Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

This technology automatically provides benefits and compensation based on weather conditions when using outdoor facilities, thereby improving user satisfaction. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided, comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to perform the following steps by reading a program, the acquisition step involves acquiring designated information relating to at least a facility and a date, where the facility is an outdoor facility available to the user for a fee, and the date is the date on which the user plans to visit the facility; the reference step involves referencing weather information corresponding to the designated information; and the display control step involves displaying a screen visible to the user according to the weather information, where the screen is configured to grant a benefit commensurate with the cost required to use the facility when the weather information meets predetermined conditions, or to indicate that the granting of the benefit has been completed.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Recently, various technologies have been developed. On the other hand, the development of more beneficial technologies is required. For example, Patent Document 1 describes discounting the usage fees of products and services according to weather forecasts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, although the weather has a great influence on the use of outdoor facilities, sufficient compensation and benefits are often not provided to users. Even in the invention of Patent Document 1, the consideration from the perspective of compensation is insufficient. In addition, when it becomes difficult to use the facility due to the deterioration of the weather, there is a problem that it impairs convenience because the user has to perform compensation and change procedures by himself / herself.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that automatically provides benefits and compensation according to the weather conditions when using outdoor facilities, and improves the satisfaction of users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided, comprising at least one processor, the processor configured to perform the following steps by reading a program, the acquisition step acquiring at least designated information relating to a facility and a date, the facility relating to an outdoor facility available to the user for a fee, the date being the date on which the user plans to visit the facility, the reference step referencing weather information corresponding to the designated information, and the display control step displaying a user-viewable screen corresponding to the weather information, the screen being configured to grant a benefit commensurate with the cost required to use the facility when the weather information meets predetermined conditions, or to indicate that the granting of the benefit has been completed.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to automatically provide benefits and compensation according to weather conditions when using outdoor facilities, thereby improving user satisfaction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of Information Processing System 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server device 2. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of user terminal 3. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of server device 2 according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an overview of the processes performed by Information Processing System 1. [Figure 6] This is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing performed by information processing system 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) shows an example of the designated information screen D1, and Figure 7(b) shows an example of one area of ​​the schedule selection screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the plan display screen D2. [Figure 9]Figure 9(a) shows an example of the progress display screen D3, and Figure 9(b) shows another aspect of a part thereof. [Figure 10] This figure shows the progress display screen D3 with the area R35 indicating the execution of the reduction process and the area R36 indicating the alternative facility superimposed on each area. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the menu display screen D4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for implementing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or it may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or it may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] Furthermore, in various information processing according to one embodiment, an input and an output corresponding to the input can be realized. Here, as long as an output is obtained as a result of the input, the form of the information referenced in such information processing (hereinafter referred to as "reference information") is not limited. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, or a predetermined function (including a decision formula such as a regression equation constructed by a statistical method), or a trained model that has been pre-trained to learn the correlation between input and output, or a generative AI such as a large-scale language model that can output a desired result by inputting a prompt (these models include parameters that construct the correlation relationship between input and output) or a visual language model.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment, "part" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by a circuit in a broad sense, and the information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Also, in one embodiment, various types of information are handled, and this information can be represented, for example, by the physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, the high or low values ​​of signal values ​​as a set of binary bits composed of 0s or 1s, or by quantum superposition (so-called qubits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0013] Furthermore, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by combining at least a suitable combination of circuits, circuits, processors, and memory. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (for example, simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

[0014] [Embodiment] 1. Hardware Configuration This section describes a hardware configuration according to one embodiment.

[0015] 1.1 Information Processing System 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes a server device 2 and a user terminal 3. The server device 2 and the user terminal 3 are configured to be communicable through a telecommunication line. That is, the information processing system 1 includes a server device 2 and a user terminal 3 that can access the server device 2. Here, the system exemplified by the information processing system 1 is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, even the server device 2 or the user terminal 3 alone can be an example of a system. More specifically, the information processing system 1 may include an element selected from the group consisting of the server device 2 and the user terminal 3. Also, a plurality of server devices 2 or user terminals 3 may be used. Even if the unselected element is not included in the information processing system 1, it may be electrically connected to the selected element as an external element.

[0016] The information processing system 1 constitutes part of a system for providing benefits according to weather conditions, particularly for users who plan to use outdoor facilities. The benefits can be, for example, the granting of a monetary concept. In this specification, the monetary concept includes, for example, digital currency in a virtual wallet, cash transferred to a bank account, etc., merchandise vouchers such as vouchers and discount coupons having a monetary value, and invitation tickets. Also, the "facility" particularly refers to entertainment facilities permanently or temporarily installed in a place such as outdoors where the user's (customer's) experience is affected by the weather. Examples of "facility" include, for example, amusement parks, theme parks, campsites, golf courses, viewing seats for music events, festivals, etc. The "facility" is preferably particularly one that requires payment of a monetary concept from the user (customer) for its use (its use is paid), and more preferably one that requires a reservation for its use in advance. In this case, it can be expected to maximize the satisfaction of the users who use this information processing system 1. Note that the "use" of the facility assumes various actions such as entering the facility, taking a seat, and specific actions (playing sports, using paid options, etc.).

[0017] The server device 2 functions as the main body of various information processes related to the services provided by the information processing system 1. The user terminal 3 is a terminal used by a user who plans to use a facility and uses the services provided by the information processing system 1. The user terminal 3 may be a terminal owned by the user or a terminal installed in a store or the like.

[0018] 1.2 Server device 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes a communication bus 20, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a processor 23. The communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the processor 23 are electrically connected via the communication bus 20 inside the server device 2.

[0019] Although the communication unit 21 preferably uses wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc., it may include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, etc. as necessary. That is, it is more preferable to implement it as a set of these plural communication means. That is, the server device 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 21 and the network.

[0020] The storage unit 22 stores various information defined by the foregoing description. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the server device 2 executed by the processor 23, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the calculation of the program. The storage unit 22 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the server device 2 executed by the processor 23.

[0021] The processor 23 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the server device 2. The processor 23 is, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The processor 23 realizes various functions related to the server device 2 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 22 is concretely realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. In other words, the processor 23 can execute programs so that each functional unit is performed. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the processor 23 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple processors 23 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0022] Server device 2 may be on-premises or in a cloud environment. In the case of a cloud-based server device 2, for example, it may provide the aforementioned functions and processing in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service) or cloud computing.

[0023] 1.3 User Terminal 3 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of user terminal 3. User terminal 3 comprises a communication bus 30, a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a processor 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35. The communication unit 31, storage unit 32, processor 33, display unit 34, and input unit 35 are electrically connected within user terminal 3 via the communication bus 30. The descriptions of the communication unit 31, storage unit 32, and processor 33 are the same as those of the components in server device 2 and are therefore omitted.

[0024] The display unit 34 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. The display unit 34 may be included in the casing of the user terminal 3 or it may be an external component. Specifically, the display unit 34 can be implemented as a display device such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, or plasma display. It is preferable that these display devices be used in accordance with the type of user terminal 3.

[0025] The input unit 35 receives operation input from the user. The operation input is transmitted to the processor 33 via the communication bus 30 as a command signal. The processor 33 can perform predetermined controls or calculations based on the transmitted command signal as needed. The input unit 35 may be included in the casing of the user terminal 3 or it may be external. For example, the input unit 35 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 34. When the input unit 35 is implemented as a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. to the input unit 35. Instead of a touch panel, the input unit 35 can be a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, etc.

[0026] The user terminal 3 may be a general-purpose computer 3a or a mobile terminal 3b, as shown in Figure 1.

[0027] 2. Functional Configuration Next, with reference to Figure 4, the functional configurations of the information processing system 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server device 2 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the processor 23 functions as each of the illustrated functional units by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is concretely realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each of the functional units included in the processor 23.

[0028] The acquisition unit 231 is configured to accept various types of information as an acquisition step. Specifically, the acquisition unit 231 is configured to acquire information via the communication unit 21 or the storage unit 22 and to read it into the working memory. For example, the acquisition unit 231 is configured to acquire specified information from the user terminal 3 regarding the facility the user plans to use and the date of use.

[0029] The reference unit 232 is configured to reference various types of information as a reference step. Specifically, the reference unit 232 accesses and references information inside and outside the server device 2 (including devices not shown) via the communication unit 21 or the storage unit 22. For example, the reference unit 232 can reference weather information managed by a server not shown under the jurisdiction of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

[0030] The reduction unit 233 is configured to perform a reduction process as a reduction step to return a medium containing various monetary concepts to the user.

[0031] The display control unit 234 performs a display control step which involves processing to display various information on a display medium in a manner recognizable to the user. When using the phrase "display," it is not necessary to distinguish whether the display medium is in a local environment or whether the processing is performed to display it via a network. As a result of the processing by the display control unit 234, various information is presented to various users, for example, who are operating the user terminal 3, via the display unit 34. The various information presented is visual information such as screens, images, icons, and messages. The display control unit 234 may generate the visual information itself, or it may generate only rendering information for displaying the visual information on the display unit 34.

[0032] The calculation unit 235 is configured to perform various calculations related to the server device 2 as calculation steps. The type of calculation is not particularly limited. For example, the calculation unit 235 is configured to calculate the fees for a plan to provide services related to the information processing system 1.

[0033] The registration unit 236 is configured to register various information related to the server device 2 as a registration step. For example, the registration unit 236 is configured to register the plan selected (purchased) by the user.

[0034] 3. Information Processing Methods This section describes the information processing method performed by the information processing system 1. The order of the processes included in the information processing method can be rearranged as appropriate, multiple processes may be executed simultaneously, and some processes may be omitted.

[0035] 3.1 Overview As mentioned above, the information processing system 1 comprises at least one processor 23, which functions as the following parts by reading a program. In other words, such an information processing method comprises the steps of the information processing system 1 described later. From another perspective, such a program causes a computer to execute the steps of the information processing system 1 described later. Figure 5 is a flowchart outlining the processing performed by the information processing system 1. The steps shown in Figure 5 will be explained below.

[0036] First, the acquisition unit 231 acquires designated information relating to at least a facility and a date (step S001). The facility refers to an outdoor facility that the user can use for a fee. The date is the date on which the user plans to visit the facility. Next, the reference unit 232 refers to weather information corresponding to the designated information (step S002). Subsequently, the display control unit 234 displays a screen visible to the user according to the weather information (step S003). The screen is configured to either grant a benefit commensurate with the cost of using the facility when the weather information meets predetermined conditions, or to indicate that the granting of the benefit has been completed.

[0037] This configuration allows for a one-stop service based on specified information, enabling the provision of benefits to users according to weather conditions. This can be used to comfort users who, despite having paid for a facility, were unable to enjoy it, had to cancel, or abandoned their use due to bad weather. Furthermore, providing a one-stop service reduces the overall processing load on the computer.

[0038] 3.2 Specific Examples Specific examples may be included within the scope defined in the overview described above. Figure 6 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing performed by information processing system 1.

[0039] In the information processing method shown in Figure 6, each step of the information processing method is executed by at least one processor in the information processing system 1, such as processor 23 or processor 33, reading a program stored in storage unit 22 or storage unit 32. In other words, the information processing method comprises each step of the program. The program causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method. The activities of the following information processing method may be omitted, repeated, or added depending on the embodiment, and some activities may be executed in a different order, or multiple activities may be executed simultaneously.

[0040] In the following explanation, we assume the following scenario as an example. First, the administrator managing server device 2 provides a service to users via the internet that allows for the granting of benefits based on specified information and weather information. In this embodiment, the benefit is the usage fee for a facility (for example, the price of a ticket). The website providing this service is referred to as the specific site. In other words, this service is a type of SaaS using the specific site, and the administrator is the provider of this service. An end user using user terminal 3 is using this service. In this service, the end user accesses the specific site and inputs various information into server device 2, and ultimately, various information such as the progress of weather information and whether or not benefits can be granted is provided to the end user in a predetermined manner. The end user can view the outputted information on a display screen on the specific site or on a notification screen via other communication services. Furthermore, the user has booked the use of the facility prior to the following activities. Also, the user has either already paid the facility usage fee or is in a situation where cancellation would incur a fee.

[0041] First, the acquisition unit 231 receives designated information as an acquisition step (activity A101). The designated information includes at least information about the facility and the date. The acquisition unit 231 may acquire the designated information by receiving user operation (designation) via the user terminal 3, or by accessing reservation information associated with the user. In this embodiment, the designated information is acquired by receiving operation input from the user.

[0042] Facility information may include, for example, the name of the facility the user plans to use, the facility's address, or other location information. In this embodiment, facility information includes the name of the facility. Furthermore, the schedule information includes the dates for which the user has made a reservation to use the facility (the dates on which the user plans to visit the facility). The definition of the dates varies depending on the facility and the reservation status. For example, if the facility use is on a daily basis, the dates may include the year, month, and day; if it is on an hourly basis, the hours; and if it is on a predetermined period basis, the period (e.g., several days, several weeks, several months). Note that the ticket purchased by the user may be valid only on a predetermined date, or it may be usable on any date. In this embodiment, the schedule information includes the year, month, and day entered by the user, regardless of the validity date of the ticket purchased by the user.

[0043] However, it is preferable that the schedule be within a first predetermined time from the present (or start within a first predetermined time). In other words, the information processing system 1 is configured to allow setting a schedule that starts within a first predetermined time from the present. With such a configuration, users can receive benefits based on the latest weather information, and flexible service provision according to the latest conditions can be realized. Examples of the first predetermined time include 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, 3 months, 2 months, 1 month, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, or any time in between from the present.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the schedule be from the second predetermined time from the present (or start from the second predetermined time). In other words, the information processing system 1 is configured to allow setting a schedule that starts from the second predetermined time from the present. With such a configuration, the setting (purchase) of the plan can be closed before the weather forecast for the schedule becomes too certain. This enables the administrator of the server device 2 to provide a sustainable service. Examples of the second predetermined time include 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks from the present, or any time in between. Furthermore, it is preferable that the system be configured to allow users to change the date already specified. Such a configuration improves the convenience and flexibility of the service because it allows users to flexibly change their schedules. However, it is even more preferable that the changed date is within the first predetermined time and after the second predetermined time from the current time.

[0045] Next, the calculation unit 235 calculates information about the plan based on the specified information and the reference information as a calculation step (activity A102). As described above, the reference information may be rule-based information, a trained model, or a generated AI. In this embodiment, as an example, the reference information includes AI (artificial intelligence). By using AI in this way, it is possible to output information about the plan that comprehensively considers various conditions. The information about the plan includes the plan fee.

[0046] More specifically, for example, the AI ​​has pre-learned the relationship between the facility's location and date, the weather, and the plan fee to be output. For example, the AI ​​calculates the plan fee based on the typical weather for the date specified in the specified information at the facility's location, the weather forecast for that date at the time of calculation, and the benefits to be returned in the redemption step described later (in this embodiment, the facility usage fee).

[0047] Plan fees are calculated so that they are relatively high when the likelihood of receiving benefits is high, and relatively low when the likelihood is low. For example, if the location of the facility in the specified information is Tokyo and the dates fall during the rainy season, or if a rain forecast has already been issued for those dates (indicating a high probability that the weather information meets the specified conditions), the plan fee will be relatively high. By calculating plan fees in this way, the administrator of server device 2 can offer the service at a sustainable price. In addition, users will feel more satisfied with the plan fees, thus improving service satisfaction. Since the plan is determined based on the specified information, the specified information can also include plans related to the benefits. The display control unit 234 then displays the screen so that the plan is determined according to the benefits.

[0048] Next, the display control unit 234, as a display control step, displays information about the plan calculated by the calculation unit 235 in a way that is visible to the user (activity A103). This allows the user to choose whether or not to select (purchase) a plan. If the user does not select a plan (i.e., the user does not purchase a plan), the process ends.

[0049] On the other hand, when the system receives a selection input indicating that the user has selected a plan, the registration unit 236 registers the plan displayed in activity A103 and the user together in the storage unit 22 as a registration step (activity A104). At this time, the processor 23 also executes the payment processing for purchasing the plan. The registration unit 236 registers, for example, information about the user and information about the plan together in the database stored in the storage unit 22. Information about the user includes, for example, the user's account ID and payment information regarding the payment method. Information about the plan includes, for example, the plan fee and specified information.

[0050] Next, the reference unit 232 references weather information corresponding to the specified information (Activity A105). The weather information is the actual weather conditions for the specified date at the location of the facility included in the specified information. For example, the weather information may be information published by a public agency such as the Japan Meteorological Agency, or information obtained from sensors such as cameras or rain gauges installed at or near the facility. In this embodiment, it is the actual weather conditions published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The reference unit 232 may be configured to directly reference weather information from a server under the jurisdiction of a provider such as the Japan Meteorological Agency, or it may be configured to reference weather information via a service provided by another developer.

[0051] The meteorological elements included in the weather information may be, for example, precipitation such as rainfall or snowfall at the facility's location, sunshine duration, solar radiation, cloud cover, visibility, temperature, perceived temperature, water temperature, wind speed, humidity, atmospheric pressure, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the weather information includes the amount of precipitation that actually fell at the facility's location during the facility's available hours (e.g., opening hours) on the date specified in the designated information. In other words, the reference unit 232 monitors the amount of precipitation at the facility during the time corresponding to the designated information.

[0052] Next, based on the weather information referenced by the reference unit 232, the processor 23 performs a determination step in which it determines whether or not predetermined conditions have been met (activity A106). The predetermined conditions are, for example, whether or not predetermined weather conditions were obtained for a predetermined period of time. In this embodiment, the predetermined conditions relate to precipitation amount and duration of precipitation. More specifically, the predetermined conditions are that, on the date corresponding to the specified information, rain of 1 mm or more fell continuously or intermittently for a total of 4 hours or more during the available hours of the facility.

[0053] If the predetermined conditions are not met, the display control unit 234 displays the progress of the weather information as a display control step (activity A107). In other words, the screen includes visual information that allows the user to recognize the progress made so far in satisfying the predetermined conditions. The visual information is configured to be variable according to the weather information. With such a configuration, the progress and satisfaction level of the weather conditions can be visually grasped, allowing the user to check the possibility of receiving a reward in real time and providing a sense of security and satisfaction. More preferably, the visual information displayed by the display control unit 234 is configured so that the user can recognize the amount of precipitation and the duration of precipitation up to the present. With such a configuration, the progress of the reward based on specific weather data (amount of precipitation, duration, etc.) can be seen, allowing the user to accurately grasp the progress (achievement) of the conditions. Afterward, the process returns to Activity A105, and the steps of checking weather information (Activity A105) and determining the predetermined conditions (Activity A106) are repeated.

[0054] On the other hand, if predetermined conditions are met, the reward unit 233 performs a reward process as a reward step (activity A108). The reward process refers to the process of granting a reward to the user. In this embodiment, the reward is a monetary concept, and more specifically, the reward unit 233 performs a reward process that returns an amount corresponding to the cost to the wallet previously associated with the user, depending on whether predetermined conditions are met. In this way, the reward process can be performed automatically within the information processing system 1, improving user convenience. In other words, by simplifying the process of receiving rewards, user satisfaction can be further increased.

[0055] Furthermore, the reference unit 232 selects an alternative facility by referring to the reference information (Activity A109). In other words, the processor 23 selects an alternative facility based on the specified information and weather information as a selection step. The reference information referred here may be AI or a database containing a list of alternative facilities. The alternative facility is preferably a facility different from the facility included in the specified information, and is a facility where the experience is less likely to be impaired even in bad weather, for example, a facility that can be used indoors. It is also preferable that the alternative facility is located in the same area as the facility included in the specified information. The same area means, for example, that the travel time from the facility is within a specified time, or that the prefecture, city, town, or region where it is located is the same as the facility.

[0056] Next, the display control unit 234, as a display control step, displays a screen indicating that the reduction process is complete and showing alternative facilities (Activity A110). That is, the screen includes visual information that allows the user to recognize whether predetermined conditions are being met or the progress made to meet them. By displaying the completion of the reduction process in this way, the user can recognize that the reduction process has been executed. Furthermore, by displaying alternative facilities, the user can be given an opportunity to change their destination depending on the weather, thereby improving satisfaction when using the information processing system 1.

[0057] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the processor executes the information processing method by reading a program. In the information processing method, a plan can be calculated based on specified information. Furthermore, when a user selects (purchases) a plan, the information processing system 1 automatically refers to weather information and determines whether predetermined conditions are met. Then, depending on whether the predetermined conditions are met, the information processing system 1 executes a reduction process.

[0058] Thus, the information processing system 1 can provide benefits as a one-stop service, depending on the specified information and weather information. Therefore, it is highly convenient because users can receive benefits simply by selecting (purchasing) a plan. Furthermore, even if the experience at the facility is spoiled by the weather, the receipt of benefits will improve the user's satisfaction with that day. In addition, it can be expected that the user's use of the facility will encourage purchasing behavior at that facility. Therefore, facilities can expect increased sales even in bad weather.

[0059] It is preferable that the information processing system 1 performs the above activities regardless of whether the user actually uses the facility or not. In other words, it is preferable that the display control unit 234 displays a screen corresponding to the weather information (activities A107, 110) regardless of whether the user actually uses the facility or not. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide benefits in advance, regardless of the user's actions, thereby realizing a highly flexible service.

[0060] 4. Details of Information Processing This section will explain the details of the information processing outlined in the previous section, using separate diagrams and other illustrations. In the following explanation, "button" refers to a UI component configured to accept selection input from the user. Selection input refers to the result of an operation such as clicking, tapping, or pressing a physical button on an input device, or text information indicating that a presented option has been selected. The display control unit 234 causes the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 to display various destination displays or screens through input to each display or screen described below. Note that "display" constitutes at least a part of the screen.

[0061] 4.1 Specified Information Screen D1 Figure 7 shows an example of the specified information screen D1 (Figure 7(a)) and an example of one area of ​​the schedule selection screen (Figure 7(b)). The specified information screen D1 is configured to allow the user to input or select specified information. The designated information screen D1 includes, as an example, areas R11 and R12. The text information I11 in area R11 relates to the date for using the outdoor facility, as specified by the user via the date selection screen. The date selection screen includes the date selection area R0, as illustrated in Figure 7(b). In the date selection area R0, a sub-area R02 indicating a date more than a first predetermined time (3 weeks in the illustrated example) from the present (November 10, 2025) and a sub-area R01 indicating a date more than a second predetermined time (1 week in the illustrated example) are displayed with shading, and selection input is disabled. In this embodiment, the text information I11 includes the year, month, and day, but may also include a period or time. Text information I12 relates to the name of the outdoor facility, selected via selection input through object O11. Text information I13 and I14 relate to the facility usage fee (ticket price) and the number of tickets, respectively, selected via area R12.

[0062] Text information I15 in area R12 concerns the unit price (ticket price) of the facility usage fee paid by the user, which was entered via object O12. Text information I16 concerns the number of tickets (number of copies of the fee) which was selected and entered via object O13. Object O14 is an object for adding usage fees (tickets) with yet another unit price. In this way, the usage fee information I15 and I16, entered via area R12, are reflected together in area R11 above it. This allows the user to input the specified information via area R12 while simultaneously viewing it in area R11.

[0063] When a selection input is received for button B11 on which the text information "Next" is displayed, the acquisition unit 231 of the processor 23 acquires the specified information (Activity A101), the calculation unit 235 calculates the plan (Activity A102), and the display control unit 234 displays the plan on the plan display screen D2 in Figure 8 (Activity A103).

[0064] 4.2 Plan display screen D2 Figure 8 shows an example of the plan display screen D2. The plan display screen D2 is configured to display a plan calculated based on the specified information obtained via the specified information screen D1 in Figure 7, etc. The text information I21 on the plan display screen D2 includes the plan price. The text information I22 below it indicates whether the plan price is relatively high or low, and the reason for this. In the example in Figure 8, the text information I22 indicates that the plan price is relatively low, and the reason is that the weather forecast (weather information) is uncertain. This allows the user to feel satisfied that they can currently choose (purchase) a plan at a relatively low price. Furthermore, even if the displayed plan price is high on the next use, it is expected that it will not be as unexpected for the user, making it easier for them to use the services provided by the information processing system 1 with a sense of satisfaction.

[0065] When a selection is received for button B22, which has the text information "Open" displayed on it, the system is configured to display detailed information about the plan charges (not shown). When a selection input is received for button B21 on which the text information "Purchase" is displayed, the registration unit 236 links the plan and the user and registers it in the storage unit 22 (Activity A104), the reference unit 232 refers to the weather information (Activity A105), the processor 23 determines predetermined conditions (Activity A106), and the display control unit 234 displays the progress on the progress display screen D3 in Figure 9 (Activity A107).

[0066] 4.3 Progress display screen D3 Figure 9 shows an example of the progress display screen D3 (Figure 9(a)) and another aspect thereof (Figure 9(b)). The progress display screen D3 is configured to display specified information and the progress made to the present in order to satisfy predetermined conditions. Area R31 of the progress display screen D3 contains text information indicating the specified information and information about the plan. Area R32 is configured to allow the user to add another plan if they have purchased another plan. This makes it convenient for the user to view multiple plans on the same screen D3. For example, the information about the schedule I30 in area R31 may be configured as a selectable button. In this case, for example, when a selection is made to this button, an area similar to the schedule selection area in Figure 7(b) is displayed, allowing the user to change the schedule.

[0067] Area R33 contains information about the progress. Text information I31 contains information indicating the extent to which the predetermined conditions have been met so far. In the illustrated example, text information I31 indicates that 2 hours out of 4 hours have passed since the facility's location when rainfall of 1 mm or more occurred. Text information I32 contains information about the remaining conditions until the predetermined conditions are met. In the illustrated example, text information I32 indicates that rainfall of 1 mm or more is required for at least 2 hours from now. By displaying the current progress and the remaining conditions to satisfy the predetermined conditions in this way, the user can predict to some extent whether or not the reduction process will be executed. Therefore, the user can use the services provided by the information processing system 1 with confidence.

[0068] Area R34 contains information regarding the criteria for determining when the conditions were met or not met regarding progress. In the illustrated example, it shows whether or not progress was counted based on hourly weather information. More specifically, sub-area R341, which shows the precipitation conditions in the 2 PM hour, is highlighted (shaded), indicating that the hour in the 2 PM hour was counted as progress towards the predetermined conditions. On the other hand, sub-area R342, which shows the precipitation conditions in the 3 PM hour, is not highlighted, indicating that the hour in the 3 PM hour was not counted as progress towards the predetermined conditions. In this way, it is possible to view in a list when and how the progress towards the predetermined conditions was updated, allowing users to use the service with greater satisfaction.

[0069] Figure 9(b) shows region R33A, which is another aspect of region R33 in Figure 9(a). Region R33A is displayed when there is a high probability that predetermined conditions will be met, based on weather conditions. Text information I31A in region R33A indicates that 3 out of 4 hours have passed with precipitation of 1 mm or more at the facility's location. Text information I32A indicates that there is a high probability that predetermined conditions will be met. In this way, text information I32A is displayed when there is a high probability that predetermined conditions will be met, based on the weather information referenced by the reference unit 232. As a result, even if the experience at the facility is spoiled or the user has given up on using it due to the weather, the user can spend their time in an uplifted mood with the expectation that the rebate process may be performed.

[0070] If the processor 23 determines in activity A106 that predetermined conditions have been met, it causes the reduction unit 233 to execute the reduction process (activity A108), causes the reference unit 232 to select an alternative facility (A109), and causes the display control unit 234 to display the execution of the reduction process (area R35 in Figure 10) and information regarding the alternative facility (area R36 in Figure 10) (activity A110). Figure 10 shows the progress display screen D3 with area R35, which indicates the execution of the reduction process, and area R36, which indicates the alternative facility, superimposed on each area. By presenting area R35 on the progress display screen D3 in this way, the user can check the progress and whether or not the reduction process has been executed simply by displaying the progress display screen D3.

[0071] Information I33 and I34 in region R36 include information about alternative facilities. Presenting region R36 in this way is highly convenient for users who may be considering changing their destination due to weather conditions. Furthermore, as suggested in the illustrated example, information I33 and I34 indicate the provision of a monetary concept (discount coupon) that can be used at the alternative facility. Thus, the processor 23 may be configured to provide a monetary concept along with the presentation of alternative facilities. This is expected to further improve user satisfaction.

[0072] 4.4 Menu display screen D4 Figure 11 shows an example of the menu display screen D4. The menu display screen D4 is configured to display various menus related to the services provided by the information processing system 1. Area R41 on the menu display screen D4 shows information about the wallet. In particular, the text information I41 in area R41 shows the wallet balance. When the redemption process is executed in activity A108, the reward is redeemed in the wallet and reflected in the text information I41. The wallet balance is not particularly limited, but can be used as a monetary concept when purchasing the next plan or shopping on partner sites.

[0073] Area R42 is configured as button B41, and when selected, it transitions to a transfer request screen (not shown). On the transfer request screen, the wallet balance can be converted to a bank account, credit card balance, etc. In this way, the wallet balance related to information processing system 1 can be exchanged for cash, etc., so the user can feel as if the facility usage fee (ticket fee) has been "refunded". As a result, even if the experience at the facility is spoiled by weather conditions, the user can get the satisfaction of having used the facility "for free" (or "at a discount").

[0074] [others] Regarding the information processing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the following embodiments may be adopted. The embodiments described above and the embodiments shown below can be combined with each other.

[0075] The information processing system 1 is not limited to providing plans for the use of existing facilities. For example, it may provide plans for experiences themselves, such as outdoor activities or guided tours. In other words, a facility is not limited to a structure that has actually been constructed or installed, but can encompass the experience itself.

[0076] Activity A101 in Figure 6 illustrates an example of obtaining specified information through user input, but it is not limited to this. For example, in Activity A101, the acquisition unit 231 may obtain the specified information based on user-associated information stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the information processing system 1 may retrieve information regarding facility reservations made using an account associated with the user, and obtain the specified information based on the reservation information. In this case, the information processing system 1 may also be configured to accept facility reservations from users. When a facility is reserved, the system may display a plan to the user (Activity A103), and accept and register the purchase of the plan (Activity A104).

[0077] Furthermore, the method of providing the services related to the information processing method described above is not particularly limited. The server device 2 may directly provide the output of various processes to the user terminal 3, or it may be provided to the user via another server device. In the latter case, for example, the information processing method provided by server device 2 may operate as a backend on a reservation system provided by another server device. In this case, the specified information may be automatically generated based on the reservation information registered in the reservation system and sent to server device 2.

[0078] The information processing system 1 includes a method of providing benefits using coupon codes. In this case, the display control unit 234 displays a coupon code on the user terminal 3 that discounts a certain amount from the facility usage fee when the weather information meets predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the coupon code can be applied by presenting it when using the facility. With this configuration, users can easily use the benefits, and operations on the facility side are simplified. In addition, by setting the expiration date and number of uses for the coupon, it becomes possible to flexibly manage the use of the benefits.

[0079] In the information processing system 1, the types of rewards may be configured to be selectable by the user. For example, in Activity A103, multiple plans may be presented, including the types of rewards and the plan fees corresponding to the types of rewards. Examples of reward types include monetary refunds, provision of coupon codes, amounts of refunds, and provision of coupons for using alternative facilities. With such a configuration, the most suitable reward can be provided based on the user's selection, thereby realizing flexible services that meet individual needs.

[0080] When referencing weather information, the acquired weather data may include meteorological elements such as precipitation, temperature, wind speed, and humidity. In this case, the reference unit 232 performs a comprehensive weather evaluation based on multiple meteorological elements and determines predetermined conditions based on the results. For example, it is possible to set a rule that provides benefits when precipitation exceeds a certain value and wind speed is within a specific range. This configuration makes it possible to provide more appropriate benefits that take into account multiple factors that directly affect facility use.

[0081] Furthermore, the specified conditions may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, the specified conditions may be configured to be changeable depending on the type of facility to which the plan applies, or depending on the user's selection. More specifically, as an example of the former, the specified conditions may include wind speed and precipitation if the facility is a cruising facility, and humidity and precipitation if it is an outdoor stage. In this case, the specified conditions should be presented on the plan display screen D2 in Figure 8. This allows the user to understand the specified conditions and then decide whether or not to purchase the plan. Also, the server device 2 may be configured to change the plan price depending on the combination of specified conditions.

[0082] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains an example in which reduction processing and selection of an alternative facility are performed when the actual weather information satisfies predetermined conditions, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the reference unit 232 may refer to a weather forecast published by the Japan Meteorological Agency or the like as weather information (Activity A105), and the processor 23 may determine that the predetermined conditions have been satisfied (Activity A106) if it determines that the probability of the predetermined conditions being satisfied is greater than or equal to a predetermined probability based on the weather forecast, and then perform reduction processing (Activity A108) or select an alternative facility (Activity A109). In other words, the predetermined conditions may be based on weather forecasts rather than actual weather. For example, the reference unit 232 may refer to the weather forecast a predetermined time before the date included in the specified information (Activity A105), and the processor 23 may determine whether the predetermined conditions are met based on the weather forecast at the time of reference (Activity A106). The predetermined time could be, for example, 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 24 hours, or 36 hours before the start time of facility use (e.g., opening time) on the date included in the specified information.

[0083] In the embodiments described above, the activities described above were performed regardless of whether the user actually used the facility or not, but this is not limited to this. For example, the activities may be continued only if the user actually used the facility (depending on whether they used it) or only if they did not use it (depending on whether they did not use it). Whether the user actually used the facility or not can be determined, for example, by the usage status of the ticket associated with the user, the location information of the user's terminal, or by the user's own declaration (input). As an example, if the activities are to be continued only if the user did not actually use the facility, for example, activities A105 to A107 may be repeated, and the activities may be terminated when the processor 23 determines that the user has used the facility. Alternatively, before executing the reduction process in activity A108, the processor 23 may determine whether the user used the facility or not, and decide whether to execute activities A108 to A110 accordingly.

[0084] In the embodiments described above, it was explained that an alternative facility is selected (Activity A109) at the same timing as Activity A108 when it is determined that a predetermined condition has been met in Activity A106, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processor 23 may select and display an alternative facility if a second predetermined condition, which is different from the predetermined condition, is satisfied. The second predetermined condition is, for example, a condition under which it is assumed that the experience at the facility included in the specified information may be impaired, and is determined based on weather information, which is a weather forecast or actual weather conditions. The second predetermined condition may be, for example, the same as the condition under which it is displayed in area R33A of Figure 9(b) indicating that there is a high probability that the predetermined condition will be satisfied. The timing of displaying the alternative facility can also be, for example, the same timing as activity A107 (for example, displayed on the same screen as in Figure 9(b)).

[0085] Furthermore, in Activity A108, monetary concepts such as discount coupons or meal vouchers usable at alternative facilities may be returned to the user's terminal as a reward. Of course, rewards related to the facility included in the specified information (such as ticket reimbursement) and rewards related to the alternative facility (such as the issuance of discount coupons) do not need to be granted simultaneously.

[0086] In the information processing system 1, the content of the benefits can be customized for each facility. For example, it is possible to set it up so that a portion of the usage fee is returned as points at a specific facility, while a discount coupon for the next visit is provided at another facility. In this case, the acquisition unit 231 acquires additional information from the user to identify the type of facility, and the display control unit 234 displays the benefits corresponding to the type of facility on the screen. With this configuration, it becomes possible to provide flexible benefits according to the needs and characteristics of the facility, further enhancing the value of the service.

[0087] The information processing system 1 includes a mechanism for sending information on the status and progress of reward provision as a mobile notification to the user terminal 3. Specifically, the display control unit 234 sends a push notification to the user terminal 3 when predetermined conditions are met, informing the user that the reward has been granted. It is also possible to notify the user of real-time updates according to the progress of the conditions. With this configuration, the user can always keep track of the service provision status and ensure that they do not miss out on using the rewards.

[0088] Information processing system 1 includes a configuration that provides benefits for groups used by multiple users simultaneously. The acquisition unit 231 receives group member information (e.g., multiple user IDs) as specified information from the user, and the reference unit 232 individually references weather information associated with each member. The display control unit 234 displays benefits available to the entire group (e.g., group discounts) on the screen when the weather conditions for the entire group meet predetermined conditions. This configuration makes it possible to accommodate use by groups such as family and friends, improving the flexibility and convenience of the service.

[0089] At least one of the devices included in the information processing system 1 may be located outside of Japan. For example, server device 2 or another server may be located outside of Japan, while user terminal 3 is located in Japan. Similarly, a user may access server device 2 located in Japan from outside of Japan using their user terminal 3. This configuration allows for a more convenient user experience through various management methods.

[0090] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 231, reference unit 232, reduction unit 233, display control unit 234, and calculation unit 235 are described as functional units implemented by the processor 23 of the server device 2. However, at least a part of these may be implemented as functional units implemented by another server. Alternatively, they may be implemented as functional units implemented by the processor 33 of the user terminal 3. Furthermore, the various types of information described in the above example may be stored not only in the storage unit 22 of the server device 2, but also distributedly on other external devices using blockchain technology or the like.

[0091] Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0092] (1) An information processing system comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to perform the following steps by reading a program, the acquisition step of acquiring at least designated information relating to a facility and a date, wherein the facility is an outdoor facility that the user can use for a fee, and the date is the date on which the user plans to go to the facility; the reference step of referencing weather information corresponding to the designated information; and the display control step of displaying a screen visible to the user according to the weather information, wherein the screen is configured to grant a benefit corresponding to the cost required to use the facility when the weather information satisfies predetermined conditions, or to indicate that the granting of the benefit has been completed.

[0093] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, the screen includes visual information that allows the user to recognize the progress made so far in satisfying or being able to satisfy the predetermined conditions, and the visual information is configured to be variable according to the weather information.

[0094] (3) In the information processing system described in (2) above, the predetermined conditions relate to the amount of precipitation and the duration of precipitation, and the visual information is configured so that the user can recognize the amount of precipitation and the duration of precipitation up to the present.

[0095] (4) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the designated information further includes a plan related to the benefit, and the display control step causes the screen to be displayed such that the plan is determined according to the benefit.

[0096] (5) In an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the display control step includes displaying the screen corresponding to the weather information, regardless of whether the user has actually used the facility.

[0097] (6) In an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the said date is within a specified time from the present.

[0098] (7) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein in the redemption step, a redemption process is performed to redeem an amount corresponding to the cost to a wallet previously associated with the user, and in the display control step, the screen indicating that the redemption process has been completed is displayed.

[0099] (8) In an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the screen is configured to allow the user to change the schedule already specified by the user.

[0100] (9) An information processing system as described in any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein in the selection step, an alternative facility which is different from the facility is selected based on the specified information and the weather information, and in the display control step, information about the alternative facility is displayed.

[0101] (10) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, comprising a server device having the processor and a terminal that can access the server device.

[0102] According to this configuration, the information processing system can be implemented in various ways.

[0103] (11) An information processing method comprising each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0104] (12) A program that causes a computer to perform each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (9) above. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0105] Finally, while various embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Information Processing System 2: Server device 20: Communications bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Processor 231: Acquisition Department 232:Reference section 233: Reduction section 234: Display Control Unit 235: Arithmetic section 236: Registration Department 3: User terminal 30: Communications bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Processor 34: Display section 35: Input section 3a: Computer 3b: Mobile devices D1: Specified Information Screen D2: Plan display screen D3: Progress display screen D4: Menu display screen

Claims

1. An information processing system, The system comprises at least one processor, the processor configured to perform the following steps by reading a program: In the acquisition step, at least the specified information regarding the facility and date is obtained, and here The aforementioned facilities are outdoor facilities that users can use for a fee. The aforementioned dates are the dates on which the user is scheduled to visit the aforementioned facility. In the reference step, the weather information corresponding to the specified information is referenced. In the display control step, the system displays a screen visible to the user according to the weather information, wherein the screen is configured to either grant a benefit commensurate with the cost required to use the facility when the weather information meets predetermined conditions, or to indicate that the granting of the benefit has been completed.

2. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The aforementioned screen includes visual information that allows the user to recognize the progress made so far in satisfying or achieving the predetermined conditions. The system is configured such that the visual information is variably configured according to the weather information.

3. In the information processing system described in claim 2, The aforementioned predetermined conditions relate to the amount of precipitation and the duration of precipitation. The system is configured such that the visual information includes the amount of rainfall and the duration of rainfall up to the present, which can be recognized by the user.

4. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The aforementioned designated information further includes plans related to the aforementioned benefits, The system, in the display control step, displays the screen so that the plan is determined according to the benefits.

5. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The system, in the display control step, displays the screen corresponding to the weather information, regardless of whether the user actually used the facility or not.

6. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The aforementioned schedule is within a specified time from now.

7. In the information processing system described in claim 1, Furthermore, in the redemption step, a redemption process is performed to redeem an amount corresponding to the cost to the wallet previously associated with the user. The system, in the display control step, displays the screen indicating that the reduction process has been completed.

8. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The aforementioned screen is configured to allow the user to change the date already specified by the user.

9. In the information processing system described in claim 1, Furthermore, in the selection step, based on the specified information and the weather information, an alternative facility that is different from the aforementioned facility is selected. The system, in the display control step, displays information regarding the alternative facility.

10. In the information processing system described in claim 1, A server device having the aforementioned processor, A system comprising a terminal capable of accessing the aforementioned server device.

11. Information processing method, A method comprising each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. It is a program, A program that causes a computer to perform each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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