JP7529979B2 - Information processing device, program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method.

Patent document 1 discloses a technique for inviting other players to a network game. It also describes that when the invitee plays the game to which he or she has been invited, benefits may be given to both the invitee and the inviter.

Patent No. 6202226

However, since certain benefits are given to both the inviter and the invitee, although there is some merit in receiving the benefits, the invitation and registration process is carried out mechanically.

The present invention provides an information processing device, program, and information processing method that can give a sense of value and a gaming feel to both the inviter and the invitee when inviting a new user by determining the amount of money to be awarded to the inviter and the invitee through a lottery process.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that includes a lottery processing unit and a value management unit, and the lottery processing unit determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount that can be used in the service for each of the first user and the second user, on the condition that a second user who has received an invitation from a first user registers to use the service, and the value management unit associates and stores the first grant amount with the first user and the second grant amount with the second user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the amount of money to be awarded to the inviter and invitee is determined by a lottery process, giving both the inviter and the invitee a sense of value and a sense of gaming when inviting a new user.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of a value management system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how the lottery processing unit 11a determines the amount to be granted to each user. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow of processing by a value management system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. A figure showing the relationship between the first user's reaching the invitation upper limit and the determination of the amount to be granted, etc. in the first variant example of the first embodiment. A figure showing the relationship between the first user's reaching the invitation upper limit and the determination of the amount to be granted, etc. in variant example 1 (another aspect) of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow by the value management system 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a value management system 1 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 10 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow by the value management system 2 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between voting and reward granting in the first modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between voting and reward granting in the second modified example of the third embodiment.

Below, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. In addition, each feature can be an invention independently.

<1. First embodiment>
(1-1. Value Management System 1)
An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 constituting a part of a value management system 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The value management system 1 includes the server 10, a user terminal 20a, and a user terminal 20b (which may be collectively referred to as "user terminal 20" in the following common explanation).

The server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 20a of the first user U1 and the user terminal 20b of the second user U2 via the communication line 5. The server 10 determines the amount to be granted to each user as a benefit by lottery, and grants it to each user, on the condition that the second user U2, who has been invited to the service by the first user U1, registers for use. Each component will be described below.

(1-2. Hardware Configuration of Value Management System 1)
The hardware configuration of the value management system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1-2-1. Hardware configuration of server 10)
2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 10 according to this embodiment. The server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The server 10 may also include an operation input unit 14 configured with a keyboard, a mouse, or the like and receiving input for various operations, and a display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display device that displays various images.

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

A part of the storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processes based on various programs. In addition, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as 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 programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for implementing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for implementing various functions, etc., including the programs related to this embodiment.

The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. 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), and infrared communication. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as a user terminal 20 via the communication line 5, and can transmit and receive various data to and from the other information processing devices.

The control unit 11, memory unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and display unit 15 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the memory unit 12, display images on the display unit 15, grasp the operation state of the user on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

(1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20)
3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 (user terminal 20a, user terminal 20b, etc.) according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display capable of displaying images and receiving operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 into which sound is input, a camera 27 that captures an image of a subject, and an operation button 28. The following description will focus on the differences from the server 10.

The operation buttons 28 are provided on the side of the user terminal 20 and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20 and a button for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 25.

The control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation button 28 are electrically connected to each other 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 button 28 by the user, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

(1-3. Functional configuration of server 10)
4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a lottery processing unit 11a and a value management unit 11b. The control unit 11 may further include a user management unit 11c.

The lottery processing unit 11a determines by lottery the first and second grant amounts available for the service for each of the first and second users U1 and U2, on the condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service. The value management unit 11b associates and stores the first grant amount with the first user U1 and the second grant amount with the second user U2. In addition, the user management unit 11c accepts a request for registration from the second user U2 and stores the second user U2 as a user of the service. Details of the functions will be described later.

The above-mentioned functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called apps) that is appropriately installed on the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, the control unit 11 can realize various functions by executing the programs that constitute the software.

When it is realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in the memory unit 12 built into the server 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory recording medium that is readable by a computer. It may also be realized by reading out a program stored in an external storage device, so-called cloud computing. Or, when it is realized by hardware, it can be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. Also, some of the functional configurations or some of the functions may be processed by software or hardware on the user terminal 20, etc.

(1-4. Functions of lottery processing unit 11a)
The lottery processing unit 11a is configured to determine, by lottery, the first and second grant amounts available for the service for each of the first and second users U1 and U2, on condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service. With this configuration, the grant amounts for the inviter and the invitee are determined by lottery processing, so that the invitation of a new user gives both the inviter and the invitee a sense of value and a sense of game.

Here, a "service" refers to a variety of individual or combined services for which users can register, such as voting on competition results, listening to music or videos, shopping, communication, games, or various procedures. In such services, user registration may be mandatory to use the service. In addition, there may be a difference between the usage patterns of registered and unregistered users, such as providing registered users with functions that cannot be used by unregistered users. The value management system 1 is used for such services.

In addition, whether the user registration by the second user U2 is a registration in response to an invitation from the first user U1 can be determined based on information about the first user U1 provided by the second user U2 or information issued to the first user U1 for a new user invitation. For example, it can be identified that the registration is based on an invitation from the first user U1 based on information such as the user ID of the first user U1 that is sent by the user terminal 20b of the second user U2 when requesting user registration and received by the user management unit 11c. In addition, even if the second user U2 performs user registration using the user terminal 20b via an invitation URL issued to the first user U1, it can be identified that the registration is based on an invitation from the first user U1.

The lottery processing performed by the lottery processing unit 11a to determine the amount to be granted to each user is conditional on the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registering to use the service, and can be executed after the second user U2 has completed registration to use the service.

The lottery processing unit 11a may independently determine the first grant amount and the second grant amount by lottery. With this configuration, the first grant amount and the second grant amount may be different, which may promote communication between the first user U1 and the second user U2 regarding the results. The lottery processing unit 11a may also determine the first grant amount and the second grant amount at once by lottery, and set the first grant amount and the second grant amount to the same amount. With this configuration, the first grant amount and the second grant amount can be determined in a single calculation in the lottery, which may reduce the processing load.

In one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to automatically process the lottery without a user request. For example, immediately after the second user U2 completes registration, even if there is no request from either the first user U1 or the second user U2, the first grant amount and the second grant amount for the first user U1 and the second user U2, respectively, are determined by lottery, and the lottery results are notified to each user when they subsequently use the service.

The user may also be notified by email, a push notification via an app related to the service, or the like. The lottery result may be notified to the user by a lottery result notification unit or the like included in the control unit 11.

In one embodiment, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to process the lottery in response to a user request. For example, a lottery ticket is issued to each of the first user U1 and the second user U2 upon the user registration of the second user U2, and the lottery processing unit 11a accepts requests from each user terminal 20a and user terminal 20b to execute lottery processing based on the lottery ticket issued by each user. The lottery processing unit 11a then executes the lottery processing in response to the execution requests from each user, and notifies the user of the lottery results. This configuration allows the user to control the timing of the lottery processing and enjoy the lottery in real time.

Note that one lottery ticket may be controlled so that a single lottery ticket can be used to draw a lottery, or may be controlled so that a multiple lottery ticket can be used. A usage limit may also be set for the lottery ticket. The lottery ticket may also be distributed as an item for drawing lots within the service, and may be configured so that a lottery ticket can be drawn by using the item.

In one aspect, whether or not a user request is required to start the lottery process may differ between the first user U1 who is the inviter and the second user U2 who is the invitee. For example, the lottery processing unit 11a may control the lottery process to start for the first user U1 who is the inviter upon a request made at any time by the user, while automatically starting the lottery process for the second user U2 who is the invitee following the user registration process.

The lottery processing by the lottery processing unit 11a to determine the amount to be granted to each user is conditional on the second user U2 registering to use the service after receiving an invitation from the first user U1, but the lottery processing may be configured to be performed if other specified conditions are also met. The other specified conditions may be, for example, that the second user U2 has not previously registered to use the service, or that the registration occurred within a specified period of time. Previous registration may be verified based on information such as the name, email address, or phone number of the second user U2.

Here, the "lottery" may be a process of determining the amount to be awarded from a predetermined range of amounts. In this case, the lottery process may be executed to select the amount to be awarded from a predetermined range of amounts based on a predetermined selection method. The "predetermined range of amounts" may be, for example, 500 to 20,000 points (pt) if the value of the amount to be awarded that can be used in the service is points.

A "predetermined selection method" is, for example, a method of randomly selecting from a predetermined range of amounts, or a method of selecting from multiple predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability.

In the case of a method of selecting from a number of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability, for example, 500 points that can be selected with a 40% probability, 2000 points that can be selected with a 30% probability, 5000 points that can be selected with a 20% probability, and 20000 points that can be selected with a 10% probability are prepared. These predetermined amounts and their probabilities may be associated with each other and stored in the memory unit 12 or the like as a table constituting part of a database. These predetermined amounts are then selected according to a random number generated in the lottery process.

Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a process in which the lottery processing unit 11a determines the first and second grant amounts for the first and second users U1 and U2 by lottery. The lottery processing unit 11a accepts lottery requests from each user via the user terminal 20. In the example of Figure 5, the lottery processing unit 11a processes the lottery by selecting from a number of predetermined amounts selected with a predetermined probability. The grant amount is selected and determined based on a random number generated by the lottery processing unit 11a and a table 50 in which a number of predetermined amounts and their probabilities are stored in correspondence with each other. In one lottery, as shown in Figure 5, it is determined that 500 points will be granted to the first user U1 and 20,000 points will be granted to the second user U2.

The user management unit 11c also manages the second user U2, who was invited by the first user U1 and registered for use, as a user who can invite new users.

(1-5. Functions of Value Management Unit 11b)
The value management unit 11b is configured to associate the first granted amount with the first user U1 and the second granted amount with the second user U2 and store them in the storage unit 12 or the like. By storing the granted amount in association with the user, each granted amount is managed as being granted to each user. Then, the value management unit 11b can accept from the user the use of the granted amount in the service, etc., based on the stored information on the granted amount.

(1-6. Processing flow by value management system 1)
An example of the flow of processing by the value management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, S200 and S100 are executed. In S200, the user terminal 20a of the first user U1 sends a request for invitation information to the server 10. In S100, the user management unit 11c of the server 10 etc. issues invitation information and sends it to the user terminal 20a. Here, the invitation information is information for inviting a new user, and more specifically, an invitation URL or an invitation code (character string, barcode, or two-dimensional code), etc.

Next, S205 is executed. In S205, the user terminal 20a transmits the invitation information to the user terminal 20b of the second user U2. The invitation information may be transmitted via email or a social networking service (SNS), or may be transmitted by posting to the SNS or a blog, or by posting on a homepage, and the second user U2 may refer to and obtain the information.

Next, steps S300 and S105 are executed. In step S300, the user terminal 20b transmits a registration application for use of the service by the second user U2 to the server 10. In step S105, the user management unit 11c stores information about the second user U2 in the storage unit 12 or the like, and registers the second user U2 as a user of the service.

Next, S110 is executed. In S110, the lottery processing unit 11a issues lottery tickets available to the first user U1 and the second user U2, and stores them. The lottery processing unit 11a also notifies the first user U1 and the second user U2 of the lottery tickets by transmitting them to the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b.

Next, S305, S115 (lottery processing step), S120 (value management step), and S125 are executed. In S305, the user terminal 20b transmits a request to the server 10 for processing a lottery based on the lottery right of the second user U2. In S115, the lottery processing unit 11a determines by lottery the second grant amount available for the service to the second user U2. In S120, the value management unit 11b associates the second grant amount determined for the second user U2 with the second grant amount and stores it in the storage unit 12 or the like. Then, in S125, the server 10 transmits the second grant amount as a lottery result to the user terminal 20b and notifies the second user U2.

Next, S210, S130 (lottery processing step), S135 (value management step), and S140 are executed. This is processing related to the first user U1 and his/her user terminal 20a, and processing is performed in the same manner as S305, S115, S120, and S125, except that the first grant amount is determined.

Note that S210 etc. may be performed before S305 etc. Also, the first granted amount may be notified to the second user U2, and the second granted amount may be notified to the first user U1.

(1-7. Modification 1 of the First Embodiment)
7, the server 10 may be configured so that, after the number of user registrations based on the invitation (invitation A) of the first user U1 in a predetermined period due to the second user U2 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a does not conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1 even if a third user U3 who has received an invitation (invitation B) from the first user U1 registers to use the service, as shown in FIG. 7. With such a configuration, it is possible to control so that the users who receive the invitation benefit are not biased toward a specific user.

Here, the "specified period" refers to a period during which registration by invitation is acceptable. It can also be said to be a period during which an invitee can register by invitation and inviters and non-invites can receive benefits through a lottery. Specifically, it is a campaign period set up by the service provider. If similar or different campaigns are held multiple times, each of those campaign periods will be a different "specified period."

The "number of user registrations based on an invitation from the first user U1 during a specified period" refers to the number of user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from the first user U1 during the specified period. This number does not include second user registrations made using an invitation from the first user U1, user registrations made outside the specified period, or user registrations made based on an invitation made outside the specified period.

The "maximum number of users that the first user U1 can invite" refers to the maximum number of user registrations for which the first user U1 can process a lottery based on user registrations by invitation within a specified period of time. It can also be said to be the number of times that the first user U1 can receive a grant amount by inviting other users to register.

For example, if the "maximum number of users that the first user U1 can invite" is 100, and 99 users have registered through the invitation of the first user U1, then if a second user U2 registers through the invitation of the first user U1, it can be said that the maximum number has been reached. In this case, even if a third user U3 registers through the invitation of the first user U1 after the second user U2 has registered, the lottery process will not be executed for the first user U1 based on the registration of the third user U3, and therefore the grant amount cannot be received.

In addition, after the number of user registrations based on invitations from the first user U1 during a specified period due to registration by the second user U2 reaches the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may control to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the third user U3 when the third user U3, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service.

In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 8, when the number of user registrations based on invitation A from first user U1 in a predetermined period due to registration by second user U2 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may control not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to third user U3, even if third user U3 who has received invitation B from first user U1 registers to use the service. With this configuration, it becomes possible to invite users who belong to a community centered around various inviters. In other words, it is possible to control so that newly registered users who can receive the amount to be granted by lottery are not concentrated among invitees of a specific user.

At this time, the user terminal 20c of the third user U3 (with the same configuration as the user terminal 20a) may be notified that the lottery cannot be held because the first user U1 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that can be invited.

(1-8. Modification 2 of the First Embodiment)
In one aspect, the server 10 may be configured to control the lottery processing unit 11a not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1 and the third user U3 even if the third user U3 who has been invited by the first user U1 registers to use the service after the cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period has reached the upper limit of the number of users who can be invited by all users in a predetermined period due to the second user U2 registering for use, or after the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period has reached the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control not to grant more than planned when the target amount to be granted and the number of user registrations by invitation have been achieved.

Here, "the cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users during a specified period" refers to the cumulative number of user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from any of the users during the specified period. User registrations not based on an invitation, second user registrations, or user registrations made outside the specified period are not included in this number.

The "maximum number of users that can be invited by all users in a specified period" refers to the maximum number of user registrations for which lottery processing will be performed based on user registrations made through invitations from any of all users within a specified period. It can also be said to be the number of times that all users can receive the grant amount through invitations.

"The cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users during a specified period" is the total amount granted to inviters and invitees due to user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from any of the users during the specified period.

The "maximum amount that can be granted to all users in a specified period" is the maximum cumulative amount that can be granted based on user registration by any of the users through an invitation within a specified period. It can also be said to be the maximum amount that all users can receive through an invitation.

(1-9. Modification 3 of the First Embodiment)
In one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of users registered based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period, or the total amount of grants granted to the first user U1 based on the invitations of the first user U1 in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the invitation activities of the user, taking into account the degree of contribution of the user through the invitation and the amount of grant obtained through the invitation.

Here, "the total amount of the grant granted to the first user U1 based on the invitation of the first user U1 during a specified period" refers to the total amount of the grant granted to the first user U1 due to user registrations determined to have been made in response to an invitation from the first user U1 during the specified period.

For example, the probability may be controlled so that users with a larger number of invitations are more likely to win a larger amount in the lottery. Also, the amount within the specified range may be controlled to be different for users with a larger number of invitations and users with a smaller number of invitations.

(1-10. Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment)
In one aspect, the lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount or the second grant amount based on the cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period, or the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in a predetermined period. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the status of the overall invitation activity in relation to the number of user registrations or the grant amount through invitations.

For example, when the remaining amount available for award is small and the number of invited users is small, the system is controlled so that it is difficult to win a large amount. On the other hand, when the remaining amount available for award is large and the number of remaining users who can be invited is small, the system is controlled so that it is easy to win a large amount.

<2. Second embodiment>
(2-1. Value Management System 1)
The value management system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The value management system 1 in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the value obtained by a user through an invitation and used within the service is controlled so that it can be exchanged for value that can be used outside the service. The following description will focus on the differences.

(2-2. Functions of Value Management Unit 11b)
The value management unit 11b is configured to store the first granted amount and the second granted amount as the amount of the first value usable in the service, store the reward granted in accordance with the result of using the first value in the service as the reward granted in the second value, and control the second value so as to be exchangeable for value usable outside the service. With such a configuration, the first value (a privilege obtained by an invitation) can be made usable in the service, while the second value exchangeable for value usable outside the service is granted by using the first value, thereby increasing motivation for using the first value.

Here, the "value" in the first value, second value, etc. refers to a medium that circulates and can be used within a certain range, such as banknotes, electronic money, and points. When two different values are mutually exchangeable, they can be exchanged based on a fixed or variable exchange rate.

The first value is managed as a medium that can be used in the service. The scope of use of the first value is limited within the service, and use outside the service is restricted. Furthermore, the first value may be further restricted to be used only for specific purposes within the service. Note that not only the amount of the grant determined by lottery based on the invitation, but also benefits, rewards, etc. obtained for other reasons may be stored and managed in association with the user as the first value.

The second value is a medium that can be used in the service and is managed as a medium that can be exchanged for value that can be used outside the service (third value). "Value that can be used outside the service" refers to value that can be used in different services, points, electronic money that can be used for various shopping, or currency issued by a national government or its central bank, etc.

The second value is provided in response to the result of using the first value within the service, but may also be provided by exchanging the third value for the second value. In one embodiment, the second value may be managed so that it can be used as is outside the service.

(2-3. Processing flow by value management system 1)
An example of the flow of processing by the value management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9 and the following description, processing similar to that in the first embodiment will be omitted.

In S135, the value management unit 11b stores the first granted amount as the first value. Then, S140 is executed.

Next, S215 is executed. In S215, the user terminal 20a transmits a request for the first user U1 to use the first value in the service to the server 10. The server 10 processes the use of the first value in accordance with the request, and calculates a reward to be granted according to the processing result. The value management unit 11b then stores the reward as a second value together with its amount. At this time, the value management unit 11b may notify the user terminal 20a that it has stored the reward and the second value.

Next, S220 and S150 may be executed. In S220, the user terminal 20a transmits a request to the server 10 to exchange the second value by the first user U1 for the third value. At this time, the amount of the second value to be exchanged is also specified and transmitted at the same time. The value management unit 11b, etc. may also inform the exchange ratio in advance or when receiving the exchange request. In S150, the value management unit 11b, in accordance with the exchange request, exchanges the specified amount of the second value for the third value based on the exchange ratio and stores it. The granting to the first user U1 may be executed in cooperation with a server, etc. that manages a point account, electronic money account, bank account, etc. of another service so that the granted information is reflected.

<3. Third embodiment>
(3-1. Value Management System 2)
The value management system 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As shown in Fig. 10, the value management system 2 in the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the control unit 11 of the server 10 further includes a voting reception unit 11d, and the first value obtained by registration based on an invitation can be used to vote for the results of the competition. The following description will focus on the differences.

(3-2. Functional configuration of server 10)
11, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a lottery processing unit 11a, a value management unit 11b, and a vote acceptance unit 11d. The control unit 11 may further include a user management unit 11c.

(3-3. Functions of the vote acceptance unit 11d)
The vote acceptance unit 11d is configured to accept a vote using the first value from the first user U1 or the second user U2 for the result of the competition. By configuring in this manner, the first value can be used to vote for the result of the competition, and it is possible to promote the use of the first value by users.

Here, a "competition" refers to a match or contest in which abilities or skills are pitted against one another. Examples of athletic competitions (sports) include races in which participants compete for ranking using bicycles, cars, boats, or racehorses, as well as baseball or soccer matches. Examples of competitions other than athletic competitions include matches in shogi, go, chess, card games, or computer game tournaments.

In addition, the "result of a competition" is information that is determined by the situation of the competition, which may include the progress during the competition. For example, it is information such as the outcome or score of a match, the finishing order of a race, or the performance of each athlete.

"Voting" is the act of predicting or selecting the outcome of a competition, setting the amount of a bet for that outcome. For example, when voting for a race where rankings are determined, the combination of athletes who will come first, second, and third is predicted, setting the amount of a bet based on available value.

The first user U1 or the second user U2 can use the first value for the results of the competition. As described in the second embodiment, the first value, which can also be obtained by registration through an invitation, can be used within the service. By making it possible to vote for the results of the competition using the first value within the service, it can be expected that users who are interested in such voting will use the first value. It can also be expected that users who are interested in such voting will actively invite new users. It can also be expected that those who are interested in such voting will accept an invitation and register to use the service.

The vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept votes from the first user U1 or the second user U2 using a combination of the first value and the second value or other values for the results of the competition.

(3-4. Functions of Value Management Unit 11b)
The value management unit 11b is configured to store a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote, as a reward to be granted in the form of the second value to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who cast the vote. With this configuration, the first value can be used to vote on the results of the competition, and the second value exchangeable for value usable outside the service can be obtained in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the first value voted, depending on the results of the competition, thereby promoting the use of the first value.

The "reward" obtained by betting on the outcome of a race is the amount paid out to the user if the bet is correct, multiplied by a multiplier. A more specific example is the amount of the so-called "payout" in bicycle racing, horse racing, etc. Also, the "multiplier" is a multiplier that is set according to the bet based on the overall voting trend. A more specific example is the so-called fixed "odds" and "dividend rate" in bicycle racing, horse racing, etc.

(3-5. Processing flow by value management system 2)
An example of the flow of processing by the value management system 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In Fig. 12 and the following description, processing similar to that in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

After S140, S215 and S155 (vote acceptance step) are executed. In S215, the user terminal 20a transmits a vote by the first user U1 using the first value for the result of the competition to the server 10. In S155, the value management unit 11b stores the first grant amount as the first value. Then, S140 is executed.

(3-6. Modification 1 of the third embodiment)
In one aspect, the value management unit 11b may be configured to store a reward in the form of a second value to be given to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who did not vote when the first user U1 or the second user U2 uses the first value granted based on the invitation from the first user U1 to the second user U2 to vote on the result of the competition. By configuring in this way, communication between the inviter and the invitee can be promoted even when the granted amount obtained based on the invitation is used.

As shown in FIG. 13, a case will be described in which a first user U1 uses the first value granted to a second user U2 based on an invitation from the first user U1 to vote C on the result of a competition. In this modified example, in such a case, a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of vote C and the amount of the first value used for vote C is processed as being granted not only to the first user U1 but also to the second user U2.

When using a mode in which the first value obtained through the invitation is used for voting between the inviter and the invitee in an invitation, and a reward is also given to the other user who has not voted, it is possible to restrict the use of only the first value obtained through the invitation for voting. Furthermore, the reward for the other user who has not voted may be calculated according to the ratio of the first value obtained through the invitation to the voting amount.

(3-7. Modification 2 of the third embodiment)
The vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept votes on the condition that the votes on the results of the competition using the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user U2 by the first user U1 are votes by agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2, and the value management unit 11b may be configured to grant a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user U1 and the second user U2. With such a configuration, the amount granted based on the invitation can be controlled so that it can be used only by agreement between the inviter and the invitee, and communication between the inviter and the invitee about predictions for the competition results and until the competition results are known can be promoted.

As shown in FIG. 14, if a vote for the result of a competition that utilizes a first value granted based on an invitation from a first user U1 to a second user U2 is not made based on the agreement of both the first user U1 and the second user U2, the vote acceptance unit 11d does not accept the vote. If a vote is made based solely on the will of each user, the vote acceptance unit 11d does not accept the vote.

The agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may be formed between the user terminal 20a and the user terminal 20b, and the voting content, voting amount, and the fact that they have been agreed upon may be transmitted to the server 10 from one or both of the user terminals 20a and 20b. Also, the agreement between the first user U1 and the second user U2 may be formed via the server 10.

(3-8. Modification 3 of the third embodiment)
The value management unit 11b may be configured to store the award amount determined by the lottery as a first value in association with the lottery, and the vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept votes using the first value associated with the lottery for each lottery. By configuring in this manner, it is possible to restrict the use of award amounts awarded in multiple lotteries together for one vote, thereby increasing the number of times a user can vote.

A case will be described in which a grant amount A is determined in lottery A and a grant amount B is determined in lottery B, and these are stored as the first value in association with the first user U1 and each lottery. In this modified example, the first user U1 cannot use the first value associated with lottery A (amount of grant A) and the first value associated with lottery B (amount of grant B) together for voting. For example, if grant amount A is 1000 points and grant amount B is 2000 points, they are restricted from being added together and used as 3000 points.

In one embodiment, the vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept multiple votes using a divided grant amount determined by lottery as the first value. For example, the first user U1 may make two votes using 500 points each of the grant amount A of 1,000 points.

4. Other embodiments
Although the embodiment and its modified examples of the present invention have been described above, application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the functions are mainly provided by the server 10, but some functions may be provided by the user terminal 20, or may be provided by both the server 10 and the user terminal 20.

For example, in the first embodiment, the lottery processing is performed in the lottery processing unit 11a, but the lottery processing may also be performed in the user terminal 20a, etc. For example, when the user terminal 20a communicates with the server 10 and confirms that a lottery is possible (lottery permission has been issued, or unused lottery rights have been recorded, etc.), the user terminal 20a performs processing to determine the amount to be awarded from a predetermined range of amounts. The result of the lottery can be transmitted to and stored in the server 10.

In addition, if the grant amount determined by the lottery processing is the upper limit of a predetermined range of grant amounts, the lottery processing unit 11a may set a low probability that the user who was granted the upper limit will win the upper limit of the predetermined range of grant amounts in the next lottery or the lottery after that.

In addition, if the grant amount determined by the lottery process is the upper limit of a predetermined range of grant amounts, the lottery processing unit 11a may reduce the upper limit of the number of users that the user who has been granted the upper limit amount can invite.

In addition, if the cumulative amount granted to a user based on invitations from all users during a specified period does not reach a reference amount at a specified timing, the lottery processing unit 11a may increase the upper limit on the number of users that each user can invite.

Furthermore, when a second user U2 registers through an invitation from a first user U1, and a fourth user U4 registers through an invitation from the second user U2, the lottery processing unit 11a may determine by lottery the amount to be granted to the first user U1 in addition to the second user U2 and the fourth user U4, based on the registration of the fourth user U4. The amount to be granted obtained through such a secondary invitation may be controlled to be less than the amount to be granted through a primary invitation by changing the probability or the range of the amount. Furthermore, control may be performed so that a portion of the amount to be granted to the second user U2 or the fourth user U4 is allocated to the amount to be granted to the first user U1.

In addition, an information processing device such as the server 10 may not only be a device that is physically composed of a single device, but may also include multiple devices that are connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so as to function as essentially a single information processing device.

Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being executed by the server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 20.

Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a program that causes a stage management system to function in order to realize the above-mentioned system.

Furthermore, the present invention can be realized as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores the above-mentioned program.

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

5. Features of the embodiment
The features of the embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

The server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that includes a lottery processing unit 11a and a value management unit 11b. The lottery processing unit 11a determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2, on the condition that the second user U2, who has been invited by the first user U1, registers to use the service. The value management unit 11b is an information processing device that associates and stores the first grant amount with the first user U1 and the second grant amount with the second user U2.

By configuring it this way, the amount to be awarded to the inviter and the invitee is determined by a lottery process, giving both the inviter and the invitee a sense of value and a sense of gaming when inviting a new user.

In addition, if the number of user registrations based on invitations from the first user U1 during a specified period due to registration by the second user U2 has reached the upper limit of the number of users that the first user U1 can invite, the lottery processing unit 11a may perform control so as not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1, even if a third user who has received an invitation from the first user U1 has registered to use the service. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the users who receive the grant so that they are not biased towards a specific user.

In addition, when the cumulative number of registered users based on invitations from all users in a specified period has reached the upper limit of the number of users that can be invited by all users in a specified period due to registration by the second user U2, or when the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in the specified period has reached the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users in the specified period, the lottery processing unit 11a may be controlled not to conduct a lottery to determine the amount to be granted to the first user U1 and the third user U3, even if a third user invited by the first user U1 has registered to use the service. With this configuration, it is possible to control not to grant more than planned when the target amount to be granted and the number of registered users through invitations have been achieved.

The lottery processing unit 11a may be configured to determine the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of users registered based on invitations from the first user U1 in a specified period, or the total grant amount granted to the first user U1 based on invitations from the first user U1 in a specified period. With this configuration, it is possible to control the lottery processing according to the user's invitation activities by taking into account the user's contribution through invitations and the grant amount obtained through invitations.

The lottery processing unit 11a may also be configured to determine the first or second grant amount based on the cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users in a specified period, or the cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users in a specified period. This configuration allows the lottery processing to be controlled according to the overall status of invitation activities in relation to the number of user registrations or the grant amount through invitations.

The value management unit 11b may also store the first granted amount and the second granted amount as amounts of the first value that can be used in the service, store the reward granted in accordance with the result of using the first value in the service as a reward granted in the second value, and control the second value so that it can be exchanged for value that can be used outside the service. With this configuration, the first value (the benefit obtained by the invitation) can be made available for use in the service, while the second value that can be exchanged for value that can be used outside the service can be granted by using the first value, thereby increasing motivation to use the first value.

The system may further include a vote acceptance unit 11d, which accepts votes from the first user U1 or the second user U2 using the first value for the result of the competition, and the value management unit 11b may be configured to store a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote, as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who cast the vote. With this configuration, the first value can be used to vote for the result of the competition, and the second value that can be exchanged for value usable outside the service can be obtained in an amount greater than the amount of the first value voted, depending on the result of the competition, thereby promoting the use of the first value.

The value management unit 11b may also be configured to store a reward in the form of a second value to be granted to the first user U1 or the second user U2 who did not cast a vote when the first user U1 or the second user U2 uses the first value granted based on an invitation from the first user U1 to the second user U2 for voting. This configuration can promote communication between the inviter and the invitee even when the granted amount obtained based on the invitation is used.

The vote acceptance unit 11d may be configured to accept a vote using the first value granted based on an invitation from the first user U1 to the second user U2, on the condition that the vote is a vote agreed upon by the first user U1 and the second user U2, and the value management unit 11b may be configured to grant a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used, as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user U1 and the second user U2. With this configuration, the amount granted based on the invitation can be controlled so that it can be used only with the agreement of both the inviter and the invitee, and communication between the inviter and the invitee about predictions for the results of the competition and until the results are known can be promoted.

A computer program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a lottery processing step and a value management step, in which the lottery processing step determines by lottery a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user U1 and the second user U2, on condition that the second user U2, who has received an invitation from the first user U1, registers to use the service, and in the value management step, associates and stores the first grant amount with the first user U1 and the second grant amount with the second user U2.

An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method in which a computer determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for a service for each of a first user U1 and a second user U2, on condition that a second user U2 who has received an invitation from a first user U1 registers to use the service, and the computer associates and stores the first grant amount with the first user U1 and the second grant amount with the second user U2.

1, 2: Value management system, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Lottery processing unit, 11b: Value management unit, 11c: User management unit, 11d: Voting reception unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Display unit, 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, 50: Table, U1: First user, U2: Second user, U3: Third user, U4: Fourth user

Claims (13)

A lottery processing unit and a value management unit,
the lottery processing unit issues a lottery ticket to each of the first user and the second user on the condition that a second user who has received an invitation from a first user registers to use the service, determines by lottery a first grant amount available for the service in response to a lottery processing request from the first user based on the lottery ticket, and determines by lottery a second grant amount available for the service in response to a lottery processing request from the second user based on the lottery ticket ;
The value management unit stores the first granted amount in association with the first user and the second granted amount in association with the second user.
Information processing device. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
If the number of user registrations based on the invitation of the first user during a predetermined period due to the second user's registration for use has reached an upper limit of the number of users that the first user can invite,
The lottery processing unit performs control so as not to conduct a lottery for determining an amount to be granted to the first user even when a third user who has received an invitation from the first user registers for use of the service.
Information processing device. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
When the second user registers,
The cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users during a predetermined period has reached an upper limit on the number of users that can be invited by all users during the predetermined period, or
After the cumulative amount granted to users based on the invitations of all users during the specified period has reached the upper limit of the amount that can be granted to all users during the specified period,
The lottery processing unit performs control so as not to conduct a lottery for determining the amounts to be granted to the first user and the third user even when a third user who has received an invitation from the first user has registered to use the service.
Information processing device. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
The lottery processing unit determines the first grant amount by lottery based on the number of user registrations based on the invitations of the first user during a predetermined period, or the total amount of grants granted to the first user based on the invitations of the first user during the predetermined period.
Information processing device. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
The lottery processing unit determines the first grant amount or the second grant amount based on a cumulative number of user registrations based on invitations from all users during a predetermined period, or a cumulative amount granted to users based on invitations from all users during the predetermined period.
Information processing device. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The value management unit
storing the first grant amount and the second grant amount as an amount of a first value available for the service;
A reward to be provided in accordance with a result of using the first value in the service is stored as a reward to be provided in the form of a second value;
Controlling the second value so as to be exchangeable with a value usable outside the service;
Information processing device. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6,
Further comprising a voting reception unit;
the vote acceptance unit accepts votes using the first value from the first user or the second user on a result of the competition;
The value management unit stores a reward calculated based on a multiplier according to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user or the second user who has cast the vote.
Information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 7,
The value management unit, when the first user or the second user uses the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user by the first user for the vote, stores the reward as a reward to be granted in the second value to the first user or the second user who did not vote.
Information processing device. The device includes a lottery processing unit, a value management unit, and a vote acceptance unit ,
the lottery processing unit determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user and the second user, on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service;
The value management unit
storing the first grant amount in association with the first user and the second grant amount in association with the second user;
storing the first grant amount and the second grant amount as an amount of a first value available for the service;
A reward to be provided in accordance with a result of using the first value in the service is stored as a reward to be provided in the form of a second value;
Controlling the second value so as to be exchangeable with a value usable outside the service;
The vote acceptance unit,
accepting votes from the first users using the first value on the results of the competition;
accepting the vote using the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user by the first user on the condition that the vote is a vote agreed upon by the first user and the second user;
The value management unit
a reward calculated based on a multiplier corresponding to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote is given to the first user and the second user as a reward to be given in the second value;
Information processing device. A program for causing a computer to execute a lottery processing step and a value management step,
In the lottery processing step, on the condition that a second user who has been invited by a first user registers to use the service, a lottery ticket is issued to each of the first user and the second user, and a first grant amount available for the service is determined by lottery in response to a lottery processing request from the first user based on the lottery ticket , and a second grant amount available for the service is determined by lottery in response to a lottery processing request from the second user based on the lottery ticket ;
In the value management step, the first grant amount is associated with the first user, and the second grant amount is associated with the second user, and the associated value is stored.
program. A program for causing a computer to execute a lottery processing step, a value management step, and a vote acceptance step,
In the lottery processing step, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service are determined by lottery for each of the first user and the second user, on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service;
In the value management step,
storing the first grant amount in association with the first user and the second grant amount in association with the second user;
storing the first grant amount and the second grant amount as an amount of a first value available for the service;
A reward to be provided in accordance with a result of using the first value in the service is stored as a reward to be provided in the form of a second value;
Controlling the second value so as to be exchangeable with a value usable outside the service;
In the vote acceptance step,
accepting votes from the first users using the first value on the results of the competition;
accepting the vote using the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user by the first user on the condition that the vote is a vote agreed upon by the first user and the second user;
In the value management step,
a reward calculated based on a multiplier corresponding to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote is given to the first user and the second user as a reward to be given in the second value;
program. a computer issues a lottery ticket to each of a first user and a second user on the condition that a second user who has received an invitation from a first user registers to use the service, determines by lottery a first grant amount available for the service in response to a lottery processing request from the first user based on the lottery ticket, and determines by lottery a second grant amount available for the service in response to a lottery processing request from the second user based on the lottery ticket ;
The computer stores the first grant amount in association with the first user and the second grant amount in association with the second user.
Information processing methods. a computer determines, by lottery, a first grant amount and a second grant amount available for the service for each of the first user and the second user, on condition that a second user who has received an invitation from the first user registers to use the service;
The computer
storing the first grant amount in association with the first user and the second grant amount in association with the second user;
storing the first grant amount and the second grant amount as an amount of a first value available for the service;
A reward to be provided in accordance with a result of using the first value in the service is stored as a reward to be provided in the form of a second value;
Controlling the second value so as to be exchangeable with a value usable outside the service;
The computer
accepting votes from the first users using the first value on the results of the competition;
accepting the vote using the first value granted based on the invitation of the second user by the first user on the condition that the vote is a vote agreed upon by the first user and the second user;
The computer
a reward calculated based on a multiplier corresponding to the content of the vote and the amount of the first value used for the vote is given to the first user and the second user as a reward to be given in the second value;
Information processing methods.