Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of examining both purchase and rental of an article.SOLUTION: A server 20 of a rental service system 1 comprises a control unit 203, and a storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 stores information on articles rentable in a rental service in a rental article database 282. The control unit 203 generates a link (first information) to a screen for application to the rental service as a function thereof, displays a screen for receiving an instruction (first instruction) to apply rental of an article to be rented, purchases the article from an EC site provided by an external server, and manages the purchased article as a rental object of the rental service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Rental services that temporarily lend items have been provided. Rental services are used when an item is not needed all the time, but is needed temporarily. For example, if a person does not normally use a car, but needs to use a car temporarily when moving, they can use a car rental service to borrow a car.

[0003] Rental product providers provide information to users who wish to use rental products by posting information about the rental products they offer on their own websites or mall-type e-commerce sites. However, users can only select rental products posted on the websites of each rental product provider, and they must refer to the websites of various rental product providers, which is time-consuming. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for this purpose: an affiliate system consisting of a rental product provider, an administrator who posts rental application advertisements, and users who wish to use rental products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-192079 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, when users want to use a certain item, it would be desirable for them to be able to consider both purchasing and renting. However, since the number of items available for rental is limited, the current situation is that users generally only consider purchasing. Furthermore, when comparing the purchase price of an item with the rental fee, the purchase price is usually higher. Therefore, when users want to use a certain item, they cannot consider both purchasing and renting, and can only consider purchasing, which can be said to be inconvenient for users.

[0006] On the other hand, there is little motivation for retailers to offer the option of purchasing or renting goods. This is because people who wish to purchase goods usually want to buy new products, and it would be necessary to manage inventory separately for sold goods and returned rental goods, which would be cumbersome. For this reason, retailers and rental businesses are often run by different businesses.

[0007] Rental businesses that rent out goods purchase goods from sellers, manage them as inventory, and offer them as rental items. Therefore, adjusting supply and demand is an important issue for rental businesses, and they purchase goods based on detailed supply and demand forecasts. Therefore, even in situations where it is possible to consider both purchasing and renting a certain item, since each option is offered by a different business, even when users refer to websites or e-commerce sites to make their decision, they must refer to different websites, which is inconvenient for users.

[0008] For the reasons described above, there is a need for a system technology that allows consideration of both purchasing and renting an item and is beneficial to both sellers and rental businesses.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure describes a technology that allows consideration of both purchasing and renting an item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing device including a control unit and a storage unit, for providing a rental service for an item to a user. The storage unit is configured to store information for identifying each item, and the control unit performs the following steps: generating first information on an external website for receiving an instruction from a user to apply for rental of the item to be rented; in response to access to the external website from the user's terminal, displaying on the user's terminal a screen for receiving the first instruction for applying for rental of the item to be rented based on the first information; in response to receiving the first instruction from the user, performing a process for purchasing the item related to the first instruction; and performing a process for managing the purchased item as a rental item for the rental service.

[0011] According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for providing a user with an item rental service, the method being executed by a computer including a processor. The method includes the steps of: generating, on an external website, first information for accepting from a user an instruction to apply for rental of an item to be rented; displaying, on the user's terminal in response to accessing the external website from the user's terminal, a screen for accepting the first instruction to apply for rental of the item to be rented based on the first information; performing, in response to accepting the first instruction from the user, a process for purchasing the item related to the first instruction; and performing a process for managing the purchased item as a rental item for the rental service.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a program is provided that, when executed by a computer having a processor, provides a user with an item rental service. The program causes the processor to execute the following steps: generate first information for accepting an instruction from a user to apply for rental of an item on an external website; in response to accessing the external website from the user's terminal, display a screen on the user's terminal for accepting the first instruction for applying for rental of the item based on the first information; in response to accepting the first instruction from the user, perform processing to purchase the item related to the first instruction; and perform processing to manage the purchased item as a rental item for the rental service. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, first information for receiving instructions from a user to apply for rental of an item to be rented is generated on an external website, and when a rental application for the item is received, the item is purchased and managed as a rental item for a rental service. This makes it possible to consider both purchasing and renting an item using the first information for rental applications on an external website that lists sales information for the item. Furthermore, since an item is purchased when a rental application is received, it is beneficial for the seller, and it is possible to build a system that is beneficial for the rental business operator, as there is no need for inventory management until a rental application is received. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a rental service system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device 10 constituting the rental service system 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 20 that constitutes the rental service system 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 shows the data structures of a user database 281, a rental item database 282, and a rental item inventory database 283 stored in the server 20. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing for accepting registration of a rental item by the rental service system 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of rental acceptance processing for a rental item performed by the rental service system 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of screens on the terminal device 10 during rental acceptance processing for a rental item. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of screens on the terminal device 10 during rental acceptance processing for a rental item. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of screens on the terminal device 10 in the rental acceptance process for a rental item. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of screens on the terminal device 10 in the rental acceptance process for a rental item. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 20 that constitutes the rental service system 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 20 that constitutes the rental service system 1 of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0016] <Summary> The following describes a rental service. This rental service is a service for renting items such as home appliances, clothing, and bags for a certain period of time. Users can register as members of the server that provides this rental service and access the server to use the item rental service. The items available for rental through this rental service are available in multiple types, with different manufacturers, brands, performance, and ranks, and users can apply for rental based on their preferences.

[0017] In addition, items available for rental through this rental service can also be purchased from other sellers. The rental business that operates this rental service purchases items from these other sellers and rents them to users of the rental service. The rental service fee is usually lower than purchasing items from the seller, allowing users to use the item more cheaply than purchasing them from other sellers. Once the rental business purchases an item from the other seller, it manages the item as part of its inventory of available rental items and rents it to users of the rental service. Therefore, the rental business makes a profit by predicting how long (period, number of times) the item will be rented and setting rental fees so that the total rental fee is higher than the purchase price from other sellers (including its own management costs, etc.).

[0018] Furthermore, on e-commerce sites operated by other sellers, it is possible to rent items from the aforementioned rental service providers on the page where the items sold by that seller are listed. For example, on the e-commerce site operated by that seller, it is possible to apply for rental from the aforementioned rental service provider on the page where the items sold by that seller are listed. Specifically, the page where the items from that seller are listed has a link that leads to an application screen for rental from the rental service provider. At this time, the price of the item if purchased and the usage fee if rented are displayed, allowing the user to consider both options. This is beneficial for the seller because the rental service provider purchases the item even when a user applies for rental, and it is also beneficial for the rental service provider because they do not need to manage inventory until the item is purchased.

[0019] In the following embodiments, the rental service will be described as an example of a service for renting items such as cameras, interchangeable lenses, or home appliances.

[0020] First Embodiment The following describes a rental service system 1 that rents items such as cameras, interchangeable lenses, or home appliances. In the following description, for example, when a terminal device 10 accesses a server 20 or an external server 30, the server 20 or the external server 30 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 generates and displays a screen based on the information received from the server 20 or the external server 30.

[0021] <1 Overall configuration of rental service system 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a rental service system 1. The rental service system is a system for renting items such as cameras, interchangeable lenses, or home appliances. As shown in FIG. 1, the rental service system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices (terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B are shown in FIG. 1; hereinafter, they may be collectively referred to as "terminal devices 10"), a server 20, and an external server 30. The terminal devices 10, the server 20, and the external server 30 are connected to each other via a network 80 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 80 is configured as a wired or wireless network.

[0022] The terminal device 10 is a device operated by each user. The terminal device 10 is realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary personal computer (PC) or a laptop PC. As shown as terminal device 10B in FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19.

[0023] The terminal device 10 is communicably connected to the server 20 via a network 80. The terminal device 10 is connected to the network 80 by communicating with communication devices such as a wireless base station 81 that complies with communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution) and a wireless LAN router 82 that complies with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

[0024] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices. The input device 13 is an input device (e.g., a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0025] The server 20 is a device used by the rental business operator, and is a device that manages information on each user of the rental service provided by the rental service system 1, information on the items available for rental, and information on the inventory status of the items available for rental. The server 20 accepts rental applications from users via the external server 30.

[0026] Furthermore, if the requested rental item is not in stock, the server 20 makes a request to purchase the item to the external server 30. The server 20 accepts a rental request from a user, and if the item is in stock or purchased from the external server 30, performs a shipping process for the item.

[0027] The server 20 is a computer connected to a network 80. The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0028] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from the rental business and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0029] The external server 30 is a device used by a seller, and is a device that manages information on each user of the EC site (external website), information on items available for sale, and information on the inventory status of items available for sale. The external server 30 presents items available for sale and rental to users, and accepts sales or rental applications from users. When an application for rental of an item is received, the external server 30 instructs the server 20 to make the rental application.

[0030] The external server 30 is a computer connected to the network 80. The external server 30 includes a communication IF 32, an input / output IF 33, a memory 35, a storage 36, and a processor 39.

[0031] The communication IF 32 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the external server 30 can communicate with external devices. The input / output IF 33 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 35 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 36 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 39 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0032] <1.1 Configuration of the terminal device 10> FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal device 10 constituting the rental service system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes multiple antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122) corresponding to the respective antennas, an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 131 and a display 132), an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a storage unit 170, and a control unit 180. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations not specifically shown in FIG. 2 (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, the blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0033] The antenna 111 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first radio communication unit 121.

[0034] The antenna 112 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 112 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second radio communication unit 122.

[0035] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 180.

[0036] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving input operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touch screen, and includes a touch-sensitive device 131 and a display 132.

[0037] Touch-sensitive device 131 accepts an input operation by a user of terminal device 10. Touch-sensitive device 131 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel by using, for example, a capacitive touch panel. Touch-sensitive device 131 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to control unit 180 as an input operation.

[0038] Display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of control unit 180. Display 132 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0039] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 180. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0040] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. The satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites, and detects the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module based on the received signals.

[0041] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to a subject being photographed.

[0042] Storage unit 170 is configured with, for example, a flash memory, and stores data and programs used by terminal device 10. In one aspect, storage unit 170 stores user information 171.

[0043] The user information 171 is information about a user who is using the rental service using the terminal device 10. The user information includes information for identifying the user (user ID), the user's name, user attribute information, information about the item that the user has rented (item ID for identifying the item), and the like.

[0044] The control unit 180 reads a program stored in the storage unit 170 and executes instructions included in the program, thereby controlling the operation of the terminal device 10. The control unit 180 is, for example, an application that is pre-installed in the terminal device 10. The control unit 180 operates in accordance with the program, thereby fulfilling the functions of an input operation reception unit 181, a transmission / reception unit 182, a data processing unit 183, and a notification control unit 184.

[0045] Input operation reception unit 181 performs processing to receive a user's input operation on an input device such as touch-sensitive device 131. Based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched touch-sensitive device 131 with a finger or the like, input operation reception unit 181 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation.

[0046] The transmitting / receiving unit 182 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0047] The data processing unit 183 performs a process of performing calculations on data that the terminal device 10 has received as input, in accordance with a program, and outputting the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0048] The notification control unit 184 performs processing to present information to the user. The notification control unit 184 performs processing to display a display image on the display 132, processing to output audio to the speaker 142, processing to cause the camera 160 to generate vibrations, etc.

[0049] <1.2 Functional configuration of server 20> 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 constituting the rental service system 1 of the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0050] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0051] The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores a user database 281, a rental item database 282, a rental item inventory database 283, and the like.

[0052] The user database 281 is a database for holding information on each user in the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0053] The rental item database 282 is a database for storing information about items that can be rented in the rental service provided by the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0054] The rental item inventory database 283 is a database for holding information relating to the inventory of items that can be rented in the rental service provided by the rental service system 1. Details will be described later.

[0055] The control unit 203 performs functions shown as various modules by the processor of the server 20 performing processes according to the programs.

[0056] The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0057] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0058] The link generation module 2033 controls the process of generating first information provided by the rental service system 1 for receiving from a user an instruction to apply for rental of an item to be rented. Specifically, the link generation module 2033 controls the process of generating a link (first information) to a screen for applying for the rental service. The screen for applying for the rental service is, for example, a web page provided by the server 20. In other words, the link generation module 2033 generates a link for transitioning from an e-commerce site provided by the external server 30 to a web page provided by the server 20 on which the item is posted. Information about the generated link is transmitted to the external server 30 and presented on the e-commerce site provided by the external server 30. In addition, information about the generated link is stored in the rental item database 282 as information about the item.

[0059] In response to access to a link presented on an e-commerce site provided by the external server 30, the rental application acceptance module 2034 controls the process of displaying on the terminal device 10 a screen for accepting an instruction (first instruction) for applying for rental of an item to be rented. The screen displayed at this time is the screen at the link destination described above. The means for accepting the instruction for applying for rental is, for example, a rental application link or button displayed on a web page provided by the server 20. That is, the rental application acceptance module 2034 accepts the instruction when the rental application link or button is pressed. At this time, the rental application acceptance module 2034 may accept information such as user information and the scheduled return date of the rented item in addition to the instruction for applying for rental. Furthermore, the rental application information is stored in the user database 281 as information related to rental history.

[0060] In response to receiving an instruction to make a rental application for an item to be rented, if the item is not in stock managed by the rental business, the item purchase module 2035 controls a process to purchase the item from an e-commerce site provided by the external server 30. The item purchase module 2035 references the rental item inventory database 283, and if the item specified in the received rental application instruction is not in stock, the item purchase module 2035 performs a process to purchase the item from the e-commerce site provided by the external server 30. Note that a case where the item is not in stock may include a case where the item has not yet been purchased from the e-commerce site provided by the external server 30, and a case where the item has already been purchased but is currently being rented and used by another user.

[0061] The purchase item management module 2036 controls the process of managing items purchased from the EC site provided by the external server 30 as rental items for the rental service. Items purchased from the EC site may be managed in inventory by the rental business in its own facilities, or may be managed by entrusting management to a third party (another company). Management information for purchased items is managed by storing it in the rental item inventory database 283.

[0062] <2 Data Structure> FIG. 4 shows the data structures of the user database 281, rental item database 282, and rental item inventory database 283 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, each record in the user database 281 includes an item "user ID," an item "user name," an item "user address," an item "rental service usage history," and the like.

[0064] The item "user ID" is information for identifying each user who has registered as a member in the rental service system 1.

[0065] The item "user name" is a name set by the user, and is usually the user's name.

[0066] The "User Address" item is the address set by the user, which is usually the address where the user resides, but it can also be the address to which the user who instructs the rental of an item wishes the item to be sent, such as the user's work address.

[0067] The item "Rental service usage history" is information about the history of each user's use of the item rental service, and specifically includes the item "Item ID," the item "Rental date," the item "(scheduled) return date," the item "Status," etc. The information about the history includes information on when the rental service is currently being used (on loan) and information on when the service has been used (returned).

[0068] The item "item ID" is information for identifying an item to be rented in the rental service system 1.

[0069] The item "Rental Date" is information indicating the date on which the item was rented to the user in the rental service. The rental date may be the date on which the user applied for the rental service, the date on which the item was shipped to the user, or the date on which the user received the item.

[0070] The item "Scheduled return date" is information indicating the scheduled return date when the item rental service is in use, or the return date when the item has already been returned and used. The scheduled return date may be the date received from the user, or may be the date specified by the rental application acceptance module 2034.

[0071] The item "status" is information indicating the usage status of the rental service of the item. Specifically, if the rental service is being used, it is "rented", and if the rental service has been used, it is "returned".

[0072] The server 20 accepts member registration from each user and updates the user database 281 as the user accepts the item rental service.

[0073] Each record in the rental item database 282 includes an item "item ID," an item "item name," an item "model number," an item "product link destination," an item "rental link destination," an item "fee," and the like.

[0074] The item “item ID” is information for identifying an item to be rented in the rental service system 1, and corresponds to the item “item ID” in the user database 281.

[0075] The item "item name" is information indicating the name of the item to be rented in the rental service system 1. The item name may be the general name of the item, or may include the model name, brand name, etc.

[0076] The item "Model number" is information indicating the model number of the item to be rented in the rental service system 1. It is used when the item cannot be identified by the name in the item "Item name" alone and it is necessary to identify it by the model number.

[0077] The item "Product Link" is a link (URL) to a web page on which the product is posted on an e-commerce site provided by the external server 30. Specifically, it is a link to a web page that has a link to a screen for applying for a rental service. This link may be a web page on which the product is displayed as a list together with other products, or a web page on which only the product is displayed.

[0078] The item "Rental Link Destination" is a link (URL) to a web page that is an application page for applying to rent the item in question, on a web page provided by server 20. This link may be a web page where the item in question is displayed as a list together with other items, or a web page where only the item in question is displayed.

[0079] The item "fee" is information indicating the fee for renting the item.

[0080] The server 20 receives registration of information on rental items from rental businesses, and updates the rental item database 282 upon receiving link information from the external server 30.

[0081] Each record in the rental item inventory database 283 includes an item "item ID," an item "purchase status," an item "stock status," and the like.

[0082] The item “item ID” is information for identifying an item to be rented in the rental service system 1, and corresponds to the item “item ID” in the user database 281 and the rental item database 282.

[0083] The item "Purchase / Not Purchased" is information indicating whether the item to be rented has already been purchased from the EC site provided by the external server 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, "◯" indicating that the item has already been purchased, or "X" indicating that the item has not yet been purchased is stored.

[0084] The item "Stock status" is information indicating the stock status of the item. For example, as shown in Figure 4, for each warehouse managed by the rental business, "〇" indicating that the item is in stock, or "×" indicating that the item is out of stock, is stored.

[0085] The server 20 receives registration of information on rental items from rental businesses, and updates the rental item inventory database 283 as it receives information on the inventory status of the items.

[0086] <3 operations> Hereinafter, the rental service system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, with regard to the registration and acceptance process for rental items.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the rental service system 1 according to the first embodiment performing the registration acceptance process for a rental item.

[0088] In step S121, the input / output IF 23 of the server 20 receives an operation from the rental business to register the item as a rental item available for rental by the rental service system 1. The rental business inputs information such as the name and model number of the item to be made available for rental through the input / output IF 23 of the server 20. The server 20 stores the received information about the item in the rental item database 282.

[0089] In step S123, server 20 generates a screen for receiving instructions to apply for rental of the item from the received information such as the name, model number, etc. of the item to be made available for rental. Specifically, information about the item (including information such as a photograph of the item's appearance) is displayed on a web page provided by server 20, and a rental application button for issuing an instruction to apply for rental is arranged to generate the application screen.

[0090] In step S125, the link generation module 2033 of the server 20 generates a link for the generated screen for accepting instructions for applying to rent the item. Specifically, the directory name of the screen for accepting instructions for applying to rent the item is assigned to the URL of the web page provided by the server 20. The server 20 transmits information about the generated link to the external server 30 via the communication unit 201. The server 20 also receives, from the external server 30, information about the link to the e-commerce site provided by the external server 30 to which the generated link is set, via the communication unit 201.

[0091] In step S135, the external server 30 sets a link of the screen for receiving instructions for applying to rent the item, which has been received, to the EC site provided by the external server 30. The external server 30 transmits to the server 20 information on the link of the EC site provided by the external server 30, to which the received link has been set.

[0092] In step S127, the server 20 stores the received information on the link to the EC site provided by the external server 30 in the rental item database 282, thereby registering the rental item.

[0093] As described above, a link to a rental application screen for an item to be rented in the rental service system 1 is set on the EC site provided by the external server 30. This makes it possible to consider both purchasing and renting the item.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of rental acceptance processing for a rental item performed by the rental service system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0095] In step S211, the input operation receiving unit 181 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation from the user to present a list of items available for rental in order to use the rental service of the rental service system 1. For example, the user refers to an e-commerce site provided by the external server 30 operated by a seller, browses for items, and performs an operation to present a list of items in order to consider whether to purchase or rent the items. The transmitting / receiving unit 182 of the terminal device 10 receives information about the list of items transmitted from the external server 30. The notification control unit 184 displays the received information about the list of items on the display 132.

[0096] In step S231, the external server 30 receives a request to present a list of items transmitted from the terminal device 10. In response to the request from the terminal device 10, the external server 30 transmits information about the list of items to the terminal device 10 in order to present the list of items. The list of items transmitted by the external server 30 includes, for example, a purchase procedure transition button that transitions to a screen for purchasing each item, and a rental procedure transition button that transitions to a screen for renting each item, and the prices for each are displayed. The rental procedure transition button is set to the link generated in step S125.

[0097] In step S212, when the user operates the operation reception unit 130 to press the rental procedure transition button, the input operation reception unit 181 of the terminal device 10 receives instruction information indicating that the rental procedure transition button (the link generated in step S125) has been pressed for the item that the user has selected from the item list information and wishes to rent. The transmission / reception unit 182 transmits information about the pressed link to the server 20. The transmission / reception unit 182 of the terminal device 10 receives detailed information about the item transmitted from the server 20. The notification control unit 184 displays the received item list information on the display 132.

[0098] In step S222, the server 20 receives the link information transmitted from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201. In response to the request from the terminal device 10, the server 20 refers to the rental item database 282 and transmits the item information to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 in order to present detailed information about the item. The detailed information about the item transmitted by the server 20 is a screen for receiving rental instructions generated in step S123, and includes a link for receiving application instructions from the user and a rental application button.

[0099] In step S213, when the user presses the rental application button by operating the operation reception unit 130, the input operation reception unit 181 of the terminal device 10 receives instruction information indicating that the rental application button (the button generated in step S123 for issuing a rental application instruction) for the item desired to be rented has been pressed from the user. The transmission / reception unit 182 transmits rental application instruction information to the server 20 based on the pressed rental application button.

[0100] In step S223, the rental application acceptance module 2034 of the server 20 accepts, via the communication unit 201, rental application instruction information for the item desired to be rented, transmitted from the terminal device 10.

[0101] In step S224, the item purchase module 2035 of the server 20 refers to the rental item inventory database 283 for the item desired to be rented transmitted from the terminal device 10, and determines whether or not the item is in stock managed by the rental business. If the item is in stock ("Y" in step S224), the process proceeds to step S226, and if the item is not in stock ("N" in step S224), the process proceeds to step S225.

[0102] In step S225, the product purchase module 2035 of the server 20 performs a process of purchasing the product desired to be rented transmitted from the terminal device 10 from an EC site provided by the external server 30. The product purchase module 2035 transmits purchase information of the product to the external server 30 via the communication unit 201.

[0103] In step S235, the external server 30 receives the product purchase information transmitted from the server 20.

[0104] In step S236, the external server 30 performs a purchase process for the item related to the received purchase information. Specifically, the external server 30 performs a settlement process for the purchase of the item with the rental business and a shipping process for the item. Note that the item may be sent directly to the user from the retailer operating the external server 30, in which case the subsequent process of step S226 may be skipped.

[0105] In step S226, the purchase management module 2036 of the server 20 performs a process to receive the item if the item desired for rental transmitted from the terminal device 10 has been purchased from the seller. The purchase management module 2036 also performs a process to ship the item to the user and sends a notification to the terminal device 10 that the item has been shipped.

[0106] In step S216, the transmitting / receiving unit 182 of the terminal device 10 receives the notification that the item has been shipped, which is sent from the server 20. Thereafter, the item desired to be rented is delivered to the user of the terminal device 10.

[0107] In step S227, when the product is purchased from the seller, the purchase product management module 2036 of the server 20 performs processing to manage the product as a rental item for the rental service. Specifically, management information of the purchased product is stored in the rental product inventory database 283.

[0108] In addition, after an item has been rented to a user, if a certain period of time has passed since the item was rented, the user of the terminal device 10 may be recommended to buy the item. For example, if the rental fee is a predetermined monthly fee, after a certain period of time has passed, the total rental amount will be higher than if the item had been purchased from the beginning. In such a case, if the user purchases the item, no further rental fees will be incurred. By providing such a service, for example, a user can rent the item for a certain period of time, and if they like it, they can purchase it, allowing them to rent the item for the purpose of trying it out.

[0109] As described above, if a user wishes to rent an item using the rental service of the rental service system 1 and the item is out of stock, the rental company purchases the item from the seller and manages it as a rental item for the rental service. As a result, if there is no one wanting to rent the item, the item will not be purchased, and the rental company does not need to manage excess inventory.

[0110] Furthermore, even if the user wishes to rent the item, the rental company purchases the item from the seller, which also benefits the seller.

[0111] <4 Screen example> Hereinafter, examples of screens for rental reception processing of rental items by the rental service system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on the terminal device 10 during rental acceptance processing for a rental item. The screen example in Fig. 7 is an example of a screen displaying a list of items available for rental on the user's terminal device 10, and shows an example in which the "camera body" with the item "item ID" of "#123" and the "interchangeable lens" with the item "item ID" of "#345" stored in the rental item database 282 in Fig. 4 are displayed. This corresponds to step S211 in Fig. 6.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 7, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays item photos 1032a, 1032e showing the appearance of the item, item information display sections 1032b, 1032f showing information such as the item ID, item name, model number, and price, purchase procedure transition buttons 1032c, 1032g which transition to a screen for purchasing the item, and rental procedure transition buttons 1032d, 1032h which transition to a screen for renting the item.

[0114] 7, the product information display areas 1032b and 1032f display the price for purchasing the product and the price for renting the product side by side. Furthermore, the user can proceed to the respective procedures by pressing purchase procedure transition buttons 1032c and 1032g when purchasing the product, or by pressing rental procedure transition buttons 1032d and 1032h when renting the product. This allows the user to consider both the purchase and rental prices of the product and easily proceed to the respective procedures.

[0115] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on the terminal device 10 during rental reception processing for a rental item. The screen example of Fig. 8 is an example of a screen in a state where detailed information about the item (interchangeable lens) desired to be rented is displayed after the rental procedure transition button 1032h is pressed on the screen example of Fig. 7, and shows an example of a case where an "interchangeable lens" with an item "item ID" of "#345" stored in the rental item database 282 of Fig. 4 is displayed. This corresponds to step S212 in Fig. 6.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 8, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays an item photo 1033a showing the appearance of the item, an item information display section 1033b showing detailed information about the item, and a rental application button 1033c for issuing instructions to rent the item.

[0117] The example screen shown in Fig. 7 is a list of items for sale and rental provided by an item seller on external server 30, and the example screen shown in Fig. 8 is information on items for rental provided by a rental business on server 20. When renting the item, pressing rental application button 1033c will carry out rental application processing through shipping processing. This makes it possible to easily apply for rental after considering both the purchase and rental prices of the item.

[0118] Note that the item information display section 1033b shown in FIG. 8 displays information about the purchase period. As described above, this indicates a state in which, after an item has been rented to a user, the purchase period after the rental start date for the item is recommended to the user of the terminal device 10. This display may be displayed only when, for example, the rental company does not have the item in stock ("N" in step S224 of FIG. 7). In other words, when a user is considering whether to purchase or rent the item, it is possible to rent a new item that is in stock with the retailer for a certain period of time and purchase it if the user likes it. This allows the user to try out the item, and if the user likes it, purchase it, making it the same as if the item had been purchased from the beginning, or if the user does not like it, return the rented item.

[0119] 9 and 10, we will now explain another example screen for the rental reception process for rental items by the rental service system 1. In this example screen, we will explain an example screen for when a new item from a retailer can be rented for a certain period of time and then purchased if you like it (purchase plan), and by selecting the rental period, the monthly rental amount and the purchase price after the certain period have passed are presented, allowing the user to select the optimal rental period desired.

[0120] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a screen on the terminal device 10 during the rental reception process for a rental item. The example of Fig. 9 is an example of a screen on the screen shown in Fig. 7, in which detailed information about the item (camera body) desired for rental is displayed after the rental procedure transition button 1032h is pressed, and shows an example of a case in which "camera body" with the item "item ID" of "#123" stored in the rental item database 282 shown in Fig. 4 is displayed. This corresponds to step S212 in Fig. 6.

[0121] 9, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays an item photo 1034a showing the appearance of the item, an item information display section 1034b showing detailed information about the item, a buy-back plan guide section 1034c for renting the item for a certain period of time and then purchasing it if the user likes it, a price display section 1034d showing the monthly rental amount and the buy-back price after the certain period has elapsed, period selection buttons 1034e, 1034f, 1034g, and 1034h for selecting the rental period, a buy-back plan application button 1034i for applying for a buy-back plan after selecting one of the period selection buttons 1034e-1034h, a regular plan guide section 1034j for a plan for normally renting the item (regular plan), and a regular plan application button 1034k for applying for the regular plan. Here, the regular plan refers to a plan in which a user can rent a desired item from multiple items (equipment) by paying a predetermined amount periodically and can also switch between items. For example, server 20 operates an unlimited item rental service. Here, in the normal plan, multiple levels of fee plans are prepared (for example, multiple levels of seven levels from rank "1" to rank "7"), and the amount of money the user pays periodically and the range of items that can be rented vary depending on the rank. For example, a higher-ranked plan may allow the user to rent all of the items offered in lower-ranked plans. A user can rent a certain number of items within the range that can be rented under the subscribed fee plan, and can also switch between items.

[0122] In the example screen shown in FIG. 9, a purchase plan shown in purchase plan information section 1034c or a regular plan shown in regular plan information section 1034j can be selected. The purchase plan is premised on the purchase of rented items after a certain period of time has elapsed, so the rented items cannot be replaced (refinanced), whereas the regular plan allows this. This is indicated by the purchase plan application button 1034i and the regular plan application button 1034k. However, the purchase plan allows the rented items to be returned within a certain period of time. The reason why a purchase plan or a regular plan can be selected on one screen in this way is to enable the user to compare the contents of the purchase plan with those of the regular plan before making a selection.

[0123] In the example screen shown in FIG. 9, the camera body displayed in item photo 1034a can be rented for a certain period of time and then purchased if the user likes it. This is because the functions, performance, and usability of the item cannot be determined without actually using the item, and the rental period is intended to be a trial period for trial use. First, on this screen, the rental period (trial period) is selected from period selection buttons 1034e to 1034h. Any one of period selection buttons 1034e to 1034h can be selected. When one of the buttons is selected by clicking or tapping, the color of the selected button changes, indicating that it has been selected. In the example screen shown in FIG. 9, period selection button 1034e is a button for selecting a rental period of 3 months, period selection button 1034f is a button for selecting a rental period of 6 months, period selection button 1034g is a button for selecting a rental period of 12 months, and period selection button 1034h is a button for selecting a rental period of 24 months. The reason why the rental period is selectable in this way is that different users have different desired trial periods, and presenting a plurality of periods improves user convenience.

[0124] The purchase plan application button 1034i cannot be pressed unless one of the period selection buttons 1034e to 1034h is selected (for example, it is displayed in a light gray color to indicate that it cannot be pressed), and when one of the period selection buttons 1034e to 1034h is selected, the color changes and the purchase plan application button 1034i becomes pressable.

[0125] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a screen on the terminal device 10 during the rental acceptance process for a rental item. The example of the screen in Fig. 10 shows an example in which the user selects the period selection button 1034f, which specifies six months as the rental period, on the example of the screen in Fig. 9. This corresponds to step S212 in Fig. 6.

[0126] As shown in Figure 10, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays an item photo 1035a, an item information display section 1035b, a purchase plan information section 1035c, a price presentation section 1035d, period selection buttons 1035e to 1035h, a purchase plan application button 1035i, a regular plan information section 1035j, and a regular plan application button 1035k, which are similar to the screen configuration shown in Figure 9.

[0127] In the example screen shown in Fig. 9, when the user selects period selection button 1035f, the color of period selection button 1035f changes, and purchase plan application button 1035i also changes color and becomes pressable, as shown in Fig. 10. At this time, the price display section 1035d displays the monthly rental price and purchase price after six months if six months is selected as the rental period. In this state, period selection buttons 1035e, 1035g, and 1035h, which represent other periods, can also be selected, and when selected, the display content of price display section 1035d changes according to the selected period. For example, when the price display section 1035d shown in Fig. 10 is in the state of "9,800 yen per month, buy-back OK for 49,000 after 6 months," which indicates a rental period of 6 months, if the user selects the period selection button 1035g for a rental period of 12 months, the displayed content will change to "7,800 yen per month, buy-back OK for 29,000 after 12 months," which indicates a rental period of 12 months. This allows the user to make a selection after understanding the monthly rental amount for each period and the buy-back price after the rental period has elapsed.

[0128] 10 is selected, the color of the purchase plan application button 1035i is the same as the color of the regular plan application button 1034k, but is configured to be different from the color of the regular plan application button 1034k. This is to prevent erroneous operation and to make it clear that the purchase plan and the regular plan are different plans.

[0129] <Summary> As described above, according to this embodiment, a link for renting an item is displayed on the product (item) page of a seller's e-commerce site, and by clicking on the link, an instruction to apply for rental of the item is issued. This makes it possible to consider both the purchase and rental prices of the item. Furthermore, when an application for rental of an item is accepted, the item is purchased and managed as a rental item for the rental service. This is beneficial for sellers, and it is possible to build a system that is also beneficial for rental businesses, as there is no need for inventory management until a rental application is received.

[0130] <Second embodiment> A rental service system 1 for providing a service for renting items such as cameras and interchangeable lenses will be described below.

[0131] <1 Overall configuration of rental service system 1> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 constituting the rental service system 1 of the second embodiment. The overall configuration of the rental service system 1 and the configuration of the terminal device 10 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly. As shown in Fig. 11, the configuration of the server 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that it is newly equipped with the functions of a user information receiving module 2037 and a schedule notification module 2038. The functions of the user information receiving module 2037 and the schedule notification module 2038 in the second embodiment will be described below.

[0132] The user information receiving module 2037 controls the process of receiving user information from the external server 30 when the user purchases an item from an EC site provided by the external server 30 if the item for which the user has applied to rent is out of stock. The user information received from the external server 30 includes the user's name, user attribute information, etc., but may also include history information of items the user has purchased from the EC site provided by the external server 30 and history information of items the user has viewed on the EC site. The user information receiving module 2037 stores the received user information in the user database 281 as information about users of the rental service. The purchase history information and viewing history information included in the user information may be used when recommending rental items to the user.

[0133] Furthermore, the user information receiving module 2037 may receive, as user information, shipping information when the seller dispatches the item from the seller operating the external server 30, in the case where the item is sent directly to the user. The shipping information is, for example, the slip number of the delivery company delivering the item and information on the expected arrival date and time.

[0134] When the item is sent directly to the user from the seller operating the external server 30, the schedule notification module 2038 controls the process of notifying the terminal device 10 of the shipping information when the seller ships the item and receives the shipping information as user information.

[0135] <2 Data Structure> The data structure in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so it will not be described again.

[0136] <3 operations> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the rental acceptance process for a rental item by the rental service system 1 in the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the process that differs from the first embodiment.

[0137] In step S236 shown in FIG. 6, the external server 30 performs a purchase process for the item related to the received purchase information, and when performing a shipping process for the item, it receives user information including the user's name, user attribute information, purchase history information and browsing history information of the user on the EC site, and shipping information when the seller ships the item.

[0138] In step S226, the user information receiving module 2037 of the server 20 receives the user information transmitted from the external server 30. The user information receiving module 2037 also stores the received user information in the user database 281 as information on the user of the rental service.

[0139] In step S226, the schedule notification module 2038 of the server 20 notifies the terminal device 10 of the shipping information when the seller ships the product as user information.

[0140] In step S216, the transmitting / receiving unit 182 of the terminal device 10 receives the notification of the shipping information transmitted from the server 20. Thereafter, the terminal device 10 causes the display 132 to display the shipping information for the user.

[0141] As described above, the user information is received from the external server 30 and registered as rental service user information. In addition, shipping information when the seller ships an item is received as user information and notified to the terminal device 10. This reduces the effort required for the user to input information and makes it possible to notify the shipping status of the rental item.

[0142] <Summary> As described above, according to this embodiment, user information is received from an external website and registered as user information for the rental service. This reduces the effort required for the user to enter information. In addition, history information on items purchased from the EC site and history information on items viewed on the EC site are also registered as user information. This makes it possible to provide recommendation information that contributes to services for the user based on the user's history information. Furthermore, shipping information when the seller ships an item is received as user information and notified to the terminal device 10. This makes it possible to understand the status of the item for which the user has applied to rent, thereby improving services for the user.

[0143] <Third embodiment> A rental service system 1 for providing a service for renting items such as cameras and interchangeable lenses will be described below.

[0144] <1 Overall configuration of rental service system 1> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 constituting the rental service system 1 of the third embodiment. The overall configuration of the rental service system 1 and the configuration of the terminal device 10 in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly. The configuration of the server 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that it is newly equipped with the function of a user information transmission module 2039, as shown in Fig. 12. The function of the user information transmission module 2039 in the third embodiment will be described below.

[0145] The user information transmission module 2039 controls the process of transmitting user information stored in the user database 281 to the external server 30 in order to share the user information with the external server 30. The timing for transmitting the user information may be when the user presses the rental procedure transition button (when the first information is accessed), or when the user presses the rental application button (when the first instruction is given). When transmitting the user information to the external server 30, information such as benefits granted based on the user's use of the rental service, for example, points exchangeable for predetermined products, may be transmitted as the user information.

[0146] Furthermore, the user information transmitted to the external server 30 may include, for example, information on how long a user who rented an item subsequently rented the item, or whether or not the user used the aforementioned buy-back service. A seller operating the external server 30 that obtains such information can reconsider the quality of the item (product) if the rental period was short and the buy-back service was not used, since this may indicate that the quality of the product is poor. Furthermore, if the buy-back service was used, it can be assumed that a certain level of quality has been ensured. In this way, sharing post-rental information provides sellers with useful information for selecting products to purchase.

[0147] Furthermore, when a user who rents an item returns the item, a questionnaire about the reason for returning the item may be obtained and the information may be shared. By obtaining such questionnaire information, it is possible to obtain information about the reason for not purchasing the item from the seller, such as, for example, that the item was only used temporarily and therefore was rented rather than purchased. Sharing such information can be useful for sellers in determining the timing and quantity of products to purchase.

[0148] <2 Data Structure> The data structure in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so it will not be described again.

[0149] <3 operations> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the rental acceptance process for a rental item by the rental service system 1 in the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the process that differs from the first embodiment.

[0150] 6, when the user presses the rental procedure transition button, the user information transmission module 2039 of the server 20 transmits the user information to the external server 30. The external server 30 may accept the user information and use it as, for example, sales promotion information. Note that this process may also be performed when the user presses the rental application button in step S223 shown in FIG.

[0151] As described above, the information of the user is transmitted from the server 20 to the external server 30 and shared. This makes it possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0152] <Summary> As described above, according to this embodiment, the user's information is sent to an external website and shared, thereby allowing sales promotion information and special offer information for the user to be shared, thereby improving user convenience.

[0153] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, they can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made. These embodiments, modifications, and omissions, substitutions, and modifications are included in the technical scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0154] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0155] (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device comprising a control unit and a memory unit, the information processing device for providing a rental service for an item to a user, the memory unit being configured to store information for identifying each item, the control unit performing the steps of: generating first information on an external website for receiving an instruction from a user to apply for rental of the item to be rented; in response to access to the external website from the user's terminal, displaying on the user's terminal a screen for receiving the first instruction to apply for rental of the item to be rented based on the first information; in response to receiving the first instruction from the user, performing processing to purchase the item related to the first instruction; and processing to manage the purchased item as a rental item for the rental service.

[0156] (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to (Supplementary Note 1), wherein the control unit, in response to a user's access to the first information, causes the user's terminal to display a screen for accepting a first instruction.

[0157] (Appendix 3) An information processing device as described in (Appendix 2), wherein when a user selects the first information on a screen of an external website on which the first information is displayed, the control unit causes a screen for accepting the first instruction to be displayed on the user's terminal as a screen of the external website.

[0158] (Appendix 4) An information processing device as described in (Appendix 2), wherein the control unit generates link information indicating a website different from the external website as the first information, and when a user selects the link information on a screen of the external website on which the link information is displayed, causes a screen for accepting a first instruction as a screen of a website different from the external website to be displayed on the user's terminal.

[0159] (Supplementary Note 5) The information processing device according to (Supplementary Note 4), wherein, on the screen for accepting the first instruction, after renting an item to be rented through the rental service, information for purchasing the item is displayed.

[0160] (Appendix 6) An information processing device described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5), wherein, when the control unit receives a first instruction from a user, it receives user information sent from an external website and registers the information as user information for the rental service.

[0161] (Supplementary Note 7) The information processing device according to (Supplementary Note 6), which accepts information including purchase information or browsing information of the user on an external website as user information.

[0162] (Supplementary Note 8) An information processing device according to (Supplementary Note 6) or (Supplementary Note 7), which receives, as user information, delivery information for sending an item to be rented in a rental service to the user from an external website.

[0163] (Supplementary Note 9) The information processing device according to (Supplementary Note 8), wherein the control unit performs a step of presenting to the user schedule information for the delivery of the item to the user, the schedule information being included in the delivery information.

[0164] (Appendix 10) An information processing device described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 9), wherein the control unit performs a step of transmitting information about users of the rental service to an external website to share it with the external website.

[0165] (Appendix 11) An information processing device as described in (Appendix 10), which, when a user accesses first information or when a first instruction is received from a user, performs a step of transmitting information of a user of the rental service to an external website to share it with the external website.

[0166] (Supplementary Note 12) An information processing device according to (Supplementary Note 10) or (Supplementary Note 11), which transmits to an external website information about benefits to users for using the rental service.

[0167] (Appendix 13) A method executed by a computer having a processor for providing a user with an item rental service, the method comprising the steps of: generating first information on an external website for receiving an instruction from a user to apply for rental of an item to be rented; in response to access to the external website from the user's terminal, displaying a screen on the user's terminal for receiving the first instruction to apply for rental of the item to be rented based on the first information; in response to receiving the first instruction from the user, performing processing to purchase the item related to the first instruction; and processing to manage the purchased item as a rental item for the rental service.

[0168] (Appendix 14) A program for providing a user with an item rental service when executed by a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: generating first information on an external website for receiving an instruction from a user to apply for rental of an item to be rented; in response to access to the external website from the user's terminal, displaying a screen on the user's terminal for receiving the first instruction to apply for rental of the item to be rented based on the first information; in response to receiving the first instruction from the user, performing processing to purchase the item related to the first instruction; and processing to manage the purchased item as a rental item for the rental service. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 10 terminal device, 20 server, 30 external server, 80 network, 130 operation reception unit (touch screen), 171 user information, 22 communication IF, 23 input / output IF, 25 memory, 26 storage, 29 processor, 201 communication unit, 202 storage unit, 281 user database, 282 rental item database, 283 rental item inventory database, 203 control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device including a control unit and a storage unit, the information processing device is for providing an item rental service to a user, the storage unit is configured to store information identifying an item to be rented and information on the inventory status of the item; the information processing device is capable of communicating with a device that manages information on an external website that sells products; a screen of the external website displaying the product displays both a first operation acceptance section for accepting an operation to purchase the product from a user of the external website and a second operation acceptance section for accepting an operation to rent the product from the user, and the second operation acceptance section is associated with link information to an operation screen for accepting a rental application in the rental service for an item corresponding to the product; In response to access from a user terminal to the external website based on the link information, displaying on the user terminal a rental operation screen for accepting a first instruction to apply for rental of an item corresponding to the link information and which is a rental target item in the rental service; In response to receiving the first instruction from the user, managing the item related to the first instruction as an item to be rented by the user who issued the first instruction; In the step of displaying the rental operation screen, a third operation receiving unit that receives from a user a rental application under a first rate plan that allows the user to specify a rental period from a plurality of predetermined periods and rent the item for the specified period; a fourth operation receiving unit that receives from a user a rental application under a second rate plan that allows the user to continue renting the item by periodically paying a predetermined amount; On the rental operation screen, When a user operates a third operation reception unit to specify a period for renting an item, the information processing device associates with the third operation reception unit, displays a rental amount under a first rate plan that varies depending on the rental period, a message that the user can purchase the item after renting the item available for rental through the rental service, and a purchase amount that varies depending on the rental period, and accepts a rental application from the user under the first rate plan.

2. 1. A method for providing an item rental service to a user, the method being executed by a computer having a processor, the method comprising: The storage unit is configured to store information identifying an item to be rented and information on the inventory status of the item, the computer is capable of communicating with a device that manages information on an external website that sells products; a screen of the external website displaying the product displays both a first operation acceptance section for accepting an operation to purchase the product from a user of the external website and a second operation acceptance section for accepting an operation to rent the product from the user, and the second operation acceptance section is associated with link information to an operation screen for accepting a rental application in the rental service for an item corresponding to the product; The method further comprises the processor: In response to access from a user terminal to the external website based on the link information, displaying on the user terminal a rental operation screen for accepting a first instruction to apply for rental of an item corresponding to the link information and which is a rental target item in the rental service; In response to receiving the first instruction from the user, managing the item related to the first instruction as an item to be rented by the user who issued the first instruction; In the step of displaying the rental operation screen, a third operation receiving unit that receives from a user a rental application under a first rate plan that allows the user to specify a rental period and rent the item for the specified period; a fourth operation receiving unit that receives from a user a rental application under a second rate plan that allows the user to continue renting the item by periodically paying a predetermined amount; On the rental operation screen, When a user operates a third operation reception unit to specify a period for renting an item, the method associates the third operation reception unit with the third operation reception unit, displays a rental amount under a first rate plan that varies depending on the rental period, and displays a message that the user can purchase the item after renting the item available for rental through the rental service, as well as a purchase amount that varies depending on the rental period, and accepts a rental application from the user under the first rate plan.

3. A program for causing a computer having a processor to execute the program and providing an item rental service to a user, The storage unit is configured to store information identifying an item to be rented and information on the inventory status of the item, the computer is capable of communicating with a device that manages information on an external website that sells products; a screen of the external website displaying the product displays both a first operation acceptance section for accepting an operation to purchase the product from a user of the external website and a second operation acceptance section for accepting an operation to rent the product from the user, and the second operation acceptance section is associated with link information to an operation screen for accepting a rental application in the rental service for an item corresponding to the product; The program causes the processor to: In response to access from a user terminal to the external website based on the link information, displaying on the user terminal a rental operation screen for accepting a first instruction to apply for rental of an item corresponding to the link information and which is a rental target item in the rental service; in response to receiving the first instruction from the user, managing the item related to the first instruction as an item to be rented by the user who issued the first instruction; In the step of displaying the rental operation screen, a third operation receiving unit that receives from a user a rental application under a first rate plan that allows the user to specify a rental period and rent the item for the specified period; a fourth operation receiving unit that receives from a user a rental application under a second rate plan that allows the user to continue renting the item by periodically paying a predetermined amount; On the rental operation screen, When a user operates a third operation receiving unit to specify a period for renting an item, the program associates with the third operation receiving unit, displays a rental amount under a first rate plan that varies depending on the rental period, and displays a message that the user can purchase the item after renting the item available for rental through the rental service, as well as a purchase amount that varies depending on the rental period, and accepts a rental application under the first rate plan from the user.

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