationship described above, and various other relationships that can be recognized between users may be established as specific relationships.

[0079] Figure 16 shows a sixth example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 16, the message window M5 is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The message window M5 displays the text, "If you win a prize in this sweepstakes, the total amount you earn will exceed 100,000 yen, so you will not be able to receive the prize. We recommend that you participate in other sweepstakes." Unlike the text in the message window M2 shown in Figure 13, this text informs the user that if they win a prize in the selected sweepstakes, the total amount of prizes they earn during the target period will inevitably exceed the upper limit (i.e., even if they win the minimum prize). As a means of preventing the total amount of prizes earned during the target period from exceeding the upper limit, it encourages participation in other sweepstakes other than the selected one. This notification is displayed, for example, when the user takes an action to participate in a new sweepstakes.

[0080] Figure 17 shows a seventh example of how information is displayed to the user. In the example shown in Figure 17, the message window M6 is overlaid on the operation screen 341 shown in Figure 10. The message window M6 displays the text: "Your total winnings have reached 100,000 yen. Any amount exceeding 100,000 yen will be discarded. You have also been granted the right to participate in Sweepstakes 3. Please note that your chances of winning Sweepstakes 3 will vary depending on the amount exceeding the limit."

[0081] The display examples shown in Figures 11 to 16 are examples of notifications given when a user may exceed the maximum amount of rewards they can earn during the target period if they win a prize in a selected sweepstakes. In contrast, the display example shown in Figure 17 is an example of a notification given when the awarding of a prize in a sweepstakes is confirmed, and awarding the confirmed prize causes the total amount of rewards the user can earn during the target period to exceed the maximum amount. Therefore, the timing of this notification is, for example, when the awarding of a prize is confirmed that will bring the total amount of rewards the user has earned to a threshold. The text displayed in the message window M6 in Figure 17 informs the user of the comparison result between the total amount of rewards the user has earned during the target period and the maximum amount, and also informs the user that the amount of rewards to be awarded will be limited because the total amount of rewards earned during the target period has exceeded the maximum amount.

[0082] Furthermore, this text indicates that, instead of a limit on the amount of the prize, an alternative prize—participation in Sweepstakes 3—will be granted. Here, participation in Sweepstakes 3 is obtained by voting in the competition within the voting system, just like other sweepstakes, and is not associated with any monetary value. In addition, this text indicates that the content of the alternative prize will vary depending on the amount discarded due to the limit based on the upper limit. The prize initially set in the selected sweepstakes is an example of the first prize, and the alternative prize described above is an example of the second prize.

[0083] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, when limiting or changing the benefits granted to a user so that the amount earned by the user during the target period does not exceed the upper limit, a notification was given on the terminal device 300, as described with reference to Figures 14, 15, and 17. In contrast, it is also possible to limit or change benefits, or to grant benefits to other users with a specific relationship, without giving such a notification. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a voting server 100 and a prize server 200 were provided separately, but these could also be implemented as functions of a single server. In addition, various modifications and substitutions of configurations that do not depart from the technical concept of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0084] <Summary> The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program described in the embodiments are shown below.

[0085] [General tasks] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information that enables efficient participation in sweepstakes when prizes are awarded separately from dividends based on competition results and voting content.

[0086] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information on benefits that users can acquire during a specified period. [Note 1] The information processing device includes a reception unit that accepts participation in a sweepstakes in which a user can participate on the condition that they vote on the results of a competition, and in which a limit is set on the number of prizes that can be obtained during the target period; and a notification unit that notifies the user of information based on a comparison between the total number of prizes that can be obtained during the target period from one or more sweepstakes and the limit. This information processing device can provide users with information about the benefits they can earn during a specified period.

[0087] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 2] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information on the rewards a user has received before the total amount of rewards they have received reaches a limit. [Note 2] The notification unit is the information processing device described in Note 1, which notifies the user that the total amount of benefits acquired by the user has reached a predetermined threshold that is less than the upper limit. This allows us to provide information about the rewards a user has earned before the total amount of rewards they have earned reaches the limit.

[0088] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information about the possibility that the total amount of benefits acquired by a user may exceed a certain limit. [Note 3] The notification unit is the information processing device described in Note 1, which notifies the user that the total amount of benefits the user has received may exceed the upper limit if the next benefit is granted to the user during the target period. This allows us to provide information about the possibility that the total amount of rewards a user has earned may exceed the limit.

[0089] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 4] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information to ensure that the total amount of benefits acquired by a user does not exceed a certain limit. [Note 4] The information processing device described in Note 1, wherein, in the case of a sweepstakes in which a user intends to participate, if the awarding of a prize during the target period could result in the total number of prizes the user can earn during the target period exceeding the upper limit, the notification unit notifies the user of other sweepstakes in which the total number of prizes earned during the target period does not exceed the upper limit. This allows us to provide information to ensure that the total amount of rewards a user has earned does not exceed the limit.

[0090] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 5] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information that ensures the total amount of rewards a user receives does not exceed an upper limit in a lottery where a winning option is selected from among multiple options. [Note 5] The lottery is a lottery in which a winning option is selected by lottery from among multiple options, and the amount of the reward to be given to each user who selected the winning option is determined based on the number of users who selected the winning option and the prize money associated with the option. The receiving unit presents, in an identifiable manner, candidates that include an option with a high prize money associated with it, which would cause the total amount of rewards received by the user to exceed the upper limit if awarded to the user, and candidates that include an option with a low prize money associated with it, which would cause the total amount of rewards received by the user to not exceed the upper limit if awarded to the user, and accepts one of the multiple options from the lottery user, as described in Note 1. This allows us to provide information to ensure that the total amount of rewards a user receives does not exceed a certain limit in the case of sweepstakes where a winning option is selected from multiple choices.

[0091] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 6] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information about changes to rewards so that the total amount of rewards earned by a user does not exceed a certain limit. [Note 6] The prize in the sweepstakes is a first prize that is associated with monetary value, the upper limit is the upper limit of the prize, and the notification unit notifies the user that, in the sweepstakes in which the user intends to participate, if the total amount of prizes the user may receive during the target period exceeds the upper limit, a second prize that is not associated with monetary value will be given instead of the first prize for at least the amount of the prizes that exceeds the upper limit, as described in Note 1. This allows us to provide information about changes to rewards to ensure that the total amount of rewards earned by users does not exceed the limit.

[0092] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 7] One of the objectives of this invention is to change the benefits in accordance with the amount of benefits that exceeds the upper limit. [Note 7] The second benefit is the information processing device described in Note 6, in which different types of benefits are set according to the amount exceeding the upper limit among the benefits awarded in the lottery. This allows you to change the rewards depending on the amount of the rewards that exceeds the upper limit.

[0093] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 8] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information on changing the recipient of rewards in order to prevent the total amount of rewards earned by a user from exceeding a certain limit. [Note 8] The information processing device described in Note 1, wherein, in a sweepstakes in which a user intends to participate, if the total amount of benefits the user may receive during the target period exceeds the upper limit if benefits are awarded during the target period, the notification unit notifies the user that special benefits equivalent to at least the amount exceeding the upper limit of the benefits awarded in the sweepstakes will be awarded to a specific user who has a specific relationship with the user and is participating in the sweepstakes. This allows us to provide information about changing the recipient of rewards to prevent the total amount of rewards earned by users from exceeding the limit.

[0094] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 9] One of the objectives of this invention is to set an upper limit on the prize in a sweepstakes based on multiple sweepstakes. [Note 9] The maximum amount of prizes in a sweepstakes is set based on the total amount of votes cast by the user during the specified period, as described in any of Notes 1 to 8. This allows the maximum rewards for a sweepstakes to be set based on multiple sweepstakes.

[0095] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 10] One of the objectives of the present invention is to specify the time range of sweepstakes for which the total value of the rewards is to be calculated. [Note 10] The total value of prizes in a sweepstakes is the total value of prizes that can be obtained from sweepstakes that offer prizes during the target period and whose prize-granting conditions are met during the target period, as described in any of Notes 1 to 8. This makes it possible to identify the time period for the sweepstakes to which the total rewards are to be calculated.

[0096] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 11] One of the objectives of the present invention is to identify the scope of sweepstakes for which the total value of the prizes is to be calculated. [Note 11] The prize includes a first prize in which the prizes to be awarded are determined by lottery, and a second prize in which the prizes to be awarded are determined without lottery, and the total prizes of the prizes to be compared with the upper limit is the sum of the prizes that can be obtained through the first prize and the prizes that can be obtained through the second prize during the target period, as described in any of Notes 1 to 8. This allows us to identify the scope of sweepstakes that will be included in the calculation of the total rewards.

[0097] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 12] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information on benefits that users can acquire during a specified period. [Note 12] An information processing method in which a processor performs the following steps: a process to accept participation in a sweepstakes in which participation is conditional on voting on the results of a competition, and in which a limit is set on the number of prizes that can be obtained during the target period; and a process to notify the user of information based on a comparison between the total number of prizes that can be obtained during the target period from one or more sweepstakes and the limit. This allows us to provide users with information about the benefits they can earn during the specified period.

[0098] Issues corresponding to [Appendix 13] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide information on benefits that users can acquire during a specified period. [Note 13] A program that causes a processor to accept participation in a sweepstakes in which participation is conditional on voting on the results of a competition, and in which a limit is set on the number of prizes that can be won during the target period, and causes the processor to execute a process that notifies the user of information based on a comparison between the total number of prizes that can be won during the target period from one or more sweepstakes and the limit. This allows us to provide users with information about the benefits they can earn during the specified period. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 100...Voting server, 110...Voting reception unit, 120...Information processing unit, 130...Storage unit, 140...Output unit, 200...Prize server, 210...Participation reception unit, 220...Benefit processing unit, 230...Storage unit, 240...Notification unit, 300...Terminal device, 310...Reception unit, 320...Information processing unit, 330...Communication unit, 340...Display unit, 341...Operation screen, 400...Network, G1...Confirmation window, M1~M6...Message window

Claims

1. A contest in which users can participate on the condition that they vote on the results of a competition, and a reception desk that accepts participation in such a contest with a limit set on the number of prizes that can be won during the target period, A notification unit that notifies the user of information based on a comparison between the total amount of benefits that can be obtained during the target period through one or more of the aforementioned sweepstakes and the aforementioned upper limit, It has, The notification unit is an information processing device that, in the case of a sweepstakes in which the user intends to participate, if the awarding of a prize during the target period could cause the total number of prizes the user may receive during that period to exceed the upper limit, notifies the user of other sweepstakes in which the total number of prizes the user may receive during that period will not exceed the upper limit.

2. The processor processes participation in a sweepstakes in which participation is conditional on voting on the results of a competition, and in which there is a limit on the number of prizes that can be won during the specified period. The processor performs a process of notifying the user of information based on a comparison between the total number of benefits that can be obtained during the target period through one or more of the aforementioned sweepstakes and the aforementioned upper limit. The processor performs the following process: If, in the sweepstakes in which the user intends to participate, awarding a prize during the target period could cause the total number of prizes the user may receive during that period to exceed the aforementioned limit, it notifies the user of other sweepstakes in which the total number of prizes the user may receive during that period will not exceed the aforementioned limit; An information processing method that performs the following.

3. The processor accepts participation in a sweepstakes in which participation is conditional on voting on the results of a competition, and in which there is a limit on the number of prizes that can be won during the specified period. The processor is instructed to notify the user of information based on a comparison between the total number of benefits that can be obtained during the target period through one or more of the aforementioned sweepstakes and the aforementioned upper limit. The processor is instructed to notify the user of other sweepstakes in which the user can earn rewards that do not exceed the upper limit if, in the sweepstakes in which the user intends to participate, the total number of rewards the user may earn during the target period may exceed the upper limit if the rewards are awarded during that period. A program that executes a process.

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