Information processing apparatus, computing program, and computing method

Abstract

To enable a consumer to accurately present a WTP.SOLUTION: An advance information output unit which outputs advance information including contents of instructing a participant to input a desired purchase amount of a commodity within a range of a first amount and contents that (first amount - set amount) is paid to the participant when the desired purchase amount is equal to or larger than (set amount set by a random number) and the first amount is paid to the participant when the desired purchase amount is smaller than the set amount, a setting unit which sets the set amount using a random number, and an acquisition unit which acquires the desired purchase amount from the participant, wherein (first amount - set amount) is calculated as a second amount when the desired purchase amount is equal to or larger than the set amount, and, the server includes a calculation unit that sets the first amount of money as the second amount of money when the desired purchase amount of money <the set amount of money, a result output unit that outputs a result of the calculation unit, and a determination unit that determines, as the third amount of money, the second amount of money calculated using the last desired purchase amount of money acquired when the acquisition unit acquires the desired purchase amount of money from the participant a plurality of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a computing program, and a computing method. [Background technology]

[0002] If WTP (Willingness to Pay) can be accurately set for new and existing products, sellers can maximize profits without causing consumers to feel any loss. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-503638 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is difficult to obtain consumers' WTP for new products and existing products. Therefore, it is possible to obtain WTP from consumers using the concept of second-price auction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, even if the concept of second-price auction is simply adopted, it is difficult for consumers to accurately express their WTP.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an information processing device, a calculation program, and a calculation method that enable consumers to accurately present their WTP. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a prior information output unit that outputs prior information including instructions to a participant to input a desired purchase price for a product within a first price range, and information that if the desired purchase price is greater than or equal to (a set amount set by a random number), (the first amount - the set amount) will be paid to the participant, and if the desired purchase price is less than the set amount, the first amount will be paid to the participant; a setting unit that sets the set amount using a random number; an acquisition unit that acquires the desired purchase price from the participant after the prior information output unit outputs the prior information; a calculation unit that calculates (the first amount - the set amount) as a second amount if the desired purchase price is greater than or equal to the set amount, and sets the first amount as the second amount if the desired purchase price is less than the set amount; a result output unit that outputs the result of the calculation unit; and a determination unit that, when the acquisition unit acquires the desired purchase price from the participant multiple times, determines the second amount as a third amount to be the second amount calculated by the calculation unit using the desired purchase price last acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] In the information processing device, the setting unit may set an upper limit and a lower limit for the set amount.

[0008] In the information processing device, the setting unit may use a probability distribution having a domain in a positive range as a method for generating random numbers having an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0009] In the information processing device, the setting unit may use a beta distribution as the probability distribution.

[0010] In the above information processing device, when the determination unit determines the third amount for multiple participants, the setting unit may adjust the random number for setting the set amount depending on the result of the determination unit's determination of the third amount for the multiple participants.

[0011] In the above information processing device, when the determination unit determines the third amount for multiple participants, the setting unit may adjust the random number so that the ratio of participants among the multiple participants whose desired purchase amount is greater than or equal to the set amount falls within a predetermined range.

[0012] The information processing device may further include an information providing unit that, when the determination unit determines the third amount for a plurality of participants, provides information regarding sales forecasts for the product in accordance with the result of the determination unit's determination of the third amount for the plurality of participants.

[0013] The calculation program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following: a preliminary information output process that outputs preliminary information including instructions to a participant to input a desired purchase price for a product within a first price range, and information that if the desired purchase price is greater than or equal to (a set amount set by a random number), (the first amount - the set amount) will be paid to the participant, and if the desired purchase price is less than the set amount, the first amount will be paid to the participant; a setting process that sets the set amount using a random number; an acquisition process that acquires the desired purchase price from the participant after the preliminary information is output by the preliminary information output process; a calculation process that calculates (the first amount - the set amount) as a second amount if the desired purchase price is greater than or equal to the set amount, and sets the first amount as the second amount if the desired purchase price is less than the set amount; a result output process that outputs the result of the calculation process; and a determination process that, when the desired purchase price is acquired multiple times from the participant by the acquisition process, determines the second amount calculated by the calculation process using the desired purchase price acquired last in the acquisition process as a third amount.

[0014] The calculation method of the present invention is characterized in that a computer executes the following steps: a preliminary information output process that outputs preliminary information including instructions to a participant to input a desired purchase price for a product within a first price range, and information that if the desired purchase price is greater than or equal to (a set amount set by a random number), (the first amount - the set amount) will be paid to the participant, and if the desired purchase price is less than the set amount, the first amount will be paid to the participant; a setting process that sets the set amount using a random number; an acquisition process that acquires the desired purchase price from the participant after the preliminary information is output by the preliminary information output process; a calculation process that calculates (the first amount - the set amount) as a second amount if the desired purchase price is greater than or equal to the set amount, and sets the first amount as the second amount if the desired purchase price is less than the set amount; a result output process that outputs the result of the calculation process; and a determination process that, when the desired purchase price is acquired multiple times from the participant by the acquisition process, determines the second amount calculated by the calculation process as a third amount using the desired purchase price acquired last in the acquisition process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a calculation program, and a calculation method that enable consumers to accurately present their WTP. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of a first-price auction. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of a second-price auction. [Figure 3] 1A is a block diagram of an information processing device according to an embodiment, FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram of a calculation device, and FIG. 1C is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the calculation device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing device. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of advance information. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a practice process. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a demand forecast and a sales forecast. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] WTP (Willingness to Pay) is the maximum amount a consumer is willing to pay for a product or service. If WTP can be accurately set for new or existing products, sellers can maximize profits without causing consumers any loss. However, it is difficult to find out consumers' WTP for new or existing products. This is because, for example, consumers prefer product prices to be as low as possible.

[0018] Therefore, it is possible to measure a consumer's true WTP by imposing an economic commitment. One method for measuring a consumer's true WTP is the BDM (Becker DeGroot Marscha) auction. The BDM auction is designed based on the second-price auction. Below, we will explain the BDM auction while comparing it with the first-price and second-price auctions.

[0019] First, a first-price auction is a typical auction, such as a public bidding process. In a first-price auction, the person who offers the highest bid wins and must pay the bid they offered. However, even if you win a first-price auction, you may feel that you should have offered a lower bid. This is because you may have been forced to offer a high bid in order to win.

[0020] This is where the second-price auction comes in. In a second-price auction, the winner is the person who offers the highest purchase price, but they also pay the second-highest purchase price among the auction participants. This creates an incentive for participants to honestly bid at their maximum willingness to pay.

[0021] Below, we will explain the details of the first-price auction mentioned above. Assume that consumer A is willing to pay a maximum of 300 yen for the product. In this case, WTP is 300 yen. Assume that the rivals in the auction are willing to pay 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, or 400 yen, and that consumer A is willing to pay 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, or 400 yen, respectively. Figure 1 shows consumer A's profits under the above assumptions.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, for example, suppose consumer A wishes to purchase for 200 yen, and his rival wishes to purchase for 300 yen. In this case, consumer A is not the winner and does not get the product. However, he does not have to pay any money. Therefore, consumer A's profit is 0 yen.

[0023] Next, let's say Consumer A wishes to purchase for 200 yen, and his rival also wishes to purchase for 200 yen. In this case, the winner of the lottery is the winner. The probability of winning and losing the lottery is 50%. If he wins the lottery, he will make a profit of 300 yen - 200 yen = 100 yen, and if he loses, he will make a profit of 0 yen. Therefore, the expected value is 100 yen x 50% + 0 yen x 50% = 50 yen. From the above, Consumer A's profit will be 50 yen.

[0024] Even when considering all other combinations, consumer A's profit is greatest when he offers 200 yen as his desired purchase price, which is lower than his WTP of 300 yen. Therefore, in a first-price auction, the difference between his WTP and the amount at which he can maximize his profit becomes large.

[0025] Next, we will explain the details of the second-price auction. As with the first-price auction, we assume that consumer A's WTP is 300 yen. We will consider the cases where the rivals in the auction are willing to pay 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, or 400 yen, and consumer A's willingness to pay 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, or 400 yen, respectively. Figure 2 shows consumer A's profits under the above assumptions.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, for example, suppose consumer A wishes to purchase for 400 yen, and his rival wishes to purchase for 200 yen. In this case, consumer A can purchase a product that he would be willing to pay 300 yen for for 200 yen, so his profit will be 100 yen.

[0027] Next, let's say Consumer A wants to buy for 200 yen, and his rival wants to buy for 300 yen. In this case, Consumer A cannot be the winner, so his profit will be 0 yen.

[0028] Next, let's say Consumer A wishes to purchase for 200 yen, and his rival also wishes to purchase for 200 yen. In this case, the winner of the lottery is the winner. The probability of winning and losing the lottery is 50%. If he wins the lottery, he will make a profit of 300 yen - 200 yen = 100 yen, and if he loses, he will make a profit of 0 yen. Therefore, the expected value is 100 yen x 50% + 0 yen x 50% = 50 yen. From the above, Consumer A's profit is 50 yen.

[0029] Next, let's say Consumer A's desired purchase price is 300 yen, the same as WTP, and his rival's desired purchase price is 200 yen. In this case, Consumer A's profit will be 100 yen, because he can buy the product he is willing to pay 300 yen for for 200 yen.

[0030] Even when considering all other combinations, Consumer A's profit is greatest when he offers his WTP of 300 yen. Therefore, in a second-price auction, the difference between WTP and the amount at which Consumer A can obtain the maximum profit becomes smaller.

[0031] From the above, holding a BDM auction creates an incentive to honestly bid at the maximum willingness to pay. Therefore, by setting the selling price of the product to the amount that the winner would actually pay in a BDM auction, the seller's profits can be increased without the consumer feeling that they have lost out. However, it is difficult for consumers to accurately express their WTP. In the following embodiment, an example will be described in which a consumer can accurately express their WTP.

[0032] (Embodiment) As an example, imagine an event venue where new products, etc., whose prices have not yet been determined, are on display. Participants are invited to the event venue. The seller of the product wishes to know the appropriate product price. Therefore, the seller wishes to obtain WTP from the participants. The participants are given a first amount (for example, 1,000 yen) as a reward.

[0033] Fig. 3(a) is a block diagram of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the information processing device 100 includes a calculation device 10, an operation device 20, a notification device 30, and the like.

[0034] The operation device 20 is a device operated by the participants. The operation device 20 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The notification device 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can notify participants of information. For example, the notification device 30 may be a display device such as an LCD screen, or an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0035] Fig. 3(b) is a functional block diagram of the calculation device 10. As illustrated in Fig. 3(b), the calculation device 10 functions as a prior information output unit 11, a setting unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a calculation unit 14, a result output unit 15, a determination unit 16, an information provision unit 17, and the like.

[0036] FIG. 3(c) is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the arithmetic device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3(c), the arithmetic device 10 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a storage device 103, and the like. These devices are connected via a bus or the like. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 is a central processing unit. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 101, data processed by the CPU 101, and the like. The storage device 103 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage device 103 may be a read-only memory (ROM), a solid-state drive (SSD) such as a flash memory, or a hard disk driven by a hard disk drive. The CPU 101 executes the arithmetic program stored in the storage device 103, thereby realizing the functions of each unit of the arithmetic device 10. Note that the functions of each unit of the arithmetic device 10 may be configured using dedicated circuits or the like.

[0037] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] First, the prior information output unit 11 outputs the prior information to the notification device 30 in order to notify the participants of the prior information (step S1). As a result, the notification device 30 notifies the participants of the prior information received from the prior information output unit 11. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the prior information. For example, the following prior information is notified to the participants: "Please honestly enter the amount you would like to pay for the product that will be offered. The highest amount offered by the five people who answered before you, A yen, will be recorded. If your amount, B yen, is higher than the highest amount, A yen, you will be able to purchase the product that will be offered for A yen. This is the game. <If you win> In addition to the prize, you will receive a reward of 1,000 yen minus the highest amount ever paid, A yen. <If you lose> You get 1,000 yen and the game ends there. Once you understand the rules, press the start button. After pressing the start button, you will have three practice sessions, followed by one real session.

[0039] Next, after the participant presses the start button using the operation device 20, the practice process is executed (step S2). The practice process is executed at least once. In this embodiment, the practice process is executed three times.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the practice process. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the setting unit 12 sets a set amount (the above-mentioned maximum amount A yen) using a random number (step S11).

[0041] Next, the acquisition unit 13 acquires the desired purchase price input by the participant using the operation device 20 (step S12). Note that the products presented to the participant in this practice process are products for practice, which are different from those in the actual process described below. For example, the practice products and the actual products may be different products in the same category, such as beverages, or may be products in different categories, such as food and beverages.

[0042] Next, the calculation unit 14 calculates the second amount (step S13). Specifically, if the desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, the calculation unit 14 calculates the second amount as (first amount - set amount), and if the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount, the calculation unit 14 calculates the second amount as (first amount - set amount).

[0043] Next, the result output unit 15 outputs the calculation result of the calculation unit 14 in step S13 to the notification device 30 (step S14). As a result, the notification device 30 notifies the participant of the calculation result received from the calculation unit 14. Specifically, if the desired purchase amount is greater than or equal to the set amount, the notification device 30 notifies the participant that the participant is a winner and can win the product, and notifies the participant of the second amount. If the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount, the notification device 30 notifies the participant that the participant is a loser and cannot win the product, and notifies the participant of the second amount.

[0044] After the practice process in step S2 is completed, the actual process is executed. Specifically, the setting unit 12 sets a set amount (the above-mentioned maximum amount A yen) using a random number (step S3).

[0045] Next, the acquisition unit 13 acquires the desired purchase price input by the participant using the operation device 20 (step S4).

[0046] Next, the calculation unit 14 calculates the second amount (step S5). Specifically, if the desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, the calculation unit 14 calculates the second amount as (first amount - set amount), and if the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount, the calculation unit 14 calculates the second amount as (first amount - set amount).

[0047] Next, the result output unit 15 outputs the calculation result of the calculation unit 14 in step S5 to the notification device 30 (step S6). As a result, the notification device 30 notifies the participant of the calculation result received from the calculation unit 14. Specifically, if the desired purchase amount is greater than or equal to the set amount, the notification device 30 notifies the participant that the participant is a winner and can win the product, and notifies the participant of the second amount. If the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount, the notification device 30 notifies the participant that the participant is a loser and cannot win the product, and notifies the participant of the second amount.

[0048] Next, the determination unit 16 determines the second amount calculated in step S5 as the third amount (step S7). The third amount is given to the participant.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows an overview of this embodiment.

[0050] The effects of this embodiment will now be described.

[0051] Since most ordinary consumers are not familiar with BDM auctions, if the actual process is carried out without the practice process, participants may not be able to accurately present their WTP. For example, it would be possible to explain the mechanism of the BDM auction to participants without carrying out the practice process, and then carry out the actual process, but in this case, participants would not actually experience a BDM auction, and it would still be difficult for them to present an accurate WTP.

[0052] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the practice process is executed one or more times before the actual process is executed. In this case, participants can actually experience the BDM auction and participate in the BDM auction after fully understanding the mechanism of the BDM auction. This allows participants to accurately state their WTP. Furthermore, since the set price is set using random numbers, it is possible to eliminate the seller's speculation and set a fair set price. This allows participants to accurately state their WTP.

[0053] Since the number of participants is not limited to one, multiple participants will conduct the BDM auction according to the flowchart in Figure 4. In this case, WTPs for the same product can be obtained from multiple participants. Therefore, the information providing unit 17 provides information on the sales forecast for the product according to the results of the determination of the third price by the determination unit 16 for the multiple participants.

[0054] As an example, the information providing unit 17 combines the results of the determination of the third prices for multiple participants by the determination unit 16 with a marketing model to provide a demand forecast and a sales forecast. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a demand forecast and a sales forecast. The information providing unit 17 is assumed to have previously acquired market research data and additional research data for the target product in the BDM auction. The information providing unit 17 is also assumed to have previously acquired market research data and additional research data for products in the same category as the target product in the BDM auction. The market research data includes the recognition rate and shelving rate, attribute information and purchase path information for expanding and estimating them in the market, and sales volume for the entire category. The additional research data includes the repeat purchase probability, the switchback probability, etc.

[0055] First, the information provider 17 obtains the trial probability (=F) for each price under the condition that the target product of the BDM auction is recognized and available. Here, the trial probability refers to the probability of making a trial purchase (the probability of making a first purchase).

[0056] For example, the trial probability can be estimated as follows. First, the WTP of each consumer can be obtained through the BDM auction described above. As mentioned above, WTP is the maximum amount a consumer is willing to pay for a product or service, so each consumer is likely to make a decision to try the new product if their WTP is equal to or lower than the price of the new product. From this information, the trial probability F of all consumers at each price point is estimated.

[0057] Next, the information providing unit 17 acquires the awareness rate (= K) of the new product based on the market research data. The awareness rate is the proportion of people who are aware of the new product among the total number of people in the market. Next, the information providing unit 17 acquires the shelving rate (= D) based on the market research data.

[0058] Next, the information providing unit 17 calculates the final cumulative trial probability T based on the trial probability F, the recognition rate K, and the shelving rate D. For example, the information providing unit 17 calculates T = F x K x D. This cumulative trial probability T corresponds to the proportion of people who purchase the new product on a trial basis (at least once) out of the total number of people in the entire market.

[0059] Next, the information providing unit 17 obtains the repeat probability (=p) for each price for people who made a trial purchase based on the additional survey. The repeat probability p is the percentage of people who made a trial purchase (first purchase) who will purchase again at the next purchasing opportunity. Next, the information providing unit 17 obtains the switchback probability (=q) for each price for people who did not make a trial purchase based on the additional survey. The switchback probability q is the percentage of people who did not make a trial purchase (first purchase) who plan to purchase at the next purchasing opportunity.

[0060] Next, the information providing unit 17 calculates the final continuation purchase rate R of people who have made a trial purchase based on the repeat probability p and the switchback probability q. For example, the information providing unit 17 calculates R=q / (1-p+q). The continuation purchase rate R is the percentage of people who make a trial purchase (first purchase) and continue to make subsequent purchases.

[0061] Next, the information providing unit 17 calculates a long-term market share and demand forecast M based on the cumulative trial probability T and the repeat purchase rate R. The market share and demand forecast M is the final market share. For example, the information providing unit 17 calculates M=T×R.

[0062] Finally, the information providing unit 17 provides information on sales forecasts based on the market share and demand forecast M and the sales volume of the entire category.

[0063] The set price set by the setting unit 12 may be random, but it is preferable that the set price be set within a range of realistically possible values. For example, for a new product of a 500 ml PET bottle drink, 50 yen may be too cheap, and 500 yen may be too expensive. Therefore, it is preferable that the setting unit 12 generate a random number with an upper and lower limit. As a method for generating a random number with an upper and lower limit, for example, a probability distribution having a domain in a positive range can be used. As a probability distribution having a domain in a positive range, for example, a beta distribution can be used.

[0064] The beta distribution is a probability density function with two parameters, α and β, taking values ​​in [0, 1]. If the random variable is x, the probability density function is f(x|α,β)=x α―1 (1-x) β-1 It can be expressed as / B(α,β), where B(·) represents the beta function.

[0065] First, the distribution f * Let U be the upper limit and L be the lower limit.

[0066] Next, set the target median of the random numbers. * Let's say.

[0067] Next, M * percentile q in [U,L] of M* q M* is (M * -L) / (UL).

[0068] By using the fact that the median of the beta distribution f can be approximated by (α-1 / 3) / (α+β-2 / 3), * The parameter α * and β * Here, β * Set an appropriate value for α * =(3βq M* -2q M* +1) / 3(1-q M* ) by f * (y|α* ,β * ) and set the beta random number f * It is generated from y. * is a random variable that follows.

[0069] Transform y as z=y(UL)+L and set it as a random number z. This random number z has an upper limit U, a lower limit L, and a median M * It follows a beta distribution with

[0070] When the information providing unit 17 provides information about the selling price of the product, further surveys of participants who have acquired the product can be conducted, thereby enabling more accurate future demand forecasts. Therefore, if too few participants acquire the product, it may be impossible to obtain a sample size for accurate demand forecasting. On the other hand, if too many participants acquire the product, the auction becomes meaningless, and an accurate WTP may not be obtained.

[0071] Therefore, when the third amount for a specific product is determined for multiple participants, the setting unit 12 may adjust the random number used to set the set amount depending on the result of the third amount determined by the determination unit 16 for the multiple participants. For example, it is preferable to set the median of a probability distribution with a domain in a positive range so that the proportion of participants whose desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount is appropriate. In this way, the results when multiple new participants input their desired purchase amounts according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 can be adjusted.

[0072] For example, if there are few participants whose desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount relative to the required sample size, it is preferable to adaptively change the probability distribution to reduce the median and adjust the probability distribution so that the proportion of participants whose desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount is increased. In this way, it becomes possible to adjust the random number so that the proportion of participants whose desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount falls within a predetermined range.

[0073] Alternatively, if there is a limit to the number of items that can be prepared, such as "goods" or "personal services," it is preferable to adaptively adjust the distribution so as to adjust the proportion of participants whose desired purchase amount is equal to or exceeds a set amount in accordance with the limit.

[0074] In the practice process, it is preferable to set the median of the distribution so that the proportion of participants whose desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount is about 50%. By doing so, participants can be made aware that if they do not enter the desired purchase amount appropriately, their desired purchase amount may not be equal to or greater than the set amount.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 Arithmetic unit 11 Advance information output section 12 Setting section 13 Acquisition Department 14 Calculation section 15 Result output section 16 Decision Section 17 Information Provision Department 20 Operating device 30 Notification device 100 Information processing device

Claims

1. a prior information output unit that outputs prior information including instructions to a participant to input a desired purchase price for a product within a first price range, and a statement that if the desired purchase price is equal to or greater than (a set price set by a random number), then (the first price - the set price) will be paid to the participant, and if the desired purchase price is less than the set price, then the first price will be paid to the participant; a setting unit that sets the set amount using a random number; an acquisition unit that acquires the desired purchase amount from the participant after the advance information output unit outputs the advance information; a calculation unit that calculates a second amount as (the first amount - the set amount) when the desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, and that calculates the second amount as the first amount when the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount; a result output unit that outputs the result of the calculation unit; and a determination unit that, when the acquisition unit acquires the desired purchase amount from the participant multiple times, determines the second amount calculated by the calculation unit using the desired purchase amount acquired last by the acquisition unit as the third amount.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit sets an upper limit and a lower limit for the set amount.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit uses a probability distribution having a domain in a positive range as a method for generating random numbers having upper and lower limits.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the setting unit uses a beta distribution as the probability distribution.

5. The information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the determination unit determines the third amount for multiple participants, the setting unit adjusts the random number for setting the set amount depending on the result of the determination unit's determination of the third amount for the multiple participants.

6. The information processing device described in claim 5, characterized in that when the determination unit determines the third amount for multiple participants, the setting unit adjusts the random number so that the ratio of participants among the multiple participants whose desired purchase amount is greater than or equal to the set amount falls within a predetermined range.

7. The information processing device described in claim 1, further comprising an information providing unit that, when the determination unit determines the third amount for a plurality of participants, provides information regarding sales forecasts for the product in accordance with the result of the determination unit's determination of the third amount for the plurality of participants.

8. On the computer, a prior information output process that outputs prior information including instructions to the participant to input a desired purchase price for the product within a first price range, and a statement that if the desired purchase price is equal to or greater than (a set price set by a random number), then (the first price - the set price) will be paid to the participant, and if the desired purchase price is less than the set price, then the first price will be paid to the participant; A setting process for setting the set amount using a random number; an acquisition process for acquiring the desired purchase amount from the participant after the advance information is output by the advance information output process; a calculation process in which, if the desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, a second amount is calculated as (the first amount - the set amount), and, if the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount, the first amount is calculated as the second amount; a result output process for outputting a result of the calculation process; and a determination process for determining, as a third amount, the second amount calculated by the calculation process using the desired purchase amount last obtained in the acquisition process when the desired purchase amount is obtained from the participant multiple times through the acquisition process.

9. The computer a prior information output process that outputs prior information including instructions to the participant to input a desired purchase price for the product within a first price range, and a statement that if the desired purchase price is equal to or greater than (a set price set by a random number), then (the first price - the set price) will be paid to the participant, and if the desired purchase price is less than the set price, then the first price will be paid to the participant; A setting process for setting the set amount using a random number; an acquisition process for acquiring the desired purchase amount from the participant after the advance information is output by the advance information output process; a calculation process in which, if the desired purchase amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, a second amount is calculated as (the first amount - the set amount), and, if the desired purchase amount is less than the set amount, the first amount is calculated as the second amount; a result output process for outputting a result of the calculation process; a determination process for determining, as a third amount, the second amount calculated by the calculation process using the desired purchase amount last obtained in the acquisition process when the desired purchase amount is obtained from the participant multiple times through the acquisition process.

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