Animal matching system, animal matching method, and computer program

Abstract

To enable smooth matching of a wide variety of animals.SOLUTION: An animal matching system 1 for matching animals of a plurality of users comprises: animal information receiving means 11 for receiving animal information that is information about an animal of a user; animal search condition receiving means 12 for receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users; animal information extraction means 13 for referring to the animal information of a searched user to be searched among users and extracting the animal information of the searched user based on an animal search condition of the search user; and provision means 30 for providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal matching system, an animal matching method, and a computer program for matching animals of multiple users. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, dogs, cats, and other pets have been kept as pets. Such pets are handed over from breeders to recipients, who then raise them.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a pet matching system for smooth transfer of such pets, which is characterized by having a viewing means that allows the transferee to view pets via the Internet, a reservation means that allows the transferee to reserve a delivery location and date and time, and a transportation coordination means that arranges for the transportation of the pet to the delivery location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-129715 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the pet animal matching system of Patent Document 1 cannot specify search conditions such as the type of animal that the recipient wishes to transfer. For this reason, it is difficult to find an animal that meets more detailed requests, for example, when the animal the recipient is looking for is a rare animal or when the recipient is looking for a partner for an animal they are raising.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an animal matching system, an animal matching method, and a computer program that are capable of smoothly matching a wide variety of animals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) An animal matching system for matching animals of a plurality of users, comprising: an animal information receiving means for receiving animal information that is information about the user's animal; an animal search condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users; an animal information extraction means for referring to the animal information of a searched user who is a search target among the users, and extracting the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user; a providing means for providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.

[0008] In the invention (1), an animal matching system that matches animals of a plurality of users includes an animal information receiving means, an animal search condition receiving means, an animal information extracting means, and a providing means. The animal information receiving means receives animal information, which is information about a user's animal. The animal search condition receiving means receives a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users. The animal information extraction means refers to animal information of a searched user who is to be searched among users, and extracts animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user. The providing means provides the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.

[0009] According to the invention (1), multiple types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users are accepted, and based on these animal search conditions, animal information of the searched user is extracted, and the extracted animal information is provided to a terminal operated by the search user. This allows the search user to set animal search conditions such as the type, sex, age, characteristics, etc. of the animal he or she is looking for, and to obtain animal information based on these animal search conditions. Therefore, it is possible to provide an animal matching system that is capable of smoothly matching a wide variety of animals.

[0010] (2) the animal search condition receiving means receives the animal search condition selected by the search user from among a plurality of types of the animal search conditions; The animal matching system according to (1), wherein the animal information extraction means extracts the animal information of the searched user based on the selected animal search condition.

[0011] According to the invention (2), an animal search condition receiving means receives animal search conditions selected by a searching user from among multiple types of animal search conditions, and an animal information extraction means extracts animal information of the searched user based on the selected animal search conditions. This allows a search user to select animal search conditions that are important to him / her from among a plurality of types of animal search conditions, and by not setting other animal search conditions, he / she can be provided with animal information of searched users that matches his / her important animal search conditions and is extracted from a wider range.

[0012] (3) The animal matching system described in (1) or (2), wherein the animal search condition receiving means receives at least one of the animal search conditions among multiple types of species information, multiple types of biological information, multiple types of environmental information, or multiple types of breeding reference information included in the animal search conditions.

[0013] According to the invention (3), the animal search condition receiving means receives at least one of animal search conditions among multiple types of species information, multiple types of biological information, multiple types of environmental information, or multiple types of breeding reference information included in the animal search conditions. This enables the search user to classify and consider the animal search conditions that are important to him / her into species information, biological information, environmental information, or breeding reference information, thereby making it possible to clarify his / her needs more clearly and to be provided with animal information that is more suited to his / her needs.

[0014] (4) an owner information receiving means for receiving owner information which is information about the user who keeps an animal; An owner search condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of owner search conditions set by an owner search user who searches for another user among the users; an owner information extraction means for extracting the owner information of the owner searched user based on the owner search conditions of the owner search user by referring to the owner information of the animal of the owner searched user among the users, The animal matching system described in (1) is characterized in that the providing means provides the extracted owner information to the terminal operated by the owner search user.

[0015] In the invention (4), the animal matching system further includes an owner information receiving means, an owner search condition receiving means, and an owner information extracting means. The owner information receiving means receives owner information which is information about the user who keeps the animal. The owner search condition receiving means receives a plurality of types of owner search conditions set by an owner search user who searches for another user himself / herself among the users. The owner information extraction means refers to owner information relating to animals of an owner searched user who is the search target among users, and extracts the owner information of the owner searched user based on the owner search conditions of the owner search user. The providing means then provides the extracted owner information to a terminal operated by the owner search user.

[0016] According to the invention (4), multiple types of owner search conditions set by an owner search user who searches for other users themselves are accepted, and based on these owner search conditions, owner information about the animals of the owner searched user is referenced, the owner information of the owner searched user is extracted, and the extracted owner information is provided to a terminal operated by the owner search user. This allows the owner search user to obtain owner information of the owner searched user whose owner information on animals (eg, preferences for animal types) matches the owner search user's preferences. Therefore, an animal matching system can be provided that can smoothly match owners when matching a wide variety of animals.

[0017] (5) A method implemented by an animal matching system for matching animals of a plurality of users, comprising: receiving animal information, the animal information being information about an animal of the user; receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users; A step of referring to the animal information of the searched user who is a search target among the users, and extracting the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user; providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.

[0018] (6) An animal matching system that matches animals of multiple users an animal information receiving means for receiving animal information which is information about the user's animal; an animal search condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users; an animal information extraction means for referring to the animal information of a searched user who is a search target among the users, and extracting the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user; A computer program that functions as a providing means for providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.

[0019] The inventions (5) and (6) have the same effects as the invention (1). Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an animal matching system, an animal matching method, and a computer program that are capable of smoothly matching a wide variety of animals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating animal information in an animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating animal information in an animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an animal classification table in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating animal search conditions in the animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating owner information in the animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating owner search conditions in an animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user's animal ranking screen in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a communication screen focusing on a user's animal in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an animal matching process flow executed by the animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are designated by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiment.

[0023] (Basic concept / basic configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an animal matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The animal matching system 1 matches animals of multiple users. In this embodiment, the "user's animal" mainly refers to an animal kept by the user, but may also refer to an animal that the user plans to keep or has kept.

[0024] The animal matching system 1 is connected to a terminal 100 operated by a user via a network. In the following description, among multiple users, a user who searches for animals belonging to other users is referred to as a "searching user," and other users who are the targets of a search by the "searching user" are referred to as "searched users."

[0025] The animal matching system 1 accepts animal information, which is information about animals of all users. Details will be described later, but the animal information includes image data of the animal, and information indicating the animal's name, species, sex, date of birth (age), body length, place of residence, characteristics, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, the animal matching system 1 accepts multiple types of animal search conditions from the search user. Details will be described later, but as shown in Fig. 1, the animal search information includes multiple types of species information (classification, type, proper name, etc.), multiple types of biological information (body color, sex, age, body type, birth control, disease, injury, physical characteristics, etc.), multiple types of environmental information (individual, feed, residence, etc.), and multiple types of breeding reference information (personality, habituation, etc.). The search user may set all of these multiple types of animal search conditions, or may set only the items that are important in the search, for example.

[0027] Then, animal matching system 1 refers to the animal information of the searched user, extracts animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user, and provides the extracted animal information to terminal 100 operated by the searching user.

[0028] Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 1, the animal matching system 1 refers to the animal information of the searched user based on the animal species information (species "chameleon"), environmental information (place of residence "Kanagawa"), and biological information (gender "female", age "1 to 2 years") set by the searching user in the animal search conditions (see the left diagram of Figure 1), and extracts the searched user's animal information (species "chameleon", place of residence "Kanagawa", gender "female", age "1 year and 2 months") (see the right diagram of Figure 1) (for example, other information displayed by scrolling downward the display screen shown in the right diagram of Figure 1).Then, the animal matching system 1 provides the searched user's animal information extracted in this way to the searching user's terminal 100.

[0029] As a result, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 1, animal information provided by the animal matching system 1 (in the example shown in the right diagram of Figure 1, image data of the animal, the animal's name, place of residence, sex, age, body length, etc.) (for example, other information that is displayed by scrolling downward on the display screen shown in the right diagram of Figure 1) is displayed on the search user's terminal 100.

[0030] According to such animal matching system 1, a search user can set animal search conditions such as the type, sex, and age of the animal he or she is looking for, and obtain animal information based on these animal search conditions. Therefore, it becomes possible to smoothly match a wide variety of animals.

[0031] (Functional configuration) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The animal matching system 1 comprises an animal information extraction unit 10, an owner information extraction unit 20, a provision means 30, a ranking determination means 40, a communication providing means 50, and a memory means 60, and is connected via a network to a terminal 100 operated by multiple users (searching users, searched users).

[0032] Terminal 100 can be any configuration, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet, as long as it is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from animal matching system 1 via a network and can accept user operations.

[0033] The animal information extraction unit 10 includes an animal information receiving means 11, an animal search condition receiving means 12, and an animal information extraction means 13, and has a functional configuration for realizing matching between a user's desire for an animal and the animals of other users.

[0034] The animal information receiving means 11 receives animal information, which is information about a user's animal. In detail, the animal information receiving means 11 receives the animal information input by each user from each terminal 100 of all users, and stores it in the storage means 60. In addition, the animal information receiving means 11 receives animal information for each of the user's animals, and stores it in the storage means 60. That is, for example, if a certain user keeps two animals, the animal information receiving means 11 receives the animal information for each animal, and stores it in the storage means 60.

[0035] 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating animal information in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The animal information includes individual information about the animal, information about the species of the animal, biological information about the animal, environmental information about the animal, breeding reference information, freely input information about the animal, tradeable information about the animal, and the like.

[0036] The individual information of the animals is individual information of each animal, and includes, for example, image data (still images, video images, etc.) shown in FIG. 3, information showing the names of the animals shown in FIG.

[0037] The information on animal species is a biological classification of animals, and includes, for example, information indicating the classification, type, proper name, etc. shown in Fig. 4. It is desirable that the information on animal species is structured in a hierarchical manner from larger groups (for example, classification) to smaller groups (for example, type and proper name, which is a smaller group than type).

[0038] The biological information of an animal is information about the animal's body, and includes, for example, information indicating the morph, body color, date of birth, sex, body length, weight, body type, contraception, diseases, injuries, and other physical characteristics shown in Figure 4.

[0039] Environmental information about an animal is information that indicates the environment in which the animal was born or in which it is kept, and includes, for example, information about the food that the animal is being fed, the keeping environment (information about the equipment that the owner uses for the animal) shown in Figure 3, and information about the individual animal (whether it was captured from the wild or born in a human-reared environment), place of origin, producer, place of residence, etc. shown in Figure 4.

[0040] The rearing reference information is information that is useful when rearing an animal, and includes, for example, information indicating the personality, habituation, etc. shown in FIG.

[0041] The free input information on animals is any text information on animals that the user writes, such as information showing a self-introduction introducing the animal as shown in Fig. 3. The free input information may include the above-mentioned various information and other information showing the characteristics of the animal.

[0042] Tradable information for animals is information that indicates the user's requests to other users regarding their animals, such as the wishes shown in Figure 4 (making friends, finding love, trying to get pregnant, transferring (free of charge), transferring (for a fee), etc.) and amount (for example, monetary value in the case of transferring (for a fee)).

[0043] 3 and 4 are examples of animal information input screens for allowing a user to input animal information about his or her own animal in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. When a user accesses animal matching system 1 with terminal 100, the animal information input screen is displayed on terminal 100 by animal information receiving means 11, and the user can input each item by operating it. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the parts displayed in gray frames are items where the user can freely input text information, and in other parts, for example, multiple candidates are displayed, and the one selected by the user from the multiple candidates is determined as the animal information for each item.

[0044] The animal information receiving means 11 acquires the text information input by the user on the animal information input screen and the information selected and determined by the user from among a plurality of candidates as animal information, and stores it in the storage means 60.

[0045] In the example shown in Fig. 4, when the user selects one of multiple candidates included in the classification in the species information on the animal information input screen (reptile in the example shown in Fig. 4), the animal information receiving means 11 refers to the animal classification table and displays only the types included in the selected classification as selection candidates for type. Also, when the user selects one of multiple candidates included in the type on the animal information input screen (chameleon in the example shown in Fig. 4), the animal information receiving means 11 refers to the animal classification table and displays only the proper names included in the selected type as selection candidates for proper names.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an animal classification table in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the animal classification table, a plurality of classifications of living things (such as fish (saltwater) and reptiles shown in FIG. 5) are associated with the types of living things included in each classification (such as lizard and chameleon included in reptiles shown in FIG. 5). In addition, in the animal classification table, a plurality of classifications of living things (such as lizard and chameleon shown in FIG. 5) are associated with the proper names of living things included in each classification (such as the Japanese grass lizard included in lizard and the crested chameleon included in chameleon shown in FIG. 5). Note that the animal classification table may omit the type and proper name (for example, the proper name is omitted for the type: coral reef shark shown in FIG. 5).

[0047] The animal classification table is stored in advance in storage means 60, and can be updated at any time, for example, by an administrator or a user of animal matching system 1. Furthermore, when the acquired text information includes a classification, type, or proper name that is not included in the animal classification table, animal information receiving means 11 may add that classification, type, or proper name to the animal classification table.

[0048] Returning to Fig. 2, the animal search condition receiving means 12 receives a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users. In detail, the animal search condition receiving means 12 receives the animal search conditions input by each user from the search user's terminal 100, and stores the animal search conditions in the storage means 60 for each user.

[0049] Furthermore, the animal search condition receiving means 12 receives at least one animal search condition among a plurality of types of species information, a plurality of types of biological information, a plurality of types of environmental information, or a plurality of types of breeding reference information included in the animal search conditions.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating animal search conditions in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The animal search conditions include a plurality of types of species information, a plurality of types of biological information, a plurality of types of environmental information, a plurality of types of breeding reference information, search input information relating to animals, and animal trade request information.

[0051] The species information is a biological classification of animals, and includes, for example, information indicating the classification, type, proper name, etc. shown in FIG. 6. It is desirable that the species information of animals is structured in a hierarchical manner from larger groups (for example, classification) to smaller groups (for example, type and proper name, which is a smaller group than type). Note that the species information may be only classification, type or proper name. Furthermore, if the information desired by the search user is not available, the species information may be able to be added based on the search user's operation.

[0052] Biometric information is information about the body of an animal, and includes, for example, information showing body color, age, sex, body type, contraception, illness, injury, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0053] The environmental information is information that indicates the environment in which the animal was born or the environment in which it is kept, and includes, for example, information that indicates the individual animal, feed, place of residence, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0054] The rearing reference information is information that is useful when rearing an animal, and includes, for example, information showing the personality, habituation, etc. shown in FIG.

[0055] The search input information is any text information related to the animal that the search user is looking for, for example, the text information entered in the search field shown in FIG.

[0056] The animal trading request information is information indicating the search user's requests when trading animals with other users, such as the wishes shown in Figure 6 (friendship, romance, pregnancy, transfer (free of charge), transfer (for a fee), etc.) and price range (for example, the range of monetary value in the case of transfer (for a fee)).

[0057] FIG. 6 is an example of an animal search condition input screen for a search user to input animal search conditions in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. When a search user accesses animal matching system 1 with terminal 100, the animal search condition input screen is displayed on terminal 100 by animal search condition receiving means 12, and each item can be input by operation of the search user. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the parts displayed in gray are items in which the search user can freely input text information, and in other parts, for example, multiple candidates are displayed, and the one selected by the search user from among the multiple candidates is determined as the animal search condition for each item.

[0058] The animal search condition receiving means 12 acquires the text information entered by the user on the animal search condition input screen and the one selected and determined by the user from among multiple candidates as animal search conditions, and stores them in the memory means 60.

[0059] In the example shown in Fig. 6, when the user selects one of multiple candidates included in the classification (reptile in the example shown in Fig. 6) in the type information on the animal search condition input screen, the animal search condition receiving means 12 refers to the animal classification table (see Fig. 5) and displays only the types included in the selected classification as selection candidates for type. Also, when the user selects one of multiple candidates included in the type (chameleon in the example shown in Fig. 6) on the animal search condition input screen, the animal search condition receiving means 12 refers to the animal classification table and displays only the proper names included in the selected type as selection candidates for proper names.

[0060] In addition, the animal search condition receiving means 12 receives an animal search condition selected by the search user from among a plurality of types of animal search conditions. In the example shown in Fig. 6, "don't care" is selected for body type, and in this case, the animal search condition receiving means 12 determines that body type is not selected as an animal search condition, and receives items other than the one for which "don't care" was selected as the selected animal search condition. In the example shown in Fig. 6, no amount is input, and in this case, the animal search condition receiving means 12 also determines that amount is not selected as an animal search condition.

[0061] Returning to Fig. 2, the animal information extraction means 13 refers to the animal information of the searched user who is the search target among the users, and extracts the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user. In detail, the animal information extraction means 13 reads the animal search conditions of the searching user (see Fig. 6) stored in the storage means 60, refers to the animal information of other users (searched users) (see Fig. 3 or Fig. 4), extracts the animal information of the searched user that matches the animal search conditions of the searching user, and stores it in the storage means 60.

[0062] The animal information extraction means 13 searches for the animal information of the searched user in the order of the animal search conditions with the highest priority set in advance among the multiple types of animal search conditions, for example, and narrows down the animal information of the searched user. Specifically, when, for example, the type information is set as the highest priority among the multiple types of animal search conditions, the animal information extraction means 13 first extracts animal information with matching type information, and extracts animal information with matching other animal search conditions from the extracted animal information (animal information with matching type information).

[0063] Furthermore, when the animal search condition receiving means 12 receives only a portion of all the animal search conditions, the animal information extraction means 13 extracts animal information of the searched user based on the portion of the animal search conditions.

[0064] In addition, the animal information extraction means 13 may extract multiple pieces of animal information that partially match the animal search conditions of the search user. In this case, the animal information extraction means 13 may prioritize the multiple pieces of animal information according to the number of matches with multiple types of animal search conditions.

[0065] Furthermore, the animal information extraction means 13 may search the entire animal information using text information of the search input information (see FIG. 6), which is one of the animal search conditions of the search user, as a search keyword, and extract animal information containing the search keyword.

[0066] The owner information extraction unit 20 includes an owner information receiving means 21, an owner search condition receiving means 22, and an owner information extraction means 23, and has a functional configuration for realizing matching between a certain user and another user.

[0067] The owner information receiving means 21 receives owner information, which is information about the user himself / herself. In detail, the owner information receiving means 21 receives the owner information input by each user from the terminal 100 of all users, and stores it in the storage means 60.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating owner information in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The owner information includes free input information, profile information, animal interest information, etc. The owner information may also include image data (still images, videos, etc.) taken by the user himself / herself.

[0069] The free input information is any text information freely input by the user about himself / herself, such as a self-introduction, hobbies, interests, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0070] Profile information is information that indicates information about the user himself / herself in relation to pre-set items, and includes factual information such as name, age, and gender as shown in Figure 7, regional information such as place of residence, place of work, and place of origin, work-related information such as job, annual income, and holidays, and private information such as tobacco, alcohol, and marital history.

[0071] The animal preference information is information indicating the user's own preferences for animals, and is information indicating the user's favorite animals and animals that the user dislikes, as shown in Fig. 7. The animal preference information may be information selected from preset information, or may be text information input by the user.

[0072] FIG. 7 is an example of an owner information input screen for allowing a user to input his / her own owner information in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. When a user accesses animal matching system 1 with terminal 100, the owner information input screen is displayed on terminal 100 by owner information receiving means 21, and the user can input each item by operating it. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the parts displayed in gray are items where the user can freely input text information, and in other parts, for example, multiple candidates are displayed, and the one selected by the user from the multiple candidates is determined as the owner information for each item.

[0073] In addition, a link to an animal information input screen ("Kept Animals" at the bottom of FIG. 7) may be provided on the owner information input screen. When the user selects this link, the animal matching system 1 may transition from the animal information input screen to the animal information input screen (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0074] Returning to Fig. 2, the owner search condition receiving means 22 receives a plurality of types of owner search conditions set by an owner search user who searches for other users himself / herself among the users. In detail, the owner search condition receiving means 22 receives the owner search conditions input by each user from the search user's terminal 100, and stores the owner search conditions in the storage means 60 for each user.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating owner search conditions in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The owner search conditions include multiple types of profile information, animal preference information, and the like.

[0076] The profile information is information that indicates information about the user himself / herself in relation to pre-set items, and includes factual information such as age and gender as shown in Figure 8, regional information such as place of residence, work-related information such as job, annual income, holidays, and private information such as tobacco, alcohol, marital history, etc.

[0077] The animal preference information is information indicating the owner search user's own preferences for animals, and is information indicating favorite animals and animals that the user does not like, as shown in Fig. 8. The animal preference information may be information selected from preset information, or may be text information input by the user. The animal preference information may also be information indicating the classification, type, or proper name of an animal.

[0078] FIG. 8 is an example of an owner search condition input screen for an owner search user to input owner search conditions in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the owner search user accesses the animal matching system 1 from the terminal 100, the owner search condition input screen is displayed on the terminal 100 by the owner search condition receiving means 22, and each item can be input by the owner search user's operation. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the parts displayed in gray are items in which the owner search user can freely input text information, and in other parts, for example, multiple candidates are displayed, and the one selected by the owner search user from among the multiple candidates is determined as the owner search condition for each item.

[0079] The owner search condition receiving means 22 acquires the text information entered by the user on the owner search condition input screen and the candidate selected and determined by the user from among multiple candidates as owner search conditions, and stores them in the memory means 60.

[0080] The owner search condition receiving means 22 also receives the owner search condition selected by the owner search user from among multiple types of owner search conditions. In the example shown in Fig. 8, for example, "don't care" is selected for blood type, etc. In this case, the owner search condition receiving means 22 determines that blood type has not been selected as an owner search condition, and receives the owner search conditions other than the item for which "don't care" was selected.

[0081] Returning to Fig. 2, the owner information extraction means 23 refers to the owner information on the animals of the owner searched user who is the search target among the users, and extracts the owner information of the owner searched user based on the owner search conditions of the owner search user. In detail, the owner information extraction means 23 reads the owner search conditions of the owner search user stored in the storage means 60 (see Fig. 8), refers to the owner information of other users (owner searched users) (see Fig. 7), extracts the owner information of the owner searched user that matches the owner search conditions of the owner search user, and stores it in the storage means 60.

[0082] The owner information extraction means 23 searches for the owner information of the owner searched user in the order of the owner search conditions set in advance, starting from the owner search conditions with the highest priority, among the multiple types of owner search conditions, and narrows down the owner information of the owner searched user. Specifically, if, for example, the animal interest information is set as the highest priority among the multiple types of owner search conditions, the owner information extraction means 23 first extracts owner information that matches the animal interest information, and then extracts owner information that matches the other owner search conditions from the extracted owner information (owner information that matches the animal interest information).

[0083] In addition, when the owner search condition receiving means 22 has received some of the owner search conditions, the owner information extraction means 23 extracts the owner information of the owner searched user based on the some of the owner search conditions.

[0084] The owner information extraction means 23 may also extract multiple pieces of animal information that partially match the owner search conditions of the owner search user. In this case, the owner information extraction means 23 may prioritize the multiple pieces of owner information according to the number of matches with the multiple types of owner search conditions.

[0085] The providing means 30 provides (transmits) the animal information extracted by the animal information extracting means 13 (see Figs. 3 and 4) to the terminal 100 operated by the search user. As a result, the animal information based on the search user's animal search conditions is displayed on the terminal 100 of the search user (see the right diagram in Fig. 1).

[0086] In the example shown on the right side of Figure 1, only the individual information (image data) portion shown in Figure 3 of the animal information shown in Figures 3 and 4 is displayed on terminal 100, but for example, when the user operates terminal 100 in the up or down direction, the display screen scrolls vertically, and the animal information (free input information, environmental information) shown in the lower part of Figure 3 and the animal information shown in Figure 4 are displayed.

[0087] Furthermore, when the animal information extraction means 13 extracts a plurality of pieces of animal information, for example, the display screen is scrolled horizontally by the user's operation on the terminal 100 in the left / right direction, and the animal information of another animal is displayed.

[0088] 1 shows an example of animal information displayed on a basic screen provided to the terminal 100 by the animal matching system 1. For example, the animal information is displayed on the basic screen when the user selects an icon labeled "Anikon" on the basic screen.

[0089] Furthermore, when an icon labeled "Hitokonone" is selected by the user on the basic screen, the providing means 30 provides the owner information (see FIG. 7) extracted by the owner information extracting means 23 to the terminal 100 operated by the owner search user. As a result, the owner information based on the owner search conditions of the owner search user is displayed on the terminal 100 of the owner search user.

[0090] In addition, on the basic screen, the user can add high rating information to the animal information and owner information displayed on the basic screen. In the example on the right side of Fig. 1, there are multiple types of high rating information, with the highest ratings being "Like!", "Like!", and "Love!".

[0091] Returning to Figure 2, the ranking determination means 40 aggregates the high rating information given by search users and owner search users for each animal information and owner information, and stores the aggregated high rating information in the memory means 60 in association with each animal information and each owner information.

[0092] The ranking determination means 40 also generates a ranking screen in which a part of the animal information or a part of the owner information of the user's animal or owner (the user himself / herself) is arranged in order of the most highly rated information, and provides the ranking screen to the terminal 100.

[0093] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a ranking screen of animals of a user in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the ranking screen is displayed on the basic screen (see FIG. 1) when the user selects an icon labeled "Popular."

[0094] The ranking determination means 40 generates summary information for each animal consisting of some of the multiple types of animal information (in the example shown in FIG. 9, individual information (image data, information indicating name), species information (type, proper name), and biological information (sex, age, body length)), and attaches ranking information indicating the ranking relative to other animals based on the aggregation result of the highly rated information to this summary information.The ranking determination means 40 then arranges this information for each animal in order of highest ranking on the ranking screen. The ranking determination means 40 also generates a ranking screen for each owner (user himself / herself) in a similar manner.

[0095] The ranking determination means 40 may attach to each animal ranking information indicating the ranking of all animals, or ranking information indicating the ranking of each classification, type, or proper name. For example, when ranking information is attached by type, the providing means 30 generates a ranking screen consisting of only animals of the same type. This allows the user to see the ranking of only animals of their favorite type.

[0096] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the basic screen, a user can communicate with other users via text information by operating icons labeled "bulletin board" and "talk" displayed on the basic screen.

[0097] Returning to FIG. 2, the communication providing means 50 generates a communication screen that focuses on the user's animal or the owner (the user himself / herself) and provides it to the terminal 100.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a communication screen focusing on a user's animal in the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The communication providing means 50 generates a communication screen focusing on the user's animal by associating a part of the animal information of the user's animal (individual information (image data) in the example shown in FIG. 10) with the text input field. This allows users to enjoy communication with each other as their respective animals.

[0099] The above-mentioned functional configuration of the present system is merely an example, and one functional block (database and function processing unit) may be divided, or multiple functional blocks may be combined into one functional block. Each functional processing unit is realized by a computer program executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the device or terminal, which reads out a computer program (e.g., a core software or an application that causes the CPU to execute the above-mentioned various processes) stored in a storage device (storage unit) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a hard disk. That is, each functional processing unit is realized by the computer program reading and writing necessary data such as a table from a database (DB; Data Base) stored in the storage device or a storage area on the memory, and, in some cases, controlling related hardware (e.g., an input / output device, a display device, a communication interface device). In addition, the database (DB) in the embodiment of the present invention may be a commercial database, but it also means a simple collection of tables and files, and the internal structure of the database itself is not important.

[0100] (Processing flow) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of the animal matching process executed by the animal matching system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] In step S 1 , the animal information receiving means 11 receives the animal information input by each user from the terminal 100 of each user, and stores it in the storage means 60 .

[0102] In step S2, the animal search condition receiving means 12 receives the animal search conditions input by each user from the search user's terminal 100, and stores the animal search conditions in the storage means 60 for each user.

[0103] In step S3, the animal information extraction means 13 reads out the animal search conditions of the search user accepted by the animal search condition accepting means 12 in step S2, refers to the animal information of other users (searched users) accepted by the animal information accepting means 11 in step S1, extracts the animal information of the searched users that matches the animal search conditions of the search user, and stores it in the memory means 60.

[0104] In step S4, the providing means 30 provides (transmits) the animal information extracted by the animal information extracting means 13 in step S3 to the terminal 100 operated by the search user.

[0105] According to such an animal matching system 1, multiple types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users are accepted, and based on these animal search conditions, animal information of the searched user is extracted, and the extracted animal information is provided to a terminal operated by the search user. This allows the search user to set animal search conditions such as the type, sex, age, and so on of the animal he is looking for, and to obtain animal information based on these animal search conditions. Therefore, it is possible to provide an animal matching system that is capable of smoothly matching a wide variety of animals.

[0106] In addition, according to the animal matching system 1, a search user can select animal search conditions that are important to him / her from among multiple types of animal search conditions, and by not setting other animal search conditions, he / she can be provided with animal information of searched users that matches the animal search conditions that are important to him / her and is extracted from a wider range.

[0107] In addition, according to the animal matching system 1, the search user can classify and consider the animal search conditions that are important to them into species information, biological information, environmental information, or breeding reference information, thereby making it possible to clarify their needs more clearly and receive animal information that is more suited to their needs.

[0108] In addition, according to the animal matching system 1, an owner searching user can obtain owner information of an owner searched user whose owner information regarding animals (e.g., preferences for animal types) matches the owner searching user's own preferences. Therefore, an animal matching system can be provided that can smoothly match owners when matching a wide variety of animals.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. In addition, it is clear from the claims that such modifications or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. In the above embodiments, the present invention has been described as an animal matching system as an invention of a product, but it can also be considered as an invention of a method executed by the animal matching system in the present invention, or a program that causes the animal matching system to function as various parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Animal Matching System 10 Animal information extraction section 11. Animal information reception method 12. Means for accepting animal search conditions 13 Animal information extraction means 20 Owner information extraction unit 21. Means of receiving pet owner information 22 Owner search condition reception means 23 Owner information extraction method 30 Means of provision 40 Ranking Method 50 Means of communication 60 Memory means 100 devices

Claims

1. An animal matching system for matching animals of a plurality of users, comprising: an animal information receiving means for receiving animal information that is information about the user's animal; an animal search condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users; an animal information extraction means for extracting the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user by referring to the animal information of the searched user who is a search target among the users; a providing means for providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.

2. the animal search condition receiving means receives the animal search condition selected by the search user from among a plurality of types of the animal search conditions; 2. The animal matching system according to claim 1, wherein the animal information extraction means extracts the animal information of the searched user based on the selected animal search condition.

3. The animal matching system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the animal search condition accepting means accepts at least one of the animal search conditions included in the animal search conditions: multiple types of species information, multiple types of biological information, multiple types of environmental information, or multiple types of breeding reference information.

4. an owner information receiving means for receiving owner information which is information about the user who keeps an animal; A pet owner search condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of pet owner search conditions set by a pet owner search user who searches for another of the users; and an owner information extraction means for extracting the owner information of the owner searched user according to the owner search conditions of the owner search user by referring to the owner information of the owner searched user that is the search target among the users, The animal matching system according to claim 1 , wherein the providing means provides the extracted owner information to the terminal operated by the owner search user.

5. 1. A method implemented by an animal matching system for matching animals of a plurality of users, comprising: receiving animal information, the animal information being information about an animal of the user; receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users; A step of referring to the animal information of the searched user who is a search target among the users, and extracting the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user; providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user.

6. An animal matching system that matches animals of multiple users an animal information receiving means for receiving animal information which is information about the user's animal; an animal search condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of animal search conditions set by a search user who searches for animals of other users among the users; an animal information extraction means for referring to the animal information of a searched user who is a search target among the users, and extracting the animal information of the searched user based on the animal search conditions of the searching user; a computer program that functions as a providing means for providing the extracted animal information to a terminal operated by the search user;

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