Method for matching, matching system, and program

Abstract

To provide a method for matching, a matching system, and a program for appropriately matching prospective robot adopters with suppliers.SOLUTION: The method for matching according to the present embodiment is a method for matching that uses a computer to match prospective robot adopters with robot suppliers. The method includes: acquiring request information regarding robot introduction from the prospective adopter; acquiring supply information regarding robots that the supplier can provide; performing matching on the basis of the request information and the supply information; and notifying at least one of the prospective adopter and the supplier of the matching result. The matching device may generate the matching by using a machine learning model such as deep learning.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a matching method, a matching system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing autonomous vehicles within a hospital. Within the hospital, the autonomous vehicles transport medical supplies, medicines, linens, specimens, meals, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-81320 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When introducing robots such as self-driving vehicles into a facility, those who wish to introduce the robot conduct research into the type of robot they should introduce. However, when the services (also called tasks) that the robot will perform are diverse, the research becomes cumbersome, which is a problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The matching method according to this embodiment is a matching method that uses a computer to match a person wishing to introduce a robot with a supplier of the robot, and obtains request information regarding the introduction of a robot from the person wishing to introduce the robot, obtains supply information regarding robots that the supplier can supply, performs matching based on the request information and the supply information, and notifies at least one of the person wishing to introduce the robot and the supplier of the matching result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a matching method, a matching system, and a program that can appropriately match people wishing to introduce robots with suppliers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a matching system. [Figure 3] 10 is a table illustrating an example of request information. [Figure 4] 10 is a table showing an example of supply information. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a matching method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential means for solving the problems.

[0009] Referring to Fig. 1, the matching system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the matching system. The matching system 1 includes a matching device 100, a seeker terminal 400, and a supplier terminal 500. The matching device 100, the seeker terminal 400, and the supplier terminal 500 are connected via a network 600.

[0010] The applicant terminal 400 is a tablet computer, a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like. The applicant terminal 400 may be any information processing device capable of wireless or wired communication. The applicant U1 is a robot introduction applicant who wishes to introduce the robots 200, 201. For example, the applicant U1 is the owner, manager, or area manager of a facility, and wishes to introduce the robots 200, 201 that perform various services (also called tasks). The applicant U1 operates the applicant terminal 400 to introduce the robots 200, 201 into the facility. The applicant U1 uses the applicant terminal 400 to input information necessary for introduction.

[0011] The supplier terminal 500 is used by suppliers P1 and P2. The supplier terminal 500 is an information processing device such as a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a personal computer. The suppliers P1 and P2 input supply information regarding robots that can be supplied by operating the supplier terminal 500. Although only two suppliers, P1 and P2, are shown in FIG. 1, there may be three or more suppliers.

[0012] The matching device 100 is used by a matching agency (not shown). The matching agency is the operator or manager of a matching site that matches a seeker U1 with a supplier P1. The matching device 100 is an information processing device such as a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a personal computer. The matching device 100 performs a matching process that matches a seeker U1 with suppliers P1 and P2. In other words, the matching device 100 selects a supplier P1 that meets the desires of the seeker U1 from among multiple suppliers P1 and P2. The matching device 100 transmits information about the selected supplier P1 to the seeker U1. Alternatively, the matching device 100 transmits information about the seeker U1 to the selected supplier P1. The matching device 100 may select two or more suppliers P1 and transmit information about each of them.

[0013] The matching device 100, the applicant terminal 400, and the supplier terminal 500 can be implemented as a device capable of executing a program, such as a central processing unit (CPU). Various functions can also be realized by the program. The matching device 100, the applicant terminal 400, and the supplier terminal 500 have a communication interface for connecting to the network 600.

[0014] The supplier P1 selected by the matching device 100 supplies the robot 200, 201 to the applicant U1 based on an introduction request from the applicant U1. The suppliers P1, P2 are, for example, a sales company, manufacturing company, sales agent, intermediary, maintenance company, trading company, or individual of the robot 200. The suppliers P1, P2 may also supply multiple types of robots 200, 201. The supply of robots by the suppliers P1, P2 may take the form of sales, leasing, rental, or the like. The suppliers P1, P2 may also supply an accessory unit 300, which will be described later.

[0015] The robots 200 and 201 are, for example, autonomous mobile robots that perform services such as transportation, cleaning, security, and guidance. The robots 200 and 201 autonomously move around medical and welfare facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and elderly care facilities. The robots 200 and 201 can also be used in commercial facilities such as shopping malls. The robots 200 and 201 have wheels, a chassis, a motor, sensors, a battery, a controller, and the like.

[0016] The robot 200 performs a service by being used in combination with an accessory unit 300. Different accessory units 300 are prepared depending on the service. The robot 201 is a transport robot that performs transport services independently. For example, the robot 201 is equipped with a storage unit for storing items to be transported, and transports the items without using an accessory unit 300. The robots 200 and 201 transport medicines, specimens, medical records, medical equipment, and the like.

[0017] The attachment unit 300 is used in combination with the robot 200 to perform each service. For example, when the robot 200 performs a transport service to transport an object, the attachment unit 300 becomes a transport unit transported by the robot 200. The attachment unit 300 for transport is a wheeled wagon or cart, inside which the object can be loaded. The carriage portion of the robot 200 serves as a stage on which the wagon or the like is mounted.

[0018] The robot 200 has a lifting function for lifting the accessory unit 300. When the carriage portion of the robot 200 enters under the accessory unit 300, the lifting stage or the like lifts the accessory unit 300. This allows the robot 200 to carry the item housed in the accessory unit 300 to its destination. By attaching the accessory unit 300, the robot 200 becomes capable of performing transportation services. The accessory unit 300 for transportation is used for serving and clearing food in restaurants, medical and welfare facilities, etc. The transport unit may also be used for transporting parts in factories, transporting specimens in hospitals, transporting linen in hotels, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the robot 200 can also provide services other than the transportation service together with other attachment units 300. For example, other services include cleaning services, security services, and guidance services. Therefore, the transportation attachment units 300 include cleaning attachment units, security attachment units 300, and guidance attachment units 300. The robot 200 is equipped with any one of the attachment units. In other words, the attachment units 300 are detachable from the robot 200. The robot 200 is equipped with an attachment unit 300 according to the service to be performed.

[0020] The cleaning attachment unit 300 is a unit for cleaning facilities. The cleaning attachment unit 300 has a vacuum cleaner that sucks up dirt and the like. Alternatively, the cleaning attachment unit 300 has a brush, a floor wiping pad, a mop, and the like. When the robot 200 moves with the cleaning attachment unit 300 attached, the floor surface is cleaned. In other words, the floor surface is cleaned in the area where the robot 200 moves. By attaching the cleaning attachment unit 300, the robot 200 can perform a cleaning service. Furthermore, the cleaning attachment unit 300 may be a remotely controllable robot vacuum cleaner. In this case, the robot 200 performs a cleaning service by remotely controlling the cleaning attachment unit 300 via wireless communication.

[0021] The security accessory unit 300 is a unit for guarding a facility. The security accessory unit 300 has various sensors for detecting intruders and abnormalities, for example. For example, the security accessory unit 300 has sensors such as a camera, an infrared camera, a distance sensor, a light sensor, a heat sensor, and a smoke sensor. The security accessory unit 300 may also have a lighting device for illuminating intruders or abnormal locations. The accessory unit 300 may also have an alarm function for issuing an alert when an abnormality is detected. By attaching the security accessory unit 300 to the robot 200, the robot 200 becomes able to perform security services.

[0022] The guidance accessory unit 300 is a unit for guiding visitors to a facility. For example, the guidance accessory unit 300 provides guidance to visitors to the facility on routes to their destinations. The guidance accessory unit 300 has an input device that allows the visitor to input their destination. The input device has a touch panel and buttons. The input device also has a microphone for voice input. The robot 200 moves to the destination to guide the visitor. The guidance accessory unit 300 may have a display device for displaying the route and a speaker for outputting the route as voice.

[0023] In this way, by using the attachment unit 300 in combination with the robot 200, the robot 200 can perform a plurality of different services. In other words, the robot 200 performs a service according to the attached attachment unit 300. Of course, the number of types of robots that can be introduced is not limited to two. For example, the number of types of robots may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, robots that perform services other than transportation services may be introduced. Dedicated robots that perform various services such as cleaning services, security services, and guide services may be introduced.

[0024] The types of robots 200, 201, or attachment units 300 that can be supplied differ depending on the suppliers P1 and P2. The supplier P2 cannot supply the robots 200, 201, or attachment units that can be supplied by the supplier P1. For example, the supplier P1 can share the robot 201 and the security attachment unit 300, but the supplier P2 cannot share the robot 201 and the security attachment unit 300. In other words, the supplier P2 does not handle the security attachment unit 300. Furthermore, the supplier P1 may no longer be able to supply the robots 200, 201, or attachment units that can be supplied by the supplier P2. For example, the supplier P2 can supply the cleaning attachment unit 300, but the supplier P2 cannot supply the cleaning attachment unit 300.

[0025] Alternatively, if there are multiple types of robots and accessory units 300 that perform the same service, the suppliers P1 and P2 may not be able to supply all of the robots 200 and accessory units 300.

[0026] The matching device 100 supports the introduction of a robot to the applicant U1 by selecting a supplier P1 according to the applicant U1's wishes. Specifically, the matching device 100 presents to the applicant U1 suppliers P1 that can provide robots 200, 201 that meet the wishes of the applicant U1. This makes it possible to select an appropriate supplier P1 from among a large number of suppliers P1. Therefore, the matching device 100 can appropriately support the introduction of a robot to the facility of the applicant U1.

[0027] The processing in the matching system 1 will be explained below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the matching system 1. Note that the matching device 100, the applicant terminal 400, and the supplier terminal 500 are not limited to being a single physical device, but may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0028] As described above, the applicant terminal 400 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone. The applicant terminal 400 includes a communication unit 401, a processing unit 402, a storage unit 403, a display unit 404, and an input unit 405. The communication unit 401 has a communication interface such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router. The communication unit 401 transmits and receives data to and from the communication unit 105 of the matching device 100. The communication unit 401 transmits request information, which will be described later, to the matching device 100.

[0029] The processing unit 402 has a processor and the like. The storage unit 403 has storage devices such as a memory, a hard disk drive, and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 403 stores programs, various settings, and the like. The processing unit 402 executes the programs recorded in the storage unit 403, thereby performing various processes.

[0030] The display unit 404 has a display device that displays to the applicant U1. The display unit 404 displays the processing results of the processing unit 402, data received from the matching device 100, etc. The input unit 405 has input devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, and mouse. The input unit 405 accepts data input from the applicant U1. That is, the applicant U1 inputs data by operating a touch panel or the like. The applicant U1 inputs request information by operating the input unit 405. The input unit 405 may also have a microphone or the like for voice input.

[0031] As described above, the supplier terminal 500 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a personal computer. The supplier terminal 500 includes a communication unit 501, a processing unit 502, a storage unit 503, a display unit 504, and an input unit 505. The communication unit 401 has a communication interface such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router. The communication unit 401 transmits and receives data to and from the communication unit 105 of the matching device 100. The communication unit 401 transmits supply information, which will be described later, to the matching device 100. The configurations and functions of the communication unit 501, the processing unit 502, the storage unit 503, the display unit 504, and the input unit 505 are similar to those of the communication unit 501, the processing unit 502, the storage unit 503, the display unit 504, and the input unit 505, and therefore will not be described as appropriate.

[0032] The matching device 100 includes a request information acquisition unit 101, a supply information acquisition unit 102, a matching processing unit 104, and a communication unit 105. The matching device 100 is a server computer or the like that collects data from the applicant terminal 400 and the supplier terminal 500. The processor of the matching device 100 executes a program stored in the memory to perform the following processing.

[0033] The applicant U1 operates the input unit 405 to input request information regarding the introduction of a robot. The request information acquisition unit 101 acquires the request information transmitted from the applicant terminal 400. For example, the applicant U1 operates the input unit 405 of the applicant terminal 400 to access a web page of the matching device 100, etc. The request information acquisition unit 101 transmits data to the applicant terminal 400 for displaying an input screen for the request information.

[0034] The display unit 404 displays a screen for inputting information about the robot to be introduced. The applicant U1 operates the input unit 405 to input request information about the robot to be introduced. The request information input into the input unit 405 may be input by text input, touch panel input, selection input, voice input, input in response to voice AI (Artificial Intelligence), etc. The communication unit 401 transmits a signal including the request information to the matching device 100. When the communication unit 105 of the matching device 100 receives the signal, the request information acquisition unit 101 extracts the request information.

[0035] The request information may include information indicating the robot to be introduced. For example, the request information may be information indicating the model number, type, etc. of the robot 200 in the facility. Alternatively, the request information may include information regarding the service to be performed by the robot 200 in the facility. The request information may include the number of robots to be introduced. The request information may include information such as the type of service, frequency, service area, and service time. The request information may include information regarding the accessory unit 300 to be used for the service.

[0036] The request information may include information about the facility to be introduced. For example, it may include information about the type, size, area, number of floors, and name of the facility. The request information acquisition unit 101 acquires the request information transmitted from the requester terminal 400. The request information may include information about the cost, number of units, etc. The request information may be the facility name or web page address of the facility. In this case, the request information acquisition unit 101 acquires information about the facility from the web page and sets it as the request information.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing tables of request information. FIG. 3 shows tables a, b, and c that show the request information. Of course, the request information is not limited to the data in the tables shown in FIG. 3. For example, data other than the data shown in FIG. 3 may be added to the request information. Alternatively, at least some of the data shown in FIG. 3 may not be included in the request information.

[0038] In table a, the request information is the type of facility where the robot will be installed. For example, applicant U1 selects and inputs whether the facility type is a hospital, clinic, restaurant, or office. In response, the request information acquisition unit 101 acquires the facility type or a recommended service that matches the facility type as the request information. Alternatively, applicant U1 may input a service that he or she wishes to have executed as the request information.

[0039] In table b, the required information is the facility size of the facility where the robot will be installed. For example, applicant U1 selects and inputs whether the facility size is a large facility with multiple floors, a large facility with a single floor, or a single store with multiple floors and a single store with a single floor. Furthermore, applicant U1 may input facility information regarding the facility's equipment as the required information. For example, applicant U1 may input the number of elevators and the number of doors as the required information. The required information may include the size of the corridors, the size of the elevators, and the size of the doors. If the size is such that the robot cannot pass through, the matching device 100 will determine that the matching result is poor.

[0040] In table c, the request information is input as a service type indicating the type (classification) of service to be performed at the facility. For example, the requester U1 selects and inputs the type of service he or she wishes to perform at the facility as the request information. Furthermore, the requester U1 may input the desired operating time of the service, etc.

[0041] Suppliers P1 and P2 operate the input unit 505 to input supply information related to robot supply. For example, supplier P1 inputs information about the robots and accessory units that they handle. Similarly, supplier P2 inputs information about the robots and accessory units that they handle. The supply information acquisition unit 102 acquires the supply information transmitted from the supplier terminal 500. For example, supplier P1 operates the input unit 505 of the supplier terminal 500 to access the web page of the matching device 100, etc. The supply information acquisition unit 102 transmits data to the supplier terminal 500 to display an input screen for supply information.

[0042] The display unit 504 displays a screen for inputting information about robots that can be supplied. The supplier P1 operates the input unit 505 to input supply information about robots that can be supplied. The supply information may be input to the supplier terminal 500 by text input, touch panel input, selection input, voice input, or input in response to voice AI (Artificial Intelligence). The communication unit 501 transmits a signal including the supply information to the matching device 100. When the communication unit 105 of the matching device 100 receives the signal, the supply information acquisition unit 102 extracts the supply information. Then, when the supply information acquisition unit 102 acquires supply information from multiple suppliers, it writes each piece of supply information into the supply information storage unit 103.

[0043] The supply information storage unit 103 stores the supply information acquired by the supply information acquisition unit 102. The supply information storage unit 103 stores the supply information acquired from multiple suppliers P1 and P2 as a database. In other words, the supply information storage unit 103 stores supply information on robots that can be supplied for each supplier. The supply information storage unit 103 stores information such as contact information for each supplier P1 and P2. When performing matching, the matching device 100 may read out supply information that has been stored in advance in the supply information storage unit 103.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a table of supply information. Of course, the supply information is not limited to the data shown in the table shown in Fig. 4. For example, data other than the data shown in Fig. 4 may be added to the supply information. Alternatively, at least some of the data shown in Fig. 4 may not be included in the supply information.

[0045] The supplier P1 inputs the service type as supply information regarding the robots that can be supplied. The supplier P1 then inputs the model number of the robot that can perform the service as supply information. The supplier P1 inputs the model number of the accessory unit for performing the service as supply information. The supplier P1 may also input information regarding the performance, size, etc. of the robot or accessory unit as supply information. The supplier P1 may also input the cost of the robot or accessory unit as supply information. The cost includes implementation costs such as initial costs and operational costs such as running costs and maintenance costs. The cost may also be a monthly or annual fee such as a subscription. The supply information may include implementation costs for each robot or each accessory unit.

[0046] The supply information may include information regarding the operating time, operating area, operating range, and operating speed of each robot when it performs its service. For example, the supply information may include information regarding the cleaning area per hour, the guard range, the guide distance, or the transport distance. Alternatively, the operating range may include information regarding the width of the passageway that the robot can move through, information indicating whether the robot can be moved by elevator, or information indicating whether the robot can be used outdoors.

[0047] The supply information may include detailed information about the services that can be performed. For example, if the robot is a transport robot, the supply information may include information indicating the items that can be transported. For example, suppose there are multiple types of items, such as medicines, medical records, and linens. In this case, the supply information may include information indicating whether each item can be transported. The supply information may include information about the weight and size of the items that can be carried. For example, transport robot A can lock the storage compartment for items, so it transports important items such as medicines and medical records. Transport robot B is a wheelchair-type robot or a stretcher-type robot that transports patients. Wagon unit A is an accessory unit for transporting linens. Wagon unit B is an accessory unit 300 for transporting cardboard boxes, supplies, etc. The supply information may include such information.

[0048] The supply information may include information regarding the floor surfaces that can be cleaned, for example, the supply information may include information indicating that cleaning unit A is a unit for cleaning carpets and cleaning unit B is a unit for cleaning tiles.

[0049] The matching processing unit 104 performs matching between the request information and the supply information. The matching processing unit 104 compares the request information with the supply information to select a supplier that can perform the service indicated in the request information. In other words, if there is a service that cannot be performed by a robot or an auxiliary unit, the matching processing unit 104 excludes that supplier. For example, if the requester U1 inputs cleaning service as request information, the matching processing unit 104 excludes suppliers that can only supply robots that perform transportation services. The matching processing unit 104 compares the request information with the supply information to determine whether the service is available. The matching processing unit 104 selects suppliers so that all services can be performed.

[0050] The supply information storage unit 103 stores supply information of multiple suppliers P1 and P2. The matching processing unit 104 sequentially reads out the supply information stored in the supply information storage unit 103 and compares it with the request information. The matching processing unit 104 then outputs a matching result for each supplier. The matching result may be output in two stages indicating whether or not a match is made, or may be displayed in multiple stages as a matching score.

[0051] If all services cannot be performed by the robots provided by one provider, the matching processing unit 104 may combine two providers. In this case, the matching processing unit 104 selects a combination of two providers. Alternatively, the matching device 100 may send data to the applicant terminal 400 prompting the applicant to re-enter information. For example, the matching device 100 sends a message to the applicant terminal 400 instructing the applicant to change the request information because there is no matching supplier.

[0052] If there are two or more suppliers that can supply robots that can perform all services, the matching processing unit 104 may select two or more suppliers. Alternatively, it may select one of the two or more suppliers that best meets the request information of the applicant U1. For example, if the applicant U1 wishes to reduce the number of robots to be introduced, a supplier that meets that request may be selected. For example, if there is a supplier P1 that supplies a robot that can perform all services with one robot and a supplier P2 that supplies robots that can perform all services with three robots, the matching processing unit 104 selects the supplier P1.

[0053] Alternatively, if there is a request for introduction at a lower cost, the matching processing unit 104 selects a supplier that meets that request. For example, if the cost of introducing a robot from supplier P1 is lower than the cost of introducing a robot from supplier P2, the matching processing unit 104 selects supplier P2. Note that if a requester has multiple requests, they may set priorities for the requests.

[0054] The matching processing unit 104 may estimate the type and number of robots to be introduced from the request information. The supply information is assumed to set the service operation volume for each robot and each attached unit. The request information is assumed to include information such as the area, size, and transport volume of the facility. The matching processing unit 104 analyzes this information to estimate the type, number, etc. of the robots and attached units required. In making these estimates, the matching processing unit 104 may use a machine learning model such as a DNN (Deep Neural Network) or AI.

[0055] The matching processing unit 104 may also calculate a matching score that indicates the degree of matching between the request information and the supply information. For example, if the applicant U1 inputs multiple requests, the matching processing unit 104 may calculate the matching score by adding up the number of matching items. Alternatively, the matching processing unit 104 may calculate the matching score by weighting the matching items using weights based on priority or the like.

[0056] The communication unit 105 transmits information about the selected supplier P1 to the applicant U1. For example, the communication unit 105 transmits the contact information of the supplier P1 to the applicant U1. Furthermore, if multiple suppliers are selected, the communication unit 105 may transmit a list of the suppliers. Furthermore, the communication unit 105 transmits the supplier information together with additional information such as a matching score to the applicant U1. This allows the applicant U1 to contact the appropriate supplier P1. Alternatively, if the applicant U1 agrees, the communication unit 105 may transmit the information of the introduction applicant to the selected supplier. Of course, the communication unit 105 may transmit the respective contact information to both the applicant U1 and the supplier P1. In other words, the communication unit 105 may notify at least one of the applicant U1 and the supplier P1 of the matching result.

[0057] In this way, the matching device 100 can appropriately match the applicant U1 with the supplier P1. Therefore, the matching device 100 can introduce the applicant U1 to the supplier P1 that meets the applicant U1's requirements. Therefore, the applicant U1 can easily introduce a robot, improving convenience. The introduction of robots to facilities can be promoted. The matching device 100 may generate matches using a machine learning model such as deep learning.

[0058] Furthermore, the applicant U1 may evaluate the provider P1. For example, the applicant U1 uploads an evaluation of the introduced robot to a matching site. The provider P1 may also evaluate the applicant U1. For example, the applicant U1 uploads an evaluation of the facility where the robot is to be introduced to a matching site. This allows third parties to check evaluations of past robot introductions. These evaluations may be input as a five-point score, for example. Alternatively, the applicant U1 or the provider P1 may make an evaluation by inputting a comment such as text. At least one of the applicant U1 and the provider P1 may input the score they have used to evaluate the other, allowing others to check the scores.

[0059] The matching processing unit 104 may also analyze the supply information and the request information to present a combination of a supplier P1 and a prospective customer U1 who are compatible with each other. For example, if the prospective customer U1 wishes to introduce a robot to a hospital, the matching processing unit 104 selects a supplier with a high evaluation of robot supply to hospitals. Alternatively, if a large amount of transportation volume is input as request information, the matching processing unit 104 selects a supplier of robots with a high transportation record or a large transportation volume. In this way, the matching processing unit 104 may perform matching by analyzing the evaluation results. Alternatively, the matching device 100 may analyze the request information and the supply information to estimate the number of robots and auxiliary units to be introduced. For example, the matching device 100 can calculate the number of robots, etc., based on the facility type, facility size, and service type.

[0060] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a matching method. First, the request information acquisition unit 101 acquires request information (S101). The request information acquisition unit 101 receives the request information from the requester terminal 400. Next, the supply information acquisition unit 102 acquires supply information (S102). For example, the supply information acquisition unit 102 reads out supply information stored in the supply information storage unit 103. Here, the supply information acquisition unit 102 reads out the supply information of each supplier in turn.

[0061] The matching processing unit 104 performs matching based on the request information and supply information (S103). The matching processing unit 104 compares the request information with the supply information and outputs a value indicating whether or not a match is possible. Alternatively, the matching processing unit 104 compares the request information with the supply information and outputs a matching score. Furthermore, the matching processing unit 104 may output a matching result based on various requests from the applicant U1.

[0062] Next, the matching processing unit 104 determines whether matching for all suppliers has been completed (S104). If matching for all suppliers has not been completed (NO in S104), the supply information acquisition unit 102 reads out the supply information of the next supplier from the supply information storage unit 103 (S102), and the matching processing unit 104 performs matching based on the supply information and the request information (S103).

[0063] When matching for the supply information of all suppliers is completed (YES in S104), the matching processing unit 104 selects a supplier based on the matching results (S105). For example, the matching processing unit 104 selects the supplier with the highest matching score. The matching processing unit 104 may select two or more suppliers.

[0064] The communication unit 105 notifies the applicant U1 of the selected supplier (S106). For example, the communication unit 105 transmits the supplier's telephone number, homepage address, email address, and contact information to the applicant U1. Of course, the communication unit 105 may also transmit the information of the applicant U1 to the supplier P1. In this way, the applicant U1 can contact an appropriate supplier. Furthermore, request information may be transmitted to the supplier P1. This allows the matching device 100 to perform appropriate matching.

[0065] Furthermore, some or all of the processes in the above-described matching device 100, the applicant terminal 400, the supplier terminal 500, etc. can be implemented as a computer program. Such programs can be stored and provided to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). Furthermore, the programs may be provided to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable media can provide the programs to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication paths.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100 Matching Device 200, 201 Robot

Claims

1. A matching method for matching a person who wishes to introduce a robot with a supplier of the robot using a computer, comprising: Acquire request information regarding robot introduction from the person wishing to introduce the robot; acquiring supply information regarding robots that the supplier can supply; Perform matching based on the request information and the supply information; notifying at least one of the prospective introducer and the supplier of the matching result; Matching method.

2. 2. The matching method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the prospective introducer and the supplier inputs a score evaluating the other, and the score can be confirmed by others.

3. 3. The matching method according to claim 1, wherein the supply information and the request information are analyzed to perform matching.

4. A matching system that uses a computer to match a person who wishes to introduce a robot with a supplier of the robot, Acquire request information regarding robot introduction from the person wishing to introduce the robot; acquiring supply information regarding robots that the supplier can supply; Perform matching based on the request information and the supply information; notifying at least one of the prospective introducer and the supplier of the matching result; Matching system.

5. A program for causing a computer to execute a matching method for matching a person wishing to introduce a robot with a supplier of the robot, the program comprising: The matching method includes: Acquire request information regarding robot introduction from the person wishing to introduce the robot; acquiring supply information regarding robots that the supplier can supply; Perform matching based on the request information and the supply information; notifying at least one of the prospective introducer and the supplier of the matching result; program.

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