Computer system for supporting finding lost item and program executed by the same

Abstract

To provide a computer system for supporting finding a lost item.SOLUTION: The computer system of the present invention includes: means for receiving information on a lost item of a dropper, the information of the lost item of the dropper including information indicating when the dropper lost the lost item; means for specifying a moving route of the dropper on the basis of the information indicating when the dropper lost the lost item; means for specifying at least one picker candidate who has the possibility of picking up the lost item of the dropper on the basis of the moving route of the dropper; and means for notifying the specified at least one picker candidate of the information of the lost item of the dropper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, and to a program executed in the computer system. [Background technology]

[0002] Websites for searching for lost items have been known for some time (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] National Police Agency, “Prefectural Police Departments’ Page for Publicly Announced Lost and Found Items,” [online], [Accessed April 18, 2022], Internet<URL:https: / / www.npa.go.jp / bureau / soumu / ishitsubutsu / ishitsubutsulink.html> [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] When you lose your belongings, you may remember when you last had them, but you often don't remember where you lost them. Furthermore, trying to contact the facility where you think you lost your belongings by phone is extremely troublesome because you might not know who to call or even have the phone number. Moreover, even if you do contact the facility by phone, you'll often be told by the staff that they don't have it.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost items, and a program that runs on the computer system, which makes it possible to get lost items back even if the owner does not remember where they lost them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the computer system of the present invention is a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the computer system comprising means for receiving information relating to a dropper's lost property, wherein the information relating to the dropper's lost property includes information indicating the time when the dropper's lost property was lost; means for identifying the dropper's travel path based on the information indicating the time when the dropper's lost property was lost; means for identifying at least one picker candidate who may pick up the dropper's lost property based on the dropper's travel path; and means for notifying the identified at least one picker candidate of the information relating to the dropper's lost property.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system further comprises means for identifying the travel path of at least one user other than the dropper based on information indicating the time of loss of the dropper's lost item, and means for identifying at least one picker candidate who may pick up the dropper's lost item may include means for identifying the at least one user as the at least one picker candidate if the travel path of the at least one user overlaps with at least a portion of the travel path of the dropper.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system further comprises means for monitoring the location information of at least one user other than the dropper, and means for identifying at least one picker candidate who may pick up the dropper's lost item may include means for identifying the at least one user as the at least one picker candidate if the at least one user is located within a predetermined range of the dropper's movement path.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system further comprises means for monitoring the location information of the dropper, and means for identifying the movement path of the dropper based on information indicating the time when the droppedper's lost item was lost may include means for identifying the movement path of the dropper based on the location information of the dropper at the time the droppedper's lost item was lost.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system may further include means for receiving information relating to an item picked up by a picker, means for determining whether the item picked up by the picker is likely to be the same as the item picked up by the dropper, based on information relating to the item picked up by the dropper and information relating to the item picked up by the picker, and means for matching the dropper and the picker if it is determined that the item picked up by the picker is likely to be the same as the item picked up by the dropper.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, information relating to the dropper's lost items further includes a first image representing the dropper's lost items, information relating to items picked up by the picker includes a second image representing the items picked up by the picker, and means for determining whether the items picked up by the picker may be identical to the dropper's lost items may include means for determining whether the items picked up by the picker may be identical to the dropper's lost items based on the results obtained by image analysis of the first image and the second image.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information relating to the dropper's lost items further includes a first description relating to the characteristics of the dropper's lost items, the information relating to the picker's found items includes a second description relating to the characteristics of the found items picked up by the picker, and the means for determining whether the found items picked up by the picker may be identical to the dropper's lost items may include the means for determining whether the found items picked up by the picker may be identical to the dropper's lost items based on the results obtained by natural language processing the first description and the second description.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the program of the present invention is a program executed in a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the computer system comprising a processor unit, and the program, when executed by the processor unit, causes the processor unit to at least: receive information relating to a dropper's lost property, the information relating to the dropper's lost property includes information indicating the time when the dropper's lost property was lost; identify the movement path of the dropper based on the information indicating the time when the dropper's lost property was lost; identify at least one picker candidate who is likely to pick up the dropper's lost property based on the movement path of the dropper; and notify the identified at least one picker candidate of the information relating to the dropper's lost property.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the computer system of the present invention is a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the computer system comprising means for receiving information about a dropper's lost property; means for identifying at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost property based on the information about the dropper's lost property; means for identifying at least one facility where the dropper's lost property may have been turned in based on the at least one candidate location; means for querying the management system of the at least one facility about the found property based on the information about the dropper's lost property; and means for notifying the dropper of the results of the query to the management system of the at least one facility.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information relating to the dropper's lost item includes information indicating at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item entered by the dropper, and means for identifying at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item based on the information relating to the dropper's lost item may identify at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item from the information indicating at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item included in the information relating to the dropper's lost item.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information relating to the dropper's lost item includes information indicating the time of loss of the dropper's lost item, and means for identifying at least one candidate location of loss of the dropper's lost item based on the information relating to the dropper's lost item may identify the dropper's travel path as the at least one candidate location of loss based on information indicating the time of loss of the dropper's lost item.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information regarding the lost item of the dropper includes information indicating the time of loss of the lost item of the dropper, and based on the information regarding the lost item of the dropper, the means for inquiring about the found item in the management system of the at least one facility may inquire in the management system of the at least one facility about the found item found within a period within a predetermined range from the time of loss of the lost item of the dropper.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system further includes means for receiving information regarding a found item found on a road, the information regarding the found item found on the road including information indicating the location where the found item was found on the road, means for determining whether the location where the found item was found on the road is close to any of the at least one candidate lost locations, and means for notifying the dropper of the information regarding the found item found on the road when it is determined that the location where the found item was found on the road is close to any of the at least one candidate lost locations.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system further includes means for notifying the dropper of at least one facility where the lost item of the dropper may have been delivered, and means for receiving information indicating one or more facilities selected by the dropper among the notified at least one facility, and the means for inquiring about the found item in the management system of the at least one facility may include means for inquiring about the found item in one or more facilities selected by the dropper.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inquiry result to the management system of the at least one facility includes information regarding one or more lost items that have been delivered to the management system of the at least one facility. The computer system further comprises means for identifying one or more lost items among the one or more lost items that may be the same as the lost item of the dropper. The means for notifying the dropper of the inquiry result to the management system of the at least one facility may notify the dropper of the one or more lost items identified as possibly being the same as the lost item of the dropper.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information regarding the lost item of the dropper includes a first image representing the lost item of the dropper. The information regarding the one or more lost items includes one or more second images representing the one or more lost items. The means for identifying one or more lost items among the one or more lost items that may be the same as the lost item of the dropper may include means for identifying, by image analysis, one or more lost items among the one or more lost items that may be the same as the lost item of the dropper, for each of the first image and the one or more second images.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information regarding the lost item of the dropper further includes a first description regarding the characteristics of the lost item of the dropper. The information regarding the one or more lost items includes one or more second descriptions regarding the characteristics of the one or more lost items. The means for identifying a lost item among the one or more lost items that may be the same as the lost item of the dropper may include means for identifying, based on the results obtained by natural language processing of each of the first description and the one or more second descriptions, one or more lost items among the one or more lost items that may be the same as the lost item of the dropper.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the program of the present invention is a program executed in a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the computer system comprising a processor unit, and when executed by the processor unit, the program causes the processor unit to at least perform the following: receive information about a dropper's lost property; identify at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost property based on the information about the dropper's lost property; identify at least one facility where the dropper's lost property may have been turned in based on the at least one candidate location; query the management system of the at least one facility about the found item based on the information about the dropper's lost property; and notify the dropper of the result of the query to the management system of the at least one facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost items, and a program executed in the computer system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1A] This figure shows screen 100 displayed on a user device operated by a dropper. [Figure 1B] This figure shows the screen 110 displayed on the user device operated by the picker candidate. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example configuration of System 200 for implementing a new C2C service where information about a dropper's lost item is notified to potential pickers. [Figure 3A] This diagram shows an example of the structure of information stored in the user database unit 241. [Figure 3B] This diagram shows an example of the structure of information stored in the lost and found database unit 242. [Figure 3C] This diagram shows an example of the structure of information stored in the lost and found database unit 243. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of processing performed in computer system 210. [Figure 5] This diagram shows another example of the processing performed in computer system 210. [Figure 6A] A diagram showing screen 600 displayed on a user device operated by a dropper. [Figure 6B] Figure showing screen 610 displayed on a user device operated by a dropper. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example configuration of System 700, which enables a new B2C service that allows users to view information about lost and found items delivered to facilities. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of the structure of information stored in the facility database unit 754. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of processing performed in computer system 710. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The following definitions are used in this specification.

[0027] In this specification, "dropper" refers to a person who has lost their belongings.

[0028] In this specification, "picker" means a person who finds something that a dropper has lost (i.e., the dropper's lost property).

[0029] In this specification, “Picker candidate” means a person who is likely to pick up the dropped item.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1. A new C2C service that notifies potential pickers of information about a dropper's lost item. The applicant proposes a new C2C service in which information about a dropper's lost item is notified to potential pickers. This new C2C service aims to increase the likelihood of a dropper's lost item being found by a picker and thus increase the chances of the dropper's lost item being returned to the dropper by disseminating information about the dropper's lost item to potential pickers. In this new C2C service, when a dropper registers information about a lost item, that information is notified to potential pickers who may have found the dropper's lost item. When a picker registers information about a found item, that information is notified to the dropper who lost an item that may be identical to the picker's found item. This makes it easier for pickers to report when they see a dropper's lost item, and allows droppers to increase the chances of their lost item being found and returned to them.

[0032] Figure 1A shows a screen 100 displayed on a user device operated by a dropper. The display of screen 100 is achieved, for example, by the execution of a program stored in the memory of the user device by the processor of the user device. The entire screen 100 does not have to be displayed on the user device. For example, only a portion of screen 100 may be displayed on the user device, and other portions of screen 100 may be displayed by scrolling.

[0033] Figure 1A is an example of a screen for a dropper to input information about a lost item. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, screen 100 includes a name input area 101 for inputting the name of the lost item, a time input area 102 for inputting the date the item was lost, an upload button 103 for uploading an image of the lost item, and a registration button 104 for registering the information entered on screen 100 as information about the dropper's lost item. Screen 100 may further include a free input area (not shown) where the dropper can freely input detailed information about the lost item.

[0034] The name input area 101 is configured to allow text input, and when selected (e.g., tapped) by the user, it becomes possible to enter the name of the lost item. The name of the lost item does not need to be detailed enough to uniquely identify the item. The name of the lost item could be, for example, the product name of the lost item, the brand name of the lost item, or simply a description of the appearance of the lost item.

[0035] Furthermore, the time input area 102 is configured to allow text input, and when selected (for example, tapped) by the user, it becomes possible to input the time when the lost item was lost. The time when the loss is lost can be expressed as a date and time. For example, it may be possible to input a range for the time when the loss is lost, such as "April 20, 2022, 10:00 AM to April 20, 2022, 5:00 PM," or it may be possible to input a more vague time when the loss is lost, such as "Around 2:00 PM on April 20, 2022."

[0036] Furthermore, the upload button 103 is configured to be selectable. When the upload button 103 is selected (for example, tapped) by the user, a screen is displayed for taking or selecting an image (for example, a still image) to upload. Once an image is taken or selected, the taken or selected image can be uploaded as an image of the lost item.

[0037] Furthermore, the registration button 104 is configured to be selectable. The dropper can register information about the lost item by selecting the registration button 104 after entering information about the lost item on screen 100.

[0038] Figure 1B shows a screen 110 displayed on a user device operated by a picker candidate. The display of screen 110 is achieved, for example, by the execution of a program stored in the memory of the user device by the processor of the user device. The entire screen 110 does not have to be displayed on the user device. For example, only a portion of screen 110 may be displayed on the user device, and other portions of screen 110 may be displayed by scrolling.

[0039] Figure 1B is an example of a screen in which information about a dropper's lost item is notified to a picker candidate. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, screen 110 displays the name of the lost item "xxx" and the date the item was lost "yyy". If the dropper has registered an image of the lost item, screen 110 further includes an image of the dropper's lost item, as shown in Figure 1B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, screen 110 further includes a find button 111 that is selected by the picker when the picker finds an item that may be the dropper's lost item.

[0040] When the picker selects the find button 111, a screen (not shown) for inputting information about the item the picker has found is displayed on the user device operated by the picker. This screen may have a configuration similar to, for example, screen 100 in Figure 1A. Therefore, on the screen for inputting information about the item the picker has found, the picker can input the characteristics of the item (e.g., name, shape, color, pattern, size, presence or absence of accessories, etc.), the time of discovery, the place of discovery, etc., and can also upload an image of the item the picker has found. This makes it possible to register information about the item the picker has found.

[0041] 2. System configuration for realizing a new C2C service Figure 2 shows an example configuration of System 200 for realizing a new C2C service in which information about a dropper's lost item is notified to potential pickers.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the system 200 includes a computer system 210 for managing information regarding lost and found items, and user devices 2201-220. N The computer system 210 is provided with the internet 230 and user devices 2201-220. N It is configured to be able to communicate with each of them. Here, N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0043] The computer system 210 is an information processing system that performs processing for a company to assist in the recovery of a dropper's lost items. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the computer system 210 includes an interface unit 211, a processor unit 212 including one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), and a memory unit 213. The hardware configuration of the computer system 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can realize its function, and may consist of a single machine or a combination of multiple machines.

[0044] The interface unit 211 is connected to user devices 2201-220 N It controls communication with each of them.

[0045] The memory unit 213 stores the program required to execute the process and the data required to execute that program. The method by which the program is stored in the memory unit 213 is not specified. For example, the program may be pre-installed in the memory unit 213. Alternatively, the program may be installed in the memory unit 213 by being downloaded via a network such as the Internet 230, or it may be installed in the memory unit 213 via a storage medium such as an optical disc or USB.

[0046] The processor unit 212 controls the operation of the entire computer system 210. The processor unit 212 reads the program stored in the memory unit 213 and executes the program. As a result, the computer system 210 can function as a device that executes desired steps, and the processor unit 212 of the computer system 210 can operate as a means to achieve desired functions.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the computer system 210 is connected to the database unit 240. The database unit 240 includes a user database unit 241, a lost property database unit 242, and a found property database unit 243.

[0048] User devices 2201-220 N Each of these is configured to be able to communicate with the computer system 210 via the internet 230. User devices 2201-220 N Each of these may include an interface unit, a processor unit, a memory unit, a display unit, and an input unit. For example, user devices 2201-220 N Each of these may be a portable wireless device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or a personal computer such as a laptop PC or notebook PC.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, user devices 2201 to 220 N Although it has been explained that each of these can communicate with the computer system 210 via the Internet 230, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any type of network can be used instead of the Internet 230.

[0050] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the database unit 240 is located outside the computer system 210, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The database unit 240 can also be located inside the computer system 210. The configuration of the database unit 240 is not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, the database unit 240 may consist of a single hardware component or multiple hardware components. For example, the database unit 240 may be configured as a single external hard disk drive for the computer system 210, or as cloud storage connected via a network.

[0051] Figure 3A shows an example of the structure of information stored in the user database unit 241.

[0052] The user database section 241 stores information about the user. This user information can be identified by a user ID. The user information includes the user's name, gender, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and location information. The user information may also include the user's account information.

[0053] Figure 3B shows an example of the structure of information stored in the lost and found database unit 242.

[0054] The lost and found database section 242 stores information about lost items left behind by a dropper. Information about lost items can be identified by an item identification identifier (lost item ID). Information about lost items is associated with an item identification identifier (dropper ID). The dropper ID is one of the user IDs stored in the user database section 241. Information about lost items includes the item's characteristics (e.g., name, shape, color, pattern, size, presence of accessories, etc.), the date of loss, and images.

[0055] Figure 3C shows an example of the structure of the information stored in the lost and found database unit 243.

[0056] The lost and found database section 243 stores information about lost and found items picked up by pickers. Information about lost and found items can be identified by information used to identify the lost and found item (lost and found item ID). Information about lost and found items is associated with information used to identify the picker who picked up the item (picker ID). The picker ID is one of the user IDs stored in the user database section 241. Information about lost and found items includes the characteristics of the lost and found item (e.g., name, shape, color, pattern, size, presence or absence of accessories, etc.), the time it was found, the place it was found, an image, and the storage location.

[0057] 3. Processes executed in a computer system Figure 4 shows an example of processing performed in the computer system 210. Each step shown in Figure 4 is performed, for example, by the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210. Figure 4 explains the flow of processing until information about the dropper's lost item is notified to the picker candidate. It is assumed that the dropper, picker candidate, and picker have previously registered user information to be stored in the user database unit 241 as part of the membership registration procedure. The steps shown in Figure 4 will now be explained.

[0058] Step S401: Information regarding the dropper's lost item is received. Information regarding the dropper's lost item is, for example, input into and received from the user device 2201 operated by the dropper. This process corresponds to user operations on screen 100 as described with reference to Figure 1A. Information regarding the dropper's lost item includes, for example, information indicating the time when the dropper's lost item was lost. Information regarding the dropper's lost item may further include the name and image of the dropper's lost item. The received information regarding the dropper's lost item may be stored in the lost item database unit 242, associated with the dropper ID.

[0059] Step S402: The dropper's movement path is identified. This process is performed based on when the dropper's lost item was lost.

[0060] For example, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) is configured to monitor the location information of the dropper (i.e., the location information of the user device 2201 operated by the dropper). Monitoring the location information of the dropper can be achieved, for example, by acquiring the location information of the dropper from the user device 2201 at least intermittently (e.g., intermittently, continuously, or constantly) via GPS. The location information of the dropper may include time information indicating the time when the dropper was at the location indicated by that location information. In this case, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) can determine the path taken by the dropper during the time when the dropper's lost item was lost, based on the time when the dropper's lost item was lost, from the location information of the dropper during the time when the dropper's lost item was lost.

[0061] Alternatively, when pre-registering user information, the dropper may register information indicating, for example, when and where they frequently travel, as frequently used routes. In this case, information indicating frequently used routes, along with time information on those routes, may be stored in the user database unit 241, associated with the dropper ID. In this case, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may identify at least a portion of the dropper's frequently used routes corresponding to the time the dropper's lost item was lost as the dropper's travel route, based on the time the dropper's lost item was lost.

[0062] Step S403: At least one picker candidate is identified. This process is performed based on the movement path of the dropper identified in step S402.

[0063] For example, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) is configured to identify the movement path of at least one user other than the dropper (for example, in the same manner as described with reference to step S402). The computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) determines whether the movement path of that at least one user overlaps with at least a portion of the dropper's movement path (for example, on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map), and if the movement path of that at least one user overlaps with at least a portion of the dropper's movement path, it may identify that at least one user as at least one picker candidate. This makes it possible to identify users who frequently use the vicinity of the dropper's movement path where lost items may be found as picker candidates.

[0064] Alternatively, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may be configured to monitor the location information of at least one user other than the dropper (i.e., the location information of the user device 2202 operated by at least one user other than the dropper). Monitoring the location information of at least one user other than the dropper can be achieved, for example, by acquiring the location information of at least one user other than the dropper from the user device 2202 at least intermittently (e.g., intermittently, continuously, or constantly) via GPS. In this case, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may determine, based on the location information of that at least one user, whether that at least one user is located within a predetermined range from the movement path of the dropper identified in step S402, and if that at least one user is located within a predetermined range from the movement path of the dropper, it may identify that at least one user as at least one picker candidate. This makes it possible to identify users who are near the movement path of the dropper where lost items may have been dropped as picker candidates (e.g., in real time). The predetermined range from the dropper's movement path may be, for example, within 50m, within 100m, within 300m, or within 500m, but is not limited to these.

[0065] Step S404: The information regarding the dropper's lost item received in step S401 is communicated to at least one picker candidate identified in step S403. This is accomplished, for example, by the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) transmitting the information regarding the dropper's lost item to a user device 2202 operated by at least one picker candidate. This corresponds to what is displayed on screen 110 as described with reference to Figure 1B.

[0066] In this way, by identifying potential pickers based on the dropper's movement path, it is possible to designate users who are relatively likely to pick up the dropper's lost item as potential pickers. Furthermore, by notifying such potential pickers of information about the dropper's lost item, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the process of returning the dropper's lost item to the dropper once the potential picker has become a picker (i.e., the potential picker has picked up the dropper's lost item), as will be described later.

[0067] Figure 5 shows another example of processing performed in the computer system 210. Each step shown in Figure 5 is performed, for example, by the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210. Figure 5 illustrates the process from matching the picker who retrieved the dropped item with the dropper. The following describes each step shown in Figure 5.

[0068] Step S501: Information regarding the found item picked up by the picker is received. Information regarding the found item picked up by the picker is received, for example, from a user device 2202 operated by the picker. The received information regarding the found item picked up by the picker is stored in the found item database unit 243, associated with the picker ID. Information regarding the found item picked up by the picker includes, for example, the characteristics of the found item (e.g., name, shape, color, pattern, size, presence or absence of accessories, etc.), the time of pickup, the location of pickup, and an image. Information regarding the found item picked up by the picker may further include information indicating the storage location of the found item.

[0069] Step S502: It is determined whether the item picked up by the picker is identical to the item lost by the dropper. If the result is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S503; if the result is "No", the process proceeds to step S504.

[0070] The process of determining whether an item picked up by a picker is identical to an item lost by a dropper may be implemented, for example, by image analysis. That is, if the information regarding the dropper's lost item includes a first image representing the dropper's lost item, and the information regarding an item picked up by a picker includes a second image representing the item, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may perform image analysis on the first image representing the dropper's lost item and the second image representing the item picked up by the picker, and based on the results of the image analysis, determine whether the item picked up by the picker is identical to the dropper's lost item. If the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) obtains an analysis result indicating that the first image and the second image represent the same thing, it determines that the item picked up by the picker is identical to the dropper's lost item. If the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) obtains an analysis result indicating that the first image and the second image do not represent the same thing, it determines that the item picked up by the picker is not the same as the item lost by the dropper.

[0071] Alternatively, the process of determining whether an item picked up by a picker is identical to an item lost by a dropper may be implemented, for example, by natural language processing. That is, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may perform natural language processing on a first description of the characteristics of the item lost by the dropper and a second description of the characteristics of an item picked up by a picker, and based on the results of that natural language processing, determine whether an item picked up by a picker is identical to an item lost by a dropper. If the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) obtains a natural language processing result indicating that the first description of the characteristics of the item lost by the dropper and the second description of the characteristics of an item picked up by a picker represent the same thing, it determines that an item picked up by a picker is identical to an item lost by a dropper. If the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) obtains a natural language processing result indicating that the first description of the characteristics of the dropped item and the second description of the characteristics of the item picked up by the picker do not represent the same thing, it determines that the item picked up by the picker is not the same as the dropped item.

[0072] Step S503: The process of matching the dropper and the picker is executed. This allows the dropper to communicate directly with the picker. The process of matching the dropper and the picker includes, but is not limited to, the creation of a talk room in which the dropper and the picker can talk to each other, the notification of information about the picker to the dropper, and the notification of information about the dropper to the picker.

[0073] If, as a result of direct contact between the dropper and the picker, it becomes clear that the picker's found item is indeed identical to the dropper's lost item, the dropper can initiate the procedure for receiving the picker's found item with the computer system 210 and / or the picker, and receive the dropper's lost item at the picker's found item storage location. Furthermore, after step S503, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may receive an input regarding a reward from the dropper (for example, from the user device 2201 operated by the dropper), and in response to receiving the input regarding a reward from the dropper, it may further perform processing to provide a reward from the dropper to the picker. The input regarding the reward may be, for example, an input indicating the amount of the reward money, an input indicating the amount of reward points, etc., and is not limited to these. The process for providing a reward from the dropper to the picker includes, for example, referring to the user database section 241 and transferring the reward amount from the dropper's account to the picker's account, but is not limited to this.

[0074] Step S504: Information about the found item picked up by the picker is stored in the found item database unit 243. This allows the information about the found item picked up by the picker to be used for lost items of another dropper that are entered at a later time. This also accommodates cases where the picker has picked up an item and registered the information about the found item in the computer system 210 (particularly the found item database unit 243 of the computer system 210) before the dropper has registered the information about the lost item in the computer system 210 (particularly the lost item database unit 242 of the computer system 210).

[0075] Furthermore, the computer system 210 (in particular, the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210) may, in response to receiving information about the dropper's lost item, refer to the found item database unit 243 to determine whether the dropper's lost item may be identical to any of the found items indicated in the found item information stored in the found item database unit 243. The means for determining whether the dropper's lost item may be identical to any of the found items indicated in the found item information stored in the found item database unit 243 may be, for example, the same method as described with reference to step S502 in Figure 5. For example, if the dropper's lost item may be identical to found item X indicated in the found item information stored in the found item database unit 243, the picker of found item X and the dropper may be matched. This allows the dropper to communicate directly with the picker of found item X. If there is no possibility that the dropped item is identical to any of the found items indicated in the found item information stored in the found item database unit 243, the information regarding the dropped item is stored in the found item database unit 242.

[0076] 4. A new B2C service that makes information about lost and found items delivered to facilities accessible. The applicant proposes a new B2C service that makes it possible to view information about lost items that have been turned in to facilities. This new B2C service is intended to increase the likelihood of a dropper's lost item being returned to them by allowing them to view information about lost items that have been turned in to facilities where the dropper's lost item may have been turned in. With this new B2C service, when a dropper enters route information, an inquiry about the lost item is sent to at least one facility near the entered route, and the results of the inquiry to at least one facility are notified to the dropper. This allows the dropper to view the lost item information included in the results of the inquiry to at least one facility, and if the dropper's lost item has been turned in to one of the at least one facility to which the inquiry was sent, the dropper can go to that facility to pick up their lost item.

[0077] Figure 6A shows a screen 600 displayed on a user device operated by a dropper. The display of screen 600 is achieved, for example, by executing a program stored in the memory of the user device by the processor of the user device. The entire screen 600 does not have to be displayed on the user device. For example, only a portion of screen 600 may be displayed on the user device, and other portions of screen 600 may be displayed by scrolling.

[0078] Figure 6A is an example of a screen for a dropper to input information about a lost item. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, screen 600 includes a route input area 601 for inputting the dropper's travel route and an upload button 602 for uploading an image of the lost item. Screen 600 may further include a name input area (not shown) for inputting the name of the lost item, a time input area (not shown) for inputting the time the item was lost, a registration button (not shown) for registering the information entered on screen 600 as information about the dropper's lost item, and a free input area (not shown) where detailed information about the dropper's lost item can be freely entered.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, a map is displayed in the route input area 601. For convenience, points A, B, C, and D are plotted on the map in screen 600. The route input area 601 is configured to allow input of the dropper's movement path. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, the dropper can input its expected movement area 603 by drawing a circle on screen 600. In this case, for example, the area between point B and point C can be identified as a candidate location where the dropper lost the lost item (i.e., a candidate location where the dropper's lost item was lost).

[0080] Alternatively, the dropper can input its expected movement path by drawing a line on screen 600 connecting point B and point C. In this case, for example, the area between point B and point C can be identified as a possible location where the dropper lost the item (i.e., a possible location where the dropper lost the item).

[0081] However, the methods for identifying potential locations of the dropper's lost item are not limited to these. For example, the dropper may identify potential locations of its lost item by making a voice input to identify potential locations of its lost item (for example, a voice input recording the utterance "between point B and point C").

[0082] Furthermore, the possible locations where the dropper's lost item may be lost may be presented to the dropper for confirmation (i.e., displayed on the user device 2201 operated by the dropper).

[0083] Figure 6B shows a screen 610 displayed on a user device operated by a dropper. The display of screen 610 is achieved, for example, by executing a program stored in the memory of the user device by the processor of the user device. The entire screen 610 does not have to be displayed on the user device. For example, only a portion of screen 610 may be displayed on the user device, and other portions of screen 610 may be displayed by scrolling.

[0084] Figure 6B is an example of a screen for displaying facilities where a dropper's lost item may have been turned in. Screen 610 is an image transitioned from screen 600 in Figure 6A, for example, in response to the input of the dropper's travel area 603 on screen 600 in Figure 6A, or in response to the selection of the register button on screen 600 in Figure 6A. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6B, screen 610 includes an icon 611 indicating facility a and an icon 612 indicating facility b, which are adjacent to the candidate lost location between point B and point C. In this way, by inputting the dropper's travel area or travel route, the dropper can view at least one facility among several facilities near the candidate lost location of the dropper's lost item where the dropper's lost item may have been turned in. A facility includes any building capable of managing and storing turned-in lost items. For example, a facility includes, but is not limited to, commercial facilities, leisure facilities, police stations, lost and found centers, etc.

[0085] Icon 611, representing facility a, and icon 612, representing facility b, are each configured to be selectable. For example, when icon 611 is selected by the dropper, information about facility a is displayed on the dropper's user device. Alternatively, information about lost items delivered to facility a may be presented to the dropper as part of the information about facility a, or a button (not shown) for inquiring about lost items with facility a may be presented to the dropper in response to its selection. The same applies to icon 612.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6B, screen 610 further includes an icon 613 indicating that the lost item has been found on a road near a candidate location where the dropper's lost item was lost. The icon 613 is configured to be selectable. When the dropper selects the icon 613, information about the found item is displayed on the dropper's user device. Along with the information about the found item, information about the picker who found the item may be further displayed on the dropper's user device.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6B, icons 611 and 612 are the same icon, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Icons 611 and 612 may be different icons. Also, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6B, icon 613 is a different icon from icons 611 and 612, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Icon 613 may be the same as icons 611 and 612.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6B, the dropper inputted only one movement area or movement path, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the dropper may be configured to input multiple movement areas or movement paths.

[0089] In addition, all facilities near the candidate locations where the dropper's lost item was lost are presented to the dropper using icons, and among all facilities near the candidate locations where the dropper's lost item was lost, at least one facility to which one or more lost items have been delivered, or at least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been delivered, may be presented to the dropper in a manner that can distinguish it from other facilities (for example, using different icon shapes, different icon colors, and / or different icon effects). Alternatively, only at least one facility to which one or more lost items have been delivered, or only at least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been delivered, near the candidate location where the dropper's lost item was lost may be presented to the dropper using icons.

[0090] 5. System configuration for realizing new B2C services FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a system 700 for realizing a new BtoC service that enables viewing information on lost items delivered to facilities.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 includes a computer system 710 for managing information on lost and found items, user devices 7201 to 720 N and facility management systems 7301 to 730 M The computer system 710 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the user devices 7201 to 720 N and each of the facility management systems 7301 to 730 M via the Internet 740. Here, N and M are integers of 1 or more.

[0092] Computer system 710 is an information processing system that performs processing for a company to assist in the recovery of lost items by droppers. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, computer system 710 includes an interface unit 711, a processor unit 712 including one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), and a memory unit 713. The hardware configuration of computer system 710 is not particularly limited as long as it can realize its function, and may consist of a single machine or a combination of multiple machines. The configuration of computer system 710 is the same as that of computer system 210 in Figure 2, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the computer system 710 is connected to the database unit 750. The database unit 750 includes a user database unit 751, a lost and found database unit 752, a found and recovered item database unit 753, and a facility database unit 754.

[0094] User devices 7201-720 N Since the configuration of each component is the same as that of user device 2201 in Figure 2, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0095] The facility management system 7301 is configured to communicate with the computer system 710. The facility management system 7301 comprises a server device that performs processing for the facility and a database unit that stores information about lost and found items delivered to the facility. The server device may include, for example, an interface unit, a processor unit, and a memory unit. The database unit that stores information about lost and found items delivered to the facility may be configured to be located outside the server device and connected to the server device, or it may be located inside the server device. The database unit that stores information about lost and found items delivered to the facility may consist of a single hardware component or multiple hardware components. For example, the database unit that stores information about lost and found items delivered to the facility may be configured as a single external hard disk drive of the server device, or as cloud storage connected via a network. (Facility management systems 7302-730) M The same applies to this matter.

[0096] The configuration of the user database unit 751 is the same as that of the user database unit 241 in Figure 3A, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. The configuration of the lost and found database unit 752 is the same as that of the lost and found database unit 242 in Figure 3B, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. The configuration of the found and recovered database unit 753 is the same as that of the found and recovered database unit 243 in Figure 3C, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0097] Figure 8 shows an example of the structure of information stored in the facility database unit 754.

[0098] The facility database section 754 stores information about facilities. This facility information can be identified by a facility identification number (facility ID). This information includes the facility's name, location, type of business, and an image of its exterior.

[0099] 6. Processes performed in a computer system Figure 9 shows an example of processing performed in the computer system 710. Each step shown in Figure 9 is performed, for example, by the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710. The steps shown in Figure 9 will be described below.

[0100] Step S901: Information regarding the dropper's lost item is received. The information regarding the dropper's lost item is based, for example, on input to and received from the user device 7201 operated by the dropper. This process may correspond to user operations on screen 600 as described with reference to Figure 6A. The information regarding the dropper's lost item may include, for example, information indicating candidate locations where the dropper lost the item (i.e., at least one candidate location where the dropper's lost item was lost). Alternatively, the information regarding the dropper's lost item may include, for example, information indicating the time when the dropper's lost item was lost. The information regarding the dropper's lost item may further include the name and image of the dropper's lost item. The received information regarding the dropper's lost item may be stored in the lost item database unit 752, associated with the dropper ID.

[0101] Step S902: At least one possible location for the dropper's lost item is identified. This process is performed based on the information about the dropper's lost item received in step S901.

[0102] If the information regarding the dropper's lost item received in step S901 includes information indicating at least one possible location of the dropper's lost item, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) can identify at least one possible location of the dropper's lost item from the information indicating at least one possible location of the dropper's lost item included in the information regarding the dropper's lost item.

[0103] Furthermore, if the information regarding the dropper's lost item received in step S901 includes information indicating the time of the dropper's lost item, and the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) is configured to monitor the dropper's location information (i.e., the location information of the user device 7201 operated by the dropper), then the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) can, based on the time of the dropper's lost item, identify at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item from the dropper's location information during the time of the dropper's lost item, which represents the path the dropper took during the time of the dropper's lost item. Monitoring of the dropper's location information can be achieved, for example, by acquiring the dropper's location information from the user device 7201 via GPS at least intermittently (e.g., intermittently, continuously, or constantly). The dropper's location information may include time information indicating the time the dropper was at the location indicated in that location information.

[0104] Step S903: At least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been turned in is identified. This process is carried out based on at least one candidate location where the dropper's lost item may have been lost.

[0105] The computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) can, for example, refer to the facility database unit 754 to identify at least one facility located within a predetermined range from at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item as at least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been turned in, based on at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item and the locations of facilities stored in the facility database unit 754. The predetermined range from at least one candidate location of the lost item may, for example, be within 50m, within 100m, within 300m, or within 500m.

[0106] Step S904: An inquiry about the lost item is sent to at least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been turned in. This is, for example, a facility management system (i.e., facility management systems 7301-730) that sends information about the lost item that has been turned in to at least one facility to the computer system 710. M This may require at least one of the following.

[0107] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which, in step S904, an inquiry is sent to all of the at least one facility where the lost item of the dropper identified in step S903 may have been turned in. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. An inquiry may be sent to at least some of the at least one facility identified in step S903.

[0108] For example, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) identifies at least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been turned in, and then notifies the dropper of the identified at least one facility. The dropper then selects one or more of the notified at least one facilities on the user device 7201. This allows the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) to receive information from the dropper's user device 7201 indicating one or more of the notified at least one facilities that the dropper has selected. In this case, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) may query the one or more facilities selected by the dropper about the found item.

[0109] The manner in which at least one facility is notified is optional. At least one facility may be notified to the dropper using an icon on the map, as shown in Figure 6B, or it may be notified to the dropper by displaying a list of information provided by at least one facility.

[0110] Furthermore, if the information regarding the dropper's lost item received in step S901 includes information indicating the time of the dropper's lost item, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) may inquire of at least one identified facility about found items found within a predetermined period from the time of the dropper's lost item. The predetermined period from the time of the dropper's lost item may be, for example, within one hour from the time of the dropper's lost item (i.e., if the time of the dropper's lost item is "April 20, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to April 20, 2022, 5:00 p.m.", then "April 20, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to April 20, 2022, 6:00 p.m."), within three hours from the time of the dropper's lost item, or within six hours from the time of the dropper's lost item, but is not limited to these.

[0111] Step S905: At least one facility management system (i.e., facility management systems 7301-730) M An inquiry result is received from at least one of the following facilities. The inquiry result from at least one facility includes information about one or more lost items that have been reported to at least one facility. The information about one or more lost items reported to at least one facility includes, for example, the characteristics of one or more lost items reported to at least one facility (e.g., name of the lost item, shape, color, pattern, size, presence or absence of accessories, etc.), the time it was found, the place it was found, and an image. The information about one or more lost items reported to at least one facility may further include information indicating the storage location of the lost items.

[0112] Step S906: The results of the inquiries to at least one facility received in Step S905 are notified to the dropper. This allows the dropper to view information about lost items that have been reported to at least one facility. If the dropper finds information about their lost item among the information about lost items reported to at least one facility, the dropper can attempt to retrieve their lost item by contacting or going to at least one facility.

[0113] The dropper may be notified of the results of inquiries from all facilities to which inquiries about the lost item were sent, or the dropper may be notified of the results of inquiries from at least some of the at least one facility to which inquiries about the lost item were sent.

[0114] For example, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) may, based on information about one or more lost items that have been delivered to at least one facility, identify one or more lost items that have been delivered to at least one facility that may be identical to the lost item of the dropper, and notify the dropper of the one or more lost items that have been identified as potentially identical to the lost item of the dropper.

[0115] One or more found items that may be identical to the dropper's lost item can be identified, for example, by determining whether at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is identical to the dropper's lost item. The process of determining whether at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is identical to the dropper's lost item may be implemented, for example, by image analysis. That is, if the information regarding the dropper's lost item includes a first image representing the dropper's lost item, and the information regarding one or more found items delivered to at least one facility includes one or more second images representing one or more found items, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) may perform image analysis on each of the first image representing the dropper's lost item and the one or more second images representing one or more found items delivered to at least one facility, and based on the results of the image analysis, determine whether at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is identical to the dropper's lost item. If the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) obtains an analysis result indicating that the first image and at least a portion of one or more second images represent the same thing, it can determine that at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is the same as the dropper's lost item, and can identify at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility as one or more found items that may be the same as the dropper's lost item. If the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) obtains an analysis result indicating that the first image and one or more second images do not represent the same thing, it determines that none of the one or more found items delivered to at least one facility are the same as the dropper's lost item.

[0116] Alternatively, the process of determining whether at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is identical to the dropped item may be implemented, for example, by natural language processing. That is, the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) may perform natural language processing on a first description of the characteristics of the dropped item and one or more second descriptions of the characteristics of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility, and based on the results of that natural language processing, determine whether at least a portion of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is identical to the dropped item. If the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) obtains a natural language processing result indicating that the first description of the characteristics of the dropper's lost item and one or more second descriptions of the characteristics of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility represent the same thing, it can determine that at least a portion of the one or more found items delivered to at least one facility is identical to the dropper's lost item, and can identify at least a portion of the one or more found items delivered to at least one facility as one or more found items that may be identical to the dropper's lost item. If the computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) obtains a natural language processing result indicating that the first description of the characteristics of the dropper's lost item and one or more second descriptions of the characteristics of one or more found items delivered to at least one facility do not represent the same thing, it can determine that none of the one or more found items delivered to at least one facility are identical to the dropper's lost item.

[0117] The computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) is configured to receive information about found items picked up on the road by a picker from a user device 7202 operated by a picker. The received information about found items picked up on the road is stored in the found item database unit 753. The information about found items picked up on the road includes, for example, the characteristics of the found item (e.g., name, shape, color, pattern, size, presence or absence of accessories, etc.), the time of pickup, the location of pickup, and an image. The information about found items picked up on the road may further include information indicating the storage location of the found item. Roads include, but are not limited to, roads between facilities, roads extending along facilities, and roads extending from facilities.

[0118] The computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) can, after identifying at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item in step S902, refer to the found item database unit 753 to determine whether the location where the found item was found on the road is close to any of the at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item. If the location where the found item was found on the road is located within a predetermined range from any of the at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item, it can be determined that the location where the found item was found on the road is close to any of the at least one candidate location for the dropper's lost item. The specified range from any of the at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item may, for example, be within 50m from any of the at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item, within 100m from any of the at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item, within 300m from any of the at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item, or within 500m from any of the at least one candidate location of the dropper's lost item, but is not limited to these.

[0119] The computer system 710 (in particular, the processor unit 711 of the computer system 710) can notify the dropper of information about the found item on the road if it determines that the location where the found item was found is close to at least one of the dropper's potential lost locations. This allows the dropper to view information about found items found on the road, as well as information about found items delivered to the facility. Therefore, the dropper can view information about all ground-based found items stored in the found item database unit 753. The dropper may also be able to view information about the picker who found the item on the road. This allows the dropper to contact the picker directly.

[0120] If an item found on the road is the dropper's lost item, the dropper can initiate the procedure for receiving the item found on the road with the computer system 710 by selecting information indicating the item found on the road, and can receive the item at the storage location of the item included in the information regarding the item found on the road.

[0121] Furthermore, notification of information regarding found items found on the road may be provided together with notification of at least one facility (for example, on a map) as shown in Figure 6B, or it may be provided separately from notification of at least one facility. The manner in which information regarding found items found on the road is provided is also arbitrary. Information regarding found items found on the road may be provided to the dropper using a selectable icon on the map, as shown in Figure 6B, or it may be provided to the dropper by displaying a list of information regarding found items found on the road.

[0122] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, an example was described in which the processing of each step shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. At least some of the processing of each step shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9 may be realized by hardware configurations such as control circuits.

[0123] As described above, the present invention has been illustrated using preferred embodiments, but the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted solely by the claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the description of the specific preferred embodiments of the present invention and common technical knowledge, an equivalent scope can be implemented. [Industrial applicability]

[0124] This invention is useful as it provides a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost items, and a program executed within that computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 200 Systems 210 Computer Systems 2201~220 N User device 230 Internet 240 Database Department 700 System 710 Computer Systems 7201~720 N User device 7301~730 M Facility management system 740 Internet 750 Database Department

Claims

1. A computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the computer system comprising: a means for receiving information regarding the dropper's lost property; means for identifying at least one possible location of the dropper's lost item based on information about the dropper's lost item; means for identifying at least one facility where the dropper's lost property may have been delivered based on the at least one potential lost property location; means for identifying, based on information regarding one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility, one or more lost items among the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the lost item of the dropper; means for notifying said dropper of one or more found items identified as possibly being the same as said dropper's lost property; A computer system comprising:

2. The information regarding the dropper's lost property includes information indicating at least one possible lost location of the dropper's lost property input by the dropper, The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the means for identifying at least one potential lost location of the dropper's lost item based on the information regarding the dropper's lost item identifies at least one potential lost location of the dropper's lost item from information indicating at least one potential lost location of the dropper's lost item that is included in the information regarding the dropper's lost item.

3. The information regarding the dropper's lost property includes information indicating the time when the dropper's lost property was lost, The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the means for identifying at least one potential loss location of the dropper's lost item based on information regarding the dropper's lost item identifies the dropper's travel path as the at least one potential loss location based on information indicating the time when the dropper's lost item was lost.

4. The computer system comprises: A means for receiving information about an item found on a road, the information about the item found on a road including information about a location where the item was found on the road; a means for determining whether a location where the item was found on the road is close to any of the at least one candidate lost location; a means for notifying the dropper of information regarding the item found on the road when it is determined that the location where the item found on the road is found is close to any one of the at least one lost location candidates; The computer system of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The information regarding the dropper's lost property includes a first image representing the dropper's lost property; the information regarding the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility includes one or more second images representative of the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility; The computer system of claim 4, wherein the means for identifying one or more lost items among the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the dropper's lost item includes means for identifying one or more lost items among the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the dropper's lost item by performing image analysis on the first image and each of the one or more second images.

6. The information regarding the dropper's lost property further includes a first description of a characteristic of the dropper's lost property; the information about the one or more found items includes one or more second descriptions of characteristics of the one or more found items; 5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the means for identifying one or more lost items that may be the same as the dropper's lost item includes means for identifying one or more lost items that may be the same as the dropper's lost item based on results obtained by natural language processing the first description and each of the one or more second descriptions.

7. A method for assisting in locating lost property, the method being carried out in a computer system, the computer system comprising: a processor unit; The method comprises: receiving information regarding a lost property of a dropper; The processor unit identifies at least one potential loss location of the dropper's lost item based on information regarding the dropper's lost item; The processor unit identifies at least one facility where the dropper's lost item may have been delivered based on the at least one potential lost location; The processor unit identifies, based on information about the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility, one or more lost items that may be the same as the lost item left by the dropper, among the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility; the processor unit notifying the dropper of one or more lost items identified as possibly being the same as the dropper's lost item; A method comprising:

8. A program executed in a computer system for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the computer system comprising a processor unit, When the program is executed by the processor unit, receiving information about the dropper's lost property; identifying at least one potential location of the dropper's lost item based on information about the dropper's lost item; identifying at least one facility where the dropper's lost property may have been left based on the at least one potential lost property location; Identifying one or more lost items among the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the lost item of the dropper based on information regarding the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility; notifying the dropper of one or more lost items identified as possibly being the same as the dropper's lost item; A program that causes the processor unit to perform the above.

9. A user device for assisting in finding lost property, comprising: the user device is configured to transmit information regarding the dropper's lost property to a computer system configured to be in communication with the user device; At least one potential location of the dropper's lost item is identified by the computer system based on information about the dropper's lost item; At least one facility where the dropper may have been left is identified by the computer system based on the at least one potential location; one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the lost item of the dropper are identified by the computer system based on information about the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility; The user device is further configured to receive notification from the computer system regarding one or more lost items identified as possibly being the same as the dropper's lost item.

10. A method for assisting in locating lost property, the method comprising: a processor unit of a user device operated by the dropper transmitting information regarding the dropper's lost property to a computer system configured to communicate with the user device; Including, At least one potential location of the dropper's lost property is identified by the computer system based on information about the dropper's lost property; At least one facility where the dropper may have been left is identified by the computer system based on the at least one potential location; one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the lost item of the dropper are identified by the computer system based on information about the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility; The method comprises: the processor unit receiving a notification from the computer system regarding one or more lost items identified as possibly being the same as the dropper's lost items. The method further comprising:

11. A program for assisting in the discovery of lost property, the program, when executed by a processor unit of a user device operated by a dropper, transmitting information regarding the dropper's lost property to a computer system configured to communicate with the user device; causing the processor unit to perform the above steps; At least one potential location of the dropper's lost property is identified by the computer system based on information about the dropper's lost property; At least one facility where the dropper may have been left is identified by the computer system based on the at least one potential location; one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility that may be identical to the lost item of the dropper are identified by the computer system based on information about the one or more lost items delivered to the at least one facility; When the program is executed by the processor unit, receiving notification from said computer system of one or more lost items identified as possibly being the same as the dropper's lost property; The program further causes the processor unit to perform the above.

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