Matching system, matching method, and computer program

Abstract

The present invention provides a matching system, matching method, and computer program that can match users with other suitable users and facilitate contact between them. [Solution] In a matching system in which a matching device, a service user terminal, and a service provider user terminal are connected to communicate via a network, the matching device includes a reception unit that receives user information, including gender, from two or more users, including a first user; a matching unit that performs matching processing based on the user information of the first user and the other users and identifies other users suitable for the first user; and a display unit that displays a list of other users suitable for the first user based on the matching results in the matching unit. The matching unit restricts the matching to not be a one-to-one male-to-female match based on the gender of the first user and the other users, and the reception unit accepts the designation of a user to contact selected from the list of other users.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0006] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , , , ,

[0007] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a matching system, a matching method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, systems for matching users with each other and creating suitable combinations have been used in matching systems for men and women and carpooling such as taxis.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a carpool management device and the like for managing a driving plan for using a vehicle by sharing it with other users for a carpool vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, the invention described in Patent Document 1 is a system for managing a driving plan for sharing a vehicle by considering the destinations of users, and does not disclose a system for matching users with users suitable for themselves and making contact.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique that can match a user with another suitable user and make contact.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] [1] A matching system, comprising: a reception unit that receives user information including gender from two or more users including a first user; A matching unit performs a matching process based on the user information of the first user and other users to identify other users who are suitable for the first user, A display unit that displays a list of other users suitable for the first user based on the matching results in the matching unit, Equipped with, The matching process is restricted to prevent a 1:1 male-to-female match based on the gender of the first user and other users. The reception unit accepts the designation of a user to be contacted, selected from the list of other users. Matching system. [2] The reception desk further receives information about the accompanying persons, including the number and gender of the accompanying persons. The matching unit further performs matching based on the companion information, and as part of the matching process, it executes a process to identify other users suitable for the first user based on the number of people and genders in the group, including the first user, other users, and their companions. [1] The matching system described above. [3] The matching process includes, when the number of people in the group is three or more, a process to identify other users suitable for the first user such that the number of women in the group is equal to or greater than the number of men. The matching system described in [2]. [4] The display unit displays a list of other users suitable for the first user, including the gender of the user and their companions, based on the matching results. The matching system described in [2]. [5] Users include service users and service providers, The aforementioned first user is a service user, The service usage information of the aforementioned service user includes information on the place visited. The service provision information of the aforementioned service provider user includes information on available locations. The matching unit further performs the matching process to identify service providers who can provide services at the location visited by the service user, based on the service usage information and the service provision information. The matching system described in any of [1] to [4]. [6] Users include service users and service providers, The aforementioned first user is a service user, The service usage information of the aforementioned service user includes usage date and time information. The service provision information of the aforementioned service provider user includes information on available dates and times. The matching unit further performs the matching process to identify a service provider that is available to use the service at the date and time the service user will use it, based on the service usage information and service provision information. The matching system described in any of [1] to [5]. [7] A matching method performed by a computer, A reception process that receives user information, including gender, from two or more users, including the first user. A matching process is performed based on the user information of the first user and other users to identify other users who are suitable for the first user. A display step in which a list of other users suitable for the first user is displayed based on the matching results in the matching unit, A reception process that accepts the selection of a user to contact from the aforementioned list of other users, Equipped with, The matching process is restricted to prevent a 1:1 male-to-female match based on the gender of the first user and other users. Matching method. A computer program that causes the computer to perform the matching method described in [7].

[0008] According to the invention according to [1], a user can be matched with other users suitable for that user and further contact can be made with that user.

[0009] According to the invention according to [2], matching can be performed considering the companions of the user.

[0010] According to the invention according to [3], considering the number of people and gender included in the group, a matching that makes women feel safe can be provided.

[0011] According to the invention according to [4], the gender and companions of the user can be displayed, and a user who makes contact while also checking the companions can be selected.

[0012] According to the invention according to [5], a user using the service is matched with a user who can provide the service at the place of visit, and can easily receive the service.

[0013] [[ID=2)]According to the invention according to [6], a user using the service is matched with a user who can provide the service at the date and time the user wants to use, and can easily receive the service.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a novel technology that can match a user with other suitable users and make contact can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system of one embodiment [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of the system of one embodiment [Figure 3] Diagram showing an image of matching in one embodiment [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the processing flow of one embodiment [Figure 5] Example of screen display in one embodiment [Figure 6] Example of screen display in one embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Further details will be provided below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments. However, many different forms are possible and the embodiments are not limited to those described herein.

[0017] For example, in this embodiment, the configuration and operation of the matching system will be described, but equivalent effects can be achieved by the method, apparatus, computer program, etc. The program may be provided as a non-transient recording medium that can be read by a computer, or it may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server.

[0018] This embodiment will describe a matching system used for a service where a service user, such as a traveler, finds a local person (service provider) to share a meal or tea with at their travel destination, and then meets the matched person to have a meal or tea at the destination. In this embodiment, the service user meets the matched service provider, who lives near their travel destination, at the destination and shares a meal or tea with them. After meeting the service user and sharing a meal or tea, the service provider receives payment from the service user.

[0019] Providing or using such services requires meeting other users for the first time. However, for users with partners, meeting one-on-one with someone of the opposite sex is undesirable. Also, for female users, a large number of male users they are meeting for the first time may be undesirable as it can make them feel unsafe. To address this situation, this embodiment provides a matching system that allows users to meet other users for the first time with peace of mind by limiting one-on-one matching between men and women and by considering the gender of the user and their companions. In this embodiment, since users will share meals or tea with other matched users, the matching system may be configured to find other users with similar interests and preferences, such as users who want to eat the same food or go to the same place, based on the food preferences and places the user has registered.

[0020] A service user is a user of the system who receives services such as guidance and local introductions, and in this embodiment, they are a traveler. A service provider is a user of the system who provides services such as guidance and local introductions, and in this embodiment, they are an attendant. The services provided by the service provider to the service user are not limited to guidance at the travel destination as in this embodiment, but it is preferable that the services involve situations where actual meetings occur, as in this embodiment.

[0021] Furthermore, a companion is a person who accompanies a service user or service provider. A companion is a partner, friend, family member, or other person who has some relationship with the service user or service provider and accompanies the user in using or receiving the service. In this embodiment, the companion is not registered as a user of the matching system, but the companion may be registered as a user, and user information about this companion may be used in the matching process described later.

[0022] In this embodiment, the matching system performs matching between service users and service providers for the provision of services. However, matching processes described later may also be performed for other purposes, such as simply introducing users to each other.

[0023] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the matching system 0 comprises a matching device 1, a service user terminal 2, and a service provider user terminal 3, which are connected to each other via a network 4 for communication. Note that there may be one or more service user terminals 2 and 3.

[0024] One or more server devices, such as general-purpose servers or personal computers, can be used as the matching device 1.

[0025] A personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or other terminal device 20 can be used as the service user terminal 2 and the service provider user terminal 3. The service user terminal 2 and the service provider user terminal 3 connect to the matching device 1 by executing the matching device utilization program and perform the matching process described later. The matching device utilization program may be a browser application pre-installed on or downloaded to the terminal device 20, or it may be a client application downloaded from a program provider device (not shown).

[0026] Network 4 is an IP (Internet Protocol) network, but there are no restrictions on the type of communication protocol, network type, etc.

[0027] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the matching device 1 and terminal device 20 (service user terminal 2, service provider user terminal 3).

[0028] Figure 2(a) is a hardware configuration diagram of the matching device 1. As shown in Figure 2(a), the matching device 1 comprises a processing unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103, which are used to ensure the operation of each unit and each process.

[0029] The processing unit 101 has a processor such as a CPU that can execute instruction sets, and executes the OS, matching programs, etc. The memory unit 102 has volatile memory such as RAM that can store instruction sets, and non-volatile recording media such as HDDs or SSDs that can store the OS, matching programs, etc. The communication unit 103 has an interface for connecting to the network 4 and performs communication control with the network 4 to input and output information.

[0030] Figure 2(b) is a hardware configuration diagram of the terminal device 20 (service user terminal 2, service provider user terminal 3). As shown in Figure 2(b), the terminal device 20 has a processing unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, an input unit 204, and an output unit 205, which are used to perform the functions of each unit and each process.

[0031] The processing unit 201 has a processor such as a CPU capable of executing instruction sets and executes programs such as the OS and matching device utilization programs. The memory unit 202 has a volatile memory such as RAM that can store instruction sets, and a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD or SSD that can store an application program (such as a matching device utilization program) that can utilize multiple services including an OS and a matching service. The communication unit 203 has an interface for connecting to network 4 and performs communication control with network 4 to input and output information. The input unit 204 has input devices such as touch panels and keyboards, which are operation input devices capable of input processing. The output unit 205 has an output device such as a display device capable of display processing, such as a display.

[0032] <Data structure in matching system 0> The following describes an example of the data configuration used in the matching system 0 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the various data described later are stored in the storage unit 102 of the matching device 1, but they may also be stored in other terminal devices 20 or other server devices (not shown).

[0033] User information refers to information about users of the system, including service users and service providers, and is used in the matching process described later. In this embodiment, user information includes user identification information (user ID), username, gender, age, contact information (email address, telephone number, etc.), address (city of residence), languages ​​spoken fluently, languages ​​being learned, user image (user's face photo), bank transfer information, and payment method information. In this embodiment, user information for service users and service providers includes information relating to similar items, but may also include information relating to different items depending on the type of user. For example, user information for service providers may include bank transfer information such as account information, while user information for service users may include payment method information such as credit card information. In this embodiment, user information is registered in advance through user registration, but may also be registered when applying for matching or service use. Furthermore, some user information may be registered at different times, such as some being registered during user registration and others being registered when applying for a service.

[0034] Companion information refers to information about companions accompanying users of the system, including service users and service providers, when providing services. In this embodiment, companion information includes the number and gender of companions. Furthermore, companion information may include the relationship between each companion and the user. Companion information is registered in association with the user information of the accompanying user. In this embodiment, a service user can be accompanied by up to three companions, and a service provider by one companion; however, the number of companions a user can be accompanied by is not limited to these numbers.

[0035] Service usage information is information about a service user's use of the service and is used in the matching process described later. In this embodiment, service usage information includes location information, which is the place the service user visits and where they wish to receive the service, and date and time usage information, which is the date and time the service user wishes to receive the service. Location information is information about the place the service user visits and where they wish to receive the service, and in this embodiment, it includes the name of the city. Location information may also be location information on a map, address, area name, etc. Date and time usage information is information about the date and time the service user wishes to use the service. In this embodiment, date and time usage information includes only the date, but may also include the time.

[0036] Service provision information is information relating to the service provider's service provision and is used in the matching process described later. In this embodiment, service provision information includes available location information relating to the places where the service provider can provide services, available date and time information relating to the dates and times when the service can be provided, and service usage fees. Available location information is information relating to the places where the service provider can provide services, and in this embodiment, it includes the name of a city. The available location information may also be location information on a map, an address, an area name, etc. The available date and time is information relating to the dates and times when the service provider can provide services. In this embodiment, the available date and time information includes only the date, but it may also include the time. The service usage fee is the fee required to use the service from the service provider, and in this embodiment, it is the amount registered by the service provider plus a commission, but it may also be an amount set by the system administrator.

[0037] In this embodiment, the information used for matching, including the user information, companion information, service usage information, and service provision information described above, is managed in association with each other via identification information such as a user ID. In this embodiment, for service users, user information, companion information, and service usage information are managed in association with each other, and for service users, user information, companion information, and service provision information are managed in association with each other. In this embodiment, the matching process described later is performed using the information about each user that is managed in association.

[0038] Furthermore, the storage unit 102 may also store condition information relating to the conditions desired by each user, including service users and service providers, for matching, and this condition information may be used in the matching process. In this case, the condition information is managed in association with user information using identification information such as a user ID, and is used for matching as information about the target user.

[0039] <Functional Configuration> Figure 1 further shows the functional configuration of the matching system 0. As shown in Figure 1, the matching device 1 comprises a reception unit 11, a matching unit 12, a display unit 13, and a payment processing unit 14. This is a system in which information processing by software (a matching program temporarily or permanently stored in the storage unit 102) is concretely realized by hardware (processing unit 101, etc.). In addition, terminal devices 20 (service user terminal 2, service provider user terminal 3) may have some or all of the functional configuration described later and execute some or all of the processing described later. In this case, the terminal device 20 stores some or all of the matching program in the storage unit 202 and executes it in the processing unit 201.

[0040] <Reception Desk 11> The reception unit 11 processes various data from the terminal device 20, including the service user terminal 2 and the service provider user terminal 3. In this embodiment, the reception unit 11 receives user information, companion information, and service usage information of the service user from the service user terminal 2 and stores them in the storage unit 102. Also, in this embodiment, the reception unit 11 receives user information, companion information, and service provision information of the service provider from the service provider user terminal 3 and stores them in the storage unit 102. The reception unit 11 may store the information received from the terminal device 20 in the storage unit 102, or it may pass the acquired data to other functional configurations for the execution of processing described later, such as matching processing.

[0041] Furthermore, the reception unit 11 processes the input operations performed by the user via the screen display. In this embodiment, the reception unit 11 receives the designation of a user (service provider) to contact in order to receive the service from the service user terminal 2.

[0042] <Matching Section 12> The matching unit 12 performs matching processing based on various information received from the user, including user information, companion information, service usage information, and service provision information, to identify other users (service provider users in this embodiment) who are suitable for the first user (the target service user in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the matching processing is performed by combining multiple conditions to identify other suitable users, but the matching processing may also be performed using only one condition, such as gender only.

[0043] In this embodiment, the matching unit 12 performs a matching process to identify one or more other users suitable for the target user based on the gender of the user and their companion. To ensure a safe matching experience for the user, if the service user is female and has no companion, the matching process will determine that a male service provider without a companion is unsuitable for this service user. In this way, the system identifies other users suitable for the service user so that a one-to-one match between the service user and the service provider is not between opposite sexes (male and female). With this configuration, in this embodiment, people with partners or those who do not wish to be matched with the opposite sex can use the service with peace of mind. However, users certified as safe by the service provider (certified users) may be deemed suitable for users of any gender as an exception to this gender limitation.

[0044] Furthermore, the matching unit 12 performs matching based on user information and accompanying person information, taking into account the gender and the number of people of each gender in the group composed of the user (service user, service provider user) and their accompanying person. The group composed of the user and their accompanying person, as used here, is a group of people that are expected to gather when the target users meet, including both users being matched and their accompanying persons. In this embodiment, it is a group that includes the service user, the service provider user, the service user's accompanying person, and the service provider user's accompanying person. Also, in the matching explanation described later, when the term "group" is used, it refers to this group composed of the user and their accompanying person. In order to ensure a safe matching experience for women, in this embodiment, when the group composed of the user and their accompanying person consists of three or more people (i.e., when the users are not without accompanying persons), the matching unit 12 performs matching such that the number of women in the group is greater than or equal to the number of men. In order to ensure reliable matching even when one user and their companion are of the same gender, and the gender distribution of one user is skewed (especially when one user and all companions are female), this embodiment performs matching so that if a user is alone or a user and their companion are of the same gender, the number of women is greater than or equal to the number of men, or the users and companions in the group are of the same gender. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a user has a companion of the opposite sex (for example, a female user and a male companion), the system may be configured to match the user and their companion with other users (for example, a male user and a male companion) such that the number of men in the group is greater than the number of women. However, even if a user has a companion of the opposite sex, the matching may also take into account the number of people of each gender in the group.

[0045] The following explanation uses Figure 3 to describe matching based on the gender of the user and their companions. User A is a female user without companions, and the explanation will describe the matching process to identify a user suitable for User A. User B is a male user without companions, and User C is a male user with a male companion (companion C1). Also, User D is a female user with a female companion (companion D1), and User E is a female user with a male companion (companion E1). In this case, since User A and User B are of opposite sexes, User B is determined to be unsuitable for User A. Furthermore, the group consisting of User A, User C, and their companions includes User A (female), User C (male), and Companion C1 (male), and the number of men in the group is greater than or equal to the number of women, so User C is determined to be unsuitable for User A. The group consisting of User A, User D, and their companions is a group consisting only of women, so User D is identified as a suitable user for User A. The group consisting of User A, User C, and their companion includes User A (female), User E (female), and companion E1 (male), and since the number of women in the group is greater than or equal to the number of men, User E is determined to be a suitable user for User A. Therefore, in the matching process, the matching unit 12 identifies Users D and User E, whose groups consisting of users and companions consist only of people of the same sex or whose number of women is greater than or equal to the number of men, as suitable users for User A.

[0046] The matching unit 12 further performs matching processing using service usage information and service provision information. In this embodiment, the matching unit 12 performs matching processing to identify service providers who can provide service at the location visited by the service user, based on the visited location information included in the service usage information and the available location information included in the service provision information.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the matching unit 12 identifies service providers who can provide services when a service user wants to use the service, based on the usage date and time information included in the service usage information and the available date and time information included in the service provision information.

[0048] In this embodiment, the matching process identifies other users who are suitable for the target user based on the number and gender of people in the user and their companions' group, the location of service use, and the date and time of service use, as described above. However, the matching process may also be performed by identifying suitable users using only some of the information described above.

[0049] <Display section 13> The display unit 13 performs processing to display various screens based on various necessary data, including the matching results and the data stored in the storage unit 102. In this embodiment, the display unit 13 displays a list of other users suitable for (matched with) the target user based on the matching results in the matching unit 12. The display unit 13 also displays various screens, such as a user information input screen for receiving user information.

[0050] <Payment Processing Unit 14> The payment processing unit 14 processes payments related to service usage fees paid by service users to service providers. Based on the payment method information included in the user information of the service user, the payment processing unit 14 performs settlement processing when a service user makes a payment for service usage fees. In this embodiment, this settlement processing is related to credit card payments, but it may also be related to point payments or other payment methods. In this embodiment, based on the service usage amount included in the service provision information, the payment processing unit 14 executes a transfer process related to the payment of service usage fees paid by service users to other service users. In this embodiment, the payment processing unit 14 executes a transfer process to assist the service administrator in the transfer procedure by outputting information necessary for the transfer, such as the recipient information and the transfer amount, but it may also execute a transfer process related to credit card payments or deposits of fees into an account, similar to the payment processing. In this case, the payment processing unit 14 may execute a transfer process to transfer a predetermined amount to the service provider's account based on the recipient information included in the user information of the service provider, or it may execute a transfer process to grant points corresponding to a predetermined amount to the service provider.

[0051] <Processing flow> The following explanation uses Figure 4 to describe the process flow related to matching and service application by service users.

[0052] In this embodiment, the display unit 13 displays an input screen (user information input screen, etc.) on the terminal device 20 in order to receive input of information to be used for matching processing, including user information. The reception unit 11 receives user information, companion information, and service provision information of the service provider user from the service provider user terminal 3 and stores it in the storage unit 102 (S101). When the reception unit 11 receives user information, companion information, and service usage information of the service user from the service user terminal 2 (S102), the matching unit 12 performs a matching process to identify other users (service provider users) suitable for the target user (service user) based on the user information, companion information, and service provision information of the service provider user stored in the storage unit 102, and the received user information, companion information, and service usage information of the service user (S103).

[0053] The display unit 13 displays a list of other users (service providers) suitable for the target user on the service user terminal 2 based on the matching results from the matching unit 12 (S104). At this time, the display unit 13 further displays user information such as the username and image of the suitable user (service provider) identified in the matching process on the service provider list, based on the user information of the other users (service providers). The reception unit 11 receives a designation from the service user terminal 2 for a service provider to contact, selected from the service provider users displayed on the service provider list (S105).

[0054] <Screen display example> The following describes examples of screen displays shown by the display unit 13 during matching and service application, using Figures 5 and 6. Note that the screens shown in Figures 5 and 6 are displayed on the service user terminal 2 in this embodiment, but may also be displayed on the service provider user terminal 3. The screen displays shown in Figures 5 and 6 are merely examples, and the screen may be displayed in a format other than those shown in the figures.

[0055] Figure 5 shows an example of the display of the input reception screen W1, which receives various information used in the matching process, including user information, companion information, and service usage information, from the service user. The input reception screen W1 shown in Figure 5 includes input buttons for address, number of users and gender, and the city to be visited, as well as a confirmation button. For example, pressing the rectangular input button labeled "Please set" for the city of residence will transition to an input screen for entering the city of residence, and similarly, pressing the rectangular input buttons for each item will transition to an input screen for entering information related to that item. Note that pressing an input button may display an input field for entering information related to the target item. In this embodiment, the input buttons are configured to transition to an input screen for entering information related to any of the items included in user information, companion information, and service usage information. After information has been entered for each item, when the confirmation button is pressed, the matching unit 12 performs the matching process, and the display unit 13 displays the list display screen W2 shown in Figure 6.

[0056] Figure 6 shows an example of a list display screen W2 for displaying a list of service provider users (attendants) based on the matching results. The display unit 13 displays a list display screen W2 as shown in Figure 6 based on the matching results, user information, companion information, service usage information, and service provision information. The list display screen W2 is a screen for displaying a list of service provider users and includes a condition display unit W21 and a service provider user list W22. The condition display unit W21 is a screen display that shows the conditions used for matching. The condition display unit W21 shown in Figure 6 displays the number of service users and companions, and the city to be visited, as conditions used for matching. In this embodiment, the condition display unit W21 also displays the city where the service user lives based on the user information. The service provider user list W22 is a list of service provider users suitable for the service user displayed based on the matching results and includes one or more user information display units W221 for displaying the user information of each identified service provider user. The user information display unit W221 is a screen display for showing user information and accompanying person information for each user (service provider user), and displays a circular user image, the user name, and the number and gender of the user and accompanying persons. In this embodiment, the number and color of icons displayed to the right of the user name indicate the number and gender of the user and accompanying persons, but the number and gender of the user and accompanying persons may be indicated by other displays. In this embodiment, a user to contact is selected when the user information display unit W221 included in the service provider user list W22 is pressed. Also, the screen display shown in Figure 6 is merely an example, and the screen display may be in a different form from the example shown in the figure, such as the circular user image being displayed as a rectangle.

[0057] Furthermore, the list display screen shown in Figure 6 also displays the number of service providers identified as suitable for the target service user through the matching process. When the sort button, which is a rectangle containing an arrow, is pressed, the user transitions to a sort settings screen for entering sorting settings, and when the search button, which is a rectangle containing a magnifying glass, is pressed, the user transitions to a condition input screen for adding further conditions to perform matching. In this embodiment, the condition input screen accepts input for usage date and time, service usage fee, gender, number of people, age, and languages ​​spoken, and the matching process can be repeated with the accepted conditions added. The matching unit 12 may also perform a process to identify other service providers who are suitable for the target service user identified by the matching process and who meet the additional conditions. At this time, the display unit 13 displays a list of other users (service providers) who meet the additional conditions in a screen display similar to that shown in Figure 6.

[0058] In this embodiment, when a circular user image is pressed on the user information display unit W221, a service provider details screen is displayed, allowing the user to contact a designated service provider and apply for the service. The service provider details screen displays user information including the user name, country and city of residence (address), gender, age group, and languages ​​spoken, as well as companion information including the gender of the companion, and service provision information including the service usage fee. The service provider details screen also includes input fields that can accept application information including the language to be used for communication, possible meeting date and time, and possible meeting area, and accepts service applications from service users. The reception unit 11 receives the application information received from the service user terminal 2 and stores it in the storage unit 102, associating the user information of the service user who made the application with the user information of the service provider to whom the application was made.

[0059] Furthermore, the matching device 1 may also include a notification unit that sends a service application notification to the service provider user terminal 3, which is a notification informing the service provider that a service application has been made, based on the application information received from the service user. In this case, the service application notification may include not only the application information but also the user information of the service user who made the application.

[0060] In this embodiment, messages are exchanged between the service user who applied for the service and the service provider who received the application. In this embodiment, the matching device 1 further includes a message management unit that manages messages between the service user and the service provider. The message management unit stores message information regarding various messages received from the user terminal device 20, including the service user and the service provider, in the storage unit 102. At this time, the message information is managed in association with the user information of the recipient and the sender. In addition, in order to exchange messages between the user who applied for the service and the user who received the application, the message management unit identifies the sender and / or recipient of the message based on the user information associated with the application information. The display unit 13 displays a message screen on the terminal device 20 to display the message based on the message information. The message management unit may also permit the service user and the service provider to exchange messages only during a predetermined period, such as the period from the application for the service to the completion of service use based on the available meeting date and time included in the application information, and prevent communication during other periods. The service completion date and time may be either the date and time entered by the service user or the service provider, or the time when both users submit a request for service completion.

[0061] Furthermore, when a service user applies for a service, the payment processing unit 14 processes the payment of the service usage fee. In this embodiment, settlement processing for payment from the service user is performed when the application is completed, and the transfer process to the service provider is performed when the service is completed. At this time, when the reception unit 11 receives the application information and payment method information, the payment processing unit 14 performs settlement processing for payment of the service usage fee from the service user based on the received payment method information. In this embodiment, when it is determined that the service has been completed, the payment processing unit 14 performs a transfer process to assist the system administrator's transfer work, such as outputting information necessary for the transfer, such as displaying the transfer destination information and a list of amounts to be paid to the service provider. Furthermore, if the reception unit 11 receives applications for completion of service use from both the service user terminal 2 of the service user who used the service and the service provider terminal 3 of the service provider who provided the service after the service has been completed, the payment processing unit 14 may perform a transfer process based on the transfer destination information of the service provider. Completion of service use may be determined solely by an application from the service provider, or by the passage of a specific period (e.g., 3 days) from the meeting date without any complaints from the service user. Furthermore, the reception unit 11 may receive service evaluations from the service user, and the payment processing unit 14 may change the amount to be transferred to the service provider user based on these evaluations.

[0062] Furthermore, in the menu bar at the bottom of the screen in Figures 5 and 6, pressing the search button (magnifying glass icon) transitions to the input reception screen W1; pressing the message button (speech bubble icon) transitions to the message screen; pressing the My Page button (human figure icon) transitions to the My Page screen; and pressing the settings button (gear icon) transitions to the settings screen.

[0063] The message screen displays message information. The message screen allows users to select a user from among those currently communicating regarding the service, such as the service provider to whom they applied for the service, and to input or display messages with that user. The message screen may also display a list of users with whom the user is communicating, based on the message information and associated user information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 0 Matching System 1. Matching device 11 Reception Department 12 Matching Section 13 Display section 14 Payment Processing Department 2. Service User Terminals 3. Service-providing user terminals

Claims

1. It is a matching system, A reception unit that receives user information, including gender, from two or more users, including the first user. A matching unit performs a matching process based on the user information of the first user and other users to identify other users who are suitable for the first user, A display unit that displays a list of other users suitable for the first user based on the matching results in the matching unit, Equipped with, The matching process is restricted so as not to result in a one-to-one male-to-female match based on the gender of the first user and other users. The reception unit accepts the designation of a user to be contacted, selected from the list of other users. Matching system.

2. The aforementioned reception desk further accepts information about accompanying persons, including the number and gender of the accompanying persons. The matching unit further performs matching based on the companion information, and as part of the matching process, it executes a process to identify other users suitable for the first user based on the number of people and genders in the group, including the first user, other users, and their companions. The matching system according to claim 1.

3. The matching process includes, when the number of people in the group is three or more, a process to identify other users suitable for the first user such that the number of women in the group is equal to or greater than the number of men. The matching system according to claim 2.

4. The display unit displays a list of other users suitable for the first user, including the gender of the user and their companions, based on the matching results. The matching system according to claim 2.

5. Users include service users and service providers, The first user is a service user, The service usage information of the aforementioned service user includes information on the place visited. The service provision information of the aforementioned service provider user includes information on available locations. The matching unit further performs the matching process to identify service providers who can provide services at the location visited by the service user, based on the service usage information and the service provision information. The matching system according to claim 1.

6. Users include service users and service providers, The first user is a service user, The service usage information of the aforementioned service user includes usage date and time information. The service provision information of the aforementioned service provider user includes information on available dates and times. The matching unit further performs the matching process to identify a service provider that is available to use the service at the date and time the service user will use it, based on the service usage information and service provision information. The matching system according to claim 1.

7. A matching method performed by a computer, A reception process that receives user information, including gender, from two or more users, including the first user. A matching process is performed based on the user information of the first user and other users to identify other users who are suitable for the first user. A display step that displays a list of other users suitable for the first user based on the matching results in the matching step, Equipped with, The matching process is restricted so as not to result in a one-to-one male-to-female match based on the gender of the first user and other users. In the aforementioned reception process, the user to be contacted is selected from the list of other users. Matching method.

8. A computer program that causes the computer to execute the matching method described in claim 7.

Images