JP2002083089A - Sports day entry application support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for finishing an entry application procedure to a sports day on Web. SOLUTION: The sports entry application support system 10 is provided with a sports day information database 32, a user database 42, a form generating means 36 transmitting a new registration form where a pledge sentence is described to a non-registered user and requesting a pledge, an input item recognizing means 38 recognizing whether an agreement to the pledge sentence is included in data from the personal computer 18 of a user or not, a user registration means 40 registering the user 16 with the agreement as a condition, a form generating means 36 transmitting the entry application form where the pledge sentence is described to the registered user and requesting the pledge, an input item recognizing means 38 recognizing whether data showing agreement to the pledge sentence is included in data from the personal computer 18, an application information registering means 46 registering the user 16 as an applicant with the agreement as the condition and a recognition mail transmitting means 50 recognizing the pledge to the user who is registered as the applicant.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sports competition participation application support system, and
And a system for completing the application for participation in a sports tournament.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, so-called ordinary people other than professional athletes and student athletes have more and more opportunities to easily participate in sports competitions such as citizen marathons for the purpose of promoting health and distraction. Applicants wishing to participate in a sports tournament obtain information on the sports tournament that matches their conditions (geographical conditions, timing, the purpose and level of the tournament, events, participation costs, etc.) through various routes, and participate You have chosen a sports competition. Of course, now that the Internet has become widespread, it has been practiced to publish information on sports events held on the organizer's website. As a result, it is possible for the applicant to enter the tournament information by inputting an appropriate keyword on a search site on the Internet. You can also apply for the tournament online directly from the organizer's website.

[0003]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, this online application for participation only has a significance as an application reservation, and the applicant for participation has to perform a formal application procedure later. It is the current situation. Because, as an organizer, in order to avoid legal liability in the event of any trouble at the tournament, applicants who have signed up in advance must have written a pledge stating that "no matter the legal responsibility of the organizer". It is indispensable to attach it, and for this purpose it is considered necessary to mail or bring a signed and stamped form to a special form with a written oath. Therefore, for those who wish to participate, even if there is an advantage that the online application can be used to secure their own priority in the event of a limited number of participants, a formal application with a pledge later Is required twice. Organizers are also required to confirm whether online applicants have submitted their pledges by a certain date, and to urge non-filers.

The present invention was devised in order to solve the above-mentioned problems that occur when applying for participation in a sports tournament, and the procedure for applying for participation in a sports tournament can be completed on the Internet Web. It aims to provide a system.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a sports tournament participation application support system according to claim 1 uses a tournament information storage means for storing information on a sports tournament and uses this system. User information storage means for registering information about the user to be registered, and a new registration form (described in HTML or the like) in which a predetermined pledge is described when a new registration request is input from the terminal of an unregistered user via the Internet. Web page) to the user terminal, requesting consent to the pledge and inputting necessary information, and data indicating the consent to the pledge is included in the input data from the user terminal. Means for confirming whether or not the user has been registered, and means for registering the user in the user information storage means, provided that the user has at least agreed to the pledge. When a request for participation in a specific sports tournament is input from a user terminal via the Internet, a participation application form (a Web page described in HTML or the like) in which a predetermined pledge is described is transmitted to the user terminal. Means for requesting consent to the pledge and input of necessary items, means for confirming whether data indicating the consent to the pledge is included in the input data from the user terminal, A means for registering the user in a predetermined storage means (not limited to the user information storage means and the tournament information storage means) as an applicant for the tournament, on condition that the user agrees to the above pledge; Means for transmitting an e-mail in which the pledge is described to a user registered as a user.
The "user terminal" includes not only a personal computer but also a portable information terminal having an Internet connection function, a mobile phone, and the like.

According to the sports tournament participation application support system, the user is first required to input data indicating that he / she agrees with the pledge at the time of new registration, and again agrees with the pledge when applying for participation in a specific sports tournament after registration. The user is required to input data, and after the application procedure is completed, the contents of the pledge are presented to the user by e-mail. That is, the pledge is presented at least three times before the user participates in the sports tournament, and as long as the user participates in the tournament with knowledge of this, the pledge is naturally bound by the pledge. It is understood. This eliminates the need for the tournament organizer to submit a pledge with a signature and seal in advance, and the application procedure for participating in the tournament can be completed on the Web.

[0007] A sports tournament participation application support system according to a second aspect of the present invention provides a system for applying for a participation in a specific sports tournament by a plurality of users from a terminal of a registered user via the Internet. Means for requesting consent to the pledge and inputting necessary information, and transmitting a predetermined form to the user terminal to request other participants Means for requesting the input of necessary items, means for confirming whether or not data indicating consent to the pledge is included in the input data from the user terminal, and at least agreeing with the pledge Means for registering the registered user and other applicants for participation in a predetermined storage means as an applicant for the tournament, provided that the registered user and the other registered applicants are registered as the applicant. In contrast, it is characterized by comprising a means for transmitting e-mail content of the pledge statement is described.

[0008] The sports tournament participation application support system according to claim 3 associates a plurality of registered users with each other,
Means for registering as a member of a group in a predetermined storage means, and when a request for application for participation in a specific sports tournament is input from a terminal of a user belonging to the group, a search is made in the storage means to belong to the group. Means for extracting other users, means for transmitting a list of each extracted user to the user terminal, requesting to select a user who applies for participation in the tournament, and selecting a specific user from the user terminal When there is an input, a participation application form in which a predetermined pledge is described is transmitted to the user terminal, and means for requesting consent to the pledge and input of necessary items are included in the input data from the user terminal. Means for confirming whether or not data indicating the consent to the above-mentioned pledge is included, and the above-mentioned selection In a predetermined storage means, and means for transmitting an e-mail with the pledge described to all users registered as the applicants. And

[0009] In the sports tournament participation application support system according to a fourth aspect, an option for specifying a settlement method of various expenses required for participation in the tournament is set in the participation application form, and the registered user is registered. If a payment by credit card is selected, a means for transmitting the information on the credit card of the user and the payment amount information to a computer system managed by a credit card company and requesting payment is provided, and When there is a response indicating that settlement is possible, at least the user is registered in a predetermined information storage means as an applicant for the tournament.

[0010] In the sports tournament participation application support system according to claim 5, an option for specifying a settlement method of various expenses required for participation in the tournament is set in the participation application form, and the registered user is provided. Is provided with means for transmitting at least the payment slip data to the user terminal side when the payment at the convenience store is selected, and the data that the user has paid the settlement amount using the payment slip data is stored in the computer system of the convenience store. When the user inputs the information, at least the user is registered in a predetermined storage means as an applicant for the tournament. As a means for transmitting the payment slip data to the user terminal side, a method of transmitting the payment slip data by describing it on a web page,
There is a method of writing in an e-mail and sending it to a user's e-mail address.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports tournament participation application support system comprising: predetermined means for storing participation application data, record data, and performance data of a registered user in each sports tournament; When a request for disclosure of own participation application data, record data, and performance data is input, means for searching the storage means to extract necessary data and transmitting the data to the user terminal is provided. I have.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports tournament participation application support system, comprising: predetermined means for storing participation application data, record data, and performance data of registered users in each sports tournament; When a request for disclosure of registration application data, record data, and performance data of a registered user in a tournament held by the user is input, the storage unit is searched to extract necessary data, and the search result is stored in a terminal of the tournament organizer. A transmission means is provided.

[0013] The sports tournament participation application support system according to claim 8 transmits a design form to a terminal of the tournament organizer and requests input of necessary items related to the sports tournament, and the design form is transmitted from the terminal. If
Means for extracting design data and storing it in the tournament information storage means, and when a request for participation in the sporting event is input from the terminal of a registered user via the Internet,
A means for generating the participation application form with reference to the design data in the tournament information storage means and transmitting the form to the user terminal is provided.

[0014]

FIG. 1 shows an overall image of a sports tournament participation application support system 10 according to the present invention. A center server 12 managed by an operator of the system 10 and a host of various sports tournaments.・ Many local servers 14 managed by public organizations and private companies (hereinafter referred to as “contest organizers”) sponsored nationwide, and many personal computers (hereinafter “PCs 18”) managed by users 16 participating in sports competitions And a host computer 20 managed by a credit card company and a host computer 22 managed by the headquarters of a convenience store,
It is connected to a network via communication means such as 24 and a dedicated line 26.

The center server 12 has a WWW (World Wid
e Web) It has server function, mail server function, application server function, database server function, etc. Further, the configuration may be such that a plurality of workstations and personal computers are connected to a network. The local server 14 may be any computer system such as a personal computer or a workstation having at least an Internet connection function.

First, the general flow of the system 10 will be outlined. The tournament organizer sends information on the sports tournament planned to be held from the local server 14 to the Internet.
Upload to the center server 12 via 24. On the other hand, a general user 16 who is a sports enthusiast accesses the center server 12 from a personal computer 18 at home or work via the Internet 24, and searches for a sports tournament that matches his or her wishes. As a result of this search, if the user finds the target sports tournament, he or she performs the application procedure for participation as it is online, and completes the payment online for the tournament that requires payment of the participation fee. The fact of the application and settlement completion by the user is immediately transmitted to the local server 14 of the tournament organizer. Alternatively, the host can access the center server 12 from the local server 14 to browse and download these data.

FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration in a scene where the organizer uploads tournament information to the system 10 and the user 16 searches for it among the functions performed by the sports tournament participation application support system 10. It is a block diagram, and uses an authentication unit 28, a tournament organizer database 29, a tournament information registration unit 30, a tournament information database 32, and a tournament information search unit 34. The authentication unit 28, the tournament information registration unit 30, and the tournament information search unit 34
12 is realized by executing predetermined processing in accordance with an OS or a dedicated program by a CPU of a computer constituting the computer 12. The tournament information database 32 is stored in the hard disk of the computer.

In order for a tournament organizer to use this system 10, it is necessary to conclude a business outsourcing contract with a system operator in advance, and as a result, data on each tournament organizer (for example, The organizer ID, password, name, address, telephone number, mail address, URL, representative name, tournament history, etc.) are stored in the tournament organizer database 29. In addition, when accessing the center server 12 from the local server 14 of the tournament organizer, a predetermined authentication procedure such as input of an ID and a password is required, and only when the authenticity is confirmed by the authentication means 28, the tournament information is displayed. The registration information 30 stores the tournament information in the tournament information database 32.

A large number of tournament information is stored in the tournament information database 32 in association with each tournament organizer, and FIG. 3 shows an example of the data items. As shown in the figure, starting with the tournament ID, tournament name, organizer ID, organizer name, secretariat name, telephone number, e-mail address, URL of the website related to the tournament, date, location, event, participation fee, Data items such as a tournament FAQ and volunteer recruitment requirements are set. These data items are merely examples, and can be increased or decreased as needed.

Users 16 wishing to participate in a sports tournament
First, the user accesses the Web site of the center server 12 from his / her personal computer 18 via the Internet 24, and displays the Web page of the system operator via the Web browser.
FIG. 4 shows a search screen in a Web page, in which various search items are set. If the user has not yet decided on the tournament to apply for, the “Event”, “Place”,
Enter search conditions in items such as "Month of the event", or check "I can enjoy with parents and children" and "I can participate with a handicap" in the "I want to find it according to purpose" column and click the "Search" button. click.

As a result, the tournament information search means 34 searches the tournament information database 32 and extracts tournament information that meets the above search conditions. The search result is transmitted to the personal computer 18 of the user 16 via the Internet 24, and is displayed in a list as shown in FIG. When the name of the tournament is clicked, detailed information of each tournament is displayed as shown in FIG. As a result of comparing and examining the detailed information of each tournament, the user who decides to participate in a certain tournament shifts to the application procedure by clicking the “Individual application” or “Multiple application” button. It will be described later.

If the user has already recognized the tournament to be applied, the data is entered in the "tournament name", "area", and "date" in the column "the tournament to be participated is determined". Clicking the "search" button directly displays the detailed tournament information in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the user 16 registers as a new member or makes an application for participation in the tournament, among various functions performed by the system 10. FIG.
Is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at that time. In this case, in the center server 12, the form generation means
36, input item confirmation means 38, user registration means 40, user database 42, settlement processing means 44, application information registration means 46, tournament information database 32, application information notification means 48, confirmation mail transmission Means 50 are used. The form generation unit 36, the input item confirmation unit 38, the user registration unit 40, the payment processing unit 44, the application information registration unit 46, the application information notification unit 48, and the confirmation mail transmission unit 50 are each a computer of the center server 12 CPU is OS
Or by executing a predetermined process according to a dedicated program. The user database 42 is stored in the hard disk of the computer.

If the user 16 decides on the desired sport tournament in the above search process, he or she clicks "Individual application" on the tournament information display screen of FIG. 6 (S10). As a result, the screen shown in FIG.
File) is generated, transmitted to the user's personal computer 18, and then displayed via a Web browser. Users who have already been registered as members of this system, after confirming the displayed "Tournament name", "Date", and "Event", enter their ID and password in the predetermined boxes,
Click the "Next" button (S12). As a result, the participation application form 52 shown in FIG. 10 is generated by the form generation means 36 and displayed on the user's personal computer 18 screen (S14).

On the other hand, an unregistered user clicks the "Go to new registration screen" button (S12). As a result,
A new registration form 54 shown in FIG. 11 is generated by the form generation means 36 and displayed on the personal computer screen of the user 16 (S18). Here, the user 16 is required to input not only the desired ID and password, but also the name, gender, date of birth, age, address, telephone number, FAX number, mail address, occupation, registered organization name, and the like.

In this form, a pledge column 56 is provided, in which a pledge that must be observed as a member is written. After reading this pledge, the user is required to check the "I agree" radio button ("I disagree" is checked by default). In this pledge,
For example, the following pledge is described. −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− 1. I agree. 2. I do not ask the event organizer for any liability for accidents that occurred during the event. 3. I have full responsibility for the management of personal property and sports equipment, and do not hold the organizer of responsibility for loss or destruction. 4. I will not object to any changes in the competition due to worsening weather conditions or poor competition environment. No refund will be given if the event is successful. 5. If I am a minor, I promise that I will have parental consent before participating in the tournament. −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− The user checks the “I agree” in the pledge column 56. After completing the procedure for joining the system 10, the pledge becomes legally binding.

The user who has entered necessary items in the blank of the new registration form 54 and has checked "I agree" in the pledge column 56, clicks the "Next" button.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, a confirmation screen for the input items is displayed. Therefore, the contents are sufficiently inspected, and if there is an error, the error is clicked and corrected by clicking the "return" button. On the other hand, if the displayed content is correct, the user clicks the "register" button to transmit the input data to the center server 12 (S20).

In the center server 12 receiving this, the input item confirmation means 38 checks the input data, and
Is checked (S22) and whether other necessary items are satisfied (S24). If the determination is affirmative, the input data is output to the user registration means 40, and a new user is registered in the user database 42 (S26). FIG.
Shows an example of data items set in the user database 42. If a negative judgment is made in the input item confirmation means 38, that is, if "I agree" in the pledge column 56 is not selected, or if there is an omission in the required items, a re-input is requested. The screen display is returned, and the new registration is rejected until the above deficiencies are corrected (S22, S24).

The participation application form 52 shown in FIG. 10 is transmitted from the form generation means 36 to the personal computer 18 of the user 16 who has successfully cleared the above-mentioned new joining step (S1).
Four). Since the user's attribute information such as name, gender, and date of birth has already been described on the system side, the user is required to pay participation fees, fees, credit card information (card type,
It is required to input information related to settlement such as a card number and an expiration date. Of course, by referring to the tournament information database 32, it is also possible to describe fee-related data on the system side. In addition, if credit card information is declared in advance at the time of user registration, it is possible to save the user from inputting credit card information.

In the participation application form 52, a pledge column 58 similar to the new entry screen is provided, in which a pledge that must be complied as a tournament participant is described. After reading this pledge, the user 16 is required to check the radio button of "I agree" (by default, "I do not agree" is checked). In the pledge column 58, in addition to the same general pledge as described above, a pledge clause specific to the tournament can be added. In this case, a pledge related to the tournament ID is stored in advance in the tournament database 32, and when the participation application form 52 for the tournament is generated, a pledge specific to the tournament is inserted. Good. After the user 16 checks "I agree" in the pledge column 58 and completes the application procedure for participation in the tournament, the pledge becomes legally binding.

The user 16 who has entered necessary items in the blank of the participation application form 52 and has checked "I agree" in the pledge column 58, clicks the "Next" button. As a result, although not shown, a confirmation screen for input items is displayed. Here, the input contents are sufficiently checked, and if the displayed contents are correct, the "register" button is clicked and the input data is transmitted to the center server 12 (S2).
8).

In the center server 12 receiving this, the input item confirming means 38 checks the input data, and
Is checked (S30) and whether other necessary items are satisfied (S32). If a negative determination is made here, that is, if "I agree" in the pledge column 58 is not selected, or if there is an omission in the required information, the screen display requesting re-entry is returned. The application for participation in the tournament will be rejected until the above deficiencies are corrected (S30, S3
2).

On the other hand, if the judgment is affirmative, the input data is output to the settlement processing means 44, and the payment accompanying the tournament application is settled. That is, the payment processing means 44 transmits the credit card information and the payment amount information of the user 16 to the host computer 20 of the credit card company via a CAFIS center (not shown) or the like,
Request payment by credit card (S34). If there is a response from the credit card company host computer 20 indicating that settlement is possible (S36), a message indicating that the application procedure for participating in the tournament has been completed is immediately displayed on the user's personal computer screen. In contrast, the host computer
If there is a response indicating that payment is not possible from 20 (S36), this is immediately displayed on the personal computer screen of the user 16, and a request is made to reselect another payment method (for example, payment at a convenience store) (S34).

When the settlement of the tournament participation fee is completed in S36, the ID of the user 16 is described in the item of "Applicant" of the tournament in the tournament information database 32 by the application information registration means 46 (S38). . At the same time, the application information notifying means 48 is activated, and the application information (user 16
Is transmitted (S40). Of course, as will be described later, the host can access the center server 12 from the local server 14 and download the application information as needed.

The entry of the tournament of the user 16 in the user database 42 also describes the ID of the tournament by the application information registration means 46 (S38).
At the same time, the confirmation mail transmission means 50 is activated, and generates an e-mail in which the bibliographic items of the tournament (the tournament name, the date, the event, the venue, the settlement amount, etc.) described by the user 16 are described,
It is delivered to the user's mail address (S42). The e-mail confirming the application contains the pledge displayed on the participation application form 52. As long as the user participates in the tournament, the user is again confirmed that he is legally bound by the content of this pledge. You.

As described above, the user 16 who has applied for participation in the sports tournament is pledged three times at the time of member registration to the system 10, at the time of application for an individual sports tournament, and at the time of delivery of a confirmation mail. Since the contents of the sentence are presented and it is easy to prove later that you have participated in the sports tournament after accepting the sentence, you omit the submission of the signed and sealed pledge when applying for participation in the sports tournament as before It becomes possible to complete all application procedures online by using credit card payment. In addition, the personal computer 18 of the user 16
Needless to say, when the credit card information is exchanged between the server and the center server 12, encryption processing using SSL (secure socket layer) or the like is performed.

For a person who cannot have a credit card, such as a minor, it is desirable to prepare "convenience store payment" as described above as a settlement method. That is, when the user checks “pay convenience store” on the participation application form 52 of FIG.
In the form, payment slip data including the settlement amount is generated and transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 18 of the user 16 (or an e-mail describing the payment slip data is sent to the user 16).
Will be delivered to your email address). The user 16 prints this out or takes down the “payment slip number” and brings it to the nearest convenience store to pay the displayed cash. At the convenience store, payment confirmation data is transmitted to the host computer 22 of the headquarters in association with the payment slip number. From the host computer 22 of the convenience store headquarters to the center server 12
When the payment confirmation data is transmitted to the application, a signal indicating the completion of the payment is output from the payment processing means 44 to the application information registration means 46, and the same processing as in the case of the credit card payment is performed thereafter.

From the credit card company or the convenience store headquarters, the amount obtained by subtracting the commission from the settlement amount is transferred to the bank account of the system administrator at a later date. The system operator will transfer the amount obtained by subtracting their own fee from this amount to the tournament organizer's bank account.

By using the system 10, the user 16 can centrally search for information on various sports tournaments held nationwide, and the participation application procedure can be basically completed online. You can easily participate in sports competitions. Even for the tournament organizer,
By simply uploading the tournament information to the center server 12, participation applicants can be widely recruited, and the burden of collecting and storing oaths and collecting entry fees can be relieved. In addition, the user 16 and the tournament organizer can enjoy further convenience by using various types of information stored in the system 10.

FIG. 14 shows, among various functions performed by the system 10, a functional configuration when the local server 14 of the tournament organizer, the personal computer 18 of the user 16 and the center server 12 exchange information via the Internet 24. FIG. In this case, the center server 12 includes a record / result registering means 60, a tournament history search means 62, and a record / result search means.
64, application status confirmation means 66, and user database 42
And a tournament information database 32. The above records
The result registration means 60, the tournament history search means 62, the record / result search means 64, and the application status confirmation means 66 are realized by the CPU of the computer constituting the center server 12 executing predetermined processing according to the OS and the dedicated program. Is done.

After the end of the tournament, the tournament organizer transmits records and performance data of each participant in the tournament from the local server 14 to the center server 12 in a predetermined file format (for example, a highly versatile CSV format). In the center server 12,
The record / results registering means 60 is activated, and the above data is described in the item “records / results” of the participant in the tournament information database 32 and also in the item of “records / results history” in the user database 42.

If the user 16 needs to list his or her own records and results at each tournament he has participated in the past, he accesses the center server 12 from the personal computer 18 to enter his or her ID, password, and necessary information. Request the disclosure by inputting a specified search keyword or the like. In the system 12 receiving this, the record / result search means 64 changes the user database
The record / result data of the user 16 stored in 42 is extracted, processed into a predetermined form, and transmitted to the personal computer 18 of the user 16. Further, the user 16 can access the center server 12 from his / her personal computer 18 and can recognize the current application status by inputting his / her ID and password. Specifically, when the ID and password are entered in the “application status confirmation” column of the center server 12 web page (see FIGS. 4 to 6) displayed on the personal computer screen and the “go” button is clicked, The twelve application status confirmation means 66 is activated, and extracts the application status of the user 16 stored in the user database 42. As a result, the date and time of the currently applied tournament and the like are displayed on the personal computer screen of the user 16.

The tournament organizer can also request the disclosure of the tournament history by accessing the center server 12 from the local server 14 via the Internet 24, inputting his / her own ID, password, search keyword for specifying necessary information, and the like. it can. In the system 10 receiving this, the tournament history search means 62
Searches the tournament information database 32, extracts various current or past information about the tournament,
Etc. to the local server 14 in a general purpose file format.
As a result, the tournament organizer updates the list of applicants for the scheduled tournament from the center server 12 to the local server 14 as needed.
The entry status can be grasped.

In the above, a case has been described in which the user 16 independently applies for participation in a sports tournament. However, one user 16 may apply for participation by a plurality of people on behalf of the user. That is, when a “multiple application” button is clicked on the detailed information display screen of the tournament shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the personal computer screen of the user 16, and when the user enters the ID and password and clicks the "next" button, a multi-participation application form 68 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. Is done. When, for example, "15" is selected and input in the number of participants field 70 in the form 68, necessary items are also entered in other blanks, and the "next" button is clicked. As shown in FIG. Form to enter attributes of participants who wish to participate other than
72 is displayed. When the data of 14 participants are input here and the “Next” button is clicked, a confirmation screen similar to FIG. 12 is displayed. Here, after confirming that there are no mistakes in the description contents of the 15 persons and clicking the “Register” button, the existence of consent to the pledge by the input item confirmation means 38 is checked, and the settlement processing means 44 In, the settlement processing for one representative is executed, and after the settlement is completed, the application information is stored in the tournament information database 32 and the user database through the application information registration means. Also,
A confirmation mail in which a pledge is described is delivered from the confirmation mail transmitting means 50 to the representative.

In this multi-person application, it is sufficient that at least only the representative has registered as a member of the system 10.
There is also an advantage that the procedure can be simplified because the representative can pay for the participation fee for all members. However, in this system 10, since the record of the person who is not registered in the user database 42 cannot be recorded, in the event that the record or performance of each participant is important, Can not do. For this reason, it is suitable for application for participation in competitions premised on team play such as soccer and baseball.

The system 10 further introduces the concept of “group” or “team” as an aggregate of registered users 16. That is, when a plurality of registered users 16 having some common items such as sports genres, hobbies, generations, and workplaces gather and voluntarily form a “group”, a virtual space called “clubhouse” is set in the system 10. You. In this clubhouse, an electronic bulletin board function, a chat room function, and a mailing list function are provided to each member of the group, and a group representative is referred to as a group entry, and all members are represented on a specific sports tournament. It is possible to complete the application and settlement. To become a member of the group, it is a prerequisite that it is registered in the user database 42 as a member of this system 10, so if a group entry is made, it is possible to leave records and grades for each participant However, in this point, it is different from the above-mentioned "multiple application" in which a record for each participant cannot be left.

In order to form this group, as shown in FIG. 17, a club house registration form 74 is displayed on the personal computer screen of the user 16 to be a representative, and necessary items are input. The minimum required input items include a group name, representative name, desired group ID and password, and group profile. The group's profile serves as a tagline for recruiting new members. When it is desired to limit the genre of sports, a specific genre is selected and input in the "type of sports" field. Further, if there are candidate members at the time of group formation, an ID, a password, and a name are entered in the input fields for a new member, and a "register" button is clicked. As a result, in the user database 42, the association between the user ID of each member and the group ID is executed.

When a new member joins the group, instead of the group representative inputting the ID and password of the user to be a new member as described above,
It is also possible to make a provisional decision on group joining based on the application of the user who wishes to newly join, and to wait for approval from the group representative to recognize the formal joining of the group. In this case, each user 16 may be required to agree to a special oath as a condition of joining the group. For example, if the group representative agrees to the pledge on behalf of the members at the time of the application for participation in the tournament, he / she promises in advance that the legal effect will extend to each member. .

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for realizing a group entry in the system 10, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at that time. In this case, in the center server 12, the form generation means 36, the input item confirmation means 38, the group member search means 76, the user database 42, the settlement processing means 44, the application information registration means 48, the tournament information database 32, application information notification means 48, and confirmation mail transmission means 50 are used. The above group member search means 76
Is the CPU of the computer that constitutes the center server 12.
Is realized by executing predetermined processing according to an OS or a dedicated program.

When making a group entry, a group representative clicks a button (not shown) dedicated to group entry after the search of the tournament is completed, and calls a group participation application form shown in FIG. 20 on the personal computer screen. When the representative's ID, password, and group name are entered and the "Next" button is clicked (S50), the group member search means 76 searches the user database 42 to extract members of the group (S52). ), And outputs it to the form generation means 36. In the form generation means 36,
As shown in FIG. 21, a list form listing the members belonging to the group is generated and transmitted to the personal computer 18 of the representative to request selection of a participant (S54). The delegate checks the checkboxes of the listed members who wish to participate in this tournament. Also, in the item selection field, select and enter the item that each person wants to participate in.

When the "Next" button is clicked and the system 10 receives the selection information of the participating members (S5)
6), a participation application form similar to that of FIG. 15 is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 18 of the representative (S58). After that, enter the participation fee for the number of people in the amount column, select the payment method and click the “Next” button, and enter the input data into the system 10
(S60), the representative can pay for the participation fee for all participating members. In this case as well, the pledge is written in the pledge column of the participation application form, and the representative will check "I agree" on behalf of all participating members. The agreement to the pledge and the satisfaction of the necessary items are confirmed by the input item confirmation means 38 (S62, S64). When the settlement processing by the settlement processing means 44 is completed (S66, S68), the application information registration means 48
To the tournament information database 32
D is described, and the ID of the tournament is described in the record of each member in the user database 42 (S70).
Also, the application information notifying means 48 is activated, and application information (attribute information of each member and the like) is transmitted to the local server 14 of the tournament organizer (S72). At the same time, the confirmation mail transmission means 50 is activated, and a confirmation e-mail in which a pledge is described is transmitted to the e-mail addresses of all the participating members (S7)
Four).

In the case of this group entry, since all the members are registered users of the system 10, there is an advantage that entry of the address and name in the participation application form can be omitted. There is also an advantage that a personal record of each member can be left in the user database 42. Another big advantage is that only the representative can settle the troublesome entry costs.

In the above description, the support function for the user to apply for participation in a sports tournament online has been mainly described, but this system can provide various other conveniences to the tournament organizer and the user. It is possible. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for implementing ancillary services according to the system 10. The center server 12 includes a mail processing unit 80, an electronic bulletin board management unit 81, a data processing unit 82, a tournament Information setting means 83
, Form generating means 36, and mail information database 84
And bulletin board database 85 and user database 42
And a tournament organizer database 29 and a tournament information database 32. The mail processing means 80, electronic bulletin board management means 81, data processing means 82, tournament information setting means 83
Is the CPU of the computer that constitutes the center server 12.
Is realized by executing predetermined processing according to an OS or a dedicated program. The mail information database 84 and the bulletin board database 85 are stored in the hard disk of the computer.

First, the tournament organizer can send a broadcast mail to a specific range of users. in this case,
The local server 14 accesses the tournament organizer-dedicated Web site of the center server 12 via the Internet 24, and selects "broadcast mail transmission" from the service menu (not shown). As a result, a mail creation form is transmitted from the mail processing means 80 of the center server 12, and displayed on the display of the local server 14. When a title or text is described in this form, or an attached file is specified and the send button is clicked, the mail data is stored in the mail information database 84 by the mail processing means 80.

Next, a form for setting transmission conditions is transmitted from the mail processing means 80 to the local server 14. Here, the tournament organizer side specifically specifies the range of users to whom the e-mail is to be transmitted and the transmission timing.
Examples of the user range include "all users", "only users who have participated in the tournament held by themselves", "only users who have applied for the next scheduled tournament",
"Only for male (female) users", "only for mountain bike enthusiasts in their 20s" and the like correspond. As for the transmission timing, besides "send immediately", "send in the morning of xx month"
Select and enter The mail processing means 80, having received the transmission conditions, searches the user database 42 to extract users who meet the above conditions, and transmits a broadcast mail to each user's mail address at a set timing.

Further, the tournament organizer and the user can use the electronic bulletin board (BBS) system to communicate with each other. That is, the user or the tournament organizer accesses the website of the center server 12 from his or her personal computer 18 or the local server 14 via the Internet 24, and selects "meeting room" from the service menu (not shown). The electronic bulletin board management means 81 receiving this extracts the past registration message stored in the bulletin board database 85 and transmits it to the personal computer 18 or the local server 14 via the Internet 24. As a result,
Past messages are displayed in a tree on the display.

When the user makes a new comment or adds a comment to a specific message, "new comment"
Or click the "Comments" button. As a result, a message input form is transmitted from the electronic bulletin board management means 81. When a title and a message are input and returned in this form, the message is stored in the bulletin board database 85 by the bulletin board management means 81. By setting up an electronic bulletin board that can be viewed only between tournament organizers and invisible to the user, a place for information exchange between tournament organizers can be provided.

As described above, the tournament organizer can freely download his / her own tournament information stored in the tournament information database 32 at any time.
It is also possible to perform necessary processing in the data processing means 82 to generate information having higher added value and transmit the information to the local server 14. For example, it is possible to graph the transition of the number of participating applicants every day and display the graph on the display of the local server 14, or to transmit list data in which the number of participating applicants is totaled by age. Also, tournament organizer-side data transmitted from the local server 14 (participant data collected without passing through the system 10).
To the tournament information database 32 via the data processing means 82.
It can also be stored inside. As a result, the tournament organizer can use the center server 12 as its own data management tool.

The tournament organizer can independently set data items relating to the tournament. First, the tournament organizer accesses the tournament organizer-dedicated Web site from the local server 14 and selects "set up tournament information" from the service menu. As a result, a predetermined design form is transmitted from the tournament information setting means 83 of the center server 12 (not shown). The design form will include the tournament name, date and time, event,
Since there are provided entry fields for participation fees and the like, the tournament organizer inputs necessary information in these fields. If you want to include special provisions in the pledge, please refer to “Additional pledge”
Write the required language in the column. Further, a unique data item can be set by adding a text box, a radio button, a select box, and the like.

When the tournament organizer inputs necessary items in the design form and sends it to the center server 12, the design data is extracted by the tournament information setting means 83 and registered as the tournament information in the tournament information database 32. As a result, the form application means 36 transmits the participation application form 52 reflecting the design data to the personal computer 18 of the user who has requested to participate in the tournament.

[0061]

According to the sports tournament participation application support system according to the present invention, the pledge is presented at least three times before the user enters the sports tournament as described above. It is understood that the participation in the tournament is naturally bound by the participation in the tournament, so the tournament organizer does not need to request the submission of a pledge with a signature and seal in advance, and participates in the tournament Application procedure is We
It can be completed on b.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall image of a sports tournament participation application support system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the organizer of the sports tournament uploads tournament information into a center server of the system and a user searches the tournament.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data items set in a tournament information database.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen configuration when a user searches for a tournament.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen configuration when displaying a search result of a tournament.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen configuration example when displaying detailed information of a searched tournament.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when a user registers as a new member or makes an application for participation in a tournament.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a user registers as a new member or makes an application for participation in a tournament.

FIG. 9 is a screen configuration diagram showing a state in which a user is required to enter an ID and a password when applying for participation in a tournament.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a participation application form.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a new registration form.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a confirmation screen at the time of new registration.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data items set in a user database.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when exchanging information between a local server of a tournament organizer or a personal computer of a user and a center server.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a participation application form when a plurality of people apply for participation.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a form for inputting attribute information of a candidate who wishes to participate other than the representative when applying for participation by a plurality of persons.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a club house registration form when a group is formed.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for realizing a group entry.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when implementing a group entry.

FIG. 20 is a screen configuration diagram showing a state where an input of an ID and a password is required when making a group entry.

FIG. 21 is a screen configuration diagram showing a state in which a member participating in a tournament is selected from a list of group members.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for realizing ancillary services according to this system.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Sports tournament application support system 12 Center server 14 Local server 16 User 18 User's personal computer 20 Host computer managed by credit card company 22 Host computer managed by convenience store headquarters 24 Internet 26 Dedicated line 32 Tournament information database 36 Form generation Means 38 Input item confirmation means 40 User registration means 42 User database 44 Payment processing means 46 Application information registration means 48 Application information notification means 50 Confirmation e-mail transmission means 52 Participation application form 54 New registration form 56 Pledge field 58 Pledge field 60 Record・ Registration means 62 Tournament history search means 64 Record / gradation search means 68 Participation application form for multiple participants 72 Form for entering the attributes of applicants for participation 76 Group member search means 80 E-mail processing means 81 Electronic bulletin board management means 82 Data processing Stage 83 tournament information setting means 84 mail information database 85 bulletin board database

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A tournament information storage means for storing information about a sports tournament, a user information storage means for registering information about a user who uses the system, and a new user via an Internet from a terminal of an unregistered user. A means for transmitting a new registration form in which a predetermined pledge is described to the user terminal when a registration request is input, requesting consent to the pledge and inputting necessary information, and input data from the user terminal Means for confirming whether or not data indicating consent to the pledge is included therein, and registering the user in the user information storage means at least on condition that the user agrees to the pledge. When a request for participation in a specific sporting event is input from the terminal of a registered user via the Internet, a predetermined pledge is described. A means for sending the application form to the user terminal and requesting consent to the pledge and inputting necessary information, and whether data indicating the consent to the pledge is included in the input data from the user terminal Means for confirming whether or not the user has registered at least the above pledge, and means for registering the user in a predetermined storage means as an applicant of the tournament. And a means for transmitting an e-mail in which the above-mentioned pledge is described. 2. When a request for application for participation in a specific sports tournament by a plurality of people is input from the terminal of a registered user via the Internet, a participation application form in which a predetermined pledge is described is written to the user terminal. Means for transmitting and requesting consent to the pledge and inputting necessary information; means for transmitting a predetermined form to the user terminal and requesting input of other necessary applicants; and Means for confirming whether or not data indicating consent to the above-mentioned pledge is included in the input data of the registered user and other participants, provided that the user has at least agreed to the above-mentioned pledge. Means for registering the applicant in a predetermined storage means as an applicant for the tournament; and sending an e-mail describing the contents of the pledge to the registered user registered as the applicant. 2. A sports tournament participation application support system according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A means for associating a plurality of registered users with each other and registering them as members of a group in a predetermined storage means, and a request to apply for participation in a specific sports tournament is input from a terminal of a user belonging to the group. In this case, means for searching the storage means to extract other users belonging to the group, and transmitting a list of each extracted user to the user terminal to select a user to apply for participation in the tournament. Means for requesting, and when there is an input to select a specific user from the user terminal, a participation application form in which a predetermined pledge is described is transmitted to the user terminal, and the agreement to the pledge and the necessary Means for requesting an input; means for confirming whether or not data indicating the consent to the pledge is included in the input data from the user terminal; Means for registering the selected user in a predetermined storage means as an applicant for the tournament, provided that the user agrees to the above written statement; 2. A sports tournament participation application support system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for transmitting a written e-mail. 4. In the participation application form, options for specifying a payment method for expenses required for participation in the tournament are set, and when the registered user selects payment by a credit card, A means for transmitting information relating to the credit card of the user and the payment amount information to a computer system managed by a credit card company, and requesting payment. If there is a response from the computer system indicating that payment is possible, at least the user And registering the event as an applicant for the tournament in a predetermined storage means.
A sports tournament participation application support system according to any one of (1) to (3). 5. In the participation application form, options for specifying a settlement method of various expenses required for participation in the tournament are set, and when the registered user selects payment at a convenience store, A means for transmitting at least the payment slip data to the user terminal side, and when data indicating that the user has paid the settlement amount using the payment slip data is input from the computer system of the convenience store, at least the user The sports tournament participation application support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is registered in a predetermined storage unit as an applicant of the tournament. 6. A predetermined storage means for storing participation application data, recording data, and performance data of a registered user in each sports tournament, and self-registration application data, recording data, and performance data from a terminal of the registered user. If a request for disclosure is entered,
The sports tournament participation application support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for searching the storage means, extracting necessary data, and transmitting the extracted data to a terminal of the user. 7. Predetermined means for storing registered application data, record data, and performance data of registered users in each sports tournament, and registration of registered users in the tournament held by the host of the tournament from a terminal of the tournament organizer. When a request for disclosure of data, record data, and performance data is input, the storage means is searched to extract necessary data and transmitted to a terminal of the tournament organizer. Item 7. A sports tournament participation application support system according to any one of Items 1 to 6. 8. A means for transmitting a design form to a terminal of a tournament organizer and requesting input of necessary information on a sports tournament, and, when the design form is transmitted from the terminal, extracting design data and obtaining tournament information. Means for storing in the storage means, and when a request for application for participation in the sports tournament is inputted from the terminal of the registered user via the Internet, the participation application form is referred to by referring to the design data in the tournament information storage means. 8. A sports tournament participation application support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising means for generating the information and transmitting the generated information to a terminal of the user.