Information provision device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

For example, one of the objectives is to provide an information provision device, information processing method, and program that can provide convenient estimates for electrical equipment construction work. [Solution] The information providing device has a control unit that registers multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, receives trigger information that initiates the estimation of electrical equipment work, generates estimation request information related to the request for an estimate of electrical equipment work based on the trigger information, and performs a process to transmit it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the registered electrical equipment contractors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an information providing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Electrical equipment such as power receiving and transforming equipment (for example, cubicle type high voltage power receiving and transforming equipment) is known. Patent Document 1 below discloses an approximate estimate apparatus that performs an accumulated estimate for work related to power receiving and transforming equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 is a technology related to approximate estimates in a specific business operator, and only improves the convenience of the person making the estimate. A technology with better convenience is desired.

[0005] One object of the present technology is to provide, for example, an information providing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can perform an estimate of electrical equipment work with excellent convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present technology, for example, registers a plurality of electrical equipment contractors for user registration, receives trigger information that triggers the start of an estimate of electrical equipment work, generates estimate request information regarding an estimate request for electrical equipment work based on the trigger information, and transmits the information to each of the contractor-side apparatuses used by the electrical equipment contractors registered by the user. A control unit that executes the process It is an information-providing device that has [a certain feature].

[0007] This technology is, for example, Steps to register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, A step to receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work, The steps include generating estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work based on the trigger information and transmitting it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. This is an information processing method that causes a computer to perform an action.

[0008] This technology is, for example, Steps to register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, A step to receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work, The steps include generating estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work based on the trigger information and transmitting it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. This is a program that causes a computer to execute something. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an information provision system according to one embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the pre-processing flow. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of an input form used when registering vendor information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the estimation process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of an input form used when entering quotation request information. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart exemplarily showing the flow of the batch estimate process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display of an estimate request on the merchant's my page. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display of a talk room between the requester and the merchant. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart exemplarily showing the flow of other processes.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology and the like will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <1. One Embodiment> [1-1. Schematic Configuration Example of the System] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration example of an information providing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The information providing system 1 provides services related to electrical equipment, specifically, substation equipment. The substation equipment is equipment that generates a power source with a desired voltage (for example, a power source with a voltage suitable for in-plant use) by receiving power from a power source such as a transmission line and transforming the voltage. The substation equipment is, for example, cubicle-type high-voltage substation equipment (hereinafter simply referred to as a cubicle). In the present embodiment, for example, the information providing system 1 will be described as providing services related to cubicles.

[0012] The information providing system 1 includes a requester-side device 2, a merchant-side device 3, an information providing device 4, and a monitoring device 5. The requester-side device 2, the merchant-side device 3, and the information providing device 4 are each configured by an information processing device such as a personal computer, for example. Note that the information processing device is not limited to a personal computer and may be a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Further, the information processing device may be built into an electronic device. The monitoring device 5 is a device that monitors the cubicle. In the illustrated example, an example in which there are a plurality of requester-side devices 2, merchant-side devices 3, and monitoring devices 5 is shown, but it is sufficient to have one or more of these.

[0013] The requesting-side device 2, the contractor-side device 3, and the monitoring device 5 are each communicably connected to the information providing device 4 via the network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet. Note that the network NW is not necessarily limited to a specific one, and may be, for example, a mobile communication network or the like. Also, the network NW may be configured to pass through a plurality of types of communication networks such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) and a LAN (Local Area Network). Although not shown here, one or more other information processing devices (not shown) are also communicably connected to the information providing device 4 via the network NW. Therefore, the number of the requesting-side device 2, the contractor-side device 3, the monitoring device 5, and other information processing devices is not limited to a single number, but includes a plurality. Thereby, the information providing device 4 can obtain a lot of information from each device.

[0014] The requesting-side device 2 is a device used by a requester (hereinafter abbreviated as the requester) who requests an estimate for cubicle construction. The requester here includes not only those who manage cubicles, but also all those who can order (including agency ordering) cubicle construction (including organizations such as corporations). For example, the requester includes installers (e.g., owners) of cubicles, management responsible persons, or their agents, etc. Note that an installer who owns power receiving and transforming equipment such as a cubicle is obliged to select a security management technician (electrical chief technician) as the management responsible person and perform security inspections such as monthly or monthly, and power outage inspections once a year to keep the power receiving and transforming equipment in good condition.

[0015] The contractor-side device 3 is a device used by a contractor (hereinafter abbreviated as the contractor) who responds to cubicle construction. The contractor here includes not only professional contractors who actually perform cubicle construction, but also all those who can receive orders (including agency receiving orders) for cubicle construction (including organizations such as corporations). For example, the contractor includes a company that actually performs cubicle construction, an individual business owner, or their agents, etc.

[0016] Information provision device 4 is a device that provides services related to cubicles to clients, contractors, and other parties interested in cubicles. Information provision device 4 is operated, for example, by a service provider of cubicle-related services. Information provision device 4 provides software services to each of the client-side device 2 and contractor-side device 3 via the network NW. Information provision device 4 consists of server computers that function as servers for, for example, client-side device 2 and contractor-side device 3. Below, we will explain using the example of information provision device 4 providing SaaS (Software as a Service). Specifically, information provision device 4 builds a specialized portal site related to cubicles. The services provided by this information provision device 4 will be described later.

[0017] Monitoring device 5 is a device that monitors the operating status of the cubicles in real time (for example, continuous monitoring). Monitoring device 5 has the function of detecting and issuing an alarm if an abnormality occurs in the cubicle being monitored. Examples of abnormalities in a cubicle include electrical leakage, overcurrent, and equipment damage. Monitoring device 5 will also issue an alarm if, for example, the cubicle itself or its individual components are nearing the end of their service life. Specifically, monitoring device 5 is installed for each cubicle under the management of the client. Note that monitoring device 5 is not limited to this example; for example, it may be a device that manages multiple cubicles together, and devices that do not have communication functions do not need to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0018] [1-2. Examples of Hardware Configurations for Each Device] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 100 that can be used as the requesting device 2, the vendor's device 3, and the information providing device 4, respectively. The information processing device 100 has a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an input unit 103, a communication unit 104, and an output unit 105 that are interconnected by a bus.

[0019] The control unit 101 controls the operation of each component of the information processing device 100. The control unit 101, for example, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), and functions as a computer. The ROM stores programs that are read and executed by the CPU. The RAM is used as the CPU's work memory. The CPU controls the entire information processing device 100 by executing various processes and issuing commands according to the programs stored in the ROM. The control unit 101 performs various processes. For example, the portal site constructed by the information providing device 4 provides various services to other devices by having the control unit 101 of the information providing device 4 perform various processes.

[0020] The storage unit 102 is a storage medium composed of, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or semiconductor memory, and stores the OS (Operating System), application programs, and data used by them (for example, transmitted and received data, various setting data, etc.).

[0021] Furthermore, not all or part of these programs and data are necessarily stored in the storage unit 102 of the information processing device 100. For example, the information processing device 100 may read and use programs and data stored on an external storage medium that it can read. Examples of such storage media include optical disks, magnetic disks, semiconductor memory, and hard disk drives that are removable from the information processing device 100. Alternatively, some or all of the programs and data may be stored on a device connected to a network such as the Internet, and the information processing device 100 may read and use the programs and data from there.

[0022] The input unit 103 is a device for inputting various types of information to the information processing device 100. When information is input via the input unit 103, the control unit 101 performs various processing corresponding to the input information. The input unit 103 may be a mouse and keyboard, a touch panel, a touch panel display in which a touch panel and monitor are integrated, or physical buttons. The input unit 103 may also be a sensor such as a microphone. The input of various types of information to the information processing device 100 may be performed via the communication unit 104, which will be described later.

[0023] The communication unit 104 is a communication module that communicates with other devices and communicates with the Internet according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication method is not limited to a specific one and can include, for example, Wi-Fi and other wireless LANs, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), and broadband. The communication of the communication unit 104 may also be LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication. LPWA communication is a wireless communication method suitable for IoT (Internet of Things) applications that enables low-power, wide-area communication. Examples of LPWA communication standards include LoRaWAN and SIGFOX. The communication between the information providing device 4 and the monitoring device 5 described above may be this LPWA communication, for example. This allows for power saving.

[0024] The output unit 105 is a device for outputting various types of information from the information processing device 100. The output unit 105 may include a display for showing images or videos, a speaker for outputting sound, etc. The output of various types of information from the information processing device 100 may also be performed via the communication unit 104.

[0025] [1-3. Processing flow by the information provision device] The following provides an illustrative explanation of the processing flow by the information provision device 4. The processing described below is the processing on the portal site (including processing by other devices) controlled (including generation) by the control unit 101 of the information provision device 4. Specifically, this processing on the portal site is performed by displaying a predetermined page on the portal site using browser software such as the requesting device 2 and the vendor's device 3. This processing on the portal site includes pre-processing, quotation processing, and other processing. The quotation processing includes batch quotation processing. These processes will be explained below.

[0026] (Pre-processing steps) Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the pre-processing steps. This pre-processing is necessary before using the estimation service for cubicle construction. In this pre-processing step, the client and the contractor who wish to use the service first register as users.

[0027] The requester registers as a user using the requesting device 2 (step S11). The requester's user registration is performed by sending the requester's user information from the requesting device 2 to the information providing device 4. For example, the requester performs the user registration operation by entering various items that make up the requester's user information into the input form on the requester's user registration page. These input items include the requester's "email address" and "password".

[0028] The vendor performs user registration using the vendor-side device 3 (step S12). The vendor's user registration is performed by sending the vendor's user information from the vendor-side device 3 to the information provision device 4. For example, the vendor performs the user registration operation by entering various items that make up the vendor's user information into the input form on the vendor's user registration page. For example, these input items include the vendor's "vendor name," "email address," and "password."

[0029] Furthermore, each user's information may include input fields such as the service user's "name (company name or individual name)," "contact person's name," "telephone number," and "address."

[0030] The information provider 4 receives and stores this user information (step S13). The storage of each piece of information (and other pieces of information as well) is stored, for example, associated with a database. This completes the user registration. When registering a client, the information provider 4 creates the client's My Page (step S14). My Page is a page exclusively for registered users that displays customized information for each registered user. From here on, the client logs in to the portal site using their registered email address and password and receives services such as quotation requests via My Page. When the information provider 4 registers a vendor, it issues a "Vendor ID" to identify the vendor and notifies the registered vendor (for example, to the registered email address). From here on, the vendor logs in to the portal site using the issued Vendor ID and registered password and receives services such as receiving quotation requests. The following vendor information registration is required for this quotation request receiving service. Note that the authentication for client and vendor logins is not limited to the above, and may also include, for example, biometric authentication or two-factor authentication.

[0031] Next, the vendor uses vendor-side device 3 to register vendor information associated with user registration (step S15). Note that this vendor information registration may be performed together with the vendor's user registration as described above. The vendor information is necessary for the vendor's My Page registration. The vendor information registration is performed by sending the vendor information from vendor-side device 3 to information provision device 4. For example, the vendor performs the registration operation by entering various items that make up the vendor information into the input form on the vendor information registration page. An example of the configuration of this input form will be described later.

[0032] Next, the information provider 4 receives and stores the vendor information and generates a My Page for the vendor who registered the vendor information based on the vendor information (step S16). Then, the information provider 4 performs various other settings related to estimates (step S17). These settings are, for example, set by the service provider using the input unit 103 of the information provider 4. These settings include, for example, settings for receiving alarm information issued by the monitoring device 5, settings for notification destinations when alarm information is received, and settings for campaigns related to estimates. With these receiving settings, the information provider 4 can identify the cubicle being monitored by the alarm-issuing monitoring device 5 and the location where that cubicle is installed by receiving the alarm information. After performing the above processing, the pre-processing in each device is completed.

[0033] Furthermore, the means of receiving the alert information are not limited to a specific method; for example, it may be done using web communication functions such as a web browser, or it may be linked to this portal site by other means.

[0034] Furthermore, the notification method upon receiving alarm information is not limited to a specific method; for example, it could be an email sent to the owner of the cubicle being monitored by the monitoring device 5, a notification to a smartphone, or a phone call. The recipients of the notification could include not only the cubicle owner but also the management supervisor. This allows the monitoring device 5 to notify the management supervisor responsible for the cubicle it monitors of the same information as the owner, and for example, the management supervisor can request quotes from their dedicated contractor or multiple other contractors using this system, thus sharing the information.

[0035] One example of the campaigns mentioned above is a campaign conducted within a portal site in collaboration with power companies. For instance, a power company might offer to sell electricity to more customers by subsidizing a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the construction cost in exchange for customers switching from their current power company. Also, the depreciation period for a cubicle itself is approximately 15 years, and its useful life is about 20 to 30 years. Therefore, a campaign could involve transferring ownership of an aging cubicle to a power company or a special purpose company (SPC) established by a power company, entrusting the power company with the maintenance of the cubicle for a certain period (e.g., a 5-year contract), and in return, encouraging customers to switch from their current power company, thereby contributing to the power company's customer acquisition efforts. The setup of the campaigns mentioned above involves providing information about these campaigns, calculating and presenting discounted estimates, and so on. For example, the presented quote information is automatically calculated and generated based on campaign information representing pre-set campaign details and quote information received from vendors.

[0036] (Example of vendor information structure) Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of an input form used when registering vendor information. The input form has the following input fields: "Company Name", "Company Name (Kana)", "Page Name", "Representative", "Contact Person (1)", "Contact Person (1)'s Contact Phone Number", "Contact Person (2)", "Contact Person (2)'s Contact Phone Number", "Company Logo or Image", "Head Office Address", "Jurisdictional Area", "Registration / License Number", "PR Points", and "Company Homepage". "Contact Person (2)", "Contact Person (2)'s Contact Phone Number", "Company Logo or Image", "PR Points", and "Company Homepage" are optional fields, while the others are required fields.

[0037] The "Company Name" and "Company Name (Katakana)" fields are for entering the company name. The "Page Name" field specifies the location of each company's page within the portal site. Specifically, this field is for entering the subdirectory name in the portal site's URL. For example, if the portal site's URL is "https: / / ○○○.co.jp" and the URL for registered companies is "https: / / ○○○.co.jp / users / companies / [Page Name]", then you would enter the subdirectory name in the [Page Name] section. Pages within this subdirectory level will be the registered company's dedicated My Page.

[0038] "Representative" is the name of the company's representative, "Contact Person (1)" and "Contact Person (1)'s Contact Phone Number," and "Contact Person (2)" and "Contact Person (2)'s Contact Phone Number" are the names and contact information of the company's contact persons for using this service, respectively. "Company Logo or Image" is where you specify (for example, by selecting an uploaded file) if you want to use a logo or image representing the company on the portal site. "Head Office Location" is the location of the company's head office.

[0039] The "Service Area" refers to the region where a contractor can provide services for cubicle installation. Contractors select a region from the 47 prefectures to represent this service area. A contractor can select a predetermined number of prefectures (e.g., 3) at the default rate. Contractors can increase the number of selectable regions by paying an additional fee (e.g., 50,000 yen) per prefecture to the service provider. This allows contractors to select up to all 47 prefectures. For example, various fees paid to the service provider can be made via credit card through the payment management page.

[0040] Thus, in this embodiment, the number of serviceable areas can be set according to the amount of the charge. The more serviceable areas that can be set, the more advantageous it is to obtain an estimate. Here, the example shows the case where the selectable areas are the 47 prefectures, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to select at the city, town, or village level. In addition, the conditions such as the number of serviceable areas that can be selected and the charges for adding selected areas can be selected as appropriate.

[0041] The "Notification / License Number" is the notification / license number for registered electrical contractors, which allows for the assessment of the contractor's suitability regarding cubicle construction. Specifically, the "Notification / License Number" field has selection options for private electrical installations and general electrical installations, as well as input fields for the prefectural governor's license number or the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's license number required for cubicle construction. The "PR Points" field is for describing the content that the contractor will use to promote (Public Relations) to all clients. The "Company Homepage" field is for entering the URL of the contractor's own website, which will create a link within the portal site.

[0042] Furthermore, since this portal site allows businesses to advertise and promote themselves, it is possible to receive orders via the network even if a company does not have its own website. Therefore, it is possible to receive orders while keeping advertising costs down. In other words, because it allows direct access to many potential customers at a low cost, businesses can approach a wide market with reduced initial investment and maximize their order opportunities.

[0043] (Quotation Processing Flow) Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the estimation process. This estimation process provides an estimation service for construction work related to a cubicle. In the estimation process, the start of the estimation for the cubicle construction is determined by one of two trigger information. As mentioned above, the information providing device 4 is configured to receive alarm information from the monitoring device 5. The information providing device 4 uses this alarm information as trigger information.

[0044] Furthermore, clients can request a quote from a page dedicated to quote requests. In this case, the client makes the quote request using the requesting device 2 (step S21). The quote request is made by sending quote request information, which represents the quote request, from the requesting device 2 to the information providing device 4. The information providing device 4 uses this quote request information as trigger information. For example, the client makes a quote request by entering various items that make up the quote request information into the input form on the quote request page. An example of the configuration of this input form will be described later.

[0045] In other words, the information providing device 4 determines whether or not it has received alarm information from the monitoring device 5 (step S22). If it is determined in step S22 that alarm information has been received (YES), the information providing device 4 notifies the notification destination corresponding to the cubicle being monitored by the alarm-issuing monitoring device 5 (step S23). Specifically, this notification is made by sending notification information that notifies the receipt of alarm information. If it is determined in step S22 that alarm information has not been received (NO), the information providing device 4 determines whether or not it has received quotation request information (step S24).

[0046] If it is determined in step S24 that no quotation request information has been received (NO), the information provider 4 returns to step S22. If an alert is issued in step S23, or if it is determined in step S24 that quotation request information has been received (YES), the information provider 4 performs batch quotation processing (step S25). Batch quotation here refers to processing that automatically notifies at least one or more vendors that a quotation request has been made. When the information provider 4 performs batch quotation processing, it sends quotation acceptance information to the requesting device 2 indicating that the quotation has been received, and the requesting device 2 receives this quotation acceptance information (step S26). By performing the above processing, the quotation processing in each device is completed.

[0047] (Example of the structure of quotation request information) Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of an input form used when entering quotation request information. The input form has the following input fields: "Request Details," "Presence or Absence of PCBs in the Cubicle," "Presence or Absence of Fire Protection Equipment," "Presence or Absence of PAS Installation," "Presence or Absence of UGS Installation," "Presence or Absence of Cable Installation," "Presence or Absence of Piping Installation," "Cubicle Capacity," "Desired Timing of Installation," "Attachments," "Other Questions / Requests," "Remarks," "Planned Request Area," and "Project Acceptance Deadline." "Request Details," "Planned Request Area," and "Project Acceptance Deadline" are required fields, while the others are optional.

[0048] The "Request Details" section asks you to select the content of your request for a quote. Options include, for example, new installation, replacement, expansion, removal, modification, or repair work on a cubicle (replacement of transformers, capacitors, circuit breakers, etc., cable replacement, etc.), and other. The "Presence of PCBs in the Cubicle" section asks whether or not the cubicle contains PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). If you are unsure, select "Unknown." The same applies to the following items.

[0049] "Presence or absence of fire-fighting equipment" is an option to select whether or not fire-fighting facilities such as fire hydrant pumps and sprinklers are present. "Presence or absence of PAS installation" is an option to select whether or not PAS (Air Load Switch) installation is present. "Presence or absence of UGS installation" is an option to select whether or not USG (Underground Cable Load Switch) installation is present. "Presence or absence of cable installation" is an option to select whether or not cable installation is present. "Presence or absence of piping installation" is an option to select whether or not piping installation is present.

[0050] "Cubicle Capacity" is where you enter the capacity of the cubicle (e.g., 300 KVA). Specifically, you select and enter either the capacity for a new installation or the capacity for an existing installation. "Desired Timing of Construction" is where you enter your desired timing for construction. "Attached Documents" is where you specify the documents to attach when requesting a quote (e.g., select upload file). "Other Questions / Requests" is where you enter any other questions or requests, and the "Remarks" field is where you enter any supplementary information.

[0051] The "Planned Service Area" field allows you to select the region where the work will be performed, including the installation location of the cubicle for which you are requesting a quote. In the illustrated example, the "Planned Service Area" field includes a selection field for the 47 prefectures and a field for entering a more detailed address. The "Request Acceptance Deadline" field specifies the deadline for accepting the request (response deadline), such as within one week or within two weeks. Thus, in this embodiment, detailed information regarding the cubicle for which you are requesting a quote can be entered. Therefore, an accurate quote can be obtained.

[0052] (Flow of batch quotation processing) Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the batch quotation process. When the batch quotation process begins, the information providing device 4 first selects contractors to request quotations from among the registered contractors based on the quotation request information and contractor information of each registered contractor that it has received and stored from the requesting device 2 (Step S31). Specifically, contractors that cannot handle the construction work selected in the quotation request information are excluded from the selection candidates. For example, if the notification, permits, etc. required for the construction work on the requested cubicle do not meet the necessary conditions for the work, or if the installation location of the requested cubicle is outside the service area, the contractor is excluded from the selection candidates. Note that it is also acceptable to select all registered contractors.

[0053] Next, the information provider 4 requests a bulk quote from the selected contractors (step S32). This request is made by transmitting quote request information regarding the cubicle construction to the contractor-side device 3 from the information provider 4. For example, the information provider 4 displays the quote request information on each selected contractor's My Page, allowing the contractor-side device 3 to confirm the details of the quote request (receive the quote request information). This display of the quote request has a function to respond to the requester. An example of this quote request display will be described later.

[0054] Then, each vendor, after reviewing the contents of the quotation request, creates a quotation and sends it using their respective vendor-side device 3 (step S33). This sending is done by each vendor-side device 3 transmitting the quotation information to the information providing device 4. Specifically, the vendor responds to the requester in response to the display of the quotation request. As a result, the information providing device 4 automatically generates a private chat room between the requester and the vendor. For example, a vendor sends a quotation by uploading the quotation information to this chat room using their vendor-side device 3. An example of how this chat room is displayed will be described later.

[0055] As a result, the information providing device 4 receives the quotation information, generates a provided quotation information based on the received quotation information, and sends the generated provided quotation information to the requester who requested the quotation (step S34). The provided quotation information may be the vendor's quotation information itself, or it may include the campaign details mentioned above. For example, the information providing device 4 allows the requester who made the quotation request to check the quotation details based on the provided quotation information on their My Page (receives the provided quotation request information). As a result, the requester receives the quotation based on the provided quotation information via the requesting device 2 (step S35). By performing the above processing, the batch quotation processing at each device is completed.

[0056] (Example of how to display a quote request) Figure 8 shows an example of how a quote request is displayed on a vendor's My Page. The small area on the left side of the figure is the menu area. The vendor's logo and name are displayed in the menu area. In addition, the following menu selection items are displayed: "Matching Projects," "Company Information," "Case Studies / Achievements," "Plan / Card Payment Management," and "Job Postings." Furthermore, a logout button is displayed.

[0057] "Matching Projects" displays the aforementioned quotation requests, which are shown in Figure 8. "Company Information" displays the input form for vendor information as described above. "Case Studies / Achievements" is where vendors post their case studies and achievements. "Plan / Card Payment Management" displays the page for deciding on a plan for this service and making payments. "Job Openings" displays the page for job openings related to cubicles.

[0058] The large area on the right side of the diagram shows an example of how quotation requests are displayed. In the example shown, four quotation requests have been received. As shown in the request cases at the top, each quotation request arrives with a "Join" button. Clicking this "Join" button generates the aforementioned chat room. After joining, the case display shows a portion of the conversation in the chat room, as shown in the request cases at the bottom.

[0059] (Example of how the chat room will look) Figure 9 shows an example of how a chat room between a client and a contractor is displayed. While the example shows the contractor's My Page chat room, the client's chat room has a similar structure. When the contractor clicks the "Join" button mentioned above, the chat room shown in the right-hand area of ​​Figure 9 is displayed. By entering the chat content in the "Message Content Input Field" and confirming, the chat content is displayed in the history above, allowing for message exchange with the other party. The input field allows for attachment of drawings and documents in specified file formats such as PDF, DWG, DXG, and JWW. For example, this attachment function can be used to exchange quotations based on the aforementioned quotation information. In the chat room, various consultations can be conducted through free-form text, scheduling of necessary surveys for construction, and proposals for unique settings and quotations, enabling communication from order placement to acceptance. Subsequent contract exchanges are also possible. Note that the exchange of contracts and other documents can also be done via mail.

[0060] (Other processing) Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of other processes. These other processes include registering and searching various types of information related to cubicles. Examples of such information include at least one of the following: job postings, Q&A, or advertising information related to cubicles.

[0061] By registering and posting job openings, businesses can recruit qualified personnel, immediately productive workers, and subcontractors as needed. This will stimulate recruitment for cubicle construction-related jobs and the hiring of partner companies, contributing to the overall development of the industry.

[0062] Examples of advertising and promotion include promotions for this portal site, cubicle manufacturing companies and manufacturers, various electrical equipment and product manufacturers and retailers, and major construction companies. Methods of advertising include posting case studies and achievements of businesses on the portal site, and providing information on businesses in specific regions, such as the 47 prefectures, based on regional selection.

[0063] These services specifically make it easy to search for general contractors and subcontractors. For example, a list of specialized contractors for cubicle construction can be viewed for each prefecture, allowing companies to find partner contractors in the area where they want to outsource work. Furthermore, when work is scarce, they can find general contractors, thus stabilizing their business operations. This allows electrical contractors, who typically work as subcontractors (sub-contractors) under a "lump-sum contracting" system where they are primary or secondary subcontractors for general contractors, to become general contractors themselves. This allows them to improve their profit margins. In particular, because power receiving and transforming equipment such as cubicles requires frequent updates and modifications of highly specialized equipment, there is a growing trend towards separate contracting, considering costs, schedules, and flexibility. This separate contracting, focused on equipment, eliminates waste and allows for more efficient and higher-quality construction.

[0064] Furthermore, sponsored advertisements such as listing ads and display advertisements may be used on the portal site. As this portal site is the industry's first site specializing in cubicles, companies can enjoy many benefits by posting company information and job postings.

[0065] Specifically, the client registers and searches for various types of information using the client-side device 2 (step S41). The vendor also registers and searches for various types of information using the vendor-side device 3 (step S42). This registration and searching of various types of information is performed by transmitting the various types of information to be registered and the search criteria information for the various types of information from the client-side device 2 and the vendor-side device 3 to the information-providing device 4.

[0066] When the information provider 4 receives various types of information to be registered, it stores the received information, updates the portal site, and displays the various types of information for viewing (step S43). Also, when the information provider 4 receives search criteria for various types of information, it extracts information that matches the search criteria from the various types of information and transmits the extracted information as search results to the requesting device 2 and the vendor-side device 3 (step S44). The requesting device 2 displays various types of information based on the received search information (step S45), and the vendor-side device 3 displays various types of information based on the received search results (step S46). After performing the above processing, the other processing in each device is completed.

[0067] Furthermore, this "other processing" is not limited to the requesting device 2 and the vendor's device 3; anyone can use it through other information processing devices (excluding services that require account creation, such as advertising). This allows for reaching a wide range of people, from professionals to ordinary people interested in cubicles and customers considering requesting quotes. For example, various types of information can be collected and posted from experts in various fields. By building a portal site in this way, the number of viewers can be increased, and link providers can effectively implement SEO (Search Engine Optimization) measures.

[0068] Incidentally, the service that provides information on businesses in each region, as described above, can also be used as a disaster (including incidents and accidents) support service. Specifically, when a disaster occurs and the simultaneous repair of critical infrastructure becomes necessary, by generating and outputting list information representing business names for each of the 47 prefectures, businesses in neighboring prefectures (including the prefecture where the disaster occurred) can immediately cooperate to contribute to reconstruction and recovery. For example, the occurrence of a disaster can be determined by the information provision device 4 based on the number of received alerts as described above, the high density of alerts in a specific area, etc. In this case, for example, by specifying emergency contact information for local governments, etc. (e.g., local government, police, fire department, power company, railway company, etc.) as the notification recipient, the occurrence of a disaster can be automatically and accurately detected, and business information can be promptly sent to the local government, etc.

[0069] [1-6. Summary of one embodiment] As described above, the information providing device 4 according to this embodiment has a control unit 101. The control unit 101 of the information providing device 4 registers multiple electrical equipment contractors (in this embodiment, contractors who handle cubicle work), receives trigger information that initiates the estimation of electrical equipment work (in this embodiment, cubicle work), generates estimation request information regarding the request for an estimate of electrical equipment work based on the trigger information, and transmits it to each of the contractor-side devices 3 used by the registered electrical equipment contractors.

[0070] Therefore, it is easy to request quotes for electrical work from multiple electrical contractors. In particular, as mentioned above, using My Page can dramatically improve the convenience of obtaining quotes for electrical work between clients and electrical contractors.

[0071] <2. Variant> Although embodiments of this technology have been described in detail above, the content of this technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible based on the technical concept of this technology. For example, the configurations, processes, operations, and methods of the embodiments described above can be combined or swapped with each other (including swapping processes between devices) as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this technology. It is also possible to divide one thing into two or more, and to omit parts of it. Furthermore, if this technology is applicable, the content described above may be deleted, modified, or added as appropriate.

[0072] For example, in the embodiment described above, a cubicle was explained as an example, but this can be applied to the construction of electrical equipment other than cubicles, such as other power receiving and transforming equipment. For example, it can be applied to power receiving equipment that only receives power or power transforming equipment that only transforms power, and can be applied to electrical equipment in general. Furthermore, it can be applied not only to estimates for electrical equipment construction, but also to estimates for construction, building, or civil engineering works, for example. Also, for example, in the embodiment described above, the information providing device 4 provides various services on a portal site, but these various services do not have to be on a portal site and may be provided individually. Also, for example, in the embodiment described above, a user registration of the requester was explained, but this can be applied to cases where user registration of the requester is not required. Also, for example, in the embodiment, a case in which a My Page is created and used was explained as an example, but this can be applied to cases in which a My Page is not used (for example, when various information is automatically sent and received by email, or when various information is sent and received by an application). Furthermore, the processing after sending the estimate request information to the contractor-side device 3 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the various information described above (including input items) can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this technology.

[0073] Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows: (1) Register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, We receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work. Based on the trigger information, estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work is generated and transmitted to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. Control unit that executes the process An information-providing device having the following features. (2) The control unit, The user registration mentioned above generates a My Page for each electrical equipment contractor, The vendor's device will display the quotation request information on the aforementioned My Page so that it can be viewed. (1) The information provision device described above. (3) The control unit, The system receives quotation request information, which represents the quotation request transmitted from the requesting device used by the client to request a quotation for electrical equipment installation work. The aforementioned quotation request information is used as the trigger information. (1) or (2) the information providing device. (4) The control unit, Receiving alarm information transmitted from a monitoring device that monitors the aforementioned electrical equipment, The aforementioned alarm information is used as the trigger information. An information-providing device as described in any of (1) to (3). (5) The control unit, Send a notification to a pre-configured recipient to inform them of the receipt of the aforementioned alarm information. (4) The information provision device described above. (6) The contractor information registered in conjunction with the user registration includes service area information indicating the areas in which electrical equipment installation work can be performed. The control unit, Based on the trigger information, the location of the electrical equipment for which the estimate request is to be made is identified. Select electrical equipment contractors whose specified installation location is included in the service area indicated by the service area information above. The quotation request information is transmitted to each of the contractor-side devices used by the selected electrical equipment contractors. An information-providing device as described in any of (1) through (5). (7) The number of serviceable areas can be set according to the amount of the charge. (6) The information provision device described above. (8) The control unit, Determine whether or not a disaster has occurred. If it is determined that the aforementioned disaster has occurred, electrical equipment contractors whose service area includes the disaster area, as indicated by the service area information, will be selected. Generate and output list information representing the list of selected electrical equipment contractors. The information-providing device described in (6) or (7). (9) The control unit, The device on the vendor's side receives quotation information corresponding to the quotation request information transmitted from the vendor's device, Based on the campaign information representing the pre-configured campaign details and the received quote information, a presentation quote information is generated. An information-providing device as described in any of (1) through (8). (10) The control unit, Generate a webpage-based portal site for electrical equipment, The web pages included in the aforementioned portal site shall display at least one of the following: job postings, Q&A, and advertising information related to the aforementioned electrical equipment. An information-providing device as described in any of (1) through (9). (11) The aforementioned electrical equipment is a power receiving and transforming equipment, The aforementioned portal site is a specialized portal site for power receiving and transforming equipment construction. (10) The information providing device described above. (12) Steps to register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, A step to receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work, The steps include generating estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work based on the trigger information and transmitting it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. An information processing method that causes a computer to execute an action. (13) Steps to register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, A step to receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work, The steps include generating estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work based on the trigger information and transmitting it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. A program that causes a computer to execute something. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1... Information provision system, 2... Requesting party equipment, 3... Vendor-side equipment, 4... Information provision device, 5... Monitoring device, 100... Information processing device, 101... Control unit, 102... Storage unit, 103... Input unit, 104... Communication unit, 105... Output unit, NW... Network

Claims

1. Register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, We receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work. Based on the trigger information, estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work is generated and transmitted to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. Control unit that executes the process An information-providing device having the following features.

2. The control unit, The user registration mentioned above generates a My Page for each electrical equipment contractor, The vendor's device will display the quotation request information on the aforementioned My Page so that it can be viewed. The information providing device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The system receives quotation request information, which represents the quotation request transmitted from the requesting device used by the client to request a quotation for electrical equipment installation work. The aforementioned quotation request information is used as the trigger information. The information providing device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, Receiving alarm information transmitted from a monitoring device that monitors the aforementioned electrical equipment, The aforementioned alarm information is used as the trigger information. The information providing device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, Send a notification to a pre-configured recipient to inform them of the receipt of the aforementioned alarm information. The information providing device according to claim 4.

6. The contractor information registered in conjunction with the user registration includes service area information indicating the areas in which electrical equipment installation work can be performed. The control unit, Based on the trigger information, the location of the electrical equipment for which the estimate request is to be made is identified. Select electrical equipment contractors whose specified installation location is included in the service area indicated by the service area information above. The quotation request information is transmitted to each of the contractor-side devices used by the selected electrical equipment contractors. The information providing device according to claim 1.

7. The number of serviceable areas can be set according to the amount of the charge. The information providing device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit, Determine whether or not a disaster has occurred. If it is determined that the aforementioned disaster has occurred, electrical equipment contractors whose service area includes the disaster area, as indicated by the service area information, will be selected. Generate and output list information representing the list of selected electrical equipment contractors. The information providing device according to claim 6.

9. The control unit, The device on the vendor's side receives quotation information corresponding to the quotation request information transmitted from the vendor's device, Based on the campaign information representing the pre-configured campaign details and the received quote information, a presentation quote information is generated. The information providing device according to claim 1.

10. The control unit, Generate a webpage-based portal site for electrical equipment, The web pages included in the aforementioned portal site shall display at least one of the following: job postings, Q&A, and advertising information related to the aforementioned electrical equipment. The information providing device according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned electrical equipment is a power receiving and transforming equipment, The aforementioned portal site is a specialized portal site for power receiving and transforming equipment construction. The information providing device according to claim 10.

12. Steps to register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, A step to receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work, The steps include generating estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work based on the trigger information and transmitting it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. An information processing method that causes a computer to execute an action.

13. Steps to register multiple electrical equipment contractors as users, A step to receive trigger information that initiates the estimation process for electrical equipment installation work, The steps include generating estimate request information for electrical equipment construction work based on the trigger information and transmitting it to each of the contractor-side devices used by the user-registered electrical equipment contractors. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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