Server device, method and program

Abstract

To match a service provider and its user.SOLUTION: A server 100 according to an embodiment stores, in a memory, service type information indicating a type of each of one or more services, associated with parameter information that is used for estimating cost required for providing the service(s) and query information that is used for deriving values of the parameter information, receives service type information from a client terminal 300 used by a client, sends query information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal 300, in response to response information indicating responses from the client to the sent query information being received from the client terminal 300 obtains values of parameter information according to the received response information, estimates cost required for providing the service according to the derived parameter information values, and sends quotation information indicating the estimated cost to the client terminal 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a method, and a program that match businesses that provide services with users who wish to request the services. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems that match service providers with users have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a service provider extracts a vehicle or the like in response to a request from a user who wishes to use a shuttle service, and the user accepts the vehicle or the like and enters into a contract, thereby matching the service provider with the user. However, for example, when a user wishes to request a service such as exterior wall painting from a service provider such as a painting company, the user may not accurately know information necessary for estimating the cost of providing the service, such as the area of ​​the exterior wall of the house. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-204319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been made in light of the above-mentioned background, and aim to enable an estimate for the provision of a service even when a client who wishes to request a service does not know the exact information necessary for estimating the cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the server device according to the present disclosure includes at least one processor, which stores in a memory service type information indicating the type of each of one or more services, parameter information used to estimate the costs required to provide the services, and question information used to derive the value of the parameter information, in association with each other; receives the service type information from a client terminal device used by a client; transmits the question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device; upon receiving answer information indicating the client's answer to the transmitted question information from the client terminal device, derives the value of the parameter information from the received answer information; estimates the costs required to provide the services based on the derived value of the parameter information; and transmits estimate information indicating the estimated costs to the client terminal device.

[0006] Furthermore, the method disclosed herein is a method carried out by a computer including at least one processor by the at least one processor executing a predetermined instruction command, and includes the steps of: storing in memory, in association with each other, service type information indicating the type of each of one or more services, parameter information used to estimate the costs required to provide the services, and question information used to derive the values ​​of the parameter information; receiving the service type information from a client terminal device used by a client; transmitting the question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device; upon receiving, from the client terminal device, answer information indicating the client's answer to the transmitted question information, deriving the value of the parameter information from the received answer information; estimating the costs required to provide the services based on the derived values ​​of the parameter information; and transmitting estimate information indicating the estimated costs to the client terminal device.

[0007] Furthermore, the program according to the present disclosure causes a computer including at least one processor to function as a processor configured to perform the following processing: store in memory service type information indicating the type of each of one or more services, parameter information used to estimate the costs required to provide the services, and question information used to derive the value of the parameter information, in association with each other; receive the service type information from a client terminal device used by a client; transmit the question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device; upon receiving answer information from the client terminal device indicating the client's answer to the transmitted question information, derive the value of the parameter information from the received answer information; estimate the costs required to provide the services based on the derived value of the parameter information; and transmit quotation information indicating the estimated costs to the client terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the first disclosure of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the business operator terminal device 200 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the client terminal device 300 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a business operator information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing a parameter information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing question information, types of parameter information, and calculation method information for calculating parameter information, taking a specific example in which the service type information indicates exterior wall painting. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a question information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a unit price information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the system 1 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a location information input image that is displayed on the display 211 of the business operator terminal device 200 and is used to input location information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the system 1 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a first diagram illustrating an example of an image including the question information shown in FIG. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a second diagram illustrating an example of an image including the question information shown in FIG. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a third diagram illustrating an example of an image including the question information shown in FIG. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12D is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of an image including the question information shown in FIG. [Figure 12E] FIG. 12E is a fifth diagram illustrating an image including the question information shown in FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of an image for requesting input of an email address to which the business information is to be sent, which is created by the processes of S158, S160, and S162 shown in FIG. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image including business information related to the painting contractor, which is created by the processes of S158, S160, and S162 shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed by the server device 100 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing question information, types of parameter information, and calculation method information for calculating values ​​of parameter information, using a specific example in which the service type information indicates moving. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a first diagram illustrating a portion of the image including the question information shown in FIG. 7 when the service type indicates moving. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a second diagram illustrating a portion of the image including the question information shown in FIG. 7 when the service type indicates moving. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C is a third diagram illustrating a portion of the image including the question information shown in FIG. 7 when the service type indicates moving. [Figure 16D] FIG. 16D is a fourth diagram illustrating a portion of the image including the question information shown in FIG. 7 when the service type indicates moving. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image including business information related to a moving company, which is created by the processing of S158, S160, and S162 shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Common components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. Subscripts to the reference numerals of multiple components may be omitted. Some of the names of components and information may be omitted in the drawings, such as when business page information is referred to as a business page.

[0010] 1. Overview of the system according to the present disclosure The system according to the present disclosure mainly includes a server device, a client terminal device used by a client requesting a service provided by a service provider, and a service provider terminal device used by the service provider. For example, the system asks appropriate questions to a client seeking to receive a service, and derives parameters that are required for a quote for the service but are unknown to the client based on the answers to the questions. Furthermore, the system creates and presents a quote to the client based on the derived parameters, matches the client with the service provider, and leads to a contract between the client and the service provider.

[0011] In this disclosure, the term "business operator" is merely used as a general term for anything that can use the business operator terminal device. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, it may refer to a specific individual, or it may refer to an organization related to that individual (e.g., a company, union, organization, group, etc.). Furthermore, the term "requester" is merely used as a general term for anything that can use the requester terminal device. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, it may refer to a specific individual, or it may refer to an organization related to that individual (e.g., a company, union, organization, group, etc.).

[0012] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the terms "business operator" and "business operator terminal device" are merely names given to distinguish them from the requester and the requester terminal device. Similarly, the terms "requester" and "requester terminal device" are merely names given to distinguish them from the business operator and the business operator terminal device. Therefore, even if a business operator or business operator terminal device is used in one matching, it may become a requester or a requester terminal device in another matching. The reverse may also be true.

[0013] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "administrator" is simply used as a general term for those who manage the services provided through the system (server device, etc.) according to this disclosure. Therefore, unless it is clearly stated that it refers to a specific individual, it may refer to a specific individual or an organization (for example, a company, association, group, etc.) related to that individual.

[0014] 2. Configuration of System 1 According to the Present Disclosure Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a server device 100, two business operator terminal devices 200-1 and 200-2, and one or more client terminal devices 300. The server device 100 is communicably connected to each device via a network.

[0015] In the present disclosure, the system 1 is exemplified as including two business operator terminal devices 200-1, 200-2 and one requester terminal device 300, but these numbers are merely examples. That is, the system 1 may include three or more business operator terminal devices 200 and two or more requester terminal devices 300. In addition, in the present disclosure, the server device 100 is exemplified as being configured as an integrated unit, but the components and processing of the requester terminal device 300 may be distributed across multiple server devices, and the server device 100 may be connected to various databases.

[0016] 3. Configuration of Server Device 100 Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the first disclosure of the present disclosure. The server device 100 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 2, and may have a configuration in which some components are omitted, or may include other components.

[0017] 2, the server device 100 includes a memory 111 including RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and an HDD, a processor 112 including a CPU, an output interface 113, and a communication interface 114. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. The memory 111 may also include a database, an external storage device, and the like connected via a communication interface, etc.

[0018] The memory 111 includes a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory, and a HDD, and functions as a storage unit. The memory 111 stores instructions and commands for executing the applications and OS according to the present disclosure as programs. Such programs are loaded into the memory 111 by the processor 112 from a recording medium or a network via the communication interface 114 and executed. The memory 111 also stores various information tables, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, etc.

[0019] In addition, in the present disclosure, the memory 111 (particularly RAM) is temporarily used to write and read data while the above programs are executed by the processor 112.

[0020] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the memory 111 stores in memory, in association with each other, service type information indicating the type of each of one or more services, parameter information used to estimate the costs required to provide the service, and question information used to derive the value of the parameter information, and stores a program for performing processes such as receiving service type information from a client terminal device 300 used by a client, transmitting question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device 300, and upon receiving answer information from the client terminal device 300 indicating the client's answer to the transmitted question information, deriving the value of the parameter information from the received answer information, estimating the costs required to provide the service based on the derived value of the parameter information, and transmitting estimate information indicating the estimated costs to the client terminal device 300.

[0021] Processor 112 is configured with a CPU (microcomputer) and functions as a control unit for controlling other connected components based on various programs stored in memory 111. Processor 112 may be configured with a single CPU or multiple CPUs.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the processor 112 executes a program to perform processes such as: storing in memory, in association with each other, service type information indicating the type of each of one or more services, parameter information used to estimate the costs required to provide the services, and question information used to derive the values ​​of the parameter information; receiving service type information from a client terminal device 300 used by a client; transmitting question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device 300; receiving, from the client terminal device 300, answer information indicating the client's answer to the transmitted question information; deriving the values ​​of the parameter information from the received answer information; estimating the costs required to provide the services based on the derived values ​​of the parameter information; and transmitting estimate information indicating the estimated costs to the client terminal device 300.

[0023] The communication interface 114 functions as a communication unit that performs processes such as modulation and demodulation in order to transmit and receive programs, various information, and the like used in the system 1 according to the present disclosure via a network with, for example, the business operator terminal device 200, the requester terminal device 300, and / or other server devices 100. The communication interface 114 communicates with the business operator terminal device 200, the requester terminal device 300, and / or other server devices according to the above-mentioned wireless communication method or a known wired communication method.

[0024] In the present disclosure, the server device 100 receives basic information, service type information, service attribute information, location information, detailed information, cost information, evaluation request destination, offer acceptance information, etc. from the business operator terminal device 200 via the communication interface 114. In addition, the server device 100 transmits business operator page information, offer information, etc. to the business operator terminal device 200 via the communication interface 114.

[0025] In the present disclosure, the requester terminal device 300 transmits selection information such as service type, response information, selection information of a desired business operator, related service response information, etc. to the server device 100 via the communication interface 114. The server device 100 receives question information, business operator information, related service information, etc. from the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114.

[0026] The output interface 113 functions as an information input / output unit for inputting and outputting information to and from various external devices such as a printer, a display, etc. (not shown) The output interface 113 can adopt a known connection format such as a serial port, a parallel port, or a USB, as desired.

[0027] 4. Configuration of operator terminal device 200 Fig. 3A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the business operator terminal device 200 according to the present disclosure. The business operator terminal device 200 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 3A, and may have a configuration in which some components are omitted, or may have other components added.

[0028] An example of the operator terminal device 200 is a portable terminal device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone. However, the present disclosure can be suitably applied to any device capable of executing the program according to the present disclosure, such as a feature phone, a personal digital assistant, a PDA, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a portable game console, or a stationary game console. Furthermore, when the program according to the present disclosure is executed on multiple operator terminal devices 200, the operator terminal devices 200 do not necessarily have to be the same or of the same type. For example, one operator terminal device 200 may be a smartphone, and the other operator terminal devices 200 may be laptop computers.

[0029] 3A, the operator terminal device 200 includes a display 211, a processor 212, a memory 213 including RAM, ROM, or non-volatile memory (or HDD in some cases), a communication interface 214 including a communication processing circuit 215 and an antenna, and an input interface 216 including a touch panel 217 and hard keys 218. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines.

[0030] The display 211 functions as a display unit that reads image information stored in the memory 213 and displays various images created by executing the program according to the present disclosure in response to instructions from the processor 212. The display 211 is configured from, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, or the like.

[0031] The input interface 216 is composed of a touch panel 217 and / or hard keys 218, etc. The input interface 216 accepts various instruction inputs necessary for executing the program according to the present disclosure. The various instruction inputs include, for example, starting an application, selecting a service type or service attributes when registering a business, and inputting basic information, location information, detailed information, cost information, and a destination for requesting an evaluation.

[0032] The touch panel 217 is disposed to cover the display 211, and outputs position coordinate information corresponding to image data displayed on the display 211 to the processor 212. Known touch panel methods can be used, such as a resistive film method, a capacitive coupling method, and an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method. In the present disclosure, the touch panel 217 detects swipe and tap operations on icons and the like displayed on the display 211 by a pointer. Note that, although the present disclosure uses the input interface 216 provided in the operator terminal device 200, it is also possible to use an input interface 216, such as a mouse or a keyboard, that is connected wirelessly or by wire to a main body including the processor 212 and the like.

[0033] The processor 212 is configured with a CPU (microcomputer) and functions as a control unit that controls other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 213. The processor 212 may be configured with a single CPU or multiple CPUs. Furthermore, the processor 212 may be configured with an appropriate combination of multiple types of CPUs, such as a CPU and a GPU specialized for image processing.

[0034] Specifically, the processor 212 reads and executes a program for executing an application according to the present disclosure and a program for executing an OS from the memory 213. In the present disclosure, the processor 212 performs processes such as accepting input of service type information, service attribute information, basic information, etc. by a business operator via the input interface 216 on a business operator registration screen displayed on the display 211, transmitting the accepted information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214, displaying a business operator page on the display 211 upon receiving business operator page information from the server device 100 via the communication interface 214, accepting input of location information, detailed information, evaluation information, and unit information indicating the cost per unit of the value of parameter information derived in the server device 100 via the input interface 216 on the business operator page, and transmitting the accepted information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214.

[0035] The memory 213 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, a HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The ROM stores instructions and commands for executing the application and OS according to the present disclosure as a program. The RAM is a memory used to write and read data while the program stored in the ROM is being processed by the processor 212. The non-volatile memory is a memory into which data is written and read as the program is executed, and the data written therein is saved even after the execution of the program has ended.

[0036] In addition, in the present disclosure, the memory 213 stores a program that performs processes such as accepting input of service type information, service attribute information, basic information, etc. by the business operator via the input interface 216 on the business registration screen displayed on the display 211, transmitting the accepted information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214, displaying a business page on the display 211 when business page information is received from the server device 100 via the communication interface 214, accepting input of location information, detailed information, evaluation information, and unit information indicating the cost per unit of the value of parameter information derived in the server device 100 via the input interface 216 on the business page, and transmitting the accepted information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214.

[0037] The communication interface 214 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from the remotely installed server device 100 and the client terminal device 300 via the communication processing circuit 215 and the antenna. The communication processing circuit 215 performs processing for receiving programs, various information, etc. used in the system according to the present disclosure from the server device 100 according to the progress of processing.

[0038] In the present disclosure, basic information, service type, service attributes, location information, detailed information, cost information, evaluation request destination, offer acceptance information, etc. are transmitted to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214. In addition, business operator page information, offer information, etc. are received from the server device 100 via the communication interface 214.

[0039] The communication processing circuit 215 performs communication processing based on a wideband wireless communication system such as the LTE system. Alternatively, the communication processing circuit 215 can also perform communication processing based on a system related to narrowband wireless communication such as a wireless LAN such as the IEEE802.11 system or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the communication processing circuit 215 can also perform communication processing based on a system related to wired communication instead of or in addition to a system related to wireless communication.

[0040] 5. Configuration of client terminal device 300 Fig. 3B is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a requester terminal device 300 according to the present disclosure. The requester terminal device 300 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 3, and may have a configuration in which some components are omitted, or may include other components.

[0041] An example of the client terminal device 300 is a portable terminal device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone. However, the present disclosure can be suitably applied to any device capable of executing the program according to the present disclosure, such as a feature phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a portable game console, or a stationary game console. Furthermore, when the program according to the present disclosure is executed on multiple client terminal devices 300, the client terminal devices 300 do not necessarily have to be the same or of the same type. For example, one client terminal device 300 may be a smartphone, and the other client terminal devices 300 may be laptop computers.

[0042] 3, the client terminal device 300 includes a display 311, a processor 312, a memory 313 including RAM, ROM, or nonvolatile memory (or HDD in some cases), a communication interface 314, and an input interface 316 including a touch panel 317 and hard keys 318. The memory 313 includes RAM, ROM, or nonvolatile memory (or HDD in some cases). The communication interface 314 includes a communication processing circuit 315 and an antenna. The input interface 316 includes the touch panel 317 and hard keys 318. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines.

[0043] Display 311 functions as a display unit that reads image information stored in memory 313 in response to instructions from processor 312 and performs various displays that are output by executing a program according to the present disclosure, as will be described later with reference to Figures 12A to 12E, etc. Display 311 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, or the like.

[0044] The input interface 316 is composed of a touch panel 317 and / or hard keys 318, etc., and accepts various instruction inputs. The various instruction inputs include execution of a program according to the present disclosure, i.e., launching an application, specifying a service type, input of answer information and usage response information, etc. The service type indicates the type of service that can be provided to the requester.

[0045] The answer information is received from the server device 100 and indicates a response to the question information associated with the specified service type. The usage promotion information encourages the requester to use other services. The types of other services are indicated by related service type information that indicates the types of services related to the specified service type. The usage response information indicates that the requester will use other services in response to receiving the usage promotion information.

[0046] The touch panel 317 is configured using a known method such as a resistive film method, a capacitive coupling method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, etc. In the present disclosure, the touch panel 317 detects swipe operations and tap operations on each icon, etc. displayed on the display 311 by a pointer. The input interface 316 may be built into the requester terminal device 300, or may be connected to the requester terminal device 300 wirelessly or by wire, like a mouse or keyboard, for example.

[0047] The processor 312 is configured as a CPU (microcomputer) and functions as a control unit that controls other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 313. The processor 312 may be configured as a single CPU or multiple CPUs. Furthermore, the processor 312 may be configured as an appropriate combination of multiple types of CPUs, such as a CPU and a GPU specialized for image processing.

[0048] Specifically, the processor 312 reads out from the memory 313 a program for executing an application according to the present disclosure and a program for executing an OS, and executes the program.

[0049] In addition, in the present disclosure, processor 312 performs processes such as transmitting service type information of the service that the requester wishes to receive to server device 100, receiving question information corresponding to the received service type information from server device 100, transmitting answer information indicating the requester's answer to the received question information to server device 100, and receiving estimate information indicating the cost of providing the service estimated by server device 100 from server device 100.

[0050] The memory 313 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, a HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The ROM stores instructions and commands for executing the application and OS according to the present disclosure as a program. The RAM is a memory used to write and read data while the program stored in the ROM is being processed by the processor 312. The non-volatile memory is a memory into which data is written and read as the program is executed, and the data written therein is saved even after the execution of the program has ended.

[0051] In addition, in the present disclosure, memory 313 stores a program that performs processes such as sending service type information of the service that the requester wishes to receive to server device 100, receiving question information corresponding to the received service type information from server device 100, sending answer information indicating the requester's answer to the received question information to server device 100, and receiving estimate information indicating the cost of providing the service estimated by server device 100 from server device 100.

[0052] The communication interface 314 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from the remotely installed server device 100 and other terminal devices via the communication processing circuit 315 and an antenna. The communication processing circuit 315 performs processing to receive programs, various information, and the like used in the system according to the present disclosure from the server device 100 according to the progress of processing.

[0053] In the present disclosure, selection information such as service type, answer information, selection information, and usage response information are transmitted to the server device 100 via the communication interface 314. In addition, question information, business operator information, usage promotion information, and the like are received from the server device 100 via the communication interface 314.

[0054] The communication processing circuit 315 may perform communication processing based on a wideband wireless communication system such as the LTE system, or may perform communication processing based on a narrowband wireless communication system such as a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark).Furthermore, the communication processing circuit 315 can also perform communication processing based on a wired communication system instead of or in addition to a wireless communication system.

[0055] 6. Information stored in memory, etc. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an operator information table stored in the server device 100 according to the present disclosure. As an example, the table stores information that is generated or input when each operator starts the program according to the present disclosure on the operator terminal device 200 and registers the operator. This information can be updated as appropriate in response to instructions input from each operator, etc.

[0056] 4, the business operator information table stores business operator identifier information (business operator ID information), business operator information, service type information, service attribute information, contact information, location information, detailed information, evaluation information, etc. in association with each other. The business operator identifier information is an identifier that uniquely identifies each business operator and is used to identify each business operator. This information is generated and stored every time a new business operator registers with server device 100.

[0057] The business operator information is information about the name or title of an individual or organization that is a business operator, and can be entered by each business operator at will. An example of business operator information is the name of the company that provides the service. The service type information is information that indicates the type of service that each business operator provides. This information is generated by the business operator selecting the most relevant service type from multiple pre-defined service types, or by the business operator entering any character string. Examples of service type information include painting, moving, photographer, traveling kimono dresser, tax accountant, patent attorney, lawyer, gardening, videography, drone photography, etc.

[0058] Service attribute information further subdivides and classifies the service type information of the services provided by each operator. Service attribute information is generated by operators selecting the most relevant service attribute from multiple pre-defined service attributes or by operators entering any character string.

[0059] Examples of service attributes include, when the service type is painting, painting businesses that are good at painting houses, painting businesses that are good at painting metal structures, and painting businesses that are good at decorative painting.

[0060] Furthermore, examples of service attributes include, when the service type is a moving business, a moving business that specializes in office moves, a moving business that specializes in general household moves, and so on.

[0061] Furthermore, examples of service attributes include, when the service type is photographer, photographers who are good at taking photos of weddings, photographers who are good at taking landscape photos, photographers who are good at taking photos of people, and photographers who are good at taking photos of anniversaries.

[0062] Another example of a service attribute, when the service type is a traveling kimono dresser, includes a traveling kimono dresser who is good at dressing in all types of Japanese clothing, a traveling kimono dresser who is good at dressing in formal Western clothing, and a traveling kimono dresser who is good at dressing in the national costumes of a particular country.

[0063] Another example is when the service type is tax accountant, there are tax accountants who are good at filing tax returns, tax accountants who are good at filing inheritance tax returns, tax accountants who are good at company establishment, tax accountants who are good at applying for loans and subsidies, etc. It is also possible to further subdivide the service attributes.

[0064] The contact information is information about the contact details of each business, and desired information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and addresses is stored as appropriate.

[0065] Location information is information indicating locations related to each business, such as the current location, location, business area, and accessible area of ​​each business. This information may be any information indicating a specific address, coordinates, city / ward / town / village name, or location. The business information may be a combination of the business name, contact information for each business indicated by the contact information, and the current location / location of each business indicated by the location information. In this case, the contact information and location information may be omitted.

[0066] The detailed information is profile information for each business operator. Examples of the detailed information include an introduction of the business operator, areas of expertise and weaknesses, member composition, past request acceptance rate, schedule, and whether or not there have been any violations of the terms and conditions in the past.

[0067] The evaluation information includes evaluation results from evaluation request destinations designated by each business, evaluation results from requesters who have previously requested services from each business, and information on word-of-mouth comments based on these. In addition to this information, various other information, such as the business's business performance, may be stored in association with the business ID. As an example, the table is generated by an administrator inputting questions for each service type in advance. Furthermore, the information stored in the table may be updated as appropriate in response to instructions input by the administrator, etc.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a parameter information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating question information, types of parameter information, and calculation method information for calculating parameter information, taking a specific example in which service type information indicates exterior wall painting. As shown in FIG. 5, the parameter information table includes multiple pieces of service type information and one or more pieces of parameter information associated with each of the multiple pieces of service type information. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the service type information indicates exterior wall painting, the types of parameter information include scaffolding, exterior wall area, roof area, and ancillary parts. The ancillary parts include gutters, gables, eaves, etc. of the house.

[0069] The parameter information, scaffolding (m), is required to estimate the cost of setting up scaffolding for exterior wall painting, and the cost of scaffolding can be estimated if the length of the scaffolding is known. However, scaffolding is not required when painting only the exterior walls on the first floor. The parameter information, exterior wall area, roof area, and auxiliary parts, are required to estimate the cost of painting these. The total cost of setting up scaffolding and the cost of painting the exterior walls, etc., is estimated as the cost of exterior wall painting.

[0070] The length of scaffolding can be calculated, for example, by adding 2m to the square root of the building's floor area, multiplying that value by 4, and then multiplying that value by the building's height (scaffolding length = (square root of floor area + 2) x 4 x building height). The square root of the floor area is used to calculate the length of one side of the building, assuming that the first floor of the building is square. The number "2m" added to the square root of the building is based on the requirement set out in the building standards, and it is because the scaffolding is set up 1m away from the exterior wall. The building's height is also used to determine the number of scaffolding layers required.

[0071] The exterior wall area can be calculated by multiplying the square root of the building's floor area by 4 and then multiplying that by the building's height. Although not shown here, exterior walls usually have areas such as windows that do not need to be painted. Therefore, a coefficient that takes these areas into account can be added.

[0072] The roof area can be calculated by multiplying the floor area of ​​a building by 1.3. The factor 1.3 is a predetermined value, but this is because buildings are usually constructed with a large roof area compared to the floor area.

[0073] Of the accessory parts, the length of the gutter is obtained by multiplying the square root of the roof area calculated above by 4. The area of ​​the gable is obtained by finding the length of one side of the roof from the square root of the roof area calculated above, multiplying the length of one side of the roof by 2, and then multiplying it again by 0.2. This coefficient of 0.2 is a predetermined coefficient, but is based on the assumption that the width of the gable is approximately 0.2m. The area of ​​the eaves soffit is obtained by multiplying the length of one side of the roof calculated above by 2, and then multiplying it again by 0.4. This coefficient of 0.4 is a predetermined coefficient, but is based on the assumption that the width of the eaves soffit is approximately 0.4m. The estimated cost of painting is calculated by multiplying each area calculated above by 1m 2 It is obtained by multiplying the cost per

[0074] As explained above, assuming that the height of one floor of a building is 3 meters, the parameters used to estimate the cost of painting the exterior walls of a building can be derived from the building's height and floor area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the server device 100 can obtain the parameter information (scaffolding, exterior wall area, roof area, and auxiliary area) by asking the client for the building's floor area and height and obtaining their answers. Furthermore, the cost of painting the exterior walls can be estimated by multiplying each of these parameter information values ​​by the cost per unit and adding up these multiplied values.

[0075] These pieces of parameter information are associated with service identifier information and included in a parameter information table, as shown in Fig. 5. The parameter information is obtained, for example, by the server device 100 collecting and analyzing in advance parameter information required by businesses that provide exterior wall painting services. Alternatively, the parameter information is obtained by the administrator of the server device 100 appropriately selecting from parameter information collected in advance.

[0076] 7 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a question information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the question information table includes one or more pieces of question information commonly associated with each of a plurality of pieces of service type information, and calculation method information. The calculation method information includes, for example, assumption information A and calculation formula information EQ. As described above, the question information associated with each of a plurality of pieces of service type information is a question commonly asked to a client for the service type information.

[0077] As described above, the question information is used to derive the parameter information and estimate the cost of providing the service indicated by the associated service type information. As explained with reference to Fig. 6, the assumption information A of the calculation method information indicates an assumption for obtaining the parameter information from the answer to the question information, such as assuming that the roof area of ​​a building is 1.3 times the floor area. Furthermore, the calculation formula information EQ of the calculation method information indicates a calculation formula for obtaining the parameter from the answer to the question information, as explained with reference to Fig. 6.

[0078] The question information and calculation method information corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of service type information can be obtained by the server device 100 analyzing in advance information required to obtain parameter information required by a business providing a service indicated by the service type information, for example, as described with reference to Fig. 6. Alternatively, the question information and calculation method information can be obtained by the administrator of the server device 100 appropriately creating questions required to obtain parameter information collected in advance.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a unit price information table stored in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the unit price information table includes one or more pieces of unit price information associated with carrier identifier information. The unit price information UP indicates the cost required per unit of the value of parameter information determined by each of multiple carriers, and is used to calculate a specific cost by multiplying the value of the parameter information. The unit price information corresponding to each of the multiple carrier identifier information is set in server device 100 from carrier terminal device 200 by, for example, each of the multiple carriers indicated by the carrier identifier information.

[0080] For example, the business information table shown in Fig. 4 indicates that the business indicated by the business identifier information provides the exterior wall painting service indicated by this business identifier information. In this case, in the unit information table shown in Fig. 8, the unit information indicates the cost per unit of each value of the parameter information of scaffolding, exterior wall area, roof area, and accessories obtained when this business provides the exterior wall painting service.

[0081] That is, the cost for the business operator to erect the scaffolding is estimated by multiplying the value of the parameter information for the scaffolding by the unit price information indicating the unit price information for the scaffolding. Similarly, the cost for the business operator to paint the exterior walls is estimated by multiplying the value of the parameter information for the exterior wall area by the unit price information indicating the unit price information for the exterior wall area. Similarly, the cost for the business operator to paint the roof is estimated by multiplying the value of the parameter information for the roof area by the unit price information indicating the unit price information for the roof area. Similarly, the cost for the business operator to paint the accessory parts is estimated by multiplying the value of the parameter information for the accessory parts by the unit price information indicating the unit price information for the accessory parts.

[0082] The parameter information shown in Fig. 5 is set commonly to the services indicated by the service type information. On the other hand, the unit information shown in Fig. 8 is set for each of multiple different businesses that provide the same service. In other words, by setting the parameter information commonly to each service and setting the unit price information to be multiplied by the value of the parameter information for each business, the difference in the cost estimated for each business to provide the service desired by the requester becomes clear.

[0083] 7. Processing sequence executed in System 1 Fig. 9 is a first diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the system 1 according to the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 9 shows a processing sequence executed between the server device 100 and the business operator terminal device 200 when a business operator newly registers itself with the server device 100 from the business operator terminal device 200.

[0084] 9, the processor 212 of the business operator terminal device 200 accepts an instruction input from the business operator and launches an application for executing the system 1 according to the present disclosure (S100). Then, the processor 212 further accepts an instruction input from the business operator via the input interface 216 and selects business operator registration from a menu item (S102). The processor 212 displays a service selection screen on the display 211 for selecting the type of service the business operator provides. The screen displays a list of service type information indicating services that can be provided by the system 1 according to the present disclosure (for example, tax accountant, photographer, traveling kimono dresser, florist, etc.).

[0085] The processor 212 receives an instruction input from the business operator via the input interface 216, and selects a service type to be registered by the business operator from a service selection screen displaying a list of service types (S104). Similarly, the processor 212 displays a service attribute selection screen on the display 211 for selecting service attribute information of the service indicated by the selected service type information. The screen displays a list of service attribute information (for example, painting contractors who are good at painting the exterior walls of ordinary homes and painting contractors who are good at painting the exterior walls of buildings) that is preset for the service type selected in S104.

[0086] The processor 212 receives an instruction input from the business operator via the input interface 216, and selects the service attribute information to be registered by the business operator from a service attribute selection screen displaying a list of service attribute information (S106). Next, the processor 212 receives an input of basic information via the input interface 216 (S108). This information includes the business operator's business information, contact information, etc. Then, the processor 212 receives an input of the business operator's location information via the input interface 216 (S110).

[0087] The location information may be a current location detected using various sensors such as a GPS included in the business operator terminal device 200. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a location information input image that is displayed on the display 211 of the business operator terminal device 200 and used to input location information. The location information input image shown in Fig. 10 may be used to input location information.

[0088] 10, an input box 21 for inputting the location information of the business operator is displayed on the display 211 of the business operator terminal device 200. The business operator can input the postal code, station name, address, and landmark in the input box 21 and tap the selection icon 23 to input the location information.

[0089] Based on the location information entered in the input box 21, a map of the surrounding area centered on the entered location information is displayed in the map display area 22. The business operator can also select more detailed locations by performing a click operation or the like on the displayed map.

[0090] Also, a selection icon 23 and a cancel icon 24 are displayed at the bottom of the map display area 22, and when the business operator taps the selection icon 23, the selected point or the information entered in the input box 21 is selected as location information and transmitted to the server device 100. Also, when the business operator taps the cancel icon 24, the selected location can be erased temporarily, and the location can be entered again from the beginning.

[0091] 9, the processor 212 receives an instruction input from the business operator via the input interface 216 and accepts detailed information (S112). The detailed information includes information such as the business operator's introduction, areas of expertise and weaknesses, and member composition. After the input of this information is completed, the processor 212 transmits the input service type information, service attribute information, basic information, location information, detailed information, etc. to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214 (S114).

[0092] When the server device 100 receives information such as service type information, service attribute information, basic information, location information, detailed information, etc., the processor 112 of the server device 100 generates business identifier information unique to the business that transmitted the information, and stores the received information in the memory 111 in association with the business identifier information generated in the business information table shown in Fig. 4. The processor 112 then generates a business page based on the information stored in the memory 111 (S116), and transmits the business page information, including the link destination, etc., to the business terminal device 200 via the communication interface 114 (S118). Note that the various pieces of information input in the business terminal device 200 can be updated on the business page in response to instructions input by the business.

[0093] When the business operator terminal device 200 receives the business operator page information, the processor 212 of the business operator terminal device 200 accepts an instruction input from the business operator via the input interface 216 and displays the business operator page on the display 211. On the business operator page, the processor 212 accepts an input specifying evaluation request destination information via the input interface 216 (S120).

[0094] This evaluation request destination information is information regarding the contact information of a person designated by the business itself as an evaluator. By designating the evaluation destination by the business itself, the business can receive an accurate evaluation from someone who is familiar with the business, rather than from an unspecified number of people. Then, the processor 212 transmits the input evaluation destination and business identifier information, etc. to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214 (S122).

[0095] When the evaluation request destination information is received, the processor 112 sends an evaluation request to the received evaluation request destination (e.g., email address) to request an evaluation of the business corresponding to the received business identifier information (S124). When an evaluation of the business is received from the specified evaluation request destination as a result of the evaluation request, the processor 112 stores the received evaluation result as evaluation information in the business information table (not shown). Furthermore, on the business page displayed on the business terminal device 200, the processor 212 accepts input of unit information shown in FIG. 8 (S126).

[0096] When the business operator inputs unit information via input interface 216, processor 212 transmits the input cost information and business operator identifier information to server device 100 via communication interface 214 (S128). When server device 100 receives unit information via communication interface 114, processor 112 stores the received unit information in the unit information table in association with the business operator identifier information, as shown in Fig. 8 (S130). This completes the processing flow for business operator registration.

[0097] Fig. 11 is a second diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the system 1 according to the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 11 shows a processing sequence when a client selects a business operator from which a desired service is to be provided, among the processing sequences of various processes executed among the server device 100, the business operator terminal device 200, and the client terminal device 300.

[0098] 11, the processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 accepts an instruction input from the requester and starts an application for executing the system 1 according to the present disclosure (S140). Then, the processor 312 displays a list of service type information indicating services that can be provided by each business on the display 311, and accepts the selection of service type information by the requester via the input interface 316 (S142).

[0099] Furthermore, processor 312 displays a list of service attribute information on display 311 in accordance with the selected service type information, and accepts the requester's selection of service attributes via input interface 316 (S144). Next, processor 312 accepts the requester's selection of location information via input interface 316 (S146). Note that an image similar to the location information input screen shown in Fig. 10 can also be displayed on display 311 of requester terminal device 300 and used to input the requester's location information.

[0100] The processor 312 transmits the information such as the service type, service attributes, and location information input via the communication interface 314 to the server device 100 together with the requester identifier information (requester ID information) (S148). The service type, service attributes, location information, and the like are received by the server device 100. The processor 112 of the server device 100 stores the received information in the memory 111 in association with the requester identifier information.

[0101] 7 using the received service type information, and reads out one or more pieces of question information corresponding to the service type information (S150).The processor 112 transmits the one or more pieces of question information that have been read out to the client terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114 (S152).

[0102] Figures 12A to 12E are first to fifth figures illustrating images including the question information shown in Figure 7. However, the transmission and reception of information between the server device 100 and the client terminal device 300 related to Figures 12A to 12D is omitted in Figure 11. The processor 312 of the client terminal device 300 first receives a search image including a search bar and a search button in the search bar via the communication interface 314, as shown in Figure 12A, and displays it on the display 311.

[0103] For example, when a client enters keywords such as "house exterior wall painting" in the search bar and presses the search button, processor 312 transmits the entered keywords to server device 100 via communication interface 314. Processor 112 of server device 100 receives the keywords via communication interface 114 and searches for service type information and / or service attribute information using the received keywords. Furthermore, processor 312 obtains house painting contractors as a result of this search. Processor 112 transmits an image shown in FIG. 12B containing the search results to client terminal device 300 via communication interface 114.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 12B, the image transmitted from the server device 100 to the client terminal device 300 includes messages such as "We'll find a house painting contractor near you" and "Please answer a few questions about exterior wall painting!", as well as a Next icon. The processor 312 of the client terminal device 300 receives this image via the communication interface 314 and displays it on the display 311. When the client operates the Next icon, the processor 312 transmits information indicating this operation as response information to the client terminal device 300 via the processor 312.

[0105] The processor 112 of the server device 100 receives response information indicating the above operation via the communication interface 114. In response to receiving this information, the processor 112 transmits the image shown in Fig. 12C to the client terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114. This image includes a progress bar indicating the progress of the question, question information such as "What would you like to request?", and alternative options including painting the exterior walls of the house, painting the roof of the house, and painting the entire house, as well as a back icon and a next icon.

[0106] The requester selects one of the options shown in Fig. 12C and operates the next icon. Then, the processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 transmits information indicating the selected option as answer information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 314. Upon receiving this answer information via the communication interface 114, the processor 112 of the server device 100 transmits the image shown in Fig. 12D to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114.

[0107] Processor 312 of requester terminal device 300 receives the image shown in FIG. 12D via communication interface 314 and displays it on display 311. The image shown in FIG. 12D includes question information required to derive parameter information, such as "How tall is the house?", and an answer input section in which the requester inputs an answer to the question information. When the requester inputs information indicating the height of the building in the answer input section and operates the next icon, processor 312 transmits information indicating this answer as answer information to server device 100 via communication interface 314. Note that FIG. 12D illustrates an example in which the height of the house is answered by the requester.

[0108] When the processor 112 of the server device 100 receives the answer information via the communication interface 114, it transmits the image shown in FIG. 12E to the client terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114. The image shown in FIG. 12E includes question information, "Please tell me the floor area of ​​the first floor," and an answer input section in which the client inputs an answer to the question information. When the client inputs information indicating the floor area of ​​the first floor of the building into the answer input section and operates the next icon, the processor 312 transmits information indicating this answer as answer information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 314. Note that FIG. 12E shows the case where the client has input information indicating the floor area of ​​the first floor of a house that is 100 m 2 Here is an example where the answer is yes.

[0109] As described above, the transmission of question information and answer information (S152 and S156) between the server device 100 and the client terminal device 300 and the input of answer information (S154) are performed for each piece of question information required to obtain all of the parameter information required for the estimate. However, for convenience of illustration, Fig. 11 shows a case where the processes of S152, S154, and S156 are each performed only once.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 11, when server device 100 receives all of the required response information via communication interface 114, processor 112 refers to the provider information table based on the received response information and selects a provider to recommend to the requester (S158). Then, processor 112 calculates the values ​​of the parameter information shown in Fig. 5 from the received response information, as described with reference to Fig. 6 (S160). Furthermore, processor 112 multiplies each value of the parameter information by the unit information for each provider shown in Fig. 8, estimates the cost for each provider to provide the service desired by the requester, as indicated by the service type information, and creates provider information (S162).

[0111] Fig. 13A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image for prompting input of an email address of a destination of the business information, which is created by the processes of S158, S160, and S162 shown in Fig. 11. The processor 112 transmits the image shown in Fig. 13A for prompting input of an email address of a destination of the business information to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114 (not shown). The processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 receives the image shown in Fig. 13A via the communication interface 314 and displays it on the display 311.

[0112] 13A, this image includes a request such as "Please enter the email address to receive the quote," an answer input section, etc. When the requester inputs the recipient's email address in the answer input section and operates the button labeled "Next," processor 312 transmits the recipient's email address to server device 100 via communication interface 314 (not shown).

[0113] Fig. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image including business information related to a painting contractor, which is created by the processes of S158, S160, and S162 shown in Fig. 11. The processor 112 of the server device 100 receives the destination email address from the client terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114.

[0114] Furthermore, the processor 112 transmits an image including the business information shown in Fig. 13B to the client terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114 (S164). As shown in Fig. 13B, the business information includes, in association with each other, the business names N1 to N3 (painting contractors N1 to N3) included in the service type information table shown in Fig. 4, evaluation information indicated by the number of stars, the business address, and estimate information created by the processes of S158, S160, and S162.

[0115] 11, when the requester terminal device 300 receives the business information via the communication interface 314, the processor 312 outputs the received business information to the display 311 (S166). The processor 312 displays an image including the received business information on the display 311. For example, the processor 312 displays the business information in a business tray.

[0116] Furthermore, the processor 312 displays a confirmation icon in the business tray to allow the requester to confirm the business to be requested and a deletion icon to allow the requester to delete the business from the list of selectable businesses. Similarly, the processor 312 displays business information for this business in other business trays. The requester can check more detailed information about each business by tapping each business tray via the input interface 316.

[0117] The requester can select each business operator by tapping the confirmation icon 46 of each business operator tray via the input interface 316. The selected business operator tray may be displayed in an inverted display mode to indicate that it has been selected. When the requester taps the confirmation icon 46, the business operator corresponding to the selected business operator tray is confirmed as the desired business operator, and business identifier information of the business operator is transmitted to the server device 100.

[0118] Furthermore, when the requester taps the delete icon, the corresponding business tray is deleted from the screen and removed from the business selection candidates. When the desired business is selected by the requester (S168), business identifier information of the selected business is transmitted as selection information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 314 (S170).

[0119] When the server device 100 receives the selection information via the communication interface 114, the processor 112 of the server device 100 stores the received selection information (S172). Furthermore, the processor 112 transmits offer information to the business operator terminal device 200 based on the contact information associated with the business operator identifier information included in the received selection information (S174).

[0120] The processor 212 of the business operator terminal device 200 that has received the offer information accepts a selection of whether or not to accept the offer, and depending on the result, starts exchanging messages and the like (not shown) with the selected requester terminal device 300. As a result of this exchange, the business operator inputs acceptance of the offer information into the business operator terminal device 200 (S176).

[0121] Then, the processor 212 transmits offer acceptance information indicating that the business has accepted the offer to the server device 100 via the communication interface 214 (S178). Through the process described above, the requester can obtain estimates from each business that provides the desired service, simply by answering the minimum number of questions sent by the server device 100. Furthermore, the requester can select a business that will provide the desired service, taking into consideration the obtained estimates.

[0122] 8. Processing flow performed by the server device 100 Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in server device 100 according to the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 14 is a processing flow showing the processes of S158, S160, and S162 in the processing sequence shown in Fig. 11. This processing flow is performed by processor 112 of server device 100 reading and executing a program stored in memory 111.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 14, the processor 112 reads out one piece of business operator identifier information from the business operator information table shown in Fig. 4, starting from the top (S200). Then, the processor 112 reads out service type information corresponding to the business operator identifier read out in the processing of S200 from the business operator information table (S202).

[0124] Processor 112 reads out service type information corresponding to the service provider identifier read out in the processing of S202 from the question information table shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, processor 112 reads out question information corresponding to the read service type information one by one from the left side of the question information table shown in Fig. 7 (S204).

[0125] The processor 112 transmits the question information read in the processing of S204 to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114 (S206). The processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 receives the question information, accepts input of answer information to the question information by the requester, and transmits the accepted answer information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 314.

[0126] Processor 112 determines whether or not answer information to the question information sent in the processing of S206 has been received via communication interface 114. If answer information has been received (Y), processor 112 proceeds to processing of S208, and if answer information has not been received (N), processor 112 remains in processing of S206.

[0127] Processor 112 accepts the received answer information and stores it in memory 313 (S208). Processor 112 then determines whether or not answer information has been received for all of the question information associated with the service type information corresponding to the business operator identifier read out in the processing of S200 from the question information table (S210). If processor 112 has received answer information for all of the question information (Y), it proceeds to processing of S212, and if not, it returns to processing of S202.

[0128] Processor 112 reads out, from the question information table shown in Fig. 7, calculation method information associated with the service type information corresponding to the provider identifier read out in the processing of S200 (S212). Then, processor 112 calculates the value of parameter information associated with this service type information, as shown in Fig. 5, based on the received answer information and the read calculation method information. Furthermore, processor 112 reads out unit price information associated with provider identifier information from the unit price information table shown in Fig. 8. Processor 112 also multiplies each value of parameter information by each value of unit price information, and further calculates the sum of these multiplied values. Through these calculations, processor 112 estimates the cost for the provider identified by the provider identifier information to provide the service desired by the requester (S214).

[0129] Processor 112 determines whether the processes of S200 to S214 have been completed for all businesses identified by the business identifier information included in the business information table shown in Fig. 4. If the processes have been completed (Y), processor 112 proceeds to S218, and if the processes have not been completed (N), processor 112 returns to S200 (S216). Then, in step S218, processor 112 creates evaluation information (S218). Furthermore, processor 212 creates business information described with reference to Fig. 13 for each business that can provide the service desired by the requester (S220). This completes the processes of server device 100 in S158, S160, and S162 in the processing sequence shown in Fig. 11.

[0130] 14 has described the process of making estimates for all businesses identified by the business identifiers included in the business information table shown in Fig. 4 and creating business information. However, the number of businesses may be too large for the server device 100. In such cases, a limit may be set based on the distance between the business and the requester, and / or the service and service attribute information desired by the requester.

[0131] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the first embodiment, a case where a client requests a service for painting the exterior walls of a house was described, but the system 1 can be used to provide various types of services in addition to painting the exterior walls of a house. A specific example will be described below where a client requests a moving service.

[0132] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing question information, types of parameter information, and calculation method information for calculating the value of the parameter information, taking the case where the service type information indicates a move as a specific example. As shown in Fig. 15, for example, when the service type information indicates a move, the types of parameter information include the volume of the transported item, the type and number of cardboard boxes, the number of people working in and out of the transport, the type and number of transport vehicles, and arrangements for installation of air conditioners, etc.

[0133] The volume of the transported goods, which is one of the parameter information, is calculated from, for example, the type and number of furniture and home appliances and the type and number of goods other than furniture and home appliances entered as answers to questions. Specifically, the volume of the transported goods is calculated by determining a standard volume in advance for each of furniture, home appliances, and other goods, multiplying the entered number of items by the standard volume, and then calculating the sum of the multiplied values.

[0134] The types and numbers of cardboard boxes are calculated from the types and numbers of furniture and home appliances and the types and numbers of items other than furniture and home appliances that are entered as answers to questions. Specifically, the types of cardboard boxes that are typically used for furniture, home appliances, and other items are determined in advance, and the entered numbers of each item and their cardboard boxes are tallied to calculate the types and numbers of cardboard boxes.

[0135] The number of workers required for loading and unloading is calculated from, for example, the type and number of cardboard boxes calculated above, and the type and floor number of the origin and destination entered as answers to the questions. Specifically, the number of workers required for loading and unloading is determined in advance for each type of cardboard box, and then weighted according to the type and floor number of the origin and destination, to calculate the number of workers required for loading and unloading.

[0136] The number of types of transport vehicles is calculated from the volume of the transported goods calculated above and the number and types of cardboard boxes calculated above. The arrangement of construction work is determined based on the necessity and content of the construction work provided by the client.

[0137] As explained above, in order to calculate or find the values ​​of each parameter information for a move, the client is asked the address from which the luggage is being moved, the address to which the luggage is being moved, the type of building from which the luggage is being moved and the number of the top floor, the type of building to which the luggage is being moved and the number of the top floor, the type and number of furniture and home appliances, the type and number of items other than furniture and home appliances, whether construction is required and the details thereof, and the type and number of valuables and fragile items to be transported.

[0138] Therefore, in the question information table shown in Figure 7, when the service type is moving, the question information should include the type and floor number of the building from and to, the type and number of furniture and home appliances, the type and number of items other than furniture and home appliances, and whether or not construction is required and the details of that construction, as shown in Figure 15.

[0139] In addition, in the parameter information table shown in Figure 5, service type information indicating moving is associated with parameter information indicating the type and number of floors of the building from and to which the item is being transported, the type and number of furniture and home appliances, the type and number of items being transported other than furniture and home appliances, and whether or not construction work is required and the details of that work.

[0140] Furthermore, in the unit price information table shown in FIG. 8, each of the business identification information identifying each of the multiple businesses that provide moving services is associated with a plurality of unit price information indicating the cost per unit of each moving parameter.

[0141] 16A to 16D are first to fourth diagrams illustrating a portion of an image including the question information shown in Fig. 7 when the service type indicates moving. When a requester inputs "moving" as a keyword into the search bar of the image shown in Fig. 12A and operates the search button, for example, processor 312 transmits the input keyword to server device 100 via communication interface 314.

[0142] The processor 112 of the server device 100 receives the keyword via the communication interface 114 and searches for service type information and / or service attribute information using the received keyword. The processor 112 then obtains moving companies as a result of this search. The processor 112 then transmits an image containing the search results, similar to the image shown in FIG. 12B, to the client terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114.

[0143] When the service type information indicates moving, the image shown in Fig. 12B includes messages such as "We'll find a moving company near you" and "Please answer a few questions about moving!", as well as a Next icon. Processor 312 of requester terminal device 300 receives this image via communication interface 314 and displays it on display 311. When the requester operates the Next icon, processor 312 transmits information indicating this operation as response information to requester terminal device 300 via processor 312.

[0144] The processor 112 of the server device 100 receives response information indicating the above operation via the communication interface 114. In response to receiving this information, the processor 112 transmits the image shown in FIG. 16A to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114. This image includes question information, "What would you like to request?", and alternative options, "household move" and "office move," as well as a back icon and a next icon. The image shown in FIG. 16A is transmitted to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114. This image includes question information, "What would you like to request?", and alternative options, "household move" and "office move," as well as a back icon and a next icon.

[0145] The requester selects, for example, "Moving a regular household" from the options shown in Fig. 16A and operates the "Next" icon. Then, the processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 transmits information indicating the selected option as response information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 314. Upon receiving this response information via the communication interface 114, the processor 112 of the server device 100 transmits the image shown in Fig. 16B to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114.

[0146] Next, the processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 receives the image shown in Fig. 16B via the communication interface 314 and displays it on the display 311. The image shown in Fig. 16B includes question information required to derive parameter information, such as "Please tell me the origin and address of the origin," and an answer input section where the requester inputs an answer to the question information. Note that Fig. 16B illustrates an example in which the requester can answer the origin and destination addresses using postal codes and address notation.

[0147] When the requester inputs information indicating the address of the delivery source and the admission facility of the delivery destination in the answer input section and operates the next icon, processor 312 transmits information indicating this answer as answer information to server device 100 via communication interface 314. Upon receiving this answer information via communication interface 114, processor 112 of server device 100 transmits the image shown in FIG. 16C to requester terminal device 300 via communication interface 114.

[0148] Next, the processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 receives the image shown in Fig. 16C via the communication interface 314 and displays it on the display 311. The image shown in Fig. 16C includes question information required to derive parameter information, "How many stories does the source house have?", and an answer input section where the requester inputs an answer to this question information.

[0149] When the requester inputs information indicating how many stories the building from which the delivery is made has in the answer input section and operates the next icon, processor 312 transmits information indicating this answer as answer information to server device 100 via communication interface 314. Note that Fig. 16C illustrates an example in which the requester answers that the building from which the delivery is made has two stories.

[0150] Next, when the processor 112 of the server device 100 receives the answer information via the communication interface 114, it transmits the image shown in Fig. 16D to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 114. The image shown in Fig. 16D includes the question information "How many beds do you have?" and an answer input section in which the requester inputs a separate type and number in response to the question information.

[0151] When the requester inputs information indicating the type and number of beds in the answer input section and operates the next icon, processor 312 transmits information indicating this answer as answer information to server device 100 via communication interface 314. Note that Fig. 16D illustrates an example in which the requester answers that there are two single beds.

[0152] As mentioned above, Figures 16A to 16D show a portion of the images containing question information that is sent to the client terminal device 300 during the moving service, and all of the images containing the remaining question information shown in Figure 15 are further sent to the client terminal device 300 in sequence.

[0153] The processor 312 of the requester terminal device 300 sequentially receives images containing question information sent from the server device 100 via the communication interface 314 and displays them on the display 311. Furthermore, the processor 312 accepts the answer from the requester via the input interface 316 and transmits the accepted answer information to the requester terminal device 300 via the communication interface 314.

[0154] As explained above, by appropriately setting the contents of the service type information table, question information table, and unit price information table shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, and further by appropriately changing the image containing the question information displayed on the client terminal device 300, the system 1 can provide the client with a moving estimate, as shown in Figure 17.

[0155] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image including business information related to moving companies created by the processing of S158, S160, and S162 shown in Fig. 11. Similar to the image including business information shown in Fig. 13B, Fig. 17 includes, in association with each other, business names N1 to N3 (moving N1 to N3) included in the service type information table shown in Fig. 4, evaluation information indicated by the number of stars, the business address, and estimate information created by the processing of S158, S160, and S162.

[0156] As described above, the system 1 matches a requester who desires the provision of various services with a business that can provide the service desired by the requester, and can lead both parties to conclude a contract for the provision of the service.

[0157] As described above, the present disclosure provides a server device, a program, a method, and a client terminal device suitable for selecting a desired service from among services provided by one or more businesses. In particular, the present disclosure sets questions for each service type in advance, and calculates an estimate based on the answers to those questions. This allows flexible creation of estimates for each service type.

[0158] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented not only by those explicitly described in the disclosure, but also by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disks, and optical storage. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs and executed by various computers, including terminal devices and server devices.

[0159] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Furthermore, although various information described herein is described as being stored in a single memory or storage unit, such information may be stored in multiple memories within a single device or multiple memories distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 100 Server device 200 Operator terminal device 300 Client terminal device

Claims

1. at least one processor; The at least one processor: service type information indicating the type of each of the one or more services, parameter information indicating parameters related to physical quantities used to estimate the cost required to provide the service, and question information indicating questions used to derive the values ​​of the parameter information are stored in a memory in association with each other; receiving the service type information from a client terminal device used by a client; transmitting the question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device; Upon receiving answer information indicating the requester's answer to the transmitted question information from the requester terminal device, the value of the parameter information is calculated from the received answer information; estimating the cost required to provide the service based on the calculated values ​​of the parameter information; transmitting estimate information indicating the estimated cost to the client terminal device; Server device.

2. The at least one processor: Calculating the value of the parameter information including the parameter unknown to the requester from the received response information; estimating the cost based on values ​​of the parameter information, including the parameters unknown to the requester; The server device according to claim 1 .

3. The at least one processor: the service type information is further associated with business operator information indicating one or more businesses that provide the service indicated by the service type information, and the associated information is stored in the memory; estimate the cost required to provide the service indicated by the service type information to the client for each of the one or more businesses, and transmit the estimate information indicating the estimated cost to the client terminal device together with business information indicating the business.

3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The at least one processor: the business operator information and unit information indicating the cost per unit of the value of the parameter information for one or more of the business operators are associated with each other and further stored in the memory; estimating a cost required to provide the service based on the stored unit information; The server device according to claim 3 .

5. The at least one processor: the service type information and calculation method information for deriving the parameter information from the response information are further associated with each other and stored in the memory in common for each of the types of the service; deriving the parameter information from the answer information further based on the calculation method information; 5. The server device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The at least one processor: receiving, from the client terminal device, selection information indicating one of the estimate information indicating the costs estimated for each of the businesses selected by the client; The server device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The at least one processor: transmit offer information to the business operator indicated by the business operator information attached to the quotation information selected by the client, the offer information offering to provide the service in accordance with the quotation information, to the business operator terminal device of the business operator; The server device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. 8. The server device according to claim 7, wherein, when acceptance information indicating that the provider has accepted the offer information is received from the provider terminal device, a contract for the provision of the service is concluded between the requester and the provider.

9. A method performed by a computer including at least one processor by the at least one processor executing predetermined instructions, a storage step of storing in a memory, in association with service type information indicating the type of each of one or more services, parameter information indicating parameters related to physical quantities used to estimate the cost required to provide the service, and question information indicating questions used to derive the values ​​of the parameter information; a receiving step of receiving the service type information from a client terminal device used by a client; a first transmission step of transmitting the question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device; a calculation step of calculating a value of the parameter information from the received answer information when answer information indicating the answer of the client to the transmitted question information is received from the client terminal device; an estimation step of estimating a cost required to provide the service based on the calculated values ​​of the parameter information; a second transmission step of transmitting estimate information indicating the estimated cost to the client terminal device; A method comprising:

10. the calculating step is a step of calculating values ​​of the parameter information including the parameters unknown to the requester from the received response information, the estimation step is a step of estimating the cost based on values ​​of the parameter information including the parameters unknown to the client; 10. The method of claim 9.

11. a computer including at least one processor, service type information indicating the type of each of the one or more services, parameter information indicating parameters related to physical quantities used to estimate the cost required to provide the service, and question information indicating questions used to derive the values ​​of the parameter information are stored in a memory in association with each other; receiving the service type information from a client terminal device used by a client; transmitting the question information corresponding to the received service type information to the client terminal device; Upon receiving answer information indicating the requester's answer to the transmitted question information from the requester terminal device, the value of the parameter information is calculated from the received answer information; estimating the cost required to provide the service based on the calculated values ​​of the parameter information; transmitting estimate information indicating the estimated cost to the client terminal device; A program that acts as a processor configured to perform processing.

12. calculating the value of the parameter information from the received response information means calculating the value of the parameter information including the parameter unknown to the requester from the received response information; estimating the cost based on the calculated values ​​of the parameter information is estimating the cost based on values ​​of the parameter information including the parameters unknown to the requester. The program according to claim 11.

Images