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

Abstract

This invention addresses the problem of providing an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program with which the operation load when voters cast their votes is reduced and the occurrence of erroneous operation can be prevented. The information processing device of the present invention comprises a processor. The processor accepts votes of voting tickets in which voting contents are designated on the basis of an operation of designating a competition in which votes are cast by first users and an operation of designating voting contents in which votes are cast in the designated competition, the processor accepts the designation of first voting tickets from within at least one voting ticket cast by the first users, the processor accepts the casting of second voting tickets on which the same voting contents are designated as the first voting tickets by accepting an operation of designating first voting tickets cast by second users, and when the second users have cast second voting tickets, the processor adds a first additional dividend cover to a first basic dividend cover determined for the second voting tickets to set a dividend cover for the second voting tickets.

Description

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

[0001] The present embodiment relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a voting system that allows a voter to use, for example, a mobile terminal to vote in various types of competitions where betting is performed, such as horse racing, bicycle racing, auto racing, or boat racing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a voting system that allows a voter to purchase a betting ticket using a mobile terminal.

[0003] JP 2013-114487 A

[0004] The betting methods used in sports where betting is conducted are complicated, and in the case of horse racing, for example, after a bettor specifies a betting method such as "win" or "place," he or she must perform multiple operations to specify the betting targets, such as "number 5 for first place, number 3 for second place," and the number of predetermined bets or the betting amount for each betting target. This creates a large operational burden for the voter when placing a bet, and there is a problem that operational errors are likely to occur.

[0005] One object of this embodiment is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can reduce the operational burden on voters when casting their votes and prevent the occurrence of operational errors.

[0006] An information processing device according to one example of this embodiment is an information processing device having a processor, wherein the processor accepts a vote on a ballot ticket specifying the voting content based on an operation by a first user to specify a competition in which to vote and an operation to specify the voting content to be cast in the specified competition, accepts the designation of a first ballot ticket from at least one ballot ticket cast by the first user, accepts a vote on a second ballot ticket specifying the same voting content as the first ballot ticket by accepting an operation by a second user to designate the first ballot ticket, and when the second user votes on the second ballot ticket, sets the payout multiplier of the second ballot ticket by adding a first additional payout multiplier to a first basic payout multiplier set on the second ballot ticket.

[0007] According to one example of this embodiment, by encouraging other users to vote for a ballot ticket that has the same voting content as a designated ballot ticket from among the ballot tickets cast by a user, with the aim of increasing the payout ratio, it is possible to reduce the operational burden on the voter when casting a vote and prevent the occurrence of operational errors.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a voting system in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a server and a user terminal in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a user terminal. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a user terminal. FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a user terminal. FIG. 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a user terminal. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server in a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server in a third embodiment.

[0009] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment, which is an example of the present embodiment, will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a voting system 1 in this embodiment. The voting system 1 is a system that manages votes by users in various types of competitions where betting is conducted, such as horse racing, bicycle racing, or boat racing.

[0010] In this embodiment, the betting system 1 is described as being used for horse racing, but the betting system 1 may be used for various types of competitions in which betting is performed, such as bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing, in addition to horse racing. The betting system 1 may also be used for various types of competitions in which rankings are determined. The betting system 1 may also be used for simulation games for the various types of competitions mentioned above.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the voting system 1 includes a server 10 and multiple user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, and user terminal 20c) that belong to the same group G. The server 10 and the multiple user terminals 20 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line 5 such as the Internet or a wireless LAN. The server 10 functions as an "information processing device" in this embodiment.

[0012] Group G is a group made up of multiple users U who can use the voting service provided by the voting system 1. The minimum number of users required to make up group G is set to, for example, two users. In this embodiment, group G is a group made up of users U1, U2, and U3. Users U1, U2, and U3 are, for example, users U who have friendships with each other and who have recognized each other as users U (also called friends).

[0013] In this embodiment, users who use the user terminal 20a, the user terminal 20b, and the user terminal 20c are referred to as user U1, user U2, and user U3, respectively. When there is no need to distinguish between user U1, user U2, and user U3, user U1, user U2, and user U3 will each be referred to as user U.

[0014] Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the user terminal 20a, the user terminal 20b, and the user terminal 20c, the user terminal 20a, the user terminal 20b, and the user terminal 20c will each be referred to as the user terminal 20.

[0015] The number of user terminals 20 included in the voting system 1 is not limited to three, but may be at least one user terminal 20.

[0016] The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. Note that the user terminal 20 may be any terminal, such as a mobile phone, a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a home game console, etc.

[0017] The server 10 may be configured from a single device or multiple devices, and may also be a server realized on the cloud.

[0018] An overview of voting performed using the voting system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. First, a user U operates a user terminal 20 to access the server 10. Next, after accessing the server 10, the user U inputs information for uniquely identifying the user U (e.g., a user ID, a password, etc.) into the user terminal 20 in order to log in to the server 10. The input information is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 via a communication line 5.

[0019] Next, the server 10 identifies the user U who is using the voting system 1 based on the information received from the user terminal 20. Next, the server 10 generates screen information including information for displaying the voting screen, and transmits it to the user terminal 20.

[0020] Next, the user terminal 20 displays a voting screen based on the screen information received from the server 10. The user U then casts a vote using the voting screen displayed on the user terminal 20. Here, the voting screen is a screen on which the user U casts a vote. For example, in the case of horse racing, the voting screen displays options for betting methods such as "win," "place," "box bet," "quinella," "exacta," "wide," "trifecta," and "trifecta," as well as betting targets, and a predetermined value of bets or bet amounts on the betting targets. After predicting the outcome of a race (horse racing), the user U can use the voting screen to set the betting method, betting targets, and a predetermined value of bets or bet amounts on the betting targets, and purchase a betting ticket (betting ticket) based on the set content using a predetermined value, thereby placing a bet on the outcome of the race.

[0021] When the event to be bet on is horse racing, the betting targets are, for example, "an exacta with number 5 coming in first and number 3 coming in second" or "a trifecta with racehorses numbered 1, 2 and 5 selected." Note that an exacta is predicting the racehorses that will come in first and second in the order of their finish, while a trifecta is predicting the racehorses that will come in first through third regardless of their order of finish.

[0022] The predetermined value may be money, or may be points that can be used for a predetermined service or game, etc. Furthermore, the points may be points that the voter can receive free of charge (free points), or points that the voter can receive in exchange for payment of money (paid points).

[0023] When user U has completed voting, the input voting information is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 via the communication line 5. The server 10 then determines whether user U's bet was correct or not based on the results of the actual race, and transmits determination result information indicating the determination result to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 then displays the determination result information received from the server 10. User U can confirm whether his or her bet was correct or not by referring to the determination result information displayed on the user terminal 20. If user U's bet was correct, he or she can receive a payout value (e.g., money or points) determined based on the amount of the predetermined value used for the bet and the payout rate (odds) for the bet target.

[0024] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation input unit 14, and a monitor 15.

[0025] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the server 10. The control unit 11 functions as an example of a "processor" in this embodiment.

[0026] A part of the storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processes based on various programs.

[0027] Furthermore, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 can hold a database including one or more tables for recording various information, processing results, and the like.

[0028] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include a program that functions as an example of an "information processing program" in this embodiment.

[0029] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that instead of or together with the NIC, the communication unit 13 may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function of enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. The server 10 is connected to user terminals 20 and the like via the communication line 5 and can transmit and receive various data to and from the user terminals 20 and the like.

[0030] The operation input unit 14 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and accepts input of various operations by a user who uses the server 10. The monitor 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, etc., and displays various images.

[0031] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, grasp the operation status of the operation input unit 14 by the user, and access various communication networks and user terminals 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0032] (Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 20 is configured to include a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, a speaker 25, a microphone 26, a camera 27, and operation buttons 28.

[0033] The control unit 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20 .

[0034] A part of the storage unit 22 is configured with, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 21 executes processes based on various programs.

[0035] Furthermore, a part of the storage unit 22 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 can hold a database including one or more tables for recording various information, processing results, and the like.

[0036] The programs stored in the storage unit 22 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the user terminal 20, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, and the like.

[0037] The communication unit 23 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that instead of or together with the NIC, the communication unit 23 may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function of enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. The user terminal 20 is connected to the server 10, other user terminals 20, etc. via the communication line 5, and can transmit and receive various data to and from the server 10, other user terminals 20, etc.

[0038] The display unit 24 is a touch panel display or the like, and is capable of displaying images and the like and accepting operations by the user U.

[0039] The speaker 25 outputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The microphone 26 inputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 21. The camera 27 captures an image of a subject under the control of the control unit 21.

[0040] The operation button 28 is provided, for example, on the side of the user terminal 20, and includes a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, a button for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 25, etc.

[0041] The control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the memory unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user U, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks, the server 10, other user terminals 20, etc. via the communication unit 23.

[0042] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 provided in the server 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 has, as its functional configuration, a group formation unit 11a, a communication means providing unit 11b, a vote receiving unit 11c, a designation receiving unit 11d, a setting unit 11e, and a display control unit 11f. Note that the control unit 11 of the server 10 generally has various functions in addition to those described above, but here, only the characteristic functions of the voting system 1 in the first embodiment will be described, and illustrations and descriptions of other known functions will be omitted.

[0043] The group formation unit 11a receives a request for forming a group (in this embodiment, group G) from the user U. Furthermore, based on the request from the user U or predetermined conditions, the group formation unit 11a executes processes such as creating a new group, adding the user U to a group, excluding the user U from a group, and deleting a group.

[0044] The communication means providing unit 11b provides communication means in a virtual space to multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G. The communication means is provided as one of the communication tools in an SNS (social networking service). Each user U (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G can communicate with each other using communication means such as voice chat, text chat, or video chat.

[0045] The betting acceptance unit 11c accepts, from the user terminal 20 operated by the first user (user U1 in this embodiment), a betting ticket that specifies the betting content based on an operation to specify the race (horse racing in this embodiment) for which the first user will bet, and an operation to specify the betting content for the specified race (for example, betting method, betting target, predetermined value such as betting amount).The betting acceptance unit 11c then stores, in the memory unit 12 or the like, betting information that indicates the betting content specified in the betting ticket for which the vote was accepted.

[0046] The designation receiving unit 11d receives designation of a first voting ticket, which is a voting ticket for which the payout rate is to be increased, from among at least one voting ticket (specifically, a voting target) cast for a race by a first user. User U1 and users U2 and U3 who belong to the same group G as user U1 can designate the first voting ticket.

[0047] The designation receiving unit 11d controls so that a first user (user U1 in this embodiment) can designate a first voting ticket from among the voting tickets shared with other users (users U2 and U3 in this embodiment). For example, user U1 can designate a first voting ticket from before the voting ticket on which he or she voted is shared to after it has been shared. Furthermore, users U2 and U3 can designate a first voting ticket after the voting ticket has been shared by user U1.

[0048] The voting acceptance unit 11c accepts a vote of a second voting ticket that specifies the same voting content (including the race for which the vote is being cast) as that of the first voting ticket by accepting an operation to specify the first voting ticket from the user terminal 20 operated by the second user (users U2 and U3 in this embodiment). Specifically, the voting acceptance unit 11c receives specific information (e.g., a voting ID) that is transmitted from the user terminal 20 operated by the second user and that uniquely identifies the first voting ticket. Here, a vote of a second voting ticket that specifies the same voting content as that of a first voting ticket means a vote for the same voting target as that of the first voting ticket, or for a voting ticket with at least some of the same voting targets (also known as a pool vote).

[0049] When a second user (in this embodiment, users U2 and U3) votes with a second voting ticket, the setting unit 11e sets the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket by adding the first additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier set on the second voting ticket.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the setting unit 11e sets the payout multiplier for the second voting ticket by adding the first additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier that is set for the second voting ticket (specifically, the voting target) at the time when the second voting ticket is cast. Note that the setting unit 11e may also set the payout multiplier for the second voting ticket by adding the first additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier that is set for the second voting ticket at a time after the second voting ticket has been cast (for example, at the time when voting acceptance is closed). In the present embodiment, the first additional payout multiplier is set based on the designation of the first user (user U1 in the present embodiment).

[0051] When the communication means providing unit 11b provides communication means in a virtual space to multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G, the display control unit 11f displays various information on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20 that is available to each user.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram (corresponding to an example of the “information processing method” of this embodiment) of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 in the case where, in this embodiment, a second user (users U2 and U3) performs an operation to designate a first voting ticket designated by a first user (user U1) and thereby votes on a second voting ticket that designates the same voting content as the first voting ticket.

[0053] First, the user terminal 20a available to the first user (user U1) transmits voting request information to the server 10, which is received via an operation on the display unit 24, indicating a request to vote using a voting ticket with specified voting content based on an operation to specify the competition (in this embodiment, horse racing) for which the first user will bet and an operation to specify the betting content for the specified competition (for example, betting method, betting target, predetermined value such as betting amount) (step S100).

[0054] Next, the vote acceptance unit 11c of the server 10 receives the vote request information transmitted from the user terminal 20a, and accepts the vote of the voting ticket with the voting content specified by the first user (step S110).

[0055] FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20a when the vote acceptance unit 11c accepts the vote of the user U1.

[0056] 6, the display control unit 11f of the server 10 causes the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20a to display specific information identifying multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G, voting ticket information indicating the contents of the voting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote accepted by the vote acceptance unit 11c, and a button 50 for selecting a first voting ticket from the voting tickets corresponding to user U1's vote. User U1 using the user terminal 20a can understand the contents of the vote he or she has made by checking the screen shown in FIG.

[0057] Specifically, the display control unit 11f displays, as identification information, face icons 32, 34, and 36 that respectively identify user U1, user U2, and user U3 who belong to group G in the display area 30 of the display unit 24. In addition, the display control unit 11f displays, in the display areas 40 and 42 of the display unit 24, betting ticket information (betting target, payout ratio, betting amount) that indicates the contents of each betting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U1.

[0058] The betting ticket information displayed in display area 40 indicates a "Trifecta bet with racehorses No. 3, No. 5, and No. 7 selected" as the betting target, a payout rate of "13.7 times," and a betting amount of "500 yen." The betting ticket information displayed in display area 42 indicates a "Exacta bet with No. 6 as first place and No. 4 as second place" as the betting target, a payout rate of "12.5 times," and a betting amount of "1,000 yen."

[0059] Returning to the sequence diagram of Fig. 5, the user terminal 20a available to the first user (user U1) receives designation request information from user U1 via an operation on the display unit 24, and transmits designation request information indicating a request to designate a first voting ticket to the server 10 (step S120). In this embodiment, user U1 checks the screen shown in Fig. 6, selects a voting ticket corresponding to the voting ticket information displayed in the display area 40, and presses button 50. This causes the user terminal 20a to transmit designation request information to the server 10 indicating a request to designate a first voting ticket from user U1 (specifically, the ballot ticket corresponding to the ballot ticket information displayed in the display area 40).

[0060] Next, the designation receiving unit 11d receives the designation request information sent from the user terminal 20a, and receives the designation of the first voting ticket, which is the target of an increase in the payout multiplier, from among the voting tickets bet by user U1 for the competition (step S130).

[0061] FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20a when the designation of the first voting ticket is accepted by the designation accepting unit 11d.

[0062] 7, the display control unit 11f of the server 10 causes the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20a to display specific information identifying multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G, betting ticket information indicating the contents of the betting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote accepted by the vote accepting unit 11c, and a button 52 for sharing the betting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote with other users (user U2, user U3). In the present embodiment, the betting ticket corresponding to the betting ticket information displayed in the display area 40 is designated as the first betting ticket, and therefore an icon 44 indicating that the betting ticket is subject to an increase in the payout rate is displayed in the payout rate area in the display area 40.

[0063] Returning to the sequence diagram of Fig. 5, the user terminal 20a available to the first user (user U1) transmits to the server 10 sharing request information, which is received from user U1 via an operation on the display unit 24 and indicates a request to share the ballot ticket corresponding to user U1's vote (step S140). In this embodiment, user U1 checks the screen shown in Fig. 7 and presses button 52. As a result, the user terminal 20a transmits to the server 10 sharing request information, which indicates a request to share the ballot ticket corresponding to user U1's vote.

[0064] Next, the display control unit 11f of the server 10 receives the sharing request information transmitted from the user terminal 20a, and generates shared screen information for displaying a shared screen on which the voting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U1 is shared with other users (users U2 and U3) (step S150).The display control unit 11f then transmits the generated shared screen information to the user terminals 20b and 20c.

[0065] The user terminals 20b and 20c display the shared screen on the display unit 24 based on the shared screen information received from the server 10. As a result, the contents of the voting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U1 are shared with users U2 and U3 who check the shared screen displayed on the display unit 24.

[0066] 8 is an example of a shared screen displayed on the display units 24 of the user terminals 20b and 20c. As shown in FIG. 8, the display units 24 of the user terminals 20b and 20c display specific information identifying multiple users (user U1, user U2, and user U3) belonging to group G, voting ticket information indicating the content of the voting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote accepted by the voting acceptance unit 11c, and a button 54 for voting with the same content as the voting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote. In the present embodiment, the voting ticket corresponding to the voting ticket information displayed in the display area 40 is designated as the first voting ticket, and therefore an icon 45 is displayed in the payout rate area in the display area 40 indicating that the payout rate for that voting ticket is to be increased; more specifically, the payout rate for that voting ticket is to be increased from 13.7 times (first basic payout rate) to 14.2 times (the first basic payout rate plus the first additional payout rate (0.5 times)). In this way, the display control unit 11f displays the voting tickets that the first user (user U1) has shared with other users (users U2 and U3) in such a way that they can be distinguished as first voting tickets (ballot tickets corresponding to the ballot ticket information displayed in the display area 40) and ballot tickets that are not designated as first voting tickets (ballot tickets corresponding to the ballot ticket information displayed in the display area 42) depending on whether or not the icon 45 is displayed.

[0067] Returning to the sequence diagram of Fig. 5, the user terminal 20b available to the second user (user U2) transmits to the server 10 voting request information that is received from user U2 via an operation on the display unit 24 (an operation by the second user to designate the first voting ticket) and indicates a request to vote using a second voting ticket specifying the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket (step S160). In this embodiment, user U2 checks the shared screen shown in Fig. 8 and presses button 54. As a result, the user terminal 20b transmits to the server 10 voting request information that indicates a request to vote using the same content as the voting ticket (including the first voting ticket) corresponding to the vote of user U1.

[0068] Next, the voting acceptance unit 11c of the server 10 receives the voting request information sent from the user terminal 20b and accepts the vote of user U2 for the second voting ticket having the same content as the voting ticket (including the first voting ticket) corresponding to the vote of user U1 (step S170).

[0069] Next, because user U2 has voted on a betting ticket with the same contents as the betting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote, more specifically, because user U2 has voted on a second betting ticket with the same betting contents as the first betting ticket specified by user U1 (a trifecta selecting racehorses numbered 3, 5, and 7), the setting unit 11e adds the first additional payout multiplier (0.5) to the first basic payout multiplier (13.7) specified on the second betting ticket to set the payout multiplier (14.2) for the second betting ticket (step S180).

[0070] 9 is an example of a shared screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20b after the payout ratio for the second voting ticket is set in step S180. As shown in Fig. 9, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20b displays specific information that identifies the multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G, voting ticket information that indicates the content of the voting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U2 that was accepted by the voting acceptance unit 11c, and voting history information that indicates that user U2 voted on the second voting ticket that specified the same voting content as the first voting ticket specified by user U1.

[0071] Specifically, the display control unit 11f displays, as identification information, face icons 32, 34, and 36 that respectively identify user U1, user U2, and user U3 who belong to group G in the display area 30 of the display unit 24. In addition, the display control unit 11f displays, in the display areas 40 and 42 of the display unit 24, betting ticket information (betting target, payout ratio, betting amount) that indicates the contents of the betting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U2.

[0072] The betting ticket information displayed in display area 40 indicates a "Trifecta bet selecting racehorses 3, 5, and 7" as the betting target, a payout rate of "14.2", and a betting amount of "500 yen". The betting ticket information displayed in display area 42 indicates a "Exacta bet with number 6 as first place and number 4 as second place" as the betting target, a payout rate of "12.5", and a betting amount of "1000 yen". In the payout rate area in display area 40, an icon 46 is displayed indicating that the payout rate has increased to 14.2 times as a result of the betting of the second betting ticket based on the first betting ticket designated by user U1.

[0073] The voting history information displayed in the display area 60 indicates that user U2 (one person) identified by the face icon 34 voted with the second voting ticket based on the first voting ticket designated by user U1.

[0074] Figure 10 is an example of a shared screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20c after the payout ratio for the second voting ticket is set in step S180. As shown in Figure 10, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20c displays specific information that identifies multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G, voting ticket information that indicates the content of the voting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote accepted by the voting acceptance unit 11c, a button 54 for voting with the same content as the content of the voting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote, and voting history information that indicates that user U2 voted with the second voting ticket based on the first voting ticket designated by user U1.

[0075] Specifically, the display control unit 11f displays, as identification information, face icons 32, 34, and 36 that respectively identify user U1, user U2, and user U3 who belong to group G in the display area 30 of the display unit 24. In addition, the display control unit 11f displays, in the display areas 40 and 42 of the display unit 24, betting ticket information (betting target, payout ratio, betting amount) that indicates the contents of the betting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U1.

[0076] The betting ticket information displayed in display area 40 indicates a "Trifecta bet selecting racehorses No. 3, No. 5, and No. 7" as the betting target, a payout rate of "13.7," and a betting amount of "500 yen." Furthermore, the betting ticket information displayed in display area 42 indicates a "Exacta bet with No. 6 coming in first and No. 4 coming in second" as the betting target, a payout rate of "12.5," and a betting amount of "1,000 yen." In this embodiment, the betting ticket corresponding to the betting ticket information displayed in display area 40 is designated as the first betting ticket, and therefore, similar to the screen shown in FIG. 8 , an icon 45 is displayed in the payout rate area in display area 40 indicating that the betting ticket is eligible for an increase in the payout rate; more specifically, the payout rate for the betting ticket is eligible for an increase from 13.7 (first basic payout rate) to 14.2 (the first basic payout rate plus the first additional payout rate (0.5)). In this way, the display control unit 11f displays the voting tickets that the first user (user U1) has shared with other users (users U2 and U3) in such a way that they can be distinguished as first voting tickets (ballot tickets corresponding to the ballot ticket information displayed in the display area 40) and ballot tickets that are not designated as first voting tickets (ballot tickets corresponding to the ballot ticket information displayed in the display area 42) depending on whether or not the icon 45 is displayed.

[0077] The voting history information displayed in the display area 60 indicates that user U2 (one person), identified by face icon 34, voted on a second voting ticket that specified the same voting content as the first voting ticket specified by user U1.

[0078] Returning to the sequence diagram of Fig. 5, the user terminal 20c available to the second user (user U3) transmits to the server 10 voting request information that is received from user U3 via an operation on the display unit 24 (an operation by the second user to designate the first voting ticket) and indicates a request to vote using a second voting ticket specifying the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket (step S190). In this embodiment, user U3 checks the shared screen shown in Fig. 10 and presses button 54. As a result, the user terminal 20c transmits to the server 10 voting request information that indicates a request to vote using the same content as the voting ticket (including the first voting ticket) corresponding to the vote of user U1.

[0079] Next, the voting acceptance unit 11c of the server 10 receives the voting request information sent from the user terminal 20c and accepts the vote of user U3 for the second voting ticket having the same content as the voting ticket (including the first voting ticket) corresponding to the vote of user U1 (step S200).

[0080] Next, because user U3 has voted on a betting ticket with the same content as the betting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote, more specifically, because user U3 has voted on a second betting ticket with the same betting content as the first betting ticket specified by user U1 (a trifecta selecting racehorses numbered 3, 5, and 7), the setting unit 11e adds the first additional payout multiplier (0.5) to the first basic payout multiplier (13.7) specified on the second betting ticket to set the payout multiplier (14.2) for the second betting ticket (step S210).

[0081] 11 is an example of a shared screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20c after the payout ratio for the second voting ticket is set in step S210. As shown in Fig. 11, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20c displays specific information that identifies the multiple users (user U1, user U2, user U3) belonging to group G, voting ticket information that indicates the content of the voting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U3 that was accepted by the voting acceptance unit 11c, and voting history information that indicates that users U2 and U3 voted on the second voting ticket that specified the same voting content as the first voting ticket specified by user U1.

[0082] Specifically, the display control unit 11f displays, as identification information, face icons 32, 34, and 36 that respectively identify user U1, user U2, and user U3 who belong to group G in the display area 30 of the display unit 24. In addition, the display control unit 11f displays, in the display areas 40 and 42 of the display unit 24, betting ticket information (betting target, payout ratio, betting amount) that indicates the contents of the betting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U3.

[0083] The betting ticket information displayed in display area 40 indicates a "Trifecta bet selecting racehorses 3, 5, and 7" as the betting target, a payout rate of "14.2", and a betting amount of "500 yen". The betting ticket information displayed in display area 42 indicates a "Exacta bet with number 6 as first place and number 4 as second place" as the betting target, a payout rate of "12.5", and a betting amount of "1000 yen". In the payout rate area in display area 40, an icon 46 is displayed indicating that the payout rate has increased to 14.2 times as a result of the betting of the second betting ticket based on the first betting ticket designated by user U1.

[0084] The voting history information displayed in the display area 60 indicates that users U2 and U3 (two people), identified by face icons 34 and 36, respectively, voted on the second voting ticket based on the first voting ticket designated by user U1.

[0085] As described in detail above, in the first embodiment, the server 10 (information processing device) includes a processor (control unit 11). The processor accepts a vote using a ballot ticket that specifies the betting content based on an operation by a first user (user U1) to specify the competition in which to vote and an operation to specify the betting content (betting method, betting target, predetermined value such as betting amount) for the specified competition. The processor accepts the designation of a first ballot ticket from at least one ballot ticket cast by the first user. The processor accepts a vote using a second ballot ticket that specifies the same betting content as the first ballot ticket by accepting an operation by a second user (users U2 and U3) to designate the first ballot ticket. When the second user votes using the second ballot ticket, the processor sets the payout multiplier (14.2x) for the second ballot ticket by adding a first additional payout multiplier (0.5x) to the first basic payout multiplier (13.7x) set on the second ballot ticket.

[0086] According to the first embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to encourage a second user to vote for a second voting ticket that specifies the same betting content as a first voting ticket specified from among the voting tickets cast by the first user (shared voting) in order to increase the payout ratio (also called odds boost). Furthermore, by encouraging a second user to vote for a second voting ticket that specifies the same betting content as a first voting ticket specified from among the voting tickets cast by the first user in order to increase the payout ratio, the number of required input items and thus the number of input operations when the second user casts a vote is reduced, thereby reducing the operational load and preventing the occurrence of operational errors. Furthermore, with shared voting, even when the deadline for accepting votes is approaching (i.e., when entering votes in the usual manner would not be enough to make the deadline), the second user can cast their vote with fewer input operations, in other words, by shortening the input operation time.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the voting ticket corresponding to the vote of user U1 is shared with users U2 and U3 who belong to the same group G, but is not shared with users who do not belong to group G (for example, users who belong to a group other than group G). Therefore, compared to when the voting ticket corresponding to user U1's vote is shared without restriction with users who are not related to user U1, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of security and privacy problems.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when users U2 and U3 cast their own votes, voting information indicating the voting details (e.g., voting method, voting target, predetermined value such as voting amount) based on the voting operation is transmitted from the user terminal 20 operated by users U2 and U3 to the server 10. On the other hand, when users U2 and U3 cast a pooled vote using a first voting ticket, specific information (e.g., a voting ID) that uniquely identifies the first voting ticket is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10. This reduces the amount of information transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 compared to when users U2 and U3 cast their votes themselves, thereby reducing the communication load. Furthermore, even if the specific information transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 is viewed by a user not belonging to group G (e.g., a user belonging to a group other than group G), the user cannot view the voting details cast by users U2 and U3, preventing security and privacy issues such as the disclosure of the voting details to users unrelated to users U2 and U3.

[0089] Furthermore, when users U2 and U3 cast their votes themselves, they typically browse and review information about each voting target online when considering their vote. Using pooled voting allows users to cast a second voting ticket by joining the first voting ticket already reviewed by another user (user U1), reducing the number of web page views by users U2 and U3 and the processing load on the server 10. Furthermore, reducing the time users U2 and U3 spend reviewing their votes using user terminals 20b and 20c reduces the power consumption of user terminals 20b and 20c.

[0090] In the first embodiment, when a second user (user U2, U3) casts a second voting ticket specifying the same betting content as the first voting ticket, the setting unit 11e may set the payout multiplier for the first voting ticket by adding the second additional payout multiplier to the second basic payout multiplier set on the first voting ticket. Here, the second basic payout multiplier may be the payout multiplier set on the first voting ticket (specifically, the bet target) at the time the first voting ticket is cast, or may be the payout multiplier set on the first voting ticket at a time after the first voting ticket is cast (for example, when voting acceptance is closed).

[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the setting unit 11e may change the first additional payout multiplier of the second voting ticket depending on whether the voting history (e.g., past voting balances or number of votes) of the second user (e.g., users U2 and U3) satisfies or does not satisfy a predetermined condition. For example, the setting unit 11e may increase the first additional payout multiplier of the second voting ticket when the second user's past voting balances (voting history) are negative (satisfying the predetermined condition) compared to when the second user's past voting balances (voting history) are positive (not satisfying the predetermined condition). Furthermore, the setting unit 11e may increase the first additional payout multiplier of the second voting ticket when the second user's past voting count (voting history) is less than 100 (satisfying the predetermined condition) compared to when the second user's past voting count (voting history) is 100 or more (not satisfying the predetermined condition).

[0092] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the designation receiving unit 11d may be able to accept a designation for the first voting ticket from a third user (e.g., a user not belonging to group G). In this case, when the first voting ticket is designated by the third user, the setting unit 11e sets the payout multiplier for the second voting ticket by adding the first additional payout multiplier and the third additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier set for the second voting ticket. Here, the third additional payout multiplier is set based on, for example, the designation of the third user. The third additional payout multiplier is added to the basic payout multipliers set for the voting tickets of all users who have designated the same first voting ticket (specifically, the first user, the second user, and the third user), respectively, to set the payout multiplier for that voting ticket. In other words, when the first voting ticket is designated by the third user, all users who have designated the same first voting ticket can benefit from the odds boost (addition of the third additional payout multiplier) based on that designation. As in this modified example, the payout multiplier for the second voting ticket may be increased according to the number of users who designate the same first voting ticket, specifically as the number of users increases, or the payout multiplier for the second voting ticket may be increased according to the number of times the same first voting ticket is designated, specifically as the number of times it is designated increases.

[0093] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the display control unit 11f may display the increase in the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket when a user (user U2, U3) who has shared a voting ticket with a first user (user U1) designates the first voting ticket. For example, if the first additional payout multiplier of a user who has shared a voting ticket differs depending on the voting history (rank, level, income and expenditure, etc.) of the user, it can be easily understood which user, among the users who have shared a voting ticket, should designate the first voting ticket in order to maximize the increase in the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket (i.e., who will have the most benefit).

[0094] In the first embodiment, the setting unit 11e may set a higher first additional payout multiplier when the cumulative total of bets made based on the first voting ticket by users (users U2 and U3) who have shared voting tickets with the first user (user U1) is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, compared to when the cumulative total is less than the predetermined amount. Furthermore, the display control unit 11f may display the amount required for the cumulative total to reach the predetermined amount when the cumulative total is less than the predetermined amount.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, when the designation receiving unit 11d receives the designation of a first voting ticket by a first group user (users U1, U2, U3) belonging to the first group (group G), the designation receiving unit 11d may restrict the acceptance of the designation of a first voting ticket by a second group user belonging to the second group (a group different from group G). For example, if a first group user (user U1) in the first group designates and shares the first voting ticket, and then the first group user leaves the first group and joins the second group, and shares the first voting ticket in the second group, the designation receiving unit 11d will restrict the acceptance of the designation of a first voting ticket by a second group user belonging to the second group, and will also restrict the increase in the payout ratio of a second voting ticket on which a second group user has voted by specifying the same betting content as the first voting ticket.

[0096] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment, which is an example of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 10 (control unit 11A) according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 12, components with the same reference numerals as those shown in Fig. 4 have the same functions, and therefore redundant description will be omitted here.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 11A according to the second embodiment further includes a management unit 11g as a functional component.

[0098] The management unit 11g manages the number of times that a designation can be made associated with a first user (e.g., users U1, U2, U3). The designation receiving unit 11d controls so that the first user's first voting ticket can be designated when the number of times that a designation can be made meets a predetermined number (in other words, when the first user has the right to designate a voting ticket that is subject to an increased payout multiplier), but controls so that the first user's first voting ticket cannot be designated when the number of times that a designation can be made does not meet the predetermined number (in other words, when the first user does not have the right to designate a voting ticket that is subject to an increased payout multiplier). For example, the management unit 11g manages so that the number of times that a designation can be made associated with a first user is periodically increased.

[0099] According to the second embodiment configured in this manner, if the number of times that a first user can designate a first voting ticket does not reach a predetermined number, the first user cannot designate a first voting ticket, thereby preventing the first user from designating a first voting ticket excessively.

[0100] In the second embodiment, the management unit 11g may control the number of times a first user (e.g., user U1) can designate a prize based on the voting history of the first user. For example, if the first user's past voting frequency (voting history) is high, the management unit 11g increases the number of times a first user can designate a prize compared to when the first user's past voting frequency is low. Furthermore, if the first user's past voting amount (voting history) is high, the management unit 11g increases the number of times a first user can designate a prize compared to when the first user's past voting amount is low. Furthermore, if the first user's past voting balance (voting history) is negative, the management unit 11g increases the number of times a first user can designate a prize compared to when the first user's past voting balance is positive. Furthermore, if the first user's past number of consecutive unsuccessful votes (voting history) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the management unit 11g increases the number of times a first user can designate a prize compared to when the number of consecutive unsuccessful votes is less than the predetermined number.

[0101] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the display control unit 11f may display the number of times that can be specified for a user (e.g., user U2, U3) who has received the ballot ticket information shared by the first user (e.g., user U1) on a screen on which the shared ballot ticket can be confirmed (e.g., a screen that can be viewed by multiple users who have received the ballot ticket information and on which the multiple users can converse with each other).

[0102] In the second embodiment, the management unit 11g may manage the number of times that a first voting ticket can be designated for each of the betting methods (for example, win, place) of the first voting ticket. In this case, the designation receiving unit 11d controls so that a first voting ticket cannot be designated for a betting method for which the number of times that a first voting ticket can be designated is less than a predetermined number.

[0103] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment, which is an example of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 10 (control unit 11B) according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 13, components with the same reference numerals as those shown in Fig. 12 have the same functions, and therefore redundant description will be omitted here.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 13, a control unit 11B according to the third embodiment further includes a guide unit 11h as a functional component.

[0105] When a user (e.g., user U2, U3) who has received a voting ticket shared with him / her from a first user (e.g., user U1) enters the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket on the voting ticket input screen (e.g., voting screen), the guidance unit 11h guides the user to vote based on the first voting ticket.

[0106] According to the third embodiment configured in this manner, when a user who has received a shared voting ticket enters the same voting details as on the first voting ticket on the voting ticket input screen, the user can be encouraged to vote for a second voting ticket that specifies the same voting details as on the first voting ticket (shared voting) in order to increase the payout ratio (odds boost).

[0107] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof.

[0108] <Summary> [General Problem] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to provide a good operating environment for voters when casting their votes.

[0109]

[0023] Issues Corresponding to [Supplementary Note 1] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to reduce the operational burden on voters when casting their votes and to prevent operational errors. [Supplementary Note 1] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a processor that accepts votes using ballots that specify voting details based on an operation by a first user to specify the competition for which the vote will be cast and an operation to specify voting details for the specified competition, accepts the designation of a first ballot from at least one ballot ticket cast by the first user, accepts a vote using a second ballot ticket that specifies the same voting details as the first ballot ticket by accepting an operation by a second user to designate the first ballot ticket, and, when the second user casts the second ballot ticket, sets the payout multiplier for the second ballot ticket by adding a first additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier set on the second ballot ticket. The above information processing device can reduce the operational burden on voters when casting their votes and prevent operational errors.

[0110] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 2] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to designate a first voting ticket from among the voting tickets shared by the first user with other users. [Supplementary Note 2] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the processor controls so that the first user can designate a first voting ticket from among the voting tickets shared by the first user with other users. This makes it possible to designate a first voting ticket from among the voting tickets shared by the first user with other users.

[0111] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 3] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to increase the payout multiplier of the first voting ticket when a second user votes on a second voting ticket that specifies the same voting target as the first voting ticket. [Supplementary Note 3] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein, when the second user votes on the second voting ticket, the processor sets the payout multiplier of the first voting ticket by adding a second additional payout multiplier to the second basic payout multiplier set on the first voting ticket. This makes it possible to increase the payout multiplier of the first voting ticket when the second user votes on a second voting ticket that specifies the same voting target as the first voting ticket.

[0112] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 4] One of the objectives of this embodiment is for other users who have received a voting ticket shared by a first user to easily know whether or not that voting ticket has been designated as a first voting ticket. [Supplementary Note 4] The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the processor displays the voting ticket shared by the first user with other users in a manner that allows them to distinguish between the first voting ticket and a voting ticket that has not been designated as a first voting ticket. This allows other users who have received a voting ticket shared by the first user to easily know whether or not that voting ticket has been designated as a first voting ticket.

[0113] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 5] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to suitably change the first additional payout multiplier of the second voting ticket in accordance with the voting history of the second user. [Supplementary Note 5] The information processing device described in any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the processor changes the first additional payout multiplier of the second voting ticket depending on whether or not the voting history of the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. This makes it possible to suitably change the first additional payout multiplier of the second voting ticket in accordance with the voting history of the second user.

[0114] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 6] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to prevent the first user from designating a first voting ticket excessively. [Supplementary Note 6] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the processor manages the number of times that designation can be made associated with the first user, and performs control so that the first user cannot designate the first voting ticket if the number of times that designation can be made does not reach a predetermined number. As a result, if the number of times that designation can be made associated with the first user does not reach the predetermined number, the first user cannot designate the first voting ticket, thereby making it possible to prevent the first user from designating a first voting ticket excessively.

[0115] [Supplementary Note 7] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to appropriately control the number of times a first user can designate a function based on the voting history of the first user. [Supplementary Note 7] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the processor controls the number of times a first user can designate a function based on the voting history of the first user. This makes it possible to appropriately control the number of times a first user can designate a function based on the voting history of the first user.

[0116] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 8] One of the purposes of this embodiment is to encourage users who have received betting ticket information from the first user and who have a large number of possible designations to designate the first voting ticket. [Supplementary Note 8] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the processor displays the number of possible designations of users who have received betting ticket information from the first user on a screen on which the shared betting ticket can be confirmed. This makes it possible to encourage users who have received betting ticket information from the first user and who have a large number of possible designations to designate the first voting ticket.

[0117] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 9] One of the purposes of this embodiment is to restrict the designation of a first voting ticket for a voting method for which the number of times that it can be designated is less than a predetermined number. [Supplementary Note 9] The information processing device described in Supplementary Note 6, in which the processor manages the number of times that it can be designated for each voting method of the first voting ticket, and controls so that a first voting ticket cannot be designated for a voting method for which the number of times that it can be designated is less than a predetermined number. This makes it possible to restrict the designation of a first voting ticket for a voting method for which the number of times that it can be designated is less than a predetermined number.

[0118] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 10] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to increase the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket by further adding a third additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier when the first voting ticket is designated by a third user. [Supplementary Note 10] The information processing device described in any one of Supplements 1 to 9, wherein the processor accepts the designation of the first voting ticket from the third user, and when the designation of the first voting ticket from the third user is accepted, sets the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket by adding the first additional payout multiplier and the third additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier. Thereby, when the first voting ticket is designated by the third user, it is possible to increase the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket by further adding the third additional payout multiplier to the first basic payout multiplier.

[0119] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 11] One of the purposes of this embodiment is to easily grasp the increase in the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket when a user who has received a shared voting ticket designates a first voting ticket. [Supplementary Note 11] The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 10, wherein the processor displays the increase in the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket when a user who has received a shared voting ticket from a first user designates the first voting ticket. This makes it possible to easily grasp the increase in the payout multiplier of the second voting ticket when a user who has received a shared voting ticket designates the first voting ticket.

[0120] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 12] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to encourage users who have shared their betting tickets to cast ballots based on their first ballots (shared betting) so that the cumulative total of the ballots cast by the users who have shared their betting tickets reaches a predetermined amount, with the aim of further increasing the payout multiplier (odds boost). [Supplementary Note 12] The information processing device described in any one of Supplements 1 to 11, wherein the processor increases the first additional payout multiplier when the cumulative total of ballots cast by users who have shared their betting tickets from the first user and specify the same betting content as the first ballot ticket is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount, compared to when the cumulative total is less than the predetermined amount. This makes it possible to encourage users who have shared their betting tickets to cast ballots based on their first ballots (shared betting) so that the cumulative total of the ballots cast by the users who have shared their betting tickets reaches a predetermined amount, with the aim of further increasing the payout multiplier (odds boost).

[0121] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 13] One of the objectives of this embodiment is for a user who has shared a betting ticket to easily grasp the guideline (required amount) for the cumulative total to reach a predetermined amount. [Supplementary Note 13] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the processor displays the amount required for the cumulative total to reach the predetermined amount if the cumulative total is less than the predetermined amount. This allows a user who has shared a betting ticket to easily grasp the guideline (required amount) for the cumulative total to reach the predetermined amount.

[0122] Issues corresponding to [Supplementary Note 14] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to, when a user who has received a shared betting ticket enters the same betting details as the first betting ticket on the betting ticket input screen, encourage the user to vote with a second betting ticket based on the first betting ticket (pooling betting) in order to increase the payout ratio (odds boost). [Supplementary Note 14] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein, when a user who has received a shared betting ticket from a first user enters the same betting details as the first betting ticket on the betting ticket input screen, the processor guides the user to vote with the first betting ticket. As a result, when a user who has received a shared betting ticket enters the same betting details as the first betting ticket on the betting ticket input screen, it is possible to encourage the user to vote with a second betting ticket based on the first betting ticket (pooling betting).

[0123] [Supplementary Note 15] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to reduce the operational burden on voters when casting a vote and to prevent operational errors. [Supplementary Note 15] In an information processing method according to this embodiment, a processor accepts a vote using a ballot ticket specifying voting details based on an operation by a first user to specify the event in which the vote will be cast and an operation to specify voting details for the specified event, the processor accepts the designation of a first ballot ticket from at least one ballot ticket cast by the first user, the processor accepts a vote using a second ballot ticket specifying the same voting details as the first ballot ticket by accepting an operation by a second user to designate the first ballot ticket, and when the second user casts the second ballot ticket, the processor sets the payout multiplier for the second ballot ticket by adding a first additional payout multiplier to a first basic payout multiplier set on the second ballot ticket. This information processing method reduces the operational burden on voters when casting a vote and prevents operational errors.

[0124]

[0033] Problems Corresponding to [Supplementary Note 16] One of the objectives of this embodiment is to reduce the operational burden on voters when casting their votes and to prevent operational errors. [Supplementary Note 16] The information processing program according to this embodiment causes a processor to execute the following operations: an operation by a first user to designate a competition for which to cast a vote; a process of accepting a vote for a ballot ticket specifying the voting content based on an operation to designate the voting content for the designated competition; a process of accepting the designation of a first ballot ticket from at least one ballot ticket cast by the first user; a process of accepting a vote for a second ballot ticket specifying the same voting content as the first ballot ticket by accepting an operation by a second user to designate the first ballot ticket; and a process of setting the payout multiplier for the second ballot ticket by adding a first additional payout multiplier to a first basic payout multiplier set on the second ballot ticket when the second user casts a vote. The above information processing program can reduce the operational burden on voters when casting their votes and prevent operational errors.

[0125] 1: Voting system, 10: Server, 11, 11A, 11B: Control unit, 11a: Group formation unit, 11b: Communication means providing unit, 11c: Vote acceptance unit, 11d: Designation acceptance unit, 11e: Setting unit, 11f: Display control unit, 11g: Management unit, 11h: Guidance unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation button, 29: System bus, 32, 34, 36: Face icon, 40, 42, 60: Display area, 45, 46: Icon, 50, 52, 54: Button, U, U1, U2, U3: User

Claims

1. An information processing device including a processor, The processor: accepting a vote using a voting ticket that specifies the voting content based on an operation by a first user to specify a competition for which the first user will be voting and an operation to specify the voting content for the specified competition; Accepting designation of a first voting ticket from among at least one voting ticket voted by the first user; accepting an operation of designating the first voting ticket by at least one second user, thereby accepting a vote of a second voting ticket designating the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket; changing a payout ratio of the ballot ticket according to the number of second users who have designated the first ballot ticket; Information processing device.

2. the processor accepts a vote using a betting ticket that specifies the content of a vote to be cast based on an operation by the first user to specify the competition for which the vote will be cast and an operation to specify the content of a vote to be cast in the specified competition; a processor accepts designation of a first voting ticket from among at least one voting ticket voted by the first user; a processor accepts an operation of designating the first voting ticket by at least one second user, thereby accepting a vote of a second voting ticket designating the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket; The processor changes the payout ratio of the voting rights according to the number of second users who have designated the first voting tickets. Information processing methods.

3. a process of accepting a vote of a betting ticket with specified voting content based on an operation of specifying a competition for which a first user will bet by the processor and an operation of specifying voting content for the specified competition; a process of accepting designation of a first voting ticket from at least one voting ticket voted by the first user; a process of accepting a vote of a second voting ticket specifying the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket by accepting an operation of specifying the first voting ticket by at least one second user; a process of changing a payout rate of the betting ticket according to the number of second users who have designated the first betting ticket; An information processing program that executes the above.

4. A system comprising a server and a plurality of terminals, The server accepting a vote using a betting ticket that specifies the content of a bet based on an operation to specify a competition for which a bet will be made on the terminal of the first user and an operation to specify the content of a bet to be made in the specified competition; Accepting designation of a first voting ticket from among at least one voting ticket voted by the first user; accepting an operation to designate the first voting ticket through at least one terminal of a second user, thereby accepting a vote of a second voting ticket designating the same voting content as that of the first voting ticket; changing a payout ratio of the ballot ticket according to the number of second users who have designated the first ballot ticket; system.