School supplies reuse system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a new school supplies reuse system for solving specific problems when buying and selling school supplies. [Solution] The school supplies reuse system includes an authentication information management means for managing authentication information associated with a specific school, a user management means for managing user registration and user access, and a provision means for providing users with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies. When any authentication information associated with a user and provided to a student via a school management entity is input, the user management means registers the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user. The provision means generates information for presenting a user interface screen for school supplies in response to an operation from a first user to list school supplies, and presents the user interface screen in response to access from a second user if the school associated with the first user matches the school associated with the second user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a school supplies reuse system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems are known that operate flea markets over a network, where individuals buy and sell goods. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-155786 (Patent Document 1) discloses an information sharing method for online flea markets that collects dispersed buying and selling information and helps to find buyers and sellers who meet the conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-155786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technologies disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art documents are based on the premise that the seller and buyer are not fixed, and that the buying and selling of goods between individuals, or between individuals and companies, or between companies, takes place in cyberspace.

[0005] However, buying and selling school supplies poses unique challenges. For example, uniforms are designated for each school, and there is a need to prevent third parties unrelated to the school from purchasing them.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new school supplies reuse system that solves problems specific to the buying and selling of school supplies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A school supplies reuse system according to one embodiment includes an authentication information management means for managing authentication information associated with a specific school, a user management means for managing user registration and user access, and a provision means for providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies. When any authentication information associated with the user and provided to a student via a school management entity is input, the user management means registers the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user. The provision means generates information for presenting a user interface screen for school supplies in response to an operation from a first user to list school supplies, and presents the user interface screen in response to access from a second user if the school associated with the first user matches the school associated with the second user.

[0008] The providing means may execute a process related to the purchase and sale of the school supplies and a process related to the delivery of the school supplies when the second user completes a purchase procedure for the school supplies on the user interface screen.

[0009] The providing means may determine whether or not to permit the first user to put up for sale school supplies based on the year in which the first user enrolled in or graduated from school.

[0010] The providing means may determine whether or not to permit the second user to purchase school supplies based on the year the second user enrolled in or graduated from school.

[0011] The money or monetary value in consideration for the purchase or sale of the school supplies may be transferred to the first user's account or a school account associated with the first user. The first user may be able to select the account to which the money or monetary value in consideration for the purchase or sale of the school supplies is transferred.

[0012] The listing of school supplies by the first user may require approval from the first user's parent or guardian.

[0013] The user interface screen for the school supplies may be accessible to other users after the school supplies have been approved for listing.

[0014] According to another embodiment, there is provided an information processing method executed by one or more computers. The information processing method includes the steps of managing authentication information associated with a specific school, managing user registration and user access, and providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies. The step of managing user registration and user access includes, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided to a student via a school management entity is entered, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user. The providing step includes the steps of generating information for presenting a user interface screen for school supplies in accordance with an operation from a first user to list school supplies, and presenting the user interface screen in response to access from a second user if the school associated with the first user matches the school associated with the second user.

[0015] An information processing program according to yet another embodiment causes one or more computers to execute the steps of managing authentication information associated with a specific school, managing user registration and user access, and providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies. The step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of registering a school associated with the authentication information in association with the user when any authentication information associated with the user and provided to a student via a school management entity is entered. The providing step includes a step of generating information for presenting a user interface screen for school supplies in accordance with an operation from a first user to list school supplies, and a step of presenting the user interface screen in response to access from a second user when the school associated with the first user matches the school associated with the second user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a school supply reuse system suitable for the sale and purchase of school supplies and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the processing in the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the operation server of the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a sequence chart showing an example of the processing in the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the product listing screen in the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the authentication information database held by the operation server of the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the user management database held by the operation server of the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure related to user management in the operation server of the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure at the time of listing in the operation server of the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure at the time of browsing and purchasing in the operation server of the school supply reuse system according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] <A. Terms> First, some terms used in the description of this specification will be explained.

[0020] In this specification, "school" includes any organization that provides an educational venue. For example, "school" includes nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, high schools, universities, graduate schools, various vocational schools, etc.

[0021] In this specification, "student" includes natural persons who are scheduled to belong to any school and natural persons who have belonged to any school. "Student" can include any person who is scheduled to enter a school (for example, a person who has passed an entrance examination), any person who has already entered a school, and any person who has graduated from any school. "Student" can also include, in addition to students in the narrow sense, preschool children, children, students, etc.

[0022] In this specification, "school supplies" includes any articles used in school. For example, "school supplies" can include (1) clothing accessories such as uniforms, coats, gym suits (training wear), bags, shoes, ties, belts, socks, rain gear, swimsuits, school lunch clothes, (2) stationery such as pencils, notebooks, erasers, ballpoint pens, and (3) other articles necessary for any school life.

[0023] <B. School Supplies Reuse System> Next, the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the processing in the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0024] In the school supplies reuse system 1, the seller can sell one or more school supplies, and the purchaser can purchase any of the sold school supplies. In order to be a seller and a purchaser, it is necessary to meet predetermined conditions. It can be said that the school supplies reuse system 1 provides a closed trading environment for each school.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a school supplies reuse system 1 includes a management server 100 as its core, a school management entity 200, students 300, a payment server 400, and a delivery management server 500.

[0026] The operation server 100 is made up of one or more computers that are responsible for the processes required to operate the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment. Details of the hardware configuration of the operation server 100 and the processes executed by the operation server 100 will be described later.

[0027] The school management entity 200 includes administrative agencies, public interest organizations, corporations, and individuals that manage any school. The school management entity 200 may also manage multiple types of schools. To implement the processes required for the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment, part or all of the school management entity 200 may be implemented by a computer.

[0028] A student 300 is one or more students who will be attending, currently attending, or previously attended a particular school. In the following explanation, for the sake of convenience, the term "student 300" is used to refer to both an individual student and a group of students. For the sake of convenience, when a student 300 is to be distinguished from other students 300, a sub-number such as "-1" or "-2" is assigned.

[0029] The payment server 400 is responsible for the payment processing related to the purchase and sale of school supplies. Hereinafter, the school supplies to be purchased and sold are also referred to as "products." Some or all of the payment processing handled by the payment server 400 may be handled by the operation server 100 or the delivery management server 500.

[0030] The delivery management server 500 is responsible for delivering products from sellers to purchasers and managing the delivery. The school supplies reuse system 1 may also adopt a delivery method that does not use the delivery management server 500.

[0031] Here, an example of a processing procedure in the school supplies reuse system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0032] The management server 100 provides authentication information 10 to the school management entity 200. The authentication information 10 is associated with a specific school. For example, the authentication information 10 includes information for authenticating that the student 300 is scheduled to belong to or currently belongs to a specific school. The authentication information 10 may also include information for authenticating that the student 300 was previously a student 300 of a specific school.

[0033] The school management entity 200 provides the authentication information 10 acquired from the management server 100 to the target student 300. The student 300 uses the authentication information 10 to access the management server 100.

[0034] The authentication information 10 is used when a student 300 accesses the operating server 100. When the accessing student 300 is authenticated as a student 300, the student 300 can buy and sell products associated with the school to which the student 300 belongs.

[0035] The management server 100 provides a platform for the buying and selling of goods between students 300. The platform provided may be a flea market using a network. In other words, a platform is provided in which, without the authentication information 10 provided via the school management entity 200, it is not possible to buy or sell goods related to the school managed by the school management entity 200.

[0036] For example, student 300-1 accesses the operation server 100 to list unwanted items. In the process of listing, student 300-1 can attach a photo of the item to be listed or describe the item. Other students 300-2 and 300-3 who belong to the same school can access the operation server 100 to search for and view the listed items. When student 300-2 purchases the item listed by student 300-1, a predetermined purchase procedure (such as pressing a purchase button or payment procedure) is performed. The money or monetary value (such as points, etc.) paid by student 300-2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "money") may be managed by the settlement server 400.

[0037] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0041] (c1: Administration Server 100) 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of operation server 100 of school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment. Typically, operation server 100 is realized using one or more general-purpose computers.

[0042] 2, the operation server 100 includes, as main components, one or more processors 101, a main memory 102, a communication interface 103, an input unit 104, a display 105, and a storage 110. These components are connected via an internal bus 106.

[0043] The processor 101 is configured by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. A plurality of processors 101 may be arranged, or a processor 101 having a plurality of cores may be employed.

[0044] The main memory 102 is composed of a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The storage 110 is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs and data executed by the processor 101. Of the programs stored in the storage 110, designated program code is loaded onto the main memory 102, and the processor 101 sequentially executes computer-readable instructions included in the program code loaded onto the main memory 102, thereby realizing various functions as described below.

[0045] The storage 110 stores, for example, a system program 112, a service providing program 114, an authentication information database 120, a user management database 130, and an auction item database 140.

[0046] The system program 112 includes an operating system (OS) that provides an environment for the operation server 100 to execute any program.

[0047] The service providing program 114 includes one or more application programs for realizing functions provided by the operation server 100. Some processing of the service providing program 114 may provide functions or libraries provided by the system program 112. For example, the service providing program 114 may include computer-readable instructions for providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling products.

[0048] The authentication information database 120 is a database that manages the authentication information 10. The user management database 130 is a database that manages users who use the school supplies reuse system 1. The operation server 100 refers to the authentication information database 120 and the user management database 130 to manage user registration and access from users.

[0049] The commodity database 140 is a database that manages products that can be purchased through the school supplies reuse system 1.

[0050] The communication interface 103 is responsible for exchanging data with the school administration entity 200, the students 300, the payment server 400, and the delivery management server 500. The communication interface 103 may include, for example, an Ethernet port to enable communication via the Internet.

[0051] The input unit 104 accepts any input instruction. The display 105 displays the processing results of the processor 101, etc.

[0052] All or part of the operation server 100 may be implemented using a hardwired circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) incorporating a circuit corresponding to computer-readable instructions. Alternatively, the operation server 100 may be implemented using a circuit corresponding to computer-readable instructions on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the operation server 100 may be implemented by appropriately combining the processor 101, main memory 102, ASIC, FPGA, etc.

[0053] The operation server 100 may further include a component for reading a service provision program 114, which is made up of computer-readable instructions, from a non-transitory medium that stores the program. The medium may be, for example, an optical medium such as a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a semiconductor medium such as a USB memory. Furthermore, the service provision program 114 may not only be installed on the operation server 100 via the medium, but may also be provided from a distribution server on a network.

[0054] (c2: 200 school administrators and 300 students) The school management entity 200 and the students 300 use any terminal to participate in the school supply reuse system 1. The terminals used by the school management entity 200 and the students 300 include any information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or a mobile phone.

[0055] The functions provided to the school management entity 200 and the students 300 may be realized by an application pre-installed on the terminal, or the user interface screen provided by the management server 100 may be used via the terminal's browser.

[0056] Various functions, including the provision of a user interface screen to the school operator 200 and the students 300, may be realized using any hardware configuration and software configuration.

[0057] (c3: Settlement server 400 and delivery management server 500) In the settlement server 400 and the delivery management server 500 as well, all or part of the necessary processing may be realized using a general-purpose computer.

[0058] <D. Processing example in the school supplies reuse system 1> Next, a processing example in the school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing a processing example in the school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, commands are shown when student 300-1 offers a product that has become unnecessary and student 300-2 purchases the offered product (see also FIG. 1). For example, student 300-1 is about to graduate from a specific school or has graduated from the school and offers school supplies such as uniforms that have become unnecessary. On the other hand, student 300-2 is about to enter the school or is a current student at the school and needs school supplies such as uniforms.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the school operator 200 sends a generation request to the operation server 100 to request the generation of authentication information 10 for the students including student 300-1 (sequence SQ2). The operation server 100 generates the necessary authentication information 10 in response to the generation request (sequence SQ4) and provides it to the school operator 200 (sequence SQ6). The school operator 200 provides the authentication information 10 provided by the operation server 100 to the students who attend or are scheduled to attend the school (including student 300-1) (sequence SQ8).

[0061] Student 300-1 accesses the operation server 100 (sequence SQ10). The operation server 100 requests student 300-1 to input authentication information 10 provided by the school operation entity 200. When student 300-1 inputs the authentication information 10, the operation server 100 executes authentication processing based on the input authentication information 10 (sequence SQ12). If the authentication processing is successful, the operation server 100 executes processing such as user registration of student 300-1 based on the input authentication information 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the school operator 200 transmits a generation request to the operation server 100, requesting the generation of authentication information 10 for students including student 300-2 (sequence SQ14). In response to the generation request, the operation server 100 generates the necessary authentication information 10 (sequence SQ16) and provides it to the school operator 200 (sequence SQ18). The school operator 200 provides the authentication information 10 provided by the operation server 100 to students (including student 300-2) who attend or plan to attend its school (sequence SQ20).

[0063] Student 300-2 accesses the operation server 100 (sequence SQ22). The operation server 100 requests student 300-2 to input authentication information 10 provided by the school operation entity 200. When student 300-2 inputs the authentication information 10, the operation server 100 executes authentication processing based on the input authentication information 10 (sequence SQ24). If the authentication processing is successful, the operation server 100 executes processing such as user registration of student 300-1 based on the input authentication information.

[0064] It is assumed that the processing of sequences SQ2 to SQ12 and the processing of sequences SQ14 to SQ24 are executed at different times, for example, by three years.

[0065] The transmission of the generation request (sequences SQ2 and SQ14) may be performed by data communication between computers, or a part or all of the action may be performed manually using e-mail, telephone, facsimile, etc. Similarly, the provision of the authentication information 10 (sequences SQ6 and sequences SQ8 and SQ20) may be performed by data communication between computers, or a part or all of the action may be performed manually using e-mail, telephone, facsimile, paper media (postal mail, courier service, etc.), etc.

[0066] Student 300-1 accesses operation server 100 and puts up an item that he no longer needs on a user interface screen provided by operation server 100 (sequence SQ30). Student 300-1 can attach a photo of the item to be put up for sale and write a description of the item. Operation server 100 registers information about the put up item in exhibition database 140 (e.g., FIG. 2).

[0067] Student 300-2 accesses the operation server 100 and searches for and views the products being sold on a user interface screen provided by the operation server 100 (sequence SQ32). The operation server 100 refers to the item database 140 (e.g., FIG. 2) and provides a user interface screen containing information according to the request.

[0068] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product listing screen in school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, user interface screen 150, which is an example of a product listing screen, includes product image 152, title 154, comments 156, price 158, purchase button 160, and inquiry button 162.

[0069] Item images 152 may include one or more images of the listed item. The seller can arbitrarily enter the title 154 and the comment 156. At least a part of the title 154 and the comment 156 may be automatically generated using AI (Artificial Intelligence) or the like. The seller can arbitrarily set the price 158.

[0070] The price 158 may be a price including shipping or a price excluding shipping. The seller may select the price at his / her discretion. An amount to be set for the price 158 may be suggested based on the prices of similar products being offered using AI or the like.

[0071] Pressing the purchase button 160 starts the purchase procedure. Pressing the inquiry button 162 allows an arbitrary message or the like to be sent to the seller. Instead of or in addition to the inquiry button 162, a mechanism may be provided that allows messages to be exchanged between the seller and one or more viewers. The message may be made public to other viewers, or may not be made public to anyone other than the parties exchanging messages.

[0072] Referring again to FIG. 3, for example, when student 300-2 decides to purchase the product put up for sale by student 300-1, he or she goes through the purchase procedure for the put up product on a user interface screen provided by management server 100 (sequence SQ34).

[0073] After the payment process is completed by the payment server 400, the operation server 100 changes the status of the target product to "purchased" (sequence SQ36). The payment server 400 executes the payment process according to the purchase procedure of the student 300-2 based on the information from the operation server 100. The payment server 400 temporarily holds the money paid by the student 300-2 as consideration for the product.

[0074] Furthermore, the operation server 100 starts managing the product delivery (sequence SQ38). For example, the operation server 100 may provide the delivery management server 500 with information on the students 300-1 and 300-2.

[0075] When student 300-1 ships the purchased product, they access the operation server 100 and notify on the user interface screen provided by the operation server 100 that the purchased product has been shipped (sequence SQ40). The operation server 100 changes the status of the target product to "shipped" (sequence SQ42).

[0076] Note that the delivery management server 500 may notify the operation server 100 that the product has been shipped upon receiving a notification that the delivery company 550 has accepted the product. In this case, the process of sequence SQ40 may be omitted.

[0077] When student 300-2 receives the product and checks it, they access the operation server 100 and notify on the user interface screen provided by the operation server 100 that they have received the product (sequence SQ44). The operation server 100 changes the status of the target product to "received" (sequence SQ46). Then, the operation server 100 performs a settlement process on the money temporarily held (sequence SQ48).

[0078] In sequence SQ48, the operation server 100 may transfer the money paid by student 300-2, who is the purchaser, to the account of student 300-1, who is the seller, after deducting the commission and shipping fee, or to the account of the school operation entity 200. That is, the operation server 100 may transfer the money, which is the consideration for the sale and purchase of school supplies, to the seller's account or the school account associated with the seller.

[0079] <E. Authentication Information and User Management> Next, the authentication information and user management in the school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0080] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the authentication information database 120 held by the operation server 100 of the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment. The authentication information database 120 shown in FIG. 5 is held in the storage 110 of the operation server 100.

[0081] As an example, in the authentication information database 120, a plurality of individual IDs 125 are associated with a school key 121. Each of the individual IDs 125 is associated with a password 126 and an expiration date 127.

[0082] In this case, a set of individual ID 125 and password 126 is provided to student 300 as authentication information 10. That is, each student 300 accesses operation server 100 using the unique authentication information 10 provided to him / her. Since different authentication information 10 is provided for each student 300, operation server 100 provides school operation entity 200 with authentication information 10 for each student 300 as authentication information set 12.

[0083] The management server 100 can identify the school by referring to the authentication information database 120 using the school ID 122 contained in the authentication information 10 used for access by the student 300, and can provide a school-specific platform based on the information of the identified school.

[0084] As described above, the school supplies reuse system 1 requires payment processing for the purchase and sale of products, so it is preferable that the parents of the students 300, rather than the students 300 themselves, be actively involved. From the parents' perspective, there may be multiple students 300 in one family. Furthermore, the multiple students 300 may not necessarily attend the same school.

[0085] Therefore, in the school supply reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment, the guardians of the students 300 are registered as parent users, and one or more students 300 can be registered as child users in association with the parent users. That is, the user management function 22 is configured to register a parent user and one or more child users associated with the parent user.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the user management database 130 held by the operation server 100 of the school supply reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, assuming one family, a parent user 40 and one or more child users 42 are registered in association in the user management database 130.

[0088] For example, first, an account for the parent user 40 is generated. User name, password, delivery address information, etc. are registered in association with the parent user 40. The user name may be an email address or an arbitrary nickname. Subsequently, an account for the child user 42 is generated in association with the parent user 40. Name, school information, size information, etc. are registered in association with each of the child users 42.

[0089] Here, for the child user 42, the authentication information 10 provided by the school operation entity 200 is input, and the school information is not associated unless the authentication process based on the input authentication information 10 is successful. That is, for the child user 42, the school information is associated only when the authentication information 10 is appropriately registered, and a platform unique to the associated school is provided.

[0090] <F. Processing Procedure> Next, an example of the processing procedure executed by the operation server 100 will be described.

[0091] 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for user management in the operation server 100 of the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment. Each step shown in FIG. 7 may be realized by the processor 101 of the operation server 100 executing the service provision program 114.

[0092] 7, the operation server 100 determines the type of access from the user (step S100). If the access from the user is a request for new user registration ("New registration" in step S100), the operation server 100 provides the terminal from which the access originates with a user interface screen for registering a user account (step S102).

[0093] The operation server 100 acquires information entered via a user interface screen for registering a user account (step S104) and creates a user account (step S106). That is, user registration of the child user is performed. Furthermore, if authentication information 10 has been entered (YES in step S108), the operation server 100 refers to the authentication information database 120 and executes authentication processing based on the entered authentication information 10 (step S110).

[0094] If the authentication process based on the authentication information 10 is successful (YES in step S112), the management server 100 associates the school associated with the authentication information 10 for which the authentication process was successful with the user (step S114). In this way, when any of the authentication information 10 provided to the student 300 via the school management entity 200 is input, the management server 100 associates the school associated with that authentication information 10 with the user and registers it. Then, the process ends.

[0095] In this way, when any authentication information provided to a student via the school management entity 200 is entered in association with a user, the management server 100 registers the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user.

[0096] On the other hand, if the access from the user is a user login request ("LOGIN" in step S100), the operation server 100 executes user authentication processing based on the entered user name and login password (step S116). If the user authentication processing is successful (YES in step S118), the operation server 100 executes login processing (step S120). Then, the processing ends.

[0097] 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when putting an item up for auction in the management server 100 of the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment. Each step shown in FIG. 8 may be realized by the processor 101 of the management server 100 executing the service provision program 114.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, in response to access from a user, operation server 100 provides a user interface screen for putting up a product to the access source terminal (step S200).

[0099] The operation server 100 acquires information input via a user interface screen for listing a product (step S202). The operation server 100 associates the information for displaying the product listing screen with information about the school to which the accessing user belongs, and stores the information in the listing database 140 (step S204).

[0100] In this way, the operation server 100 generates information for presenting a user interface screen for school supplies in accordance with an operation by a user to put school supplies up for sale.

[0101] 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for browsing and purchasing in the operation server 100 of the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment. Each step shown in FIG. 9 may be realized by the processor 101 of the operation server 100 executing the service provision program 114.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 9, when the operation server 100 receives an access from a user (YES in step S300), it determines, as the search target, information associated with the school to which the accessed user belongs among the information stored in the product database 140 (step S302).

[0103] When the operation server 100 receives a search request from a user (YES in step S304), it extracts information that matches the search request from the search target information (step S306), and provides a user interface screen based on the extracted information to the terminal of the access source (step S308).

[0104] In this way, when the operation server 100 receives an access from a user, if the school associated with the user as the producer matches the school associated with the accessed user, the operation server 100 presents a user interface screen. For a plurality of schools in a relationship such as sister schools, they may be regarded as the same school integrally.

[0105] When the operation server 100 receives a purchase instruction from a user (YES in step S310), it executes a settlement process for the target product (step S312) and executes a delivery management process for the target product (step S314). In this way, when a certain user performs a purchase procedure for school supplies on the user interface screen, the operation server 100 executes a process related to the sale and purchase of the school supplies and a process related to the delivery of the school supplies. Then, the operation server 100 changes the status of the target product stored in the product database 140 to purchased (step S316).

[0106] In addition, when the operation server 100 receives a report of receipt of a product from a user, it transfers the money temporarily held to a predetermined account.

[0107] <G. Modified Example> Next, some modified examples of the school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0108] (g1: Approval of listed items) In the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment, certain school supplies may not be put up for sale without the approval of the administrator (or secretariat). For example, when a product belonging to a certain category, such as a textbook or reference book purchased for a fee, is put up for sale, the administration server 100 may maintain the put up product in a state awaiting approval rather than immediately making the put up product available to other users. While the put up product is in a state awaiting approval, the seller may be able to access the listing screen for the product, and information indicating that the product is in a state awaiting approval may be displayed on the listing screen.

[0109] The operator checks the target product and determines whether to approve the listing. The operator may make additional inquiries to the seller. The operator may use AI or the like to make at least part of the decision on whether to approve the listing of the target product.

[0110] If the target product meets the predetermined guidelines and standards, the listing is approved, and other users can access the listing screen for the product. On the other hand, if the listing of the target product is not approved, the seller of the product may be notified that the listing was not approved. In this case, the listing screen and the like will not be made public to other users. In addition, data on the listed product and the like may be automatically deleted from the operation server 100.

[0111] In this way, the user interface screen including the product listing screen may become accessible to other users after the listing of the product has been approved.

[0112] In addition, the specified guidelines and standards may be determined independently by each school according to its educational policy, etc.

[0113] Furthermore, a function may be provided that allows a seller to inquire of the management server 100 (or the administrator) whether or not the seller is allowed to sell the product before actually selling the product.

[0114] Furthermore, some items may be prohibited from being listed, such as items that could be misused as identification, such as student handbooks, items not permitted for use at the school (such as mobile phones), items provided free of charge, such as textbooks, items directly related to the content of classes, such as handouts, and overly customized uniforms.

[0115] By limiting the items that are bought and sold, ethics and other aspects of the community related to the school can be controlled and maintained.

[0116] (g2: Private sales or bazaar listings) As described above, in the school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment, after the sale of the product is completed, the money paid by the purchaser may be transferred to the account of the seller, or to the account of the PTA, etc. Hereinafter, the former case will be referred to as "personal sale" and the latter case will be referred to as "bazaar sale."

[0117] A seller may be able to select whether to sell the product privately or on a bazaar when or after listing the product. A seller may decide at will whether to sell the product privately or on a bazaar depending on the product itself and the timing of the listing. A seller may also be able to switch between selling the product privately and on a bazaar at will if circumstances change.

[0118] In this way, the seller may be able to arbitrarily select the account to which the money or monetary value that is the consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies is transferred.

[0119] (g3: Seller and Buyer Restrictions) In the school supplies reuse system 1 according to the present embodiment, sellers and purchasers may be restricted based on the period of time they attended school.

[0120] For example, a seller may be a student currently enrolled in school or may have graduated from school. However, the seller's qualifications may be invalidated after a predetermined period of time has passed since graduation. For example, a student's qualifications as a seller may be valid while they are enrolled in school and within one year of graduation.

[0121] In addition, purchasers may be required to be students currently enrolled in a school. In other words, students who have already graduated from a school may be disqualified from being purchasers, since they would have no reason to purchase school supplies (such as uniforms) for that school.

[0122] Such restrictions on sellers and buyers may be based on, for example, the year of enrollment and year of graduation of the student who will be the seller or buyer. Alternatively, the year of graduation (e.g., three years later) and the expiration date of seller qualifications (e.g., four years later) may be determined based on the year of enrollment of each student. Note that, in cases where it is stipulated that each student is given authentication information 10 when enrolling in school, management may be based on the time when authentication information 10 was generated or the time when user registration based on authentication information 10 was made, rather than the year of enrollment of each student.

[0123] Alternatively, the restrictions on sellers and buyers as described above may be based on, for example, the current school year of the student who will be the seller or buyer.

[0124] As described above, the operation server 100 may determine whether to permit a user to list school supplies based on the year the user enrolled in or graduated from school. Similarly, the operation server 100 may determine whether to permit a user to purchase school supplies based on the year the user enrolled in or graduated from school.

[0125] In addition to school restrictions, providing a platform with restrictions on sellers and buyers can help prevent misuse and misappropriation of school supplies.

[0126] (g4:guardian) In the above explanation, for the sake of convenience, a process in which a student becomes a seller or a buyer is illustrated, but a student may be required to obtain parental approval to become a seller or buyer. Alternatively, only parents of students may be allowed to become sellers or buyers, not students themselves.

[0127] For example, as shown in Figure 6, when one or more child users are registered in association with a parent user, based on the registered parent-child relationship, when a child user lists or purchases an item, a notification requesting approval may be sent to the associated parent user.

[0128] In this way, a user's listing of school supplies may require parental approval, making it safer for students, who are often underage, to buy and sell.

[0129] (g5:consignment) In the above explanation, we have exemplified the process when a student or a student's guardian acts as the seller or buyer, but an entity that acts as a proxy for selling or purchasing items may also be provided. Such an entity, upon being entrusted by the student or the student's guardian, will sell specified items or purchase specified items or items that meet certain conditions.

[0130] By employing such an agent, the effort required for listing or purchasing can be reduced. (g6: Integration with other systems) The school supplies reuse system 1 according to this embodiment may be linked to another system. For example, it may be linked to a system for purchasing school supplies. By linking with a system for purchasing school supplies, for example, it is possible to unify the processing of user management.

[0131] Furthermore, when a student puts up an item for sale, it may be required that the item has a purchase history. In other words, it may be required that the item put up for sale in the school supplies reuse system 1 has been legitimately purchased.

[0132] <H. Other Forms> For the sake of convenience of explanation, an implementation example in which a single operation server 100 executes various processes has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to such an implementation form, and any implementation form can be adopted according to specifications and requirements. For example, a plurality of computers may cooperate to realize the functions provided by the above-described operation server 100. Further, all or part of the computers that realize the operation server 100 may be virtual computers in cloud computing. In this case, in reality, part or all of the operation server 100 may be located overseas, but even in this case, it should be interpreted as belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0133]

[0134] <I. Advantages> According to the school supplies reuse system according to the present embodiment, since both the seller and the purchaser can be made conditional on belonging to or having belonged to a specific school, the possibility that a third party not related to the school obtains school supplies unique to the school can be reduced. As a result, a mechanism that can appropriately reuse school supplies can be realized.

[0135] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0136] ​1 School supplies reuse system, 10 Authentication information, 12 Authentication information set, 22 User management function, 40 Parent user, 42 Child user, 100 Operation server, 101 Processor, 102 Main memory, 103 Communication interface, 104 Input unit, 105 Display, 106 Internal bus, 110 Storage, 112 System program, 114 Service provision program, 120 Authentication information database, 121 School key, 122 School ID, 125 Individual ID, 126 Password, 127 Expiry date, 130 User management database, 140 Listing database, 150 User interface screen, 152 Product image, 154 Title, 156 Comment, 158 Price, 160 Purchase button, 162 Button, 200 School management body, 300 Student, 400 Payment server, 500 Delivery management server, 550 Delivery company.

Claims

1. a credential management means for managing credentials associated with a particular school; a user management means for managing user registration and access from users; providing means for providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; When any authentication information provided via a school management entity is input in association with a user, the user management means registers the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing means comprises: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; A school supplies reuse system in which the provision means determines whether to allow the school supplies to be put up for sale based on the year in which the first user or a student associated with the first user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

2. The school supplies reuse system described in claim 1, wherein the providing means determines whether or not to allow the purchase of the school supplies based on the year in which the second user or a student associated with the second user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

3. a credential management means for managing credentials associated with a particular school; a user management means for managing user registration and access from users; providing means for providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; When any authentication information provided via a school management entity is input in association with a user, the user management means registers the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing means comprises: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; A school supplies reuse system in which the provision means determines whether to allow the purchase of the school supplies based on the year in which the second user or a student associated with the second user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

4. a credential management means for managing credentials associated with a particular school; a user management means for managing user registration and access from users; providing means for providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; When any authentication information provided via a school management entity is input in association with a user, the user management means registers the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing means comprises: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; money or monetary value as consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies is transferred to an account of the first user or an account of a school associated with the first user; A school supplies reuse system in which the first user can select an account to which the money or monetary value that is the consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies is transferred.

5. 5. The school supplies reuse system according to claim 1, wherein users who can buy and sell the school supplies are limited to parents of students.

6. The school supplies reuse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the listing of the school supplies by the first user requires approval from a parent or guardian of the first user.

7. A school supplies reuse system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the providing means performs processing related to the purchase and sale of the school supplies and processing related to the delivery of the school supplies when the second user completes the purchase procedure for the school supplies on the user interface screen.

8. The school supplies reuse system of claim 7 further comprises a means for transferring the money or monetary value paid in the purchase procedure for the school supplies, after deducting a predetermined fee, to the account of the user who put the school supplies up for sale.

9. The school supplies reuse system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the user interface screen becomes accessible to other users after the school supplies have been approved for listing.

10. 5. The school supplies reuse system according to claim 1, wherein the user management means manages users in cooperation with a system for purchasing school supplies.

11. 1. An information processing method executed by one or more computers, comprising: managing credentials associated with a particular school; managing user registration and access from users; providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; the step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided via a school management entity is input, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing step includes: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; and determining whether to allow the listing of the school supplies based on the year in which the first user or a student associated with the first user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

12. 1. An information processing method executed by one or more computers, comprising: managing credentials associated with a particular school; managing user registration and access from users; providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; the step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided via a school management entity is input, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing step includes: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; and determining whether to allow the purchase of school supplies based on the year in which the second user or a student associated with the second user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

13. 1. An information processing method executed by one or more computers, comprising: managing credentials associated with a particular school; managing user registration and access from users; providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; the step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided via a school management entity is input, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing step includes: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; and presenting the user interface screen in response to an access from a second user when a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, and the information processing method further includes: transferring money or monetary value representing consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies to an account of the first user or a school account associated with the first user; and receiving from the first user a selection of an account to which money or monetary value representing consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies is to be transferred.

14. An information processing program, which is installed on one or more computers, managing credentials associated with a particular school; managing user registration and access from users; providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; the step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided via a school management entity is input, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing step includes: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; and determining whether to allow the listing of the school supplies based on the year in which the first user or a student associated with the first user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

15. An information processing program, which is installed on one or more computers, managing credentials associated with a particular school; managing user registration and access from users; providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; the step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided via a school management entity is input, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing step includes: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; In response to an access from a second user, if a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, presenting the user interface screen; and determining whether to allow the purchase of the school supplies based on the year in which the second user or a student associated with the second user enrolled in or graduated from the associated school.

16. An information processing program, which is installed on one or more computers, managing credentials associated with a particular school; managing user registration and access from users; providing a user with a user interface screen for buying and selling school supplies; the step of managing user registration and user access includes a step of, when any authentication information associated with the user and provided via a school management entity is input, registering the school associated with the authentication information in association with the user; The providing step includes: generating information for presenting a user interface screen for the school supplies in accordance with an operation by a first user to put the school supplies up for sale; and a step of presenting the user interface screen in response to an access from a second user when a school associated with the first user matches a school associated with the second user, wherein the information processing program further causes the one or more computers to: transferring money or monetary value representing consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies to an account of the first user or a school account associated with the first user; and receiving from the first user a selection of an account to which money or monetary value representing consideration for the purchase and sale of the school supplies is to be transferred.

Images