Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, etc., with which it is possible to motivate users having purchased commodities to cooperate in the collection of the commodities by linkage with a virtual space.SOLUTION: The information processing device comprises: a commodity management unit that manages commodities on the basis of commodity proprietor information in a real world; an item management unit that manages items usable in virtual reality and associated with commodities; and a processing unit that, when a commodity possessed by one user is collected by a prescribed collector in the real world, initiates or extends a period in which an item associated with the commodity is usable and in which the one user can use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The mass disposal of clothing and furniture has become a social problem, and there is a demand for the promotion of product recovery (recycling). Patent Document 1 discloses a recycling product recovery system that issues an invoice in which the total purchase amount is deducted by the total exchange points on a server, with the aim of improving the recovery rate and efficiency of recycled products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-127688 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to encourage product recycling, it is effective not only to reduce the purchase price as disclosed in Patent Document 1, but also to provide users who have purchased products with various forms of motivation to cooperate in the recycling of those products.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device, etc. that can motivate users who have purchased products to cooperate in collecting the products by linking with a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) In one embodiment, a product management unit that manages the products based on owner information of the products in the real world; an item management unit that manages items that can be used in virtual reality and that are associated with the product; a processing unit that starts or extends a period during which the item associated with the product owned by a user in the real world can be used by the user when the product is collected by a predetermined collector; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0007] (2) In the above embodiment, preferably, the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a first status corresponding to a state in which the one user owns the product, and a second status corresponding to a state after the one user has collected the product from the one user to the predetermined collection entity; The processing unit is characterized in that it permits the one user to use the item regardless of whether the product status is the first status or the second status.

[0008] (3) In the above embodiment, preferably, the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a third status corresponding to a state in which the one user has continuously owned the product for a certain period of time and the product has not been collected by the predetermined collection entity; The processing unit is characterized in that, when the status of the product is the third status, the processing unit prohibits the one user from using the item.

[0009] (4) In the above embodiment, preferably, the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a first status corresponding to a state in which the one user owns the product, and a second status corresponding to a state after the one user has collected the product from the one user to the predetermined collection entity; The processing unit is characterized in that, when the status of the product is the first status, it prohibits the one user from using the item, and, when the status of the product is the second status, it permits the one user to use the item.

[0010] (5) In the above embodiment, preferably, the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a fourth status corresponding to a state in which the product has been discarded; The processing unit is characterized in that, when the status of the product is the fourth status, the processing unit prohibits the one user from using the item.

[0011] (6) In the above embodiment, preferably, the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a fifth status corresponding to a state in which the product has been transferred from the one user to another user; The processing unit is characterized in that, when the status of the product is the fifth status, the processing unit prohibits the one user from using the item.

[0012] (7) In another embodiment, a product management step of managing the product based on owner information of the product in the real world; an item management step of managing items that are usable in virtual reality and that are associated with the product; A processing step of starting or extending a period during which the item associated with the product owned by a user in the real world can be used by the user when the product is collected by a predetermined collector; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0013] (8) In another embodiment, a product management step of managing the product based on owner information of the product in the real world; an item management step of managing items that are usable in virtual reality and that are associated with the product; A processing step of starting or extending a period during which the item associated with the product owned by a user in the real world can be used by the user when the product is collected by a predetermined collector; The present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned is executed by a computer. Effect of the Invention

[0014] In one aspect, the present invention makes it possible to motivate users who have purchased products to cooperate in collecting the products by linking them with virtual reality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of user information. [Figure 2A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of sales management information. [Figure 2B] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of collection management information. [Figure 2C] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of item information. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for setting a product status. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of status information that defines the status of a product. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system to which an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is applied.

[0018] The information processing system includes an information processing device 10, and a terminal 20, a terminal 30, and a terminal 40 connected to the information processing device 10.

[0019] The information processing device 10 includes a product management unit 11 that manages products based on owner information of the product in the real world, an item management unit 12 that manages items that are usable in virtual reality and are associated with products, a processing unit 13 that starts or extends a period during which the item associated with a product can be used by a single user when a product owned by a single user in the real world is collected by a specified collector, and a memory unit 14 that stores data necessary for processing in the information processing device 10.

[0020] The information processing device 10 can be configured using a single or multiple computers (e.g., servers) in which a predetermined program is implemented. In addition, the terminals 20, 30, and 40 each have a predetermined program implemented therein that corresponds to a user interface function and other functions in the information processing system.

[0021] Next, the operation of the information processing system will be described.

[0022] A user who uses the information processing system initially registers user information in the storage unit 14 via a terminal 20 owned by the user, for example.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of user information.

[0024] In the example of FIG. 2, the user information includes a user identification code, a user rating, the number of registered products, and a list of sales IDs. The user identification code is information that identifies the user, and is assigned to the user, for example, as a two-dimensional code. The user rating is an evaluation of the user regarding collection, and includes, for example, the collection rate of purchased products. The number of registered products is the number of products purchased by the user. The list of sales IDs is a list of sales IDs (described later) related to products purchased by the user. Note that, basically, only the user identification code is registered when the user information is initially registered.

[0025] In addition, a process of registering information including a collection owner code of the collection owner who uses the information processing system is also performed. The collection owner code is information that identifies the collection owner.

[0026] When a user purchases a product, the seller of the product inputs sales management information, for example, via the terminal 30. The input sales management information is registered in the storage unit 14 by the product management unit 11.

[0027] 2A is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of sales management information. The sales management information is managed by the product management unit 11.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the sales management information includes a sales ID, a purchase date and time, a user identification code, a product identification code, and a virtual space identification code.

[0029] The sales ID is information that identifies a transaction related to the sale of a product by a seller. The purchase date and time is information that indicates the date and time when the seller sold the product. The product identification code is a code that identifies an individual product, and can be attached to a product, for example, as a readable code such as an IC tag or QR code. The product identification code is used not only to distinguish the type of product, but also as information that can distinguish individual products (for example, serial numbers). The virtual space identification code is information that identifies the virtual space in which the user wishes to use an item when there are multiple candidate virtual spaces. The virtual space identification code can be set according to the user's will and desires.

[0030] When the collector collects the product purchased by the user from the user, the collector inputs collection management information, for example, via the terminal 40. The input collection management information is registered and managed in the storage unit 14 by the product management unit 11.

[0031] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of collection management information.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 2B, the collection management information includes a product identification code that identifies the collected product, a user identification code that identifies the user from whom the product was collected, a virtual space identification code, collection date and time, collection owner code, storage status, utilization status, and product evaluation.

[0033] The collection date and time is information indicating the date and time when the collector collected the product. The storage status is information indicating whether the collected product has been discarded. The utilization status is information indicating the utilization status of the collected product. The product evaluation is an evaluation regarding the presence or absence of collection and utilization of products identical to the product in question, and may include, for example, the collection rate of products identical to the product in question.

[0034] 2C is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the item information. The item information is stored in the storage unit 14 and managed by the item management unit 12.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2C, the item information is information that associates a product identification code with an item used in the virtual space.

[0036] The item is, for example, an item that imitates the product corresponding to the product identification code. If the product is a red shirt, the item associated with it can also be an item that imitates a red shirt. If the product is furniture, the item associated with it can also be an item that imitates the same furniture. The items may be prepared by the provider of the service provided by the information processing system, or may be prepared by the seller. Also, the user may select an item that he or she wants to use from a plurality of prepared items.

[0037] Next, the process in the processing unit 13 for setting the product status will be described.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the status of a product, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of status information that defines the status of a product. The status information is stored and updated in the storage unit 14 based on the process of Fig. 3 in the processing unit 13.

[0039] In step S102, the processing unit 13 selects one unselected user information identification code from among the user information identification codes.

[0040] In step S104, the processing unit 13 accesses the sales management information and determines whether or not there is a product identification code associated with the selected user information identification code, and if the determination is positive, the processing proceeds to step S106, and if the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step S132.

[0041] In step S106, the processing unit 13 selects one unselected product identification code that is associated with the selected user identification code, based on the sales management information.

[0042] In step S108, the processing unit 13 determines whether or not the collection management information associated with the selected product identification code is registered in the memory unit 14, and if the determination is positive, the processing proceeds to step S140, and if the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step S120.

[0043] In step S140, the processing unit 13 determines whether or not the product has been discarded based on the collection management information associated with the selected product identification code, and if the determination is positive, the processing proceeds to step S142, and if the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step S110.

[0044] In step S142, the processing unit 13 sets the status of the product corresponding to the selected product identification code to the fourth status, and proceeds to step S130.

[0045] In step S110, the processing unit 13 acquires the purchase date and time associated with the selected product identification code based on the sales management information.

[0046] In step S112, the processing unit 13 calculates the elapsed time from the purchase date and time acquired in step S110 to the present.

[0047] In step S114, it is determined whether the elapsed time calculated in step S112 exceeds a predetermined time, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S116, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0048] In step S116, the processing unit 13 sets the status of the product corresponding to the selected product identification code to the third status.

[0049] On the other hand, in step S118, the processing unit 13 sets the status of the product corresponding to the selected product identification code to the second status.

[0050] On the other hand, in step S120, the processing unit 13 sets the status of the product corresponding to the selected product identification code to the first status, and proceeds to the process of step S130.

[0051] In step S130, it is determined whether or not any unselected product identification codes remain, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S106, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S132.

[0052] In step S132, it is determined whether or not an unselected user identification code remains, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S102, and if the determination is negative, the process ends.

[0053] In this way, the processing unit 13 sets and updates the first to fourth statuses as the status of the product, and these are reflected in the status information (FIG. 4).

[0054] Here, the first status corresponds to a state in which the user owns the product and a certain period of time has not yet passed since the user purchased the product. The second status corresponds to a state after the product has been collected by the collector. The third status corresponds to a state in which a certain period of time has passed since the user purchased the product and the product has not yet been collected by the collector. The fourth status corresponds to a state in which the product has been discarded.

[0055] The processing unit 13 controls whether or not the corresponding item can be used depending on the status of the product.

[0056] For example, the processing unit 13 permits the user to use an item related to the product when the product status is either the first status or the second status, and prohibits the user from using the item related to the product when the product status is the third status or the fourth status.

[0057] In this case, the user can use the item immediately after purchasing the product (first status), but if a certain period of time has passed since purchase without the product being collected, the item cannot be used (third status). However, by collecting the product, the item becomes usable. This can motivate the user to cooperate in collecting products, in addition to encouraging them to purchase the product. The appearance of the item in the virtual space may be differentiated between the first status and the second status. In this case, the second status may indicate that the item is permanently usable, and the first status may indicate that the item is permanently unusable.

[0058] Also, for example, the processing unit 13 may permit the use of an item only when the status of the product is the second status. In this case, when the status of the product is the first status, the third status, or the fourth status, the processing unit 13 prohibits the use of the item by the user related to the product.

[0059] In this case, the user can use the item only after the product is collected, so that the user can be motivated to cooperate in the collection effort.

[0060] In the process shown in FIG. 3, an example is shown in which first to fourth statuses are set as the product status, but a fifth status may also be set.

[0061] The fifth status corresponds to a state of a user when a product is transferred from one user to another user. In this case, the one user may lose the right to use the item due to the transfer, and the other user may receive the transfer of said right. In this case, the transfer of the product to the other user may be regarded as the purchase of the product by the other user (first status). By carrying out such processing, it is possible to effectively promote the recovery of the product even when the product is resold, for example.

[0062] In this embodiment, a mechanism for accessing collection management information (FIG. 2B) may be provided. For example, a user may be able to search for the utilization status and product evaluation after product collection via the terminal 20. This allows the user to evaluate and select a collection owner, for example.

[0063] In this embodiment, a mechanism for accessing user information (FIG. 2) may be provided. For example, the user can check a list of products he or she has purchased and the number of products via the terminal 20.

[0064] According to this embodiment, when a product is collected, the user or another user to whom the ownership has been transferred from the user can permanently use the item corresponding to the product in the virtual space, and the fact that the item can be used in the virtual space proves that the product has been collected. Furthermore, since such a mechanism leads to the reuse of products, it is possible for both the manufacturer or collector and the user to obtain social evaluation for being cooperative in product collection. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, evaluations regarding collection can be obtained, which leads to improved evaluations of each product and improved evaluations of the collector such as the manufacturer.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, by linking with a virtual space, for example, manufacturers of clothing, furniture, etc., and other recyclers can collect products and support the construction of a social system for reusing the collected products. Furthermore, by linking with a virtual space, this embodiment motivates users to cooperate in the collection and also contributes to improving the social evaluation of recyclers.

[0066] Although each embodiment has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. In addition, it is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 11 Product Management Department 12 Item Management Department 13 Processing section 14 Storage section

Claims

1. a product management unit that manages the products based on owner information of the products in the real world; an item management unit that manages items that can be used in virtual reality and that are associated with the product; a processing unit that starts or extends a period during which the item associated with the product owned by a user in the real world can be used by the user when the product is collected by a predetermined collector; An information processing device comprising:

2. the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a first status corresponding to a state in which the one user owns the product, and a second status corresponding to a state after the product has been collected from the one user by the predetermined collection entity; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing section permits the one user to use the item regardless of whether the product status is the first status or the second status.

3. the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a third status corresponding to a state in which the one user has continuously owned the product for a certain period of time and the product has not been collected by the predetermined collection entity; The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the processing section prohibits the one user from using the item when the product status is the third status.

4. the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a first status corresponding to a state in which the one user owns the product, and a second status corresponding to a state after the product has been collected from the one user by the predetermined collection entity; 2 . The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit prohibits the one user from using the item when the product status is the first status, and permits the one user to use the item when the product status is the second status.

5. the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a fourth status corresponding to a state in which the product has been discarded; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing section prohibits the one user from using the item when the product status is the fourth status.

6. the product management unit manages, as a status of the product, a fifth status corresponding to a state in which the product has been transferred from the one user to another user; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing section prohibits the one user from using the item when the product status is the fifth status.

7. a product management step of managing the product based on owner information of the product in the real world; an item management step of managing items that are usable in virtual reality and that are associated with the product; A processing step of starting or extending a period during which the item associated with the product owned by a user in the real world can be used by the user when the product is collected by a predetermined collector; An information processing method comprising:

8. a product management step of managing the product based on owner information of the product in the real world; an item management step of managing items that are usable in virtual reality and that are associated with the product; A processing step of starting or extending a period during which the item associated with the product owned by a user in the real world can be used by the user when the product is collected by a predetermined collector; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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