Contract switching system and contract switching method

Abstract

To allow user service fees to be reduced, and to reduce users' loads when contracts are switched.SOLUTION: A server device 1 comprises: a reception unit for receiving, from a portable terminal P of a consumer, commissions regarding conclusions and cancellations of contracts between the consumer and a plurality of service providing companies; an electricity charge calculation unit 134 that applies the amount of service use or a charge for the service use of the consumer, obtained by a use data obtaining unit, to fee plans provided by the service providing companies respectively and calculates the charges for the service use of the consumer in the service providing companies respectively; an electricity charge comparison unit 135 for comparing the charges of the service use of the consumer respectively in the service providing companies on the basis of a calculation result of the electricity charge calculation unit 134; and a switching notification unit 136 for notifying the conclusions and cancellations of contracts between the consumer and the service providing companies, in accordance with a comparison result of the electricity charge comparison unit 135, when the reception unit receives commissions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contract switching system and a contract switching method for switching contracts between a user and a plurality of service providers that provide a specific service to the user. [Background technology]

[0002] In Japan, the electricity industry has been liberalized in recent years, and in 2016, consumers such as ordinary households and stores were able to freely enter into contracts with retail electricity suppliers.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a rate plan proposal system that proposes electricity rate plans to consumers based on behavioral changes aimed at reducing the consumers' electricity bills. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-10087 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a user receives services such as electricity, gas, water, insurance, and communication lines, the user enters into a contract with a service provider that provides the service. The service provider charges the user a usage fee according to the services provided.

[0006] In this case, users would like to keep service usage fees low from service providers, but since there are many service providers and their fee structures are complicated, it is very difficult to compare service usage fees.

[0007] Furthermore, even if a user finds another service provider offering better services than the one they are currently using, they are required to go through the process of terminating their contract with the current service provider and the process of entering into a contract with the other service provider, which places a burden on the user.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a contract switching system that can reduce the service fees charged to users and reduce the burden on users when switching contracts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a contract switching system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a contract switching system for switching contracts between a user and a plurality of service provider companies that provide a specific service to the user, wherein the service provider company bills the user for a usage fee for the service at predetermined intervals during the contract with the user, and the contract switching system includes a server device, the server device including a reception unit that receives, from the user's communication terminal, a request for entering into and terminating a contract between the user and the plurality of service provider companies, and usage data including at least one of the user's usage amount and usage fee for the service. a usage data acquisition unit that acquires usage data from the service provider company, a fee plan acquisition unit that acquires a fee plan for the service provided by each of the service provider companies, a usage fee calculation unit that applies the usage data to the fee plan of each of the service provider companies to calculate a usage fee for the user at each of the service provider companies, a usage fee comparison unit that compares the usage fees for the user at each of the service provider companies based on a calculation result by the usage fee calculation unit, and a switch notification unit that, when the reception unit accepts the entrustment, notifies the user that a contract between the user and the service provider company will be terminated and a contract will be concluded between the user and another service provider company in accordance with a comparison result by the usage fee comparison unit.

[0010] According to this invention, when a request for entering into or terminating a contract between a user and a plurality of service providers is received from the user's communication terminal, the usage fee calculation unit calculates the usage fee for the user at each service provider, and the usage fee comparison unit compares the usage fees for the user at each service provider. Then, depending on the comparison result of the usage fee comparison unit, the switching notification unit notifies the user of the termination or entering into of a contract between the user and the retail electricity supplier. In other words, by receiving a request for switching the contract from the user in advance, it is possible to omit the comparison of the usage fees for the services and the procedure for switching the contract by the user. This makes it possible to reduce the usage fee for the service for the user and to reduce the burden on the user when switching the contract.

[0011] The server device may further include an image analysis unit that extracts a character string from an image of the service usage statement and detects the usage data of the user from the character string.

[0012] According to this invention, it is not necessary for the user to input usage data, which reduces the burden on the user of inputting usage data.

[0013] In addition, the server device may further include a usage history acquisition unit that acquires a history of the user's usage of the service, and a usage prediction unit that predicts the user's future usage based on the history, and the usage fee calculation unit may use the user's future usage as the usage data.

[0014] According to this invention, the usage amount prediction unit predicts the user's future usage amount of the service from the service usage amount history, and compares the fee plans according to the prediction result, thereby making it possible to reduce the user's future service usage fees.

[0015] Furthermore, a contract switching method according to another embodiment of the present invention is a contract switching method for switching contracts between a user and a plurality of service provider companies that provide a specific service to the user, wherein the service provider company charges a usage fee for the service at predetermined periods during the contract with the user, and the contract switching method is executed by a server device, and the server device includes the steps of: accepting, from the user's communication terminal, a commission for entering into and terminating contracts between the user and the plurality of service provider companies; acquiring usage data including at least one of the user's usage amount and usage fee for the service; acquiring a fee plan for the service provided by each of the plurality of service provider companies; applying the usage data to the fee plan of each of the service provider companies to calculate the usage fee for the user at each of the service provider companies; comparing the usage fees for the user at each of the service provider companies based on the calculation result of the usage fee for the user; and, if the commission is accepted, terminating the contract between the user and the service provider company based on the usage data and the fee plan, and entering into a contract between the user and another service provider company.

[0016] According to this invention, when the server device receives a request from the user's communication terminal to enter into or terminate a contract between the user and multiple service provider companies, the server device calculates the user's usage fee at each service provider company and compares the user's usage fees at each service provider company. Then, depending on the comparison result of the user's usage fees at each service provider company, the server device notifies the user of the termination or establishment of a contract between the user and the retail electricity supplier. In other words, by receiving a request from the user to switch contracts in advance, it is possible to omit the user's comparison of service usage fees and the procedure for switching contracts. This makes it possible to reduce the user's service usage fees and to reduce the user's burden when switching contracts. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the service usage fee for users and to reduce the burden on users when switching contracts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric power company switching system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a conceptual diagram of an electricity rate plan DB stored in the electricity rate plan management server according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric power company switching system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric power company switching system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric power company switching system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its uses.

[0020] The contract switching system and the contract switching method of the present invention are realized as an electric power company switching system according to this embodiment.

[0021] In each of the following embodiments, an example will be described in which the service provider is an electricity retailer (electric power company) that supplies (provides) electricity (a specific service) to a consumer (user) under contract. The electricity retailer measures (meter reading) the amount of electricity used (amount of service used) by the consumer under contract, and bills the consumer for electricity (service usage fee) every predetermined period (for example, one month).

[0022] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric power company switching system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the electric power company switching system includes a server device 1. The server device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with a mobile terminal P, an electricity rate plan management server F, a customer information management server C, and multiple electricity retailer servers R via a communication network N.

[0023] The mobile terminal P is a communication device such as a smartphone, and is a terminal operated by a consumer who wishes to change his or her electricity rate plan. The mobile terminal P is connected to a communication network N, for example, by wireless communication. The mobile terminal P is equipped with a camera (not shown) and is capable of taking pictures of the outside of the mobile terminal P.

[0024] Specifically, the mobile terminal P photographs the consumer's meter reading slip M in response to the consumer's operation. As shown in Fig. 2, the meter reading slip M contains the consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, power usage amount A3, a code or number indicating the retail electricity supplier, the current contract details, etc. The mobile terminal P transmits image data of the photographed meter reading slip M to the server device 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the mobile terminal P receives approval for automatic switching of the electricity retailer in response to an operation by the consumer. When the mobile terminal P receives approval for automatic switching of the electricity retailer, the mobile terminal P notifies the server device 1 that the approval has been received.

[0026] Here, approval of automatic switching of the retail electricity supplier means that the consumer agrees to entrust the power company switching system (or the administrator of this system) with the cancellation and conclusion of the contract between the consumer and the retail electricity supplier. In other words, the consumer entrusts the power company switching system, via the mobile terminal P, with the cancellation and conclusion of the contract between the consumer and the retail electricity supplier.

[0027] The electricity rate plan management server F manages the electricity rate plans offered by electricity retailers.

[0028] The electricity rate plan management server F has an electricity rate plan DB (database) as shown in Fig. 3. This electricity rate plan DB stores electricity rate plans provided by each electricity retailer, and data related to the electricity rate plan is associated with each electricity retailer.

[0029] In the example of Figure 3, one electricity retailer offers one electricity rate plan. Specifically, in Figure 3, a basic rate, daytime and nighttime electricity usage rates, and a purchase rate are associated with each electricity retailer in the electricity rate plan. The purchase rate indicates the purchase rate for electricity when a consumer sells surplus electricity to a power company.

[0030] In addition, although one electricity retailer offers one electricity rate plan in Fig. 3, one electricity retailer may offer multiple electricity rate plans. Furthermore, the electricity rate plan may include fee items other than the above-mentioned items (basic fee, etc.).

[0031] The electricity rate plan management server F is connected to, for example, a plurality of electricity retailer servers R via a communication network N, and updates the electricity rate plan DB upon receiving a notification of an update to the electricity rate plan from each electricity retailer server R. The electricity rate plan management server F may update the electricity rate plan in response to an input from a terminal managed by the electricity retailer.

[0032] Furthermore, in response to a request from the server device 1, the electricity rate plan management server F provides various information related to the electricity rate plans stored in the electricity rate plan DB.

[0033] The customer information management server C manages various information related to consumers (customers). Specifically, the customer information management server C has a customer information DB (database) in which various information related to consumers (customers) is stored. This customer information DB stores, for example, the name, address, supply point supply number, contracted retail electricity supplier, contracted electricity rate plan, etc. of each consumer.

[0034] As will be described in detail later, the server device 1 transmits information on the consumer to the customer information management server C. The customer information management server C updates the customer information DB in accordance with the information received from the server device 1.

[0035] The electricity retailer server R is a server managed by the electricity retailer. Note that the electricity retailer server R may be a terminal such as a PC managed by the electricity retailer.

[0036] The electricity retailer server R receives switching information from the server device 1. This switching information includes information about the consumer, such as the consumer's name, address, and supply point identification number, that is required when carrying out the procedure to switch electricity retailers.

[0037] When the electricity retailer server R receives the switching information, the electricity retailer performs the procedures required for switching the electricity retailer. Specifically, the electricity retailer inputs information about the consumer included in the switching information to a switching support system (not shown).

[0038] The Switching Support System (https: / / www.occto.or.jp / system / sw_system / ) is operated by the Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators, and handles various procedures when consumers switch retail electricity suppliers.

[0039] Specifically, when a consumer switches retail electricity suppliers, the retail electricity supplier with which the consumer enters into a contract must notify the retail electricity supplier with which the consumer has a contract that the contract with the consumer will be terminated, and must notify the general electricity transmission and distribution utility of the intention to switch retail electricity suppliers. The switching support system acts as an intermediary between other retail electricity suppliers, and between retail electricity suppliers and general electricity transmission and distribution utilities.

[0040] The electricity retailer inputs information about the consumer, which is included in the switching information, to the switching support system, thereby switching the electricity retailer.

[0041] (Configuration of server device 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the server device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0042] The communication unit 11 is configured, for example, by an electric circuit, and communicates with a mobile terminal P, an electricity rate plan management server F, a customer information management server C, and a plurality of electricity retailer servers R via a communication network N.

[0043] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. In the storage unit 12, various programs executed by the control unit 13 are stored.

[0044] The control unit 13 is configured with, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a semiconductor memory, etc. The control unit 13 controls each part of the server device 1 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 12, etc.

[0045] The control unit 13 also includes an image analysis unit 131 , an automatic switching permission unit 132 , an electricity rate plan acquisition unit 133 , an electricity rate calculation unit 134 , an electricity rate comparison unit 135 , and a switching notification unit 136 .

[0046] The image analysis unit 131 detects (acquires) data related to the consumer from the image of the meter reading slip M transmitted from the mobile terminal P. Specifically, for example, the image analysis unit 131 extracts character strings written on the meter reading slip M from the image of the meter reading slip M using a character reading technology such as an OCR (Optical Character Reader). The image analysis unit 131 detects various data from the extracted character strings. Examples of data extracted by the image analysis unit 131 include the consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, power usage A3, a code or number indicating the retail electricity supplier, and current contract details.

[0047] For example, when detecting the data (consumer name A1, supply point identification number A2, power usage amount A3, etc.), the image analysis unit 131 compares the layout of the meter reading slip M included in the image with the layouts of the meter reading slips of each electricity retailer to identify which electricity retailer the meter reading slip belongs to. The image analysis unit 131 detects character strings arranged in a predetermined area in the image as the data.

[0048] The image analysis unit 131 may also detect a character string immediately following a predetermined character string as the corresponding data. For example, in Fig. 3, the character string "300 kWh" immediately following the character string "Amount of Use" may be detected as the amount of power usage A3. The image analysis unit 131 may also detect the data such as the supply point identification number A2 and the amount of power usage A3 based on the arrangement of the character string indicating the consumer's name A1.

[0049] 2, only the consumer's power usage A3 is recorded, but the image analysis unit 131 may read the amount of power sold by the consumer when it is recorded on the meter reading slip M. Also, in FIG. 2, the consumer's power usage is recorded without distinguishing between daytime and nighttime, but when these are recorded separately, the consumer's power usage may be read by distinguishing between daytime and nighttime.

[0050] In order to improve the probability of detecting data related to consumers from the meter reading slip M, the image analysis unit 131 may perform corrections on the image of the meter reading slip M before detecting the data.

[0051] For example, the image analysis unit 131 may determine the orientation (landscape, portrait) of the meter reading slip M included in the image, and correct the orientation of the meter reading slip M so that it can be read by an OCR (Optical Character Reader). Specifically, the image analysis unit 131 compares the layout of the meter reading slip M included in the image with the layouts of the meter reading slips of each power company to identify which power company's meter reading slip it is, and compares predetermined character strings, patterns, logos, etc. included in both meter reading slips to determine the orientation of the meter reading slip M included in the image. The image analysis unit 131 may also determine the orientation of the meter reading slip M using AI (Artificial Intelligence), etc.

[0052] The image analysis unit 131 may also detect bends or wrinkles in the meter reading slip M in the image and correct the image so that character strings can be extracted (to smooth out bends or wrinkles in the meter reading slip M). This correction can be realized by using AI or the like.

[0053] The automatic switching permission unit 132 permits automatic switching of the electricity retailer. Specifically, when the automatic switching permission unit 132 receives a notification of approval of automatic switching of the electricity retailer from the mobile terminal P, it permits automatic switching of the electricity retailer of the consumer. In other words, the automatic switching permission unit 132 accepts, from the mobile terminal P of the consumer, a request to terminate and conclude a contract between the consumer and the electricity retailer.

[0054] The electricity rate plan acquisition unit 133 acquires an electricity rate plan provided by an electricity retailer from the electricity rate plan management server F. Specifically, the electricity rate plan acquisition unit 133 requests data on the electricity rate plan from the electricity rate plan management server F and receives the data from the electricity rate plan management server F.

[0055] The electricity fee calculation unit 134 calculates the electricity fee of the consumer based on the consumer's power consumption A3 and the electricity rate plan. Specifically, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 applies the power consumption A3 detected by the image analysis unit 131 to the electricity rate plans provided by each electricity retailer, and calculates the consumer's electricity fee for each electricity rate plan.

[0056] The electricity rate comparison unit 135 compares the electricity rates calculated by the electricity rate calculation unit 134. Here, the electricity rate comparison unit 135 outputs, as a comparison result, the electricity rate plan corresponding to the electricity rate at which the consumer's electricity rate is the lowest.

[0057] For example, in Figure 3, when power usage is low, electricity rates from Company C or Company D are low. On the other hand, when power usage is high, electricity rates from Company A or Company B are low. In these cases, the lowest electricity rate is determined by the amount of power sold by the consumer and the amount of power usage at night.

[0058] When automatic switching of the retail electricity supplier is permitted by the automatic switching permission unit 132, the switching notification unit 136 notifies the retail electricity supplier server R of the switching of the retail electricity supplier in accordance with the comparison result of the electricity price comparison unit 135. Specifically, when automatic switching of the retail electricity supplier is permitted, the switching notification unit 136 notifies the retail electricity supplier server R of the retail electricity supplier corresponding to the electricity rate plan output as the comparison result of the electricity price comparison unit 135 of the switching of the retail electricity supplier. This notification includes switching information (such as the consumer's name, address, and supply point identification number). As described above, the retail electricity supplier performs the procedure for switching the retail electricity supplier in accordance with the switching information received by the retail electricity supplier server R.

[0059] After the switching notification unit 136 issues a notification of the switching of the electricity retailer, the server device 1 transmits information about the consumer to the customer information management server C. Specifically, the server device 1 transmits information about the consumer corresponding to the switching notification, such as the consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, power usage A3, the name of the electricity retailer after the switching, and the electricity rate plan after the switching, to the customer information management server C. Note that the consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, and power usage A3 in the information about the consumer are data read by the image analysis unit 131. The customer information management server C updates the customer information DB based on the received information about the consumer.

[0060] (About the operation of the power company switching system) 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric power company switching system according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the operation of the server device 1 in FIG.

[0061] In response to an operation by a consumer, the mobile terminal P photographs the meter reading slip M. The mobile terminal P transmits the photographed image of the meter reading slip M to the server device 1. The server device 1 receives the image of the meter reading slip M (step S1).

[0062] When the image analysis unit 131 of the server device 1 receives the image of the meter reading slip M, it detects data related to the consumer from the image (step S2). Specifically, the image analysis unit 131 detects the consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, power usage amount A3, etc. from the image by using a character reading technology such as OCR.

[0063] The mobile terminal P receives approval for automatic switching of power usage from the consumer. When the mobile terminal P receives approval from the consumer, it notifies the server device 1 of the approval. When the automatic switching permission unit 132 of the server device 1 receives the notification of approval for automatic switching from the mobile terminal P (step S3), it permits automatic switching of the consumer's electricity retailer (step S4). Note that if steps S3 and S4 are not performed, the processes from step S5 onwards are not executed.

[0064] After step S4, the electricity rate plan acquisition unit 133 of the server device 1 acquires an electricity rate plan provided by an electricity retailer from the electricity rate plan management server F (step S5).

[0065] The electricity fee calculation unit 134 calculates the electricity fee of the consumer based on the consumer's power consumption A3 and the electricity rate plan (step S6). Specifically, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 applies the power consumption A3 detected by the image analysis unit 131 to the electricity rate plans provided by the retail electricity supplier, and calculates the consumer's electricity fee for each electricity rate plan.

[0066] The electricity rate comparison unit 135 compares the electricity rates calculated by the electricity rate calculation unit 134 (step S7). The electricity rate comparison unit 135 outputs, as a comparison result, the electricity rate plan corresponding to the electricity rate that results in the lowest electricity rate for the consumer.

[0067] The switching notification unit 136 notifies the electricity retailer server R of the switching of the retail electricity supplier according to the comparison result of the electricity price comparison unit 135 (step S8). Specifically, the switching notification unit 136 transmits switching information corresponding to the consumer (such as the consumer's name, address, and supply point identification number) to the electricity retailer server R of the electricity retailer corresponding to the electricity rate plan output as the comparison result of the electricity price comparison unit 135. After step S7, the electricity retailer performs the procedure for switching the retail electricity supplier according to the switching information.

[0068] When the retail electricity supplier is switched, the server device 1 transmits information about the consumer to the customer information server C (step S9). The information about the consumer includes the consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, power usage A3, the name of the retail electricity supplier after the switch, the electricity rate plan after the switch, etc. The consumer's name A1, supply point identification number A2, and power usage A3 in the information about the consumer are data read by the image analysis unit 131. When the customer information server C receives the information, it updates the customer information DB.

[0069] As described above, the electric power company switching system according to the first embodiment is a contract switching system that switches contracts between a consumer (user) and multiple electricity retailers (multiple service providers) that supply (provide) electricity (a specific service) to the consumer. The electricity retailer bills the consumer for electricity charges (service usage fees) at predetermined intervals (e.g., one month) during the contract with the consumer. This electric power company switching system includes a server device 1. The server device 1 includes an automatic switching permission unit 132 (reception unit) that receives, from the consumer's mobile terminal P (communication terminal), a commission to enter into and terminate contracts between the consumer and multiple electricity retailers, an image analysis unit 131 (usage data acquisition unit) that acquires the consumer's electricity usage A3 (usage data), an electricity rate plan acquisition unit 133 that acquires the electricity rate plans offered by each electricity retailer, an electricity rate calculation unit 134 (usage fee calculation unit) that applies the consumer's electricity usage A3 to the electricity rate plans offered by each electricity retailer and calculates the consumer's electricity rate (service usage fee) for each electricity rate plan, an electricity rate comparison unit 135 (usage fee comparison unit) that compares the consumer's electricity rates at each electricity retailer based on the calculation result of the electricity rate calculation unit 134, and a switching notification unit 136 that, when the mobile phone P accepts a commission to enter into and terminate contracts between the consumer and multiple electricity retailers, terminates the contract between the consumer and the retailer and notifies the consumer that a contract will be entered into between the consumer and another electricity retailer, depending on the comparison result of the electricity rate comparison unit 135.

[0070] In this configuration, when a request for the consumer to enter into or terminate a contract with a plurality of retail electricity suppliers is received from the consumer, the electricity rate calculation unit 134 calculates the consumer's electricity rate at each retail electricity supplier, and the electricity rate comparison unit 135 compares the consumer's electricity rate at each retail electricity supplier. Then, depending on the comparison result of the electricity rate comparison unit 135, the switching notification unit 136 notifies the consumer of the termination or entry of a contract with the retail electricity supplier. In other words, by receiving a request for contract switching from the consumer in advance, the consumer can omit the comparison of electricity rates and the procedure for switching the contract. This makes it possible to reduce the consumer's electricity rate and to reduce the burden on the consumer when switching the contract. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the service fee for the user and to reduce the burden on the user when switching the contract.

[0071] In addition, the image analysis unit 131 extracts a character string from an image of the meter reading slip M (service usage statement) and detects the consumer's power usage from the character string. This eliminates the need for the consumer to input the amount of power usage, thereby reducing the burden on the consumer of inputting the amount of power usage.

[0072] Second embodiment Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric power company switching system according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 5, unlike Fig. 1, the image analysis unit 131 is omitted, and the control unit 13 of the server device 1 is provided with an electric power usage history acquisition unit 137. In addition, the function of the electricity fee calculation unit 134 and the data stored in the customer information DB of the customer information management server C are different from those in Fig. 1.

[0073] The power usage history acquisition unit 137 acquires, from the customer information management server C, the history of the power usage of the consumer.

[0074] In the electric power company switching system shown in Fig. 5, the customer information DB of the customer information management server C stores the history of each consumer's power usage (e.g., monthly power usage, etc.). For example, the customer information management server C is connected to a management device that manages the consumer's power usage, receives the consumer's power usage sequentially transmitted from the management device, and stores it in the customer information DB. For example, the management device is connected to a smart meter installed in the consumer's home, and is configured to obtain the consumer's power usage from the smart meter.

[0075] Furthermore, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 calculates the electricity fee of the consumer based on the consumer's power usage history and the electricity rate plan. Specifically, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 predicts the consumer's future power usage from the power usage history. For example, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 predicts the consumer's power usage based on the average power usage over the past few months or the average power usage over the same period over the past few years. The electricity fee calculation unit 134 applies the predicted power usage of the consumer to the electricity rate plans provided by each electricity retailer, and calculates the consumer's electricity fee for each electricity rate plan.

[0076] (About the operation of the power company switching system) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric power company switching system according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 6 shows the operation of the server device 1 in Fig. 5. Note that, unlike Fig. 4, steps S1 and S2 are omitted in Fig. 6, and step S11 is executed between steps S4 and S5. Also, step S13 is executed instead of step S6.

[0077] After steps S3 and S4, the power usage history acquisition unit 137 acquires the power usage history of the consumer from the customer information management server C (step S11). Specifically, the power usage history acquisition unit 137 requests the power usage history of the consumer from the customer information management server C. In response to the request, the customer information management server C transmits the power usage history of the consumer stored in the customer information DB to the server device 1. The power usage history acquisition unit 137 receives (acquires) the data transmitted from the customer information management server C as the power usage of the consumer.

[0078] After steps S11 and S5, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 calculates the electricity fee of the consumer based on the consumer's power usage history and the electricity rate plan. Specifically, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 predicts the consumer's power usage based on the consumer's power usage history. Then, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 applies the predicted consumer's power usage to the electricity rate plans provided by the retail electricity supplier to calculate the consumer's electricity fee for each electricity rate plan. After that, steps S7 to S9 are executed.

[0079] As described above, in the electric power company switching system according to the second embodiment, the server device 1 further includes an electric power usage history acquisition unit 137 (usage history acquisition unit) that acquires the history of the electric power usage of the consumer (history of the service usage fee), and an electric power fee calculation unit 134 (usage prediction unit) that predicts the future electric power usage of the consumer based on the history of the electric power usage. The electric power fee calculation unit 134 applies the predicted electric power usage of the consumer to the electric power rate plans provided by each electric power retailer as the electric power usage of the consumer, and calculates the electric power fee of the consumer under each electric power rate plan.

[0080] That is, the electricity fee calculation unit 134 predicts the consumer's future electricity usage from the history of the electricity usage, and compares the consumer's electricity fee according to the prediction result. This makes it possible to reduce the consumer's future electricity fee.

[0081] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and may be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

[0082] It is possible to combine the first and second embodiments. In this case, after the process according to the first embodiment is executed, the process according to the second embodiment is executed every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed (in this case, steps S3 and S4 are omitted).

[0083] In this configuration, first, the consumer's electricity charges for each electricity rate plan are calculated based on the consumer's electricity usage recorded on the consumer's meter reading slip, and the retail electricity supplier is switched. After that, the consumer's electricity usage is predicted based on the consumer's electricity usage history for each specified period, the consumer's electricity charges for each electricity rate plan are calculated according to the predicted consumer's electricity usage, and the retail electricity supplier is switched. That is, if the consumer and the retail electricity supplier agree to terminate and conclude a contract at the beginning, the consumer's electricity charges according to each electricity rate plan are automatically calculated and the retail electricity supplier is switched every specified period. As a result, the consumer's electricity charges are automatically reviewed for each specified period, so that the consumer's electricity charges can be reduced and the burden on the consumer when switching contracts can be reduced.

[0084] In each of the above embodiments, the electricity rate comparison unit 135 outputs the electricity rate plan that provides the consumer with the lowest electricity rate as the comparison result of the electricity rates, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the electricity rate comparison unit 135 may refer to the customer information DB and output a popular electricity rate plan (with many subscribers) as the comparison result, or may associate the electricity rate plan with a breakdown of the electricity generation method of the retail electricity supplier and output an electricity rate plan of the retail electricity supplier in which clean power generation methods account for a high proportion as the comparison result, or may output the comparison result taking into consideration criteria other than these. In addition, the consumer may be able to freely set the criteria for the electricity rate comparison unit 135 to make the comparison, or may be able to set the criteria by combining the above criteria.

[0085] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the switching notification unit 136 notifies the electricity retailer server R of the switching of the electricity retailer, but the server device 1 and the switching support system may cooperate to switch the electricity retailer. In this case, the switching notification unit 136 notifies the switching support system of the switching of the electricity retailer (termination and conclusion of the contract between the consumer and the electricity retailer). In other words, the electricity retailer may be switched without going through the electricity retailer server R.

[0086] The electric power company switching system according to this embodiment may be linked to a credit card payment system, an account transfer system, or the like. In this case, the retail electricity supplier may receive payment information such as the consumer's credit card number or account number via mobile phone P, for example, and register the payment information in the credit card payment system or the account transfer system. This allows the electric power company switching system to manage the consumer's payment information.

[0087] The electric power company switching system according to this embodiment may also have a function of detecting information related to a credit card from an image of the credit card. For example, by photographing a credit card with the mobile terminal P, payment information such as the credit card number is detected and the payment information is registered in the credit card payment system. This can eliminate the need to input payment information.

[0088] The electric power company switching system according to the present embodiment may be linked to an existing customer management system, which makes it possible to, for example, bill consumers for electricity charges according to the amount of electricity they use.

[0089] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the service provider is an electricity retailer, but the present invention can be applied to a service provider that charges consumers (users) a service usage fee at specified intervals, such as a water company, a gas company, an insurance company, or a telecommunications company that provides water, gas, insurance, and telecommunications lines, respectively, as a specific service.

[0090] For example, when the service providers are a water company, a gas company, and a communications company (particularly a company that provides telephone lines), the consumer is charged a fee according to the amount of service usage, such as water, gas, and communications traffic. For this reason, the electricity rate plan management server F stores the rate plan for each service, the customer information management server C stores the history of the amount of service usage by the consumer, and instead of the electricity retailer server R, a server managed by each service provider is connected to this system, and the server device 1 compares the service usage fees according to the amount of service usage (or its history) and the rate plan for the service, and notifies the server of each service provider of contract termination or conclusion, thereby achieving the same effect as in the above embodiment.

[0091] Furthermore, when the service provider is an insurance company or a communication company (particularly an Internet provider), a predetermined service usage fee is charged to the consumer regardless of the amount of use of the service. For this reason, the electricity rate plan management server F stores the rate plan for each service, the customer information management server C stores the history of the service usage fee of the consumer, and instead of the electricity retailer server R, a server managed by each service provider is connected to this system, and the server device 1 compares the service usage fees according to the service usage fee (or its history) and the service rate plan, and notifies the server of each service provider of the contract termination or conclusion, thereby achieving the same effect as in the above embodiment.

[0092] In addition, when the service provider is a water company, a gas company, an insurance company, a communication company, etc., a usage statement issued by the service provider is used instead of the meter reading slip M.

[0093] Furthermore, each of the server device 1, the customer information management server C, the electricity rate plan management server F, the mobile terminal P, and the electricity retailer server R may be a single device or multiple devices. One server device may be provided for each function of the server device 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] The contract switching system of this embodiment can be used when switching contracts between a user and multiple service providers that provide specific services to the user, such as a water company, a gas company, an insurance company, and a telecommunications company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Server device 12 Storage section 13 Control section 131 Image Analysis Unit 132 Automatic switching permission section 133 Electricity Rate Plan Acquisition Department 134 Electricity Fee Calculation Department 135 Electricity Rate Comparison Section 136 Switching notification section 137 Power usage history acquisition unit A1 Name A2 Supply point identification number A3 Electricity usage C Customer information management server F Electricity rate plan management server P Mobile terminal R Electricity retailer server

Claims

1. A contract switching system for switching contracts between a user and a plurality of service providers that provide a specific service to the user, comprising: the service provider charges the user a usage fee for the service at predetermined intervals during the contract with the user; The contract switching system includes a server device, The server device includes: a reception unit that receives, from a communication terminal of the user, a request for entering into or terminating a contract between the user and the plurality of service providing companies; a usage data acquisition unit that acquires usage data including at least one of the amount of usage and the usage fee of the service of the user; a rate plan acquisition unit that acquires a rate plan for the service provided by each of the service providers; a usage fee calculation unit that applies the usage data to the fee plan of each of the service providing companies and calculates a usage fee for the user at each of the service providing companies; a usage fee comparison unit that compares usage fees for the user at each of the service providing companies based on a calculation result by the usage fee calculation unit; a switching notification unit that notifies the user that a contract between the user and the service provider company will be terminated and that a contract between the user and the service provider company will be concluded, in response to a comparison result from the usage fee comparison unit, when the reception unit has received the entrustment; A contract switching system comprising:

2. In the contract switching system according to claim 1, The contract switching system is characterized in that the server device further comprises an image analysis unit that extracts a character string from an image of the service usage statement and detects the user's usage data from the character string.

3. In the contract switching system according to claim 1 or 2, The server device includes: a usage history acquisition unit for acquiring a usage history of the service of the user; a usage amount prediction unit that predicts a future usage amount of the user based on the history; Further equipped with The usage fee calculation unit uses the future usage amount of the user as the usage data. A contract switching system comprising:

4. In the contract switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A contract switching system, wherein the service provider provides at least one of electricity, water, gas, insurance, and communication lines as the specific service.

5. A contract switching method for switching contracts between a user and a plurality of service provider companies that provide a specific service to the user, comprising the steps of: the service provider charges the user for the service at predetermined intervals during the contract; The contract switching method is executed by a server device, The server device includes: receiving, from a communication terminal of the user, a request for entering into and terminating a contract between the user and the plurality of service providing companies; obtaining usage data including at least one of the amount of usage and the fee for the service of the user; acquiring a fee plan for the service provided by each of the plurality of service providers; applying the usage data to the fee plan of each of the service providers to calculate a usage fee for the user at each of the service providers; comparing the usage fees for the user at each of the service providing companies based on the calculation result of the usage fee for the user; a step of terminating a contract between the user and the service provider company and concluding a contract between the user and another service provider company based on the usage data and the fee plan when the entrustment is accepted; A contract switching method comprising:

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