Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a system, information processing device, method, and program that promotes the use of information processing tools and facilitates the activation of communication between people. [Solution] The information processing system S comprises a first user terminal 10 used by a first user, a second user terminal 20 used by a second user, and a management server 30. The management server 30 comprises a unique information recording unit 301 that records unique information of the first user, unique information of the second user, etc., a delivery instruction receiving unit 302 that receives delivery instructions for goods to be presented by the first user to the second user or related persons from the first user terminal 10, a delivery execution instruction transmitting unit 303 that transmits delivery execution instructions to a delivery company based on the receipt of delivery instructions, and a value-added information providing unit 305 that transmits delivery-related information indicating that delivery has been completed and supplementary information related to the unique information of the second user to the first user terminal 10 based on information that delivery of the goods has been completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In present-day Japan, although many elderly people maintain good health, communication between the elderly and their children or grandchildren is not always sufficient. There are various reasons for this. For example, the generalization of dual-income households is considered to be one factor affecting the lack of communication.

[0003] On the other hand, in the field of information processing, various tools have been developed to activate and smooth communication between people (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In present-day Japan, simple tools such as e-mails and messenger apps are being fully utilized even among the elderly. However, tools involving a third party (such as a person or company other than children or grandchildren), such as an EC (Electronic Commerce) site, are not necessarily being fully utilized among the elderly.

[0006] The reasons why elderly people do not use various convenient tools such as e-commerce sites are thought to be factors such as unfamiliarity with the internet and feelings of anxiety. However, it is expected that the social structure will change significantly in the future, based on information processing. In particular, many forms of commerce and government are expected to change drastically. Amidst these expected changes, elderly people may not be able to live the life they desire unless they become adequately accustomed to information processing tools.

[0007] Therefore, promoting the use of information processing tools among the elderly can be considered a social challenge. Furthermore, it is expected that if the elderly become proficient in using information processing tools, communication with their children or grandchildren will also be revitalized.

[0008] This invention was conceived against the above background and aims to provide an information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and computer program that can promote the use of information processing tools and promote the activation of communication between people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to the following aspects.

[0010] An information processing system comprising a first user terminal used by a first user, a second user terminal used by a second user, and a management server, The aforementioned management server A unique information recording unit that records at least one of the unique information of the first user, the unique information of the second user, the unique information of a person associated with the first user, and the unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving unit receives delivery instructions for goods to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person from the first user's terminal, A delivery execution instruction transmission unit transmits a delivery execution instruction for the product to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, An information processing system comprising: a value-added information providing unit that, based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, transmits to the first user terminal delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit.

[0011] An information processing device that communicates with a first user terminal used by a first user and a second user terminal used by a second user, A unique information recording unit that records at least one of the unique information of the first user, the unique information of the second user, the unique information of a person associated with the first user, and the unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving unit receives delivery instructions for goods to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person from the first user's terminal, A delivery execution instruction transmission unit transmits a delivery execution instruction for the product to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, An information processing apparatus comprising: a value-added information providing unit that, based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, transmits to the first user terminal delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and additional information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit.

[0012] A unique information recording step that records unique information of a first user using a first user terminal, unique information of a second user using a second user terminal, unique information of a person associated with the first user, and unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving step in which the first user receives delivery instructions for goods to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person from the first user's terminal, A delivery execution instruction transmission step, in which a delivery execution instruction for the product is sent to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, Information processing method comprising: a value-added information provision step, which transmits to the first user terminal, based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording step.

[0013] A unique information recording step that records unique information of a first user using a first user terminal, unique information of a second user using a second user terminal, unique information of a person associated with the first user, and unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving step in which the first user receives delivery instructions for goods to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person from the first user's terminal, A delivery execution instruction transmission step, in which a delivery execution instruction for the product is sent to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, A computer program for causing a computer to perform a value-added information provision step, which involves transmitting to the first user terminal, based on information regarding the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the use of information processing tools can be promoted, and communication between people can be revitalized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of each part constituting the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation image used by the user of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation image used by the user of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the unique information about the user recorded in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation image used by the user of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing performed in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed on the displays of the first user terminal and the second user terminal constituting the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the information displayed on the displays of the first user terminal and the second user terminal constituting the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation image used by the user of the information processing system according to the modification example. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the information displayed on the displays of the first user terminal and the second user terminal constituting the information processing system according to the above modification example. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can constitute a terminal and a management server constituting the information processing system according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described.

[0017] <Schematic Configuration of Information Processing System> Figure 1 schematically shows the configuration of an information processing system S according to one embodiment. The information processing system S includes a first user terminal 10, a second user terminal 20, a management server 30, and a delivery company server 500.

[0018] The first user terminal 10, the second user terminal 20, the management server 30, and the delivery company server 500 are connected to each other via the network 40, enabling them to send and receive information. The network 40 is a communication network including, for example, the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a LAN (Local Area Network). The first user terminal 10, the second user terminal 20, the management server 30, and the delivery company server 500 can connect to the network 40 wirelessly or via wired connections and communicate with external devices.

[0019] <Functional Configuration of Information Processing System> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of each component of the information processing system S (first user terminal 10, second user terminal 20, management server 30, and delivery company server 500). The functional configuration of each component of the information processing system S will be described in detail below.

[0020] (First user terminal, second user terminal) The first user terminal 10 and the second user terminal 20 are devices operated by a user, such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first user terminal 10 is used by the first user and the second user terminal 20 is used by the second user. Specifically, it is assumed that the first user is an elderly person and the second user is their child, but the attributes of the users are not particularly limited.

[0021] The first user terminal 10 has an information input unit 101, a delivery instruction unit 102, and an information receiving unit 103. The second user terminal 20 has an information input unit 201, a delivery instruction unit 202, and an information receiving unit 203.

[0022] The functions of each part of the first user terminal 10 and each part of the second user terminal 20 can be realized by applications provided directly or indirectly by the operator of the management server 30. In this embodiment, the application that realizes the functions of each part of the first user terminal 10 and each part of the second user terminal 20 specifically presents an EC (Electronic Commerce) site or an EC user interface, and receives information and operation instructions from the first user or the second user, or provides information to the first user or the second user via a display.

[0023] Parts of the first user terminal 10 and parts of the second user terminal 20 that have the same name have the same function. Therefore, the following description will only detail the information input unit 101, the delivery instruction unit 102, and the information receiving unit 103 of the first user terminal 10. Some of the following descriptions relate to the relationship between the parts of the first user terminal 10 and the first user, but unless otherwise specified, these also apply to the relationship between the second user terminal 20 and the second user. The functions of the parts of the first user terminal 10 are as follows.

[0024] The information input unit 101 accepts input of information about the first user or their related persons (hereinafter referred to as unique information) and operation instructions from the first user. Unique information includes, as an example, at least one of the following: a combination of the name of the first user or their related person and the date of birth of the first user or their related person, and a combination of the name of the first user or their related person and the schedule information of the first user or their related person. When the first user inputs unique information of a related person via the information input unit 101, the input from the first user terminal 10 is used as a flag, and the related person is treated as a related person associated with the first user (the first user's related person).

[0025] In this embodiment, when the application provided by the operator of the management server 30 is used for the first time, the user is required to input their unique information. In this situation, if the information input unit 101 receives unique information from the first user, it transmits the entered unique information to the management server 30. The information input unit 101 also transmits information about the operation instruction to the management server 30 if the first user provides an operation instruction. Upon receiving the operation instruction, the management server 30 performs processing such as switching the operation image currently being viewed by the first user.

[0026] The delivery instruction unit 102 receives the input of delivery instructions for the product from the first user and transmits the delivery instruction information to the management server 30. In the e-commerce site or e-commerce user interface provided by the application described above, the user can perform operations such as selecting the product they wish to purchase and specifying the delivery address. The delivery instruction unit 102 accepts input from such operations. The delivery address for the product specified on the first user terminal 10 may be the first user themselves, the second user or a related person, or any other person.

[0027] The information receiving unit 103 receives information provided by the management server 30. For example, in this embodiment, as described above, delivery instruction information is transmitted from the delivery instruction unit 102 to the management server 30. In this case, the goods are then delivered by the delivery company, and the information receiving unit 103 receives delivery completion information transmitted from the management server 30 after the delivery of the goods by the delivery company is completed. When the information receiving unit 103 receives the delivery completion information, it displays it on the display of the first user terminal 10 to notify the user.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information receiving unit 103 is configured to receive incidental information along with delivery completion information from the management server 30.

[0029] The aforementioned incidental information (hereinafter referred to as incidental information) is, for example, information related to the second user when the first user requests the management server 30 to deliver goods to the second user. As will be explained in detail later, in the information processing system S, when the second user using the second user terminal 20 has recorded their own unique information in the management server 30, and the first user instructs the delivery of goods to the second user, the first user terminal 10 receives information related to the second user as incidental information, along with information that the delivery has been completed.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the second user using the second user terminal 20 has recorded their own unique information on the management server 30, and the first user issues an instruction to deliver goods to the second user, the delivery completion information and associated information are also received by the information receiving unit 203 of the second user terminal 20 used by the second user. Details regarding the transmission and reception of associated information will be described later.

[0031] (Management Server) The management server 30 is an information processing device that provides information processing services (in this embodiment, applications for performing e-commerce) to the first user terminal 10 and the second user terminal 20, etc. The management server 30 includes a unique information recording unit 301, a delivery instruction receiving unit 302, a delivery execution instruction transmission unit 303, a delivery completion information receiving unit 304, a value-added information provision unit 305, and an ancillary information acquisition unit 306.

[0032] The unique information recording unit 301 receives and records the unique information entered when the first user enters unique information of the first user or a related person into the information input unit 101 of the first user terminal 10, or when the second user enters unique information of the second user or a related person into the information input unit 201 of the second user terminal 20.

[0033] The delivery instruction receiving unit 302 receives delivery instruction information transmitted from the first user terminal 10 or the second user terminal 20. The delivery instruction information received by the delivery instruction receiving unit 302 can have various patterns, but for example, it may be a delivery instruction for a product to be given as a gift from the first user to the second user or a person related to the second user, or it may be a delivery instruction for a product from the first user to a person unrelated to the second user.

[0034] Based on the receipt of the above-mentioned delivery instructions, the delivery instruction transmission unit 303 transmits the delivery instructions for the goods to the delivery company.

[0035] The delivery completion information receiving unit 304 receives information from the delivery company server 500 indicating that the goods have been delivered. When the delivery by the delivery company is completed, the delivery company notifies the delivery company server 500 of this, and the delivery company server 500 transmits the delivery completion information to the delivery completion information receiving unit 304.

[0036] Based on the delivery completion information for the above-mentioned product received by the delivery completion information receiving unit 304, the value-added information provision unit 305 transmits delivery-related information indicating that delivery has been completed, along with the aforementioned supplementary information, to the first user terminal 10 and / or the second user terminal 20.

[0037] More specifically, if the delivery completion information receiving unit 304 receives information about the completion of delivery of the above-mentioned product, and the product is to be gifted from the first user to the second user, the value-added information providing unit 305 in this embodiment transmits to the first user terminal 10 delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the product to the second user or a related person of the second user has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit 301.

[0038] More specifically, in this embodiment, the value-added information provision unit 305 transmits to the first user terminal 10 some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit 301, as supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information of the second user and / or related persons of the second user recorded in the unique information recording unit 301.

[0039] Furthermore, if the delivery completion information receiving unit 304 receives information that the delivery of the above-mentioned product has been completed, and the product is to be gifted from the first user to the second user, the value-added information providing unit 305 transmits delivery-related information to the second user terminal 20 indicating that the delivery has been completed. In this embodiment, however, the second user terminal 20 also transmits some or all of the unique information of the first user and / or related persons recorded in the unique information recording unit 301, along with any additional information related to that information.

[0040] Furthermore, the delivery-related information described above is not limited to information indicating the completion of delivery. For example, the delivery-related information may also be information indicating that the delivery of goods is in progress, which is generated based on the management server 30 receiving a delivery instruction from a user terminal or the management server 30 sending a delivery execution instruction to the delivery company server 500.

[0041] The value-added information provision unit 305 acquires the above-mentioned incidental information from the incidental information acquisition unit 306. The incidental information acquisition unit 306 derives incidental information related to the unique information based on the unique information and provides it to the value-added information provision unit 305.

[0042] The supplementary information acquisition unit 306 derives information related to age, determined according to the date of birth, as supplementary information, for example, based on the date of birth of the user or related person. The age-related information may include information about a person whose birthday falls within a predetermined period from the date of delivery completion, information about events that generally occur at the age reached on their birthday (such as Shichi-Go-San, entrance exams, unlucky years, 60th birthday, 88th birthday, 77th birthday), and information about items needed for such events. The supplementary information may also include information about products recommended for the birthday of a person whose birthday falls within a predetermined period from the date of delivery completion, or information about products around that time. For example, if a person whose birthday falls within a predetermined period from the date of delivery completion has a birthday in winter, information about best-selling scarves and coats may be derived as supplementary information.

[0043] Furthermore, the ancillary information acquisition unit 306 in this embodiment may derive schedule-related information as ancillary information, for example, based on the schedule of the user or a related person. Schedule-related information includes the schedule of a person scheduled within a predetermined period from the date delivery is completed. Specifically, this could include information such as, "Takashi will be on a business trip to America on [date]" or "Taro will have a baseball game on [date]."

[0044] The ancillary information acquisition unit 306 may be configured to take unique information as input and derive ancillary information as output according to predetermined rules. In this case, the ancillary information acquisition unit 306 uses a database that records the format for which the ancillary information is derived. Alternatively, the ancillary information acquisition unit 306 may utilize a Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and in particular, it may utilize a learning model that performs natural language processing. In this case, the ancillary information acquisition unit 306 may send a query (prompt) containing the content of the unique information to the learning model and obtain a response.

[0045] (Delivery company server) The delivery company server 500 is an information processing device managed by the delivery company. The delivery company server 500 has a delivery execution instruction receiving unit 501 and a delivery completion information transmitting unit 502. The delivery execution instruction receiving unit 501 receives delivery execution instructions for goods transmitted from the delivery execution instruction transmitting unit 303 of the management server 30. After the delivery of the goods is completed, the delivery completion information transmitting unit 502 transmits information that the goods have been delivered to the delivery completion information receiving unit 304 of the management server 30.

[0046] <Operations when using the information processing system> In this embodiment, when a user uses the information processing system S, the information processing system S requests the user to input unique information, as described above. After that, the user can use the services (EC services) provided by the information processing system S. The following describes the flow from the start of inputting unique information to actual use, referring to the example operation images shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0047] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of operation images used by users of the information processing system S. Figure 3(A) shows the operation image 51 that is initially displayed when an application provided directly or indirectly by the operator of the management server 30 is downloaded to a terminal such as a smartphone. In this example, it is assumed that a second user, who is the child of an elderly person, operates the operation image 51 displayed on the second user terminal 20.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3(A), the operation image 51 includes a first operation button 51a for accepting name input, a second operation button 51b for accepting date of birth input, and a third operation button 51c for accepting schedule input. The operation image 51 displays a message prompting the user (in this case, the second user) to input unique information using these buttons.

[0049] Although not shown in the diagram, if the first operation button 51a is selected, an image for entering a name will be displayed, and the name information can be entered via the touch panel or similar. After entering a name by operating the first operation button 51a, if the second operation button 51b is selected, an image for entering a date of birth will be displayed. If the third operation button 51c is selected, a calendar image 51d will be displayed, and the schedule can be entered by operating the appropriate part of the calendar image 51d.

[0050] Operation image 51 shows a fourth operation button 51e labeled "Next," which is intended to be operated after the aforementioned unique information has been entered. When the fourth operation button 51e is operated, operation image 52 shown in Figure 3(B) is displayed.

[0051] In the operation image 52 shown in Figure 3(B), a message is displayed prompting the user to enter unique information for a person different from the user entered in operation image 51. Operation image 52 has a first operation button 52a, a second operation button 52b, and a third operation button 52c. The functions of these buttons 52a to 52c are the same as those of the buttons shown in Figure 3(A).

[0052] In the operation image 52 shown in Figure 3(B), the person entered can be arbitrary, but it could be a family member of the user, etc. Here, we assume a situation where the unique information of the second user's child is entered via operation image 52. Operation image 52 has a fourth operation button 52e with the label "Complete" which is intended to be operated after the aforementioned unique information has been entered. When the fourth operation button 52e is operated, the unique information of the second user and their related persons is transmitted from the second user terminal 20 to the management server 30 and recorded in the unique information recording unit 301 of the management server 30.

[0053] Furthermore, when the fourth operation button 52e is pressed, an operation image 53 (site or interface) for performing e-commerce, as shown in Figure 4(A), is displayed. Various product images (53a, etc.) are displayed in the operation image 53. The operation image 53 accepts the selection of a product and the specification of the product's delivery address. If the product selection and delivery address specification are accepted in the operation image 53, the terminal sends a delivery instruction to the management server 30 after other payment terms and conditions are entered.

[0054] Furthermore, the operation image 53 includes a fifth operation button 53b for generating and sending an invitation message prompting other people to download the running application, and a sixth operation button 53c for changing the unique information of users and related persons whose unique information has already been entered. When the sixth operation button 53c is operated, it becomes possible to change the unique information entered via the operation images shown in Figures 3(A) and (B).

[0055] When the fifth operation button 53b is pressed, the operation image 54 for creating an invitation message, shown in Figure 4(B), is displayed. The operation image 54 includes the seventh operation button 54a, the eighth operation button 54b, and the ninth operation button 54c. The seventh operation button 54a is used when sending an invitation message via SMS, the eighth operation button 54b is used when sending an invitation message to an email address, and the ninth operation button 54c is used when sending an invitation message via a designated messenger application.

[0056] As described above, once an invitation message is generated and sent, the user who receives the invitation message can download the application that provides the operation images shown in Figures 3 and 4 by following the instructions in the invitation message. After downloading the application, the operation image 51 shown in Figure 3(A) will be displayed.

[0057] Here, we assume a situation where a second user sends an invitation message to the first user terminal 10 via the second user terminal 20. In this case, the first user can download the application based on the invitation message received on the first user terminal 10. The first user can then input their own and / or a different person's unique information from the operation images 51 shown in Figures 3(A) and (B) displayed on the first user terminal 10. The first user can then select a product from the operation image 53 shown in Figure 4(A) displayed on the first user terminal 10 and give delivery instructions.

[0058] In this embodiment, the application for the first user to input unique information, issue product delivery instructions, and receive information from the management server 30 (e.g., the value-added information provision unit 305) is obtained from an invitation message provided by the second user to the first user via the management server 30. When such a mechanism is adopted, the fact that the invitation message prompting the download of the application comes from the second user can give the first user a sense of security about downloading it.

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates an example of user-specific information recorded by the information processing system S. Specifically, it shows information recorded in the unique information recording unit 301 of the management server 30, including the unique information of the second user and related persons entered by the second user from the operation images 51 and 52 shown in Figure 3, and the unique information of the first user and related persons entered by the first user from the operation images 51 and 52 after an invitation from the second user.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 5, the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit 301 includes name information 55a, date of birth information 55b, schedule information 55c, and inputter information 55d. In Figure 5, the name of the second user, "Takashi," is recorded as name information 55, and the names of Takashi's children, "Taro" and "Jiro," are recorded as related persons of the second user. Furthermore, the name of the first user, "Ichiko," is recorded as name information 55, and the name of Ichiko's husband, "Kenichi," is recorded as a related person of the first user. In addition, date of birth information 55b and schedule information 55c, corresponding to name information 55a, are recorded according to user input. Inputter information 55d is used to treat the person entered by the inputter as a related person of the inputter.

[0061] When using the information processing system S according to this embodiment to select products from the operation image 53 shown in Figure 4(A), inputting unique information as explained in Figure 5 is a prerequisite. Figure 6 shows an example of the operation method for selecting products and having them delivered using the operation image 53 for EC shown in Figure 4(A) after inputting unique information.

[0062] Figure 6(A) shows the user selecting a desired product on the operation image 53 shown in Figure 4(A). Here, the user selects a desired food item from among several products that appear after selecting a food item tag. Once this selection is made, the screen switches to the operation image 61 shown in Figure 6(B). The selected product (chanko nabe set) is displayed in operation image 61, and if the user wishes to confirm the selected product, they operate the product confirmation button 61a.

[0063] When the product confirmation button 61a is pressed in the operation image 61 of Figure 6(B), the display switches to the operation image 62 shown in Figure 6(C), which prompts the user to select a delivery destination. In Figure 6(C), a list 62a of possible delivery destinations is displayed, and the user can select the desired delivery destination. Once the delivery destination is selected in Figure 6(C), the display switches to the operation image 63 shown in Figure 6(D). The selected delivery destination address is displayed in operation image 63, and to confirm the delivery destination, the user presses the delivery confirmation button 63a. When the delivery confirmation button 63a is pressed, a delivery instruction is sent from the first user terminal 10 or the second user terminal 20 to the management server 30.

[0064] <Processing by an information processing system> Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the information processing system S when unique information is entered using the operation image 51 shown in Figure 3, and an example of the processing performed by the information processing system S when a product is selected from the operation images 53 shown in Figures 4(A) and 6 and delivery instructions are given after the unique information has been entered.

[0065] In Figure 7, the left side shows a flowchart illustrating the processing performed at the first user terminal 10 or the second user terminal 20, and the right side shows a flowchart illustrating the processing performed at the management server 30. An example of processing by the information processing system S will be described below.

[0066] In the processing performed on the first user terminal 10 or second user terminal 20 shown on the left, first, in step S101, it is monitored whether or not information has been entered by the user. If it is confirmed that information has been entered by the user (YES in step S101), in step S102, the information entered in step S101 is sent to the management server 30. The information entered in step S101 includes unique information of the user or related person entered from operation images 51 and 52 in Figure 3, and delivery instruction information entered through operations using operation images 53, 61-63 shown in Figures 4(A) and 6.

[0067] In the processing of the management server 30 shown on the right, the input of information from an external source is constantly monitored in step S201. When information is transmitted in step S102, the management server 30 detects the receipt of the information in step S201, and in step S202, it first determines whether the received information is information (unique information) of the user and / or related persons. If the information received in step S202 is determined to be unique information of the user and / or related persons, the management server 30 records the unique information received in step S201 in the unique information recording unit 301 in step S203. After that, the management server 30 returns to the processing of step S201.

[0068] Furthermore, in step S202, if the management server 30 determines that the information received in step S201 is not user and / or related person information (unique information) (NO in step S202), it determines in step S204 whether the received information is delivery instruction information. If it is determined in step S204 that the received information is delivery instruction information, the management server 30 sends a delivery execution instruction for the goods from the delivery execution instruction transmission unit 303 to the delivery company (delivery company server 500) in step S205. After that, the management server 30 returns to the processing in step S201.

[0069] On the other hand, the management server 30 also monitors for the receipt of delivery completion information from the delivery company server 500 in step S201. If the information received in step S201 is delivery completion information, the management server 30 determines in step S206, via steps S202 and S204, that it has received delivery completion information. In this case, the management server 30 sends delivery-related information to the first user terminal 10 and / or the second user terminal 20 in step S207.

[0070] When a delivery instruction for goods to the second user is sent from the first user terminal 10 to the management server 30, the delivery-related information transmitted in step S207 is sent to both the first user terminal 10 and the second user terminal 20 in this embodiment.

[0071] In this case, more specifically, the management server 30 transmits to the first user terminal 10, from the value-added information provision unit 305, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of goods to the second user or a related person of the second user has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information of the second user and / or a related person of the second user recorded in the unique information recording unit 301. The management server 30 also transmits to the second user terminal 20, from the value-added information provision unit 305, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of goods to the second user or a related person of the second user has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information of the first user and / or a related person of the first user recorded in the unique information recording unit 301. After that, the management server 30 returns to processing in step S201.

[0072] The supplementary information includes, for example, age-related information derived from the date of birth of the user or a related person, the birthdays of individuals whose birthdays fall within a specified period from the date of delivery completion, information on recommended products for the surrounding period, and schedule-related information derived from the user's or related person's schedule.

[0073] Furthermore, if the receipt of delivery completion information is not confirmed in step S206, the management server 30 performs other processing in step S208 and returns to the processing in step S201. Other processing includes, for example, creating an invitation email.

[0074] Returning to the description of the processing performed at the first user terminal 10 or the second user terminal 20, if no information input from the user is confirmed in step S101, the first user terminal 10 or the second user terminal 20 determines in step S103 whether or not it has received delivery-related information from the management server 30.

[0075] If delivery-related information is transmitted from the value-added information provision unit 305 in step S207 described above, the receipt of the delivery-related information is confirmed in step S103, and processing proceeds to step S104. In step S104, information indicating that delivery has been completed is notified to the first user terminal 10 and / or the second user terminal 20. Based on this notification, the user can perform an operation to expand the information, thereby confirming the supplementary information transmitted from the value-added information provision unit 305 along with the delivery-related information in step S207. After processing in step S104 and if the receipt of delivery-related information from the management server 30 is not confirmed in step S103, the application is monitored for being turned off in step S105. If it is turned off, processing ends; if it is not turned off, processing returns to step S101.

[0076] <Specific examples of information provided to the user> As described above, in this embodiment, when the first user delivers a product to the second user, delivery-related information and supplementary information related to the second user and / or related persons are transmitted to the first user terminal 10. In this case, the first user can check the information related to the second user and / or related persons on the first user terminal 10.

[0077] Furthermore, delivery-related information and supplementary information related to the first user and / or their related persons are transmitted to the second user terminal 20. At this time, the second user can check the information related to the first user and / or their related persons on the second user terminal 20.

[0078] The following describes examples of display images or information that appear when delivery-related information and supplementary information related to the second user and / or their related persons are transmitted to the first user terminal 10, and when delivery-related information and supplementary information related to the first user and / or their related persons are transmitted to the second user terminal 20, with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0079] Figure 8 shows an example of notification images displayed on the displays of the first user terminal 10 and the second user terminal 20 in response to the reception of delivery-related information. When delivery-related information is received on the first user terminal 10, a notification image 81a, such as a pop-up display, is shown, as shown in Figure 8(A), indicating that the product sent by the first user ("you" in the figure) has arrived at the second user ("Takashi" in the figure). Similarly, when delivery-related information is received on the second user terminal 20, a notification image 82a, such as a pop-up display, is shown, as shown in Figure 8(B), indicating that the product from the first user ("Ichiko" in the figure) has arrived at the second user ("you" in the figure).

[0080] When the notification image 81a in Figure 8(A) is touched or otherwise operated, the information display image 91 shown in Figure 9(A) is displayed on the first user terminal 10. When the notification image 82a in Figure 8(B) is touched or otherwise operated, the information display image 92 shown in Figure 9(B) is displayed on the second user terminal 20.

[0081] In the information display image 91 shown in Figure 9(A), along with the delivery completion information (top), two pieces of supplementary information related to the second user, 91a and 91b, are displayed. In the example in Figure 9(A), supplementary information related to the second user 91a displays the birthday information of a related person (Taro-san) associated with the second user. This information is derived based on Taro-san's unique information, such as his date of birth, and the delivery completion date, etc. Supplementary information related to the second user 91b displays information about the schedule (traveling) of the second user and their related person. This information is derived based on Takashi-san's unique information, such as his schedule, and the delivery completion date, etc. Note that supplementary information about the receiving user (Ichiko-san) and their related person (Kenichi-san, etc.) may also be displayed in the information display image 91.

[0082] In the information display image 92 shown in Figure 9(B), along with the delivery completion information (top), two pieces of supplementary information 92a and 92b related to the first user are displayed. In the example in Figure 9(B), the supplementary information 92a related to the first user displays the birthday information of a related person (Kenichi (Ichiko's husband)) associated with the first user. This information is derived based on Kenichi's unique information, such as his date of birth, and the delivery completion date. The supplementary information 92b related to the first user displays information about the first user's schedule (presentation). This information is derived based on Ichiko's unique information, such as her schedule, and the delivery completion date. In addition, supplementary information about the receiving user (Takashi) and related people (Taro, etc.) may also be displayed in the information display image 92.

[0083] In the information processing system S according to the embodiment described above, the management server 30 includes: a unique information recording unit 301 that records at least one of the unique information of the first user, the unique information of the second user, the unique information of the first user's related persons, and the unique information of the second user's related persons; a delivery instruction receiving unit 302 that receives delivery instructions for goods to be presented from the first user to the second user or the second user's related persons from the first user terminal 10; a delivery execution instruction transmitting unit 303 that transmits delivery execution instructions to a delivery company based on the receipt of delivery instructions; and a value-added information providing unit 305 that transmits to the first user terminal 10, based on the receipt of delivery instructions, the transmission of delivery execution instructions, or information on the completion of product delivery (in this example), delivery-related information indicating that delivery of goods to the second user or the second user's related persons is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit 301.

[0084] As a result, the information processing system S performs the following steps: a unique information recording step, which records at least one of the unique information of the first user, the unique information of the second user, the unique information of the first user's related persons, and the unique information of the second user's related persons; a delivery instruction receiving step, which receives a delivery instruction for goods to be presented from the first user to the second user or the second user's related persons from the first user terminal 10; a delivery execution instruction transmission step, which sends a delivery execution instruction to a delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction; and a value-added information provision step, which transmits to the first user terminal 10, based on the information of the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of goods to the second user or the second user's related persons is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording step.

[0085] More specifically, in this embodiment, the value-added information provision unit 305 transmits delivery-related information and the aforementioned incidental information relating to some or all of the unique information of the second user and / or related persons of the second user to the first user terminal 10.

[0086] In the configuration described above, the first user can view information related to the second user and / or related individuals, along with information such as delivery completion, on the first user terminal 10. The first user can then check the current status of the second user and others, and if there are any concerns, they can take the opportunity to contact the second user as needed.

[0087] As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide motivation for the use of information processing tools to users who are unfamiliar with them, such as the elderly (in this example, Ichiko, the first user), and promote the use of information processing tools. Furthermore, it is possible to promote the activation of communication between users who are unfamiliar with information processing tools (in this example, Ichiko, the first user) and other users (in this example, Takashi, the second user, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to promote the use of information processing tools and to promote the activation of communication between people.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the value-added information provision unit 305 transmits delivery-related information to the second user terminal 20. In this case, the second user can immediately recognize the existence of a gift from the first user and have an opportunity to contact the first user. Specifically, in this embodiment, the value-added information provision unit 305 transmits delivery-related information and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information of the first user and / or related persons to the first user to the second user terminal 20. This allows the second user to check the current status of the first user, etc., and if there is anything of concern, they can have an opportunity to contact the first user as needed. In this way, the activation of communication can be further promoted.

[0089] <Variation> Figure 10 shows an example of an operation image used by a user of the modified information processing system. The same reference numerals are used for parts in the modified version that are the same as those described above, and redundant explanations are omitted. Figure 10(A) displays an operation image 53 (site or interface) for performing the EC shown in Figure 4(A). However, in the modified version shown in Figure 10, the operation image 53 has an album button 95 for recording the image in the unique information recording unit 301 of the management server 30.

[0090] When the album button 95 is operated, the image or image display area recorded in the unique information recording unit 301 is displayed as shown in Figure 10(B), and the add button 96 is displayed. When the add button 96 is operated, the image recorded on the user terminal (first user terminal 10 or second user terminal 20) is displayed as shown in Figure 10(C), and the add execution button 97 is displayed. In the display of Figure 10(C), by selecting an image (for example, by selecting it as shown by the checkmark) and operating the add execution button 97, the selected image is recorded in the unique information recording unit 301.

[0091] In this modified example, after performing the image recording operations described above, if delivery-related information indicating the completion of product delivery is received, some or all of the images recorded in the unique information recording unit 301 that relate to the person requesting delivery or the person receiving delivery may be transmitted to the user as supplementary information and displayed. Figure 11 shows the information display image 91' displayed on the first user terminal 10 after being expanded from the notification of delivery-related information. In the information display image 91', images related to the second user are displayed as supplementary information 98. Even with this configuration, the first user can check the current status of the second user. The images displayed as supplementary information may be, for example, images taken within a predetermined period of time preceding the delivery completion date.

[0092] <Example of hardware configuration for information processing equipment> Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device 800 that can constitute a first user terminal 10, a second user terminal 20, and a management server 30. The information processing device 800 comprises a processor 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a communication interface 804, an operating device 805, and a display device 806, which are interconnected by a bus.

[0093] The processor 801 may be a CPU, a GPU, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU. The processor 801 executes a computer program stored in, for example, ROM 802 on RAM 803. The computer program is, for example, a program that can realize the above-described functional configurations of the first user terminal 10, the second user terminal 20, and the management server 30. The computer program may not be a single program, but may be realized by a combination of multiple programs or scripts.

[0094] ROM802 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores computer programs, data necessary for the execution of computer programs, and data generated by the execution of computer programs. These computer programs and data are read into RAM803 when the computer program is executed. ROM802 can be, but is not limited to, a hard disk, optical disk, flash memory, and magnetic tape.

[0095] The computer program may be pre-installed on the information processing device 800, or it may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. The computer program may also be uploaded to the internet. RAM 803 is, for example, DRAM or SRAM, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, the information processing device 800 may include a storage device capable of reading and writing various types of information.

[0096] The communication interface 804 is a circuit for the first user terminal 10, the second user terminal 20, and the management server 30 to communicate with external devices wirelessly or via wired connection. The operating device 805 is a circuit for inputting operation signals from input devices such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels to the first user terminal 10, the second user terminal 20, and the management server 30. The display device 806 displays data stored in, for example, the first user terminal 10, the second user terminal 20, and the management server 30. The display device 806 may be, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an organic electroluminescent display, or the like.

[0097] Furthermore, the information processing device 800 may consist of a single device or it may be configured as a system consisting of multiple interconnected computer devices.

[0098] The embodiments described above are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and it is possible to carry out the present invention in various other forms. For example, various modifications, substitutions, omissions, or combinations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Such modified, substituted, or omission forms are also included within the scope of the present invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] S... Information Processing System 10…First User Terminal 101... Information Input Section 102...Delivery instruction section 103... Information Receiving Unit 20...Second user terminal 201... Information Input Section 202…Delivery instruction department 203... Information Receiving Unit 30…Management Server 301... Unique Information Recording Unit 302...Delivery Instruction Receiving Unit 303...Delivery execution instruction transmission unit 304…Delivery completion information receiving section 305... Value-Added Information Provision Department 306...Ancillary Information Acquisition Unit 40…Network 500... Delivery company server 501...Delivery execution instruction receiving unit 502...Delivery completion information transmission section

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a first user terminal used by a first user, a second user terminal used by a second user, and a management server, The aforementioned management server A unique information recording unit that records at least one of the unique information of the first user, the unique information of the second user, the unique information of a person associated with the first user, and the unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving unit receives delivery instructions for goods to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person from the first user's terminal, A delivery execution instruction transmission unit transmits a delivery execution instruction for the product to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, An information processing system comprising: a value-added information providing unit that, based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, transmits to the first user terminal delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and additional information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the value-added information providing unit transmits at least the delivery-related information to the second user terminal.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the value-added information providing unit transmits the delivery-related information and the incidental information relating to some or all of the unique information of the second user and / or the second user's related persons to the first user terminal, and transmits the delivery-related information and the incidental information relating to some or all of the unique information of the first user and / or the first user's related persons to the second user terminal.

4. The aforementioned unique information includes at least one of the following: the date of birth of the first user, the date of birth of the second user, and the date of birth of the related person. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned accompanying information is information related to age determined according to the date of birth.

5. The unique information includes at least one of the schedules of the first user, the second user, and the related person. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned supplementary information is information related to the schedule.

6. The unique information includes at least one of the birthdays of the first user, the second user, and the related person, The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned supplementary information is information on products recommended according to the time of the birthday.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the application for the first user to input the unique information, issue product delivery instructions, and receive information from the value-added information provision unit is obtained from an invitation message provided by the second user to the first user via the management server.

8. An information processing device that communicates with a first user terminal used by a first user and a second user terminal used by a second user, A unique information recording unit that records at least one of the unique information of the first user, the unique information of the second user, the unique information of a person associated with the first user, and the unique information of a person associated with the second user's terminal, A delivery instruction receiving unit receives delivery instructions for goods to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person from the first user's terminal, A delivery execution instruction transmission unit transmits a delivery execution instruction for the product to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, An information processing apparatus comprising: a value-added information providing unit that, based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, transmits to the first user terminal delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and additional information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording unit.

9. A unique information recording step that records unique information of a first user using a first user terminal, unique information of a second user using a second user terminal, unique information of a person associated with the first user, and unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving step in which the first user receives a delivery instruction from the first user's terminal for a product to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person, A delivery execution instruction transmission step, in which a delivery execution instruction for the product is sent to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, Information processing method comprising: a value-added information provision step, which transmits to the first user terminal, based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording step.

10. A unique information recording step that records unique information of a first user using a first user terminal, unique information of a second user using a second user terminal, unique information of a person associated with the first user, and unique information of a person associated with the second user, A delivery instruction receiving step in which the first user receives a delivery instruction from the first user's terminal for a product to be gifted from the first user to the second user or the second user's related person, A delivery execution instruction transmission step, in which a delivery execution instruction for the product is sent to the delivery company based on the receipt of the delivery instruction, A computer program for causing a computer to perform a value-added information provision step, which involves transmitting to the first user terminal, based on information regarding the receipt of the delivery instruction, the transmission of the delivery execution instruction, or the completion of the delivery of the goods, delivery-related information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the second user or the second user's related person is in progress or has been completed, and supplementary information related to some or all of the unique information recorded in the unique information recording step.

Images