Cooperation apparatus, funding system, and method for cooperation

Abstract

To facilitate cooperation among a plurality of platforms.SOLUTION: The cooperation apparatus includes: a cooperation unit for associating a management ID of a first platform used by an operator conducting a business entity for conducting business with a management ID of a second platform used by the operator for fund procurement; and a presentation control unit for controlling presentation of information to an operator device operated by the operator. The presentation control unit displays, on a display screen presented by the first platform on the operator device, a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform, and the cooperation unit, when the second platform transition button is operated by the operator, associates the management ID of the first platform with the management ID of the second platform by different methods depending on whether or not the operator has the management ID of the second platform.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a collaboration device, a funding system, and a collaboration method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in various fee factoring businesses, a technology has been proposed that realizes a variety of payment methods by setting various payment patterns and payment destination groups in master data for each customer and contract (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-212120 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, there is a known system that provides funds based on sales forecasts for stores, etc. As described in Patent Document 1, when a business accepts payments using a variety of payment methods or when the business operates multiple businesses, it is not easy to link multiple platforms.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a collaboration device, a funding system, and a collaboration method that can easily perform collaboration between a plurality of platforms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a linking device comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring a management ID of a first platform used by a business operator to conduct business; a second acquisition means for acquiring a management ID of a second platform used by the business operator to raise funds; and a linking means for linking the management ID of the first platform with the management ID of the second platform.

[0007] (2) One aspect of the present invention is a linking device that includes a linking unit that links a management ID of a first platform used by a business operator to conduct business with a management ID of a second platform used by the business operator to raise funds, and a presentation control unit that controls the presentation of information to a business operator device operated by the business operator, wherein the presentation control unit displays a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform on a display screen displayed by the first platform on the business operator device, and the linking unit, when the business operator operates the second platform transition button, links the management ID of the first platform with the management ID of the second platform in a manner that differs depending on whether the business operator has a management ID of the second platform.

[0008] (3) One aspect of the present invention is a linking device that links a management ID of a first platform used by a business operator to conduct business with a management ID of a second platform used by the business operator to raise funds, the linking device including a presentation control unit that controls the presentation of information to a business operator device operated by the business operator, the presentation control unit displays a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform on a display screen displayed by the first platform on the business operator device, and the presentation control unit displays a linking screen for linking the management ID of the first platform with the management ID of the second platform when the business operator operates the second platform transition button.

[0009] (4) One aspect of the present invention is a collaboration device that includes a collaboration unit that links a management ID of a first platform used by a business operator to conduct business with a management ID of a second platform used by the business operator to raise funds, and a presentation control unit that controls the presentation of information to a business operator device operated by the business operator, wherein the presentation control unit, when receiving a collaboration request from the business operator and if the management ID of the first platform and the management ID of the second platform are already linked, displays on the business operator device that the collaboration has already been completed, and the collaboration unit, when receiving a collaboration request from the business operator and if the management ID of the first platform and the management ID of the second platform are not yet linked, links the management ID of the first platform and the management ID of the second platform.

[0010] (5) One aspect of the present invention is a linking device comprising: a linking unit that links a management ID of a first platform through which a business operator accepts reservations for accommodation from customers with a management ID of a second platform that the business operator uses to raise funds; and a presentation control unit that controls the presentation of information to a business operator device operated by the business operator, wherein the linking unit further links the management ID of the accommodation facility with the management ID of the second platform, and the presentation control unit displays an operation screen for linking the management ID of the accommodation facility with the management ID of the second platform. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily provide funds by buying and selling future claims by linking multiple platforms. It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a funding scheme of a funding system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fund collection scheme of the funding system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a funding amount calculated by the funding system according to the present embodiment and a withdrawal amount. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the funding system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of platforms according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a collaboration device and each platform according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a collaboration device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a first table configuration managed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second table configuration managed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third table configuration managed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of steps of a collaboration method performed by the collaboration device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a first screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a second screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by the linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a third screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a fourth screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 5 is a fifth screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 6 is a sixth screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by a linked device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a linked device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Embodiment] Below, preferred embodiments of a funding management device and a funding management method according to aspects of the present invention are presented and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that aspects of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments and include various modifications or improvements. In other words, the components described below include those that would be easily conceivable to a person skilled in the art or that are substantially identical, and the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, in the following drawings, the scale and number of components may differ from the scale and number of actual structures to make each configuration easier to understand.

[0014] The funding system 1 according to this embodiment provides funds to a business operator 10 and collects the provided funds. Specifically, the funding system 1 provides funds to the business operator 10 in a lump sum and collects the provided funds in installments. Below, the funding scheme and the fund collection scheme according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The funding system 1 according to this embodiment includes the business operator 10, a funder 30, and a payment service provider 50. First, the business operator 10, the funder 30, and the payment service provider 50 will be described.

[0015] The business operator 10 is a person who provides services, sells products, and the like as a business. The business operator 10 may, for example, operate restaurants, lodging facilities, shops attached to lodging facilities, beauty salons, hair salons, and the like. The business operator 10 may also provide products and services through a virtual store on an e-commerce site without establishing a physical store. The business operator 10 may also operate an online virtual store, such as the metaverse. The virtual store may sell real-world items through electronic commerce (EC), or may sell items in virtual space (which may simply be data, broadly including NFC using a blockchain mechanism). The business operator 10 may also simultaneously operate multiple facilities as a business. In this example, a case will be described in which the business operator 10 operates multiple different types of facilities. The business operator 10 can also be said to operate multiple different types of businesses. In the following description, the term "business operator" may be used to broadly encompass both the management of facilities in real space and the management of facilities in virtual space. The management of a business entity includes the management of facilities in real space and virtual space, as well as the management of various businesses. In addition, in the description of the embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the term "facility" may be used, but this term may also be replaced with "business entity" which broadly includes businesses in virtual space.

[0016] The payment service provider 50 provides payment methods, such as online payment services, to the business 10, which is a member store. The payment service provider 50 provides electronic payment services, such as two-dimensional code payment and electronic money payment. Customers of the business operated by the business 10 make payments to the business 10 using payment services, such as two-dimensional code payment and electronic money payment, provided by the payment service provider 50. The business 10 can also receive payments from customers using the payment method provided by the payment service provider 50 via an online payment service, without making payments at a payment terminal installed in the business's store or facility. In this embodiment, for convenience, payments made by customers of the business 10 through a payment terminal at a store or facility are referred to as "offline payments," and payments completed online without using a payment terminal are referred to as "online payments." A typical example of online payments is a service that allows customers to complete payments when booking travel reservations, reservations at beauty salons, restaurants, etc.

[0017] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there may be multiple payment service providers 50. In this case, customers of the business operated by the business 10 make payments to the business 10 using multiple payment services provided by the multiple payment service providers 50. The business 10 may also receive payments from customers using multiple payment methods. The multiple payment methods include electronic payment services such as the above-mentioned two-dimensional code payment and electronic money payment, as well as advance payment methods via reservation sites for accommodations and hotels, and reservation sites for beauty salons, hair salons, and the like. The business 10's use of multiple different payment methods may result in multiple receivables. Furthermore, the multiple payment methods may be provided by different payment service providers 50, and therefore may also be considered different payment platforms.

[0018] Here, multiple stores or facilities (or multiple businesses) operated by business operator 10 may each use a different payment platform to accept payments from customers. For example, if business operator 10 operates a first business (e.g., accommodation facilities) and a second business (e.g., beauty salon), business operator 10 may accept payments from customers using a first platform for accepting reservations and payments for the first business and a second platform, different from the first platform, for accepting reservations and payments for the second business.

[0019] Note that even if business operator 10 operates only one store or facility, it may accept payments from customers using multiple payment platforms. For example, when paying for accommodation, some customers pay in advance when making a reservation, while others pay at the front desk when checking out of the accommodation. In this case, even if the payment is made with the same credit card, the former is an online payment via the accommodation reservation site, while the latter is an offline payment via a payment terminal at the front desk, so they can be considered as payments using different payment platforms.

[0020] The fund provider 30 provides funds to the business operator 10. The fund provider 30 also collects the provided funds from the business operator 10. The fund provider 30 determines the amount of funds to provide depending on the usage status of the payment service provider 50. The fund provider 30 collects a portion of the sales that the business operator 10 obtains from using the electronic payment service from the payment service provider 50. Specifically, the fund provider 30 purchases receivables associated with the sales of the business operator 10 (future receivables of the business operator 10) and provides (a portion of) the purchased receivables to the business operator 10 as funds. If the business operator 10 operates multiple businesses, the fund provider 30 may purchase receivables related to the multiple businesses, or if the business operator 10 accepts multiple payment methods, the fund provider 30 may purchase receivables for each of the multiple payment methods.

[0021] The fund provider 30 and the payment service provider 50 may be operated by different businesses or may be operated by the same business. If the fund provider 30 and the payment service provider 50 are operated by the same business, the fund provider 30 and the payment service provider 50 are considered to be the same, and Figures 1 and 2 should be interpreted as processing between the business 10 and the fund provider 30 (or the payment service provider 50).

[0022] [Funding scheme] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a funding scheme of a funding system according to one embodiment. First, the funding scheme will be explained with reference to the figure. In the funding scheme, for example, the following steps (1) to (5) are performed. Note that steps (1) to (5) do not specify the chronological order of the processing performed by the funding system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0023] (1) The funder 30 first conducts a preliminary assessment of the business 10. The funder 30 inquires about the business 10's past sales with the payment service provider 50. The funder 30 conducts a preliminary assessment of the business 10 by predicting future sales based on past sales. As a result of the preliminary assessment, the funder 30 calculates an upper limit on funding, which is the amount of funding that can be provided to the business 10. Specifically, the funder 30 predicts the amount of future receivables of the business 10 based on the sales performance that the business 10 has with the payment service provider 50, and calculates an upper limit on funding. Note that the funder 30 may simplify the assessment after receiving a funding application from the business 10 by offering funding only to businesses 10 that meet the screening criteria in the preliminary assessment process.

[0024] (2) The fund provider 30 presents candidate funding amounts to the business operator 10 based on the upper limit of funding calculated in the preliminary assessment step (1). The method of presenting candidate funding amounts may be a method of presenting multiple candidate funding amounts, or a method of presenting only the maximum amount of funding that can be provided. The business operator 10 selects or specifies the amount of funding that it wishes to provide based on the presented candidate funding amounts or the maximum amount of funding that can be provided.

[0025] (3) The business operator 10 notifies the fund provider 30 of the amount of funding it wishes to provide, within the amount presented in (2). This means that the business operator 10 sells a portion of the receivables relating to future sales (future receivables) to the fund provider 30. The fund provider 30 may purchase (a portion of) the future receivables directly from the business operator 10, or may purchase them from the payment service provider 50. The amount of the future receivables to be sold may be the same as the amount of funding, or may be the amount of funding plus a fee.

[0026] (4) The fund provider 30 provides funds to the business operator 10 in exchange for the future receivables sold by the business operator 10. When providing funds, the business operator 10 and the fund provider 30 may decide on the deduction rate and deduction frequency (e.g., three times a month) to be used in the fund collection scheme described below.

[0027] [Fund recovery scheme] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the fund collection scheme of the funding system according to this embodiment. Next, the fund collection scheme will be explained with reference to the same figure. In the funding scheme, for example, the process is divided into the following steps (1) and (2). Note that steps (1) and (2) do not specify the chronological order of the processing performed by the funding system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0028] (1) The fund provider 30 receives from the payment service provider 50 the amount calculated by multiplying the sales of the business entity 10 by the deduction rate determined at the time of providing funds. At this time, the fund provider 30 may collect from the payment service provider 50 an amount equivalent to a commission in addition to the amount described above.

[0029] (2) The payment service provider 50 deducts the amount paid to the fund provider 30 in step (1) from the sales of the business entity 10 and pays the remaining amount to the business entity 10. Note that steps (1) and (2) in the fund collection scheme are repeated based on the deduction frequency (e.g., three times a month) determined at the time of providing the funds. When the business entity 10 has paid the fund provider 30 the amount of the funds received plus a fee, the steps in the fund collection scheme are completed.

[0030] [Amount of funding and withdrawal] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the funding amount calculated by the funding system according to this embodiment and an example of withdrawal. The horizontal axis of the illustrated bar graph indicates time (months), and the vertical axis indicates the amount.

[0031] The month of March on the left side of the horizontal axis indicates that funding was provided. The symbol M10 indicates the amount of funding provided by the fund provider 30 to the business operator 10. The amount of funding is determined according to the amount of sales expected to occur in the future for the business operator 10. The amount of sales expected to occur in the future for the business operator 10 may be calculated based on information obtained from the payment service provider 50, for example.

[0032] Next, the amounts indicated by solid lines from April to November (symbols M11 to M18) indicate the debit amounts for each month. These debit amounts are based on the sales amount of the business operator 10 for each month. These debit amounts are paid by the payment service operator 50 to the fund provider 30. The amounts indicated by dashed lines from April to November (symbols M21 to M28) indicate the sales amount for each month. As shown in the figure, the debit amount for each month is the amount obtained by multiplying the sales amount for each month by the debit rate. A fee may be added to the debit amount. Since these debit amounts are amounts deducted from the sales of the business operator 10, they can also be called deduction amounts.

[0033] For example, the business operator 10 and the fund provider 30 may receive funding by selling all sales expected to occur over the next two years from the date of application for funding as future claims in one lump sum, and when the total amount of monthly withdrawals reaches the funding amount (and the sum of fees), they may terminate the monthly withdrawals (which can also be called deductions) and return the claims for the remaining contract period. Conversely, if the sales amount for each month is lower than expected and the total amount of withdrawals has not been reached by the expected time, the monthly withdrawals may be continued until the total amount of withdrawals is reached. If the withdrawals are to be continued, a deadline for continuing the withdrawals may be set in advance.

[0034] In addition, in the illustrated example, for the sake of simplicity, an example in which a payment is made once a month is described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this example, and payments may be made several times a month.

[0035] [Function Configuration] An example of the functional configuration of the funding system 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Note that the functional configuration shown in the figures is an example of this embodiment and does not limit this embodiment in any way.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the funding system according to this embodiment. With reference to the diagram, an example of the funding system 1 will be described as a specific functional configuration for realizing the above-described funding system 1 using a computer system. The funding system 1 includes a plurality of business entity devices 100, a funding management device 300, and a business entity information storage device 500. In the diagram, business entity device 100-1, business entity device 100-2, ..., and business entity device 100-n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3) are shown as examples of the plurality of business entity devices 100.

[0037] The business operator device 100 is operated by the business operator 10. The business operator device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory device such as a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), not shown, and executes a business operator program to provide functions for realizing the funding system 1 as described above using a computer system. Specifically, the business operator device 100 requests funding from the funding management device 300.

[0038] The business operator 10 may use an accounting terminal device to accept payments such as credit cards and electronic money. The accounting terminal device is typically installed at a store's cashier. Customers of the business operator 10 make payments by holding a contactless payment-enabled credit card or smartphone over the accounting terminal device or by inserting a credit card. Unlike the accounting terminal device, the business operator device 100 may simply be a general-purpose information processing device such as a PC or tablet device.

[0039] The funding management device 300 is operated by the funder 30. The funding management device 300 includes a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM or RAM (not shown) connected via a bus, and provides functions for realizing the funding system 1 as described above using a computer system by executing a funding management program. Specifically, the funding management device 300 acquires information about the sales of the business operator 10 from the business operator information storage device 500, predicts future sales based on the acquired information, and determines the amount of funding based on the predicted sales.

[0040] The funding amount may be determined in advance (i.e., without waiting for a request from the business operator device 100) or may be determined after receiving a request from the business operator device 100. The funding management device 300 notifies the business operator device 100 of the determined funding amount. After notifying the business operator device 100 of the funding amount, the funding management device 300 starts providing funding to the business operator 10 if an agreement on funding is reached between the business operator 10 and the fund provider 30.

[0041] The business information storage device 500 is managed by the payment service provider 50. The business information storage device 500 is a storage device such as a ROM. The business information storage device 500 may be configured on the cloud. The business information storage device 500 stores information about the amount of sales made by the business 10 using the services provided by the payment service provider 50. In response to an inquiry from the fund provision management device 300, the business information storage device 500 notifies the fund provision management device 300 of information about the sales of the business 10.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between multiple platforms according to this embodiment. Here, the business operator 10 uses multiple platforms. With reference to the same figure, the relationship between the multiple platforms used by the business operator 10 will be explained. Specifically, the business operator 10 uses a first platform PF1 and a second platform PF2.

[0043] The first platform PF1 is a platform related to the business run by the business operator 10. The first platform PF1 can also be said to be a platform used by the business operator 10, who runs a facility, to conduct his or her business. For example, the first platform PF1 includes an accommodation facility platform PF11, a beauty salon platform PF12, etc. The business operator 10 registers the accommodation facilities run by the business operator 10 on the accommodation facility platform PF11 and accepts reservations for the accommodation facilities from customers. The accommodation facility platform PF11 may accept online payments for accommodation fees in addition to reservations for accommodation facilities. Furthermore, the business operator 10 registers the beauty salons run by the business operator 10 on the beauty salon platform PF12 and accepts reservations for haircuts, etc. from customers. The beauty salon platform PF12 may accept online payments for fees related to haircuts, etc. in addition to reservations for haircuts, etc.

[0044] The second platform PF2 includes at least a funding platform PF21. The second platform PF2 is a platform used by the business operator 10 to raise funds. The funding platform PF21 is a platform for realizing the funding system 1 described above, and provides funding in response to a funding request received from the business operator 10. The second platform PF2 is linked to the first platform PF1, and the usage history of the same business operator 10 is shared. Specifically, the second platform PF2 predicts the business operator 10's future sales in accordance with the business operator 10's usage history on the first platform PF1, and funds are provided to the business operator 10 in accordance with the predicted future sales.

[0045] [Linked Device] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the coordinating device and each platform according to this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the coordinating device 700 coordinates the platforms. Here, it is preferable for the business entity 10 to log in to each platform using a single user ID and password. However, when it is desired to refer to the usage history of an old platform (a platform that has been used for a long time) on the funding platform PF21, it may be difficult to use a single user ID and password. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the coordinating device 700 coordinates the platforms, so that the usage history of the first platform PF1 can be preferably referred to on the funding platform PF21.

[0046] As shown in the figure, the coordinating device 700 acquires information from each platform. Based on the information acquired from each platform, the coordinating device 700 associates the account information of the business entity 10 with each other and coordinates the account information. For example, when the coordinating device 700 receives a request from the business entity 10 to coordinate the account information, the coordinating device 700 may acquire the account information of each platform from the business entity 10 and associate the account information in a table managed by the coordinating device 700.

[0047] Incidentally, by including the linking device 700 in the funding system 1, funding can be provided by the funding management device 300 based on facility information and credit information managed by a platform linked by the linking device 700. In this case, the funding management device 300 can predict future sales of the business operator 10 based on information about the business operator 10 acquired by the linking device 700, and determine a funding plan according to the predicted sales. Furthermore, the funding management device 300 provides funding to the business operator 10 according to the determined funding plan. Note that a funding plan specifies the amount of funding and the settlement method, and the business operator 10 may select a funding plan from among options presented by the funder 30.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a coordinating device according to this embodiment. An example of the functional configuration of the coordinating device 700 will be described with reference to the diagram. The coordinating device 700 includes a control unit 710, a storage unit 720, and a communication unit 730. Each of these functional units is implemented using, for example, electronic circuits. Each functional unit may include internal storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk drive, as necessary. Each function may be implemented by a computer having a central processing unit (CPU) and software. All or part of each functional unit may be implemented using hardware (e.g., circuitry) such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). All or part of each functional unit may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0049] The control unit 710 controls the linked device 700. The control unit 710 may control the linked device 700, for example, by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 720. The control unit 710 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 710 may realize the control function by including, as functional units, a first acquisition unit 711, a second acquisition unit 712, a collaboration unit 713, and a presentation control unit 714.

[0050] The first acquisition unit 711 acquires ID1, which is the management ID of the first platform PF1. ID1 is stored, for example, in a first identification information storage unit MEM1. The first identification information storage unit MEM1 may be provided in the first platform PF1, or may be a predetermined storage unit that stores information output from the first platform PF1. Furthermore, as will be described later in connection with the configuration of the presentation control unit 714, the ID information may be acquired by receiving input from a terminal of the business operator 10. Hereinafter, the first acquisition unit 711 may be referred to as a first acquisition means.

[0051] Note that the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 711 is not limited to the management ID of the first platform PF1, and the first acquisition unit 711 may further acquire information linked to the management ID of the first platform PF1. For example, the first acquisition unit 711 can cite, as the information linked to the management ID of the first platform PF1, basic information such as the names and addresses of facilities operated by the business operator 10, account information, the amount of sales obtained by the business operator 10 using the first platform PF1, and other information for predicting future sales of the business operator 10.

[0052] The second acquisition unit 712 acquires ID2, which is the management ID of the second platform PF2. ID2 is stored, for example, in the second identification information storage unit MEM2. The second identification information storage unit MEM2 may be provided in the second platform PF2, or may be a predetermined storage unit that stores information output from the second platform PF2. Furthermore, as will be described later in the explanation of the configuration of the presentation control unit 714, ID information may be acquired by receiving input from the terminal of the business operator 10.

[0053] The linking unit 713 links ID1, which is the management ID of the first platform PF1, with ID2, which is the management ID of the second platform PF2. Specifically, when the linking unit 713 receives a request for account linking from the business operator 10, if the management ID of the first platform PF1 and the management ID of the second platform PF2 have not yet been linked, the linking unit 713 performs the linking. If the linking has already been performed, the linking unit 713 may notify the business operator 10 that the linking has been completed. The linking unit 713 may perform the linking by, for example, creating a table that associates ID1 with ID2 and storing the table in the storage unit 720. Hereinafter, information for configuring the table may be referred to as table information TBLI. The linking unit 713 may also be referred to as linking means.

[0054] Here, in the case of an accommodation facility platform or the like, there may be a management ID for managing accounts and IDs of individual facilities operated by the business operator 10 using the platform. The linking unit 713 may link the management ID of the second platform PF2 with the IDs of multiple facilities. In this case, in the first platform PF1, the IDs of each of the multiple facilities are linked with the management ID of the first platform PF1, and the linking unit 713 can also be said to link the management ID of each facility with the management ID of the second platform PF2. Furthermore, instead of linking with the management ID of each facility, an ID consisting of a group of multiple facilities may be linked. In other words, the linking unit 713 can also be said to link the management ID of multiple facilities including the IDs of multiple facilities with the management ID of the second platform PF2.

[0055] The presentation control unit 714 presents information to the business operator device 100 operated by the business operator 10 via the communication unit 730. The presentation control unit 714 presents information to the business operator device 100 by outputting display control information DISP to the communication unit 730. It can also be said that the presentation control unit 714 controls the presentation of information to the business operator device 100. The presentation control unit 714 may, for example, display operation buttons for transitioning between platforms, present an input screen for information required for account linkage, or perform display control depending on whether or not account linkage is enabled.

[0056] The communication unit 730 transmits transmission data TD to the business operator device 100 via a predetermined network line NW based on the operation of the presentation control unit 714. The communication unit 730 also receives reception data RD from the business operator device 100 via the predetermined network line NW. The communication unit 730 outputs the received information as reception information RI to the link unit 713. The predetermined network line NW may be an Internet line or the like.

[0057] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a first table configuration managed by the coordinating device according to this embodiment. This table shows an example of the data structure of table TBL1 managed by the coordinating device 700. In table TBL1 shown in the figure, ID1, which is the ID of the first platform PF1, and ID2, which is the ID of the second platform PF2, are linked to each other.

[0058] Specifically, table TBL1 stores an accommodation service ID, a contractor, an accommodation facility name, account information, an address, a telephone number, and a funding service ID in association with each other. The accommodation service ID is ID1 indicating the ID of the first platform PF1. The contractor is the name of the business operator 10. The accommodation facility name is the name of the facility operated by the business operator 10. The account information is information that identifies the bank account of the business operator 10. The address is the address of the business operator 10. The telephone number is the telephone number of the business operator 10. The funding service ID is ID2 indicating the ID of the second platform PF2.

[0059] More specifically, the contractor name of the business operator 10 whose accommodation service ID is "Y123456" is "R Taro", the accommodation name is "R Hotel", the account information is "XX Bank XX Branch Ordinary Account 000000", the address is "Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo...", the telephone number is "03-yyyy-yyyy", and the funding service ID is "aaabbbccc". Also, the contractor name of the business operator 10 whose accommodation service ID is "Y345678" is "Wakakusa Taro", the accommodation name is "Hotel Stella", the account information is "Y△ Bank △△ Branch Ordinary Account 999999", the address is "Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo...", the telephone number is "03-aaaa-aaaa", and the funding service ID is "bbbcccaaa". Furthermore, the contractor name of business operator 10, whose accommodation service ID is "Y567890", is "Shikakutaro", the accommodation name is "Square Inn", the account information is "□□ Bank □□ Branch Ordinary Account 888888", the address is "Kita Umeda, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture...", the telephone number is "06-xxxx-xxxx", and the funding service ID is "cccaaabbb".

[0060] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second table managed by the linking device according to this embodiment. This table shows an example of the data structure of table TBL2 managed by the linking device 700. In table TBL2 shown in the figure, ID1, which is the ID of the first platform PF1, and ID2, which is the ID of the second platform PF2, are linked to each other, and further, information on the date on which the linking was established and the date on which the linking was released are linked to each other.

[0061] Specifically, table TBL2 stores an accommodation service ID, a funding service ID, a linking date, a linking release date, and a valid flag in association with each other. The accommodation service ID and the funding service ID are as described above. The linking date is the date on which the accommodation service ID and the funding service ID were linked. The linking release date is the date on which an ID that had been linked was released. The valid flag is one bit of information that indicates whether the IDs are currently linked or have already been released. If the valid flag is 1, it indicates that they are currently linked. If the valid flag is 0, it indicates that the linking has already been released and they are no longer linked to each other.

[0062] In this way, the existence of the valid flag allows the business entity 10 to easily link and release accounts. Furthermore, the linked device 700 can easily manage the link and release of accounts.

[0063] Specifically, the linking date between the accommodation service ID "Y123456" and the funding service ID "aaabbbccc" is "YY / MM / DD", and the unlinking date has not been entered. In other words, the valid flag is 1, indicating that the linking is currently in progress. Similarly, the linking date between the accommodation service ID "Y345678" and the funding service ID "bbbcccaaa" is "YY / MM / DD", and the unlinking date has not been entered. In other words, the valid flag is 1, indicating that the linking is currently in progress. Similarly, the linking date between the accommodation service ID "Y567890" and the funding service ID "cccaaabbb" is "YY / MM / DD", and the unlinking date is "YY / MM / DD". In other words, the valid flag is 0, indicating that the linking has already been unlinked and the two services are no longer linked to each other.

[0064] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third table configuration managed by the coordinating device according to this embodiment. This table shows an example of the data structure of table TBL3 managed by the coordinating device 700. In table TBL3 shown in the figure, detailed information on the second platform PF2 is linked to the ID of the second platform PF2.

[0065] Specifically, table TBL3 stores a funding service ID, an affiliated store number (terminal identifier), a contractor name, a store name, account information, an address, and a telephone number in association with each other. The affiliated store number (terminal identifier) ​​may be, for example, an identification number of a terminal device used when using a payment service provided by payment service provider 50. The funding service ID, contractor name, store name, account information, address, and telephone number are as described above.

[0066] Although not shown, the coordination device 700 may manage tables having other data structures. For example, the coordination device 700 may manage information in which detailed information on the first platform PF1 (for example, information indicating sales amounts or information related to sales amounts) is linked to the ID of the first platform PF1.

[0067] [flowchart] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of steps in a coordination method performed by the coordination device according to this embodiment. With reference to the same figure, an example of a series of steps in a coordination method performed by the coordination device 700 will be described.

[0068] (Step S11) First, the presentation control unit 714 displays a link button on the business operator device 100 operated by the business operator 10. The link button may be displayed, for example, on the operation screen of the first platform PF1 or on the operation screen of the second platform PF2. When the link button is operated, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0069] (Step S12) Here, when the link button is operated on the operation screen of the first platform PF1 (for example, the accommodation facility platform), it is unclear whether the business operator 10 has the management ID of the second platform PF2 (funding platform). Therefore, when the link button is operated by the business operator 10, the link unit 713 performs linking in a different manner depending on whether the business operator 10 has the management ID of the second platform PF2. The link button displayed on the first platform PF1 may be a button for transitioning to the second platform PF2. In other words, the link button can also be said to be a second platform transition button.

[0070] When the business operator 10 operates the second platform transition button, the presentation control unit 714 displays a linking screen for linking the management ID of the first platform PF1 with the management ID of the second platform PF2. The presentation control unit 714 presents different display screens to the business operator 10 depending on whether the business operator 10 has the management ID of the first platform PF1 or does not have it. Below, we will explain the cases where the business operator 10 has the management ID of the second platform PF2 and the case where it does not have it.

[0071] (Step S13) If the business operator 10 has the management ID of the second platform PF2 (funding platform) (i.e., step S12; YES), the screen transitions to a management ID linking screen of the accommodation facility platform. When the business operator 10 has the management ID of the second platform PF2, the presentation control unit 714 can also present a linking screen for linking the management ID of the first platform PF1 with the management ID of the second platform PF2. In the linking screen, the business operator 10 inputs information used to link the management IDs.

[0072] (Step S14) If the business entity 10 does not have a management ID for the second platform PF2 (funding platform) (i.e., step S12; NO), the screen transitions to a new ID creation screen for the funding platform. When the business entity 10 does not have a management ID for the second platform PF2, the presentation control unit 714 can also be said to present a new management ID creation screen for the second platform PF2. In the new creation screen, the business entity 10 inputs information used to create a new management ID for the second platform PF2.

[0073] (Step S15) Finally, the linking unit 713 links the management IDs based on the information input in step S13 or step S14.

[0074] In the above example, a case has been described in which different display screens are presented to the business operator 10 depending on whether the business operator 10 has the management ID of the second platform PF2 or not. In addition to or instead of this, the presentation control unit 714 may present different display screens to the business operator 10 depending on whether the business operator 10 has the management ID of the first platform PF1 or not. Furthermore, the presentation control unit 714 may present different display screens to the business operator 10 depending on whether the business operator 10 has already linked the management ID of the first platform PF1 and the management ID of the second platform PF2 or not yet linked them.

[0075] [Screen Configuration] 12 to 17, an example of the screen configuration of the display screen controlled by the presentation control unit 714 will be described. The display screen is displayed on the business operator device 100 operated by the business operator 10.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a first screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by a linking device according to this embodiment. There are multiple possible implementation methods for linking management IDs. The diagram shows a first example of the implementation of linking. FIG. 12(A) shows a display screen D1A displayed on the second platform PF2 (funding platform). The display screen D1A may be displayed, for example, by operating a linking button displayed on the second platform PF2. FIG. 12(B) shows a display screen D1B displayed on the first platform PF1 (accommodation platform). The display screen D1B is displayed, for example, by transitioning from the display screen D1A.

[0077] Display screen D1A has symbols D11, D12, and D13 as screen components. Symbol D11 indicates the linked platforms. For example, logo images of two linked platforms may be displayed with an arrow between them to indicate which platforms are linked. In the illustrated example, an accommodation platform is linked to a funding platform.

[0078] Symbol D12 is an example of a link button. Operating the link button may transition to display screen D1B. After operating the link button, the management ID and password of the funding platform, as well as the management ID and password of the accommodation platform, may be input, and then the screen may transition to display screen D1B. If the management ID and password of the funding platform, as well as the management ID and password of the accommodation platform, have already been input at the time symbol D12 is operated, the input step may be omitted.

[0079] Symbol D13 is a button that is operated when using the funding service without linking accounts. That is, according to this embodiment, even without linking accounts, the business operator 10 can receive funding based on future sales of the facility operated by the business operator 10. If the business operator 10 does not have the management ID of the accommodation facility platform, the business operator 10 can proceed to the procedure required to receive the funding service without linking accounts by operating symbol D13.

[0080] Display screen D1B has symbols D14, D15, D16, D17, and D18 as screen components. Symbol D14 is the same as symbol D11, so a description thereof will be omitted. Symbol D15 lists the name of the store operated by business operator 10. Symbol D16 lists store information for the store shown in symbol D15. The information shown in symbols D15 and D16 is displayed based on account information for the business operator 10's accommodation platform.

[0081] Reference symbol D17 is a link confirmation button. When the business operator 10 operates this button, the link is confirmed. Reference symbol D18 is a button for returning to the link top page. When the business operator 10 operates this button, the link is canceled and the screen transitions to the link top page. For example, the business operator 10 can check the items displayed in reference symbols D15 and D16, and if they do not want to link, they can operate reference symbol D18 to return to the link process top page without linking.

[0082] 12 is an example of a case where linking is performed from the funding platform. In this case, the presentation control unit 714 can also display a link button that transitions to a link screen for account information on a display screen displayed by the second platform PF2 (funding platform) on the business operator device 100.

[0083] FIG. 13 is a second screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by the linking device according to this embodiment. The diagram shows a second example of how linking is introduced. The diagram shows display screen D2, which is an example of a management screen displayed on the accommodation platform. In the second example, linking is performed on the management screen of the accommodation platform.

[0084] The display screen D2 has symbols D21, D22, D23, D24, D25, and D26 as screen components. Symbol D21 is the same as symbols D11 and D14 described above, so a description thereof will be omitted. Symbol D22 is a text box for inputting the management ID of the accommodation platform. Symbol D23 is a text box for inputting the password for the accommodation platform. Symbol D24 is a confirmation button for the information input into symbols D22 and D23. Operating symbol D24 transitions to a confirmation screen for confirming the accommodation information. On this confirmation screen, the final intention is confirmed and the collaboration is confirmed. This confirmation screen may be a display screen of the funding platform.

[0085] Reference symbol D25 is a reset button provided for those who have forgotten at least one of the management ID or password of the accommodation platform. When the reset button of reference symbol D25 is operated, the screen transitions to a reset screen or a confirmation screen for the reset method.

[0086] Like the button D13, the button D26 is operated when using the fund providing service without linking accounts.

[0087] 13 is an example of a case where linking is performed from the accommodation facility platform. In this case, the presentation control unit 714 can also display a link button that transitions to a link screen for account information on a display screen that the first platform PF1 (accommodation facility platform) displays on the business operator device 100.

[0088] 14 is a third screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by the linkage device according to this embodiment. With reference to the same drawing, an example of a case where a transition button to the second platform PF2 is displayed on the first platform PF1 (accommodation facility platform) will be described.

[0089] The display screen D3 shown in the same figure is an example of a display screen for logging in to the management screen of the accommodation facility platform. The display screen D3 has symbols D31 and D32 as screen components. Symbol D31 is a login information input screen for logging in to the accommodation facility management screen, and symbol D31 further has symbols D311, D312, and D313 as components. Symbol D311 is a text box for inputting a user ID (management ID) for the accommodation facility platform. Symbol D312 is a text box for inputting a password for the accommodation facility platform. Symbol D313 is a button for confirming the information input in symbols D311 and D312. Operating symbol D313 transitions to the management screen of the accommodation facility platform.

[0090] Reference symbol D32 is a transition button to the second platform PF2. The button may be a banner, i.e., an advertisement encouraging the business entity 10, who is a user of the first platform PF1, to use the funding service provided by the first platform PF1. In this case, the presentation control unit 714 may display a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform PF2 on a display screen displayed by the first platform PF1 (accommodation facility platform) on the business entity device 100.

[0091] While Fig. 14 shows an example in which the second platform transition button (D32) is displayed on the login screen of the first platform PF1 (accommodation platform), the second platform transition button (D32) may be designed to be displayed on the screen after login to the first platform PF1 is completed. Fig. 15 is a fourth screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by the linkage device according to this embodiment. With reference to the same figure, an example of the screen configuration of a screen (in this example, a management screen is used as an example) displayed after login to the first platform PF1 (accommodation platform) is completed will be described.

[0092] The display screen D4 shown in the figure is an example of a display screen that is a management screen of an accommodation platform. The display screen D4 has reference numerals D41, D42, and D43 as screen components. Reference numeral D41 displays a list of new information. In the figure, new information 1 to new information 5 are displayed. Reference numeral D42 displays frequently used functions. In the figure, functions 1 to 3 are displayed.

[0093] Reference symbol D43 is an example of a display button introducing a "special plan." D43 may simply be a transition button for directing users of the first platform to a linking page or login page with the second platform to link with the funding platform (second platform). However, funding service providers generally expect that as more users of the first platform link with the funding platform (second platform), the number of funding recipients and funding amounts will increase. Therefore, they may direct more users of the first platform by displaying "special plans" that offer benefits such as preferential fees or campaigns that are expected to attract customers. In other words, reference symbol D43 may not simply be a transition button to the second platform, but may also be a banner advertisement for special plans or campaigns. The "special plan" here refers to some kind of preferential treatment regarding fees, etc., when using the funding service. Specifically, the special plan is a plan offered to businesses 10 that have already registered with the accommodation platform, and is expected to include discounts on fees when using the funding service, an increase in the usage limit, etc. The code D43 further has a code D431 as a component of the screen, and by operating the code D431, the screen may transition to one that displays details of the special plan.

[0094] The display screen D4 may also display the second platform transition button D32 described with reference to Fig. 14. Furthermore, a link page or login page for a third platform other than the funding platform (second platform) may be designated as the transition destination of D32 or D43. An example of the third platform is an electronic payment service platform.

[0095] In this case, the third platform to which the transition is made is a platform for electronic payment services that will be the target for future purchase and sale of receivables in the funding platform, i.e., the payment service provider 50 in FIG.

[0096] Business 10, which is a user of the first platform, can indirectly provide information necessary for funding, such as user information and sales information, to the funding platform (second platform), without directly linking with the funding platform (second platform), by linking their account with the electronic payment service platform, which is the third platform managed by the payment service provider 50. In particular, as described above regarding the relationship between funder 30 and payment service provider 50, if funder 30 and payment service provider 50 are the same, it can be said that there is no substantial difference in operation whether the transition destination of code D32 or code D43 is the funding platform or the electronic payment service platform.

[0097] 16 is a fifth screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by the linked device according to this embodiment. The diagram shows display screen D5, which is an example of an error screen presented to the business operator device 100 by the presentation control unit 714. Display screen D5 is displayed, for example, when accounts are already linked.

[0098] The display screen D5 shown in the figure is an example of a display screen of a funding platform. The display screen D5 has symbols D51, D52, D53, and D54 as screen components. Symbol D51 is similar to symbols D11, D14, and D21 described above, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0099] Reference numeral D52 displays the text "The entered user ID is already linked to another ID. If you wish to cancel the link, please contact us." Since this message indicates the nature of the error, it is preferable that the message be displayed in a font that stands out compared to other fonts, such as in red or bold. Furthermore, the message may be configured so that, by operating a part of the text, the user is taken to a page for canceling the link.

[0100] One thing to be careful of when linking IDs across multiple platforms is to avoid duplicate IDs. If the IDs to be linked do not correspond one-to-one, the linking operation will not work properly. Therefore, when entering the management ID and other information required for linking, as shown in the example of Figure 13, the second table TBL2 in Figure 9 is referenced to check whether the entered accommodation service ID has already been registered.

[0101] When the presentation control unit 714 receives a request for collaboration from the business operator 10 and the management ID of the first platform PF1 and the management ID of the second platform PF2 are already linked, the presentation control unit 714 can display to the business operator device 100 that collaboration has already been established.

[0102] Note that reference numeral D53 is the same as reference numeral D12, and reference numeral D54 is the same as reference numeral D13, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] 17 is a sixth screen configuration diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed by the linked device according to this embodiment. This diagram shows a display screen D6, which is an example of a display screen after account linkage that is presented to the business operator device 100 by the presentation control unit 714. The display screen D6 is displayed on the funding platform. The display screen D6 has the reference numerals D61, D62, D63, D64, and D65 as screen components.

[0104] Reference symbol D61 is a selection button for selecting whether to display "unused" projects or "in use" projects. In the example shown, "unused" projects are selected. In this case, the screen displays "unused" projects, i.e., facilities or receivables that have not yet been funded based on future sales.

[0105] Reference symbol D62 displays the available amount. The available amount is the maximum amount that the business operator 10 can receive funding for. This amount varies for each business operator 10 depending on their sales situation. In the example shown, the available amount is 1,000,000 yen. If the business operator 10 has multiple facilities or claims, etc., the available amount displayed is the total amount of the multiple facilities or claims, etc.

[0106] Reference symbol D63 collectively presents information about the facility providing funding (the transfer destination of the provided funds) and information about the amount of funding available to the facility. (This collection is referred to as a "cassette.") At this time, the name of the platform or an icon of the platform may also be displayed to identify the platform from which the presented information was referenced. In the illustrated example, the icon of the platform whose information was referenced when calculating the funding amount is displayed in the space labeled "Facility 1." Reference symbol D63 may also display the name of facility 1, the name of business operator 10, the amount of funding available for application to facility 1, transfer account information, etc. Note that, in the illustrated example, one facility or bond is displayed on display screen D6; however, if business operator 10 links information from multiple facilities or platforms, multiple facilities may be displayed on display screen D6. In this case, business operator 10 may be able to select from the multiple facilities or bonds displayed.

[0107] Even if the business operator 10 operates only one facility, if the facility is linked to multiple platforms, multiple cassettes will be displayed for the same facility. For example, if the business operator 10 operates a lodging facility, and the lodging facility shown in FIG. 5 is included in both the lodging facility platform PF1 and the funding platform PF2, and the information from these two platforms is linked, two cassettes for the same facility will be displayed on the display screen D6. In this case, to make it easier to see which platform the information from each cassette is based on, the name and icon of the platform are displayed in the space labeled "Facility 1." Instead of using the platform name and icon, visibility may be improved by, for example, using different background colors for the cassettes for each platform.

[0108] When multiple cassettes are displayed for the same facility, not only does the identification information of the platform that references the information for each cassette change, but the "maximum available amount" value displayed in D63 also changes. As mentioned above, the maximum available amount D63 is calculated based on the sales information for the store managed by each platform, so the displayed value will naturally be different for two cassettes that reference different platforms.

[0109] Reference symbol D64 is a button for displaying funding plans that the business operator 10 can select for a facility selected from the multiple facilities displayed by reference symbol D63, etc. When the business operator 10 operates this button, the upper limit of the funding amount is calculated based on sales information, etc. managed by the selected facility or platform, etc., and funding plans that the business operator 10 can select are displayed. The funding plan may include, in addition to the funding amount, the deduction rate (deduction amount), deduction frequency, etc. related to fund collection.

[0110] Reference symbol D65 is an add store button for adding a facility (store) that is the target of funding. The business operator 10 can operate this button to add a store such as an accommodation facility operated by the business operator 10 to the second platform PF2 (funding platform) using the first platform PF1 (accommodation facility platform). For example, if the business operator 10 increases the number of stores such as accommodation facilities on the second platform PF2 after account linkage, the business operator 10 can add the store such as an accommodation facility by operating this button.

[0111] That is, according to this embodiment, the management ID of a facility such as an accommodation facility is further linked to the management ID of the second platform (funding platform). This linking is performed by the linking unit 713. When the add store button D65 is operated, the presentation control unit 714 may display an operation screen for linking the management ID of the accommodation facility with the management ID of the second platform (funding platform).

[0112] In this embodiment, the second platform PF2 (funding platform) may be linked to a plurality of first platforms PF1 (for example, accommodation facility platforms, beauty salon platforms, etc.). In this case, the presentation control unit 714 displays a management ID addition screen for the first platform PF1 on the display screen that the second platform PF2 displays on the business operator device 100. When the management ID of the first platform PF1 is added on the management ID addition screen for the first platform PF1, the management ID of the first platform PF1 may be further added to the management ID of the second platform PF2 for linkage.

[0113] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a coordinating device according to this embodiment. At least some of the functions of the coordinating device 700 can be implemented using a computer. As shown in the figure, the computer includes a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input / output port 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, and a bus 906. The computer itself can be implemented using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in a program read from the RAM 902 or the like. In accordance with each instruction, the central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element included in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. RAM stands for "random access memory." The input / output port 903 is a port through which the central processing unit 901 exchanges data with external input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via the input / output port 903. The bus 906 is a common communication path used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data from and to the RAM 902 via the bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses the input / output port via the bus 906. Furthermore, all or part of the functional units provided in the linked device 700 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. Furthermore, all or part of the functional units may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0114] [Summary of the embodiment] According to the above-described embodiment, the linking device 700 includes a first acquisition unit 711 to acquire the management ID of the first platform PF1 used by the business operator 10 operating a business entity (referring to a store or commercial facility, including virtual stores operated online) to conduct business; a second acquisition unit 712 to acquire the management ID of the second platform PF2 used by the business operator 10 to raise funds; and a linking unit 713 to link the management ID of the first platform PF1 with the management ID of the second platform PF2. By adopting such a configuration, even if the business operator 10 operates a business using multiple platforms, linking between the multiple platforms can be easily achieved. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, by linking the accounts of multiple businesses with each other, it becomes possible to sum up the funding amounts across the multiple businesses and provide funding.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the coordination device 700 includes the coordination unit 713, which coordinates the management ID of the first platform PF1 used by the business operator 10 to conduct business with the management ID of the second platform PF2 used by the business operator 10 to raise funds. The coordination device 700 includes the presentation control unit 714, which controls the presentation of information to the business operator device 100 operated by the business operator 10. Furthermore, the presentation control unit 714 displays a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform PF2 on the display screen displayed by the first platform PF1 on the business operator device 100. When the business operator 10 operates the second platform transition button, the coordination unit 713 coordinates the management ID of the first platform PF1 with the management ID of the second platform PF2 in different ways depending on whether the business operator 10 has a management ID of the second platform PF2. This configuration facilitates coordination between multiple platforms, regardless of whether the business operator 10 has a management ID of the second platform PF2 or not. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by linking the accounts of multiple businesses, it becomes possible to add up funding amounts across multiple businesses and provide funding.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the coordination device 700 coordinates the management ID of the first platform PF1 used by the business operator 10 to conduct business and the management ID of the second platform PF2 used by the business operator 10 to raise funds. The coordination device 700 includes a presentation control unit 714, thereby controlling the presentation of information to the business operator device 100 operated by the business operator 10. The presentation control unit 714 also displays a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform PF2 on the display screen displayed by the first platform PF1 on the business operator device 100. Furthermore, when the business operator 10 operates the second platform transition button, the presentation control unit 714 displays a coordination screen for coordinating the management ID of the first platform PF1 with the management ID of the second platform PF2. By adopting such a configuration, the coordination device 700 can associate multiple management IDs of the first platform PF1 with the management ID of the second platform PF2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by coordinating the accounts of multiple businesses with each other, it becomes possible to aggregate and provide funding across multiple businesses.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the coordinating device 700 includes the coordinating unit 713, which coordinates the management ID of the first platform PF1 used by the business operator 10 to conduct business with the management ID of the second platform PF2 used by the business operator 10 to raise funds. The coordinating device 700 also includes the presentation control unit 714, which controls the presentation of information to the business operator device 100 operated by the business operator 10. Furthermore, when the presentation control unit 714 receives a request for coordination from the business operator 10 and the management ID of the first platform PF1 and the management ID of the second platform PF2 have already been coordinated, the presentation control unit 714 displays on the business operator device 100 that coordination has already been established. Furthermore, when the coordinating unit 713 receives a request for coordination from the business operator 10 and the management ID of the first platform PF1 and the management ID of the second platform PF2 have not yet been coordinated, the coordinating unit 713 coordinates the management ID of the first platform PF1 and the management ID of the second platform PF2. By employing such a configuration, the business operator 10 can easily notice that coordination has already been established.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the coordinating device 700 includes a coordinating unit 713, which allows the business operator 10, who operates a business entity, to link the management ID of the first platform PF1, through which the operator 10 accepts reservations for accommodation from customers, with the management ID of the second platform PF2, which the operator 10 uses to raise funds. The coordinating unit 713 also controls the presentation of information to the business operator device 100 operated by the operator 10. The coordinating unit 713 further links the management ID of the accommodation with the management ID of the second platform PF2. Furthermore, the presentation control unit 714 displays an operation screen for linking the management ID of the accommodation with the management ID of the second platform PF2. That is, according to this embodiment, the management ID of multiple accommodations is associated with the management ID of the funding platform. By adopting such a configuration, even if the business operator 10 operates multiple accommodations, the multiple accommodations can be easily linked to the funding platform. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by linking the management IDs of multiple accommodations to the funding platform, the funding amount can be totaled and funding can be provided.

[0119] Note that all or part of the functions of each unit of each device included in linked device 700 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0120] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks like the Internet or communication lines like telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that serve as servers or clients in such cases. Furthermore, the programs may be programs that implement some of the aforementioned functions, or may be programs that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine multiple embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1...funding system, 10...business operator, 30...funder, 50...payment service operator, 100...business operator device, 300...funding management device, 500...business operator information storage device, 700...linking device, 710...control unit, 720...storage unit, 730...communication unit, 711...first acquisition unit, 712...second acquisition unit, 713...linking unit, 714...presentation control unit, PF1...first platform, PF2...second platform

Claims

1. a linking unit that links a management ID of a first platform used by a business operator to conduct business with a management ID of a second platform used by the business operator to raise funds; a presentation control unit that controls presentation of information to a business operator device operated by the business operator; Equipped with the presentation control unit displays a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform on a display screen displayed by the first platform on the business operator device; When the second platform transition button is operated by the business operator, the linking unit links the management ID of the first platform with the management ID of the second platform in a manner that differs depending on whether the business operator has a management ID of the second platform. Collaboration device.

2. the presentation control unit presents a link screen between the management ID of the first platform and the management ID of the second platform when the business operator has the management ID of the second platform; The linked device according to claim 1 .

3. the presentation control unit presents a new creation screen for the management ID of the second platform when the business operator does not have the management ID of the second platform; The linked device according to claim 1 .

4. the presentation control unit displays an addition screen for the management ID of the first platform on a display screen that the second platform displays on the business operator device; When the management ID of the first platform is added on the management ID addition screen of the first platform, the management ID of the first platform is further added to the management ID of the second platform. The linked device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The linked device according to claim 1 or 2; a funding management device that manages funding for the business; A funding system that includes:

6. a linking step of linking a management ID of a first platform used by a business operator to conduct business with a management ID of a second platform used by the business operator to raise funds; a presentation control step of controlling presentation of information to a business operator device operated by the business operator; and the presentation control step includes displaying a second platform transition button for transitioning to the second platform on a display screen displayed by the first platform on the business operator device; the linking step, when the second platform transition button is operated by the business operator, links the management ID of the first platform with the management ID of the second platform in a different manner depending on whether the business operator has a management ID of the second platform; How to collaborate.

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