Information processing method, program, and information processing device

Abstract

To improve user convenience in the gift sending system. [Solution] The information processing method involves an information processing device receiving the first gift from the first user, one or more gifts; generating link information for a web page that receives information about the receipt of the first gift from the second user; receiving information about the delivery method for the first gift from the first user before the purchase of the first gift is completed; performing the purchase process for the first gift; and, after the purchase process is completed, outputting link information to an application that enables the second user to output link information about the delivery method to a processing device used by the second user.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, social gifting, in which goods or services are provided using a gift issuance management system that allows users to purchase gifts via the Internet and send the issued gifts to gift recipients, has been gaining popularity. As social gifting has become widely used, the value of being "easy to send" has come to be emphasized. For example, on platforms that provide social gifting, a known technology involves selecting a product or service, completing the purchase, and then sending a code for receiving the gift via email or the like (see, for example, Paragraph 0060 of Patent Document 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the system is configured to allow selection of a transmission method such as email or a print medium after the gift is purchased, and a person who sends a gift cannot know by what means the gift can be sent, leaving room for improvement in terms of anxiety when purchasing the gift and convenience.

[0005] Accordingly, one of the objectives of the disclosed technology is to provide an information processing method, a program, and an information processing apparatus that enable selection of a transmission method before purchasing a gift, thereby streamlining the processing at the time of gift purchase and improving the convenience of the system.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] An information processing method in one aspect of the disclosure involves an information processing device receiving a first gift from a first user among one or more gifts, generating link information for a web page that receives information about the receipt of the first gift from a second user, receiving a method for sending the first gift from the first user before the purchase of the first gift is completed, performing the purchase process for the first gift, and after the completion of the purchase process, outputting the link information to an application that enables the second user to output the link information in the manner of sending.

[0007] A program in one aspect of the disclosure, or a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer that records such a program, causes a first gift from a first user among one or more gifts, generates link information for a web page that receives information about the receipt of the first gift from a second user, receives information about the delivery method of the first gift from the first user before the purchase of the first gift is completed, performs the purchase process for the first gift, and after the completion of the purchase process, causes a processing unit used by the second user to output the link information to an application that enables outputting the link information in the delivery method.

[0008] An information processing device in one aspect of the disclosure is an information processing device including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform the following actions: receive a first gift from a first user among one or more gifts; generate link information for a web page that receives information about the receipt of the first gift from a second user; receive information about the delivery method for the first gift from the first user before the purchase of the first gift is completed; perform the purchase process for the first gift; and, after the completion of the purchase process, output the link information to an application that enables the output of the link information in the delivery method to a processing device used by the second user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the disclosure technology, the process of purchasing gifts can be streamlined, improving the usability of the system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the overview of the platform providing social gifting in this disclosure. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of a server according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of gift delivery information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of order draft (provisional order) information according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of order information according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of gift delivery support information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of processing related to the social gifting service according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the screen after selecting a gift according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a transition screen to SNS1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a transition screen to SNS2 according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of a transition screen to SNS3 according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of a sharing screen related to SNS3 according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of a screen for transitioning to sending an email according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] With reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numeral have the same or similar configurations.

[0012] [Embodiment] First, an overview of the platform for providing social gifts of the present disclosure will be described using FIG. 1. On the platform of the present disclosure, a first user (gift purchaser) can select a method for sending a gift to a second user (gift recipient) before the purchase of the gift representing a product or service is completed. In social gifting, the first user can send the gift via a desired sending method without knowing the address or the like of the second user.

[0013] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first user selects a gift for the second user on the gift purchase screen D2 of the web page or application provided by the platform of the present disclosure. At this time, the first user selects the gift and also selects the sending method of the gift. The selection of the gift sending method may be performed before the gift is selected, instead of after the gift is selected, that is, it may be performed at any timing as long as it is before the purchase of the gift is completed.

[0014] Next, on the final gift purchase screen D4, the first user can confirm the sending method of the gift together with the purchased gift. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first user can confirm the product (coffee ticket) and the amount (600 yen) that he / she intends to purchase, and the selected gift sending method (SNS (Social Networking Service) 1) before the purchase is completed.

[0015] This allows the product and sending method to be confirmed in advance before the purchase is completed, so that the first user can use the system with peace of mind, the processing when purchasing a gift can be facilitated, and the convenience of the system can be improved.

[0016] Next, once the gift purchase (or payment) is complete, the gift purchase completion screen D6 is displayed on the first user's processing unit. Here, a UI component (e.g., a button) is displayed for the first user to select the delivery method they previously chose. Because the delivery method is selected before the purchase is completed, the first user can be smoothly guided to the gift delivery process after purchasing the gift, allowing for an efficient design of the gift delivery flow. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the chances of sending a gift after purchase, thus reducing the likelihood of forgetting to send a gift.

[0017] Next, when the "SNS1" button is selected on the purchase completion screen D6, the system launches the SNS1 application and prompts the first user to select a second user, who will be the recipient of the gift, from the user list associated with the first user registered in SNS1 (also referred to as the "Contact List" or "Friend List").

[0018] After the second user makes their selection, if the "Send" button is pressed, the first user's processing unit uses SNS1 to send a message to the second user containing a link to receive the gift (e.g., URL: Uniform Resource Locator). This allows for a smooth and secure process of selecting, purchasing, and sending gifts, reducing the possibility of users abandoning the process before delivery is complete.

[0019] Furthermore, this disclosed technology allows users to copy link information as needed when sending it via social networking services (SNS), and then present the link information to the first user in a message. This saves the first user time and effort. The system of this disclosed technology described above will be explained below.

[0020] <System Configuration> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing system 1 includes servers 10A and 10B, and one or more user processing units 20A, 20B, and 20C. Hereinafter, servers will be referred to as server 10 unless individually distinguished, and processing units will be referred to as processing unit 20 unless individually distinguished. For example, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment constitutes a system for sending gifts via the internet, known as social gifting.

[0021] Server 10 and processing unit 20 can send and receive data to and from each other via network N. Server 10 may be composed of multiple processing units, and the number of processing units 20 may be any number. For example, processing unit 20 is an information processing unit used by each user who sends and receives gifts using the social gifting service of this disclosure (also referred to as "the Service").

[0022] As described above, Information Processing System 1 is a system that allows users to select, purchase, and send gifts, and before completing the purchase of a gift, it allows the user to select how the gift will be sent.

[0023] Server 10A, provided in the information processing system 1, is, for example, a server managed by an organization that provides a social gifting service, or it may be a cloud server provided by another company. Server 10A cooperates with Server 10B, which provides the SNS, to enable the sending of messages via the SNS. Furthermore, Server 10B is not limited to one, and may be provided for each SNS, or it may be a mail server for sending gifts via email.

[0024] Server 10A may have a database (DB) that stores various information such as gift lists, order information, and shipping methods. The database may be located on Server 10A or it may be connected to Server 10A via a network.

[0025] The processing unit 20 is a processing unit managed by the user of the social gifting service, and can be a smartphone, tablet device, personal computer, etc. In the following description, the processing unit used by the first user who sends the gift will be denoted by code A, and the processing unit used by the second user who receives the gift will be denoted by code B.

[0026] The processing unit 20A used by the first user accesses the website providing the social gifting service of this disclosure, or launches an application provided by the operator of the social gifting service, to select, purchase, and send gifts. The message sent includes link information for receiving the gift.

[0027] The processing device 20B used by the second user accesses a designated web page managed by the operator by accessing link information contained in a message received via, for example, social media or email, and sets up the receiving information for receiving a gift. This allows the second user to receive an electronic or physical gift.

[0028] As described above, the processing unit 20 may use a web browser to access the website (or web page) provided by the server 10A and use the social gifting service provided on that website.

[0029] Furthermore, the processing unit 20 may have an application program (the app) installed for using the social gifting service, which is provided by the server 10A or a third-party platform. The app causes the processing unit 20 to execute at least a portion of the processing of the disclosed technology in the service provided by the server 10A. When the app is executed, the processing unit 20 accesses the server 10A to send and receive information used to execute the app. The configurations of the information processing system 1 that enable the execution of the services related to the disclosed technology will be described in detail below.

[0030] <Server Configuration> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a server 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The server 10 includes one or more processors (e.g., CPUs) 110, one or more network communication interfaces 120, a storage device (storage unit) 130, and one or more communication buses 170 for interconnecting these components. Hereinafter, servers 10A and 10B will be described together as server 10, but depending on the implementation, servers 10A and 10B may be configured separately, or some components of server 10 may be configured in another server.

[0031] Server 10 may optionally include a user interface 150, which may include a display and input devices (such as a keyboard and / or mouse, or any other pointing device).

[0032] The storage device 130 is, for example, a high-speed random access memory (main memory) such as DRAM, SRAM, or other random access solid-state memory. Alternatively, the storage device 130 may be one or more non-volatile memories (auxiliary storage) such as magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. The storage device 130 may also be a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer, storing programs and the like that, including instructions to the computer. Furthermore, the storage device 130 may be either main memory (memory) or auxiliary storage (storage), or it may include both.

[0033] The storage device 130 stores data, programs, etc., used by the information processing system 1. For example, the storage device 130 stores gift delivery information, order draft (provisional order) information, order information, gift delivery support information, etc. These types of information will be described later with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

[0034] Another example of the storage device 130 may be one or more storage devices located remotely from the processor 110. In one embodiment, the storage device 130 stores programs, modules, and data structures, or subsets thereof, executed by the processor 110.

[0035] The processor 110 executes a program stored in the storage device 130 to configure, for example, a service provision unit 111, a reception unit 112, a generation unit 113, a purchase processing unit 114, an output unit 115, an association unit 116, a confirmation unit 117, a presentation unit 118, and an analysis unit 119.

[0036] The service provision unit 111 provides each of the social gifting services disclosed in the embodiment. For example, the service provision unit 111 receives requests from each processing unit 20 regarding the use of the service, such as gift selection requests, delivery method selection requests, purchase requests, delivery requests, etc., and controls processes such as member registration and management for each user.

[0037] Furthermore, the service provision unit 111 includes a reception unit 112, a generation unit 113, a purchase processing unit 114, an output unit 115, an association unit 116, a confirmation unit 117, a presentation unit 118, and an analysis unit 119 in order to control the execution of the services disclosed in the embodiment. The following describes each process that the service provision unit 111 can provide.

[0038] <<Purchase Processing>> The reception unit 112 receives the first gift from the first user, which is one or more gifts. A gift includes, for example, one or more products (including product exchange tickets, which ultimately allow the user to obtain the product) or services (including services that the user can receive by going to a designated store) managed by a designated operator, and the first gift includes the gift selected by the first user (purchaser or giver). For example, the reception unit 112 may receive a gift selection request from the processing unit 20A used by the first user, along with identification information of the gift selected using the gift selection screen.

[0039] The generation unit 113 generates link information for a web page that accepts the receipt information for the first gift from the second user (recipient). For example, when the first gift is accepted, the generation unit 113 generates a URL for a web page where the recipient can input or set information to receive the first gift. As an example, the generation unit 113 may generate link information (e.g., a URL) by associating a predetermined web page for setting the recipient's address, name, etc., with the identification information of the selected first gift.

[0040] Regarding the timing of link information generation, the generation unit 113 may generate the above-mentioned link information at a predetermined timing between the selection of the first gift and before output by the output unit 115. For example, the link information 115 may be generated after the purchase process of the first gift is completed. This prevents the generation of link information for gifts that are not purchased, and allows for the efficient use of computer resources.

[0041] The reception unit 112 receives the delivery method for the first gift from the first user before the purchase of the first gift is completed. For example, the reception unit 112 may receive a delivery method selection request along with identification information indicating the delivery method for the first gift before the first gift is purchased (before payment is made). As an example, the reception unit 112 receives identification information of the delivery method selected using the delivery method selection screen from the processing unit 20A used by the first user.

[0042] The selection of the delivery method for the first gift may occur before the first user selects the gift. In this case, the gift selection screen may be displayed on the processing unit 20A after the delivery method selection screen.

[0043] The purchase processing unit 114 performs the purchase processing for the first gift. For example, when the receiving unit 112 receives a purchase request from the first user, the purchase processing unit 114 executes the purchase processing. If the first user has a payment method associated with them, the purchase processing may be performed using that payment method, or if a payment method is obtained along with the purchase request, the purchase processing may be performed using that payment method.

[0044] The output unit 115 outputs link information to an application that enables the second user to output link information using the selected shipping method, after the purchase processing unit 114 has completed the purchase processing. For example, when a shipping request is received by the first user, the output unit 115 outputs link information using the selected shipping method.

[0045] For example, if SNS is selected as the sending method, the output unit 115 may cause the processing unit 20A to launch the selected SNS application (also referred to as the "SNS app") and output link information to this SNS app.

[0046] Furthermore, if email is selected as the delivery method, the output unit 115 may output link information to the mail server. Also, if an information code such as a two-dimensional code is selected as the delivery method, the output unit 115 may output an information code that makes the link information readable.

[0047] Regarding the second user to whom the gift link information will be sent, after the SNS app is launched in the processing unit 20A, the second user's account may be entered or selected from the SNS app's contact list. Also, if the gift link information is sent via email, the second user's email address may be entered or selected.

[0048] Through the above process, the user can confirm the product and shipping method in advance before completing the purchase, allowing the first user to proceed with sending the gift with peace of mind and improving the convenience of the system. Furthermore, by allowing the user to select the gift shipping method at the time before completing the purchase, when the user is paying close attention, the first user can be notified in advance about the process of sending the gift, which helps prevent them from forgetting to send it.

[0049] In addition to the above processing, the output unit 115 may also launch the application for the selected delivery method on the processing unit 20A. The output unit 115 can launch the selected application using an a (anchor) tag with an appropriate href attribute, for example, by using a technique such as deep linking.

[0050] If the delivery method includes one or more social networking services, the output unit 115 may also include modifying the procedure for causing the second user to set the receiving information based on each social networking service. [Table 1] As shown in Table 1, the process of sending a message differs depending on the SNS. For example, with SNS1, it is possible to transition to sending a message manually or automatically (e.g., LINE®), while with SNS2-4, it is possible to launch the app and transition directly or indirectly to the message input screen (e.g., Instagram®, Messenger®).

[0051] For example, in SNS2-4, while it is possible to launch the app, the OS control sovereignty is transferred to SNS2-4 (e.g., Instagram®), so message input and other operations are performed by each SNS2-4. As described above, the output unit 115 may change the procedure for having the second user set the receiving information based on the SNS selected by the first user, for example, whether to simply launch the app or transition to the message screen.

[0052] Through the above process, it becomes possible to proceed with the processing in a way that minimizes the burden on the first user, depending on the SNS selected by the first user.

[0053] Furthermore, the output unit 115 may be able to send a URL to a selected SNS from the information processing system 1 without going through the SNS application, by using the message sending API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the SNS. In this case, the output unit 115 should output the link information to the SNS application via the message sending API.

[0054] In addition to or instead of any of the above processes, the output unit 115 may copy the link information at a predetermined timing between the generation of the link information and the output to the application selected by the first user. For example, the output unit 115 may automatically copy the link information after its generation, for instance, to the clipboard. The timing of the copy may also be when an event occurs due to an operation by the first user, such as a request for instructions on the delivery method, a purchase request, or a delivery request.

[0055] Through the above process, the first user does not need to manually copy the link information; they can copy it incidentally during another event or automatically. This makes it possible to skip the copy operation when sending gifts via social media, for example, and prevents users from forgetting to send gifts due to the inconvenience of the copy operation.

[0056] In addition to or instead of any of the above processes, the output unit 115 may launch the application selected by the first user. If a specific first SNS is specified as the sending method, the copied link information may be pasted into the message of the first SNS. For example, if SNS1 shown in Table 1 is selected, the output unit 115 can launch SNS1 in response to a specific event from the application (the app) and transition to the message sending screen. In this case, the output unit 115 may paste the temporarily saved link information into the new message after the transition.

[0057] Through the above process, the generated link information is temporarily stored, allowing it to be pasted into a designated location when a specific event occurs, thus saving the first user time. This simplifies the process of sending gifts, preventing gifts from being forgotten.

[0058] The association unit 116 may perform the operation of associating the identification information of the first user with the identification information of the second user in a specific second SNS. For example, when the second user accesses a web page managed by the operator of Social Gift using link information obtained via the second SNS, the association unit 116 may confirm with the second user whether or not it is OK to register the second user ID of the second SNS with the Service.

[0059] If the second user allows the registration of their own user ID, the association unit 116 associates the first user's user ID in the second SNS with the second user's user ID (also referred to as "ID linking"). The first user's user ID in the second SNS can be registered in advance when the first user registers for the service. It is also possible to obtain and register the sender's first user's user ID when the second user allows ID linking.

[0060] In this case, in addition to the above processing, the reception unit 112 may also present the option to send the gift to a user associated with the sender when the second SNS is specified as the sending method when the first or second user sends the second gift. For example, as described above, suppose the first user's user ID and the second user's user ID are associated in the second SNS. In this case, when the first user selects the second SNS as the method for sending the gift, it becomes possible to suggest the second user's user ID, which is associated with the first user's user ID, as the recipient.

[0061] Through the above process, when the first and second users are linked by ID on the second SNS, the first or second user can suggest the other as a recipient option when sending a gift to the other. This eliminates the need to manually select a recipient from a contact list on the second SNS, which may contain a large number of registered users. Note that the second SNS may be the same as the first SNS mentioned above.

[0062] ≪Reminder regarding forgotten delivery≫ In this service, when a gift is sent via a designated SNS, the SNS app is launched and the gift is sent via the SNS app. Therefore, the service may not be able to determine whether or not the gift was actually sent via the selected SNS app. In such cases, there was a need for the system to confirm whether or not the gift was sent. To meet this need, the information processing system 1 is equipped with a function to prevent forgotten deliveries (also referred to as the "reminder function") as shown below.

[0063] The verification unit 117 may, at a predetermined timing after the link information has been output to the application, determine whether or not the web page containing the link information has been accessed by a second user. For example, after the link information A has been output, the verification unit 117 may check at predetermined time intervals whether or not the link information A has been accessed. The predetermined time interval can be any time, for example, several hours. If there is no access to the link information A, it is possible that the link information A was not sent in the first place, so the verification unit 117, as described above, confirms with the first user that the link information A has been sent.

[0064] Through the above process, it becomes possible to determine whether the recipient (the second user) has accessed the system, thereby confirming that the gift has been sent to the first user and preventing the first user from forgetting to send it.

[0065] In addition to the above-described process, the confirmation unit 117 may also confirm the sending of link information to the first user if it determines that the second user has not accessed the web page. The confirmation unit 117 may, for example, confirm the sending of link information A to the first user's processing unit 20A using a pop-up notification or an in-screen notification function of the service. The first user may then perform an operation to indicate whether or not the link information A has been sent in response to the confirmation notification, and the confirmation unit 117 may obtain the confirmation result from the first user.

[0066] The confirmation unit 117 may turn off the reminder function if the confirmation result has already been sent, or continue the reminder function if the confirmation result has not yet been sent, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it may check for access to link information A.

[0067] Through the above process, it is possible to prevent forgetting to send the message to the first user, and reminders can be continued unless the first user confirms that the message has been sent, thereby reducing the possibility of forgetting to send the message.

[0068] In addition to or instead of the above processing, the confirmation unit 117 may, if it cannot detect the success of sending a message containing link information from the selected application, confirm with the first user that the link information has been sent. For example, some SNSs may allow the success / failure of message sending to be obtained via an API, in which case the confirmation unit 117 may confirm the success / failure of message sending from the SNS.

[0069] If the confirmation unit 117 cannot detect that the message has been successfully sent from the SNS, it may, for example, send a pop-up notification to the first user's processing unit 20A or use an in-screen notification function of the service to confirm that the link information has been sent.

[0070] By performing the above steps, if the success / failure status of message sending can be obtained from SNS, the reminder function can be turned on, thereby preventing the first user from forgetting to send a message.

[0071] The above reminder features help prevent forgetting to send gifts and provide users with a smoother gift-sending experience.

[0072] ≪Customizing the User Interface (UI)≫ From a usability perspective, there is a need for a user-friendly UI and the ability to customize the UI for each user. Therefore, to meet this need, information processing system 1 is equipped with a UI customization function as shown below.

[0073] In addition to the processing described above, the receiving unit 112 may store the shipping method received from the first user in the storage device 130. For example, the receiving unit 112 registers the identification information of the shipping method in the storage device 130 in association with the identification information of the first user.

[0074] In addition to, or instead of, the presentation unit 118 may, when receiving a second gift from the first user, set the stored delivery method as the default delivery method and present it to the first user. For example, if the sender user has previously used the service, the presentation unit 118 may set the delivery method previously selected by this user as the default delivery method on the delivery method selection screen displayed on the first user's processing unit 20A.

[0075] Through the above process, if the first user has previously used this service, they will be able to skip the step of selecting the shipping method.

[0076] The display unit 118 counts the number of times the first user has selected a particular delivery method, and if the count reaches a predetermined value or higher, it may set that delivery method as the default delivery method. The predetermined value can be any number, for example, and may be set by the user or by the system. This makes it possible to set a delivery method that the first user frequently uses as the default delivery method.

[0077] In addition to or instead of the above-described processing, the presentation unit 118 may also include the ability to change the default delivery method to another delivery method. For example, in a UI where the user checks the delivery method options on the delivery method selection screen displayed on the first user's processing unit 20A, the presentation unit 118 may present the default delivery method with the checkbox already checked, but if another delivery method is selected, the selected delivery method may be checked.

[0078] Through the above process, the first user is offered a previously selected shipping method, but it is possible to allow the recipient to select a different shipping method.

[0079] In addition to, or instead of, the presentation unit 118 may present the first user with a guide showing the delivery procedure for the accepted delivery method. For example, the presentation unit 118 may present the first user with a delivery procedure (guide) showing each step after the purchase of the gift. As an example, the presentation unit 118 may display a GUI that sequentially explains the delivery procedure on the first user's processing unit 20A.

[0080] Through the above process, it becomes possible to guide the first user through the specific sending procedure, thereby improving user convenience.

[0081] In addition to the processing described above, the presentation unit 118 may also include changing the sending procedure according to the sending method. As described above (see, for example, Table 1), the processing transitions differ depending on the SNS selected by the first user. Therefore, the presentation unit 118 may change the guide that shows how to send the message depending on the selected SNS. For example screens displayed on the first user's processing unit 20A, please refer to Figures 12 and 13 described later.

[0082] Through the above process, when guiding the first user through the specific sending procedure, it becomes possible to guide them through the sending procedure according to the sending method.

[0083] Marketing Information processing system 1 allows users to select a shipping method before purchasing a gift, thereby increasing the likelihood of collecting shipping method selections. As a result, it can aggregate and analyze which shipping methods users utilize. Therefore, information processing system 1 has a function to utilize these aggregated and analyzed results as marketing information.

[0084] In addition to the processing described above, the reception unit 112 may associate the received sending method with the first user's information and store it in the storage device 130. In this case, the analysis unit 119 aggregates and / or analyzes the information stored in the storage device 130.

[0085] For example, the analysis unit 119 may aggregate and / or analyze data using user information set by the user when registering as a member, such as age, address, gender, etc., and the delivery method. As an example, the analysis unit 119 may aggregate / analyze which age groups, genders, and residential areas are most prevalent for each SNS delivery method.

[0086] The analysis unit 119 may output aggregated and / or analyzed result information. For example, the analysis unit 119 may output the aggregated / analyzed results to the operator of the SNS that sends the data, or to the operator of the Service in question.

[0087] The results compiled and analyzed by the analysis unit 119 can be utilized as marketing data. For example, if the use of a particular social networking service (SNS) is rarely selected as a delivery method, the service provision unit 111 may offer incentives to users who select the SNS as a delivery method in order to encourage its use. The incentives may be, for example, points related to the use of the system, which users can use to reduce usage fees or deduct from the purchase price of gifts.

[0088] Furthermore, if the operator of this service provides aggregated / analyzed result information to an external party, they may charge a fee for providing this result information. In this case, the service provision unit 111 may create an invoice to charge the fee and output the invoice to the processing device used by the recipient.

[0089] Furthermore, the operator of this service may propose a promotional campaign to SNS operators based on the aggregated / analyzed results. In this case, the service provision unit 111 may select which SNS to propose to based on the aggregated / analyzed results and notify the operators of the target SNS.

[0090] The analysis unit 119 may generate a prompt to generate campaign information from the aggregated / analyzed result information, and output this prompt to the generation AI, thereby obtaining campaign information from the generation AI. The generation AI may be an AI that utilizes a large-scale language model.

[0091] Alternatively, the analysis unit 119 may generate a prompt instructing the AI ​​to aggregate / analyze the data using user information and delivery method information, output this prompt to the generating AI, and obtain the aggregation / analysis results from the generating AI.

[0092] Through the above process, the delivery methods selected by users can be aggregated and analyzed, allowing these aggregated / analyzed results to be utilized as marketing information.

[0093] <Examples of each data> Next, examples of data stored in the storage device 130 of server 10 will be explained using Figures 4 to 7.

[0094] Figure 4 shows an example of gift delivery information according to the embodiment. The gift delivery information shown in Figure 4 includes "Order ID" and "Delivery Method" information, associated with the "Order Draft ID". The "Order Draft ID" includes identification information for a provisional order before the purchase is completed. For example, the "Order Draft ID" is identification information issued in response to events related to the use of a gift, such as when a user selects a gift or selects a delivery method.

[0095] The "Order ID" contains identifying information that identifies the gift order. For example, the Order ID is identifying information issued when a gift purchase is completed. Before the gift purchase is completed, the Order ID does not contain any information that identifies a specific order; after the purchase is completed, identifying information that identifies a specific order is set.

[0096] The "Delivery Method" section includes identification information that identifies the method of delivery for the gift. Identification information indicating the delivery method is set according to the delivery method selected by the user. This identification information may also be the name of the social networking service (SNS). Furthermore, the gift delivery information may include other information, such as the date and time the provisional order was recognized.

[0097] Figure 5 shows an example of order draft (provisional order) information according to the embodiment. The order draft information shown in Figure 5 includes "gift" and "amount" information associated with the "order draft ID". The "order draft ID" includes identification information for provisional orders before the purchase is completed, and is the same information as the "order draft ID" shown in Figure 4. This makes it possible to associate gift delivery information with order draft information.

[0098] A "gift" includes identifying information that identifies the gift. For example, a "gift" is information about a product or service that represents a gift selected by the user, and information is set in the "gift" when a gift is selected by the user.

[0099] The "amount" includes the gift price. The selling price of the gift selected by the user will be set. Note that the order draft information may also include other information, such as the date and time the gift was selected.

[0100] Figure 6 shows an example of order information according to the embodiment. The order information shown in Figure 6 includes "Gift," "Amount," and "Redemption URL" associated with the "Order ID." The "Order ID" includes identification information that identifies the gift order and is issued when a gift is purchased by the user. When an Order ID is issued, the same Order ID is also set in the Order ID shown in Figure 4. This associates the order information with the gift delivery information.

[0101] Furthermore, the "Order ID" may be information that uniquely identifies the "Order Draft ID". For example, removing the "D" from the "Order Draft ID" "D0101" may generate the "Order ID" "0101". This associates the order draft information with the order information.

[0102] The "Gift" and "Amount" fields in the order information may be set to the same values ​​as those in the order draft information.

[0103] The "redemption URL" contains link information indicating the URL of a webpage where the recipient can set up their gift redemption information. For example, a "redemption URL" is generated for each gift. The recipient obtains the "redemption URL" and accesses the webpage indicated by this "redemption URL" to set up their gift redemption information. Note that the order information may also include other information, such as the date and time the purchase process was completed.

[0104] Figure 7 shows an example of gift delivery support information according to the embodiment. The gift delivery support information shown in Figure 7 includes "terminal" and "delivery support method" in association with the "delivery method". The "delivery method" is the same as the "delivery method" shown in Figure 4, thereby associating the gift delivery support information with the gift delivery information.

[0105] "Device" refers to information that identifies the device used by the purchaser's user. For example, "device" may be set to information that identifies the device, such as mobile or desktop. For instance, there are various methods for determining whether the device browsing a webpage is mobile or desktop, including using JavaScript®. For example, a common method is to determine it from the User-Agent string, but there are also methods that determine it from the browser size or by using a device detection library.

[0106] The "gift delivery support method" includes information that identifies a module that supports the delivery of gifts. This "gift delivery support method" is, for example, information for calling a module that launches the social networking service (SNS), or a module that changes how the SNS is launched depending on which device it is launched from. For example, these modules might launch a corresponding application, copy a redemption URL to the clipboard, or draft a message. The gift delivery support information may also include other information, such as the content of a draft message.

[0107] Although not shown in the diagram, the storage device 130 may contain member information. Member information includes various data / information such as name, contact information, and address, associated with the user ID. The member ID includes the ID of the user using the system disclosed herein, the name includes the user's name information, and the contact information includes information such as telephone number, email address, and SNS account. The address includes the user's address. Member information may also include other data / information such as membership registration / cancellation, services, and membership fees.

[0108] <Processing device configuration> Figure 8 shows an example of a processing unit 20 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the processing unit 20 is a device used by a user of a social gifting service. The processing unit 20 includes one or more processors (e.g., CPUs) 210, one or more network communication interfaces 220, a storage device (storage unit) 230, a user interface 250, and one or more communication buses 270 for interconnecting these components. As described above, when the processing unit 20 indicates a processing unit used by a first user who purchases a gift, each component is denoted by the code A, and when the processing unit 20 indicates a processing unit used by a second user who receives a gift, each component is denoted by the code B.

[0109] The user interface 250 includes a display 251 and an input device (such as a keyboard and / or mouse, or any other pointing device) 252.

[0110] The storage device 230 is, for example, a high-speed random-access memory (main memory) such as DRAM, SRAM, or other random-access solid-state memory. Alternatively, the storage device 230 may be one or more non-volatile memories (secondary storage) such as magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. The storage device 230 may also be a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. Furthermore, the storage device 230 may be either main memory (memory) or secondary storage (storage), or it may include both.

[0111] The storage device 230 stores data and programs used by the information processing system 1. For example, the storage device 230 stores application programs for the processing unit 20 in the information processing system 1.

[0112] The processor 210 constitutes the service processing unit 211 by executing a program stored in the storage device 230. The service processing unit 211 includes, for example, a web browser and an email application. The web browser enables the viewing of web pages provided by the server 10. Furthermore, the execution of an application for the installed user terminal enables the viewing of web pages that provide the aforementioned services. The service processing unit 211 has a communication control unit 212, a display control unit 213, and an operation control unit 214 in order to receive services.

[0113] The communication control unit 212 acquires screen information related to the social gifting service transmitted from the server 10. For example, the communication control unit 212A of the processing unit 20A used by the first user acquires screen information such as the gift selection screen, the delivery method selection screen, the purchase screen, and the delivery screen. The communication control unit 212B of the processing unit 20B used by the second user acquires screen information such as the message screen containing link information and the recipient information setting screen. The communication control unit 212 outputs to the server 10 the information selected and set using each screen, predetermined requests, and work information related to the service.

[0114] The display control unit 213 controls the display 251 to display screens related to the social gifting service based on the screen information acquired by the communication control unit 212. For example, the display control unit 213A of the processing unit 20A used by the first user controls the display of various screen information such as the gift selection screen, the delivery method selection screen, the purchase screen, and the delivery screen. The display control unit 213B of the processing unit 20B used by the second user controls the display of various screen information such as the message screen containing link information and the recipient information setting screen.

[0115] The operation control unit 214 receives user operations on UI components displayed on each screen and transmits the operation information to the application on the processing unit 20 or outputs it to the server 10. For example, the operation control unit 214 outputs information about the social gift service selected, set, or entered by the user to the server 10.

[0116] The communication control unit 212 transmits each operation information received by the operation control unit 214 to the server 10 via the network communication interface 220.

[0117] Through the above processes, the processing unit 20 used by the first or second user performs processing in cooperation with the server 10. Processing unit 20A selects a gift, selects a gift delivery method before purchase, performs the purchase process, and sends gift link information. Processing unit 20B receives gift link information and sets up receiving information for receiving the gift.

[0118] <Operation Description> Next, we will describe the various operations of the information processing system 1. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to a social gift service according to one embodiment. The flow shown in Figure 9 is an example of the process by which a first user sends a social gift to a second user.

[0119] In step S102, the service provision unit 111 of the server 10 provides a service related to sending social gifts. For example, the service provision unit 111 provides a system that enables users to select, purchase, and send gifts online.

[0120] In step S104, the reception unit 112 of the server 10 receives the first gift from the first user, which is one or more gifts. For example, the reception unit 112 may receive a gift selection request from the processing unit 20A used by the first user, along with the identification information of the gift selected using the gift selection screen.

[0121] In step S106, the generation unit 113 of the server 10 generates link information for a web page that accepts the receipt information for the first gift from the second user (recipient). For example, when the first gift is accepted, the generation unit 113 generates a URL for a web page where the user can input or set information to receive the first gift. Note that the processing in step S106 may be performed after step S110, which is performed after the gift purchase.

[0122] In step S108, the reception unit 112 of the server 10 receives the method for sending the first gift from the first user before the purchase of the first gift is completed. For example, the reception unit 112 may receive a request for instructions on the method of sending the first gift, along with identification information indicating the method of sending the first gift, before the first gift is purchased (before payment is made). As an example, the reception unit 112 receives identification information of the method of sending selected using the method of sending screen from the processing unit 20A used by the first user.

[0123] In step S110, the purchase processing unit 114 of the server 10 performs the purchase processing for the first gift. For example, when the receiving unit 112 receives a purchase request from the first user, the purchase processing unit 114 executes the purchase processing. If the first user has a payment method associated with them, the purchase processing may be performed using that payment method, or if a payment method is obtained along with the purchase request, the purchase processing may be performed using that payment method.

[0124] In step S112, the output unit 115 of the server 10 outputs link information to an application that enables the second user to output link information using the selected shipping method, after the purchase processing unit 114 has completed the purchase processing. For example, when a shipping request is received by the first user, the server outputs link information using the selected shipping method.

[0125] For the second user to whom the gift link information will be sent, the second user's account may be entered or selected from the SNS app's contact list after the SNS app is launched. Alternatively, if the gift link information is sent via email, the second user's email address may be entered or selected.

[0126] Through the above process, the first user can confirm the product and shipping method in advance before completing the purchase, allowing them to proceed with sending the gift with peace of mind and improving the system's usability. Furthermore, by allowing the user to select the gift shipping method at the time before completing the purchase, when the user is paying close attention, the first user can be informed of the steps required to send the gift in advance, preventing them from forgetting to send the gift.

[0127] The processes shown in Figure 9 may be rearranged or processed in parallel, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the selection of the delivery method in step S108 may be performed at any time, as long as it is after the processing in step S102 and before the processing in step S110.

[0128] <Screen example> Next, an example of each screen displayed in the information processing system 1 will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen after selecting a gift according to one embodiment. Screen D10 shown in Figure 10 includes an area A for selecting a message template to receive the "gift receiving URL" (an example of link information, which is the redemption URL shown in Figure 6), an area B for selecting the SNS (including email sending) to send the gift, an area C containing the product information selected by the user, and a "Confirm Order" button for confirming the order.

[0129] In area A, the first user can select the characters and / or letters to include in the message sent to the second user.

[0130] In area B, the first user can choose which SNS to send the "gift URL" (an example of link information) to. In the example shown in Figure 10, multiple SNS are displayed as options for sending, and the first user selects at least one SNS, which then sends information indicating the selected SNS to the server 10.

[0131] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, it is possible to allow the first user to select the SNS to which the gift will be sent before the order is confirmed. The system can also know in advance which SNS the user has selected, and as mentioned above, it is possible to increase the amount of data available for marketing purposes.

[0132] In area C, the gift selected by the first user from a gift selection screen (not shown) is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 10, a ballpoint pen is selected by the first user and is displayed.

[0133] In the example shown in Figure 10, when SNS is not selected, for example, order draft information is set. Then, when SNS is selected, gift delivery information is set, and when the order is confirmed (purchase completed), order information is set.

[0134] Here, the subsequent screen transitions may differ depending on the SNS selected in area B shown in Figure 10. For example, with SNS1, you can launch SNS1 and transition to a screen where you can select the recipient; with SNS2, you can launch the SNS2 app, manually select the recipient, and send a message with a copied gift URL; and with SNS3, a share screen opens where you can select multiple SNS, and you can select SNS3 to launch SNS3. Figures 11 to 15 show examples of transition screens for each SNS.

[0135] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a transition screen to SNS1 according to the embodiment. Screen D20 shown in Figure 11 is an example of a screen that is displayed after SNS1 is selected from the screen shown in Figure 10, and then the "Confirm Order" button is pressed.

[0136] In the example shown in Figure 11, the first user can understand that SNS1 has been selected as the method for sending the gift URL, and that they will then be able to select the recipient. When the "Select recipient on SNS1" button is pressed, the SNS1 app is launched, allowing the user to select a recipient on SNS1, and then send a message containing the gift URL to the selected recipient.

[0137] Figure 12 shows an example of a transition screen to SNS2 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 12, the transmission procedure is guided as steps, and the first user can easily understand the transmission procedure when selecting SNS2 by looking at this guide.

[0138] For example, you can send a gift URL to a second user using the following steps. 1. Click the button at the bottom of screen D22 shown in Figure 12 ("Select recipient to send to on SNS2"). 2. The contact information is displayed with the gift URL copied. 3. Select the recipient on SNS2. 4. After pasting the message into the message input screen, send the gift URL.

[0139] As shown in Figure 12, the first user can send the gift URL by following the instructions for sending the URL according to SNS2.

[0140] Figure 13 shows an example of a transition screen to SNS3 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 13, the transmission procedure is guided as steps, and the first user can easily understand the transmission procedure when selecting SNS3 by looking at this guide.

[0141] For example, you can send a gift URL to a second user using the following steps. 1. Click the button ("Select recipient") located below screen D24 as shown in Figure 13. 2. The share screen is displayed. 3. Select the recipient on the share screen. 4. After pasting the message into the message input screen, send the gift URL.

[0142] When the first user operates the "Select recipient" button shown in Figure 13 (Step 1), the screen shown in Figure 14 is displayed (Step 2).

[0143] Figure 14 shows an example of a sharing screen related to SNS3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the first user can select a recipient from the SNS3 user accounts displayed on SNS3 from the sharing screen D26. The user selected in Figure 14 may become the second user.

[0144] Figure 15 shows an example of a screen for transitioning to email sending according to the embodiment. In screen D28 shown in Figure 15, when the instruction to copy the URL is given and the "Copy URL" button is pressed, the link information is copied to the clipboard. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 15, for those who cannot copy, the link information can be selected and copied.

[0145] In the scenario shown in Figure 15, the first user copies the gift URL, then launches their email application, composes an email to the recipient, pastes the copied gift URL into the email, and sends it.

[0146] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples for explaining the disclosed technology and are not intended to limit the disclosed technology to these embodiments only. The disclosed technology can be modified in various ways as long as it does not deviate from its essence. Furthermore, the processing on the server side and the user's processing device side may be integrated as appropriate, or processing may be transferred to the other device or to a different device. For example, if the application performs the processing described above, the reception unit 112, generation unit 113, purchase processing unit 114, and output unit 115 of the service provision unit 111 of the server 10 may be functions implemented in the application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0147] 1...Information processing system, 10...Server, 20...Processing device, 110...Processor, 130...Storage device, 111...Service provision unit, 112...Reception unit, 113...Generation unit, 114...Purchase processing unit, 115...Output unit, 116...Association unit, 117...Confirmation unit, 118...Presentation unit, 119...Analysis unit, 210...Processor, 211...Service processing unit, 212...Communication control unit, 213...Display control unit, 214...Operation control unit, 230...Storage device, 251...Display

Claims

1. Information processing device, To receive the first gift out of one or more gifts from the first user. To generate link information for a web page that receives the receipt information for the first gift from the second user, Before the purchase of the first gift is completed, the method for sending the first gift is to be received from the first user. To process the purchase of the first gift, After the completion of the purchase process, the link information is output to an application that enables the output of the link information using the delivery method on the processing device used by the second user. An information processing method that performs the following.

2. The output mentioned above is, To launch the aforementioned application, The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising, if the sending method includes one or more social networking services, modifying the procedure for causing the second user to set the receiving information based on each social networking service.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the link information is copied at a predetermined timing between the generation of the link information and its output to the application.

4. The output mentioned above is, To launch the aforementioned application, The information processing method according to claim 3, which includes pasting the copied link information into a message of the first social networking service when the first social networking service is specified as the method of sending information.

5. The system performs the following: associating the identification information of the first user with the identification information of the second user in the second social networking service. Accepting the aforementioned submission method means The information processing method according to claim 1, which includes presenting an option to send a user associated with the sending user as the recipient when the first user or the second user sends a second gift and the second social networking service is specified as the sending method.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, after outputting to the application, a determination is made at a predetermined timing whether or not the Web page of the link information has been accessed by the second user.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein if it is determined that the second user has not accessed the web page, the method is performed to confirm with the first user that the link information has been sent.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein if the application cannot detect the success of sending a message containing the link information, the method further includes confirming with the first user that the link information has been sent.

9. The sending method received from the first user is stored in the storage unit. The information processing method according to claim 1, which, when receiving a second gift from the first user, sets the stored sending method to a default sending method and presents it to the first user.

10. The above presentation means that The information processing method according to claim 9, further comprising the ability to change the aforementioned default delivery method to another delivery method.

11. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising presenting the first user with a guide showing the sending procedure in the accepted sending method.

12. The above presentation means that The information processing method according to claim 11, which includes changing the sending procedure according to the sending method.

13. The accepted sending method and the first user's information are associated and stored in the storage unit. To aggregate and / or analyze the information stored in the memory unit, The information processing method according to claim 1, which performs the task of outputting the aggregated and / or analyzed result information.

14. In an information processing device, To receive the first gift out of one or more gifts from the first user. To generate link information for a web page that receives the receipt information for the first gift from the second user, Before the purchase of the first gift is completed, the method for sending the first gift is to be received from the first user. To process the purchase of the first gift, After the completion of the purchase process, the link information is output to an application that enables the output of the link information using the delivery method on the processing device used by the second user. A program that executes the command.

15. An information processing device including one or more processors, The one or more processors described above To receive the first gift out of one or more gifts from the first user. To generate link information for a web page that receives the receipt information for the first gift from the second user, Before the purchase of the first gift is completed, the method for sending the first gift is to be received from the first user. To process the purchase of the first gift, After the completion of the purchase process, the link information is output to an application that enables the output of the link information using the delivery method on the processing device used by the second user. An information processing device that performs the following actions.

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