Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method and a program for supporting a series of processes from the purchase of a new commodity by a consumer to management as an asset and exhibition on a market place.SOLUTION: In an information processing system, a management server 2 which sells a product registered by a user via a marketplace and is managed by a marketplace intermediary business operator and a user terminal managed by a user who exhibits an article are communicably connected via a communication network, and the management server 2 is connected to one or a plurality of marketplaces operated by a third party or the management server 2 itself and / or a server managed by an individual sales business operator via the communication network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses identifying and setting prices for items sold in a marketplace. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7414817 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are three main issues. First, even though products purchased by consumers have economic value as assets, they may be treated as "hidden assets" and not be properly circulated in the secondary market. Also, because there is a lack of a system for grasping the proper market value of products purchased by consumers, it is possible that consumers may miss the optimal time to sell from the perspective of lifetime value and not be able to enjoy the maximum economic benefits. Furthermore, depending on factors such as market liquidity, there may be situations where items listed are difficult to sell.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a technology that can support a series of processes from purchasing a new product to putting it up for sale on a marketplace. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problem is an information processing system characterized by comprising an acquisition unit that acquires item information regarding an item from a user, and a determination unit that determines a purchase guarantee amount for the item based on the item information.

[0007] Other problems and solutions disclosed in this application will be made clear in the section on preferred embodiments of the invention and the drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to support a series of processes from a consumer's purchase of a new product, managing it as an asset, and listing it on a marketplace. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a management server 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the software configuration of a management server 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a registration process of product information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a provisional registration process of article information (step S301). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the product information registration process (step S302). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of displaying the value of an item (step S304). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <System Overview> An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The information processing system of this embodiment supports users in putting their owned items up for sale on multiple marketplaces.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system. The information processing system of this embodiment is configured to include a management server 2. The management server 2, which is managed by a marketplace intermediary and sells products registered by users via a marketplace, is communicatively connected via a communication network to user terminals 1 managed by users who list items. Furthermore, the management server 2 can also be connected via the communication network to one or more marketplaces and / or servers managed by individual sellers operated by third parties or by the management server itself. The communication network is, for example, the Internet, and is constructed using a public telephone network, a mobile phone network, wireless communication paths, Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.

[0012] The user terminal 1 is a computer operated by a user, and may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer.

[0013] The management server 2 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing.

[0014] <Administration Server> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 2. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example, and other configurations may also be used. The management server 2 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a storage device 203, a communication interface 204, an input device 205, and an output device 206. The storage device 203 stores various data and programs, and is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or a flash memory. The communication interface 204 is an interface for connecting to a communication network, and is, for example, an adapter for connecting to Ethernet (registered trademark), a modem for connecting to a public telephone network, a wireless communication device for wireless communication, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector or an RS232C connector for serial communication. The input device 205 is used to input data, and is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, or the like. The output device 206 is used to output data, and is, for example, a display, a printer, a speaker, or the like. Each functional unit of the management server 2 described below is realized by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the storage device 203 into the memory 202 and executing it, and each storage unit of the management server 2 is realized as part of the storage area provided by the memory 202 and the storage device 203.

[0015] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the management server 2. The management server 2 includes an account information storage unit 231, an item information storage unit 232, a listing information storage unit 233, a secondary distribution price storage unit 234, an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, a listing processing unit 213, a purchase processing unit 214, a counting unit 215, an asset information output unit 216, and a secondary distribution price counting unit 217.

[0016] <Storage section> The account information storage unit 231 stores information including a user's account in a marketplace (hereinafter, account information). The account information can include information identifying the user (e.g., a user ID), information identifying the marketplace, information indicating the user's account in the marketplace, and authentication information for the account in the marketplace. Multiple pieces of account information can be stored for each account of a single user. Here, an account with a marketplace intermediary can be created on behalf of the user. In this case, each user can be associated with and managed for each marketplace intermediary account. The information identifying the marketplace can be, for example, a URL for accessing a server operating the marketplace (e.g., an API endpoint or a web service address). The information indicating the account can be, for example, an account name. The authentication information can be, for example, a password, an API key, or a JWT (Json Web Token).

[0017] The item information storage unit 232 stores information about items that users put up for sale on the marketplace (hereinafter, item information). The item information can include, in association with information identifying the item (e.g., an item ID), information identifying the user who owns the item (e.g., a user ID), the brand and / or manufacturer of the item, the item category, information identifying a product corresponding to the item, the name of the item, a description of the item, an image of the item (item image), an image of a receipt for the purchase of the item (receipt image), and an image of quality labeling information attached to the item (quality labeling image). The quality labeling information can be, for example, a tag attached to clothing (quality labeling tag) or a sticker attached to an electrical appliance that displays the product's power consumption, usage precautions, etc. There are two steps for the user to provide the management server 2 with the image of the item (item image), the image of the receipt for the purchase of the item (receipt image), and the image of the quality labeling information attached to the item (quality labeling image), which are included in the above item information. The first step is when the user purchases a new item, and the second step is when the user actually sells the item or requests a marketplace intermediary to buy it. Here, in the second step, the marketplace intermediary or partner business can inspect the item.

[0018] The item image is uploaded to the marketplace server by the exhibition processing unit 213 (described later) and is displayed on a product page introducing the item, allowing potential buyers to check the appearance of the item.

[0019] The receipt image can show the original price of the item when it was new or the purchase price by the user. The original price or the like written on the receipt image can be used as a reference for the selling price or when the repurchase processing unit 214 determines the repurchase price.

[0020] The quality display image can show information such as the material, country of origin, and quality grade of the item. By including the quality display information on the sales page, the quality of the item can be properly explained to potential buyers. Furthermore, the quality display information can be taken into consideration when the determination unit 212 determines the guaranteed purchase amount and when the purchase processing unit 214 determines the purchase price.

[0021] The selling information storage unit 233 stores information related to selling on the marketplace (hereinafter, selling information). The selling information may include information identifying the user who has sold the item (e.g., a user ID), information identifying the marketplace to which the item is sold, and information identifying the item that has been sold. The selling information may include the date and time the item was sold. The selling information may include information identifying the item (item ID).

[0022] The secondary distribution price memory unit 234 stores market trends related to the items listed by users, obtained from the secondary distribution market, as a source of information for calculating and visualizing the asset value of the items listed by users (when the users purchase the items and when they request to sell or buy the items).

[0023] <Functional section> The acquisition unit 211 acquires product information related to a product from a user. The product information may include a product image, a receipt image, and a quality label image. The acquisition unit 211 can receive the product information from the user terminal 1. The acquisition unit 211 can, for example, send screen information for displaying a form screen for selecting the manufacturer and / or brand of the product and the product to the user terminal 1, and the user can select the manufacturer and / or brand and the product on the user terminal 1 where the product is to be put up for sale. The user terminal 1 can also use a camera to take images of the product's appearance, receipt, and quality label information. The user terminal 1 can send product information including information indicating the manufacturer and / or brand, information indicating the product, and the captured product image, receipt image, and quality label image to the management server 2, and the acquisition unit 211 can receive the product information from the user terminal 1. The acquisition unit 211 can register the acquired product information in the product information storage unit 232.

[0024] The determination unit 212 determines the guaranteed repurchase amount of the item based on the item information. For example, the guaranteed repurchase amount can be set in advance in the item information storage unit 233 in association with the attributes of the item (type, model, year, release date, etc.), and the determination unit 212 can acquire the preset guaranteed repurchase amount corresponding to the item information. Here, when determining the guaranteed repurchase amount, it is assumed that a comprehensive judgment is made taking into consideration the market trend of the item in the marketplace at that time, time risk factors such as the purchase period (e.g., one year from the time of purchase), etc. Furthermore, if after purchasing a product, when the future purchase guarantee is executed, the quality condition of the product is found to be lower than originally expected, the condition of the item (presence and degree of scratches or stains, etc.) can be assessed and the purchase guarantee amount can be adjusted according to the assessment results.

[0025] The determination unit 212 may also determine the repurchase guarantee amount based on, for example, an item image, a receipt image, and a quality indication image included in the item information. The determination unit 212 may also obtain the purchase price and purchase date of the item from the receipt image and determine the repurchase guarantee amount based on the purchase price and the period of time that has elapsed. Furthermore, the determination unit 212 may determine the repurchase guarantee amount based on quality indication information (e.g., material, country of origin, etc.) described in the quality indication image. Here, when the repurchase guarantee amount is determined after a certain period of time has passed since the user purchased the item, the marketplace intermediary business operator or partner business operator may actually inspect the item and then change the repurchase guarantee amount.

[0026] The determination unit 212 may also determine the repurchase guarantee amount by referring to the prices of products identical or similar to the product in question that are listed in each marketplace. For example, the determination unit 212 may determine the repurchase guarantee amount based on the average or lowest selling price of the products listed. The determination unit 212 may also determine the repurchase guarantee amount by analyzing past sales records (selling price, sales quantity, sales period, etc.) of the product in question or similar products.

[0027] The listing processing unit 213 performs processing for listing an item on a marketplace based on the item information. In this embodiment, the listing processing unit 213 lists the same item on multiple marketplaces. The listing processing unit 213 can list an item on a marketplace by accessing the servers of each of the multiple marketplaces and inputting information necessary for listing the item based on the item information and the repurchase guarantee amount determined by the determination unit 212. The listing processing unit 213 reads account information stored in association with a user from the account information storage unit 231, and for each of the read account information, accesses the marketplace server based on information identifying the marketplace included in the account information, and performs processing for listing the item on the marketplace based on the item information and the repurchase guarantee amount. The listing processing unit 213 can perform listing processing by, for example, calling an API for listing provided by the marketplace server. The listing processing unit 213 can upload item images and quality indication images included in the item information to the marketplace server (for example, by calling an API) so that the image of the item is displayed on the product display screen of the marketplace. The listing processing unit 213 may list the item on the marketplace using the repurchase guarantee amount as the sales price. The listing processing unit 213 may determine a selling price based on the repurchase guarantee amount and list the item on the marketplace at the determined selling price. The listing processing unit 213 may, for example, determine the selling price by adding a predetermined amount to the repurchase guarantee amount. The listing processing unit 213 may, for example, vary the amount to be added depending on the item, the type of item, and / or the brand of the item. The listing processing unit 213 may also determine the selling price by changing the repurchase guarantee amount based on the quality condition of the item after a certain period of time has passed since the user purchased the item. Furthermore, the listing processing unit 213 may obtain prices of items identical to or similar to the item listed in each marketplace and determine the selling price based on the obtained prices (e.g., the average of the obtained prices or the second highest price). The listing processing unit 213 may create listing information for the marketplace where the listing processing was performed and register it in the listing information storage unit 233.Here, the marketplace may be operated by a third-party business operator different from the marketplace intermediary, or may be operated by the marketplace intermediary itself. The listing processing unit 213 can also select an individual buyer or individual other than a marketplace as the sales destination of the product, and can simultaneously list or sell the product through these multiple listing or sales channels. The listing processing unit 213 can also determine a marketplace that matches the attributes of the product registered by the user (e.g., product price, type, consumer demographic, etc.), and list or sell the product there. In this way, the business operator operating the management server 2 can list the product registered by the user through multiple channels, including multiple marketplaces, thereby increasing the likelihood of completing the sale of the product more quickly. In particular, in this embodiment, through a scheme of provisional registration and purchase guarantee, users are able to register items for sale without feeling any hurdles to listing, and furthermore, by allowing users to use the items until the sale of the items is completed, the marketplace intermediary operator operating the management server 2 can collect a large number of items, including high-quality items, and by applying a listing method via multiple channels, the risk of the value of the items decreasing due to purchase guarantees and user use of the products can be reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, the buyback processing unit 214 can perform a buyback process for an item if the item has not been sold in any of the multiple marketplaces. For example, if the item has not been sold (bought) within a predetermined period in all marketplaces where the listing processing unit 213 has put it up for sale, the buyback processing unit 214 can perform a process in which the operator of the system buys the item. Note that the buyback process for items uses a buyback process in general secondary distribution, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0029] The tallying unit 215 tally the repurchase guarantee amount according to the item information acquired from the user. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the tallying unit 215 calculates the total repurchase guarantee amount. The tallying unit 215 can tally the repurchase guarantee amount for a predetermined period (for example, the past year or past month from the present, or the year or fiscal year that includes the present time). The tallying unit 215 may tally the repurchase guarantee amount for each attribute of the auctioned item (for example, the type of item, the manufacturer and / or brand of the item, etc.). The tallying unit 215 can tally the repurchase guarantee amount based on the item information corresponding to the user that is stored in the item information storage unit 233.

[0030] The aggregation result of the buyback guarantee amount calculated by the aggregation unit 215 can be important information for understanding the value of the user's assets. For example, the asset information output unit 216 can present the user with the status of his or her assets by displaying the aggregation result on a screen or outputting it as a report. The user can easily understand the total amount of the items he or she owns and the breakdown of each type of item, which can be useful for asset management, investment decisions, etc.

[0031] The aggregated results of the repurchase guarantee amount can also be used to determine the user's creditworthiness. For example, by providing the aggregated results of the repurchase guarantee amount to a third-party service such as a financial institution with the user's consent, the user's asset status can be used as part of the evaluation criteria for credit screening. This allows users to use their assets as collateral (e.g., securing financing in a manner similar to a pawnbroker) and expect to receive financial services such as loans and investment trusts on more favorable terms.

[0032] Furthermore, by analyzing the aggregated results of the buy-back guarantee amount, it is possible to infer the user's consumption behavior, hobbies, and preferences, etc. For example, for users who have a large buy-back guarantee amount for a particular brand or product category, it is possible to improve user satisfaction and encourage the use of services by providing promotional information related to that brand or product category or suggesting preferential services.

[0033] The asset information output unit 216 outputs information about items put up for sale by users (hereinafter, asset information). The asset information may include a repurchase guarantee amount for each of the put up items. The asset information may include an aggregated value of the repurchase guarantee amounts. In this embodiment, the asset information output unit 216 can create screen data for displaying the aggregated amount of the repurchase guarantee amounts tallied by the tallying unit 215 on a screen and transmit the data to the user terminal 1.

[0034] When visualizing the aggregated amount of the above-mentioned purchase guarantee amount by displaying it on the screen, the secondary distribution price aggregation unit 217 can calculate the purchase guarantee amount as the asset value of the item listed by the user (at the time the user purchases the item and at the time the user sells or requests to purchase the item) based on the market trends related to the item obtained from the secondary distribution market, which are stored in the above-mentioned secondary distribution price memory unit 234.

[0035] <Operation> FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the registration process of the product information.

[0036] The management server 2 accepts the specification of a product corresponding to the product to be put up for sale and provisionally registers the product information (S301), accepts a product image of the product, a receipt image of the receipt for the purchase of the product, and a quality label image of the quality label information attached to the product, and registers (mainly registers) the product information (S302), and performs a listing process on multiple marketplaces based on the product information (S303).The management server 2 can display the value of the product (asset) put up for sale by the user (S304).

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the provisional registration process of the product information (step S301).

[0038] The management server 2 causes the user terminal 1 to display a screen 51 for selecting a brand (or a manufacturer). The management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying the screen 51 to the user terminal 1, and the user terminal 1 displays the screen 51, allowing the user to search for a brand. For example, when the user enters characters in a text box 511 on the screen 51, the user terminal 1 can display a list 512 of brand names corresponding to the entered characters. The brand name search process may be performed by the management server 2, and the management server 2 can, for example, receive a character string from the user terminal 1, access a database that stores information about brands (brand information), and search for brand names that include the character string.

[0039] When a brand name is selected on screen 51, management server 2 causes user terminal 1 to display screen 52 for selecting a category. Management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying screen 52 to user terminal 1, and user terminal 1 displays screen 52, allowing the user to select a category of products belonging to the selected brand. Management server 2 can access a database that stores categories corresponding to brands, identify a list of categories corresponding to the selected brand, and transmit the list of categories to user terminal 1 so that the list of identified categories is displayed on screen 52.

[0040] When a displayed category 521 is selected on screen 52, management server 2 causes user terminal 1 to display screen 53 for selecting a product. Management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying screen 53 to user terminal 1, and user terminal 1 displays screen 53, allowing the user to select a product corresponding to the selected brand and category. Management server 2 can access a database that stores information on products corresponding to brands and categories, identify a list of products corresponding to the selected brand and category, and transmit a list of products (product names) to user terminal 1 so that the list of identified products is displayed on screen 53. Furthermore, when text is entered in input field 531 on screen 53, the text is transmitted from user terminal 1 to management server 2, and management server 2 searches the database for products that correspond to the selected brand and category and that correspond to product information (product names, etc.) including the received text, and transmits the search results to user terminal 1, causing the product list to be displayed.

[0041] When a displayed product 532 is selected on screen 53, management server 2 causes user terminal 1 to display screen 54 for displaying information about the product. Management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying screen 54 to user terminal 1, allowing user terminal 1 to display screen 54 and display information about the selected product. Management server 2 can access a database that stores product information, acquire product information corresponding to the selected product, and transmit the acquired product information to user terminal 1 so that the acquired product information is displayed on screen 54. Product information includes the brand name, category, product name, information identifying the product (product ID), list price, product description, product image, etc. The product information can also include a minimum purchase price for the product. Screen 54 displays product information (product image and product description) in display field 541, and can also display minimum purchase price 542.

[0042] When a "Register" button 543 is pressed on screen 54, management server 2 can cause user terminal 1 to display screen 55, which asks the user to confirm that the user will provisionally register the item he or she is putting up for sale. Management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying screen 55 to user terminal 1, and user terminal 1 displays screen 55. Product information 551 is displayed on screen 55. When button 552 is pressed, management server 2 can provisionally register product information including the product information and a user ID indicating the user in the product information storage unit 233. This allows the user to know the minimum purchase price without providing an actual product image, etc., as will be described later, thereby lowering the hurdle for registering an item for sale.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the product information registration process (step S302). The registration process in S302 can be performed in two ways: when a user purchases a new product, and after a certain period of time (e.g., one year after purchase) has passed since the user purchased the product (when the user requests a marketplace intermediary to sell the product through the marketplace or when the user requests a marketplace intermediary to buy the product). First, when a user purchases a new product, the product is in like-new condition, so the user only needs to upload an image of the receipt and the product. Since the user generally uploads only a photo of the product and the receipt, the purchase price offered at this time is a single guaranteed purchase price based on the quality (e.g., nearly unused, free of scratches and stains) of the product at the time of future purchase (e.g., one year after purchase). Furthermore, when the user actually sells the product or requests a marketplace intermediary to buy the product, the user also uploads an image of the quality indicator in addition to an image of the receipt and the product. At this time, instead of displaying a quality indication image, the marketplace intermediary or partner business will inspect the item and confirm its actual quality. If there is no problem with the quality, the item will be sold to the marketplace as planned at the original guaranteed purchase price. If a quality problem occurs, the item will generally be returned to the user (unless the buyer is okay with that). In the case of a purchase request, if the quality does not deviate from what was initially expected, the marketplace intermediary will purchase the item at the original guaranteed purchase price. If a quality problem occurs, the marketplace intermediary can also present the user with a new purchase price, taking into account the deterioration in quality and the market sentiment for the item at that time.

[0044] As part of the registration process, the management server 2 displays a screen 61 on the user terminal 1. The management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying the screen 61 to the user terminal 1, and the user terminal 1 can display the screen 61. When one of the shooting menus 611 is selected on the screen 61, the user terminal 1 performs a process of capturing a receipt image, an item image (product image), and / or a quality indication image (tag). The user terminal 1 displays a screen 62 and accepts a selection of the image capturing direction. For an item image, it is possible to capture an appearance from the front, side, and top. The user terminal 1, for example, displays a screen 63, and a display frame 631 can display an image captured by the camera. When a button 632 is pressed, the user terminal 1 can transmit the captured image (receipt image, item image, and / or quality indication image) to the management server 2. The display frame 631 can function as a guide for the camera. This lowers the hurdle for listing items by encouraging users to provisionally register based on the process described in Figure 5, while also enabling quality evaluation and authenticity determination of items by acquiring individual item information once again, thereby smoothly ensuring quality assurance of items being listed.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of displaying the value of the item (step S304).

[0046] The management server 2 displays the screen 71 on the user terminal 1. The management server 2 transmits screen data for displaying the screen 71 to the user terminal 1, and the user terminal 1 can display the screen 71. The screen 71 can display an aggregated value related to the item information corresponding to the user of the user terminal 1. In the example of FIG. 7, the total repurchase guarantee amount of the item information is displayed in a graph 711 for each type (category) of item. In addition, a list of items related to the item information acquired from the user can also be displayed on the screen 72. On the screen 72, for items whose item information has been registered, at least a portion of the item information is displayed in the item display column 721. By viewing such screens 71 and 72, the user can easily grasp the value (asset value) of the items they own.

[0047] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the above embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention.

[0048] For example, the processing by each of the functional units of the management server 2 described above may be performed by any of the functional units. Also, a different functional unit that performs part of the processing by each of the functional units described above may be added. Also, the functional units of the management server 2 may be distributed across multiple computers.

[0049] Furthermore, the information stored in each storage unit of the management server may be stored in any of the storage units. That is, the information stored in the above-mentioned multiple storage units may be stored in one storage unit, or part of the information stored in one of the above-mentioned storage units may be stored in another storage unit.

[0050] <Variation 1> Furthermore, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire information regarding the condition of an item when the item information is initially registered or when the item is put up for sale. For example, the acquisition unit 211 may display an input screen on the user terminal 1 that prompts the user to input information regarding the presence and extent of dirt, scratches, malfunctions, or defects of the item. The input screen may provide options for rating the degree of each item, such as dirt, scratches, or malfunctions. For example, the degree of dirt or scratches can be selected from options such as "none," "slightly dirty," "noticeable dirt," and "largely dirty." The presence or absence of malfunctions can be selected from options such as "operates normally," "sometimes does not operate," "operates incorrectly," and "does not operate."

[0051] The acquisition unit 211 can store the information about the state of the item input by the user in the item information storage unit 232 as part of the item information.

[0052] The determination unit 212 can determine the resale guarantee amount based on information about the condition of the item. For example, the determination unit 212 can determine the resale guarantee amount using a calculation formula that lowers the resale guarantee amount the worse the condition of the item and increases the resale guarantee amount the better the condition of the item. Specifically, the degree of dirt, scratches, malfunction, etc. may be assigned a score, and a predetermined amount may be deducted according to the total score. Alternatively, a deduction amount may be set for each item such as dirt, scratches, malfunction, etc., and the resale guarantee amount may be determined by deducting an amount corresponding to the item.

[0053] The condition of an item may be determined not only based on user input but also automatically from an item image. For example, the acquisition unit 211 can analyze an item image received from the user terminal 1 to detect stains or scratches on the item. The acquisition unit 211 can also determine whether the item is in good condition by comparing the item image with a standard image of the item prepared in advance. Such processing can be performed using, for example, artificial intelligence (AI). The acquisition unit 211 can include the results of the analysis and determination in the item information as information regarding the item condition.

[0054] <Variation 2> The listing processing unit 213 may also automatically determine the selling price using AI. For example, the listing processing unit 213 can use AI to predict demand for an item and determine the selling price based on the results of the demand prediction.

[0055] Specifically, the listing processing unit 213 first extracts feature quantities of the item to be used for demand forecasting. Feature quantities that can be used include, for example, the item's category, brand, model number, color, size, material, condition, popularity, and past sales performance. These feature quantities can be acquired from item information. Furthermore, the listing processing unit 213 may extract feature quantities from an image of the item to improve the accuracy of demand forecasting. Feature quantities can be extracted from an image by, for example, image recognition technology using deep learning.

[0056] The listing processing unit 213 predicts the demand for the item by inputting the extracted feature quantities into a pre-constructed demand prediction model. The demand prediction model can be constructed, for example, by a supervised machine learning algorithm. The feature quantities of items sold in the past and their sales records (sales price, sales quantity, sales period, etc.) can be used as training data. The demand prediction model is trained to input the feature quantities of an item and output the demand for that item (for example, the expected sales quantity and expected sales period).

[0057] The listing processing unit 213 can determine the selling price based on the results of the demand forecast. For example, the listing processing unit 213 can set a higher selling price the larger the expected sales quantity or the shorter the expected sales period. Specifically, the listing processing unit 213 can calculate the selling price using a predetermined formula depending on the expected sales quantity and the expected sales period. Furthermore, the listing processing unit 213 may determine the selling price by taking into account other selling price determination factors in addition to the results of the demand forecast. Examples of other selling price determination factors include the seller's desired price, market price, profit margin, inventory cost, etc.

[0058] <Variation 3> Furthermore, the listing processing unit 213 can automate sales strategies, such as automatically lowering the prices of items that have not sold for a certain period of time, based on the results of demand forecasting. For example, the listing processing unit 213 may lower the selling price by a predetermined percentage (for example, 10% or 20%) for items that have not sold after a preset sales period (for example, one week or one month). Furthermore, the listing processing unit 213 may check sales every certain period of time (for example, one day or one week), and gradually lower the selling price if the sales volume is lower than expected. Such price adjustments can be performed automatically by setting conditions such as the sales period and the sales volume.

[0059] Furthermore, the management server 2 can analyze the user's product purchase history and the like, and after grasping the user's tastes and preferences, can provide a personalized function tailored to the user.

[0060] For example, the management server 2 can analyze a user's tastes and preferences based on the user's product purchase history, product browsing history, search history, etc. Specifically, the management server 2 can compile characteristics such as category, brand, color, and size of the products purchased by the user and the products browsed or searched by the user, and estimate the user's tastes. Such analysis can be performed automatically using a machine learning algorithm.

[0061] Based on the analysis results, the management server 2 can present the user with items that match the user's hobbies and preferences. For example, the management server 2 can preferentially display items that match the user's preferences or notify the user of items that are likely to interest the user. The management server 2 can also run a campaign to increase the guaranteed buyback amount for items that match the user's preferences.

[0062] The management server 2 can also suggest a combination of items that match the user's preferences. For example, the management server 2 can present items that can be used in conjunction with items purchased by the user or items that can be coordinated with items owned by the user.

[0063] <Variation 4> Furthermore, the management server 2 may provide an optional service for expensive items such as brand-name products to be checked by an expert to determine their authenticity.

[0064] Specifically, the management server 2 can determine the price and rarity of the product based on the product information and identify products that require authenticity determination. For example, the management server 2 can select products that exceed a preset price standard (e.g., 100,000 yen or more) or products of a specific brand as targets for authenticity determination.

[0065] The management server 2 can present the user with the option of having an expert check on an item that has been subject to authenticity determination. Specifically, the management server 2 can display an expert check guide on the user terminal 1 when putting an item up for sale or when applying to buy it. The user can choose whether or not to have the expert check.

[0066] If the user selects expert check, the management server 2 can request an expert to appraise the item to determine its authenticity. The item can be shipped to the expert so that the expert can actually handle the item and examine it in detail. For example, the management server 2 can instruct the user to ship the item and arrange for the shipped item to be forwarded to the expert.

[0067] When the expert receives the item, he or she can carefully check the material, processing technology, shape of the brand logo, serial number, etc. of the item to determine its authenticity. The expert notifies the management server 2 of the results of the authenticity determination. The management server 2 can notify the user of the results of the authenticity determination and issue an authenticity certificate. The authenticity certificate serves as an important certificate when selling or purchasing an item.

[0068] The system may also be able to flexibly set the criteria for items to be subject to expert checks. For example, the management server 2 can add specific items to the list of items to be subject to expert checks in response to a user's request. The management server 2 can also review the value of the item and change the guaranteed repurchase amount based on the results of the authenticity assessment. This allows for a more accurate evaluation of the value of the item.

[0069] <Variation 5> In addition, the management server 2 can add a function to manage and support the entire process from listing an item to selling, shipping, and receiving payment, thereby improving user convenience.

[0070] Specifically, when a user puts an item up for sale, the management server 2 can manage the progress of the item up to the sale. For example, the management server 2 can keep track of the item's listing status, number of views, number of inquiries, bid status, and successful bid status, and notify the user. This allows the user to check the sales status of the item they have put up for sale at any time.

[0071] Furthermore, when an item is sold, the management server 2 can support procedures from sale to shipping. For example, the management server 2 can manage shipping destination information for the sold item and issue shipping instructions to the user. Furthermore, the management server 2 can cooperate with the delivery company's system to automatically arrange for collection, track the shipping status, and confirm delivery completion.

[0072] The management server 2 can also support the collection of payment for items. For example, the management server 2 can check the status of payment of the sales price, and when the payment is complete, arrange for the payment to be made to the user. The management server 2 can also automatically collect payment by linking with payment services such as credit cards and electronic money.

[0073] The management server 2 can also provide a support function in the event of a problem. For example, the management server 2 can accept complaints or inquiries about products from users and take action according to the content of the complaint or inquiry. The management server 2 may be provided with an action storage unit that stores actions according to the content of the complaint or inquiry, and may search for actions from the action storage unit.

[0074] <Disclosures> The present disclosure also includes the following configurations. [Item 1] an acquisition unit that acquires product information related to the product from a user; a determination unit that determines a repurchase guarantee amount for the item based on the item information; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] Item 1, an information processing system according to item 1, a listing processing unit that performs processing to list the item on a plurality of marketplaces based on the item information; An information processing system characterized by: [Item 3] Item 2. The information processing system according to item 2, a buyback processing unit that performs buyback processing for the item if the item is not sold in any of the plurality of marketplaces; An information processing system characterized by: [Item 4] Item 1, an information processing system according to item 1, a counting unit that counts the buy-back guarantee amount according to the item information acquired from the user; an asset information output unit that outputs asset information including the aggregated value of the purchase guarantee amount; An information processing system comprising: [Item 5] Item 4. The information processing system according to item 4, An information processing system in which the repurchase guarantee amount is determined based on secondary distribution price information. [Item 6] Item 1, an information processing system according to item 1, The product information acquired by the acquisition unit includes a product image obtained by photographing the product, a receipt image obtained by photographing a receipt related to the purchase of the product, and a quality label image obtained by photographing quality label information attached to the product; An information processing system characterized by: [Item 7] obtaining product information about the product from a user; determining a buy-back guarantee amount for the item based on the item information; An information processing method characterized by being executed by a computer. [Item 8] obtaining product information about the product from a user; determining a buy-back guarantee amount for the item based on the item information; A program that causes a computer to execute the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. User terminal 2 Management Server

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires product information related to the product from a user; a determination unit that determines a repurchase guarantee amount for the item based on the item information; An information processing system comprising:

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, a listing processing unit that performs processing to list the item on a plurality of marketplaces based on the item information; An information processing system characterized by:

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, a buyback processing unit that performs buyback processing for the item if the item is not sold in any of the plurality of marketplaces; An information processing system characterized by:

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, a counting unit that counts the buy-back guarantee amount according to the item information acquired from the user; an asset information output unit that outputs asset information including the aggregated value of the purchase guarantee amount; An information processing system comprising:

5. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, An information processing system in which the repurchase guarantee amount is determined based on secondary distribution price information.

6. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The product information acquired by the acquisition unit includes a product image obtained by photographing the product, a receipt image obtained by photographing a receipt related to the purchase of the product, and / or a quality label image obtained by photographing quality label information attached to the product; An information processing system characterized by:

7. obtaining product information about the product from a user; determining a buy-back guarantee amount for the item based on the item information; An information processing method characterized by being executed by a computer.

8. obtaining product information about the product from a user; determining a buy-back guarantee amount for the item based on the item information; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images