Information processing method, computer program, and information processing device

Abstract

An information processing method and the like that can automatically provide financial information related to finance is provided. One or more nearby terminal devices are identified, financial information relating to finance is obtained from the identified terminal devices, and the obtained financial information is output.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a guidance support device that accurately guides a user to facilities for conducting transactions with a financial institution used by the user. The guidance support device includes a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information, an estimation means for estimating facilities for conducting transactions with a specific financial institution used by the user, and an identification means for identifying the location of the estimated facilities within a range based on the location identified by the acquired location information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6682205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In information gathering, there is a problem that information cannot be obtained unless the user actively performs the gathering work, such as accepting a search operation. The guidance support device of Patent Document 1 does not automatically provide financial information related to finance.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing method and the like that can automatically provide financial information related to finance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure identifies one or more nearby terminal devices, acquires financial information related to finance from the identified terminal devices, and outputs the acquired financial information.

[0007] A computer program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of identifying one or more terminal devices located in the vicinity, obtaining financial information related to finances from the identified terminal devices, and outputting the obtained financial information.

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a processing unit that identifies one or more terminal devices located nearby, acquires financial information related to finances from the identified terminal devices, and executes a process of outputting the acquired financial information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, financial information relating to finance can be automatically provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ATM. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of information stored in a user information DB. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a financial information DB. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a process of acquiring user information and financial information executed by the information processing system. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for providing financial information executed by the information processing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying guidance information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for providing financial information executed by the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying investment information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying detailed investment information. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a screen displaying investment information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 100 is a system that provides users with financial information related to finance. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where guidance information for an ATM 2 managed by a financial institution is provided as the financial information.

[0013] The information processing system 100 includes a user terminal device 1 used by a user who is a recipient of financial information, an automated teller machine (ATM) 2 that provides the financial information, and a management server 3. The ATM 2 is an example of a terminal device that provides financial information.

[0014] The user terminal device 1 is a portable information processing device, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. Many ATMs 2 are installed in various indoor and outdoor locations, such as financial institutions, convenience stores, train stations, and underground shopping malls. The user terminal device 1 and the ATMs 2 are capable of wireless communication using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method. While FIG. 1 shows one user, the information processing system 100 includes multiple user terminal devices 1 used by multiple users, and can provide financial information to each user. The number of ATMs 2 is an example.

[0015] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user terminal device 1 and the ATM 2 perform UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication. UWB communication is short-distance, high-speed communication using ultra-wideband radio signals, and is characterized by enabling highly accurate positioning and ranging and little interference with other wireless communication methods. Note that short-distance wireless communication is not limited to UWB, and may be other communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0016] The management server 3 is an information processing device capable of various information processing and sending and receiving information, such as a server computer, a personal computer, or a quantum computer. The management server 3 is connected to the user terminal device 1 and the ATM 2 via a network N so that they can communicate with each other. The network N is a wired or wireless network including a public communication network such as the Internet, a carrier network, etc. The management server 3 manages information obtained through communication with the user terminal device 1 and the ATM 2.

[0017] In this system, when a user carrying user terminal device 1 moves and the user terminal device 1 approaches ATM 2, the user terminal device 1 automatically acquires and presents guidance information provided by ATM 2 to the user. The user can receive the guidance information simply by passing near ATM 2 without performing any special operations to collect information.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal device 1. The user terminal device 1 is a computer, and includes a processing unit 11, a storage unit 12, a first communication unit 13, a second communication unit 14, a display unit 15, and an operation unit 16.

[0019] The processing unit 11 includes one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processing unit 11 includes a memory that is a temporary storage medium such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The processing unit 11 may include functions such as a timer that measures the elapsed time from when a measurement start instruction is given to when a measurement end instruction is given, a counter that counts numbers, and a clock that outputs date and time information. The processing unit 11 may be realized by software, or partly or entirely by hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0020] The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores various computer programs and data referenced by the processing unit 11. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores a program 1P for causing a computer to execute processing related to the acquisition of financial information, identification information for identifying the user terminal device 1, and user information. The program 1P may be an application program executed on a computer system, or may be a web application program that runs on a web browser.

[0021] User information is information relating to the user of the user terminal device 1. The user information includes, for example, attribute information and desired acquisition conditions. When the user terminal device 1 is also used as an information providing terminal device, financial information may be stored in the storage unit 12. The financial information includes, for example, information on the type, details, and desired conditions for providing financial information that the terminal device can provide. Details of the user information and financial information will be described later.

[0022] A computer program (program product) including program 1P may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium 1A on which the computer program is readably recorded. Recording medium 1A is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or an SD (Secure Digital) card. Processing unit 11 reads the desired computer program from recording medium 1A using a reading device (not shown) and stores the read computer program in memory unit 12. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided via communication. Program 1P may be a single computer program or may be composed of multiple computer programs. Program 1P may also be executed on a single computer or may be executed cooperatively by multiple computers.

[0023] The first communication unit 13 includes a communication device that realizes communication via the network N. The processing unit 11 transmits and receives data to and from the management server 3 via the first communication unit 13.

[0024] The second communication unit 14 includes an antenna for UWB communication and is provided with a wireless communication device that realizes UWB communication. The processing unit 11 transmits and receives UWB communication data to and from the ATM 2 via the second communication unit 14.

[0025] Display unit 15 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. Display unit 15 displays financial information obtained from ATM 2 and management server 3 in accordance with instructions from processing unit 11.

[0026] The operation unit 16 is an interface that accepts user operations. The operation unit 16 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel device with a built-in display, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The operation unit 16 accepts operation input from the user and sends a control signal to the processing unit 11 according to the operation content.

[0027] 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of ATM 2. ATM 2 is a computer and includes a processing unit 21, a memory unit 22, a first communication unit 23, a second communication unit 24, a display unit 25, and an operation unit 26. Memory unit 22 stores a program 2P for causing the computer to execute processing related to the provision of financial information, identification information for identifying ATM 2, and the financial information. A computer program (computer program product) including program 2P may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium 2A on which the computer program is readably recorded. The hardware configuration of ATM 2 is similar to that of user terminal device 1, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The management server 3 may be a single computer, or may be a computer system configured with multiple computers and peripheral devices. The management server 3 may be a virtual machine whose entity is virtualized, or may be a cloud.

[0029] The processing unit 31 includes one or more processors such as a CPU, an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a GPU, etc. The processing unit 31 includes a memory that is a temporary storage medium such as an SRAM or a DRAM. The processing unit 31 may be realized by software, or part or all of it may be realized by hardware.

[0030] The storage unit 32 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 32 may be separate from the management server 3 and may be one or more external storage devices connected externally. The storage unit 32 stores various computer programs and data referenced by the processing unit 31. The storage unit 32 of this embodiment stores a program 3P for causing a computer to execute processing related to the acquisition of financial information, a user information database (DB) 321, and a financial information DB 322.

[0031] A computer program (program product) including the program 3P may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium 3A on which the computer program is readably recorded, or may be provided via communication. The program 3P may be a single computer program or may be composed of multiple computer programs. The program 3P may also be executed on a single computer or may be executed by multiple computers working together.

[0032] The communication unit 33 includes a communication device that realizes communication via the network N. The processing unit 31 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal device 1 and the ATM 2 through the communication unit 33.

[0033] The configuration of the management server 3 is not limited to the above example, and may include, for example, a display unit for displaying images, an operation unit for accepting user operations, and the like.

[0034] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of information stored in the user information DB 321. The user information DB 321 stores user information acquired from the user terminal device 1 of each user who uses the present system.

[0035] The user information DB321 stores records that link user attribute information and information such as desired acquisition conditions, using, for example, a user ID as a key. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user. The attribute information includes, for example, place of residence, economic situation, years of experience if the user is investing, investment purpose, total number of stocks held, names of held stocks, confirmation information for held stocks, etc. The confirmation information is information that indicates whether it has been confirmed that the user has purchased or holds the product of the held stock. The confirmation information column may store either "1", which indicates that it has been confirmed that the purchase has been made, or "0", which indicates that it has not been confirmed that the purchase has been made.

[0036] The desired acquisition conditions are information indicating the conditions for the financial information desired to be acquired. The desired acquisition conditions include, for example, the type of financial information desired to be acquired and detailed conditions for the financial information desired to be acquired. The detailed conditions include conditions such as the content of the financial information desired to be acquired, the attributes of the recipient, and the distance from the recipient. In the example shown in Figure 5, the first desired acquisition condition corresponding to user ID "U001" is the type of financial information "ATM information" and the detailed condition "available 24 hours a day." The second desired acquisition condition is the type of financial information "investment" and the detailed condition "increase in assets (for investment purpose)."

[0037] The user information DB 321 may also store a history of financial information acquisition by the user terminal device 1. The user information DB 321 may also store information about the user's account, email address, and incentives held by the user.

[0038] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of information stored in financial information DB 322. Financial information DB 322 stores financial information acquired from each ATM 3 and each user terminal device 1 included in the system.

[0039] The financial information DB322 stores records that link information such as the type of financial information that can be provided, details, and desired conditions for provision, using, for example, a user ID or a terminal device ID as a key. The user ID or terminal device ID is identification information for identifying the user or terminal device that provides the financial information. The user information DB321 and the financial information DB322 are associated with each other by the user ID.

[0040] The types of financial information are the same as the types of financial information in the user information DB 321. The details of financial information indicate the content of the financial information that can be provided. For example, if the type of financial information is "ATM information," the detailed information may include the ATM's name, address, available hours, and services offered. If the type of financial information is "investment," the detailed information may include various investment advice, evaluations of held stocks, and the like. In the example shown in Figure 6, the detailed information is divided into multiple detailed data and stored.

[0041] The desired conditions for provision are information indicating the conditions for the financial information desired to be provided. The desired conditions for provision include, for example, the attributes of the recipient who wishes to receive the financial information, the range of information, and other conditions. In the example shown in Figure 6, the desired conditions for provision corresponding to user ID "U002" are recipient "(years of investment experience) 3 years or more" and the range of information "(financial information) details 1 to 2".

[0042] 5 and 6 are merely examples, and the information stored in the user information DB 321 and the financial information DB 322 is not limited thereto.

[0043] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for acquiring user information and financial information executed by the information processing system 100. The following process is executed by the processing unit 11 in accordance with a program 1P stored in the storage unit 12 of the user terminal device 1, and by the processing unit 31 in accordance with a program 3P stored in the storage unit 32 of the management server 3.

[0044] Processing unit 11 of user terminal device 1 accepts registration of user information and financial information based on a user operation (step S11). Processing unit 11 may display a registration screen for accepting the registration of user information and financial information on display unit 15, and may use the registration screen to accept the user information and financial information.

[0045] Processing unit 11 stores the received user information and financial information in storage unit 12 (step S12). Processing unit 11 transmits the received user information and financial information to management server 3 via first communication unit 13 (step S13).

[0046] The processing unit 31 of the management server 3 receives the user information and financial information (step S14). The processing unit 31 stores the received user information and financial information in the user information DB 321 and the financial information DB 322, respectively, in association with the user ID (step S15).

[0047] In the above process, the user terminal device 1 may accept registration of at least one of user information and financial information. If the user only wishes to receive financial information, registration of financial information is not necessary. The above registration process may be performed at any time. When using this system, the user can update the user information and financial information at any time. The management server 3 performs the above process with each user terminal device 1 and stores the acquired information in the DB.

[0048] 7, the processing unit 21 of the ATM 2 stores the received financial information in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the management server 3. As a result, the financial information of each ATM 2 is accumulated in the management server 3.

[0049] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for providing financial information executed by information processing system 100. When a user starts program 1P on user terminal device 1, the following process is executed between user terminal device 1 and ATM 2. The following process is executed by processing unit 11 in accordance with program 1P stored in memory unit 12 of user terminal device 1, and is also executed by processing unit 21 in accordance with program 2P stored in memory unit 22 of ATM 2.

[0050] The processing unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 starts transmitting and receiving UWB signals through the second communication unit 14 (step S21). The processing unit 21 of the ATM 2 starts transmitting and receiving UWB signals through the second communication unit 24 (step S22). Note that the processing unit 21 of the ATM 2 may constantly transmit and receive UWB signals. By receiving a response signal from the ATM 2, the processing unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 establishes a UWB communication connection with the ATM 2 that received the response signal. The processing unit 11 can establish a communication connection with each of multiple ATMs 2 within the UWB communication range.

[0051] The processing unit 11 detects its own position (for example, its relative position with respect to the ATM 2) using a known UWB position measurement technique based on the results of transmitting and receiving the UWB signal (step S23). Based on the position detection result, the processing unit 11 identifies one or more ATMs 2 that exist in the vicinity of the user terminal device 1 (step S24). The vicinity may be, for example, within the communication range of the UWB.

[0052] The processing unit 11 transmits a request for financial information to each of the identified nearby ATMs 2 via the second communication unit 14 (step S25). The request for financial information may include the identification information of the user terminal device 1 stored in the storage unit 12 and the desired acquisition conditions. As an example, the desired acquisition conditions are the type of financial information "ATM information" and the detailed condition "available 24 hours a day."

[0053] The processing unit 21 of ATM2 receives the request for financial information through the second communication unit 24 (step S26). The processing unit 21 determines whether the financial information stored in the memory unit 22 matches the desired acquisition conditions in the received request for financial information (step S27). In step S27, the processing unit 21 determines whether the type of financial information held by the processing unit 21 matches the type of financial information in the desired acquisition conditions. Furthermore, if the desired acquisition conditions include detailed conditions, the processing unit 21 determines whether the details of the financial information held by the processing unit 21 match the detailed conditions in the desired acquisition conditions. Specifically, the processing unit 21 determines whether it holds financial information whose data type is "ATM information" and whose detailed information includes "available 24 hours a day."

[0054] If it is determined that the stored financial information does not meet the desired acquisition conditions (S27: NO), processing unit 21 terminates the process. Processing unit 21 may transmit information indicating that the financial information does not meet the conditions to user terminal device 1 in response to the request for financial information.

[0055] If it is determined that the stored financial information meets the desired acquisition conditions (S27: YES), processing unit 21 transmits the financial information stored in memory unit 22 to user terminal device 1 identified by the identification information in the request for financial information (step S28). Processing unit 21 transmits ATM guidance information as an example of financial information. The guidance information includes the ATM 2's identification information, location information, name, address, available hours, available services, etc.

[0056] Processing unit 11 of user terminal device 1 receives the financial information through second communication unit 14 (step S29). Processing unit 11 outputs the received financial information via display unit 15 (step S30), and the process ends.

[0057] Note that some of the processes in the above flowchart may be executed in the background.

[0058] The entity that performs each process shown in the above flowchart is not limited. For example, part of the process performed by the user terminal device 1 may be performed by the ATM 2 or the management server 3, and part of the process performed by the ATM 2 may be performed by the user terminal device 1 or the management server 3.

[0059] For example, the determination of conformance with the desired acquisition conditions may be performed by the user terminal device 1. The user terminal device 1 receives financial information from each nearby ATM 2, and performs processing similar to step S27 based on the received financial information and pre-stored desired acquisition conditions to determine conformance with the desired acquisition conditions. This allows financial information that conforms to the desired acquisition conditions and ATMs 2 that provide that financial information to be identified from multiple nearby ATMs 2. The user terminal device 1 may also obtain financial information through the management server 3.

[0060] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen 40 showing guidance information. The processing unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 causes the display unit 15 to display the screen 40 shown in FIG. 9 based on the guidance information acquired from each ATM 2 located nearby.

[0061] The screen 40 includes a guidance information display field 41 that displays guidance information including the name, address, functions, etc. of the ATM 2. The processing unit 11 of the user terminal device 1 displays the guidance information in order of proximity to the ATM 2, for example, based on the detection result of the relative position of each ATM 2.

[0062] 9, the guidance information display field 41 may display location information indicating the location of the ATM 2 using UWB location measurement technology. The processing unit 11 displays the distance to the ATM 2 in the guidance information display field 41 based on the relative position of the user terminal device 1 to the ATM 2 detected in step S23, and also displays an object such as an arrow indicating the location (direction) of the ATM 2 from the current location of the user terminal device 1 in the guidance information display field 41.

[0063] The guidance information is not limited to being presented as an image, and may be provided as audio information, for example.

[0064] The financial information provided through this system is not particularly limited as long as it is financial information, and may include, for example, financial news, financial columns, etc.

[0065] Information providing terminal devices such as ATMs 2 may store different information for each terminal device, or may store common information among the terminal devices. When information is shared among terminal devices, the user terminal device 1 may store the information acquisition history as needed to prevent duplication of information output from each terminal device. For example, consider a case where financial institution terminals installed at multiple financial institutions function as information providing terminal devices and provide financial columns from each financial institution terminal. Each financial institution terminal stores financial columns consisting of multiple columns. For example, each time the user terminal device 1 acquires a column from a nearby financial institution terminal, it updates the acquisition status sequentially from the first time, and transmits a request for the financial column by including the updated acquisition status in the desired acquisition conditions. In response to a request for a financial column, the financial institution terminal can transmit the column corresponding to the acquisition status.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the user terminal device 1 can automatically acquire and display financial information from nearby information providing terminal devices. Users can passively collect desired information simply by passing by the terminal device. This reduces the burden on users, as direct operation by the user to collect information is not required. Financial information can be provided to users who do not actively access the information because they do not know how to search for appropriate information, increasing the opportunities for providing information.

[0067] By setting desired acquisition conditions, it is possible to customize the information received and reduce the reception of unnecessary information. By using short-range wireless communication, information can be obtained instantly and reliably regardless of communication conditions such as public communication networks or carrier networks. In particular, by using UWB communication, it is possible to present target location information with higher accuracy than general map apps, improving convenience.

[0068] (Second embodiment) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment. In the information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment, financial information is provided to a user who receives the financial information by another user who provides the financial information. The information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment is suitably applied to, for example, an investment study group where multiple users gather. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where information on investment is provided as financial information.

[0069] The information processing system 100 of the second embodiment includes a user terminal device 1 instead of the ATM 2 of the first embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the first user is assumed to be a user who receives financial information, and the second user is assumed to be a user who provides financial information, and the reference numeral for the user terminal device 1 of the first user will be given the suffix "a," and the reference numeral for the user terminal device 1 of the second user will be given the suffix "b."

[0070] The storage unit 12a of the user terminal device 1a stores at least user information and may also store financial information. The storage unit 12b of the user terminal device 1b stores at least financial information and may also store user information.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for providing financial information executed by the information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0072] The processing unit 11a of the user terminal device 1a starts transmitting and receiving UWB signals (step S41). The processing unit 11b of the user terminal device 1b starts transmitting and receiving UWB signals (step S42). The user terminal device 1a establishes communication connections with each of the multiple user terminal devices 1b that are within the UWB communication range.

[0073] The processing unit 11a of the user terminal device 1a detects its own location based on the results of transmitting and receiving the UWB signal (step S43). The processing unit 11a transmits location information indicating the detected location and identification information of the user terminal device 1a to the management server 3 via the first communication unit 13 (step S44).

[0074] The processing unit 31 of the management server 3 receives the location information and identification information of the user terminal device 1a (step S45). The processing unit 31 identifies a user terminal device 1b that is located near the user terminal device 1a based on the received location information (step S46). The processing unit 31 may similarly receive location information from user terminal devices 1b other than the user terminal device 1a, and identify a user terminal device 1b that is located near the user terminal device 1a by integrating the location information of each user terminal device.

[0075] The processing unit 31 identifies one or more user terminal devices 1b that meet the desired acquisition conditions of the user terminal device 1a from among the identified nearby user terminal devices 1b (step S47). Specifically, the processing unit 31 reads the desired acquisition conditions associated with the user terminal device 1a identified by the identification information received in step S45 from the user information DB 321. The processing unit 31 also reads financial information associated with each nearby user terminal device 1b identified in step S46 from the financial information DB 322. The processing unit 31 determines whether each piece of financial information matches the desired acquisition conditions, thereby identifying financial information that meets the desired acquisition conditions of the user terminal device 1a and the user terminal device 1b that holds the financial information.

[0076] The processing unit 31 identifies financial information that matches the desired provision conditions of the identified user terminal device 1b (step S48). Specifically, the processing unit 31 reads the desired provision conditions of the identified user terminal device 1b from the financial information DB 322 and determines whether the user information of the user terminal device 1a matches the read desired provision conditions. The processing unit 31 determines, for example, whether the user attributes corresponding to the user terminal device 1a match the recipient of the desired provision conditions.

[0077] If the user terminal device 1a meets the desired provision conditions of the user terminal device 1b, the processing unit 31 extracts financial information related to the user terminal device 1b from the financial information DB 322. If the desired provision conditions include further detailed information, the processing unit 31 identifies financial information related to the user terminal device 1b that is suitable for the detailed information. For example, if a range of financial information that can be provided as detailed information is set, the processing unit 31 extracts only financial information within the range that can be provided from the financial information related to the user terminal device 1b. On the other hand, if the user information of the user terminal device 1a does not meet the desired provision conditions of the user terminal device 1b, the processing unit 31 determines that there is no financial information that meets the desired provision conditions.

[0078] For example, if the desired acquisition conditions of the first user are set as the type of financial information "investment" and the detailed condition "(investment purpose) asset increase," in step S47, the processing unit 31 identifies, from among the nearby user terminal devices 1b, a user terminal device 1b whose user information has an investment purpose of asset increase. Assume that the desired provision conditions of the identified user terminal device 1b are set as the destination of provision "(years of experience) 3 years or more" and the scope of provision "Details 1-2." In step S48, if the user information of the user terminal device 1a shows less than 3 years of experience, the processing unit 31 does not transmit financial information corresponding to the user terminal device 1b. If the user information shows 3 years of experience or more, the processing unit 31 transmits the data of Details 1-2 of the financial information corresponding to the user terminal device 1b to the user terminal device 1a.

[0079] The processing unit 31 transmits financial information that meets the specified desired acquisition conditions and desired provision conditions to the user terminal device 1a identified by the identification information (step S49). The processing unit 31 transmits investment information as an example of financial information. The investment information includes various pieces of advice regarding investments. The transmitted investment information may also include user information related to the user of the user terminal device 1b.

[0080] Processing unit 11a of user terminal device 1a receives the financial information through first communication unit 13a (step S50), and outputs the received financial information via display unit 15a (step S51).

[0081] The processing unit 31 of the management server 3 transmits a notification indicating that financial information has been provided to the user terminal device 1a to each nearby user terminal device 1b identified in step S46 (step S52).

[0082] The processing unit 11b of the user terminal device 1b receives the notification indicating that the financial information has been provided through the first communication unit 13b (step S53), and outputs the received notification via the display unit 15b (step S54).

[0083] The processing unit 11a of the user terminal device 1a determines whether a communication request to the user terminal device 1b has been accepted (step S55). If it is determined that a communication request has not been accepted because a predetermined request operation has not been detected (S55: NO), the processing unit 11a ends the process. The processing unit 11a may return the process to step S41.

[0084] When it is determined that a communication request has been accepted by detecting a predetermined request operation (S55: YES), the processing unit 11a accepts a message based on the operation of the first user and transmits the accepted message to the user terminal device 1b (step S56). The message may be transmitted by UWB communication or via the network N.

[0085] The processing unit 11b of the user terminal device 1b receives the message from the user terminal device 1a (step S57) and displays the received message on the display unit 15 (step S58). The user terminal device 1b ends the processing. The user terminal device 1b and the user terminal device 1a may repeatedly send and receive messages.

[0086] In the above process, if the financial information to be output to the user terminal device 1a includes information to which confirmation information has been added, the management server 3 may determine whether to output the information depending on the content of the confirmation information. If confirmation information indicating that the purchase has been confirmed has been added to the target data, the management server 3 outputs the target data and other data to the user terminal device 1a. If confirmation information indicating that the purchase has been confirmed has not been added to the target data, the management server 3 does not output the target data, but outputs data other than the target data to the user terminal device 1a.

[0087] The confirmation information may be included in the desired acquisition conditions or desired provision conditions. For example, when the desired acquisition conditions include the addition of confirmation information, the management server 3 may output to the user terminal device 1a only the extracted financial information to which the confirmation information has been added, among the financial information to which the confirmation information is to be added. Furthermore, when the desired provision conditions include the addition of confirmation information, the management server 3 may specify, as the recipient of the information, only the user terminal device 1a of the user who holds the financial information to which the confirmation information is to be added, to which appropriate confirmation information has been added.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above process, the transmission or reception of financial information is not limited to being performed via management server 3, but may be performed via UWB communication between user terminal device 1a and user terminal device 1b. When UWB communication is used, management server 3 transmits financial information suitable for the desired conditions for provision identified, for example, by the processing up to step S48, and identification information for user terminal device 1a to user terminal device 1b, and instructs user terminal device 1b to output the financial information to user terminal device 1a. User terminal device 1b, following the instruction from management server 3, transmits the financial information to user terminal device 1a via UWB communication.

[0089] The user terminal device 1a and the user terminal device 1b may transmit or receive some information between them, separate from the transmission or reception of information via the management server 3. For example, after establishing a UWB communication connection, the user terminal device 1a receives attribute information of the second user from each user terminal device 1b with which the connection has been established, via UWB communication. Thereafter, the user terminal device 1a may additionally receive financial information other than the attribute information via the management server 3.

[0090] When financial information is registered or provided, the management server 3 may grant a predetermined incentive to the account of the second user of the user terminal device 1b to which the financial information is registered or provided. The management server 3 references the user DB 321 to identify the account of the second user to which the incentive is to be granted, and grants the predetermined incentive corresponding to the identified account of the second user. The management server 3 stores the incentive grant history corresponding to the second user's account in the user DB 321. The incentive may be granted in the form of, for example, electronic money, points or coins that can be used in the virtual space described below, or the like. In calculating the incentive, the management server 3 may increase the incentive the greater the amount of registered financial information data or the greater the number of times the financial information is provided. The incentive may vary depending on the type of data registered or provided.

[0091] The above distinction between users is for convenience, and it is also possible that the user who provides financial information is also the user who receives the financial information. In other words, user terminal device 1 may function as user terminal device 1a that executes processes related to receiving financial information, and also as user terminal device 1b that executes processes related to providing financial information.

[0092] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen 43 showing investment information. The processing unit 11 of the user terminal device 1a causes the display unit 15a to display the screen 43 shown in Fig. 12 based on the investment information acquired from the management server 3. The screen 43 displays the investment information in a virtual space (virtual world) such as the Metaverse.

[0093] The virtual space includes a first user avatar 44 representing the first user himself / herself, and multiple second user avatars 45 representing each of the second users themselves. Based on the position information acquired in step S45, the management server 3 places each of the avatars 44, 45 in the virtual space so as to correspond to the positions of the user terminal device 1a and each of the user terminal devices 1b in the real space.

[0094] The management server 3 displays the investment information corresponding to each user terminal device 1b identified in step S48 around the avatar of the second user corresponding to each nearby user terminal device 1b identified in step S46. In the example shown in Fig. 12, a profile field 46 including attribute information of the second user is displayed around the avatar 45 of the second user. The profile field 46 includes a communication button 47 for requesting communication and a detail display button 48 for requesting the display of more detailed investment information.

[0095] The first user can display more detailed investment information by using the operation unit 16a to select the detailed display button 48. When the detailed display button 48 is selected, the management server 3 displays on the screen 43 the investment information corresponding to the user terminal device 1b of the second user indicated by the avatar for which the detailed display button 48 was selected.

[0096] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen 43 showing detailed investment information. The screen 43 showing detailed investment information displays various types of investment information identified in step S48, including, for example, attribute information of the second user to be displayed, detailed financial information, information on stock holdings, etc.

[0097] If the detailed investment information includes data to which confirmation information indicating that the purchase has been confirmed is attached, a message or illustration indicating that the purchase has been confirmed may be displayed for the data. In the example shown in Figure 13, the message "Purchase Confirmed" and a predetermined mark (star) are attached to the holding stocks in the holding stocks list that have been confirmed to be purchased.

[0098] The confirmation information on screen 43 may be configured to be switchable between display and non-display depending on the user's selection. The user can determine whether to display or not display the confirmation information on screen 43, for example, by selecting whether to include the confirmation information in the information range of the desired provision conditions. The management server 3 stores this information in the financial information DB 322. The management server 3 references the desired provision conditions stored in the financial information DB 322 and determines whether the display of the confirmation information is desired in the desired provision conditions associated with the user terminal device 1. If it is determined that the display of the confirmation information is desired, the management server 3 displays the confirmation information for the investment information on screen 43.

[0099] The first user can also communicate with a specific second user by selecting a communication button 47 using the operation unit 16a. When the communication button 47 is selected, the user terminal device 1a displays a message input field (not shown) for accepting message input. The user terminal device 1a transmits the message accepted using the message input field to the user terminal device 1b of the second user of the selected communication button 47.

[0100] Note that various processes related to the generation of images to be displayed on the display unit 15a, control of objects based on user input operations, etc. may be performed by the management server 3 or by the user terminal device 1a.

[0101] The management server 3 may be configured to accept requests for displaying financial information acquired from nearby user terminal devices 1b and requests for communication with other users not only when the financial information is provided but also at any time after the information is provided. For example, the management server 3 may store a history of interactions between the user terminal device 1a and other user terminal devices 1b as needed. Based on the stored history, the management server 3 can transmit screen information for receiving financial information or communication to the user terminal device 1a at a timing corresponding to an output request from the user terminal device 1b.

[0102] In this system, the proximity of the user terminal device 1 is not limited to being determined based on the distance in real space, but may also be determined based on the distance in virtual space. When the distance in virtual space is taken into consideration, the position of the user terminal device 1 may be the position in virtual space of the user operated by the user terminal device 1, and the position of another terminal device may be the position in virtual space of another terminal device or a user (user's avatar) operated by another terminal device. Each user can move their own avatar in the virtual space by operating the user terminal device 1 using the operation unit 16.

[0103] The virtual space may be generated taking into consideration the past movement history of the users. In the virtual space, a second user of a user terminal device 1b who was previously present near the user terminal device 1a of the first user in the real space may be displayed near the first user.

[0104] For example, when the management server 3 executes the identification process in step S46, it associates the user ID of the identified user terminal device 1a, the location information of the user terminal device 1a, the user ID of the nearby user terminal device 1b, the location information of the user terminal device 1b, the detection date and time, and stores the associated information as history information in the storage unit 32. The management server 3 references the history information to identify a second user who has had a history of proximity to the first user in the past. The management server 3 may also identify a second user who has had a history of proximity within a recent predetermined period. The management server 3 generates a virtual space image in which the avatar 45 of the identified second user is placed near the avatar 44 of the first user, and outputs the generated virtual space image to the user terminal device 1a. The first user can subsequently communicate with the second user who was nearby in real space in the past through the virtual space.

[0105] The proximity determination may be performed, for example, taking into consideration the acceleration, movement vector, etc. of the user terminal device 1. If the acceleration or movement vector of the user terminal device 1a is similar to the acceleration or movement vector of the user terminal device 1b, the user terminal device 1b is determined to be in the vicinity of the user terminal device 1a. The similarity determination can be performed using a known method. By taking the acceleration and movement vector into consideration, it is possible to identify terminal devices on the same movement route, terminal devices using the same means of transportation, etc. as nearby terminal devices.

[0106] The management server 3 may receive desired proximity determination conditions from the first user through the user terminal device 1a. When the proximity determination conditions are received from the first user, the management server 3 identifies a user terminal device 1b that satisfies the proximity determination conditions and is located nearby. The management server 3 may associate the user ID of the first user, the received proximity determination conditions, the identified user terminal device 1b, date and time information indicating the specific date and time, and store them in the storage unit 32 as history information. A label indicating the event content may be attached to the proximity determination conditions. Examples of labels include "Financial study session held at the International Forum on XX month on XX day," "Take the train departing from XX station at a:b," etc.

[0107] For example, when generating a virtual space image, the management server 3 receives a selection of proximity determination conditions and date and time information from the first user via the user terminal device 1a, and identifies a second user according to the selected proximity determination conditions and date and time information. The management server 3 generates a virtual space image in which the avatar 45 of the identified second user is placed near the avatar 44 of the first user.

[0108] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a screen 43 displaying investment information. The screen 43 in Fig. 14 displays a two-dimensional image showing the investment information. The screen 43 includes a plurality of investment information display fields 49 showing investment information corresponding to each nearby user terminal device 1b. The investment information display field 49 has a configuration similar to that of the profile field 46 shown in Fig. 12, for example, and displays attribute information of a second user associated with the user terminal device 1b to be displayed, and also includes a communication button 47 and a detail display button 48.

[0109] The investment information display field 49 may also display location information indicating the location of the user terminal device 1b in real space based on the location detection result of the user terminal device 1a. If a facial photograph or icon of the second user of the user terminal device 1b is stored in association with the user terminal device 1b, the facial photograph or icon may be displayed in the investment information display field 41.

[0110] The face photo, icon, and location information in the investment information display field 41 may be configured to be switchable between display and non-display depending on the selection of the second user. The second user can determine whether to display or non-display the face photo, icon, location information, etc. in the investment information display field 41 by, for example, selecting whether to include the face photo, icon, location information, etc. in the information range of the desired provision conditions. The management server 3 stores this information in the financial information DB 322. The management server 3 refers to the desired provision conditions stored in the financial information DB 322 and identifies the information range of the desired provision conditions associated with the user terminal device 1. The management server 3 extracts only information that is permitted to be provided from the user information DB 321 and the financial information DB 322 in accordance with the desired provision conditions associated with the user terminal device 1b, and displays the extracted information in the investment information display field 41.

[0111] According to this embodiment, financial information can be provided or exchanged between users. For example, by using this system in an investment study group, it is possible to efficiently collect highly useful information from other users who share the same level of financial knowledge and interests.

[0112] By setting desired conditions for acquisition and provision, both recipients and providers of financial information can appropriately adjust the target users and content of this system. Information recipients can obtain only the financial information they need, while information providers can limit the provision of unlimited information and provide only the information that meets their needs to users.

[0113] By enabling further communication with users who have received financial information, the system can effectively support users in actively gathering information. By providing incentives for registering or providing financial information, the system can promote use of the system and increase the amount of information provided through the system.

[0114] Presenting information in a virtual space makes it easier for users to communicate with each other. By displaying avatars, users can exchange information while maintaining their anonymity.

[0115] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical features described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the claims. The sequences shown in each embodiment are not limited, and the order of each process may be changed within a range consistent with the present invention, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel. The entity that performs each process is not limited, and the process of each device may be executed by another device within a range consistent with the present invention.

[0116] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. In addition, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, although the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not limited to this format. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 100 Information Processing Systems 1. User terminal device 11 Processing section 12 Storage section 13 First Communications Department 14 Second Communications Department 15 Display 16 Control section 1P Program 1A Recording Media 2 ATM 3 Management Server 31 Processing section 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 3P Program 3A Recording Media

Claims

1. Identifying one or more terminal devices present in the vicinity; Obtaining financial information related to finance from the identified terminal device; Output the acquired financial information Information processing methods.

2. Identifying nearby terminal devices in a virtual space The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. A user of a terminal device identified as being present in the vicinity of a target terminal device in real space is displayed in the vicinity of the user of the target terminal device in virtual space after a specific point in time.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. Desired conditions for obtaining the financial information and desired conditions for providing the financial information are set, Identifying the terminal device that meets the desired acquisition conditions; The financial information suitable for the desired conditions is acquired from the identified terminal device.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

5. An incentive is given to the user of the terminal device in response to the acquisition of the financial information from the terminal device.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

6. The financial information is accompanied by confirmation information indicating whether or not a product or service related to the financial information has been purchased; Outputting the financial information to which confirmation information indicating that a product or service related to the financial information has been purchased has been added.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

7. Identifying one or more terminal devices present in the vicinity; Obtaining financial information related to finance from the identified terminal device; Output the acquired financial information A computer program that causes a computer to perform a process.

8. Identifying one or more terminal devices present in the vicinity; Obtaining financial information related to finance from the identified terminal device; Output the acquired financial information Equipped with a processing unit for executing processing Information processing device.

Images