Program, linked device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a program capable of performing data cooperation that respectively matches acquisition of data from a provision source and provision of the acquired data to a provision destination, and a cooperation device and an information processing method.SOLUTION: A program makes a computer achieve: a first specification function for specifying a first provision data definition for defining first data which can be provided by a provision source from among a plurality of first data definitions; an acquisition function for acquiring the first data provided on the basis of the first provision data definition from a provision source device of the provision source; a second specification function for specifying a second provision data definition for defining second data which can be acquired by a provision destination and to which at least a part of the first data can correspond from among a plurality of second data definitions with reference to a second storage part for storing the second data definition information respectively showing the plurality of second data definitions; and a provision function for providing a provision destination device of the provision destination with the second data on the basis of the second provision data definition and the acquired first data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for providing data to users who wish to use the data (hereinafter also referred to as "data users") (see Patent Document 1). This technology accepts a request for data definition of customer data to be provided to a business operator, which is a data user, from the business operator, and can acquire the customer data based on the accepted request and provide it to the business operator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-165873 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, when acquiring data from a data provider (hereinafter simply referred to as "provider") and providing the acquired data to a data recipient (hereinafter simply referred to as "recipient"), the provider must provide the data in accordance with the data definition requested by the recipient, i.e., the data user. Therefore, if the data to be provided does not conform to this data definition, the provider must process the data, which leaves room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to perform data linkage that is suited to both the acquisition of data from a provider and the provision of the acquired data to a recipient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to implement a first identification function that identifies, from among a plurality of first data definitions, a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by a provider; an acquisition function that acquires first data provided from the provider's device based on the first provided data definition; a second identification function that refers to a second memory unit that stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions and identifies, from among a plurality of second data definitions, a second provided data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by a destination and that is compatible with at least a portion of the first data; and a provision function that provides the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the second provided data definition and the acquired first data.

[0007] A collaboration device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first identification unit that identifies, from a plurality of first data definitions, a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by a provider; an acquisition unit that acquires first data provided from the provider device based on the first provided data definition; a second identification unit that identifies, from a plurality of second data definitions, a second provided data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by a destination and that is compatible with at least a portion of the first data, by referring to a second memory unit that stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions; and a provision unit that provides the second data to the destination device based on the second provided data definition and the acquired first data.

[0008] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a computer identifying, from among a plurality of first data definitions, a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by a provider, acquiring the first data provided based on the identified first data definition from the provider's device, referencing a second memory unit that stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions, identifying, from among the plurality of second data definitions, a second provided data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by a destination, and that is compatible with at least a portion of the first data, and providing the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the second provided data definition and the acquired first data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, data linkage can be performed in a manner suited to both the acquisition of data from a provider and the provision of the acquired data to a recipient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a collaboration device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the data linkage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the data linkage system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the data providing device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0012] In this invention, the terms "unit," "means," "device," or "system" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "unit," "means," "device," or "system" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "unit," "means," "device," or "system" may be realized by a combination of two or more physical means, devices, or software modules, and the functions of two or more "units," "means," "device," or "system" may be realized by one physical means, device, or software module.

[0013] The data linkage system 1 according to this embodiment is a system that links data between a first business that provides data and a second business that receives the data. In the data linkage system 1, the linkage device 100 acquires first data from the first business based on a first data definition. Then, when providing the acquired first data to the second business as second data, the linkage device 100 associates and processes the acquired first data with second data based on the second data definition. In other words, the linkage device 100 acts as an intermediary between the first business and the second business to link data.

[0014] In this embodiment, an example of data linkage between businesses will be described, but the parties with which the data linkage system 1 links data are not limited to this. For example, the data provider may be an individual, and the data recipient may also be an individual. In other words, the data linkage system 1 may be applied to data linkage between individuals, or to data linkage between a business and an individual.

[0015] The first data definition is for defining the first data to be acquired from a data provider (hereinafter also simply referred to as "provider"). The first data is data that the linked device 100 acquires from the provider based on the first data definition. In other words, the first data is data for providing second data from the linked device 100 to a destination. The first data may be, for example, data for using a service (hereinafter also referred to as "first service") provided by the provider. Specifically, the first data may be user data (hereinafter also referred to as "first user data") related to a user who uses the first service.

[0016] The second data definition is used to define the second data to be provided to a data destination (hereinafter simply referred to as "destination"). The second data is data provided from the linked device 100 to the destination based on the first data and the second data definition. In other words, the second data is data acquired by the destination from the linked device 100. The second data may be, for example, data for using a service (hereinafter also referred to as "second service") provided by the destination. Specifically, the second data may be user data (hereinafter also referred to as "second user data") related to a user who uses the second service. The first user data and the second user data are collectively referred to as "user data" unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0017] The users of the data linkage system 1 include the first business (specifically, employees of the first business), the second business, and users of the first service and the second service.

[0018] When there is no particular need to distinguish between the first data definition and the second data definition, they are also collectively referred to as "data definitions." The data definition may include, for example, definitions of at least one of (1) item name, (2) type, (3) size, (4) required input setting, (5) key setting, or (6) tag information for each data item of data including the first data and the second data.

[0019] (1) An item name is, for example, the name of a data item.

[0020] (2) The type represents the type of each data item, such as a character type (including full-width / half-width and alphanumeric characters only, such as String or Varchar), a numeric type (such as Integer or Double), a date and time type, an array type, a logical type (such as Boolean), or a list type. Here, the list type is a type that lists multiple pieces of data set in advance and allows the user to select one or more pieces of data from the listed multiple pieces of data.

[0021] (3) Size indicates the size (in other words, length) of each data item, for example, x digits or x bytes.

[0022] (4) The mandatory input setting indicates whether or not the input value for each data item is required (in other words, whether or not it is optional). The mandatory input setting may be, for example, a so-called NOT NULL constraint.

[0023] (5) Key setting indicates whether each data item is a key item (for example, a data item for which a primary key or foreign key is set).

[0024] (6) Tag information is information tagged to each data item. Tag information may be, for example, the type of data item. The type of data item here may be, for example, a classification or grouping of each data item. The type of data item may be set to classify frequently defined data items, such as the user's name, the user's address, and the user's main telephone number. For example, even for a data item representing the same user's name, depending on the business operator, the data item name may be defined as "user name" or "name or corporate name," resulting in variations. All of these can be classified into the same group by setting the same data item type, "user name."

[0025] For example, if the type of a data item is an array, the data definition may include a definition of the type of data stored for each array element of this data item. Furthermore, the data definition may also include a definition of the data type, range (in other words, the range of possible values, e.g., a lower limit, an upper limit, or both) and / or format (e.g., a 7-digit regular expression for a postal code (xxx-xxxx)) for each data item. For example, if the data type is a character string, the data format may be alphanumeric, double-byte characters, ASCII, or the like. For example, if the data type is a date type, the data format may be JST (Japan Standard Time) or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), or the like.

[0026] User data refers to various data related to users of services provided by businesses. User data may include, for example, user identification information for identifying users, and personal information such as the user's name, telephone number, address, email address, personal identification number (My Number), gender, or date of birth.

[0027] User data may include, for example, the user's driver's license number, card number, account information for accounts held by the user (e.g., account type, account number, name, etc.), and device information for the terminal device used by the user (e.g., MAC address, IP address, serial number, etc.).

[0028] The user data may include, for example, biometric information relating to the biometric characteristics of the user (for example, facial image data, fingerprint information, iris information, or voiceprint information of the user).

[0029] The user data may include, for example, location information (such as GPS data), web history information (such as browsing history, search history, cookie information), or product purchase history information on an e-commerce site.

[0030] <1. System configuration> An example of the system configuration of a data linkage system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the data linkage system 1 includes a linkage device 100, a first business operator device 200, a second business operator device 300, and a user device 400.

[0031] The linked device 100 is communicably connected to a first business operator device 200 and a second business operator device 300 via a network N. The linked device 100 may also be communicably connected to a user device 400 via the network N, for example.

[0032] The network N is configured by a wireless network or a wired network. Examples of the network include a mobile phone network, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) network, a wireless LAN (a local area network, including communication conforming to IEEE802.11 (so-called WI / Fi (registered trademark))), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), WiMax (registered trademark), infrared communication, visible light communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wired LAN, a telephone line, a power line communication electric light line network, a network conforming to IEEE1394, etc.

[0033] The linking device 100 is an information processing device for providing a platform (hereinafter also referred to as "data linking PF") that acquires first data from one or more first business operators and provides the acquired first data as second data to one or more second business operators. The linking device 100 executes a predetermined program to realize a server function that acquires the first data from the first business operator device 200 and provides the acquired first data to the second business operator device 300 as second data.

[0034] The first business operator device 200 is an information processing device used by the first business operator to provide the first service to users. The first business operator device 200 is one aspect of a provider device. The first business operator device 200 may have back-end functions such as a web server, an AP server, and / or a DB server that manages first user data for providing the first service to users. The first business operator device 200 executes a predetermined program (for example, a data utilization AP described below) to provide first data to the coordinating device 100, transmit information indicating a request input from the first business operator to the coordinating device 100, and receive information to present to the first business operator from the coordinating device 100.

[0035] The second business operator device 300 is an information processing device used by the second business operator to provide the second service to users. The second business operator device 300 is one aspect of a destination device. The second business operator device 300 may, for example, have a back-end function for providing the second service to users. The second business operator device 300 executes a predetermined program (for example, a data utilization AP) to acquire second data from the coordinating device 100, transmit information indicating a request input from the second business operator to the coordinating device 100, and receive information to present to the second business operator from the coordinating device 100.

[0036] The user device 400 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile device such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. The user device 400 executes a predetermined program to receive various requests from the user and to output screens for the user to use the data linkage PF. The predetermined program may be, for example, an application program dedicated to the data linkage system 1 installed on the user device 400, or a web browser that is standard on the mobile device.

[0037] <2. Overview> An example of an overview of the data linkage system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] <2-1. Mapping between data definitions> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between the first data definition and the second data definition performed in the data linkage PF.

[0039] In this example, an example will be described in which the providers are a first business operator 1a, which is a medical institution that operates a hospital business, and a first business operator 1b, which operates a vehicle management business. The first business operator 1a provides medical services (one aspect of the first service) to users, and the users use these medical services as their regular hospitals. When the first business operator 1a provides medical services to patients, the first business operator accumulates data about the patients (hereinafter also referred to as "patient data"). The first business operator 1b provides vehicle management services (one aspect of the first service) to users and manages data about vehicles owned by the users (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle data"). The first business operator 1a uses a first business operator device 200a, and the first business operator 1b uses a first business operator device 200b. The patient data and vehicle data are one aspect of first user data.

[0040] In this example, an example will be described in which the service recipients are a 2a business operator, which is a medical institution that provides emergency medical care, and a 2b business operator that operates an insurance business. The 2a business operator provides medical services (one aspect of the second service) to users, and the 2b business operator provides automobile insurance services (one aspect of the second service) to users. The 2a business operator uses a second business operator device 300a, and the 2b business operator uses a second business operator device 300b.

[0041] 2, the coordinating device 100 that provides the data coordinating PF identifies a first provided data definition A1, from among a plurality of first data definitions stored in the first storage unit 141, as a definition of first data that can be provided by the firsta operator. The first provided data definition A1 may be composed of, for example, one first data definition stored in the first storage unit 141, or may be composed of a plurality of first data definitions. Furthermore, the coordinating device 100 identifies, for example, a first provided data definition A2, from among the plurality of first data definitions, as a definition of first data that can be provided by the firstb operator that is the provider. Hereinafter, the data definition that can be provided by the first operator among the plurality of first data definitions is also referred to as the "first provided data definition."

[0042] 2) In the data linkage PF, for example, from among a plurality of second data definitions stored in the second storage unit 142, a second provided data definition B1 is identified as a definition of second data that can be acquired by the second-a business operator (the destination) and that can be compatible with at least a portion of the first data. The second provided data definition B1 may be composed of, for example, one second data definition stored in the second storage unit 142, or may be composed of multiple second data definitions. The definition of data that can be compatible with at least a portion of the first data may include, for example, a definition that can be compatible by modifying at least a portion of the data in the first provided data definition. Similarly, the linkage device 100 may identify, from among a plurality of second data definitions, a second provided data definition B1 that defines data that can be acquired by the second-b business operator (the destination) and that can be compatible with at least a portion of the first data. In other words, one second provided data definition B1 may be applied to multiple second businesses. Hereinafter, a definition of second data that can be acquired by a second business operator and that can correspond to at least a portion of the first data will also be referred to as a "second provided data definition."

[0043] For example, the linkage device 100 may specify that the data items b1-02 to 05 of the second provision data definition B1 are compatible with the data items a1-02 to 05 of the first provision data definition A1. Furthermore, the data linkage PF may specify that the data items b1-06 to 11 of the second provision data definition B1 are compatible with the data items a2-02 to 07 of the first provision data definition A2. Note that the allocation of each data item of the first provision data definition to each data item of the second provision data definition may be performed automatically or manually. Furthermore, the relationship between the two data items is not limited to one-to-one, and may be, for example, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many.

[0044] When identifying the second provided data definition, the linked device 100 may include data items that can be made compatible by processing the data even if the definition contents of the corresponding data items are not the same. For example, the item name "Telephone Number" in a1-04 of the first provided data definition A1 is defined as (2) a character string type and (3) a length of 12 or 13 digits. In this data item, the user's telephone number is stored as a character string with hyphens (e.g., "080-xxxx-xxxx"). On the other hand, the item name "Telephone Number" in b1-04 of the second provided data definition B1 is defined as (2) a numeric type and (3) a length of 10 or 11 digits. In this data item, the user's telephone number is stored in numeric format without hyphens (e.g., "080xxxxxxxx"). In this case, the telephone number in the item a1-04 of the patient data can be made compatible with the party data by deleting the hyphens and converting the type from a character string to an integer.

[0045] For example, if the first provided data definition A1 does not include a definition of a data item that can correspond to the data item b2-02 in which the (3) required input setting of the second provided data definition B2 is set to "required," the linked device 100 may determine that the second provided data definition B2 is incompatible with the first provided data definition A1.

[0046] 3) The linking device 100 registers in the storage unit 140, as a processing and mapping model for data linkage, the correspondence between the identified first provided data definition A1 and second provided data definition A2 and the second provided data definition B1. The linking device 100 may also link, for example, the patient ID of the patient data and the owner ID of the vehicle data included in the first account information (described later) with the party ID included in the second account information (described later), and register this linkage. This registered ID linkage is used as so-called ID linkage. For example, the correspondence between the data item a1-04 of the first provided data definition A1 and the data item b1-04 of the second provided data definition B1 may include the data processing method described above.

[0047] <2-2. Data Linkage> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data linkage between a first business operator and a second business operator based on the correspondence (processing / mapping model) between the first data definition and the second data definition described in FIG. 2.

[0048] (1a) As shown in FIG. 3, the first business operator device 200a of the 1a business operator provides patient data to the linkage device 100 based on a first provided data definition A1. (2a) The linkage device 100 identifies a first provided data definition A1 to be applied to the patient data provided from the 1a business operator, and acquires the patient data provided from the first business operator device 200a based on the identified first provided data definition A1. (1b) The first business operator device 200b of the 1b business operator provides vehicle data to the linkage device 100. (2b) The linkage device 100 identifies a first provided data definition A2 to be applied to vehicle data provided from the 2a business operator, and acquires the vehicle data provided from the first business operator device 200b based on the identified first provided data definition A2.

[0049] (3) When a user is involved in a traffic accident while driving a vehicle, the coordination device 100 generates party data, which is the second data of the second provided data definition B1 associated with the first provided data definitions A1 and A2, based on the patient data and vehicle data acquired in (2) above and the processing and mapping model. The coordination device 100, for example, assigns data of data item a1-01 of the first provided data definition A1 as data of data item b1-01 of the second provided data definition B2. Furthermore, the coordination device 100, for example, processes data of data item a1-03 of the first provided data definition A1 and assigns it as data of data item b1-03 of the second provided data definition B2.

[0050] (4) The coordinating device 100 provides the party data generated in (3) above to the second business operator device 300a of the 2a business operator and the second business operator device 300b of the 2b business operator. (5) The second business operator device 300a acquires the party data provided from the coordinating device 100 and uses it for emergency medical care for users who have been injured in a traffic accident. In addition, the second business operator device 300b acquires the party data provided from the coordinating device 100 and uses it for accident response in automobile insurance services.

[0051] With the above configuration, in the data linkage system 1, first data can be provided by a first provided data definition A1 that defines the data that can be provided by a first provider, namely, a data provider, namely, a first provided data definition A2 that defines the data that can be provided by a first provider, namely, a data provider. This eliminates the need for the provider to provide data tailored to each recipient, and allows the provider to provide data tailored to itself. On the other hand, the data recipients, namely, the second provider and the second provider, namely ...

[0052] With the above configuration, in the data linkage system 1, the provider uses the first provided data definition and the destination uses the second provided data definition to link data. This results in a lower degree of coupling between the provider and the destination (so-called loose coupling) than when the provider and the destination use a single data definition to link data, and ensures their independence. Therefore, for example, even if the number of destinations increases, the load on the provider related to data provision can be prevented from increasing. Similarly, for example, even if the number of providers increases, the load on the destination related to data acquisition can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, even if the scale of the data linkage PF increases, the data linkage system 1 ensures maintainability against scale increases and can prevent an increase in the load on the provider and the destination.

[0053] As an example different from the example of FIG. 2 above, in the data linkage system 1, the party data of the second provided data definition B1 may be generated in advance based on the patient data and vehicle data acquired in 2) above and the processing and mapping model, and stored in the storage unit 140. If a user becomes involved in a traffic accident while driving a vehicle, the party data corresponding to this user stored in the storage unit 140 may be provided. With this configuration, the data linkage system 1 can more quickly perform necessary data linkage in an emergency.

[0054] <2-3. Overall picture of data collaboration platform> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the overall picture of the data linkage PF in the data linkage system 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the functions realized by the data linkage PF provided by the linkage device 100 are classified into the following functions A to D. For example, the classification of sub-functions classified into function A will be explained by assigning consecutive numbers such as A1, A2, etc. In the data linkage system 1, the classified functions are linked to each other (including information linkage and / or function linkage; the same applies below). A. Processing and mapping model registration function B. First Data Definition Repository Function C. Secondary Data Definition Repository Function D. Processing and mapping functions

[0055] A user applies to the data linkage PF linkage device 100 for linking user data and for processing and mapping the user data for this linkage from the user device 400. The user may also instruct the first business operator device 200 of the first business operator that is the provider to provide data for data linkage to the second business operator from the user device 400.

[0056] When an application for user data linkage is received from a user, the "A. processing and mapping model registration function" of the linkage device 100 registers the processing and mapping model to be applied to this linkage. Then, the processing and mapping model registration function registers the first data definition and second data definition associated with this processing and mapping model in "B. first data definition repository" and "C. second data definition repository", respectively.

[0057] The first operator device 200 of the first operator, which is the provider, has a data management function and a data providing I / F. The data management function manages the first user data. For example, the data management function may hold the first user data in a state in which it can be provided in accordance with all or part of the first data definition. As another example, when providing the first user data to the linked device 100, the first user data may be processed to be in a state in which it can be provided in accordance with all or part of the first data definition. When the data providing I / F receives a data provision instruction from a user, it provides the first user data to the linked device 100 via the first data I / F (hereinafter also referred to as the "first data interface") based on the instruction.

[0058] The first data I / F is an interface included in the linked device 100 and is used to acquire data from a data provider. The first data I / F may be generated based on a first provided data definition, for example. As another example, the first data I / F may be an interface included in the data provider device as a data providing I / F to provide the first data to the linked device 100.

[0059] The "D. Processing and mapping model function" of the linked device 100 acquires first user data provided from the first operator device 200 that is the provider via the first data I / F. The processing and mapping model function processes the acquired first user data and assigns the processed data to second user data. The processing and mapping model function provides the assigned second user data to the second operator device 300 of the second operator that is the recipient.

[0060] The second business operator device 300 of the second business operator to which the data is provided has a data usage function and a data acquisition I / F. The data usage function uses the second user data when providing the second service to the user. When executing the data usage function, for example, an environment may be created in which the second user data can be acquired in accordance with the second provided data definition. The data acquisition I / F acquires the second user data from the linked device 100 via the second data I / F (hereinafter also referred to as the "second data interface").

[0061] The second data I / F is an interface included in the linked device 100 and is used by the linked device 100 to provide the second data to the destination. The second data I / F may be generated based on the second provided data definition, for example. As another example, the second data I / F may be used as a data acquisition I / F, which is used by the destination to acquire the second data.

[0062] The first data I / F and the second data I / F may use, for example, a GUI (e.g., a website screen), a BI tool (SQL), or an API or SDK (Software Development Kit) provided by the linked device 100 or the provider device.

[0063] For example, in the case of a website screen, the first data I / F may include a screen form for inputting the first data (hereinafter referred to as an "input form"). This input form may be set based on the first data definition, for example, and may allow the provider to input the first data.

[0064] The first data I / F may be configured to receive from the user a selection or proposal of a first data definition by using, for example, at least a part of a template (hereinafter also referred to as a "data definition template") indicating a data definition.

[0065] The second data I / F may be configured to receive a selection or request of a second data definition by using at least a part of a data definition template. The data definition template is, for example, one in which standard and general data definitions are set in advance for the user to use as a template.

[0066] The data definition template may be, for example, a combination of data items or tables with a usage frequency higher than a predetermined threshold in the same business operator and / or other business operators. The template information indicating the data definition template may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 140.

[0067] <2-5. Registration of Processing / Mapping Model> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of registration of a processing / mapping model in the data linkage system 1.

[0068] <A1. Model Registration> 1) As shown in FIG. 5, the registration unit 114c registers model information indicating a processing / mapping model in the storage unit 140.

[0069] <B1. Data Definition Registration><C1. Data Definition Registration><D3. Processing / Mapping> 2a) The registration unit 114c registers, in the first storage unit 141, first data definition information indicating a first data definition corresponding to the processing and mapping model registered in the above 1). 2b) Similarly, the registration unit 114c registers, in the second storage unit 142, second data definition information indicating a second data definition corresponding to the registered processing and mapping model. 2c) The registration unit 114c registers, in the storage unit 140, information indicating the processing method (only when processing is necessary) and the allocation method in the combination of associated data items included in the registered processing and mapping model.

[0070] <A2.Fee Registration> 3) The registration unit 114c may register, in the storage unit 140, information regarding charging or incentive payments for users such as providers, recipients, or users who use the processing and mapping model (hereinafter also referred to as "Fee information") in association with the processing and mapping model. The charge paid by this user is a charge for using the data linkage service. For example, a usage-based amount may be set according to the number of data definitions used, the number of data provided, or the amount of data provided. Alternatively, a fixed amount such as a monthly charge using a subscription method may be set, or a combination thereof may be used. Similarly, the incentive payment paid to this user is, for example, an incentive for data provision in the data linkage service, and may be a usage-based amount, a fixed amount, or a combination thereof, similar to the charge.

[0071] <2-6. Registration of Provider and Recipient> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of registration of a provider and a recipient in the data linkage system 1. In this example, an example in which the first operator device 200 and the second operator device 300 are provided with application software (hereinafter also referred to as "data utilization AP") for utilizing data including first data and second data in the data linkage system 1 will be described. It is assumed that the first operator device 200, the second operator device 300, and thus the respective users of the first operator and the second operator communicate with the linkage device 100 using this data utilization AP.

[0072] <B3.C3. Business Registration> 1a) As shown in FIG. 6, the registration unit 114c registers the business information of the first operator obtained from the first operator device 200 of the provider in the first storage unit 141. 1b) As shown in FIG. 6, the business information of the second operator obtained from the second operator device 300 of the recipient is registered in the second storage unit 142.

[0073] The business information is information regarding operators including the first operator and the second operator. The business information may include, for example, operator identification information for identifying each operator, the name, location, contact information, business content, and / or business type of the operator. Further, the business information may include, for example, a contract for participating in the data linkage system 1 and using the data linkage service or an acceptance of the terms of use of the data linkage service. Further, the business information may include, for example, information regarding the settlement of each operator for using the data linkage system 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as "settlement information"). Further, the business information may include, for example, information regarding the first data I / F or the second data I / F (for example, specifications defined in an ICD (Interface Control Document)) or header information such as an IP address.

[0074] <E1. Settlement Information Management> 2) The registration unit 114c may, for example, register the settlement information included in the business information of the first operator and the second operator in the storage unit 140, respectively.

[0075] <A3.A4. Model Inquiry> 3a) 4a) The data utilization AP of the first operator device 200 requests the cooperation device 100 to query the processing and mapping model registered in the storage unit 140 and applied to the first operator or the second service according to an instruction of the first operator or the like. When the reception unit 112 of the cooperation device 100 receives this request, the first presentation unit 111a transmits information indicating the processing and mapping model (hereinafter also referred to as "model information") to the data utilization AP in order to present the result of this query to the user. 3b) 4b) The data utilization AP of the second operator device 300 requests the cooperation device 100 to query the processing and mapping model registered in the storage unit 140 and applied to the second operator or the second service. When the reception unit 112 of the cooperation device 100 receives this request, the second presentation unit 111b transmits the model information to the data utilization AP in order to present the result of this query to the user.

[0076] <A2.Fee registration> 5) The user of the first operator as the provider or the user of the second operator as the recipient requests Fee information regarding the queried processing and mapping model via the first operator device 200 and the second operator device 300 respectively. When the reception unit 112 of the cooperation device 100 receives this request, this Fee information is transmitted to the respective data utilization APs of the first operator device 200 and the second operator device 300 in order to present the result of this query to the user.

[0077] <B2.C2. Model query> 6a) and 7a) In response to a user instruction or the like, the data utilization AP of the first business operator device 200 requests the linked device 100 to inquire about the first data definition registered in the first storage unit 141. When the reception unit 112 of the linked device 100 receives this request, the first presentation unit 111a refers to the first storage unit 141 and transmits information indicating the first data definition to the data utilization AP in order to present the results of this inquiry to the user. 6b) and 7b) In response to a user instruction or the like, the data utilization AP of the second business operator device 300 requests the linked device 100 to inquire about the second data definition registered in the second storage unit 142. When the reception unit 112 of the linked device 100 receives this request, the second presentation unit 111b refers to the second storage unit 142 and transmits information indicating the second data definition to the data utilization AP in order to present the results of this inquiry to the user.

[0078] <8a.8b.DB settings> The data utilization APs of the first business operator device 200 and the second business operator device 300 set up databases for managing the first user data and the second user data, respectively, in accordance with the processing and mapping model queried above, based on the model information received from the linked device 100.

[0079] With the above configuration, in the data linkage system 1, the first business operator and the second business operator can inquire about the processing and mapping model. The first business operator can also inquire about the first data definition. The second business operator can also inquire about the second data definition. Therefore, the first business operator and the second business operator can build an environment related to the database that manages their respective user data in accordance with the processing and mapping model and each data definition.

[0080] <2-6. Registration of provider and recipient> 7 is a diagram showing an example of data processing and mapping and provision of a second service in the data linkage system 1. In this example, an example will be described in which the first business operator device 200 and the second business operator device 300 are equipped with a data utilization AP.

[0081] 1) As shown in FIG. 7 , the user applies for use of the second service to the second business operator device 300 from the user device 400. 2) Upon receiving this application, the second service function of the second business operator device 300 transmits a request for user data to the user device 400. 3) The user confirms this user data request on the user device 400. From the user device 400, the user applies to the linked device 100 for user data linkage and user data processing and mapping required for this linkage. Specifically, the user device 400 transmits application information for the data linkage and user data processing and mapping (hereinafter also referred to as "application information") to the linked device 100.

[0082] The application information may include, for example, information for acquiring the first data from the provider and / or information for providing the second data. The information for acquiring the first data may include, for example, first account information (e.g., an ID or password for using the first service) indicating the user's account issued by the provider. The information for providing the second data may include, for example, second account information (e.g., an ID or password for using the second service) indicating the user's account issued by the recipient. For example, the providing unit 115 associates the ID of the first service in the first account information and the ID of the second service in the second account information included in the application information and stores them in the storage unit 140, and obtains the ID of the corresponding second service using the ID of the first service of the user included in the first user data as a key. Then, the obtained ID may be included in the second user data corresponding to the first user data.

[0083] The application information may include, for example, information indicating at least one of the following user consents (hereinafter also referred to as "consent information"). Consent to the linked device 100 acquiring the first data from the provider Consent to processing and mapping of primary data to secondary data Consent to the linked device 100 providing the second data to the destination · When charges and / or rewards are incurred for the user, consent for the settlement of such charges and / or rewards

[0084] <D1. Processing and Mapping Application Reception> 4) The reception unit 112 of the cooperation device 100 receives the application information transmitted from the user device 400 and accepts the applications for data cooperation and processing and mapping.

[0085] <D2. First Data Acquisition> 5) The first specifying unit 114a refers to the first storage unit 141 and specifies a first provided data definition that defines the first data that the first operator can provide from among a plurality of first data definitions for the first operator. 6) The acquisition unit 113 requests the acquisition of first user data based on the first provided data definition from the first operator device 200 as the source. 7) The acquisition unit 113 acquires the first user data from the first operator device 200 based on the first provided data definition as a response to this request.

[0086] <D3. Processing and Mapping> 8) 9) The second specifying unit 114b refers to the second storage unit 142 and specifies a second provided data definition associated with the specified first data definition as defining second data that the second operator can acquire and at least a part of the first user data can correspond to from among a plurality of second data definitions. 9) The processing unit 115a processes the first user data based on the first provided data definition and the second provided data definition to generate second user data.

[0087] <D4. Second Data Provision> 11) 12) The provision unit 115 provides the generated second user data to the second operator device 300. The second operator device 300 provides a second service to the user based on the provided second user data.

[0088] <E1. Settlement Information Management><E2. Settlement> 13)14) The settlement unit 116 refers to the memory unit 140 which stores the fee information of the processing / mapping model used and the settlement information of the first business operator and the second business operator, and based on this information, performs settlement processing regarding the data linkage of user data between the first business operator and the second business operator, and based on the results of the settlement processing, performs processing to make payments to the first business operator, the second business operator, and the user.

[0089] With the above configuration, the data linkage system 1 can provide first data according to a first data definition that defines the data that the first business operator, which is the data provider, can provide. This eliminates the need for the provider to provide data tailored to each recipient, and allows the provider to provide data tailored to itself. On the other hand, the second business operator, which is the recipient, can also acquire data tailored to itself, and does not need to acquire data tailored to each provider. Therefore, data linkage can be performed that is tailored to both the acquisition of data from the provider and the provision of the acquired data to the recipient.

[0090] <3. Functional configuration> The functional configuration of the linked device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, the linked device 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0091] [Control Unit] The control unit 110 includes a presentation unit 111, a reception unit 112, an acquisition unit 113, an identification unit 114, and a provision unit 115. The control unit 110 may also include a settlement unit 116, for example.

[0092] [Presentation part] The presentation unit 111 presents various types of information to a user such as a destination, a source, or a user. The presentation unit 111 may include, for example, a first presentation unit 111a, a second presentation unit 111b, a request presentation unit 111c, and / or a proposal presentation unit 111d. The presentation unit 111 may present various types of information in any manner. For example, when presenting a data definition to a user, the presentation unit 111 may generate output information for outputting the data definition to a screen or a file, and transmit the output information to a device used by the user as a presentation destination. The presentation unit 111 may use, for example, a first data I / F or a second data I / F.

[0093] When there are multiple first provided data definitions identified by the first identifying unit, the first presenting unit 111a presents the multiple first provided data definitions as candidates to the provider in response to a request from the provider or the like.

[0094] When there are multiple second provision data definitions identified by the second identification unit 114b, the second presentation unit 111b presents the multiple second provision data definitions as candidates to the provision destination.

[0095] The request presenting unit 111c presents to the provider a request relating to the second data definition accepted by the request accepting unit 112c, which will be described later.

[0096] If at least a part of the first data of the first data definition proposed by the provider can correspond to the second data of the second data definition requested by the recipient, the proposal presentation unit 111d presents to the recipient that there is a proposal for a first data definition that can correspond to the request.

[0097] [Reception] The reception unit 112 receives various information indicating user requests, selections, applications, etc. from the first business operator device 200, the second business operator device, and / or the user device 400. The reception unit 112 may include, for example, a first selection reception unit 112a, a second selection reception unit 112b, a request reception unit 112c, a proposal reception unit 112d, a request reception unit 112e, and / or a timing reception unit 112f. The reception unit 112 may use, for example, a first data I / F or a second data I / F.

[0098] The first selection receiving unit 112a receives a selection from the source device of the provider of the first provided data definition to be used by the provider when providing the first data from among the multiple candidates of the first provided data definition presented by the first presentation unit 111a.

[0099] The second selection receiving unit 112b receives from the destination device a selection of the second data definition to be used by the destination when acquiring the second data from among the multiple second data definition candidates presented by the second presentation unit 111b.

[0100] The request receiving unit 112c receives a request for a second data definition in providing the second data from the destination device. The request receiving unit 112c may also receive a request for a first data definition in acquiring the first data from the source device, for example.

[0101] The proposal receiving unit 112d receives, from the providing source device, a proposal of a first data definition of the first data in response to the request presented by the request presenting unit 111c.

[0102] The request receiving unit 112e receives a request from a destination device of the destination to provide second data of a second data definition based on first data of a first data definition proposed by a provider. This second data definition may be, for example, requested by a second business operator of the destination prior to the proposal from the provider.

[0103] The timing receiving unit 112f receives, from the user device 400 of the user, the timing at which the user allows the acquisition of the first user data from the provider device (hereinafter also referred to as "acquisition permission timing"). The acquisition permission timing may be, for example, (a) when an acquisition instruction (including an instruction to provide data to the first business operator device 200 in the example of FIG. 4) is received from the user or the user's agent, (b) when an emergency such as an accident or sudden illness occurs to the user, or (c) a specific date and time. This timing (b) is effective, for example, when the user is unable to perform an instruction operation from the user device 400 due to an injury in an accident, or when the user is unable to verbally communicate information about the user to a medical institution, which is the second business operator.

[0104] The timing receiving unit 112f receives, from the user device of the user, a designation of the timing at which provision of second user data to the destination device is permitted (hereinafter also referred to as "provision permitted timing"). The provision permitted timing may be, for example, the above (A) to (C) as with the acquisition permitted timing. Furthermore, the timing receiving unit 112f may also receive, for example, a designation of the timing at which data linking from the source device to the destination device is permitted (hereinafter also referred to as "linking permitted timing"). In other words, the linking permitted timing is a timing that combines the acquisition permitted timing and the provision permitted timing.

[0105] [Acquisition Department] The acquisition unit 113 acquires various data from the first business operator device 200, the second business operator device, the user device 400, or the like. For example, the acquisition unit 113 acquires first data provided from a providing device based on a first provided data definition. The acquisition unit 113 may acquire various data in any manner. For example, the acquisition unit 113 may receive a data file indicating the first data from the first business operator device 200 periodically or in an event-driven manner in response to a request from the acquisition unit 113 or the user device 400. For example, the acquisition unit 113 may instruct an API implemented in the first business operator device 200 to refer to the first data, and acquire the first data as a result.

[0106] The acquisition unit 113 may acquire the first data provided from the providing device via the first data I / F. For example, if the first data I / F is a screen of a website or a data utilization AP displayed on the first business device 200, the acquisition unit 113 may acquire the first data by receiving a message indicating the first data entered from an input form on these screens as needed.

[0107] The acquiring unit 113 may acquire the first data from the providing device, for example, based on a first provided data definition selected by the providing device.

[0108] The acquisition unit 113 may acquire the first user data from the providing device, for example, by limiting the timing for acquiring the first user data to an allowable acquisition timing designated by the user. With this configuration, the acquisition unit 113 can acquire the first user data only at the timing designated by the user, thereby enabling acquisition of user data in accordance with the user's intentions. Furthermore, since the acquisition timing can be limited, protection of personal information of the user can be strengthened, particularly when the user data includes personal information of the user.

[0109] [Specific part] The identification unit 114 identifies information that satisfies a user request or a predetermined condition from various information stored in the storage unit 140. The identification unit 114 includes a first identification unit 114a and a second identification unit 114b. The identification unit 114 may also include, for example, a registration unit 114c.

[0110] The first identification unit 114a refers to the first storage unit 141 that stores first data definition information indicating each of a plurality of first data definitions, and identifies, for the provider, from among the plurality of first data definitions, a first provided data definition that defines first data that the provider can provide.

[0111] As one mode of identification by the first identification unit 114a, for example, the receiving unit 112 first receives from the provider that a specific first data definition can be provided, adds information indicating this to the first data definition information that indicates this first data definition, and stores the information in the first storage unit 141. The first identification unit 114a then searches the first data definition information for each of the multiple first data definitions, determines whether or not information indicating that this provider can provide the data is added, and if information is added, identifies the first data definition as a first provided data definition that defines data that can be provided.

[0112] As one mode of identification by the first identification unit 114a, for example, the accepting unit 112 may first accept a first data definition from a provider and newly register first data definition information indicating this first data definition in the first storage unit 141. The first identification unit 114a may then identify the first data definition indicated by the registered first data definition information as the first provided data definition. When accepting the contents of the first data definition from the provider, for example, a table corresponding to the first data and definitions of each data item may be newly specified from scratch using an SQL statement or the like, or a standard template of the first data definition may be presented by the first presentation unit 111a and editing (in other words, customization) of the presented template may be accepted.

[0113] As one example of the identification by the first identification unit 114a, the first identification unit 114a first analyzes the definition of the first data acquired by the acquisition unit 113 as a sample from the provider. Next, based on the results of this analysis, the first identification unit 114a extracts a first data definition that conforms to the definition of the sample first data from among multiple first data definitions. The first identification unit 114a then identifies the extracted first data definition as the first provided data definition. As another example, the first identification unit 114a analyzes the definition of the first data acquired as a sample from the provider and generates first data definition information indicating the first data definition that conforms to the definition of the sample first data based on the results of this analysis. The first identification unit 114a may identify the first data definition indicated by the generated first data definition information as the first provided data definition.

[0114] For example, the first identifying unit 114a may identify, for a provider, a first data definition selected by the provider from among a plurality of first data definitions as the first provided data definition. Furthermore, for example, if there are a plurality of first provided data definitions, the first identifying unit 114a may re-identify, as the first provided data definition, the first provided data definition selected by the provider from among the plurality of first provided data definitions. With this configuration, it is possible to acquire first data from the provider by adopting the first data definition selected by the provider. Therefore, the content of the first data definition can be made more suitable for the provider, and data linkage tailored to the data acquired from the provider can be performed.

[0115] The first identification unit 114a may, for example, further based on a request for provision from the destination device received by the request receiving unit 112e, identify the first data definition proposed by the provider as one that defines data that the provider can provide.

[0116] According to the above configuration, the content of the data definition proposed by the provider can be adopted to acquire the first data from the provider. Therefore, the content of the first data definition can be made to be a definition content that is more suited to the provider, and data linkage that is more suited to the data acquired from the provider can be performed.

[0117] The second identification unit 114b refers to the second memory unit 142 that stores second data definition information indicating each of the multiple second data definitions, and identifies, from the multiple second data definitions, a second provided data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by the destination and that is compatible with at least a portion of the first data.

[0118] The manner in which the above-mentioned destination specifies the definition of data obtainable from the destination may be, for example, the same as the manner in which the first specifying unit 114a specifies the definition of data that at least a portion of the above-mentioned first data can correspond to. Alternatively, for example, the second provided data definition stored in association with the first provided data definition specified by the first specifying unit 114a may be specified as the second provided data definition that defines the above-mentioned corresponding data. For example, the storage unit 140 may store this association as a processing / mapping model.

[0119] The processing and mapping model may include, for example, either the industry of the expected provider and / or recipient business (e.g., medical industry, insurance industry, etc.) or the expected type of service (e.g., vehicle management service, automobile insurance service, etc.). For example, when identifying the processing and mapping model to be used for a business, i.e., identifying the first and second provided data definitions, the identification unit 114 refers to the storage unit 140 that stores business information about the business, and determines, based on the business information, whether the business matches the expected industry of the business and / or whether the service provided by the business matches the expected type of service. If there is a match, the identification unit 114 may identify the processing and mapping model to be used (or as a candidate).

[0120] For example, the second identification unit 114b may identify the second data definition selected by the destination as the second provided data definition that defines data that the destination can acquire. With this configuration, the second data can be provided to the destination by adopting the second data definition selected by the destination. Therefore, the content of the second data definition can be made to be more suitable for the destination, and data linkage can be performed that is more tailored to the data provided to the data destination.

[0121] The second identifying unit 114b may identify, for example, the second data definition requested by the destination as the second provided data definition.

[0122] According to the above configuration, the second data can be provided to the destination by adopting the content of the data definition requested by the provider. Therefore, the content of the second data definition can be made to be a definition that is more suitable for the destination, and data linkage that is more suited to the data provided to the destination can be performed.

[0123] [Provider] The providing unit 115 provides various data to the first business operator device 200, the second business operator device 300, the user device 400, or the like. The providing unit 115 may provide various data in any manner. For example, the providing unit 115 may make the data available for reference or download from a screen displayed on the second business operator device 300. The providing unit 115 may transmit a data file indicating various data to a device used by a user periodically or in an event-driven manner in response to a request from the device. The providing unit 115 may also include, for example, a processing unit 115a and / or a generating unit 115b. The providing unit 115 may use, for example, a first data I / F or a second data I / F.

[0124] The providing unit 115 provides the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the second provided data definition identified by the second identifying unit 114b and the first data acquired by the acquiring unit 113.

[0125] According to the above configuration, the provider can provide the first data according to a first data definition that defines the data that the provider can provide. As a result, the provider does not need to provide data tailored to each destination, and can provide data tailored to the provider. On the other hand, the destination does not need to acquire data tailored to each provider, and can acquire data tailored to the destination. Therefore, data linkage tailored to each of the acquisition of data from the provider and the provision of the acquired data to the destination can be performed.

[0126] For example, the providing unit 115 may provide the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the first data processed by the processing unit 115a. For example, even for a data item representing the same telephone number, the provider and the destination may wish to use different types and sizes. With this configuration, data can be linked in the types and sizes that each party wishes to use, allowing data linkage that suits each party. This also reduces the load on the provider and the destination related to data linkage.

[0127] For example, the providing unit 115 may provide the second user data to the providing device by limiting the timing for providing the second user data to the timing for allowing provision specified by the user. With this configuration, the providing unit 115 can provide the second user data only at the timing specified by the user, so that the user data can be provided in accordance with the user's wishes. Furthermore, particularly when the user data includes personal information of the user, the protection of the personal information can be strengthened.

[0128] The providing unit 115 may provide, for example, the providing source device with a first data interface (for example, a website screen) including an input form for the providing source to input the first data.

[0129] The providing unit 115 may include, for example, a processing unit 115a. The processing unit 115a processes the first data acquired by the acquiring unit 113 based on the second provided data definition identified by the second identifying unit 114b.

[0130] For example, as one aspect of processing, the processing unit 115a may combine multiple first data. In this combining, the processing unit 115a may, for example, associate the user IDs included in the first account information of each of the multiple first data in advance and store them in the storage unit 140, and combine the multiple first data based on the association of these IDs.

[0131] The processing unit 115a may perform, for example, data wrangling on the first data as one aspect of processing. This data wrangling may include, for example, at least one of data structuring, data cleansing, and data enrichment.

[0132] The processing unit 115a may perform data structuring, for example, by converting unstructured data into structured data. Furthermore, the processing unit 115a may perform data cleansing, for example, by removing duplicate data, corrupted data (such as data with missing data items), and data that does not conform to the first data definition as outliers or defective data. The processing unit 115a may perform data enriching, for example, by adding tag information to each data item.

[0133] The processing unit 115a may, for example, convert data in units of columns according to the second data definition, combine or split columns, or create new columns based on existing columns. For example, the processing unit 115a may standardize values, convert repetition symbols into actual data, delete or unify unit symbols, or perform name collation on cell values.

[0134] The processing unit 115a may perform encryption processing such as anonymization on the first data as one aspect of processing. The processing unit 115a may perform anonymization on the target first data by, for example, deleting data items or cell values, generalizing by replacing all or part of the data with abstraction, superordinate conceptualization, or numerical abbreviation, top (bottom) coding, data exchange, and / or adding noise (error), for example.

[0135] As one mode of processing, the processing unit 115a may integrate (for example, by merging, merging, combining, mixing, simple joining / internal joining / external joining) the first data of each of the multiple first data definitions.

[0136] The providing unit 115 may include, for example, a generating unit 115b. The generating unit 115b may generate, for example, the first data I / F and / or the second data I / F.

[0137] [Payment Department] The settlement unit 116 refers to the storage unit 140, which stores fee information for the processing / mapping model used and settlement information for the first and second businesses, and performs settlement processing for the data linkage of user data between the provider and the recipient based on this information. The settlement unit 116 may perform processing to settle the provider, recipient, and user based on the results of this settlement processing. This settlement processing may, for example, send a settlement request for payment for the acquisition of user data to the server of the financial institution for the account designated by the recipient. Upon receiving this settlement request, the financial institution server, for example, transfers the payment from the recipient's account to the payee's account.

[0138] [Communications Department] The communication unit 130 transmits and receives various data and information to and from the provider device, the destination device, the user device 400, or other devices of external systems via the network N. The communication unit 130 receives, for example, first data from the provider device or consent information from the user device 400 via the network N. The communication unit 130 transmits, for example, second data to the destination device via the network N.

[0139] [Storage] The storage unit 140 stores various data and information such as model information, template information, and / or business operator information. The storage unit 140 may use a database management system (DBMS) to store the various data and information, or may use a file system to store the various data and information. When using a DBMS, for example, a table may be provided for each piece of information, and the tables may be associated with each other to manage each piece of information. The storage unit 140 includes a first storage unit 141 and a second storage unit.

[0140] The first storage unit 141 stores first data definition information indicating each of a plurality of first data definitions. The first storage unit 141 may also store, for example, first account information and / or first user data.

[0141] The second storage unit 142 stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions. The second storage unit 142 may also store, for example, second account information and / or second user data.

[0142] <5. Example of operation> An example of the operation of the data linkage system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow and interactions between devices when identifying the first data definition and the second data definition in the data linkage system 1. Note that the order of the processes shown below is an example and may be changed as appropriate.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 9, the providing device receives, from the providing source, an output request operation for outputting a screen of a website for data linkage (hereinafter also referred to as an "linked site") provided by the coordinating device 100 (S10). When the providing device receives this output request via a web browser or the like, it transmits this output request to the coordinating device 100 (S11). The coordinating device 100 receives the output request from the providing source device (S12). The first presentation unit 111a of the coordinating device 100 generates output information for presenting a plurality of first data definitions as candidates to the providing source (S13). The first presentation unit 111a transmits this generated output information to the providing source device (S14).

[0144] The providing device receives the transmitted output information and outputs candidates for first data definitions to the providing device on the screen of the linked site based on this output information (S15). The providing device accepts an operation from the providing device to select one to be used when providing the first data from the plurality of output candidates for first data definitions (S15). The providing device transmits selection information indicating this selected first data definition to the linked device 100 (S16).

[0145] The first selection receiving unit 112a of the linked device 100 receives the transmitted selection information and, based on the selection information, receives from the providing device a selection of a first data definition to be used by the providing device (S17). The first identifying unit 114a identifies the selected first data definition as a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by the providing device (S18). The second identifying unit 114b refers to the second storage unit 142 and identifies, from among the multiple second data definitions, a second provided data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by the destination and that is compatible with at least a portion of the first data (S19). The communication unit 130 transmits to the user device 400 an acquisition request to acquire consent information indicating the user's consent to data linkage (data acquisition, data processing / mapping, and data acquisition) through the association between the first provided data definition and the second provided data definition (S20).

[0146] The user device 400 receives the transmitted acquisition request and outputs a request for consent to the data linkage to the user based on the acquisition request (S21). The user device 400 accepts a response operation of consent from the user in response to the output consent request (S22). The user device 400 transmits consent information indicating the accepted consent from the user to the linked device 100 (S22).

[0147] The presentation unit 111 of the linked device 100 receives the transmitted consent information and, based on the consent information, generates output information for presenting to the provider and the recipient the association between the first and second provided data definitions and the user's consent thereto (S23). The presentation unit 111 transmits the generated output information to the provider device and the recipient device (S24, S25).

[0148] The source device and the destination device receive the transmitted output information and, based on this output information, output to the source device and the destination device on the screen of the linked site the correspondence between the first provided data definition and the second provided data definition and the user's consent thereto (S26, S27).

[0149] 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing and interactions between devices during data linkage in the data linkage system 1. Note that the order of processing shown below is an example and may be changed as appropriate.

[0150] 6, the providing device extracts first data to be provided from data managed in a database (S30). The providing device transmits the first data to the linked device 100 based on the first provided data definition identified in the example of FIG. 5 (S31).

[0151] The acquisition unit 113 of the linked device 100 acquires the first data from the providing source device based on the first data definition (S32). The processing unit 115a processes the first data acquired by the acquisition unit 113 based on the second provided data definition (S33). The providing unit 115 assigns the processed first data to the second data based on the first provided data definition and the second provided data definition (S34). The providing unit 115 transmits the second data to the providing source device to provide the second data to the providing source (S35). The providing source device acquires the second data transmitted from the linked device 100 (S36).

[0152] <6. Hardware Configuration> 11, an example of a hardware configuration in which the above-described linked device 100 is realized by a computer 800 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them into multiple devices.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 11, the computer 800 includes a processor 801, a memory 803, a storage device 805, an input I / F unit 807, a data I / F unit 809, a communication I / F unit 811, and a display device 813.

[0154] Processor 801 controls various processes in computer 800 by executing programs stored in memory 803. For example, each functional unit included in control unit 110 of linked device 100 can be realized by processor 801 executing a program temporarily stored in memory 803.

[0155] The memory 803 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 803 temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 801 or data required when the program is executed.

[0156] The storage device 805 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 805 stores an operating system or various programs for implementing the above-mentioned configurations. In addition, the storage device 805 can also store tables that register various types of information and data such as first data definition information, second data definition information, first data, and second data, and a DB that manages the tables. Such programs or data are loaded into the memory 803 as needed and can be referenced by the processor 801.

[0157] The input I / F unit 807 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F unit 807 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F unit 807 may be connected to the computer 800 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0158] The data I / F unit 809 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 800. A specific example of the data I / F unit 809 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F unit 809 may be provided outside the computer 800. In this case, the data I / F unit 809 is connected to the computer 800 via an interface such as a USB.

[0159] The communication I / F unit 811 is a device for performing data communication via the Internet N, either wired or wirelessly, with devices external to the computer 800. The communication I / F unit 811 may be provided outside the computer 800. In this case, the communication I / F unit 811 is connected to the computer 800 via an interface such as a USB.

[0160] The display device 813 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 813 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 813 may be provided outside the computer 800. In this case, the display device 813 is connected to the computer 800 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F unit 807, the display device 813 can be configured as an integral part of the input I / F unit 807.

[0161] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which the elements described below are replaced with equivalents, and such embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0162] [Variations] Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the following cases are also included in the present invention.

[0163] [Variation 1] At least a part of the components included in the linked device 100 according to the above embodiment may be included in the first business operator device 200, the second business operator device 300, and / or the user device 400. For example, at least a part of the functions of the presentation unit 111 of the linked device 100 may be implemented in the first business operator device 200 or the second business operator device 300. Furthermore, for example, at least a part of the functions of the reception unit 112 of the linked device 100 may be implemented in the first business operator device 200 or the second business operator device 300.

[0164] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first memory unit that stores the first data definition information and the second memory unit that stores the second data definition information are provided in the linked device 100, but they may also be provided in a device other than the linked device 100, such as the first business operator device 200, the second business operator device 300, or a device of a third-party system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1...data linkage system, 100...linkage device, 110...control unit, 111...presentation unit, 112...reception unit, 113...acquisition unit, 114...identification unit, 115...provision unit, 116...settlement unit, 130...communication unit, 140...storage unit, 200...first business operator device, 300...second business operator device, 400...user device, 800...computer, 801...processor, 803...memory, 805...storage device, 807...input I / F unit, 809...data I / F unit, 811...communication I / F unit, 813...display device

Claims

1. On the computer, a first specifying function for specifying a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by the provider from among a plurality of first data definitions; an acquisition function for acquiring the first data provided from the providing source device based on the first provided data definition; a second specifying function that refers to a second storage unit that stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions, and specifies, from the plurality of second data definitions, a second providing data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by a destination and that can be handled by at least a portion of the first data, and the second providing data definition defines second data that can be handled by processing at least a portion of the data of the first providing data definition; a processing function for processing the acquired first data based on the correspondence between the first data definition, the second data definition, and a processing method for processing the first data; causing the destination device of the destination to realize a providing function of providing the second data based on the second provided data definition and the processed first data; program.

2. The processing function stores the processed first data and conditions for providing the processed first data in a predetermined storage unit; the providing function provides the second data to the destination device based on the first data stored in the predetermined storage unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The program according to claim 1.

3. The computer, a first presentation function that, when a plurality of first provision data definitions exist, presents the plurality of first provision data definitions as candidates to the provider; a first selection receiving function that receives, from the provider device of the provider, a selection of one to be used by the provider when providing the first data from among the presented plurality of first provided data definition candidates; the acquiring function acquires the first data from the providing device based on the selected first providing data definition; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The computer, a second presentation function that presents the second provision data definitions as candidates to the provision destination when there are multiple second provision data definitions; a second selection receiving function that receives, from the destination device of the destination, a selection of a second provided data definition to be used by the destination when acquiring the second data from among the presented plurality of second provided data definition candidates; the providing function provides the second data to the destination device based on the selected second providing data definition; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The computer, a request receiving function for receiving a request regarding the second data definition in providing the second data from the destination device; a request submission function that submits the request to the provider; a proposal receiving function that receives, from the provider device of the provider, a proposal of the first data definition of the first data in response to the presented request; a proposal presentation function that, when at least a part of the first data of the proposed first data definition corresponds to the second data of the requested second data definition, presents to the destination that there is a proposal for a first data definition that can correspond to the request; a request receiving function for receiving a request for provision of second data of the second data definition based on the first data of the proposed first data definition from the destination device of the destination; the first identification function further based on the request for provision, identifying the proposed first data definition as the first provision data definition; the second identification function identifies the requested second data definition as the second provided data definition; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first data is first user data related to a user of a first service provided by the provider, realizing a timing reception function in the computer for receiving, from the user device of the user, a designation of an acquisition permission timing for permitting acquisition of the first user data from the providing source device; the acquisition function acquires the first user data by limiting the timing for acquiring the first user data to the specified permitted acquisition timing. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the second data is second user data related to a user of a second service provided by the provider, a timing reception function for receiving, from the user device of the user, a designation of a provision permission timing for permitting provision of the second user data to the destination device; the provision function provides the second user data while limiting the timing for providing the second user data to the specified provision allowable timing. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the providing function provides the providing device with a first data interface for acquiring the first data from the providing device, the first data interface including an input form for the providing source to input the first data; the input form is set based on the first provided data definition; the acquiring function acquires the first data provided from the providing device via the first data interface; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a first specifying unit that specifies a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by a provider from among a plurality of first data definitions; an acquisition unit that acquires the first data provided from the providing source device based on the first provided data definition; a second specifying unit that refers to a second storage unit that stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions, and specifies, from the plurality of second data definitions, a second providing data definition that defines second data that can be acquired by a destination and that can be handled by at least a portion of the first data, wherein the second providing data definition defines second data that can be handled by processing at least a portion of the data of the first providing data definition; a processing unit that processes the acquired first data based on the correspondence between the first data definition, the second data definition, and a processing method for processing the first data; a providing unit that provides the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the second provided data definition and the processed first data, Collaboration device.

10. The computer Identifying a first provided data definition that defines first data that can be provided by the provider from among the plurality of first data definitions; acquiring the first data provided based on the identified first data definition from the providing source device of the providing source; a second storage unit that stores second data definition information indicating each of a plurality of second data definitions is referenced, and a second provision data definition is identified from the plurality of second data definitions, the second provision data definition defining second data that can be acquired by the destination and that can correspond to at least a portion of the first data, and the second provision data definition defines second data that can be corresponded to by processing at least a portion of the data of the first provision data definition; providing the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the second provided data definition and the acquired first data, wherein the second provided data definition defines the second data that can be handled by processing at least a part of the data of the first provided data definition; processing the acquired first data based on the correspondence between the first data definition, the second data definition, and a processing method for processing the first data; providing the second data to the destination device of the destination based on the second provided data definition and the processed first data; Information processing methods.

Images