Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to freely select a product as an object of reform work, construction content, and a constructor and advance the reform work when the reform work is performed.SOLUTION: A server 1 comprises a construction content determination unit 61, a product determination unit 62, and a vendor candidate determination unit 63. The construction content determination unit 61 determines construction content of work of a building by operation of a user. The product determination unit 62 determines a product necessary for work according to operation of the user. The vendor candidate determination unit 63 determines one or more contractor candidates from among one or more contractors who can undertake at least part of work for the determined construction content and the product in accordance with operation of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a system for creating an estimate for building renovation work (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, when a user selects a product to be renovated, the details of the construction for installing the product and the constructor are associated, or when the construction details are selected, the product and the constructor are associated, which does not meet the user's desired construction work. That is, the conventional technology including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 cannot meet the user's requirements.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to enable a user to freely select a product, construction details, and a constructor for a renovation work during a renovation project.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes construction content determination means for determining the construction content of building work by a user's operation, product determination means for determining products required for the work by the user's operation, A contractor candidate determination means for determining one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user from among one or more contractors capable of undertaking at least a part of the construction work for the determined construction content and the product. Comprising.

[0007] Each of the information processing method and program according to one aspect of the present invention is respectively the information processing method and program corresponding to the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention described above.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, at the time of renovation work, the user can freely select the product, construction content, and constructor for the renovation work and proceed with the renovation work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention.

[0011] This service publishes a website (such as reform.com, etc.) related to renovation work that is accessed by users who wish to renovate a building, and based on the details of the renovation work (at least one or more of products, construction details, constructors) selected by the user on the website, it supports a series of operations from the estimate of the renovation work to the order placement and receipt, and subsequent management of the construction status. The information processing system applied to this service is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, by connecting a server 1, user terminals 2-1 to 2-n (n is an arbitrary integer value), and constructor terminals 3-1 to 3-m (m is an arbitrary integer value independent of n) to a network N such as the Internet.

[0012] The server 1 is managed by the provider of this service. The server 1 registers at least one or more constructors who undertake the renovation work of the building as members (franchisees), and discloses a website related to the renovation work of the building. Then, based on the user's selection on the website, it determines the detailed content (at least one or more of products, construction details, constructors) of the renovation work of the building, and supports a series of operations from the estimate of the renovation work with the determined detailed content to the order placement, receipt, and subsequent management of the construction status.

[0013] The user terminal 2 is an information processing device that accepts operations of users who wish to renovate a building, and is, for example, a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. The user can access the website from the user terminal 2, determine the content of the renovation project while selecting the products, construction details, and constructors for the renovation project, and perform operations such as obtaining estimates, placing orders, and placing contracts on the website.

[0014] In the following, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the n users, the user terminals 2-1 to 2-n are collectively referred to as the "user terminal 2". Also, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the m constructors, the constructor terminals 3-1 to 3-m are collectively referred to as the "constructor terminal 3".

[0015] That is, while collaborating with the server 1, the user terminal 2 can execute a series of processes as follows, for example, as a process that supports a series of operations from the selection of renovation project details (at least one or more of products, construction details, and constructors) for building renovation projects to obtaining estimates, placing orders, and placing contracts. Here, the method of "collaboration" is not particularly limited. For example, the user terminal 2 can adopt, as the method of "collaboration", a first method in which it appropriately communicates with the server 1 and has the server 1 execute the main processes. Also, for example, the user terminal 2 can adopt, as the method of "collaboration", a second method in which it downloads and installs in advance a dedicated application program (hereinafter simply referred to as an "app") from the server 1 or a device (not shown) under its management and executes it with the app. Alternatively, a method that appropriately combines the first method and the second method can also be adopted as the method of "collaboration". However, in the following examples, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first method is adopted as the method of "collaboration". That is, in the following examples, the parts where the operating entity of the process is the "server 1" are merely examples, and it goes without saying that it may be appropriately the "user terminal 2" during implementation.

[0016] That is, in this example, the server 1 performs processing to assist with a series of operations from the selection of products, construction details, and contractors for building renovation work to estimating, accepting orders, and placing orders for the determined renovation work content, while appropriately communicating with the user terminal 2 and the contractor terminal 3.

[0017] In addition, when a contract is made between the user and the contractor, for example, an electronic signature system or the like is also included in the information processing system as a predetermined authentication authority connected to the network N. The electronic signature system communicates with the server 1 via the network N. The electronic signature system performs electronic authentication in response to a request from the server 1. The electronic signature system authenticates the signatures of the user and the contractor respectively. By registering the signatures in advance in the electronic signature system, automatic authentication is performed during transactions with others. At least the contractor shall register the signature in the electronic signature system in advance.

[0018] Here, in this example, the administrator (the provider of this service) who manages the server 1 does not undertake the renovation work by himself / herself, but the user places an order for the work with the contractor, and the contractor accepts the order, that is, undertakes the work. However, this example is merely illustrative, and the administrator may also mediate at least part of the work related to the renovation work between the contractor and the user.

[0019] To summarize the above, the server 1 determines the construction details of the building work according to the user's operation. The server 1 determines the products (commercial materials) required for the work according to the user's operation. Also, the server 1 determines, according to the user's operation, one or more candidates for contractors from among one or more contractors who are capable of undertaking at least part (separate ordering of construction details and products is also possible) of the work for the determined construction details and products, and can proceed with a series of renovation work such as estimating, accepting orders, and placing orders that meet the user's requirements with the contractor, construction details, and products determined according to the user's operation.

[0020] As a result, the following effects can be achieved. That is, when using the conventional system, when the user selects a product to be renovated, the construction details and constructor of the product are associated, and the construction price is determined alternatively, so the user cannot select the construction details and constructor that the user desires. Therefore, it does not become the renovation work that the user desires, and among the product, construction details, and constructor, a compromise of those with a lower priority has been inevitable. On the other hand, by using the information processing system of the present embodiment, the user can freely select the product (commercial material), construction details, and constructor of the renovation work and proceed with the renovation work.

[0021] In this way, in this example, since the server 1 executes the main processing (executes the processing according to the above-described first method), the following description will be made focusing on the server 1 in the information processing system of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0024] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 to the RAM 13. In the RAM 13, data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes are appropriately stored.

[0025] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0026] The output unit 16 is composed of a display such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 17 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, etc., and outputs various information. The storage unit 18 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the user terminal 2 and the constructor terminal 3 in FIG. 1, etc.) via a network N including the Internet.

[0027] A removable medium 30 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, etc., is appropriately mounted on the drive 20. The program read from the removable medium 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. Also, the removable medium 30 can store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0028] Although not shown, the user terminal 2 and the constructor terminal 3 in FIG. 1 can also have a configuration basically the same as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 2 and the constructor terminal 3 is omitted.

[0029] Through the cooperation of various hardware and various software of the server 1 in FIG. 2 like this, it becomes possible to execute processing that supports a series of operations from the selection of products (commercial materials) for building renovation work to estimation, order reception, and order placement. Hereinafter, an example of the functional configuration of the server 1 for executing such processing will be described.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a database 121 (hereinafter referred to as "DB121") is stored in the storage unit 18 of the server 1. DB121 stores information of registered constructors (member number, constructor name, address, contact information, etc.). DB121 stores information of products handled on this website (product name, product number, product type (category), manufacturer, shape, catalog information such as accessories and options, standard price, dealers, etc.) corresponding to JAN codes. The standard price refers to the price agreed upon in advance with the constructor. DB121 also stores information exchanged between the user and the constructor in chat (information such as negotiated discount information and additional work information) and bidding information bid by the constructor upon nomination by the user (bidding amount for the project specified by the user, etc.). DB121 stores the construction details (construction method (preparation, installation, removal, disposal, etc.), construction cost (construction price)) for installing the product in the building, and information of constructors capable of performing this construction content (member number, etc.) in correspondence. That is, DB121 stores the standard price of labor handled on the website (the unit price of labor predetermined between the provider of this service and the constructor). DB121 stores the estimate information (estimate PDF file) of the renovation project estimated based on the product, construction details, and constructor selected by the user, the order information for ordering the renovation project, the order receipt information for receiving the renovation project, the contract information connecting the user and the constructor, and its terms. DB121 stores schedule information related to the project (process table such as product arrival date, start date of work, removal work date, product installation work date, scheduled completion date of the project, etc.). Also, DB121 stores information indicating the actual progress status with respect to the process table.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, when the website is published, the site management unit 50 functions.

[0032] The site management unit 50 controls the interaction between the user and the constructor and the overall processing on the website. For example, the site management unit 50 executes control to appropriately process and transmit information exchanged between the user and the constructor from one party to the other. Also, for example, the site management unit 50 hierarchically manages accounts for accessing the information processing system (imposing access restrictions according to the authority of the accounts) and can set and manage whether access needs to be restricted at each level for each predetermined unit. In addition, the site management unit 50 can execute control for providing various supports when, for example, the user checks estimates or the content of the order received. Here, checking estimates or the content of the order received includes checking schedules, the progress of the project, and process management. Note that a functional block for executing such control exists as a function of the site management unit 50 although not shown in the drawings.

[0033] The site management unit 50 includes a construction content determination unit 61, a product determination unit 62, a contractor candidate determination unit 63, an estimate issuance unit 64, a notification unit 65, a communication control unit 66, an order receiving / issuing control unit 67, a progress management unit 68, and a contractor information registration unit 69.

[0034] The construction content determination unit 61 determines the construction content of the building work based on the user's operation. Specifically, the construction content determination unit 61 determines the construction content of the building work by the user selecting a desired product from among the product groups displayed for each product type (category) on the home page of the website or performing a search operation from the search window, and then selecting the construction cost items (construction content) of the selected product.

[0035] The product determination unit 62 determines the products required for the work based on the user's operation. Specifically, the product determination unit 62 reads, from the pull-down menu displayed on the narrowing-down search screen 210 (see FIG. 6) that has transitioned from the home screen 200 (see FIG. 5), the information of the products narrowed down by the user's selection operation from the DB121, displays (presents) it on the product selection screen 220, and determines, as the products required for the construction, the products selected by the user's selection operation from that screen 220.

[0036] The contractor candidate determination unit 63 determines, based on the user's operation, one or more contractor candidates from among one or more constructors who are capable of undertaking at least a part (separate ordering is also possible) of the construction work for the determined construction content and products. The contractor candidate determination unit 63 presents one or more constructors who are capable of undertaking the construction work to the user terminal 2, and selects, based on the user's operation, one or more contractor candidates selected from among the presented one or more constructors. Also, the contractor candidate determination unit 63 determines, based on the user's operation, one or more contractor candidates from among one or more constructors who have responded via the constructor terminal 3 that they are capable of undertaking the construction work in response to the notification from the notification unit 65. Specifically, the contractor candidate determination unit 63 selects, from among a plurality of constructors, one or more constructors who are capable of undertaking at least a part (separate ordering of the construction content and products is also possible) of the construction work for the determined construction content and products (including selection by the user) based on the constructor information of each of the plurality of constructors stored in the DB121, and determines, based on the user's operation, one or more contractor candidates from among the selected one or more constructors. Here, the user's operation includes an operation to entrust automatic selection and an operation to specify a constructor. The contractor candidate determination unit 63 determines, based on the user's operation, one or more contractor candidates from among one or more constructors who have responded via the constructor terminal 3 that they are capable of undertaking the construction work in response to the notification from the notification unit 65.

[0037] The estimate issuing unit 64 issues an estimate for the construction work for the determined construction content and products. In addition, the estimate issuing unit 64 issues estimates presented by each of one or more constructor candidates determined by the constructor candidate determining unit 63. Specifically, the estimate issuing unit 64 refers to the DB 121, creates estimate data for renovation work to be performed using the confirmed products (data including information on the destination and origin of the estimate, names of products and construction details, respective prices, total amount, and tax), converts it into a PDF format estimate, and then transmits it to the user terminal 2 and displays (presents) it on the screen of the user terminal 2.

[0038] The notification unit 65 notifies (inquires) the constructor terminals 3 of a plurality of constructors as to whether it is possible to undertake at least a part of the determined construction work and products (separate ordering of construction work and products is also possible). Specifically, when the user selects to have product A supplied by vendor A and its construction carried out by vendor B among the constructors, the notification unit 65 inquires of vendor A whether it is possible to order only the product, and inquires of vendor B whether it is possible to order only the construction of the product.

[0039] The communication control unit 66 controls communication between the user terminal 2 and a predetermined constructor terminal 3 among the determined one or more constructor candidates in order to facilitate communication between the user terminal 2 and the predetermined constructor. Specifically, the communication control unit 66 controls communication between the user terminal 2 and a predetermined constructor terminal 3 of the constructor selected by the user or the constructor determined by the system side to be suitable for the user's construction work among the selected one or more constructor candidates in order to facilitate communication between the user terminal 2 and the selected constructor.

[0040] The order receiving and placing control unit 67 performs an order receiving process for undertaking the construction work based on a construction work request from the user who has received the presentation of the estimate.

[0041] Specifically, in the estimate, for example, if the product is to be prepared at a home center and only the construction content is ordered without placing an order for the product, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 performs a process of accepting only the construction content based on the user's construction request in the estimate, and places an order with the constructor who undertakes only the construction content. That is, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 executes control regarding the order placement process for the order destination selected by the user's operation from among one or more constructor candidates determined by the contractor candidate determination unit 63, and also executes control regarding the order receiving process at the order destination. Also, in the estimate, if the construction content corresponding to one product is divided into separate items of removing an old kitchen A and installing a new kitchen B and estimated by different constructors, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 places orders for the construction content of A and B with different constructors respectively. That is, the constructor who receives the order may be a plurality of constructors in some cases.

[0042] In addition, as part of the control regarding the order receiving process, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 executes control regarding the process of an electronic contract concluded between the user and the order destination. Specifically, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 executes control to cause an electronic contract for the construction work to be made between the user and the contractor (constructor). For the electronic contract, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 executes control to have the signatures of the user and the contractor (constructor) authenticated by an external certification authority (not shown), such as an electronic signature system.

[0043] The progress management unit 68 presents progress information indicating the progress of the construction work at the order destination to the user terminal 2. Specifically, after the contract, the progress management unit 68 generates a process table (see FIG. 13) describing the actual product (commercial material) arrival date, the start date of the construction work, etc. based on the contract information in the DB 121, and shares it with each of the user and the constructor by displaying it on the user's and constructor's my pages. As a result, the progress status of the renovation work after the contract can be viewed by each of the user and the constructor.

[0044] The contractor information registration unit 69 registers contractor information (dealer information) indicating at least one of the products that can be handled and the construction details through the operations of multiple contractors respectively. Specifically, the contractor information registration unit 69 registers contractor information (dealer information) indicating at least one of the products that can be handled by the company itself and the construction details in the DB121 through the operations of the contractor who accesses the my page in the website from the contractor terminal 3 (such as registration operations of various information). By providing the contractor information registration unit 69 in this way, the system (contractor candidate determination unit 63) automatically selects the contractors who can undertake the construction work for the determined construction details and products. That is, by registering in advance the products and construction details that the contractors can handle, among the registered multiple contractors, the contractors who can undertake the construction work are picked up by the system, and the user can select a contractor from among the picked-up contractors who can undertake the work.

[0045] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 15, the operations of the server with the above functional configuration will be described in order. In the server 1 of the embodiment, a website (such as reform.com, etc.) is disclosed to the registered users and contractors (franchise stores) via a network N such as the Internet. The website provides a my page for the user and the contractor respectively, and can be used by logging in to their respective my pages. Hereinafter, the operations centered on the user will be described, but the contractor can also operate from his own my page as the party undertaking the construction work. When the user requests a renovation project, by accessing the website and logging in, the home screen 200 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the user terminal 2 as the user's my page. On the home screen 200, the user makes a selection operation on the desired construction details, products, and contractors, and the details of the building renovation project are determined.

[0046] Hereinafter, the operations of the server will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations of the servers in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 5 to 15 are diagrams showing examples of screens that transition by a user's operation or a constructor's operation on a website. Among them, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen among the various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1. When the user selects the construction details of the building from the home screen 200 in FIG. 5, in step S101 of FIG. 4, the construction details determination unit 61 determines the construction details of the building according to the user's operation. Specifically, on the home screen 200 in FIG. 5, in addition to tabs such as "HOME", "What is reform.com", "Estimation process", "Reviews", "Frequently asked questions", etc., there are a product search box, a product number search box, a category selection bar, etc., and a selection box of product photos icons for each product category is arranged.

[0047] In each selection box on the home screen 200 in FIG. 5, names such as "Packaged products", "Kitchen", ···, "Exterior", ··· are shown, and a pressing operation is performed when the construction details are selected by the user. That is, the messages such as "Packaged products", "Kitchen", ···, "Exterior", ··· indicate the construction details.

[0048] On the home screen 200, when a selection box such as "Kitchen" is clicked by the user, the construction details determination unit 61 in FIG. 3 determines the selection box of "Kitchen" clicked by the user as the construction details.

[0049] Note that the home screen 200 shown in FIG. 5 is used to explain the user's my page, but the same screen is also displayed on the constructor's my page. On the constructor's personal page, the constructor selects the corresponding product groups, construction projects, corresponding manufacturers, etc. For a specific product group, if there is a nomination from the user, the constructor can automatically approve it. Also, if the request from the user is in the form of an auction, the constructor can automatically bid. The constructor can set an original amount as the construction price for the corresponding product groups and construction projects. As the construction price, the standard price prepared by the website can also be adopted.

[0050] In this way, when the user clicks the selection box and the construction content is determined in step S101 of FIG. 4, in step S102, the product determination unit 62 determines the products required for the construction according to the user's operation.

[0051] Specifically, the screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 2 is transitioned by the product determination unit 62 from the home screen 200 shown in FIG. 5 to the narrowing-down search screen 210 in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the narrowing-down search screen among the various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1. On the screen 210 in FIG. 6, one or more pull-down menus for narrowing down kitchen supplies (products) are displayed. The pull-down menus are arranged with, for example, manufacturers, series, kitchen layouts, width and depth, cabinet types, dishwashers, door grades, etc. This example is just an example, and other narrowing-down forms may be used.

[0052] When the user makes a selection operation from the pull-down menus on this screen 210 and operates the "Next" button, the product determination unit 62 in FIG. 3 reads out the information of the products narrowed down by the conditions of the pull-down menus from the DB121 and displays the information of the products (products) meeting the user's requirements on the product selection screen 220 shown in the next FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the product selection screen among the various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1.

[0053] That is, the product determination unit 62 in FIG. 3 presents one or more product candidates required for the renovation work of the determined construction content by causing the user terminal 2 to display the screen 220 shown in FIG. 7. In this example, one product has been narrowed down. At the upper right end of this screen 220, a pull-down menu for sorting is arranged. By selecting the pull-down menu, the search results can be further sorted, for example, in ascending order of price or in descending order of evaluation. Note that the pull-down menu for sorting is just an example, and it may be in a form where keywords are directly input such as in price order, or it may be arranged at a location other than the upper right end.

[0054] In the screen 220 of FIG. 7, a selection box (one selection box in the example of FIG. 7) indicating candidates for products (commercial materials) required for the renovation work of the determined construction content is displayed. From among the candidates shown here, the products (commercial materials) required for the renovation work are selected by the user. That is, a pressing operation is performed on the "Select" button of the selection box in which the selected product (commercial material) is displayed.

[0055] In this case, the screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 2 transitions from, for example, the screen 220 shown in FIG. 7 to the product blowout screen of the screen 230 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a product blowout screen among various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1.

[0056] In the screen 230 of FIG. 8, an image photo of the product (commercial material) selected on the screen 220 of FIG. 7 is displayed, and the details of each part of the product in the image photo are shown in a pop-up. In addition, on the right side of the screen, the list price, selling price, details of the product (commercial material), an area for explanations and help displays, and a catalog of the content of the product such as a planar image and dimensions of the product can be confirmed.

[0057] In renovation work, one product (commercial material) may be composed of a plurality of small products (parts, etc.), and in many cases, customization such as changing small products is possible. In this embodiment, such a case is assumed, and the screen 230 in FIG. 8 is displayed. On this screen 230, information necessary for customization and descriptions of small products are displayed in balloons in units of small products. Therefore, the user can appropriately refer to the balloons in order to make a customization selection. Accordingly, it is very convenient because customization for arranging new products (commercial materials) can be performed while imagining the renovation situation in the existing space at home. That is, the product determination unit 62 in FIG. 3 can also present candidates for one or more products required for the renovation work of the determined construction content by causing the user terminal 2 to display not only the screen 220 in FIG. 7 but also the screen 230 in FIG. 8.

[0058] On the screen 220 in FIG. 7, after a product (commercial material) is selected and a customization operation of a small product (parts, etc.) is performed based on the operation of the user terminal 2 by the user, when the "Proceed" button in the lower right of the lower part of the screen 220 is clicked, the product determination unit 62 determines the specifications of the product and displays the construction cost / additional item screen 240 in a pop-up form on the screen 220 on the display unit of the user terminal 2 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a construction cost / additional item screen among various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1. On the construction cost / additional item screen 240 in FIG. 9, columns for the labor cost (construction cost) and additional items of the product (commercial material) selected as the product required for the renovation work are displayed. That is, the product determination unit 62 in FIG. 3 can also present candidates for one or more products required for the renovation work of the determined construction content by causing the user terminal 2 to display not only the screens in FIGS. 7 and 8 but also the screen 240 in FIG. 9.

[0060] While browsing the screen 240 in FIG. 9, the user can select a construction cost item for the construction content of the renovation work and one or more products (commercial materials) required for the work to add construction details. When determining based on the content of the construction cost items displayed on the screen 240, when the user performs a predetermined operation (operation of the "OK" button on the screen 240), the content of the construction cost items displayed on the screen 240 is determined. In addition, by clicking on the vicinity of the name of each construction cost item, the description of the construction content will be pop-up displayed by the help function.

[0061] When the content of the construction cost items is determined, subsequently, the product determination unit 62 determines one or more products (commodities) that are the targets of the construction of the construction cost items determined by a predetermined operation by the user as one or more products (commodities) required for the renovation work.

[0062] Subsequently, in step S103 of FIG. 4, the contractor candidate determination unit 63 determines one or more contractor candidates by the user's operation from among one or more contractors who can undertake at least part of the work for the determined construction content and products.

[0063] Specifically, the contractor candidate determination unit 63 selects, from among a plurality of contractors stored in the DB121, one or more contractors who can undertake at least part (separate ordering of construction content and products is also possible) of the work for the construction content and products selected by the user's operation or the system, and determines one or more contractor candidates by the user's operation from among the selected one or more contractors.

[0064] When the user further selects one or more contractor candidates from among the selected one or more contractors, for example, a renovation company search screen 250 (see FIG. 10) linked from the homepage of the website may be displayed to obtain the contractor's information.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the renovation company search screen among various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1. On the renovation company search screen 250 shown in Fig. 10, as "company search conditions", for example, a user can select a prefecture, municipality, etc., check the renovation location, and obtain information on renovation companies near the construction site. Then, from the obtained information, the user can select a constructor capable of handling the construction work of the construction parts registered on this website and request an estimate. In addition, on this renovation company search screen 250, reviews and construction achievements of renovation companies are posted, so the user may select a constructor by checking reviews, construction achievements, and selling prices.

[0066] Also, on this renovation company search screen 250, the constructor nominated or bid by the user can also increase or decrease the sales items, mark up the price, or reduce the price for the selling price (the price set independently by the constructor). Then, after checking the user's desired construction date, the constructor can select the desired construction date. If no desired constructor is found even when the user enters "company search conditions", the user can receive an order for the estimate content on the website and request it from the franchise store by the website administrator. In addition, when members, additional construction work, etc. are required to reform the estimate content selected and created by the user, the constructor can separately propose the estimate content. In this case, on the constructor's my page, the user can be presented with an increase or decrease in sales items or addition from the user's estimate content, and the price can also be increased or decreased. Then, the construction date, etc. can be adjusted again.

[0067] The renovation company search screen 250 in Fig. 10 can be used for an auction. Specifically, on the renovation company search screen 250, an auction for a certain renovation project is held, and a list of constructors who have placed bids is displayed on the user's my page. On the user's my page, the user can check the progress of the bids for the estimate items. Specifically, on the my page, the user can check the number of constructors who have placed bids or the estimate items for which there have been bids. Thereby, the user selects a desired contractor from among one or more contractors who have submitted bids and decides whether to request or not. When submitting a bid, the contractor side may submit the bid price at the standard price (unified unit price) or at the contractor's own selling price. In that case, the desired price may be presented from the user side in advance. Regarding the products, the contractor side may bid on all of the products or only on some of the desired products.

[0068] In step S104 of FIG. 4, the notification unit 65 notifies (inquires) the contractor terminals 3 of a plurality of contractors as to whether it is possible to undertake at least a part of the determined construction work content and products (separate ordering of the construction work content and products is also possible).

[0069] The contractor candidate determination unit 63 determines one or more contractor candidates by the user's operation from among one or more contractors who have replied via the contractor terminal 3 that they are able to undertake the work in response to the notification from the notification unit 65.

[0070] When the construction work content, products, and contractor candidates are determined by the selection operation on the above-described screens 200 to 240, an estimate screen 260 (see FIG. 11) reflecting the content of the selection operation is displayed on the user terminal 2. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an estimate screen among various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1. On the screen 260 shown in FIG. 11, there are arranged an estimate item display column, a customer signature column, a special remarks entry column, a customer information display column, a housing information display column, a reservation calendar input column, an estimate summary display column, and various button groups (buttons such as "discount additional item", "estimate", "approval", "order reception", etc.).

[0071] In the estimate item display column, there are displayed the estimate information of the products and construction work content reflecting the content of the construction cost and additional items selected by the user on the screen 240 in FIG. 9, and a check box for checking whether the contractor side has confirmed the products (products and construction work content). The unit price displayed in the estimate item display column is only the standard price (the standard price agreed upon between the website and the franchise store (constructor)), and the actual transaction amount may be the unit price registered by each constructor on the website or may be in the form of "to be consulted" without registration. By the user confirming that there is a check in the check column, it is possible to confirm whether the constructor has confirmed the request details. In the customer information display column, the user's information read from the member information of DB121 is displayed. The unit price displayed in the estimate item display column is the standard price set on the website that has already been agreed upon with the constructor. In the input column of the reservation calendar, it is possible to input the desired completion date from the start date on the user side. Also, when there are multiple items, it is possible to input the desired date for each item.

[0072] On screen 260 of Figure 11, the system can automatically create an estimate with a recommended combination of constructors. The recommendation allows for user preference settings (priority settings). For example, by setting priorities such as higher evaluation being prioritized, lower price being prioritized, or matching construction period being prioritized, etc., estimates are created by combining constructors based on that priority setting.

[0073] On screen 260 of Figure 11, it is possible to place separate orders for each item, select an item and request an estimate from a constructor. Also, the user can confirm the response content for each item's estimate request to the constructor. Furthermore, items with multiple responses can be customized. For example, for an estimate request regarding "Product A in the kitchen", if there are responses such as 700,000 yen from Constructor B and 750,000 yen from Constructor C, the user can customize either response. For items with no response yet, it is also possible to confirm through displays such as "not answered". Also, it is possible to request estimates in a batch from one constructor. It is also possible to leave the estimate destination to the website.

[0074] In addition, regarding the screen 260 in FIG. 11, the original estimate screen and the estimate screen with responses from constructors can be opened side by side to compare the estimated amounts and the like of the estimate screens with each other. Also, multiple estimate screens with responses from different constructors can be arranged side by side for comparison.

[0075] Furthermore, it is also possible to request estimates from multiple constructors for the same item. For example, for the construction work applicable to one product (meeting the user's conditions), separate estimates can be requested only for the construction work from each of multiple constructors, and an order can be placed separately from the product with a constructor having a good estimate content among the responses received.

[0076] On the screen 260 in FIG. 11, when the "Estimate" button is clicked by the user, in step S105 in FIG. 4, the estimate issuing unit 64 issues an estimate including the price of the product, labor costs, etc. for one or more products determined by the product determination unit 62, and transmits it to the user's my page or the user terminal 2. As a result, on the user terminal 2, the estimate can be displayed on the display unit, printed as a paper medium, or the data of the estimate can be transmitted to another terminal.

[0077] Here, the estimate issuing unit 64 can issue an estimate for the construction work based on the cost information agreed in advance with the candidates for the constructor of the construction work regarding the determined construction content and products of the construction work. As a result, as described above, the user can freely select the products (commercial materials), construction content, and constructor for the renovation work and proceed with the renovation work. Note that before issuing the estimate, an estimate confirmation screen with an area for the user to input an electronic signature and an "Estimate Confirmation" button for the user to confirm the determination of the products (commercial materials) required for the renovation work may be presented to the user terminal 2.

[0078] After the estimate is issued, the user confirms the content of the estimate presented on the user terminal 2, and when the user operates the "Order Receiving" button on the screen 260 in FIG. 11 (although the screen 260 in FIG. 11 shows the screen on the constructor side, the estimate screen on the user side has an "Order Issuing" button), in step S107, the order receiving and issuing control unit 67 determines the products, construction details, and constructor of the estimate as accepted, and places an order for the renovation work with the constructor. The order receiving and issuing control unit 67 has an order receiving processing function, and performs order receiving processing for subcontracting the work based on the work request from the user who has received the estimate presentation.

[0079] The order receiving and issuing control unit 67 executes control to cause an electronic contract for subcontracting the work to be made between the user and the user based on the work request from the user who has received the estimate presentation. Specifically, for the content finally agreed upon by the user and the constructor, after the designated constructor confirms the content of its own terms and conditions, etc., and presses the "Order Receiving" button on the screen 260 in FIG. 11, the order receiving and issuing control unit 67 sends an electronic signature request email to the user and the constructor. When multiple constructors are included as the order recipients, electronic signature request emails are sent to multiple constructors. Note that it is also possible to use the "Order Receiving" button on the screen 260 in FIG. 11 as the consent button on the user side, with the constructor side being the subject of the contract. It is also possible to have the constructor side press the "Order Receiving" button to send an electronic signature request email, and the order is confirmed when the user gives consent. The electronic signature request email is attached with a link to the electronic signature system (electronic signature URL), and by clicking on the link in the email, the electronic contract control is executed by the electronic signature system. In the electronic signature system, the signatures of the user and the constructor are authenticated respectively.

[0080] Here, the electronic signature and the contract procedure will be described. In the case of this embodiment, a mechanism is introduced in which an electronic signature request email with an electronic signature URL is sent to the user, and the user performs an electronic signature by accessing the electronic signature URL. In a general electronic contract system, it is necessary to create a contract PDF and upload it to an electronic contract authentication system or the like together with customer information. However, this is not necessary in this embodiment.

[0081] After the user accesses the electronic signature URL and, for example, presses the signature confirmation button, the electronic signature system determines that the contract content has been approved, performs the selected electronic signature on the order form with terms and conditions, stores it in the storage device of the electronic signature system, and displays the screen indicating the completion of the electronic contract procedure on the user terminal 2. In addition, the user will receive a notification email separately from the electronic signature system indicating that the electronic signature has been completed. Also, when the order content is approved by the user upon completion of the electronic contract procedure, the electronic signature system sends a URL indicating the storage location of the order form with terms and conditions with an electronic signature to the server 1.

[0082] After the user's electronic signature, on the server 1, the order receiving and issuing control unit 67 accesses the URL received from the electronic signature system and generates a PDF-format order invoice from the electronically signed order form. At this time, the electronic signature of the constructor is processed so as to be automatically input into the order invoice.

[0083] Since the products registered in the DB121 have had the construction price and product price agreed upon by the company side in advance, one of the features of this information processing system is that the electronic signature from the company side, which is usually required, is automatically performed. Thereby, the request for the user to electronically sign from the user to the company side can be omitted. The omission of the electronic signature can be similarly performed in the case of cancellation or contract replacement, which is common in renovation work.

[0084] After generating the order invoice, the order receiving and issuing control unit 67 instructs to request to attach the electronic signature of the constructor to the order invoice. The order receiving and issuing control unit 67 that has received this instruction sends the order invoice in PDF format to the electronic signature system and requests an electronic signature.

[0085] Upon receiving a request for an electronic signature from Server 1, the electronic signature system executes the constructor's electronic signature process on the order form, stores the electronically signed order form within the system, and transmits the URL indicating the storage location of the order form to the requester. Note that the electronic signature system sends an e-mail indicating the completion of the contract to the user when the electronic signatures of both the user and the constructor have been made.

[0086] In Server 1, the order receiving / issuing control unit 67 accesses the URL received from the electronic signature system and receives the electronically signed order form. In this way, Server 1 receives the PDF file of the electronically signed order form and the PDF file of the order form with terms and conditions from the electronic signature system.

[0087] Server 1 that has received the above two files displays a selection dialog box overlaid on the upper surface of the screen. The selection dialog box is provided with buttons for prompting selection of any one of printing, e-mail, completion, etc., and the order receiving / issuing control unit 67 performs processing according to the pressing of any button.

[0088] When the e-mail button is pressed, the order receiving / issuing control unit 67 sends the PDF file of the received electronically signed order form and the PDF file of the order form with terms and conditions to the registered destination terminal (User Terminal 2) by e-mail and displays them on the screen of that terminal. When the print button is pressed, the order receiving / issuing control unit 67 can print it as a paper document using the default printer. When the completion button is pressed, the order receiving / issuing control unit 67 ends the order receiving process.

[0089] Here, the communication function will be described. After issuing the estimate for step S105 in FIG. 4, by clicking an inquiry button (not shown) displayed on screen 260 in FIG. 11, the communication control unit 66 displays a chat screen 270 (see FIG. 12), enabling the user to exchange information with the constructor.

[0090] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen among various screens displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in FIG. 1. On the chat screen 270 shown in FIG. 12, the user and the constructor designated by the user can communicate on the website. Specifically, it is also possible to send on-site photos for aligning the construction date and contract terms. Also, contact information can be easily shared between each other from customer information and company information.

[0091] During communication on the chat screen 270, it is also possible to negotiate price discounts, additional or changed construction costs required based on the on-site situation, etc. Specifically, on the chat screen 270, regarding the construction content and products, based on the estimate on the website during the chat, a process of negotiating a price discount for the estimate and reducing the estimated amount (price discount process) can be executed. Note that the form of the price discount process is not particularly limited, and forms such as rounding off the amount or a certain percentage discount can be adopted.

[0092] In this example, when it is determined that an order can be accepted, the order acceptance and issuance control unit 67 notifies the user terminal 2 or the user's my page on the website to that effect, and executes various processes regarding the user's order for the renovation work.

[0093] The progress management unit 68 can share information regarding the construction schedule of the work with each of the user and the constructor based on the construction content determined by the construction content determination unit 61, the product determined by the product determination unit 62, and the constructor candidate selected by the user from the constructor candidates determined by the constructor candidate determination unit 63 for the renovation work after the contract. That is, as described above, when a plurality of products (which may be a plurality of commodities or a plurality of components within a single commodity) are determined by the product determination unit 62, there may be cases where there are products (building materials) such as products that can be installed simultaneously, products to be installed, and products that cannot be installed. In such cases, the progress management unit 68 can schedule an efficient construction schedule and payment date (the deposit date as seen by the constructor) according to the relationship (such as the installation order) between these products.

[0094] The construction progress management of the renovation work is managed by the progress management unit 68 through the progress management screen 280 (see FIG. 13) and is displayed on the display units of the user terminal 2 and the constructor terminal 3 respectively. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the progress management screen among the various screens displayed on the display units of the user terminal and the constructor terminal 3 in FIG. 1. On the progress management screen 280 shown in FIG. 13, a calendar (date, day of the week, six-day week, etc.) is arranged on the horizontal axis, and items for each process name are arranged on the vertical axis. A process table corresponding to the date of the calendar is appropriately displayed in the form of a Gantt chart, so that not only the schedule of the renovation work can be understood, but also good days and bad days for starting work can be seen at a glance. Note that in the above description, the schedule of the progress management screen 280 is only a plan and can be appropriately changed by a predetermined operation (such as a schedule change operation) on the constructor terminal 3 by the constructor.

[0095] Here, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the functions of the constructor's my page on the website will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the basic information registration screen of the constructor's my page. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the project list screen of the constructor's my page. On the website, when the person in charge of the constructor clicks on the "Basic Information Registration" button (not shown) arranged on the constructor's my page, the basic information registration screen 290 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. On the basic information registration screen 290 of FIG. 14, there are information input fields for registering and editing the name of the renovation company, contact information (phone number, fax number, email address, url of the company's homepage, etc.), and company overview information (overview, after follow-up, insurance, qualifications, others, regular holidays, etc.). On this basic information registration screen 290, the constructor can register and edit the company's basic information, its selling points, construction cases, etc.

[0096] On the website, when the person in charge of the constructor clicks the "Project Display" button (not shown) placed on the constructor's personal page, the project list screen 300 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On the project list screen 300 of FIG. 15, a search area and a requested project display area are arranged. In the search area, in addition to a free word search input field for searching information for which a quotation request has been made from the user, there is a pull-down menu for selecting the person in charge, status, prefecture, and accuracy, and a period specification field for the quotation request date. In the requested project display area, the results of the above search or information for which a quotation request has been newly made from the user are displayed in the order of the request date. On this project list screen 300, the constructor side can search for and display a list of quotation-requested projects, bidable projects, and contracted projects under various conditions including free words for confirmation. Also, the work schedule can be shared and changed with the user for each project. The order-receiving items can be confirmed for each project, and order placement processing (processing including payment management) to the constructor can be performed. Also, the person in charge such as the salesperson in charge and the construction person in charge can be set for each project. In this way, on the project list screen 300, projects that occur irregularly at various times can be managed.

[0097] As described above, according to the information processing system of this embodiment, by the operation of the user, the construction content of the building construction, the products required for the construction, and one or more constructor candidates are determined respectively. Therefore, during the renovation work, the user can freely select the products, construction content, and constructor for the renovation work. In this information processing system, in addition to allowing the user to select each of the product, construction details, and constructor, a series of processes from the issuance of an estimate to ordering, receiving an order, concluding a contract, creating documents at each point in time, and subsequent progress management of the construction can be consistently managed. Therefore, the user can be provided with a total service for renovation work on the website. When transitioning from an estimate to a contract, it is necessary to prepare contract documents in a format different from the estimate and determine the construction schedule after coordinating the construction dates among the contractors.

[0098] In the actual renovation work after receiving an order, time is spent on document creation, communication between contractors is delayed, and the construction period tends to be delayed. However, by introducing the information processing system of this embodiment, these procedures can be omitted, and the work of the constructor side undertaking the renovation work can be streamlined. In addition, on this website, on the user's my page, the payment information from the user can be presented, a bill for the user's bank transfer can be automatically issued and presented to the user, and the payment for the renovation work can also be made by electronic payment using the user's credit card.

[0099] To summarize the above, the website (renovation.com) of this embodiment can achieve the following effects. (1) The website is a matching site between users and constructors and does not interfere with the content in principle. (2) It is possible to check the projects of all registered constructors and the progress of the named estimate projects, projects bid in the auction-style estimate, and contracted projects, etc. (3) When requested by the user side, it is possible to name the ordering company for the product (commercial material) selected by the user. (4) It is possible to respond to inquiries from each of the user and the constructor side. (5) By disclosing the matching site to member users, the number of franchise stores (constructors) and users can be increased. In terms of the business plan, in addition to the initial fees and monthly maintenance fees at the time of company membership, etc., XX% of the contract amount or estimated amount, and YY yen for each case occurrence are billed as revenue sources, and the personnel costs, development costs, advertising costs, etc. for operating the website are considered as expenses. Although an example where the website of this embodiment functions as a matching site between constructors and users has been described, not only this, but it is also possible to use the website as a brokerage site by making a contract as the main body and placing an order with a contractor.

[0100] Also, for example, although not shown in the figures, the functions provided in the user terminal 2 etc. can be transferred to the user (customer)'s terminal. As a result, not limited to the form of an app that is downloaded and used, the user (customer) can make renovation requests and orders directly (not a so-called native app which is an application downloaded on the web, but a web app).

[0101] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the server will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 23. First, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20, the on-site notification function among the construction management functions of the server will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen among various screens displayed on the display units of the user terminal and the constructor terminal 3 in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a document registration screen displayed by pressing the "On-site Notification Column" of the top screen in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a registered document screen for checking the documents registered on the document registration screen in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a document screen displayed by pressing the "On-site Photo" button of the top screen in FIG. 16. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a shared chat screen displayed by pressing the "On-site Comment" button of the top screen in FIG. 16.

[0102] The server 1 of the second embodiment is provided with a construction management department (not shown) that realizes the construction management function. The Construction Management Department displays the top screen 310 shown in FIG. 16. On the top screen 310, there are provided a column for basic information, a column for customer information, and a column for site announcements.

[0103] In the column for basic information, items such as the site name, site status, site publicity, contract date, planned start date, weather forecast area, etc. are each displayed with their respective information.

[0104] In the column for customer information, as information regarding the client, for example, for each item such as the client name, site address, map, email, phone number, FAX, mobile phone number, site exterior photo, customer requests, etc., information is input.

[0105] In the column for site announcements, notifications from others are notified in real time.

[0106] At the left end of the menu bar for each of these columns, an "Edit" button is arranged. By pressing the respective button, the settings for each column can be edited.

[0107] On the left side of the screen of the top screen 310, a construction management menu 311 is arranged. A plurality of buttons are arranged in the construction management menu 311. As the plurality of buttons, for example, there are included a "Site Information" button, a "Site Comment" button, a "Site Documents" button, a "Site Photos" button, a "Site Schedule" button, a "Company Bulletin Board" button, a "Home Record" button, a "Q&A" button, a "ToDo List" button, a "Summary" button, etc. By operating any one of these plurality of buttons, processing according to the corresponding function is executed. By pressing the "Site Comment" button, processing by the shared chat function is executed, and the shared chat screen 350 in FIG. 20 is displayed. By pressing the "Site Documents" button, processing by the site document viewing function is executed, and a site document viewing screen (not shown) is displayed. By pressing the "On-site Photo" button, the process by the on-site photo viewing function is executed, and an on-site photo viewing screen (not shown) is displayed. By pressing the "On-site Process Table" button, the process by the progress management unit 68 is executed, and a progress management screen 280 with the process table shown in FIG. 13 arranged thereon is displayed. By pressing the "Q&A" button, the process by the Q&A function is executed, and a Q&A screen 360 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. By pressing the "ToDo List" button, the process by the ToDo list management function is executed, and a ToDo list display screen 370 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. By pressing the "Aggregation" button, the process by the aggregation function is executed, and an aggregation screen 380 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed.

[0108] Here, the method of registering "on-site materials" will be described. When the "On-site Materials" button in the construction management menu 311 is pressed, an on-site materials viewing screen (not shown) is displayed. By pressing the registration button on that viewing screen, a materials registration screen 320 as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. On the materials registration screen 320, there are a pull-down menu for selecting the type of file to be registered, radio buttons for specifying users who can view and download, a file selection box, an "Execute Editing" button for executing editing, etc. On this screen 320, registration of materials, editing of settings, etc. can be performed. By setting the user on this screen 320, only the people within the range specified by the uploader can view photos, materials, and comments.

[0109] Specifically, on the screen 320, after specifying the file to be registered as a material and then pressing the "Execute Editing" button, a registration result screen 330 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. On the screen 330, in addition to basic information such as file name, registration date, updater, update date, and file description, there are item columns for those who have viewed and those who have not viewed. It is possible to check the number of people who have viewed each file and the number of people who have not viewed it. Also, by pressing the part of each number, details of those who have viewed and those who have not viewed will be displayed. Therefore, the uploader can check the viewing status of the uploaded files in units of viewers.

[0110] When registering on-site photos, press the "On-site Photos" button in the construction management menu 311, and a photo registration screen 340 as shown in FIG. 19 will be displayed. On the screen 340, thumbnails of the uploaded photos are displayed for each construction stage, for example, before construction, during construction, after construction, etc. On this screen 340, photos can be uploaded with attributes of construction stages such as before construction, during construction, and after construction. Construction photos can be edited on this screen 340. The edited photos can be saved under a different name from the original photos and used as instruction photos.

[0111] Next, the shared chat function will be described. By pressing the "On-site Comments" button in the construction management menu 311 on the top screen 310, processing by the shared chat function is executed, and the shared chat screen 350 in FIG. 20 is displayed. On the shared chat screen 350, a screen for conducting shared chats for each group is prepared. On this shared chat screen 350, multiple people who have been pre-registered as a shared group, for example, contractors (general contractors, plumbing contractors, renovation contractors, etc.) and clients, etc., can exchange chat messages.

[0112] According to this shared chat function, in addition to general one-on-one chats, it is possible to communicate among multiple parties, such as between users and contractors or between construction contractors and contractors, and to post on-site photos and communicate, and even to exchange materials such as work schedules, and to keep that information as a record. As a result, various precautions at the construction site can be made known. Also, in the case of the normal chat function, it was an individual communication between the customer and the order recipient, but in the communication using the shared chat, all order recipients can confirm the message exchange, so true information sharing can be achieved.

[0113] Next, the Q&A function will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a Q&A screen displayed by pressing the "Q&A" button on the top screen of FIG. 16. By pressing the "Q&A" button in the construction management menu 311 of the top screen 310, the process by the Q&A function is executed, and the Q&A screen 360 in FIG. 21 is displayed. On the Q&A screen 360, the Q&A function can automatically respond by referring to the big data accumulated in the past or the AI learned by giving teacher data, such as matters related to the estimate content, matters related to the contract, construction methods, and past claim cases. Also, it can answer questions from customers and questions from construction stores. The Q&A function quotes images such as photos to answer if necessary. The Q&A function has an AI function. The AI function, for example, discriminates defective parts in an image of a dwelling uploaded to the Q&A screen 360 and answers the coping method for the defective parts. The Q&A function can answer in such a way that it seems as if a skilled salesman or carpenter is answering.

[0114] Next, the function of the ToDo list will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a ToDo list screen displayed by pressing the "ToDo list" button on the top screen of FIG. 16. By pressing the "ToDo List" button in the construction management menu 311 of the top screen 310, the processing by the ToDo list management function is executed, and the ToDo list display screen 370 in Fig. 22 is displayed. The ToDo list is displayed on the ToDo list display screen 370. On the ToDo list display screen 370, a workflow such as having the contractor check the ToDo list and the customer approving the content checked by the contractor can be implemented. Note that the ToDo list is changed according to the content of the renovation work. The ToDo list exists for each construction work as a checklist for each work. For example, if there are cross works, toilet works, and floor works in one contract, there are checklists for each work. According to the ToDo list management function, the customer can grasp the actual progress of the construction (progress status) instead of the planned construction. Also, a new ToDo can be created by checking a checkbox provided separately from the workflow determined by both the contractor and the customer. The ToDo list management function has an AI function and can automatically generate a ToDo in cooperation with the chat content and construction information.

[0115] Next, the aggregation function will be described. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the aggregation screen displayed by pressing the "Aggregation" button on the top screen in Fig. 16. By pressing the "Aggregation" button in the construction management menu 311 of the top screen 310, the processing by the aggregation function is executed, and the aggregation screen 380 in Fig. 23 is displayed. This example of the aggregation screen 380 is an example of searching for the aggregated content of the response content among the data stored in the DB121. The aggregation screen 380 is provided with columns such as response type, response date, desired construction budget, desired construction location, construction trigger, non-winning bid type, non-winning bid date, non-winning bid reason, non-winning bid reason (remarks), etc. By inputting information into each column, the aggregation conditions are narrowed down. As a result of aggregating information based on aggregation conditions, for example, the tendency of certain construction contractors to have late reports and late starts is output. Furthermore, by using the aggregation results, when a certain construction contractor undertakes, for example, 100 construction projects, it is possible to predict how many projects will be delayed.

[0116] The aggregation function aggregates (including statistics up to contract) all exchanges between construction companies and between construction companies and clients via Server 1, such as the response media, number of visitors, number of estimates, number of contracts, order amount, gross profit amount, reasons for construction, reasons for losing orders, construction budget, order trends, and how it compares to the market for each construction company and all construction companies, accumulates the results in DB121, and outputs this aggregation result. For example, aggregate the speed of response to customers of each construction company and all construction companies, whether the scheduled start and completion dates are being met, whether photos are properly uploaded, whether the ToDo list is properly updated, the reputation from customers, etc. (including construction statistics), feedback them to the construction company side, and the customer side can also confirm the construction quality of the construction company. Also, the data of the aggregation results can be automatically transmitted or searched at a predetermined timing every month.

[0117] The above is an explanation of one embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the person undertaking the renovation work was described as the constructor, but any business operator who can undertake at least one of the installation work of products, the demolition work of existing products, disposal, etc. is sufficient.

[0119] In the above embodiment, in the example of Screen 240 in FIG. 9, all of the construction costs and additional items were filled in, and it was described that the user selects (designates) all construction contents. However, the example of Screen 240 is just an example, and the user does not have to specify all construction contents and products of the renovation work.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the flowchart in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and other flowcharts may be used. For example, the estimate issuance step in step S105 may be used as the contractor candidate determination step in step S103. In this case, for example, it is assumed that the service provider and the constructor determine in advance the prices to be presented in the estimate for each construction content unit or product unit.

[0121] In the above embodiment, several examples of separately ordering a product, construction content, and constructor have been described. However, at the time of estimation, the user can finely divide the product and construction content into one or more items, inquire whether the constructor undertakes them, and obtain approval from the constructor, enabling a wide range of separate orders.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, the information processing system executed a process to support a series of operations from estimation to order reception and order issuance for the renovation work of a building, but it is not particularly limited to renovation.

[0123] Also, for example, the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention and are not particularly limited.

[0124] Moreover, each functional block diagram and database shown in FIG. 3 above are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system is equipped with a function capable of executing the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the above examples.

[0125] Also, the location of the functional blocks and databases is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3 and may be arbitrary. For example, in the example of FIG. 3 described above, all the functional blocks and databases are provided in the server 1, but this is merely an example. For example, as described above, it may be the functional blocks and databases executed by the application installed in the user terminal 2, or at least a part of the functional blocks and databases arranged on the server 1 side may be provided on the user terminal 2 side. In addition, one functional block and database may be configured by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

[0126] Also, for example, the functional blocks and databases shown in FIG. 3 described above are merely examples, and another functional block (not shown) may be provided in the information processing system.

[0127] When the processing of each functional block is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a general-purpose smartphone or personal computer in addition to a server.

[0128] A recording medium containing such a program is not only composed of a removable medium distributed separately from the device body to provide the program to each user, but also composed of a recording medium or the like provided to each user in a state pre-installed in the device body.

[0129] Note that in this specification, the steps of describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only the processes performed in chronological order according to the order, but also the processes that are not necessarily processed in chronological order and are executed in parallel or individually.

[0130] In addition, in this specification, the term "system" means an overall device composed of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, and the like.

[0131] To summarize the above, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied can have the following configuration and can take various embodiments. That is, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied construction content determination means (such as the construction content determination unit 61 in FIG. 3, etc.) for determining the construction content of the building construction by the user's operation, product determination means (such as the product determination unit 62 in FIG. 3, etc.) for determining the products (commercial materials) required for the construction by the user's operation, from among one or more contractors capable of undertaking at least a part of the construction (separate ordering of construction content and products is possible) for the determined construction content and products, by the user's operation (the operation may be an operation in which the user explicitly designates contractor candidates, or an operation in which the service provider (system) is entrusted with the determination of contractor candidates), contractor candidate determination means (such as the contractor candidate determination unit 63 in FIG. 3, etc.) for determining one or more contractor candidates, and is provided with. In this way, since the user selects the construction content of the building construction and the products (commercial materials) required for the construction and determines the candidates for the contractors capable of undertaking the construction, the user can select a renovation project that the user likes. As a result, during the renovation project, the user can freely select the products, construction content, and constructors for the renovation project and proceed with the renovation project.

[0132] In the above information processing system, estimate issuing means (such as the estimate issuing unit 64 in FIG. 3, etc.) for issuing an estimate for the construction regarding the determined construction content and products, and is further provided with. In this way, by issuing an estimate for the construction regarding the construction content and products and allowing the user to view the estimate, the user can have in mind the specific costs involved in the construction.

[0133] In the above information processing system, standard estimates for standard construction work contents and standard products have been presented in advance by the one or more contractors, the estimate issuing means (for example, the estimate issuing unit 64 in FIG. 3, etc.) issues the estimates of the respective one or more contractors based on the standard estimates, the contractor candidate determining means (for example, the contractor candidate determining unit 63 in FIG. 3, etc.) determines one or more contractor candidates from among the one or more contractors to whom the estimates have been presented, by the operation of the user. In this way, by performing the estimate of the standard price presented in advance by the contractor before determining the contractor candidates, the user can know the approximate standard construction price, and the user can check the word-of-mouth of the contractor and select the contractor to whom the user places an order for the construction work while considering the actual selling price and construction work contents. Thereafter, from among the one or more contractors, by the operation of the user (for example, the operation of designating the contractor on the user terminal 2, etc.), the candidate determining means (for example, the contractor candidate determining unit 63 in FIG. 3, etc.) determines candidates for one or more contractors (constructors), so that the user can determine a contractor (constructor) with a more advantageous price. Note that contractor candidates may be determined from among those in which the standard prices registered in advance by each contractor are respectively displayed, or only the standard prices may be displayed, or it may be subject to consultation.

[0134] In the above information processing system, the estimate issuing means (for example, the estimate issuing unit 64 in FIG. 3, etc.) issues the estimates presented from each of the determined one or more contractor candidates. In this way, by issuing the estimates presented from each of the one or more contractor candidates, the user can select a desired one from among the one or more estimates and request a renovation construction from a contractor (constructor) closer to the user's requirements.

[0135] In the above information processing system, the contractor candidate determining means (for example, the contractor candidate determining unit 63 in FIG. 3, etc.) selects the one or more contractor candidates selected by the operation of the user from among the one or more contractors presented to the user. In this way, by the user selecting a contractor (constructor) candidate from the plurality of presented contractor (constructor) candidates, the user can narrow down the contractor (constructor) to one that suits their requirements.

[0136] In the above information processing system, a notification means (for example, the notification unit 65 in FIG. 3) is further provided to notify a plurality of contractor terminals (for example, the constructor terminal 3, etc.) whether it is possible to undertake at least a part of the above-mentioned construction work (separate ordering of the construction work and the product is also possible) for the determined construction content and the product. The above-mentioned contractor candidate determination means (for example, the contractor candidate determination unit 63 in FIG. 3, etc.) determines candidates for the above-mentioned one or more contractors (constructors) by the user's operation from among the above-mentioned one or more contractors (constructors) that have responded via the terminal that they are able to undertake the work in response to the above-mentioned notification. In this way, by notifying a plurality of contractor terminals (for example, the constructor terminal 3, etc.) whether it is possible to undertake the work and determining candidates for one or more contractors (constructors) by the user's operation from among the contractors that have received a response, the user can select a construction contractor, for example, in the manner of an auction or the like.

[0137] In the above information processing system, a communication control means (for example, the communication control unit 66 in FIG. 3, etc.) for controlling communication between the user's terminal and the terminal of a predetermined one among the determined one or more contractor candidates to facilitate communication between the user's terminal and the predetermined person. is further provided. In this way, by controlling communication between the user and a predetermined one among the contractor (constructor) candidates, the user can communicate with the contractor (constructor) about the estimate content of the work and subsequent contract signing, etc. (for example, price negotiation, etc.).

[0138] In the above information processing system, control related to the order placement process for the order recipient (selected constructor) selected by the user's operation from among the determined candidates of the one or more merchants (constructors) is executed, and order receiving and placing control means (for example, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 in FIG. 3, etc.) that executes control related to the order receiving process at the order recipient is provided. It further includes. In this way, since a construction order is placed with the constructor (selected constructor) selected by the user from among the constructor candidates, and the constructor (selected constructor) at the order recipient receives the order, the user can place an order for the construction work desired by the user with the constructor (selected constructor) selected by the user.

[0139] In the above information processing system, the order receiving and placing control means (for example, the order receiving and placing control unit 67 in FIG. 3, etc.) executes control of processing related to the electronic contract concluded between the user and the order recipient as part of the control related to the order receiving process. In this way, by having the signatures of the user and the constructor authenticated by an external predetermined certification authority (for example, an electronic signature system, etc.), a reliable contract can be established.

[0140] In the above information processing system, progress management means (for example, the progress management unit 68 in FIG. 3, etc.) that presents progress information indicating the progress of the construction work at the order recipient to the user's terminal is provided. It further includes. In this way, by presenting progress information indicating the progress of the construction work at the order recipient to the user's terminal (for example, the user terminal 2, etc.), the user can view the progress status after the construction contract.

[0141] It further includes merchant information registration means (for example, the merchant information registration unit 69 in FIG. 3, etc.) that registers merchant information indicating at least one of the products that can be handled and the construction content by the operations of multiple merchants. The above-mentioned contractor candidate determination means (for example, the contractor candidate determination unit 63 in FIG. 3) selects, from among the plurality of contractors, one or more contractors who can undertake at least part of the above-mentioned work (separate orders for the work content and products are also possible) for the selected work content and products based on the contractor information of each of the plurality of contractors. From among the selected one or more contractors, the user operates to determine the one or more contractor candidates. In this way, by registering in advance the products and work content that a contractor (such as a constructor) can handle, the system picks out the contractors (such as constructors) who can undertake the work from among the registered many contractors, and the user can select a contractor (such as a constructor) from among the picked contractors who can do the work.

[0142] The information processing method to which the present invention is applied is an information processing method executed by an information processing system, A work content determination step (for example, step S101 in FIG. 4 etc.) of determining the work content of building construction by the user's operation, A product determination step (for example, step S102 in FIG. 4 etc.) of determining the products required for the work by the user's operation, A contractor candidate determination step (for example, step S103 in FIG. 4 etc.) of determining one or more contractor candidates by the user's operation from among one or more contractors who can undertake at least part of the work for the determined work content and products, including including. In this way, since the user selects the work content of building construction and the products (commercial materials) required for the work and determines the candidates for the contractors who can undertake the work, the user can select the renovation work that the user thinks is good. As a result, during the renovation work, the user can freely select the products, work content, and constructor of the renovation work target and proceed with the renovation work.

[0143] The program to which the present invention is applied is for a computer, A construction content determination step of determining the construction content of the building construction by the operation of the user (for example, step S101 in FIG. 4, etc.), A product determination step of determining the products required for the construction by the operation of the user (for example, step S102 in FIG. 4, etc.), From among one or more contractors who can undertake at least a part of the construction for the determined construction content and the products, a contractor candidate determination step of determining one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user (for example, step S102 in FIG. 4, etc.), Execute a control process including. In this way, since the user selects the construction content of the building construction and the products (commercial materials) required for the construction and determines the candidates for the contractors who can undertake the construction, the user can select the renovation construction that the user likes. As a result, during the renovation construction, the user can freely select the products, construction content, and constructors for the renovation construction and proceed with the renovation construction.

Explanation of Signs

[0144] 1... Server, 2, 2-1 to 2-n... User terminals, 3, 3-1 to 3-m... Constructor terminals, 11... CPU, 18... Storage unit, 50... Site management unit, 61... Construction content determination unit, 62... Product determination unit, 63... Contractor candidate determination unit, 64... Estimate issuance unit, 65... Notification unit, 66... Communication control unit, 67... Order receiving and issuing control unit, 68... Progress management unit, 69... Contractor information registration unit

Claims

1. Construction content determination means for determining the construction content of building construction by the operation of the user; Product determination means for determining the products required for the construction by the operation of the user; Contractor candidate determination means for determining one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user from among one or more contractors capable of undertaking at least part of the construction for the determined construction content and products; An information processing system comprising the above.

2. Estimate issuance means for issuing an estimate regarding the construction for the determined construction content and products; The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. Standard estimates for standard construction content and standard products are presented in advance by the one or more contractors; The estimate issuance means issues the estimates of the respective one or more contractors based on the standard estimate; The contractor candidate determination means determines the one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user from among the one or more contractors to whom the estimate has been presented; The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The estimate issuance means issues the estimates presented by the respective determined one or more contractor candidates; The information processing system according to claim 2.

5. The contractor candidate determination means selects the one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user for selecting the one or more contractor candidates from among the one or more contractors presented to the user; The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. Further comprising notification means for notifying a plurality of contractor terminals whether they are capable of undertaking at least part of the construction for the determined construction content and products; The contractor candidate determination means determines the one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user from among the one or more contractors who have responded via the terminal that they are capable of undertaking the construction in response to the notification; The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. Communication control means for controlling communication between the user's terminal and the terminal of a predetermined one of the determined one or more contractor candidates for the purpose of facilitating communication between the user's terminal and the predetermined one; The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

8. Execute control related to the order processing for the selected order destination among the one or more contractor candidates determined by the operation of the user, and execute control related to the order receiving processing at the order destination; an order receiving / order placing control means The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising

9. As part of the control related to the order receiving processing, the order receiving / order placing control means executes control of processing related to an electronic contract concluded between the user and the order destination. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. A progress management means for presenting progress information indicating the progress of the construction work at the order destination to the terminal of the user The information processing system according to claim 8, further comprising

11. Further comprising a contractor information registration means for registering contractor information indicating at least one of the products that can be handled and the construction details by the operations of a plurality of contractors Based on the contractor information of each of the plurality of contractors, the contractor candidate determination means selects one or more contractors from among the plurality of contractors who can undertake at least part of the construction work for the determined construction details and products, From among the selected one or more contractors, the user's operation determines the one or more contractor candidates. The information processing system according to claim 1.

12. In an information processing method executed by an information processing system, A construction details determination step of determining the construction details of a building construction by the operation of the user; A product determination step of determining the products required for the construction by the operation of the user; A contractor candidate determination step of determining one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user from among one or more contractors who can undertake at least part of the construction work for the determined construction details and products; An information processing method including

13. A program for causing a computer to Execute a construction details determination step of determining the construction details of a building construction by the operation of the user; Execute a product determination step of determining the products required for the construction by the operation of the user; Execute a contractor candidate determination step of determining one or more contractor candidates by the operation of the user from among one or more contractors who can undertake at least part of the construction work for the determined construction details and products; Execute a control process including

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