Viewing reservation system, viewing reservation method, and program

Abstract

This allows for increased convenience for users who wish to view a property when they answer the necessary questionnaires. [Solution] The viewing reservation system comprises: a reservation reception unit that receives an operation from a person who wishes to view a property to select a viewing reservation; a presentation unit that, when the reservation reception unit receives an operation to select a viewing reservation, presents a questionnaire consisting of questions regarding viewing reservation information about the person who wishes to view the property; a response acquisition unit that acquires the responses of the person who wishes to view the property to the questionnaire; and a modification unit that changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the responses acquired by the response acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an interior viewing reservation system, an interior viewing reservation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When considering purchasing a house or moving into a rental property, it is common for users who are considering purchasing or moving into a property to conduct an interior viewing to check the property. In recent years, not only do users visit the site or model room to directly check the property, but technologies for conducting interior viewings online have also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a user wishes to have an interior viewing, information about the user is notified to the rental agency by the user answering a questionnaire about the date and time of the interior viewing. When a user who wishes to have an interior viewing answers a questionnaire necessary for the interior viewing, it is required to improve the convenience for the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an interior viewing reservation system, an interior viewing reservation method, and a program that can improve the convenience for a user when the user answers a questionnaire necessary for the interior viewing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a viewing reservation system comprising: a reservation reception unit that receives an operation from a person who wishes to view a property to select a viewing reservation; a presentation unit that, when the reservation reception unit receives an operation to select a viewing reservation, presents a questionnaire consisting of questions relating to viewing reservation information about the person who wishes to view the property; a response acquisition unit that acquires the responses of the person who wishes to view the property to the questionnaire; and a modification unit that changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the responses acquired by the response acquisition unit. (2) In one aspect of the present invention, in the viewing reservation system described in (1) above, the reservation reception unit receives an operation to select an input corresponding to the viewing reservation. (3) In one aspect of the present invention, in the viewing reservation system described in (1) above, the predetermined question is a question concerning the reservation of a viewing of a property other than the aforementioned property. (4) One aspect of the present invention is a viewing reservation method comprising: a reservation acceptance step that accepts an operation from a person who wishes to view a property to select a viewing reservation; a presentation step that, when the reservation acceptance step accepts an operation to select a viewing reservation, presents a questionnaire consisting of questions relating to viewing reservation information about the person who wishes to view the property; a response acquisition step that obtains the responses of the person who wishes to view the property to the questionnaire; and a modification step that changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the responses obtained by the response acquisition step. (5) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute: a reservation acceptance step which accepts an operation from a person who wishes to view a property to select a viewing reservation; a presentation step which, when the reservation acceptance step accepts an operation to select a viewing reservation, presents a questionnaire consisting of questions relating to viewing reservation information about the person who wishes to view the property; a response acquisition step which obtains the responses of the person who wishes to view the property to the questionnaire; and a modification step which changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the responses obtained by the response acquisition step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when a user who wishes to view a property answers the questionnaire required for the viewing, the user's convenience can be enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the property information system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the property information server 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the flow of the viewing reservation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a property information display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a property information display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a property information display screen showing options according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a viewing reservation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a confirmation screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a property information system 1 according to the present embodiment. The property information system 1 is a system that presents property information to a user. As an example, the property is a rental property. The property may be a house for purchase. The user is, for example, a person considering moving who is considering moving into a property. If the user wishes, the user makes an in-person viewing reservation for the presented property via the property information system 1. The request for an in-person viewing reservation by the user is notified to the rental agency. % The property information system 1 includes a property information server 2, a user terminal 3, and a merchant terminal 4.

[0010] The property information server 2 is, for example, a cloud server. Note that the property information server 2 may be realized as a single computer or as a virtual server.

[0011] The user terminal 3 is a terminal device used by the user. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Note that the user terminal 3 may be a personal computer (PC).

[0012] The user terminal 3 includes a display unit 31, an operation unit 32, an arithmetic unit 33, and a storage unit 34. The display unit 31 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various images. In the following description, the display unit 31 displaying an image is also referred to as presenting an image to the user. The operation unit 32 includes, for example, a touch panel and detects the user's operations.

[0013] The arithmetic unit 33 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and operates based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 34 to provide various functions. The storage unit 34 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various types of information, such as programs and data read by the arithmetic unit 33. The storage unit 34 may also be implemented by a virtual storage device, such as a cloud server, located outside the user terminal 3.

[0014] The vendor terminal 4 is a terminal device used by rental brokerage companies. The vendor terminal 4 may include, for example, a PC, smartphone, or tablet device.

[0015] The property information server 2, user terminal 3, and vendor terminal 4 can communicate with each other via the communication network N1. The communication network N1 includes the internet, WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), public network, provider equipment, dedicated lines, wireless base stations, etc.

[0016] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the property information server 2 according to this embodiment. The property information server 2 comprises a control unit 20 and a storage unit 26.

[0017] The control unit 20 performs various controls on the property information server 2. The control unit 20 includes a property inquiry unit 21, a viewing reservation unit 22, a search unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0018] Each functional unit of the control unit 20 is implemented, for example, by the CPU reading a program from ROM (Read Only Memory), loading it into RAM (Random Access Memory), and executing processing according to that program. The ROM and RAM are included in the storage unit 26. Each functional unit of the property information server 2 may be distributed across multiple servers.

[0019] The property inquiry unit 21 performs various controls regarding property inquiries. The property inquiry unit 21 includes a reception unit 210 and a selection display unit 211.

[0020] Reception desk 210 handles inquiries about properties. When the reception unit 210 receives an inquiry, the option display unit 211 displays an option to choose between making a reservation to view the property or contacting a real estate company.

[0021] The viewing reservation unit 22 performs various controls regarding viewing reservations. The viewing reservation unit 22 comprises a reservation acceptance unit 220, a presentation unit 221, a response acquisition unit 222, a modification unit 223, and a notification unit 224.

[0022] The reservation reception unit 220 accepts requests from people who wish to view a property to select a viewing reservation. When the reservation acceptance unit 220 receives an operation to select a viewing reservation, the presentation unit 221 presents a questionnaire consisting of questions regarding the viewing reservation information B11 for the person wishing to view the property.

[0023] Viewing reservation information B11 includes user information and viewing conditions information. User information includes the user's name, contact information, and desired conditions for the property. Viewing conditions information includes the date and time of the viewing, the meeting place, and desired conditions for other properties. Desired conditions for other properties are included in the viewing conditions information only if a viewing of another property is selected, as described below.

[0024] The response acquisition unit 222 acquires responses to questionnaires from prospective property viewers. The modification unit 223 changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the responses obtained by the response acquisition unit 222. The notification unit 224 notifies the agent terminal 4 of the viewing reservation information B11.

[0025] Furthermore, the functional units of the property inquiry unit 21 and the viewing reservation unit 22 may include, for example, those implemented as controls on a website presented from the property information server 2 to the display unit 31 of the user terminal 3. In this sense, the functional units of the property inquiry unit 21 and the viewing reservation unit 22 may include those provided from the property information server 2 to the user terminal 3 and installed on the user terminal 3.

[0026] The search unit 23 searches for property information A11 from the property information database A1 based on the search conditions.

[0027] The input unit 24 acquires various types of information from the user terminal 3 or the vendor terminal 4. This information is entered, for example, from a predetermined screen displayed on the user terminal 3 or the vendor terminal 4.

[0028] The output unit 25 outputs various types of information to the user terminal 3 or the vendor terminal 4. This information is displayed, for example, on the screen of the user terminal 3 or the vendor terminal 4.

[0029] The storage unit 26 stores various types of information. The information stored by the storage unit 26 includes a property information database A1 and a viewing reservation information database B1. Property information database A1 is a collection of property information A11. Viewing reservation information database B1 is a collection of viewing reservation information B11. The storage unit 14 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of the flow of the property viewing reservation process in the property information system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0031] Step S10: The agent terminal 4 submits property information A11 based on the rental agent's operation. The agent terminal 4 sends the submitted property information A11 to the property information server 2.

[0032] Property information A11 includes, for example, the property name, number of floors, property type (apartment, condominium, house, etc.), structure, year built, address, viewing permission information, and occupancy status information. Viewing permission information indicates whether or not viewings are permitted. Occupancy status information indicates the current occupancy status.

[0033] Information regarding permission to view the property and information regarding occupancy status will be combined and labeled as "Viewing Availability Information." Viewing Availability Information will indicate that a viewing is possible only if the permission to view the property indicates that a viewing is permitted and the occupancy status information indicates that the property is vacant (currently unoccupied). Viewing Availability Information will indicate that a viewing is not possible if the permission to view the property indicates that a viewing is not permitted or if the occupancy status information indicates that the property is not vacant (currently occupied).

[0034] Step S20: The property information server 2 determines which property information A11 to publish. The property information server 2 determines whether the property information A11 obtained from the agent terminal 4 meets the predetermined screening conditions. The property information server 2 determines which property information A11 meets the predetermined screening conditions to publish. The property information server 2 stores the property information A11 that it has decided to publish in the property information database A1 in 14.

[0035] Step S30: Property information server 2 posts property information A11. The posted property information A11 becomes searchable from user terminal 3.

[0036] Step S40: The user terminal 3 displays property information A11 on the display unit 31. At this point, in response to a request from the user terminal 3, the property information server 2 provides the user terminal 3 with a property information presentation screen. The property information presentation screen provided by the property information server 2 is displayed on the display unit 31.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a property information display screen P1, which is an example of a property information display screen displayed on the display unit 31. The property information display screen P1 includes a search condition setting area P11 and a search result display area P12. The search condition setting area P11 includes various forms for setting search conditions to search for property information A11. The search result display area P12 displays the search results for property information A11. When property information A11 displayed in the search result display area P12 is selected, a property information display screen for displaying the details of property information A11 is provided from the property information server 2. The property information display screen provided from the property information server 2 is displayed on the display unit 31.

[0038] Figure 5 shows a property information display screen P2, which is an example of a property information display screen for displaying the details of property information A11. Property information display screen P2 includes a property information display area P21, an inquiry input area P22, and an inquiry input area P23.

[0039] The property information display area P21 displays detailed information about property information A11 (property name, exterior photo, access, rent, floor plan, various conditions, etc.). In the example shown in the figure, only the property name, exterior photo, and rent are displayed in the property information display area P21, but other information will be displayed, for example, by selecting a tab.

[0040] The inquiry input area P22 displays input elements corresponding to inquiries about properties. The inquiry input area P22 includes, as an example of input elements corresponding to inquiries about properties, inquiry buttons P221, P222, P223, and P224.

[0041] Inquiry buttons P221, P222, P223, and P224 display different text, but all are input fields for making inquiries about properties.

[0042] The inquiry input area P23 includes a viewing reservation button P231 and an inquiry button P232. The viewing appointment button P231 is used to schedule a viewing. The inquiry button P232 is used to make an inquiry to the rental agency by phone. When the inquiry button P232 is pressed, user terminal 3 launches the application for making a phone call.

[0043] Note that the inquiry input area P23 is only displayed if the viewing availability information included in property information A11 indicates that viewing is possible, and is not displayed if the viewing availability information indicates that viewing is not possible.

[0044] When any of the inquiry buttons (inquiry button P221, inquiry button P222, inquiry button P223, and inquiry button P224) included in the inquiry input area P22 is pressed, the reception unit 210 of the property information server 2 receives an inquiry about the property. Therefore, the reception unit 210 receives the inquiry based on the operation of selecting the input element corresponding to the inquiry.

[0045] The option display unit 211 of the property information server 2 displays an option to choose between making a reservation to view the property or contacting a real estate company when the reception unit 210 receives an inquiry about a property. The option display unit 211 displays the option on the display unit 31 of the user terminal 3.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a property information display screen P3, which is an example of a property information display screen that shows the option to choose between booking a property viewing or contacting a real estate company. On property information display screen P3, the inquiry content selection area P31 is displayed superimposed on the screen. The inquiry content selection area P31 displays the option to choose between booking a property viewing or contacting a real estate company. The inquiry content selection area P31 includes a viewing booking button P311 and an inquiry button P312 as options.

[0047] The viewing reservation button (P311) is for making a reservation to view the property, and displays the text "I want to view the property." The inquiry button (P312) is for making an inquiry to the real estate company, and displays the text "I want to consult with you."

[0048] Please note that the viewing reservation button P311 will only be displayed if the viewing availability information included in property information A11 indicates that the property is available for viewing, and will not be displayed if the viewing availability information indicates that it is not available for viewing.

[0049] Step S50: User terminal 3 accepts the operation to select a viewing reservation. The selection of a viewing reservation is made by selecting the viewing reservation button P231 displayed on the property information display screen P2, or the viewing reservation button P311 displayed on the property information display screen P3. When the operation unit 32 of user terminal 3 accepts the operation to select a viewing reservation, the reservation acceptance unit 220 accepts the operation to select a viewing reservation from the person who wishes to view the property. Therefore, the reservation acceptance unit 220 accepts the operation to select an input element corresponding to the viewing reservation (viewing reservation button P231 or viewing reservation button P311). As an example, the processing of the reservation acceptance unit 220 is performed on user terminal 3 after a web page containing the functions of the reservation acceptance unit 220 is provided to user terminal 3 from the property information server 2.

[0050] When the reservation acceptance unit 220 receives an operation to select a viewing reservation, the presentation unit 221 presents a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of questions regarding the viewing reservation information B11 for the person wishing to view the property. The presentation unit 221 presents the viewing reservation screen, including the questionnaire, to the display unit 31 of the user terminal 3. For example, the processing of the presentation unit 221 is performed on the user terminal 3 after a web page containing the functions of the presentation unit 221 is provided from the property information server 2 to the user terminal 3.

[0051] Step S60: User terminal 3 accepts the operation to input viewing reservation information into the questionnaire. The operation to input into the questionnaire is performed from the viewing reservation screen described below. When the operation unit 32 of user terminal 3 accepts the operation to input into the questionnaire, the response acquisition unit 222 acquires the response to the questionnaire from the person who wishes to view the property. For example, the processing of the response acquisition unit 222 is performed on user terminal 3 after a web page containing the functions of the response acquisition unit 222 is provided to user terminal 3 from the property information server 2.

[0052] Figure 7 shows a viewing reservation screen P4, which is an example of a viewing reservation screen that includes a questionnaire presented by the presentation unit 221. The viewing reservation screen P4 includes an input area P41, a property information display area P42, a progress gauge P43, and a screen transition button P44.

[0053] Input area P41 displays a form for entering viewing conditions. Input area P41 includes selection form P411 and selection form P412. Selection form P411 is an input element for selecting the date and time of the viewing. Selection form P412 is an input element for selecting the meeting place for the viewing (the property itself or the rental agent's office).

[0054] Property information A11 is displayed in the property information display area P42. Progress gauge P43 is a gauge that shows the progress of responses to the survey.

[0055] The screen transition button P44 is a button that transitions to the next screen. Note that the screen transition button P44 can be pressed only after all questions displayed in the input area P41 have been answered. In other words, the screen transition button P44 can be pressed only after input has been made in both the selection form P411 and the selection form P412. When the screen transition button P44 is pressed, the display unit 221 displays the viewing reservation screen P5 on the display unit 31.

[0056] Figure 8 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen P5. The viewing reservation screen P5 is a screen where the user enters their name as user information. The viewing reservation screen P5 includes an input area P51, a property information display area P52, a progress gauge P53, a screen transition button P54, and a back button P55.

[0057] Input area P51 displays a form (text box) for entering the user's name. The property information display area P52 and the progress gauge P53 are the same as those explained on the viewing reservation screen P4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0058] The screen transition button P54 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button P54 becomes available when the user has finished entering their information into the form displayed in the input area P51. Pressing the back button (P55) will redisplay the viewing reservation screen (P4).

[0059] When user information is entered in the input area P51 and the screen transition button P54 is pressed, the display unit 221 displays the viewing reservation screen P6 on the display unit 31.

[0060] Figure 9 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen P6. The viewing reservation screen P6 is the screen where user information is entered. The viewing reservation screen P6 includes an input area P61, a property information display area P62, a progress gauge P63, a screen transition button P64, and a back button P65.

[0061] Input area P61 displays a form (text box) for entering the user's email address. The property information display area P62 and the progress gauge P63 are the same as those explained on the viewing reservation screen P4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0062] The screen transition button P64 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button P64 becomes available when the user has finished entering their information into the form displayed in the input area P61. Pressing the back button (P65) will redisplay the viewing reservation screen (P5).

[0063] When user information is entered in the input area P61 and the screen transition button P64 is pressed, the display unit 221 displays the viewing reservation screen P7 on the display unit 31.

[0064] Figure 10 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen P7. The viewing reservation screen P7 is the screen where user information is entered. The viewing reservation screen P7 includes an input area P71, a property information display area P72, a progress gauge P73, a screen transition button P74, and a back button P75.

[0065] Input area P71 displays a form (text box) for entering the user's contact information (such as phone number) for the day of the viewing. The property information display area P72 and the progress gauge P73 are the same as those explained on the viewing reservation screen P4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0066] The screen transition button P74 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button P74 becomes available when the user has finished entering their information into the form displayed in the input area P71. Pressing the back button (P75) will redisplay the viewing reservation screen (P6).

[0067] When user information is entered in the input area P71 and the screen transition button P74 is pressed, the display unit 221 displays the viewing reservation screen P8 on the display unit 31.

[0068] Figure 11 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen P8. The viewing reservation screen P8 is a screen for entering user information. The viewing reservation screen P8 includes an input area P81, a progress gauge P82, a screen transition button P83, and a back button P84.

[0069] Input area P81 displays a form for entering user information. Input area P81 includes selection forms P811, P812, and P813. Selection form P811 is an input element for selecting the desired move-in date (for example, a dropdown menu). Selection form P812 is an input element for selecting the number of occupants (for example, a dropdown menu). In addition, selection form P812 includes an input element for selecting whether or not there are children of elementary school age or younger among the occupants (for example, a checkbox). Selection form P813 is an input element for selecting the reason for moving (for example, radio buttons).

[0070] The progress gauge on page 82 is the same as what was explained on the viewing reservation screen page 4, so the explanation will be omitted. The screen transition button P83 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button P83 becomes available when the user has finished entering their information into the form displayed in the input area P81. Pressing the back button (P84) will redisplay the viewing reservation screen (P7).

[0071] When user information is entered in the input area P81 and the screen transition button P83 is pressed, the display unit 221 displays the viewing reservation screen P9 on the display unit 31.

[0072] Figure 12 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen P9. The viewing reservation screen P9 is a screen for entering user information. The viewing reservation screen P9 includes an input area P91, a progress gauge P92, a screen transition button P93, and a back button P94.

[0073] Input area P91 displays a form for entering user information. Input area P91 includes selection form P911, selection form P912, input form P913, and selection form P914. Selection form P911 is an input element for selecting whether or not the user owns pets (for example, a radio box). Selection form P912 is an input element for selecting whether or not a parking space is needed at the new residence (for example, a radio box). Input form P913 is an input element for entering requests on the day of the viewing (for example, a text box).

[0074] Selection form P914 is an input element that allows the user to select whether or not they wish to view other properties (for example, radio buttons). Selection form P914 consists of selection buttons Q91 and Q92. Selection button Q91 is an input element that allows the user to select whether or not they wish to view other properties. Selection button Q92 is an input element that allows the user to select whether or not they wish to view other properties.

[0075] The progress gauge on page 92 is the same as what was explained on the viewing reservation screen page 4, so the explanation will be omitted. The screen transition button P93 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button P93 becomes available when the user has finished entering their information into the form displayed in the input area P91. Pressing the back button P94 will redisplay the viewing reservation screen P8.

[0076] When the selection button Q91 is selected on the selection form P914, the presentation unit 221 presents the viewing reservation screen R10 to the display unit 31. As an example, the presentation unit 221 presents the viewing reservation screen R10 using an accordion format.

[0077] Figure 13 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen R10. The viewing reservation screen R10 is a screen for entering information about other properties. The viewing reservation screen R10 includes input area R101, input area R102, progress gauge R103, screen transition button R104, and back button R105.

[0078] The input area R101 displays the selection form R1011. The selection form R1011 consists of selection button Q101 and selection button Q102. Selection buttons Q101 and Q102 are the same as selection buttons Q91 and Q92 on the viewing reservation screen P9, respectively.

[0079] Input area R102 displays a form for entering viewing conditions. Input area R102 includes selection form R1021 and input form R1022. Selection form R1021 is an input element for selecting rent conditions for other properties (for example, a slider bar). Input form R1022 is an input element for entering the area of ​​other properties (for example, a text box).

[0080] The progress gauge R103 is the same as what was explained on the viewing reservation screen P4, so the explanation will be omitted. The screen transition button R104 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button R104 becomes available when the input of the viewing conditions information has been completed in the form displayed in the input area R102. Pressing the back button R105 will display the viewing reservation screen P8 again.

[0081] Input area R102 is an area that appears in an accordion format when the selection button Q91 is selected on the viewing reservation screen P9. Note that input area R102 becomes hidden when the selection button Q102 is selected on the selection form R1011.

[0082] Therefore, the state in which input area R102 is displayed or hidden changes depending on whether selection button Q91, Q92, Q101, or Q102 is selected. When input area R102 is displayed, the survey questions contained within input area R102 are presented. When input area R102 is not displayed, the survey questions contained within input area R102 are not presented.

[0083] This process is performed by the modification unit 223. In other words, the modification unit 223 changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions (questions indicated by selection form P914 or selection form R1011) among the answers obtained by the response acquisition unit 222. These predetermined questions are questions about making a viewing reservation for a property other than the property indicated by property information A11. For example, the processing of the modification unit 223 is performed on the user terminal 3 after a web page containing the functions of the modification unit 223 is provided from the property information server 2 to the user terminal 3.

[0084] Here, we will explain the advantages of suggesting viewings of other properties when booking a viewing of one property. Users who book a viewing often want to view other properties on the same day. On the other hand, rental agents also want to introduce users to other properties in order to maintain their closing rate. Furthermore, a viewing reservation is merely a request (hope) and does not guarantee that a viewing will take place. By booking viewings of other properties in case the first viewing is unavailable, users can make better use of their reserved time. Thus, suggesting viewings of other properties is considered advantageous for both users and rental agents.

[0085] Furthermore, a form (for example, a checkbox) may be displayed in input area R102 to select the condition that the area of ​​other properties must be within one day of visiting the first property. This form may also display text such as, "Do you want to visit them on the same day?".

[0086] When a predetermined operation (swipe or scroll) is performed on the viewing reservation screen R10, the display unit 221 displays the viewing reservation screen R11 on the display unit 31.

[0087] Figure 14 shows an example of the viewing reservation screen R11. The viewing reservation screen R11 is a screen for entering information about other properties. The viewing reservation screen R11 includes an input area R111, a progress gauge R112, a screen transition button R113, and a back button R114.

[0088] The input area R111 displays three forms: Selection Form R1111, Selection Form R1112, and Input Form R1113. Selection Form R1111 is an input element (for example, a checkbox) for selecting floor plan conditions for other properties. Selection Form R1112 is an input element (for example, a slider bar) for selecting occupied area conditions for other properties. Input Form R1113 is an input element (for example, a text box) where the user can optionally enter other conditions for other properties.

[0089] The progress gauge R112 is the same as what was explained on the viewing reservation screen P4, so the explanation will be omitted. The screen transition button R113 is a button that transitions to a different screen. The screen transition button R113 can be pressed when the input of the viewing conditions information has been completed in the input area R102 of the viewing reservation screen R10 and the input area R111 of the viewing reservation screen R11. Pressing the back button R114 will display the viewing reservation screen P8 again.

[0090] When the screen transition button R113 is pressed, the display unit 221 displays the confirmation screen R12 on the display unit 31.

[0091] Figure 15 shows an example of the confirmation screen R12. The confirmation screen R12 includes a display area R121, a viewing reservation button R122, and a back button R123. The display area R121 shows the entered viewing reservation information B11 (user information and viewing conditions information), and the user confirms the entered information. The R122 viewing reservation button is used to schedule a viewing. Pressing the back button R123 will display the viewing reservation screen R11 again.

[0092] Step S70: User terminal 3 sends viewing reservation request C1 to property information server 2. If the viewing reservation button R122 is pressed on the confirmation screen R12, user terminal 3 sends viewing reservation request C1 to property information server 2. Viewing reservation request C1 includes the entered viewing reservation information B11 (user information and viewing condition information).

[0093] Step S80: The property information server 2 acquires the viewing reservation information B11. Here, the property information server 2 acquires the viewing reservation request C1 from the user terminal 3. The property information server 2 stores the viewing reservation information B11 contained in the acquired viewing reservation request C1 in the storage unit 26 as the viewing reservation information database B1.

[0094] Step S90: The property information server 2 notifies the rental agent that a viewing appointment has been requested. The notification unit 224 of the property information server 2 notifies the agent terminal 4 of the viewing appointment information B11.

[0095] Step S100: The agent terminal 4 retrieves the viewing appointment information B11 from the property information server 2. The rental agent checks the contents of the viewing appointment information B11 displayed on the agent terminal 4 and contacts the user. With this, property information system 1 completes the viewing reservation process.

[0096] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a part of the functional units of the property inquiry unit 21 and the viewing reservation unit 22 of the property information server 2 are provided to the user terminal 3 as a web page, but this is not limited to this example. The functional units of the property inquiry unit 21 and the viewing reservation unit 22 may also be implemented in the property information server 2. In that case, operation information indicating operations on various screens presented to the user terminal 3, and input information (user information, viewing condition information) entered on those screens are transmitted to the property information server 2 sequentially or at predetermined timings. The property inquiry unit 21 and the viewing reservation unit 22 may execute the above-described processing based on the operation information and input information obtained from the user terminal 3.

[0097] As described above, the property inquiry system according to this embodiment (property inquiry unit 21 in this embodiment) comprises a reception unit 210 and a selection display unit 211. Reception desk 210 handles inquiries about properties. When the reception unit 210 receives an inquiry, the option display unit 211 displays an option to choose between making a reservation to view the property or contacting a real estate company.

[0098] With this configuration, the property inquiry system according to this embodiment (property inquiry unit 21 in this embodiment) allows users to select a viewing appointment when they attempt to make an inquiry about a property, thus enabling users who wish to schedule a viewing appointment to do so smoothly.

[0099] Furthermore, the viewing reservation system according to this embodiment (viewing reservation unit 22 in this embodiment) includes a reservation acceptance unit 220, a presentation unit 221, a response acquisition unit 222, and a modification unit 223. The reservation reception unit 220 accepts requests from people who wish to view a property to select a viewing reservation. When the reservation acceptance unit 220 receives an operation to select a viewing reservation, the presentation unit 221 presents a questionnaire consisting of questions regarding the viewing reservation information B11 for the person wishing to view the property. The response acquisition unit 222 acquires responses to questionnaires from prospective property viewers. The modification unit 223 changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions (in this embodiment, questions about making viewing appointments for other properties) among the answers obtained by the response acquisition unit 222.

[0100] With this configuration, the viewing reservation system according to this embodiment (viewing reservation unit 22 in this embodiment) changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions, thereby improving convenience for users who wish to view a property when they answer the questionnaire required for the viewing.

[0101] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, a computer program to implement the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices.

[0102] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time.

[0103] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 22...Viewing Reservation Department, 220...Reservation Acceptance Department, 221...Presentation Department, 222...Response Acquisition Department, 223...Change Department, B11...Viewing Reservation Information

Claims

1. A reservation reception department that accepts requests from people who wish to view a property to select a viewing appointment, When the reservation acceptance unit receives an operation to select a viewing reservation, the presentation unit presents a questionnaire consisting of questions regarding the viewing reservation information of the person wishing to view the property. A response acquisition unit that acquires responses from the aforementioned prospective property viewers to the aforementioned questionnaire, A modification unit that changes the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the answers obtained by the response acquisition unit, A viewing reservation system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned reservation reception unit accepts an operation to select an input corresponding to the aforementioned viewing reservation. The viewing reservation system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned prescribed question concerns scheduling a viewing of a property other than the aforementioned property. The viewing reservation system according to claim 1.

4. A reservation acceptance step that allows prospective property viewers to select a viewing appointment, If the aforementioned reservation acceptance step accepts an operation to select a viewing reservation, the presentation step presents a questionnaire consisting of questions regarding viewing reservation information for the person wishing to view the property. A step to obtain responses from the aforementioned prospective property viewers to the aforementioned questionnaire, A modification step which modifies the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the answers obtained in the response acquisition step, A method for scheduling a viewing.

5. On the computer, A reservation acceptance step that allows prospective property viewers to select a viewing appointment, If the aforementioned reservation acceptance step accepts an operation to select a viewing reservation, the presentation step presents a questionnaire consisting of questions regarding viewing reservation information for the person wishing to view the property. A step to obtain responses from the aforementioned prospective property viewers to the aforementioned questionnaire, A modification step which modifies the number of questions in the questionnaire based on the answers to predetermined questions among the answers obtained in the response acquisition step, A program to execute.

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