Information management device and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information management device that allows users to track how many points they can use when operating a terminal device and ordering merchandise using their points. [Solution] An information management device 11 has a processor 16 that runs a non-temporary program to perform processing, and is connected to terminal equipment 12 used by member P2 via a network 14 so as to be able to communicate, wherein the processor 16 is configured to perform the following: setting the number of points to be awarded to member P2 according to the fees that member P2 pays to the organization to receive services from the organization; managing a sales site that sells goods on the network 14; and limiting the range within which the sales price of the goods can be covered by the number of points awarded to member P2 when terminal equipment 12 accesses the sales site and orders goods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information management device connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network, and a program for causing the information management device to execute processing.

Background Art

[0002] A funeral member management device, which is an example of an information management device connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network, is described in Patent Document 1. The funeral member management device described in Patent Document 1 includes: a first remittance instruction means for instructing remittance from the account of the funeral company to each of an account for deposit of membership fees and an account of a guarantee company that guarantees part or all of the funeral expenses as a deposit based on a remittance notice of membership fees from the personal account of the member to the account of the funeral company; and a point calculation means for increasing a predetermined percentage of points to the points corresponding to the amount remitted to the deposit account and adding them to the accumulated points of the member.

[0003] [[ID=…]](原文此处后续行号未按顺序,推测可能是文档排版问题,翻译时保留原文格式) Further, the funeral member management device described in Patent Document 1 includes: a second remittance instruction means for instructing remittance of part or all of the funeral expenses from the account of the guarantee company to the account of the funeral company when the execution of the member's funeral is requested from a relative of the member to the funeral company; a purchase amount calculation means for calculating a purchase equivalent amount corresponding to the used points based on the amount per point of the issued points when purchasing goods or services with the accumulated points of the member; and a third remittance instruction means for instructing remittance of the purchase equivalent amount from the deposit account to the account of a sales company that sells goods or services.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventor of this application found that, with the funeral membership management device described in Patent Document 1, it was unclear to what extent members' accumulated points could be used when purchasing goods or services with those points, and there was room for improvement in that respect.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information management device that allows users to understand how many points they can use when operating a terminal device and ordering merchandise using points, and to provide a program that executes processing using the information management device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This embodiment discloses an information management device having a processor that runs a non-temporary program to perform processing, and which is connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network in a manner that allows communication, wherein the processor performs the following: a process of setting the number of points to be awarded to the user in accordance with the fees that the user pays to the organization for receiving services from the organization; a process of managing a sales site that sells goods on the network; and a process of limiting the range to which the sales price of the goods can be covered by the number of points awarded to the user when the terminal device accesses the sales site and orders the goods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the information management device of this embodiment, when a user orders merchandise using points on a terminal device, it is possible to know how many points can be used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example configuration of an information management system, including an information management device. [Figure 2] According to an example of an information management method implemented in an information management system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (overview) The information management system 10 shown in Figure 1 consists of an information management device 11, terminal equipment 12, and a provider computer 13. The information management device 11 is managed and operated by administrator P1. The terminal equipment 12 is used by member P2 as a user. The provider computer 13 is used by product provider P3. The information management device 11 is connected to the terminal equipment 12 and the provider computer 13 via a network 14 so as to be able to communicate.

[0011] Network 14 is, for example, the Internet and a communication line for transmitting signals and information. Network 14 consists of base stations, communication satellites, communication antennas, communication equipment (access points), repeaters, communication circuits, communication cables (copper wires, optical fibers), etc. Repeaters include modems (devices that convert analog signals to digital signals), hubs (concentrators), routers, etc. The communication line includes one or more means of communication, including wireless communication and wired communication. Wireless communication includes short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication includes, for example, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi®) and Bluetooth®. Wireless communication includes electrical signals, optical signals, radio waves, infrared rays, satellite communication, etc. Signals used for communication include digital signals and analog signals.

[0012] The information management device 11, operated by administrator P1, publishes an e-commerce site on the network 14, where goods are sold. Administrator P1 can procure goods to be sold on the e-commerce site from the goods provider P3. Member P2 can purchase subscription products, which are an example of services provided by organization 15, and pay the purchase price of the subscription products to organization 15 through administrator P1. In addition, member P2 can access the e-commerce site by operating terminal equipment 12 and order, i.e., purchase, goods sold on the e-commerce site. The e-commerce site and goods will be described later.

[0013] (Explanation of information management device and administrator) Administrator P1 is responsible for collecting payments for subscription products from member P2 and for transferring the collected payments to organization 15. Administrator P1 is also responsible for selling the products on the e-commerce site and managing the information management device 11. The information management device 11 is a computer composed of various hardware and software, the software including an operating system and applications.

[0014] The computers constituting the information management device 11 may be servers, mainframes, supercomputers, workstations, etc. Furthermore, the information management device 11 may consist of a single computer, or it may consist of multiple computers connected in a communication-enabled manner.

[0015] The information management device 11 comprises a main unit (casing), a processor 16, main memory 17, auxiliary memory 18, an operating device 19, a display device 20, a communication device 21, and the like. The processor 16 is located inside the main unit and consists of a central processing unit (CPU) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control device (control circuit) are integrated.

[0016] The processor 16 is connected to the main memory 17, auxiliary memory 18, operating device 19, display device 20, communication device 21, etc. via the bus 22. The processor 16 comprehensively controls other devices and circuits located inside the main unit and devices and circuits located outside the main unit. In addition, the processor 16 may have, in place of or in addition to the central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other arithmetic processing circuits. A GPU is a processor (semiconductor chip) that performs the arithmetic processing necessary when processing 3D graphics images.

[0017] The processor 16 reads and operates an application, and executes the processing of the acquired information. The information processed by the processor 16 includes information, data, voice, text, barcode, image, signal, etc. The image includes video, moving picture, still picture, photograph, etc. The processing executed by the processor 16 includes calculation, judgment, comparison, learning, speculation, setting, selection, hull bottom control, etc. The processing executed by the processor 16 includes the processing of reading information from the auxiliary memory 18, the processing and judgment of information acquired from the outside, the addition, change and update of the information stored in the auxiliary memory 18, etc.

[0018] The main memory 17 is a volatile storage device, and the main memory 17 functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 16 executes processing. The main memory 17 is a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory 18 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-temporary storage medium. A non-temporary application is stored in the auxiliary memory 18. The application includes a non-temporary program, manual, setting file, file for storing data, data, various libraries, etc.

[0019] In addition, the auxiliary memory 18 stores information before being processed by the processor 16, information processed by the processor 16, etc. The information stored in the auxiliary memory 18 includes the processing result of the processor 16, data, instruction, request, etc. The processor 16 reads the application stored in the auxiliary memory 18 and executes the processing.

[0020] The information stored in the auxiliary memory 18 includes a large amount of data for the processor 16 to perform machine learning, a large amount of data for the processor 16 to perform natural language processing, etc. The data stored in the auxiliary memory 18 for the processor 16 to perform processing includes text data, corpus, annotated corpus, raw corpus.

[0021] The auxiliary memory 18 has a larger capacity than the main memory 17, and the auxiliary memory 18 operates according to input instructions and output instructions from the processor 16. The auxiliary memory 18, which is a non-temporary storage medium, is realized by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, etc. As the magnetic disk, a hard disk drive is exemplified. As the optical disk, a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc. are exemplified. The flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and as the flash memory, an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid state drive, etc. are exemplified. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 18 can be defined as a storage medium 18A that can be attached to and detached from the main body.

[0022] The operating device 19 is operated when inputting information or the like to the information management device 11, when causing the information management device 11 to execute various processes, when sending various information from the information management device 11 to an external device via the network 14, when acquiring various information from an external device via the network 14, etc.

[0023] The operating device includes at least one of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, etc. These elements have a structure directly attached to the main body part or a structure connected to the main body part via a cable.

[0024] The display device 20 is directly attached to the main body part or connected to the main body part via a cable. The display device 20 is a display visually observed by the administrator P1, and the display includes a structure such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. Note that the display may be defined as a monitor. Various screens and the like are displayed on the display device 20. Also, the display device 20 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on the screen. That is, the display device 20 can also serve as the configuration of the operating device 19.

[0025] The communication device 21 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the information management device 11 to the network 14 via at least one of either a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting the information management device 11 to the network 14 include cables, antennas, routers, etc. The communication device 21 consists of, for example, communication devices for connecting to the network 14. The communication device 21 consists of, for example, communication cards for wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth, or WUSB (Wireless USB). The communication device 21 may also be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various types of communication. The communication device 21 sends and receives signals, etc., to and from the network or other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0026] The processor 16 is configured to function as the member information management unit 23, the e-commerce site management unit 24, the point management unit 25, the sales management unit 26, and the artificial intelligence unit 28 by running, or executing, non-temporary programs stored in the auxiliary memory 18.

[0027] The Member Information Management Unit 23 manages member information and registers members. When the Member Information Management Unit 23 registers a member, it means that a contract regarding the sale of merchandise has been concluded between administrator P1 and member P2. Member information is information obtained by the information management device 11 from terminal equipment 12. Member information includes member P2's name, date of birth, age, gender, address, telephone number, email address, member account, type of subscription product, subscription period, expiration date, annual subscription price, monthly subscription price, whether monthly subscription payments have been made, payment method when ordering merchandise, account number used for payment, previously purchased merchandise, and whether payments for purchased merchandise have been made. The Member Information Management Unit 23 stores the member information in auxiliary memory 18, associating it with the member account. Member accounts identify and distinguish each member P2, and include an identification number and password assigned to each member.

[0028] The EC site management unit 24 is configured to provide an EC site on the network 14. The EC site management unit 24 has a configuration for generating web pages and various screens written in HTML (HyperText markup language), a configuration for providing web pages and various screens to terminal devices 12, and a configuration for acquiring and processing information transmitted from terminal devices 12. The screens provided from the EC site management unit 24 to terminal devices 12 include a registration screen, a dedicated screen, and a user screen.

[0029] The registration screen allows member P2 to input member information on terminal device 12 and to send member information from terminal device 12 to information management device 11. When information management device 11 acquires member information, member information management unit 23 registers the member. The dedicated screen is a dedicated My Page provided to each member P2 on terminal device 12. The dedicated screen displayed on terminal device 12 shows member information for each member P2, order (purchase) history of products, payment status, EC site usage history, total number of points held, maximum number of points available for each product, etc. Member P2 can change the member information on the dedicated screen by operating terminal device 12.

[0030] The user screen is a screen for displaying information necessary for ordering merchandise on terminal device 12. The information necessary for ordering merchandise includes, for example, the types of merchandise being sold, the number of each type of merchandise being sold, the selling price of the merchandise when points are not used, the discounted price of the merchandise, the number of points available for each type of merchandise, etc. Member P2 can select order items on the user screen of terminal device 12, such as the type and number of merchandise to order, whether to order merchandise at the selling price or at the discounted price, and the number of points to use when ordering merchandise at the discounted price.

[0031] The user screen displays the information necessary for ordering merchandise. This information includes, for example, the types of merchandise being sold, the quantity of each type of merchandise being sold, the selling price of the merchandise when points are not used, the discounted price of the merchandise, and the number of points available for each merchandise. Member P2 can select order items, such as the type and quantity of merchandise to order, whether to order at the selling price or the discounted price, and the number of points to use if ordering at the discounted price, by operating the control device 33 on the user screen. Member P2 can send the information, including the selected order items, from the terminal device 12 to the information management device 11. The order items are sent to the information management device 11 along with the member's account.

[0032] The point management unit 25 is configured to set and manage the number of points awarded to member P2 based on the amount of money that administrator P1 receives from member P2 each month for recurring purchase products. For example, the point management unit 25 can set the number of points to be relatively higher the relatively higher the amount of money that is spent on recurring purchase products each month. Alternatively, the number of points can be set to be 100% of the amount of money spent on recurring purchase products each month.

[0033] For example, if the price of a subscription product is 1,000 yen, 1,000 points can be set, and if the price of a subscription product is 3,000 yen, 3,000 points can be set. The point management unit 25 stores the number of points set according to the price of the subscription product in the auxiliary memory 18. The point management unit 25 also manages point information and stores point information in the auxiliary memory 18. Point information includes the number of points held by each member P2, the number of points used by each member P2, the number of points available when each member orders a product, the date on which each member P2 used points, the number of points available set for each product, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the point management unit 25 has a function to set a point value equal to 100% of the price of the regularly purchased products that member P2 receives each month. The point management unit 25 also has a function to limit the extent to which member P2 can pay (cover) the sales price of a product with points when ordering the product. When member P2 orders a product, the remaining sales price of the product that cannot be covered by points will be paid in cash, electronic currency, etc., other than points.

[0035] Member P2, who holds points, can use them as payment when purchasing goods on the e-commerce site. The number of points and the number representing the price are treated the same. For example, 1000 points are equivalent to 1000 yen, and 3000 points are equivalent to 3000 yen.

[0036] Furthermore, the point management unit 25, in cooperation with the artificial intelligence unit 28 and auxiliary memory 18, has a configuration (first restriction function) that limits the number of points that can be used for each type of product or for each individual product when a member P2 purchases goods on the e-commerce site. The point management unit 25 can also automatically set items such as the minimum number of points that can be used and the maximum number of points that can be used for each type of product, based on past sales information of the product. In particular, it can restrict the use of points so that the entire sales price of a product, i.e., 100%, cannot be covered by points. The above functions of the point management unit 25 can prevent points from being used only for the purchase of specific products.

[0037] The point management unit 25 can output the number of available points and the automatically set items to the display device 20. Administrator P1 can then visually check the number of available points and items output on the display device 20. Administrator P1 can also manually change the number of points and items that the point management unit 25 has automatically set by operating the control device 19.

[0038] Administrator P1 can select one or more processes from the following as methods for preparing merchandise: a first process of procuring (purchasing) merchandise from merchandise provider P3, and a second process of manufacturing merchandise at Administrator P1's manufacturing plant. The sales management unit 26 is configured to manage merchandise sold on the e-commerce site in cooperation with the artificial intelligence unit 28 and auxiliary memory 18. The sales management unit 26 has the function of issuing orders for merchandise to the provider computer 13. The order request for merchandise includes items such as the type (name) of merchandise, the quantity of each merchandise, the purchase price of the merchandise, and the delivery deadline for the merchandise.

[0039] Furthermore, administrator P1 can select one or more processes as a method for preparing merchandise, from a third process in which orders are received from terminal devices 12 and merchandise is prepared, or a third process in which merchandise is prepared based on predictions without receiving orders from terminal devices 12. When the sales management unit 26 prepares merchandise in the fourth process, it can work in cooperation with the artificial intelligence unit 28 and auxiliary memory 18 to automatically set the sales items for the merchandise based on past sales history of the merchandise and future sales predictions of the merchandise. The sales items for the merchandise include, for example, the type (name) of the merchandise, the number of each merchandise, the sales price of the merchandise when points are not used, the discount price of the merchandise, the timing of merchandise preparation, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, the sales management unit 26, in cooperation with the artificial intelligence unit 28 and the auxiliary memory 18, selects sales items for products that are appropriate for the season, topicality, etc., based on past sales history of products and future sales forecasts of products, and displays the selected sales items on the display device 20. In addition, the sales management unit 26 is configured to automatically manage the expiration date (sales deadline) of products.

[0041] Furthermore, the sales management department 26 manages the conditions under which products are sold and the environment in which products are sold. For example, when the sales management department 26 receives an order to purchase products from a terminal device 12, it is configured to settle the payment made by member P2. The sales management department 26 manages sales information for all products sold on the e-commerce site. The sales information includes the purchase date (sales date) of the product, the type and name of the product, the number of products, the sales price of the product when points are not used, the discounted price of the product, the age group of member P2 purchasing each product, the gender of member P2 purchasing each product, the residential area of ​​member P2 purchasing each product, whether payment has been made or not, etc. The discounted price of the product is the sales price of the product when points are not used minus the number of points used.

[0042] Furthermore, the sales management unit 26 processes sales information and member information in conjunction as needed. The processing results of the sales management unit 26 are stored in the auxiliary memory 18. Member information will be described later. In addition, the sales management unit 26 extracts the above sales information for predetermined periods, such as daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, creates a database, and stores the database in the auxiliary memory 18.

[0043] Furthermore, the sales management unit 26, in cooperation with the artificial intelligence unit 28 and the auxiliary memory 18, can set the number of points available when ordering merchandise on the terminal device 12 based on the past sales history of each merchandise item on the e-commerce site. The sales management unit 26 can predict and list the sales items and the number of points available when ordering merchandise on the terminal device 12 for all merchandise sold on the e-commerce site, for example, at certain periods such as daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or every few months at the end of the fiscal year, so that profit is generated for each item.

[0044] Profit is generated when income exceeds expenses. Income is the total amount of sales revenue for merchandise within a certain period. Expenses include the purchase price of merchandise, the personnel costs of administrator P1, the production costs of the e-commerce site, etc., within a certain period. Expenses are entered into the information management device 11 by administrator P1 operating the control device 19. Profit is generated when, for example, one or more of the following profit figures for all merchandise sold on the e-commerce site are positive (in the black): gross profit, operating profit, ordinary profit, net profit before tax (profit before tax), and net profit (net profit).

[0045] Furthermore, the sales management unit 26 is configured to determine the number of units of a product to be sold, and whether to continue or terminate the sale of that product. For example, if the sales management unit 26 predicts that the overall sales performance of a product over a predetermined period is likely to result in a loss, it can set sales information to limit the number of units of the product causing the loss. The sales information set by the sales management unit 26 is reflected in the user screen provided to the terminal device 12.

[0046] For example, the sales management department 26 can work with the artificial intelligence department 28 to set up sales information such that the number of products with relatively high profit margins within a certain period exceeds the number of products with relatively low profit margins within that period. Furthermore, the sales management department 26 can set up sales information such that the number of products with relatively high discount rates exceeds the number of products with relatively low discount rates. The discount rate is calculated by dividing the discount price by the selling price of the product. The profit margin is the ratio of profit to sales revenue for all products within a certain period, and the profit is one or more of the aforementioned profits.

[0047] Furthermore, the sales management unit 26 can configure sales information so as not to sell "products with relatively high discount rates" if the profit margin within a certain period is in the red, i.e., negative. In this case, the sales management unit 26 does not send information about the products causing the deficit to the terminal device 12. Therefore, information about the products causing the deficit is not displayed on the display device 34.

[0048] Furthermore, the sales management unit 26 is configured to, for example, when selling goods on an e-commerce site, to discount the selling price of the goods by a price corresponding to the number of points (second restriction function). Also, when purchasing goods with a terminal device 12, the sales management unit 26 is configured to restrict and manage the number of points that can be used based on the type of goods, the selling price of one item, the number of items, etc. In addition, the sales management unit 26 has a function to display information including the results of processing and decisions, as well as information contained in the database, on the display device 34.

[0049] The artificial intelligence unit 28 is implemented by running a non-temporary program and performs various processes in cooperation with auxiliary memory. The processes performed by the artificial intelligence unit 28 include information extraction, information identification (classification), prediction (inference / prediction) based on the information identification results, processing and output based on the identification and prediction results, etc. The information processed by the artificial intelligence unit 28 includes data, models, etc. The identification process performed by the artificial intelligence unit is the identification of various information and data acquired by the processor 16 and various information and data stored in the auxiliary memory 18. The identification performed by the artificial intelligence unit includes distinction, classification, recognition, analysis, etc.

[0050] The prediction performed by the artificial intelligence unit 28 is to predict future situations and future results based on various information acquired by the processor 16 and various information stored in the auxiliary memory 18. Execution by the artificial intelligence unit 28 is based on one or more results from the identification results or prediction results. Analysis includes data mining. Data mining is a function that extracts necessary (useful) information from data. Data mining includes clustering, bucket analysis, link analysis, etc. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 28 can store the results of various processes in the auxiliary memory 18 and update the various information stored in the auxiliary memory 18.

[0051] The artificial intelligence unit 28 can perform machine learning during the learning and prediction phases. The machine learning performed by the artificial intelligence unit 28 is an information analysis technique to improve the judgment accuracy and processing accuracy of the processor 16. By performing machine learning, the artificial intelligence unit 28 extracts features from the input data and generates a trained model. The extraction of features from the input data performed by machine learning includes classification and regression. Classification is the process of classifying and identifying features. Regression is the process of understanding the trends of the classified features. The generated trained model is stored in the auxiliary memory 18. Machine learning includes three types: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0052] In supervised learning, a trained model is generated and modified based on the recognition of features in the input data by comparing the training input data with labeled data containing the correct answers (labels). Supervised learning is used for data identification, classification, prediction, estimation, etc. Unsupervised learning is a method of training using training input data that does not contain the correct answers, and it classifies the input data into groups of data that have similar features (such as regularities). Unsupervised learning can be used, for example, for recommendation systems.

[0053] Reinforcement learning is a method of acquiring optimal action guidelines, such as "this is what should be done in this case," by trial and error based on actual experience, in order to achieve a goal. For example, in the prediction stage, the artificial intelligence unit 28 automatically sets the number of points to be awarded for the price of subscription products, the sales items of the products, the number of points that can be used when ordering products on the terminal device 12, etc., so that the entire product line is profitable, and outputs the results of the settings. Subsequently, the artificial intelligence unit 28 repeatedly takes actual data related to the profit and loss of the entire product line as input data. By repeatedly going through this trial and error process, a learning model is generated. This learning model includes the number of points to be awarded for the price of subscription products, the sales items of the products, the number of points that can be used when ordering products on the terminal device 12, etc.

[0054] The artificial intelligence unit 28 can use a neural network as a learning model to realize machine learning. A neural network has an input layer, an intermediate layer (hidden layer), and an output layer. The intermediate layer is configured to convert the input information into a format that is useful for the output layer. In the intermediate layer, the function that maps the input information to the output information is of particular interest.

[0055] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 28 can perform deep learning to realize the intermediate layers of a neural network. In deep learning, the intermediate layers are multi-layered in multiple stages, and functions (features) are weighted. For example, by repeatedly checking whether the input data matches different types of features, it is possible to narrow down which of which objects the input data corresponds to. Deep learning automatically instructs the intermediate layers to focus on functions (features), thus reducing noise in the input information. Consequently, the learning accuracy of machine learning is improved.

[0056] The input data for the artificial intelligence unit 28 includes sales information processed by the sales management unit 26, profit and loss information for all products sold on the e-commerce site in the past, for a certain period or at the settlement stage every few months, etc. The artificial intelligence unit 28 processes the input data to generate a trained model. Then, in the prediction stage, the artificial intelligence unit 28 automatically sets the number of points to be awarded for the price of subscription products, the sales items of the products, the number of points that can be used when ordering products on the terminal device 12, etc., so that the entire product line is profitable, and outputs the results of the settings. The setting of the sales items of the products described above includes automatic product selection. The artificial intelligence unit 28 also has a function to generate reasons for automatically selecting products and a function to generate sales comments for recommended products to member P2.

[0057] The artificial intelligence unit 28 can, for example, set the number of products with relatively high profit margins to exceed the number of products with relatively low profit margins in order to increase the profit margin over a predetermined period. The artificial intelligence unit 28 can also set the number of products with relatively high discount rates to exceed the number of products with relatively low discount rates in order to increase the profit margin over a predetermined period. The artificial intelligence unit 28 can also set the number of points that can be used to purchase products to be relatively reduced in order to increase the profit margin over a predetermined period. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 28 can set the sales items to not sell products with relatively high discount rates if it is predicted that the profit margin over a predetermined period will be in the red.

[0058] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 28 includes general-purpose natural language processing learning models, such as large-scale language models that have learned from vast amounts of data. Natural language processing involves computers understanding document and audio information written in natural language and processing it according to the purpose. Specifically, examples include morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, and intent analysis. Morphological analysis involves decomposing natural language into "morphemes," which are the smallest units that make up natural language, and assigning information such as parts of speech to them. Syntactic analysis involves analyzing the grammatical structure of natural language to clarify the structure and meaning of a sentence.

[0059] Semantic analysis involves understanding the meaning of words and sentences by analyzing the meaning of natural language, and then making logical judgments and inferences. Intentional analysis involves contextual analysis, which understands natural language while considering the surrounding context of a sentence, and extracting the speaker's or writer's intention from conversations and texts using natural language. Natural language processing combines processes such as morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, contextual analysis, and intent analysis to process natural language, enabling machine translation, text summarization, speech recognition, and more.

[0060] A language model is a type of probabilistic model used in natural language processing. It is a model that probabilistically predicts the conditions under which a given word or sentence is likely to be used in natural language. Language models are used to automatically generate words and sentences that are likely to appear based on the context, by calculating the probability of occurrence of a given word or sentence sequence, or by comparing the probability of occurrence of multiple word or sentence sequences.

[0061] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 28 is configured to function as a generative AI, repeatedly learning on its own through deep learning during the machine learning process, and generating new content based on the characteristics of the information discovered during that learning process, as well as the relationships between pieces of information. The relationships between pieces of information include correlation and causation.

[0062] (Description of members and terminal equipment) Member P2 belongs to Organization 15. Organization 15 is composed of Member P2, for example, workers employed by companies, etc. Organization 15 is an organization formed voluntarily by Member P2 with the aim of maintaining and improving working conditions and improving the economic status of Member P2. Organization 15 operates a subscription service (subscription service business) 29, primarily run by Member P2. The subscription service 29 is a system in which Organization 15 collects money from Member P2 in the form of subscription fees, and then provides services that contribute to the welfare of Member P2. The subscription service 29 includes, for example, subscription services that contribute to prevention and health.

[0063] Member P2 pays the price of the subscription products to the organization via administrator P1 of the information management device 11, which handles payment collection. Member P2 pays the price of the subscription products to administrator P1 periodically, for example, every month. In addition, member P2 can operate terminal equipment 12 to place orders for goods sold on e-commerce sites on the network and to settle payments for the ordered goods.

[0064] The terminal device 12 used by member P2 is configured as follows: Terminal device 12 is a computer used by member P2. Terminal device 12 includes, for example, portable computers and fixed computers. Portable computers include smartphones and tablet computers. Fixed computers include desktop computers, notebook computers, etc.

[0065] The terminal device 12 is connected to the information management device 11 via the network 14. The terminal device 12 includes a main unit (casing), a processor 30, main memory 31, auxiliary memory 32, an operating device 33, a display device 34, a communication device 35, etc. The processor 30 is located inside the main unit and consists of a central processing unit (CPU) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control device (control circuit) are integrated.

[0066] The processor 30 is connected to the main memory 31, auxiliary memory 32, operating device 33, display device 34, communication device 35, etc. via the bus 38. The processor 30 has a configuration that comprehensively controls other devices and circuits provided inside the main unit and devices and circuits provided outside the main unit. The processor 30 performs various processes by reading and running non-temporary programs. The processes performed by the processor 30 include calculations, decisions, comparisons, control, etc.

[0067] The main memory 31 is a volatile storage device and functions as a work area and buffer area when the processor 30 performs processing. The main memory 31 is RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory 32 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-temporary storage medium. Non-temporary applications are stored in the auxiliary memory 32. Applications include non-temporary programs, manuals, configuration files, data storage files, data, various libraries, etc.

[0068] Furthermore, the auxiliary memory 32 stores information before it is processed by the processor 30, information processed by the processor 30, and so on. The information stored in the auxiliary memory 32 includes the processing results, data, instructions, requests, etc. of the processor 30. The processor 30 reads the application stored in the auxiliary memory 32 and executes its processing.

[0069] The auxiliary memory 32 has a larger capacity than the main memory 31, and operates according to input and output commands from the processor 30. The auxiliary memory 32, which is a non-temporary storage medium, can be implemented by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disc, a digital video disc, a Blu-ray disc, etc. Flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and an example of a flash memory is an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid-state drive, etc. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 32 can be defined as a storage medium 32A that can be attached to and removed from the main unit.

[0070] The operating device 33 is operated when inputting information to the terminal device 12, when executing various processes on the terminal device 12, when sending various information from the terminal device 12 to the information management device 11 via the network 14, when acquiring various information from external devices via the network 14, and so on.

[0071] The operating device 33 includes, for example, at least one element from among a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent display, a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, etc. These elements have a structure that is directly attached to the main unit, or a structure that is connected to the main unit via a cable.

[0072] The display device 34 is either directly attached to the main unit or connected to the main unit via a cable. The display device 34 is a display that can be viewed by member P2, and the display includes structures such as liquid crystal displays and organic electroluminescent displays. The display may also be defined as a monitor. Various screens and the like can be displayed on the display device 34. In addition, the display device 34 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on its screen. In other words, the display device 34 can also serve as the configuration for the operating device 33.

[0073] The communication device 35 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting terminal equipment 12 to the network 14 via at least one of either a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting terminal equipment 12 to the network 14 include cables, antennas, routers, etc. The communication device 35 is, for example, a communication device composed of communication devices for connecting to the network 14. The communication device 35 is, for example, composed of standards such as a communication card for wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth, or WUSB (Wireless USB). The communication device 35 may also be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various types of communication. The communication device 35 sends and receives signals, etc., to and from the network 14 or other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0074] Member P2 can access the EC site by operating terminal device 12. When terminal device 12 accesses the EC site, a registration screen is displayed on display device 34. Member information is sent from terminal device 12 to information management device 11, and after member registration is performed in information management device 11, when member P2 operates operation device 33, a dedicated screen can be displayed on display device 34.

[0075] Furthermore, when terminal device 12 is accessing the e-commerce site, the display device 34 of terminal device 12 displays the user screen (order screen). Member P2 can order products by operating the operating device 33 on the user screen.

[0076] (Product provider) Product provider P3 provides products to administrator P1. The products are sold on an e-commerce site operated by information management device 11, and include goods and services. Goods include seasonal products, trendy products, health foods, health supplements, healthcare-related products, etc. Services include preventive examinations related to medical care and illness, telephone consultations related to medical care and illness, arrangement of second opinions related to medical care and illness, etc. Product provider P3 uses provider computer 13. Provider computer 13 has a processor, memory, communication equipment, etc. Provider computer 13 receives order requests for products from information management device 11. Product provider P3 delivers the ordered products to administrator P1.

[0077] (An example of information management methods used in information management systems) Figure 2 shows an example of an information management method. The information management method shown in Figure 2 is implemented by the operation of a program stored in the auxiliary memory 18 of the information management device 11. For convenience, Figure 2 shows an example in which administrator P1 selects the first and third processes as methods for preparing merchandise.

[0078] First, member P2 can access the EC site by operating terminal device 12 in step S10. Once terminal device 12 accesses the EC site, a registration screen is displayed on display device 34. Member P2 can input member information by operating the operating device 33 on the registration screen. When member information is sent from terminal device 12 to information management device 11, member registration is performed in information management device 11. After member registration is performed in information management device 11, member P2 can operate the operating device 33 to display a dedicated screen on display device 34.

[0079] The dedicated screen is a personal page provided to each member P2. This dedicated screen displays member information, product order (purchase) history, payment status, EC site usage history, total points held, maximum points available for each product, etc. Member information can also be modified on this screen.

[0080] When terminal device 12 accesses the e-commerce site, the display device 34 of terminal device 12 displays the user screen (order screen) in step S11. The user screen displays the information necessary for ordering merchandise. This information includes, for example, the types of merchandise being sold, the quantity of each type of merchandise being sold, the selling price of the merchandise when points are not used, the discount price of the merchandise, the number of points available for each type of merchandise, etc.

[0081] The information management device 11 can set product information to be provided to the terminal device 12 based on information such as sales performance of products within a certain period in the past and expenditures within a certain period in the past. For example, the product information can be set so that when profits are relatively high during a certain period, the number of products with relatively high discount rates displayed on the user screen exceeds the number of products with relatively high discount rates displayed on the user screen when profits are relatively low during a certain period.

[0082] Member P2 can select order items such as the type and quantity of goods to order, whether to order the goods at the regular price or a discounted price, and the number of points to use if ordering at a discounted price, by operating the operating device 33 on the user screen. Member P2 can send information including the selected order items from the terminal device 12 to the information management device 11. The order items are sent to the information management device 11 along with the member account. After ordering the goods, in step S12, Member P2 receives the goods shipped by Administrator P1.

[0083] In step S20, the information management device 11, managed by administrator P1, places an order for merchandise with the provider computer 13. In step S21, administrator P1 procures the merchandise from the merchandise provider P3, that is, receives the merchandise. In step S22, the information management device 11 provides an e-commerce site on the network 14. In step S23, the information management device 11 obtains member information from terminal devices 12 that access the e-commerce site. The information management device 11 processes the member information to register members and then processes the member information again.

[0084] When the information management device 11 receives an order for merchandise from the terminal device 12 in step S24, it processes sales information and point information for the member who placed the order, and also performs payment processing. In step S25, following step S24, the information management device 11 processes the shipment of the ordered merchandise to member P2.

[0085] In S30, the provider computer 13, managed by the product provider P3, obtains an order request for the product from the information management device 11. In S31, the provider computer 13 executes a process to deliver the product for which an order request has been obtained to the administrator P1.

[0086] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the information management device 11, when member P2 operates the terminal device 12 to order goods on the e-commerce site, it is possible to know how many points can be used. Therefore, the convenience for member P2 when ordering goods on the e-commerce site is improved.

[0087] Furthermore, the information management device 11 executes a process to set the number of points corresponding to 100% of the regular purchase price of the regularly purchased goods that member P2 pays to the organization 15. Therefore, member P2 is encouraged to order goods on the e-commerce site.

[0088] Furthermore, the information management device 11 can configure sales information such that, when profits are relatively high during a certain period, the number of products with relatively high discount rates displayed on the user screen exceeds the number of products with relatively high discount rates displayed on the user screen when profits are relatively low during a certain period. Therefore, the information management device 11 can encourage member P2 to purchase products.

[0089] Furthermore, the information management device 11 can configure product information so that if the profit margin is in the red within a certain period, "products with relatively high discount rates" are not displayed on the display device 34 of the terminal device 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decline in the administrator P1's profit margin within a certain period in the future.

[0090] (Other explanations) An example of the technical meaning of the matters disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: Information management device 11 is an example of an information management device. Processor 16 is an example of a processor. The computers constituting the information management device 11 include a single computer and a distributed computer composed of multiple devices. The computers constituting the information management device 11 consist of one or more computers from among supercomputers, mainframes, servers, workstations, etc. Member P2 is an example of a user. Terminal equipment 12 is an example of terminal equipment. The price of the subscription product is an example of an expense. Sales sites include e-commerce sites, virtual stores, mail-order sites, etc. Organization 15 can also be defined as an organization whose members are clearly defined. The information management device 11 can also be defined as an information management computer. In this embodiment, the services that a given organization provides to a user include goods and services other than subscription products. Services include both tangible and intangible goods. In this embodiment, the fees that a user pays to an organization are the price or cost of the services that the user receives from the organization.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the information management device 11 receives an order for merchandise from the terminal device 12 and then requests the merchandise provider P3 to procure the merchandise, the merchandise provider P3 may ship the merchandise directly to member P2 without going through the administrator P1.

[0092] This embodiment also discloses the following configuration: For example, an information management method is disclosed which is performed by an information management device having a processor and which is connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network, wherein the information management device performs the following processes: setting a number of points corresponding to the fee that the user pays to a predetermined organization when the user purchases a subscription product operated by the organization; managing a sales site that sells merchandise on a network; and prohibiting the terminal device from covering the entire sales price of the merchandise with the number of points when it accesses the sales site and orders the merchandise.

[0093] Furthermore, a storage medium is disclosed which is connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network and has a processor, and which stores a non-temporary program that causes the information management device to execute processing, wherein the program is configured to execute the following: setting the number of points to be awarded to the user in accordance with the fees that the user pays to the organization for receiving services from the organization; managing a sales site that sells goods on the network; and, when the terminal device accesses the sales site and orders the goods, limiting the range to which the sales price of the goods can be covered by the number of points awarded to the user. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] This embodiment can be used as an information management device that is connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network, and as a program that causes the information management device to execute processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 11... Information management device, 12... Terminal equipment, 15... Organization, 16... Processor, P2... Member

Claims

1. An information management device having a processor that runs non-temporary programs to perform processing, and which is connected to terminal equipment used by users via a network in a manner that allows communication, The aforementioned processor, A process to set the number of points to be awarded to the user in accordance with the fees that the user pays to the organization for receiving services from that organization, The process of managing sales sites that sell products over a network, When the terminal device accesses the sales site and orders the product, the process includes limiting the amount of the product's sales price that can be covered by the points awarded to the user, An information management device configured to perform the following actions.

2. An information management device according to claim 1, The processor is configured to perform a process of setting a number of points corresponding to 100% of the fees paid by the user to the organization, in order to provide information management equipment.

3. An information management device according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned processor, The process of obtaining revenue within a certain period when selling the aforementioned products on the aforementioned sales site, A process for obtaining expenditures within a certain period when selling the aforementioned goods on the aforementioned sales site, A process for setting a discount rate for the selling price of the aforementioned product, A process to set the number of products with a relatively high discount rate offered on the sales site when the profit, which is the difference between income and expenses within a certain period, is relatively high, and to set the number of products with a relatively high discount rate offered on the sales site to exceed the number of products with a relatively high discount rate offered on the sales site when the profit within a certain period is relatively low, An information management device configured to perform the following actions.

4. An information management device according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned processor, The process of obtaining revenue within a certain period when selling the aforementioned products on the aforementioned sales site, A process for obtaining expenditures within a certain period when selling the aforementioned goods on the aforementioned sales site, A process for setting a discount rate for the selling price of the aforementioned product, When the profit, which is the difference between income and expenses within a certain period, is relatively low, the process of not selling products with a relatively high discount rate on the sales site, An information management device configured to perform the following actions.

5. A non-temporary program that causes an information management device having a processor to execute processing, which is connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network and is capable of communication with the device; The aforementioned information management device, A process to set the number of points to be awarded to the user in accordance with the fees that the user pays to the organization for receiving services from that organization, The process of managing sales sites that sell products over a network, When the terminal device accesses the sales site and orders the product, the process includes limiting the amount of the product's sales price that can be covered by the points awarded to the user, A program configured to execute [something].

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