Subsidy application creation support server, subsidy application creation support system, and subsidy application creation support server program

Abstract

We provide a subsidy application support system suitable for applying for subsidies targeting goods and services. [Solution] The subsidy application creation support system 1 includes a subsidy application creation support server 2 that assists in the creation of subsidy applications. This server 2 includes a customer database 200 that stores customer information 201, a subsidy database 300 that stores subsidy application information 301 including subsidy application conditions 306 and a subsidy application template 307, and a transaction database 401 that stores transaction information 401 including products purchased by the customer and transaction codes 402 that are associated one-to-one with those products and are also associated with customer information 201. When a transaction code 402 is entered for a subsidy application, the available subsidy application information 301 is retrieved, and the product and customer information 201 are entered into the template 307 to create a subsidy application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a subsidy application form creation support system for assisting in the creation of subsidy application forms.

Background Art

[0002] The state and local governments have established various support systems such as subsidies, grants, or benefits. To utilize these support systems, users need to search for the systems while checking the application conditions, complete the application documents, and apply. Although the benefits of receiving subsidies and the like are significant, some users may feel that the burden until application is heavy. To reduce the burden, several proposals have been made conventionally. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a method of proposing a grant system or subsidy system suitable for a user based on the response results from a user terminal (see paragraphs

[0033] to

[0047] of Patent Document 1). Also, Patent Document 2 below describes a benefit application support system that searches for benefits that meet the conditions based on registered company data and notifies them, and automatically inputs the necessary contents from the company data into the WEB pages and document entry fields required for application to provide support (see paragraphs

[0006] ,

[0036] to

[0037] ,

[0067] to

[0069] of Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The method described in Patent Document 1 only proposes suitable grant programs and does not consider providing support for the creation of application forms. Users want to minimize the time and effort spent completing application forms. The grant application support system described in Patent Document 2 has functions to propose grants and provide support for inputting application forms, which greatly reduces the burden. In recent years, it has become more common to attach images of the subject as evidence to application forms. However, the application form input support described in Patent Document 2 is not applicable to attaching images to application forms. In addition, energy-saving technologies have advanced in recent years, and the market introduction of products with low power consumption is progressing. Due to the growing social awareness of environmental protection, there has been an increase in subsidy programs targeting products that reduce power consumption. However, the grant application support system in Patent Document 2 is not targeted at subsidy applications for purchased goods or contracted services, and its application in its current configuration is difficult.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and the object of this invention is to provide a subsidy application creation support server, a subsidy application creation support system, and a program for the subsidy application creation support server that are suitable for applying for subsidies for goods and services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a subsidy application creation support server that assists in the creation of a subsidy application form, comprising: a customer database that stores customer information; a subsidy database that stores subsidy application information including subsidy application conditions and a template for the subsidy application form; a transaction database that stores transaction information including goods purchased or services contracted by a customer and a transaction code that is associated one-to-one with the goods or services and is also associated with the customer information; a transaction code reception unit that receives the transaction code entered for the purpose of applying for a subsidy; an application form creation unit that retrieves the subsidy application information applicable to the goods or services associated with the received transaction code by referring to the application conditions, and inputs the goods or services and the customer information into the retrieved template to create the subsidy application form; and a server control unit that controls the operation of the application form creation unit.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, it includes an input guidance unit that prompts the input of missing information when there are missing items in the template based only on the goods or services and customer information, and when the missing information is entered in accordance with the instructions of the input guidance unit, the application form creation unit operates to complete the subsidy application form by inputting the received missing information into the template based on the control of the server control unit.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, if the input of the unentered item information is interrupted while the subsidy application form is incomplete, the invention provides a confirmation notification unit that issues a confirmation notification for the input of the unentered item information when the customer's location information enters within a predetermined distance range from the customer's address.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is a subsidy application creation support system configured to include a subsidy application creation support server and a customer terminal, which assists in the creation of a subsidy application, wherein the subsidy application creation support server comprises a customer database for storing customer information, a subsidy database for storing subsidy application information including subsidy application conditions and a template for the subsidy application, a transaction database for storing transaction information including goods purchased or services contracted by the customer and a transaction code that is associated one-to-one with the goods or services and is also associated with the customer information, a transaction code reception unit for receiving the transaction code for the purpose of applying for the subsidy, an application creation unit that retrieves the subsidy application information applicable to the goods or services associated with the received transaction code by referring to the application conditions, and inputs the goods or services and the customer information into the retrieved template to create the subsidy application, and a server control unit for controlling the operation of the application creation unit.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is a program for a subsidy application creation support server comprising: a customer database for storing customer information; a subsidy database for storing subsidy application information including subsidy application conditions and a subsidy application form template; and a transaction database for storing transaction information including goods purchased or services contracted by a customer and a transaction code that is associated one-to-one with the goods or services and is also associated with the customer information, wherein the program comprises: a transaction code reception process for receiving the transaction code entered for the purpose of applying for a subsidy; and an application creation process that retrieves the subsidy application information applicable to the goods or services associated with the received transaction code by referring to the application conditions, and inputs the goods or services and the customer information into the retrieved template to create the subsidy application form. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the invention of claim 1, information on eligible subsidies for purchased goods or contracted services is retrieved, and the goods or services, along with customer information, are entered into a subsidy application form template to create a subsidy application form. In this way, eligible subsidies are automatically extracted, and the subsidy application form is automatically created using information stored in the transaction database and customer database. This significantly reduces the effort required of subsidy users. A subsidy application form is automatically created for purchased goods or contracted services, making it suitable for applying for subsidies targeting goods and services.

[0012] According to the invention of claim 2, if there are missing fields in the template input based solely on the information from the transaction database or customer database, the user is prompted to input the missing information, and once the missing information is entered, the subsidy application form is completed. In this way, even if the subsidy user does not know the details of the input fields in the subsidy application form, they are guided on what to input, and by following the guidance, the subsidy application form can be completed. This makes it possible to apply for subsidies smoothly.

[0013] According to the invention of claim 3, if the input of unentered information is interrupted while the subsidy application form is incomplete, a notification to confirm the input of unentered information is issued when the customer's location information enters within a predetermined distance range from the customer's address. For example, in a case where a customer starts creating a subsidy application form at the store where they purchased the product and completes the application form after returning home, a notification to confirm the input of unentered information is issued, so that the customer does not forget to complete and submit the subsidy application form.

[0014] According to the invention of claim 4, subsidy application information applicable to purchased goods or contracted services is retrieved, and the goods or services and customer information are entered into a subsidy application form template to create a subsidy application form. In this way, applicable subsidies are automatically extracted, and the subsidy application form is automatically created using information stored in the transaction database and customer database. Therefore, the effort required of subsidy users is greatly reduced. A subsidy application form is automatically created for purchased goods or contracted services, making it suitable for applying for subsidies targeting goods and services.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 5, information on eligible subsidies for purchased goods or contracted services is retrieved, and the goods or services, along with customer information, are entered into a subsidy application form template to create a subsidy application form. In this way, eligible subsidies are automatically extracted, and the subsidy application form is automatically created using information stored in the transaction database and customer database. This significantly reduces the effort required of subsidy users. A subsidy application form is automatically created for purchased goods or contracted services, making it suitable for applying for subsidies targeting goods and services. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of the subsidy application preparation support system according to the first embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic functional block diagram of the subsidy application preparation support server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the structure of each piece of information relating to the first embodiment, with (a) being customer information, (b) being subsidy application information, and (c) being an example of transaction information. [Figure 4] This is a schematic functional block diagram of each terminal according to the first embodiment, where (a) is the administrator terminal, (b) is the store terminal, and (c) is the customer terminal. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing an example of a subsidy application input screen displayed on a customer terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a subsidy application input screen displayed on a customer terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a self-identification authentication shooting screen according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing an image determined to be non-conforming, (b) is a diagram showing an image determined to be conforming, (c) is a diagram showing a guide frame, and (d) is a diagram showing an image of self-identification authentication taken in accordance with the guide frame. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a home appliance shooting screen according to the first embodiment, where (a), (c), and (e) are diagrams showing guide frames, (b) is a diagram showing an image of an air conditioner taken in accordance with a guide frame, (d) is a diagram showing an image of the nameplate of an air conditioner taken in accordance with a guide frame, and (f) is a diagram showing an image of a lighting fixture taken in accordance with a guide frame. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a subsidy application document according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a subsidy application document for an air conditioner and a refrigerator, (b) is a subsidy application document for a water heater, and (c) is a subsidy application document for an LED lighting fixture. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the process of applying for a subsidy in the subsidy application document creation support system according to the first embodiment, showing the process from the start to the temporary interruption of creating a subsidy application document. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the process of applying for a subsidy in the subsidy application document creation support system according to the first embodiment, showing the process from the resumption of creating a subsidy application document to the submission of the application document. [Figure 12] It is a schematic configuration block diagram of a subsidy application document creation support system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a schematic functional block diagram of a subsidy application document creation support server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of consultation information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15]This figure shows an example of a subsidy search screen displayed on a salesperson terminal according to the second embodiment, where (a) is the search condition input screen and (b) is the search results display screen. [Figure 16] This is a schematic functional block diagram of the salesperson terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the process of searching for subsidies on a salesperson's terminal in the subsidy application creation support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This diagram shows the flow of suggesting eligible subsidies to the customer terminal in the subsidy application creation support system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] [First Embodiment of the Invention] A first embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a subsidy application creation support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This subsidy application creation support system 1 includes a subsidy application creation support server 2 that assists in the creation of subsidy applications, an administrator terminal 5 that updates subsidy application information 301 stored in the subsidy database 300 of the server 2, a store terminal 6 that stores transaction information 401 at stores in the transaction database 400 of the server 2, and customer terminals 41, 42, ... 4 held by customers. n However, it is configured to be connected via a communication line 9 such as the Internet. Below are customer terminals 41, 42, ... 4 n Unless it is necessary to emphasize that there are multiple instances, they are represented by the symbol 4 (customer terminal 4). Also, although Figure 1 shows a configuration in which the subsidy application creation support server 2 is equipped with a customer database 200, a subsidy database 300, and a transaction database 400, each database may be placed outside the subsidy application creation support server 2 and connected via a communication line 9 to send and receive information.

[0019] In this subsidy application creation support system 1, when a customer enters a transaction code 402, such as a receipt number, which is one-to-one associated with a purchased product or contracted service, into the customer terminal 4, the system extracts the subsidies that can be applied for for that product or service, and based on the information stored in the customer database 200 and the transaction database 400, it inputs the information into the subsidy application template 307 and creates the subsidy application form.

[0020] The term "subsidies" used here includes grants, benefits, contributions, support payments, and points, and also includes not only subsidies provided by the national and local governments, but also points awarded by companies for sales promotion purposes that can be used for discounts or product purchases.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the subsidy application creation support server 2, which includes a customer database 200, a subsidy database 300, a transaction database 400, a server control unit 20, an input screen provision unit 21, a transaction code reception unit 22, an application creation unit 23, an input guidance unit 24, an image determination unit 25, a confirmation notification unit 26, a storage unit 29, and a communication unit 30. This subsidy application creation support server 2 may use an information processing device such as a server device or a PC (Personal Computer), or it may be configured as a cloud server.

[0022] The customer database 200 stores customer information 201, which is mainly entered by the customer from the customer terminal 4 when registering as a member. Figure 3(a) shows an example of the items that make up customer information 201, and it is configured to include customer ID 202, name 203, address 204, date of birth 205, gender 206, telephone number 207, and email address 208. The customer ID 202 is an ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the customer and is assigned to each customer by the subsidy application creation support server 2.

[0023] The subsidy database 300 stores subsidy application information 301. This subsidy application information 301 is updated from the administrator terminal 5. As shown in Figure 3(b), the subsidy application information 301 is configured to include the subsidy provider 302, such as the national or local government, the name of the subsidy 303, the goods or services eligible for the subsidy 304, the amount of the subsidy 305, the application conditions for the subsidy 306, such as the target area, address, workplace, eligible person, usage period of the target item, and installation location, and a template 307 for the subsidy application form.

[0024] Transaction information 401 is stored in the transaction database 400. Transaction information 401 is entered from a store terminal 6 that has the function of a cash register (money register) in the store. As shown in Figure 3(c), the transaction information 401 is configured to include a transaction code 402 that corresponds one-to-one with the purchased goods or contracted services, a customer ID 403 which stores the customer ID 202 included in the customer information 201 of the customer who purchased the goods or contracted the services corresponding to the transaction code 402, the customer's name 404, customer address 405, customer contact information 406, the goods or services purchased or contracted 407, the amount 408, the transaction date 409, receipt data 410, delivery address 411, delivery date 412, delivery note data 413, store ID 414, store name 415, business ID 416, and business name 417. For goods handed over at the store, the delivery slip data 413 may be stored in the transaction information 401 at the time of payment. For goods delivered after the purchase date, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and televisions, the delivery slip data 413 may be reflected in the transaction information 401 on the day the delivery instruction is issued to the delivery company or on the day the delivery is actually completed.

[0025] The server control unit 20 shown in Figure 2 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a non-volatile storage device called an auxiliary storage device, and a volatile memory called RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU performs program execution, arithmetic processing, and controls the operation of each element that constitutes this subsidy application creation support server 2, such as the application creation unit 23 and the input guidance unit 24. The auxiliary storage device stores programs executed by the CPU and registration data, and uses HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) or SSDs (Solid State Drives). RAM is used as a work area for program execution and arithmetic processing by the CPU.

[0026] The input screen provision unit 21 provides the customer terminal 4 with a subsidy application input screen 600 so that the customer terminal 4 can apply for the subsidy (input screen provision process).

[0027] The transaction code reception unit 22 receives the transaction code 402 entered into the customer terminal 4 for the purpose of applying for a subsidy (transaction code reception processing). The transaction code 402 is associated one-to-one with the goods or services purchased or contracted by the customer (corresponding to the transaction goods or services 407 in the transaction information 401 stored in the transaction database 400), and is also associated with the customer information 201 stored in the customer database 200 via the customer ID 403 in the transaction information 401. Therefore, starting from the transaction code 402, it is possible to search for application conditions such as the goods and customers eligible for the subsidy and select the subsidy that can be applied for. The transaction code 402 can be any sequence of characters, numbers, and symbols that is uniquely determined, and for example, a receipt number may be used.

[0028] The application form creation unit 23 retrieves eligible subsidy application information 301 from the subsidy database 300 for the goods or services associated with the transaction code 402 received by the transaction code reception unit 22, by referring to the subsidy application conditions 306, etc. Then, it reads the customer information 201 corresponding to the transaction code 402 from the customer database 200, and inputs the goods or services and customer information 201 into the retrieved subsidy application form template 307 to create the subsidy application form (application form creation process). For example, the name field in the input fields of the template 307 is automatically populated with the name 203 from the customer information 201, the address field with the address 204 from the customer information 201, and the telephone number 207 and email address 208 respectively in the telephone number field and email address field. Furthermore, transaction information 401 corresponding to transaction code 402 is read from the transaction database 400, and the contents of the transaction product or service 407 from transaction information 401 are automatically entered into the input fields of the template 307, such as the fields for the target product or service and the fields for describing their models, the amount 408 from transaction information 401 is entered into the amount field, the transaction date 409 is entered into the fields for the purchase date or contract date, and the business name 417 and store name 415 are entered into the business name field and business store name field, respectively. The operation of this application form creation unit 23 is performed based on the control of the server control unit 20.

[0029] The input guidance unit 24 prompts the customer terminal 4 to input missing information (input guidance processing) if the transaction information 401, including goods or services, and customer information 201 alone are insufficient to input items into the subsidy application form template 307. The operation of the input guidance unit 24 is performed based on the control of the server control unit 20. For example, if it is necessary to attach an image of an identification document to the template 307, instructions to take a picture of a driver's license or My Number card will be displayed on the customer terminal 4. Also, if it is necessary to attach an overall picture of an appliance such as an air conditioner or refrigerator, or a picture of its nameplate, to the template 307, instructions to take an overall picture of the appliance to be photographed will be displayed on the customer terminal 4, followed by instructions to photograph the nameplate. The customer should then take pictures of the object according to the instructions. Once the missing information is entered according to the instructions of the input guidance unit 24, the application form creation unit 23 operates to input the received missing information into the template 307 and complete the subsidy application form. This missing information includes images of identification documents and the target goods (target items).

[0030] The image determination unit 25 determines whether the image to be inspected, which is input as a candidate image included in the uninputted item information, is suitable as uninputted item information (image determination processing). For example, it determines through image processing whether the image is blurry, the size of the subject being photographed, whether the characters can be correctly recognized using optical character recognition (OCR) technology, and whether the correct object, such as an identification document or the target product (target item), is photographed, and then determines whether it is suitable as an image to be attached to the template 307. If the image determination unit 25 determines that it is suitable, the application form creation unit 23 inputs the image to be inspected into the template 307 as an image included in the uninputted item information.

[0031] The confirmation notification unit 26 sends a confirmation notification to the customer terminal 4 (input confirmation notification process) if the input of unentered information into the subsidy application form template 307 is interrupted while the input is still incomplete. This confirmation notification prevents customers from forgetting to enter information while the subsidy application form is still incomplete. For example, it is conceivable that the creation of the subsidy application form may be interrupted if the customer starts creating the form at a store and needs to photograph the target product (target item) after returning home. In such a case, the input confirmation notification may be sent when the customer's location information has left the store where the creation was interrupted and is within a predetermined distance range, such as a radius of 10 meters from the customer's address. As the risk of forgetting to enter information increases with the passage of time since the interruption, sending a notification at the time the customer returns home increases the probability that they will photograph or enter the unentered information.

[0032] The memory unit 29 uses an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD or SSD to store completed templates 307 and templates 307 whose input has been interrupted. The communication unit 30 transmits and receives data to and from the outside via the communication line 9.

[0033] Figure 4(a) is a schematic functional block diagram of the administrator terminal 5. The administrator terminal 5 is operated by the administrator to update the subsidy application information 301. This administrator terminal 5 is an information processing terminal such as a PC or smartphone and is configured to include a control unit 50, a display unit 51, an input unit 52, a subsidy application information generation unit 53, and a communication unit 54.

[0034] The control unit 50 is configured to include a CPU (not shown), an auxiliary storage device which is a non-volatile memory device, and RAM. The CPU performs tasks such as executing programs and controlling the operation of each element that makes up the administrator terminal 5. The display unit 51 displays information on the screen. The input unit 52 consists of input devices for inputting data, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The communication unit 54 transmits and receives data between the administrator terminal 5 and the outside world.

[0035] The subsidy application information generation unit 53 organizes information such as the goods or services eligible for the subsidy 304, the details of the subsidy 305, the application conditions 306, and the template 307 of the subsidy application form into the format of subsidy application information 301 and stores it in the subsidy database 300 of the subsidy application form creation support server 2. When a new subsidy system is established, the subsidy application information generation unit 53 creates subsidy application information 301 corresponding to that system and saves it in the subsidy database 300. When the subsidy system ends, it deletes the subsidy application information 301 from the subsidy database 300. In this way, the subsidy database 300 is managed.

[0036] Figure 4(b) is a schematic functional block diagram of the store terminal 6. The store terminal 6 creates transaction information 401 using information on goods sold and services contracted at the store and stores it in the transaction database 400. This store terminal 6 is an information processing terminal such as a dedicated terminal or a PC and is configured to include a control unit 60 that controls the terminal 6, an input unit 61 such as a keyboard or barcode reader, a transaction information generation unit 62, and a communication unit 63. This store terminal 6 has a cash register function, and the transaction information generation unit 62 creates transaction information 401 based on settlement information for goods, etc., and stores it in the transaction database 400 of the subsidy application creation support server 2.

[0037] Figure 4(c) is a schematic functional block diagram of the customer terminal 4. Subsidy recipients use this customer terminal 4 to apply for subsidies. The customer terminal 4 is configured to include a control unit 40, a display unit 41, an input unit 42, an imaging unit 43, a location information measurement unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a communication unit 46, and can be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

[0038] The control unit 40 is configured to include a CPU (not shown), non-volatile memory (flash memory), and volatile memory (RAM). The CPU performs tasks such as program execution, arithmetic processing, and control of the operation of each element constituting the customer terminal 4. The flash memory stores programs executed by the CPU and registered data, while the RAM is used as a work area for program execution and arithmetic processing by the CPU.

[0039] The display unit 41 displays the subsidy application input screen 600 when a subsidy application is submitted, and uses display devices such as a touch panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence). The input unit 42 consists of the touch panel of the touch panel LCD, etc. The storage unit 45 stores data, and the communication unit 46 sends and receives data to and from the outside via the communication line 9.

[0040] The imaging unit 43 captures images to be attached to the subsidy application form. The image sensor in this imaging unit 43 uses a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) area sensor or a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) area sensor, among others.

[0041] The location information measurement unit 44 uses a GPS (Global Positioning System) module and calculates the location information of the customer terminal 4 by receiving GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites and performing calculations.

[0042] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of subsidy application input screens 600 displayed on customer terminal 4. These subsidy application input screens 600 are provided by the input screen provision unit 21 of the subsidy application creation support server 2. When the member's application software is launched and the menu screen is displayed, a subsidy application button 601 is located at the bottom (see Figure 5(a)). When this subsidy application button 601 is pressed, a new application button 602 for selecting the creation of a new subsidy application form and a resume application button 603 for resuming the creation that was interrupted are displayed (see Figure 5(b)). When the new application button 602 is pressed, a transaction code input field 604 for entering the transaction code 402 is displayed (see Figure 5(c)). In this figure, an example of directly entering the transaction code 402 is shown, but multiple receipt data 410 of goods purchased by the customer may be displayed, and the transaction code 402 corresponding to the receipt data 410 selected by the customer may be automatically entered. When transaction code 402 is entered into the transaction code input field 604, the transaction code 402 is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2, and the subsidy application information 301 applicable to the goods etc. associated with the transaction code 402 is retrieved. If the subsidy is predetermined or if only one subsidy is applicable, the information is entered into the subsidy application template 307. If there are multiple applicable subsidies, the customer may be asked to select the subsidy to use. If the information stored in the customer database 200 and transaction database 400 is insufficient to complete the input into template 307 and there are missing items, a screen prompting the user to enter the missing information is displayed (see Figure 5(d)). In Figure 5(d), an identification photo button 605 and an air conditioner installation photo button 606 are displayed, and the user is instructed to take photos of their identification and the air conditioner installed in their residence. When the identification photo button 605 is pressed, the user is prompted to take a photo of their driver's license or My Number Card. Figure 7 shows an example of a screen for photographing an identification document. In Figure 7(a), the display unit 41 of the customer terminal 4 is positioned so that the shorter side of the display unit 41 is parallel to the longer side of the driver's license, resulting in areas above and below the display unit 41 where the driver's license is not visible.In this arrangement, the size of the driver's license image in the captured image is small, making it difficult to recognize the text printed on the surface of the driver's license. For this reason, the arrangement shown in Figure 7(a) is judged to be unsuitable. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(b), in an arrangement where the longitudinal direction of the display unit 41 and the longitudinal direction of the driver's license are parallel, the image of the driver's license occupies the entire captured image, and the text on the surface is large and easy to read. Therefore, when photographed in the arrangement shown in Figure 7(b), it is judged to be suitable as an image to be attached to the subsidy application form. To ensure that anyone can take a proper image, a guide frame 620 indicating the target size of the subject to be photographed in the shooting screen is displayed on the display unit 41 of the customer terminal 4 (see Figure 7(c)). As shown in Figure 7(d), by aligning the driver's license with this guide frame 620 and taking a photograph, an image of the identification photograph 607 for the subsidy application form can be easily obtained. This guide frame 620 is created by the input guidance unit 24 of the subsidy application creation support server 2, and the subsidy application input screen 600 displaying the guide frame 620 is provided to the customer terminal 4 from the input screen provision unit 21. The captured identity verification document photograph 607 is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2 as an image to be inspected, and the image determination unit 25 determines whether or not it is suitable as unentered item information. If it is determined to be suitable, it is pasted onto the subsidy application template 307. Alternatively, a video of the identity verification document photograph 607 may be recorded so as to match the guide frame 620 displayed on the display unit 41 of the customer terminal 4, and this video may be sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2. In this case, the input guidance unit 24 of the subsidy application creation support server 2 automatically extracts still images from the video being recorded, the image determination unit 25 determines whether or not the still images are suitable as unentered item information, and the still images that are determined to be suitable are pasted onto the template 307.

[0043] Once the identity verification photograph 607 is attached to the template 307 in this manner, a subsidy application input screen 600 is displayed, as shown in Figure 5(e), indicating that the identity verification document has been registered.

[0044] Next, instructions are displayed to take photos of the air conditioner installation. In this example, the screen prompts the user to take an air conditioner installation photo 608, which shows the air conditioner's installation status, and a photo of the air conditioner's nameplate 609. For example, messages such as "Please take a photo of the installation status so that the entire indoor unit of the air conditioner is aligned with the guide frame" or "Please take a photo so that the nameplate, which shows the year of manufacture, is aligned with the guide frame" may be displayed. Figure 8(a) shows the guide frame 620 displayed when taking the air conditioner installation photo 608, and Figure 8(b) shows the image of the air conditioner installation photo 608 taken with the entire air conditioner aligned with the guide frame 620. Also, Figure 8(c) shows the guide frame 620 displayed when taking the air conditioner nameplate photo 609, and Figure 8(d) shows the image of the air conditioner nameplate photo 609 taken with the guide frame 620 aligned. The shape and aspect ratio of the guide frame 620 automatically change depending on the subject being photographed. The images of the air conditioner installation (photo 608) and the air conditioner nameplate (photo 609) are sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2. The image determination unit 25 then checks whether the images are blurry, uses image processing technology and optical character recognition technology to determine whether the subject is an air conditioner or its nameplate, and checks the size of the subject to determine its suitability. If it is determined to be suitable, it is attached to the subsidy application template 307.

[0045] Furthermore, the size of the guide frame 620 may be changed depending on the condition of the subject being photographed and the condition of the surrounding image. For example, if the surface of the nameplate in the air conditioner nameplate photograph 609 is dirty and the letters are difficult to read, or if the surrounding image contains something that could identify personal information, the size of the guide frame 620 may be increased to make the letters easier to recognize, or unnecessary objects may be excluded from the surrounding image, thereby guiding the user to acquire an appropriate image. Also, if the entire background of the subject being photographed is a wall, the size of the guide frame 620 may be reduced so that part of the window or door is included in the image, guiding the user to acquire an image in which the installation status can be clearly confirmed.

[0046] Figure 8(e) shows the guide frame 620 displayed when taking a photograph of a lighting fixture 613, and Figure 8(f) shows an image of the lighting fixture photograph 613 taken in alignment with the guide frame 620. The shape of the guide frame 620 for the lighting fixture photograph 613 is triangular, which differs from the rectangular guide frame 620 for the air conditioner installation photograph 608. In this way, the appropriate shape of the guide frame 620 is adopted according to the subject being photographed.

[0047] Alternatively, a video could be recorded aligned with the guide frame 620, still images could be automatically extracted from it, and the images could be inspected for blur and the subject of the shot to determine their suitability for the subsidy application. The suitable still images could then be entered into template 307.

[0048] As described above, once the air conditioner installation photo 608 and the air conditioner nameplate photo 609 are taken and pasted onto the template 307, a subsidy application input screen 600 will be displayed, indicating that the home appliance photos have been registered, as shown in Figure 5(f).

[0049] Subsequently, a screen for confirming the application details, as shown in Figure 6(a), is displayed. If the application is to be submitted with these details, the signature field 610, as shown in Figure 6(b), is displayed. Once the signature field 610 is signed and the application confirmation button 611 is pressed, the application completion screen is displayed (see Figure 6(c)).

[0050] Here, immediately after purchasing the product, you can start the subsidy application at the store or elsewhere, register your identification document as shown in Figure 5(e), and then press the temporary save button 612 (not shown) to interrupt the subsidy application. After returning home, you can resume the application by pressing the resume application button 603 as shown in Figure 5(b). By pressing the air conditioner installation photo button 606 as shown in Figure 5(d), you can take photos of the air conditioner installation 608 and the air conditioner nameplate 609 according to the instructions, complete the subsidy application form, and submit the application.

[0051] Figure 9 shows examples of subsidy application documents, with (a) being application documents for air conditioners and refrigerators, (b) being application documents for water heaters, and (c) being application documents for LED lighting fixtures. As shown, the type and number of application documents to be submitted differ depending on the product, but the appropriate application documents are automatically created. For example, receipt data 410, which is included in the transaction information 401 stored in the transaction database 400, is attached to the receipt sheet. Also, delivery note data 413 is attached to the delivery note / home appliance recycling ticket sheet.

[0052] Next, we will explain the operation flow of the subsidy application preparation support system 1.

[0053] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of applying for a subsidy using this subsidy application creation support system 1, showing the process from the start until the creation of the subsidy application is temporarily suspended.

[0054] When a customer purchases an air conditioner, which is eligible for the subsidy, at a store, they launch the member application software installed on the customer terminal 4 to apply for the subsidy (Step S1). From the menu screen, they select the subsidy application button 601 and press the new application button 602 on the subsidy application input screen 600 shown in Figure 5(b) (Step S2), and an application form creation request is sent to the subsidy application form creation support server 2. Upon receiving this request, the subsidy application form creation support server 2 displays the transaction code input screen on the customer terminal 4 (Step S3) (see Figure 5(c)). When the transaction code 402 is entered (Step S4), it is sent to the subsidy application form creation support server 2, and subsidy application information 301 that can be applied for is extracted based on the product and customer information 201 associated with the transaction code 402 (Step S5). Then, the information is entered into the subsidy application form template 307 extracted using the information stored in the transaction database 400 and customer database 200 (Step S6).

[0055] The system checks whether there are any missing fields in template 307. If all fields in template 307 are filled in and the subsidy application is complete (in the case of step S7 No.), the process ends and the completed subsidy application is submitted.

[0056] If there are any unentered items in the template 307 (if the answer is Yes in step S7), a subsidy application input screen 600 prompting the customer terminal 4 to enter the information for the unentered items is provided. For example, if the unentered item is an image of the identification document photograph 607, a subsidy application input screen 600 guiding the customer to take the identification document photograph 607 is provided from the subsidy application creation support server 2 (step S8) and displayed on the customer terminal 4. The customer terminal 4 takes the photograph (step S9), and when the image of the identification document photograph 607 is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2, its suitability is determined and the image of the identification document photograph 607 is entered into the template 307 (step S10). If the unentered items include an image of the air conditioner installation photograph 608, a subsidy application input screen 600 guiding the customer terminal 4 to take the air conditioner installation photograph 608 is provided (step S11).

[0057] Since the photo 608 of the air conditioner installation cannot be taken at the store and must be taken at home, the customer presses the temporary save button 612 (not shown) on the subsidy application input screen 600 (step S12) to temporarily interrupt the application creation. When this happens, an interruption request is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2, and the server 2, having received the request, stores the partially entered template 307 in the storage unit 29 (step S13). At this time, the location information of the customer terminal 4 that interrupted the application creation may also be stored in the storage unit 29.

[0058] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of applying for a subsidy, showing the steps from resuming the creation of the application form to submitting it.

[0059] The customer may interrupt the application process at the store, and then, when the location information of the customer terminal 4 enters within a predetermined distance range from the customer's address, a notification to confirm the input of any unentered items may be issued. The timing for checking the location information of the customer terminal 4 may be when the customer launches the membership application software, or the application software may be set to launch automatically at predetermined time intervals, and the location information may be checked at the time of launch.

[0060] To resume the subsidy application, the application software is launched (step S21), and when the application resume button 603 shown in Figure 5(b) is pressed (step S22), a resume request is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2. Upon receiving the resume request, input into the template 307 resumes from where it left off, and the subsidy application input screen 600 guiding the customer terminal 4 to take the air conditioner installation photo 608, which is an unentered item, is again provided to the customer terminal 4 (step S23). The customer terminal 4 takes the photos (step S24), and when the images of the air conditioner installation photo 608 and the air conditioner nameplate photo 609 are sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2, the suitability of each image is determined and pasted into the template 307 (step S25).

[0061] Once the input into template 307 is complete, an application confirmation screen is provided to customer terminal 4 (step S26). After the customer terminal 4 completes the confirmation input (step S27), customer terminal 4 is provided with a subsidy application input screen 600 with a signature field 610 (step S28) (see Figure 6(b)).

[0062] Once the signature field 610 is signed and the application confirmation button 611 is pressed (step S29), the signature is entered into template 307 and the subsidy application form is completed (step S30).

[0063] The subsidy application is completed by submitting the completed subsidy application form (step S31). The application form may be submitted to the national or local government that provides the subsidy program, or it may be submitted to the administrator terminal 5 first, where the administrator will make a final review before submitting it to the subsidy program provider.

[0064] Furthermore, the images to be attached to the subsidy application form template 307 are not limited to images of identification documents such as a driver's license or My Number card (607) or images of home appliances such as an air conditioner installation photo (608). Therefore, as needed to complete the subsidy application form, the subsidy application input screen 600 is provided to the customer terminal 4 from the subsidy application creation support server 2, and instructions for taking the photos are given. For example, if a photo is needed to prove that a water heater has been delivered and installed, the subsidy application is resumed when it is installed, and the customer terminal 4 takes the photo according to the instructions displayed on the subsidy application input screen 600.

[0065] Next, I will explain the effects of this subsidy application preparation support system 1.

[0066] According to the first embodiment of this invention, subsidy application information 301 that can be applied for for purchased goods or contracted services is retrieved, and the goods or services and customer information 201 are entered into the subsidy application form template 307 to create the subsidy application form. In this way, the applicable subsidies are automatically extracted, and the subsidy application form is automatically created using the information stored in the transaction database 400 and the customer database 200. This significantly reduces the effort required of subsidy users. Furthermore, if there are missing items in the template 307 that cannot be entered using only the information in the transaction database 400 and the customer database 200, the user is prompted to enter the missing information, and once the missing information is entered, the subsidy application form is completed. In this way, even if the subsidy user does not know the details of the input items in the subsidy application form, they are guided on what to enter, and by following the guidance, the subsidy application form can be completed. This makes it possible to apply for subsidies smoothly. Furthermore, it also supports cases where the prompted input for unfilled information is an image, so assistance can be provided even for grant applications that require attaching images.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is determined whether the image to be inspected is suitable as an unentered item in the subsidy application form, and the image to be inspected that is determined to be suitable is used as an image included in the unentered item information to complete the subsidy application form. In this way, problems such as blurry images or incorrect subjects being photographed can be prevented, and the need to resubmit the subsidy application form can be suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when taking an image, a guide frame 620 indicating the target size of the subject to be photographed within the shooting screen is displayed on the shooting screen, so an appropriate image can be taken simply by aligning it with the guide frame 620.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the size of the guide frame 620 is changed according to the state of the subject included in the captured image and the state of the surrounding image that is captured around the subject included in the captured image. For example, if the subject is a nameplate or the like and its surface is dirty, the size of the guide frame 620 may be increased to make the text easier to read, or if the subject is an entire home appliance and the surrounding image is a wall or the like makes it difficult to check the installation state, the size of the guide frame 620 may be decreased so that windows or doors are captured, thereby assisting in capturing a more appropriate image.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, still images are extracted from the video being recorded, and it is determined whether or not they are suitable as missing information for the subsidy application form. If it is determined to be suitable, the still image is used as an image included in the missing information, and the subsidy application form is completed. By pointing the camera (imaging unit 43 of the customer terminal 4) at the subject to be photographed, the image to be used in the subsidy application form is automatically extracted, and the subsidy application form is completed, thus further reducing the burden on the subsidy user.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, if the input of missing information is interrupted while the subsidy application form is incomplete, a notification to confirm the input of missing information will be issued when the customer's location information enters within a predetermined distance range from the customer's address. For example, in a case where a customer starts creating a subsidy application form at the store where they purchased the product and then completes the application form after returning home by taking photos of the appliance, the notification to confirm the input of missing information will be issued, ensuring that they remember to take photos, complete the subsidy application form, and submit it.

[0072] [Second Embodiment of the Invention] A second embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 18. However, elements that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0073] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of the subsidy application creation support system 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the configuration of the subsidy application creation support system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the subsidy application creation support server 2A is further equipped with a consultation database 500 that stores consultation information 501 regarding products and services received by sales staff in stores from customers. Furthermore, the system includes sales staff terminals 71, 72, ... 7 held by sales staff in stores. k An additional device has been added, which connects to the subsidy application form creation support server 2A, etc., via communication line 9. The following are sales staff terminals 71, 72, ... 7 k Unless it is necessary to emphasize that there are multiple items, they are represented by the symbol 7 (salesperson terminal 7). The salesperson terminal 7 is used by salespeople to search for available subsidy programs for products and services that customers have inquired about. The salesperson terminal 7 is also used to transmit the content of the consultation as consultation information 501 to the subsidy application creation support server 2A for storage in the consultation database 500.

[0074] When the subsidy application information 301 in the subsidy database 300 is updated, the subsidy application support server 2A refers to the consultation information 501 contained in the consultation database 500, and if there is a subsidy program that can be applied for among the newly added subsidy application information 301, it notifies the customer terminal 4 of the customer who made the consultation of the subsidy application information 301 that can be applied for.

[0075] Thus, since the sales staff terminal 7 can be used to search for subsidy programs and the subsidy application support server 2A can notify the sales staff of available subsidy application information 301, the subsidy application support system 1A also functions as a sales support system that assists sales staff in promoting sales in stores.

[0076] Figure 13 is a schematic functional block diagram of the subsidy application creation support server 2A. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 2, a consultation database 500, a subsidy search unit 27, and a subsidy proposal unit 28 have been added.

[0077] The consultation database 500 stores consultation information 501, which includes consultation details 505 regarding products and services received by sales staff from customers at stores. The consultation information 501 is created by the sales staff using the sales staff terminal 7 and transmitted from the sales staff terminal 7 to the subsidy application creation support server 2A for storage. As shown in Figure 14, the consultation information 501 is configured to include a customer ID 502, which stores the customer ID 202 included in the customer information 201 of the customer who made the consultation; the name of the person making the consultation 503, which is the name of the customer; the product or service for which the consultation was made 504; the content of the consultation 505; the date of the consultation 506; a sales staff ID 507 that identifies the sales staff who made the consultation; a sales staff name 508; a store ID 509; and a store name 510.

[0078] The subsidy search unit 27 shown in Figure 13 receives search keywords such as product names eligible for the subsidy program and search conditions such as the eligible regions for the subsidy from the salesperson terminal 7. Based on these keywords and search conditions, it refers to the subsidy application information 301 stored in the subsidy database 300 and notifies the salesperson terminal 7 of the subsidy application information 301 that can be applied for.

[0079] Figure 15(a) shows the search criteria input screen 700, which is part of the subsidy search screen provided to the salesperson terminal 7. The search type input field 701 is used to input or select the search type, such as the product or service for which the subsidy program is to be searched, the customer ID 202, or the address, from a pull-down menu. Subsequently, depending on the search type, the search target input field 702 is used to input keywords such as the target product, such as a refrigerator, or the customer ID 202, or search criteria such as an address to narrow down the target area. After inputting into the search type input field 701 and the search target input field 702, the search button 703 is pressed, and the search keywords and search criteria are sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2A. The subsidy search unit 27 extracts the subsidy programs that can be applied for based on these search criteria and provides the search results to the salesperson terminal 7.

[0080] Figure 15(b) shows the search results display screen 705 of the subsidy search screen provided to the salesperson terminal 7. In this example, two eligible subsidy programs are displayed. The name of the subsidy is displayed in the subsidy name button 706, and the features of the subsidy are displayed in the recommendation reason field 707. The salesperson can propose these eligible subsidy programs to the customer who has consulted them, explain the reasons for their recommendation, and use this to promote sales of products and services that can utilize the subsidy program. When the subsidy name button 706 is pressed, details such as subsidy application information 301 are displayed.

[0081] The subsidy proposal unit 28 shown in Figure 13 searches the consultation database 500 for consultation information 501 when subsidy application information 301 is added to the subsidy database 300. If the subsidy program matches the product and consultation content 505 for which the consultation was received, it notifies the customer terminal 4 of the customer who made the consultation of the subsidy application information 301. The customer terminal 4 displays content that is almost the same as the search results display screen 705 shown in Figure 15(b). It is also anticipated that customers who receive the subsidy application information 301 may be motivated to purchase the product by the use of that subsidy, thus leading to sales promotion.

[0082] Figure 16 is a schematic functional block diagram of the salesperson terminal 7. The salesperson uses this salesperson terminal 7 to create consultation information 501 and stores it in the consultation database 500 of the subsidy application creation support server 2A. The salesperson terminal 7 is configured to include a control unit 70, an input unit 71, a display unit 72, a consultation information generation unit 74, and a communication unit 75, and can be used as an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC. The input unit 71 is used to input subsidy search conditions and consultation content. The display unit 72 displays subsidy search results and other information.

[0083] The consultation information generation unit 74 creates consultation information 501 (see Figure 14) based on the content of the customer consultation entered by the salesperson, and sends the created consultation information 501 to the subsidy application form creation support server 2A.

[0084] Figure 17 shows the flow of searching for subsidies on the salesperson terminal 7 in the subsidy application creation support system 1A according to the second embodiment. When a salesperson explains a product or service to a customer, they may want to suggest available subsidy programs. In such cases, the salesperson starts the salesperson application software on the salesperson terminal 7 they are holding (step S41) and inputs a search request for a subsidy program (step S42). When the subsidy application creation support server 2A receives this subsidy search request, it provides the salesperson terminal 7 with a search condition input screen 700 (step S43). When the salesperson inputs, for example, the product name or service name to be searched into the search condition input screen 700 (step S44), it is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2A as a search keyword. Server 2A searches the subsidy database 300 (step S45) and provides the salesperson terminal 7 with the subsidy application information 301 that can be applied for (step S46). The salesperson can refer to the search results display screen 705 on the salesperson terminal 7 and explain the subsidy programs available to the customer.

[0085] Subsequently, the salesperson inputs the questions received from the customer and the products and services they expressed interest in into the salesperson terminal 7 to create consultation information 501 (step S47). The consultation information 501 thus created is sent to the subsidy application creation support server 2A and stored in the consultation database 500 (step S48).

[0086] Figure 18 shows the flow of how the subsidy application creation support system 1A proposes eligible subsidies to the customer terminal 4. When new subsidy application information 301 is added from the administrator terminal 5 to the subsidy database 300 of the subsidy application creation support server 2A (step S51), a search of the consultation information 501 stored in the consultation database 500 is performed, and consultation information 501 that matches the added subsidy application information 301 is extracted (step S52). Since the consultation information 501 includes customer ID 502, customer information 201 corresponding to this customer ID 502 is retrieved from the customer database 200, and a notification is sent to the customer's email address 208 with information about subsidy programs that the customer can apply for regarding the product or service they consulted about (step S53). When the customer confirms this notification and operates the customer terminal 4 to start the member application software (step S54), the subsidy application creation support server 2A provides the subsidy proposal screen to the customer terminal 4 (step S55). The subsidy proposal screen has a similar structure to the search results display screen 705 shown in Figure 15(b). Customers can view details such as subsidy application information 301 from the subsidy proposal screen.

[0087] According to the second embodiment of this invention, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, salespeople can also suggest available subsidy programs when explaining products and services, which is expected to lead to increased sales.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it is conceivable that customers who receive notification of eligible subsidy programs may be motivated to purchase goods or services with the intention of using the subsidy, which is expected to lead to increased sales.

[0090] It should be noted that the embodiments described above do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and each element can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0091] For example, the confirmation notification unit 26 included in the subsidy application creation support server 2 may not only determine the location information of the customer terminal 4 and issue an input confirmation notification for unentered items, but may also issue an input confirmation notification every predetermined time elapsed since the subsidy application was interrupted.

[0092] Alternatively, the program for the subsidy application creation support server 2,2A may be saved on a non-volatile storage medium so that it can be easily carried around. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1,1A...Subsidy application form creation support system, 2,2A...Subsidy application form creation support server, 4,41,42,4 n ...Customer terminal, 5...Administrator terminal, 6...Store terminal, 7, 71, 72, 7 k…Salesperson terminal, 9…Communication line, 20…Server control unit, 21…Input screen provision unit, 22…Transaction code reception unit, 23…Application form creation unit, 24…Input guidance unit, 25…Image judgment unit, 26…Confirmation notification unit, 27…Subsidy search unit, 28…Subsidy proposal unit, 29…Storage unit, 30…Communication unit, 200…Customer database, 201…Customer information, 202…Customer ID, 203…Name, 204…Address, 205…Date of birth, 206…Gender, 207…Telephone number, 208…Email address, 300…Subsidy database, 301…Subsidy application information, 302…Subsidy implementer, 303…Subsidy name, 30 4...Eligible products or services, 305...Subsidy details, 306...Application requirements, 307...Subsidy application form template, 400...Transaction database, 401...Transaction information, 402...Transaction code, 403...Customer ID, 404...Customer name, 405...Customer address, 406...Customer contact information, 407...Transaction product or service, 408...Amount, 409...Transaction date, 410...Receipt data, 411...Delivery address, 412...Delivery date, 413...Delivery note data, 414...Store ID, 415...Store name, 416...Business ID, 417...Business name, 500...Consultation database, 501...Consultation Information, 502...Customer ID, 503...Name of the person seeking advice, 504...Product or service, 505...Details of the consultation, 506...Date of consultation, 507...Salesperson ID, 508...Salesperson name, 509...Store ID, 510...Store name, 40...Control unit, 41...Display unit, 42...Input unit, 43...Imaging unit, 44...Location information measurement unit, 45...Storage unit, 46...Communication unit, 600...Subsidy application input screen, 601...Subsidy application button, 602...New application button, 603...Resume application button, 604...Transaction code input field, 605...Identification document photo button, 606...Air conditioner installation photo button, 607...Identity verification photo, 6 08...Air conditioner installation photo, 609...Air conditioner nameplate photo, 610...Signature field, 611...Application confirmation button, 612...Temporary save button, 613...Lighting fixture photo, 620...Guide frame, 50...Control unit, 51...Display unit, 52...Input unit, 53...Subsidy application information generation unit, 54...Communication unit, 60...Control unit, 61...Input unit, 62...Transaction information generation unit, 63...Communication unit, 70...Control unit, 71...Input unit, 72...Display unit, 74...Consultation information generation unit, 75...Communication unit, 700...Search criteria input screen, 701...Search type input field, 702...Search target input field, 703...Search button, 705...Search results display screen,706...Subsidy name button, 707...Recommendation reason field,

Claims

1. A subsidy application creation support server that assists in the creation of subsidy application forms, A customer database that stores customer information, A subsidy database that stores subsidy application information, including the application requirements for the subsidy and a template for the said subsidy application form, A transaction database that stores transaction information including goods purchased or services contracted by a customer, and a transaction code that is associated one-to-one with the said goods or services and is also associated with the said customer information, A transaction code reception unit that receives the aforementioned transaction code entered for the purpose of applying for the subsidy, An application form creation unit retrieves the subsidy application information applicable to the goods or services associated with the transaction code received with reference to the application conditions, inputs the goods or services and customer information into the retrieved template, and creates the subsidy application form. A subsidy application preparation support server, characterized by comprising a server control unit that controls the operation of the application preparation unit.

2. If the product or service and customer information alone result in missing fields when entering information into the template, the system includes an input guidance unit that prompts the user to enter the missing information. The subsidy application creation support server according to claim 1, characterized in that when the missing item information is entered in accordance with the instructions of the input guidance unit, the application creation unit operates to complete the subsidy application by entering the received missing item information into the template based on the control of the server control unit.

3. The subsidy application creation support server according to claim 2, further comprising a confirmation notification unit that, if the input of the unentered information is interrupted while the subsidy application is incomplete, the customer's location information enters within a predetermined distance range from the customer's address, and a confirmation notification is issued to confirm the input of the unentered information.

4. A subsidy application creation support system configured to include a subsidy application creation support server and a customer terminal, which provides support for creating subsidy applications, The aforementioned subsidy application preparation support server is: A customer database that stores customer information, A subsidy database that stores subsidy application information, including the application requirements for the subsidy and a template for the said subsidy application form, A transaction database that stores transaction information including goods purchased or services contracted by a customer, and a transaction code that is associated one-to-one with the said goods or services and is also associated with the said customer information, A transaction code reception unit that receives the aforementioned transaction code entered for the purpose of applying for the subsidy, An application form creation unit retrieves the subsidy application information applicable to the goods or services associated with the transaction code received with reference to the application conditions, inputs the goods or services and customer information into the retrieved template, and creates the subsidy application form. A subsidy application preparation support system characterized by comprising a server control unit that controls the operation of the application preparation unit.

5. A customer database that stores customer information, A subsidy database that stores subsidy application information, including the application requirements and templates for subsidy application forms, A subsidy application preparation support server program comprising a transaction database that stores transaction information including goods purchased or services contracted by a customer, and a transaction code that is associated one-to-one with the said goods or services and is also associated with the said customer information, A transaction code reception process that receives the aforementioned transaction code entered for the purpose of applying for a subsidy, A subsidy application creation support server program characterized by having: extracting subsidy application information applicable to the goods or services associated with the transaction code received by referring to the application conditions; and creating an application form by inputting the goods or services and customer information into the extracted template.

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