Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and an information processing program capable of enhancing web services by matching service providers respectively with users who want to receive respective services.SOLUTION: In an information processing system in which terminal devices, information processing apparatuses and talk room provision servers are connected communicably wiredly or wirelessly through a network, each information processing apparatus 100 comprises a provision part 133 and a request part 134. The provision part 133 provides contents allowing service providers to be selected out of a plurality of service providers registered in advance based upon expertise of services. The request part 134 makes, when a service provider is selected based upon an operation on a content provided by the provision part 133, a request to provide a talk room which allows the selected service provider to consult with a user about providable services, and allows the service of the selected service provider to be reserved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, web services that provide knowledge communities where users can exchange knowledge and wisdom on bulletin boards are known. For example, when a user has a problem regarding a hairstyle (e.g., hair texture or color), if the user posts the problem on an electronic bulletin board, there is a known web service where any user who wishes to answer can do so, regardless of their level of expertise.

[0003] Also, a technology for selecting a service provider suitable for a service desired by a user from a plurality of service providers is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above prior art, it is not possible to select a service provider to request a service while consulting a service provider with expertise, so there is room for further improvement to promote the improvement of web services by matching service providers and users who want to receive services.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to promote the improvement of web services by matching service providers and users who want to receive services.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by having: a provisioning unit that provides content that allows the user to select a service provider from a plurality of service providers registered in advance based on the expertise of the service provider; and a requesting unit that, when a service provider is selected based on an operation on the content provided by the provisioning unit, requests the provision of a talk room in which the selected service provider can consult with the user about the services that the selected service provider can provide and where the user can reserve the services of the selected service provider. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, it is possible to match service providers with users who wish to receive services, thereby promoting the improvement of web services. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of information processing according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows an example of content according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows an example of content according to this embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows an example of content according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a chat room screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a reservation screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a service provider information storage unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a talk room providing server according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a storage unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to a modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a talk room screen according to a modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of an information processing apparatus.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") for implementing an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in each of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0011] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration of Information Processing System] The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, an information processing device 100, and a talk room providing server 200. The terminal device 10, the information processing device 100, and the talk room providing server 200 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined communication network (network N). FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10, a plurality of information processing devices 100, and a plurality of talk room providing servers 200.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user who wants to receive services. The terminal device 10 may be any device as long as it can realize the processing in the embodiment. Also, the terminal device 10 may be a device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the case where the terminal device 10 is a smartphone is shown.

[0013] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, and is a portable terminal device that can communicate with an arbitrary server device via a wireless communication network such as 3G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Also, the terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display and has a screen having a touch panel function, and may receive various operations on display data such as content, such as a tap operation, a slide operation, and a scroll operation, from a user using a finger or a stylus.

[0014] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device for realizing various web services, and is realized, for example, by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the information processing device 100 is used to provide a web service that matches a service provider and a user who wants to receive a service and promotes the reservation of the service.

[0015] The information processing device 100 has, for example, a function of requesting the provision of a "chat room" (for example, personal chat, group chat, multi-person chat, open chat, official account) used for communication between arbitrary members on a general SNS. For example, the information processing device 100 has a function of requesting the service provider to provide a chat room where a user can consult about their worries.

[0016] The information processing device 100 is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC or a Work Station (WS), and it processes information transmitted from a terminal device 10 or the like via the network N.

[0017] The talk room provider server 200 is an information processing device for realizing various talk services, and can be implemented as a server device or a cloud system, for example. For example, the talk room provider server 200 is used to provide talk rooms. When the talk room provider server 200 receives a request for a talk room, it has the function of providing an accessible talk room to the service provider and the user who wants to receive the service. The talk room provider server 200 is an information processing device such as a PC or WS (Work Station), and processes information transmitted from the information processing device 100, etc., via the network N.

[0018] Although Figure 1 shows the case where the information processing device 100 and the talk room providing server 200 are separate devices, the information processing device 100 and the talk room providing server 200 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0019] [2. An example of information processing] Many users have concerns about beauty, such as hairstyles. For example, a user might say, "I went to the hair salon the other day to get my hair cut. They used a curling iron skillfully to style my hair, but I still can't do it myself. I took a picture, so could you tell me how much curling iron I should use based on this picture?"

[0020] However, conventional technologies still had room for improvement in matching users with service providers who could solve their problems, thereby promoting the improvement of web services.

[0021] Therefore, the information processing device according to the present application is characterized by having: a provisioning unit that provides content that allows the user to select a service provider from a plurality of service providers registered in advance based on the expertise of the service provider; and a requesting unit that, when a service provider is selected based on an operation on the content provided by the provisioning unit, requests the provision of a talk room in which the selected service provider can consult with the user about the services that the selected service provider can provide and where the user can reserve the services of the selected service provider.

[0022] In the following embodiment, we will describe the process of matching a stylist (service provider P11), who is a professional, with a user U11 who has concerns about their hairstyle, and resolving the user U11's concerns. In the following embodiment, hair styling treatments and consultations are described as examples of services, but the service may be anything based on the relationship between the service provider and the user who wants to receive the service, not limited to hairstyles.

[0023] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the exchange of talks (e.g., messages or chats) in a talk room where user U11 seeks advice is shown to be conducted using an external application. However, it may also be conducted using a system of a predetermined web service that manages the registration of service providers (hereinafter referred to as "service provision service" as appropriate).

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of information processing in the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 2, it is assumed that user U11 has accessed a service provision service via terminal device 10 that allows consultation with service providers who have been registered in advance based on their expertise in the service.

[0025] The information processing device 100 provides content that allows the user to select a service provider from a group of service providers pre-registered based on their expertise in the service (step S101). For example, the information processing device 100 provides content CT11, CT12, or CT13, which will be described later. When the terminal device 10 receives the content, it displays the received content. The following explanation will be given using Figures 3A to 3C.

[0026] Figures 3A to 3C show examples of content displayed on the terminal device 10. The content CT11 in Figure 3A includes operation information SI11 for displaying a list of available stylists and ranking information RK11 for the stylists in the list. For example, when an operation is received for the operation information SI11, the content transitions to the content CT12 in Figure 3B.

[0027] Content CT12 contains information on multiple stylists available for consultation. Stylist information HS11 is for stylist "NOBU". Stylist information HS12 is for stylist "Takeda". Stylist information HS13 is for stylist "Miyamoto". For example, when an operation is received on the stylist information included in the ranking information RK11 of content CT11 or on the stylist information of content CT12, the system transitions to content CT13 in Figure 3C.

[0028] The transitions between content CT11 to CT13, which span Figures 3A to 3C, are just one example, and the information processing device 100 can be applied to various variations, such as the transition from the stylist list content CT12 to the stylist details content.

[0029] Content CT13 is the content that appears when the stylist information for stylist "NOBU" is manipulated. Content CT13 includes a hairstyle image IM11, text information TX11, and stylist information HS21.

[0030] Hairstyle image IM11 is, for example, an example of a hairstyle that stylist "NOBU" specializes in. For example, hairstyle image IM11 is an example of a hairstyle that stylist "NOBU" has performed in the past. This allows users to view hairstyles that stylist "NOBU" has actually performed and decide whether or not to consult with him, thereby promoting the improvement of the web service. In addition, hairstyle image IM11 may be switched based on the operation information SI12. For example, it may be switched to an image taken from a different angle, or an example of another hairstyle that stylist "NOBU" specializes in.

[0031] The text information TX11 is, for example, an example of text information used to describe the characteristics of a hairstyle corresponding to the hairstyle image IM11. If the hairstyle image IM11 changes based on an operation on the operation information SI12, the text information TX11 may also be switched to text information corresponding to the changed hairstyle.

[0032] Stylist information HS21 includes, for example, operation information SI13 for booking a service with stylist "NOBU" and operation information SI14 for consulting with stylist "NOBU" about a problem. For example, if an operation is received for operation information SI13, the user will be redirected to the booking screen for booking a service with stylist "NOBU". Similarly, if an operation is received for operation information SI14, the user will be redirected to the chat room screen for consulting with stylist "NOBU" about a problem. The booking screen and chat room screen will be explained later.

[0033] Figures 3A to 3C show a case where an operation on content CT11 transitions to content CT12, and an operation on content CT12 transitions to content CT13, but this is not the only example. For example, content CT12 and CT13 may be directly displayable without going through content CT11 or CT12.

[0034] Furthermore, the transition from content CT13 to the chat room screen is merely an example and is not limited to this example. Specifically, the transition is not limited to the chat room screen from hairstyle details such as content CT13, but may also be made directly from the stylist list such as content CT11 or CT12. For example, if content CT11 or CT12 includes operation information SI14, a user browsing the service provision services may transition directly from content CT11 or CT12 to the chat room screen by operating "Consult with XX app".

[0035] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 2. The following explanation assumes that an operation was performed on operation information SI14.

[0036] The information processing device 100 acquires user U11's operation information regarding the content provided in step S101 (step S102). For example, the information processing device 100 acquires user U11's operation information regarding content CT11, CT12, or CT13.

[0037] The information processing device 100 identifies the service provider selected by user U11 based on the acquired operation information (step S103). Hereinafter, the explanation will assume that stylist "NOBU" is selected as the service provider P11.

[0038] The information processing device 100 requests the talk room provision server 200 to provide a talk room in which the identified service provider P11 and user U11 can freely communicate (step S104). Specifically, the information processing device 100 sends a request for the provision of a talk room to the talk room provision server 200.

[0039] The talk room provision server 200 provides talk room TR11 based on the provision request sent from the information processing device 100 (step S105). Specifically, the talk room provision server 200 provides talk room TR11 that can be accessed by service provider P11 and user U11. Talk room TR11 is displayable on the terminal devices of service provider P11 and user U11. User U11 consults with service provider P11 about their concerns via talk room TR11. This allows user U11 to have a pre-treatment consultation.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an example of the chat room screen displayed on the terminal device 10 for user U11. As this is the chat room screen for user U11, the name of the stylist "NOBU," who is the person U11 is chatting with, is displayed on display NA11. In the chat room screen for service provider P11, for example, the registered name such as user U11's nickname is displayed. Furthermore, the display method of the chat room screen is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4 and is not particularly limited.

[0041] The chat room screen TG11 includes the hairstyle image IM11 that was displayed in content CT13 when user U11 performed an operation on operation information SI14. Here, the hairstyle image IM11 is automatically displayed when transitioning to the chat room screen TG11. This allows for smoother communication, for example, if user U11 views the hairstyle image IM11 and wants to discuss that hairstyle, as the hairstyle image IM11 will be displayed on both chat room screens when the chat room is opened.

[0042] This reduces the burden on users U11 to attach images that trigger their inquiries, and reduces the burden on service providers P11 to ask about the trigger for their inquiries, thereby promoting improved usability for both users U11 and service providers P11.

[0043] The talk room screen TG11 contains various conversations between user U11 and service provider P11. For example, the talk room screen TG11 includes conversations TK11, TK13, and TK14 from user U11. Although conversation TK13 is an image, it is considered a conversation here because it is used to support conversation TK14.

[0044] The chat room screen TG11 contains chats TK12 and TK15 from service provider P11. Chats TK12 and TK15 are responses to chats TK11 and TK14, respectively. In addition, the icon IC11 of stylist "NOBU" is displayed for chats TK12 and TK15. This allows user U11 to easily understand the chats of service provider P11.

[0045] The chat room screen TG11 contains operation information SI21 for booking a service with stylist "NOBU". When an operation is performed on operation information SI21, the system transitions to the booking screen for booking a service with stylist "NOBU". This allows the information processing device 100 to improve usability by enabling user U11 to transition directly from the chat room screen TG11 to the booking screen without having to return to the content CT13.

[0046] The following is an explanation using a specific example. When user U11 views the hairstyle image IM11 and performs an operation on the operation information SI14, the hairstyle image IM11 is automatically displayed on the talk room screen TG11 as the initial state before the talk between user U11 and service provider P11. Then, while viewing the hairstyle image IM11 displayed on the talk room screen TG11, user U11 posts a message TK11 such as, "Hi! I'd like to have this hairstyle too, but will I need to bleach my hair more than twice?"

[0047] Service provider P11 posts a message to talk TK11, while viewing the hairstyle image IM11 displayed on the talk room screen TG11, saying, "Thank you for your inquiry! The number of bleaching sessions will vary depending on the condition of your hair, so if you don't mind, could you upload a picture of your hair?" (TK12).

[0048] User U11 posts an image from Talk TK13 to Talk TK12, along with Talk TK14 saying, "This is the situation!"

[0049] Service provider P11, while viewing the image from Talk TK13 displayed on the Talk Room screen TG11, posts Talk TK15 to Talk TK14, saying, "I see! It looks like it will brighten up even with just one application, but I think applying it twice will give an even better result!"

[0050] User U11 decides whether or not to book a treatment with stylist "NOBU" via Talk TK15. If User U11 decides to book a treatment with stylist "NOBU", they make the reservation from the reservation screen that appears when they perform an operation on operation information SI21.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example of a reservation screen displayed on the terminal device 10. The reservation screen YG11 is the screen to which the user transitions when an operation is performed on the content CT13 (operation information SI13) or the talk room screen TG11 (operation information SI21). The display configuration of the reservation screen is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5 and is not particularly limited.

[0052] The reservation screen YG11 includes display NA11. The reservation screen YG11 also includes information about available dates and times for booking appointments with stylist "NOBU". Figure 5 shows, for example, that in December 2020, there are available appointments on the 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, and 26th. It also shows, for example, that on the 16th, there are available appointments at 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 17:00, 17:30, and 18:00. The figure then shows user U11 selecting the 11:00 time slot on the 16th of December 2020.

[0053] In the above embodiment, we showed a case where the conversation begins when user U11 directly selects a stylist, but the example is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, stylists who wish to answer user U11's consultation may volunteer, and user U11 may select one of them to start the conversation. Thus, either a pattern in which the user selects the service provider from the beginning, or a pattern in which service providers volunteer and the user selects, is acceptable.

[0054] When users seek advice, they can choose to either select a service provider and consult with them directly, or post their question to a community of service providers. Users can then find a service provider who seems likely to be able to solve their problem. Furthermore, service providers can encourage users to visit their establishment while providing advice.

[0055] In the above embodiment, we used the example of a user having concerns about their hairstyle, and therefore showed the service provider as a stylist, but this is not the only example. For example, the service provider could be any business with a specific area of ​​expertise, such as a lawyer, auto repair shop, sheet metal shop, or printer. Of course, the service provider could also be a beautician specializing in beauty other than hairstyles (for example, a nail technician).

[0056] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 may charge a consultation fee to the service provider. For example, when an operation is made to request the provision of a talk room (for example, an operation on operation information SI14), the information processing device 100 may charge the user U11 a consultation fee. Alternatively, for example, if the service provider answers the consultation from user U11 in the talk room but it does not result in attracting customers, the information processing device 100 may charge the user U11 a consultation fee. Alternatively, for example, the information processing device 100 may charge the user U11 a consultation fee by making the use of the service provision service a flat-rate service.

[0057] The information processing device 100 may process the payment of all or part of the consultation fee charged by user U11 to the service provider when the service provider has responded to a consultation from user U11 in the talk room. This allows the service provider to receive payment for responding to consultations, thereby promoting increased motivation among service providers to respond to consultations.

[0058] The information processing device 100 may process the consultation fee to be waived for the service provider if the service provider's response to a consultation from user U11 in the chat room leads to increased customer acquisition. For example, if a reservation is properly made from the reservation screen (for example, reservation screen YG11), the information processing device 100 may process the consultation fee charged by user U11 to be fully refunded to user U11. The information processing device 100 may also process the referral fee to be earned for each reservation made in relation to the use of the service provider's services.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 may register service providers based on their expertise in services in any way. For example, the information processing device 100 may register service providers based on self-declaration of their expertise in services. To give a specific example, if a candidate wishes to register as a service provider, the information processing device 100 may request that the candidate provide information such as qualifications indicating their expertise in services. Based on the information such as qualifications indicating the expertise of the candidate, the information processing device 100 may determine whether the candidate meets the predetermined conditions for being a service provider based on their expertise in services, and if it is determined that the candidate meets the predetermined conditions, the information processing device 100 may register the candidate as a service provider.

[0060] The information processing device 100 may, for example, register a candidate as a service provider based on a declaration from a party (e.g., a corporation) that has a predetermined relationship with the candidate. To give a specific example, if the operator of a salon to which a candidate belongs wishes to register the candidate as a service provider, the information processing device 100 will request that the operator provide information indicating an employment relationship with the candidate. Based on the information indicating an employment relationship between the candidate and the salon, if the information processing device 100 determines that an employment relationship exists, it will register the candidate as a service provider for the services provided by the salon.

[0061] [3. Configuration of the terminal device] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 10 has a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0062] (Communications Section 11) The communication unit 11 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 11 is connected to a predetermined network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the information processing device 100, etc., via the predetermined network N.

[0063] (Input section 12) The input unit 12 accepts various operations from the user. In the example shown in Figure 2, it accepts various operations from user U11. For example, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from the user via the display surface using a touch panel function. Alternatively, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from buttons provided on the terminal device 10, or from a keyboard or mouse connected to the terminal device 10.

[0064] (Output section 13) The output unit 13 is a display screen for a tablet terminal or the like, implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various types of information. For example, the output unit 13 displays information transmitted from the information processing device 100.

[0065] (Control Unit 14) The control unit 14 is, for example, a controller, and is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the internal memory of the terminal device 10 using RAM (Random Access Memory) as the working area. For example, these various programs include application programs installed on the terminal device 10. For example, these various programs include application programs that transmit user operation information to the information processing device 100. The control unit 14 is also implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 14 has a receiving unit 141 and a transmitting unit 142, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below.

[0067] (Receiver 141) The receiving unit 141 receives various types of information. The receiving unit 141 receives various types of information from external information processing devices. The receiving unit 141 receives various types of information from other information processing devices such as the information processing device 100. For example, the receiving unit 141 receives content that allows the user to select a service provider.

[0068] (Transmitter 142) The transmitting unit 142 transmits various information to an external information processing device. The transmitting unit 142 transmits various information to other information processing devices such as the information processing device 100. For example, the transmitting unit 142 transmits operation information for content in which the service provider can be selected.

[0069] [4. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The information processing device 100 may also have an input unit (for example, a keyboard or mouse) that receives various operations from the administrator of the information processing device 100, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0070] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information to and from terminal devices 10, etc., via the network N.

[0071] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 7, the storage unit 120 has a user information storage unit 121 and a service provider information storage unit 122.

[0072] The user information storage unit 121 stores information about the user who wants to receive the service. Here, Figure 8 shows an example of the user information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the user information storage unit 121 has items such as "User ID", "User Information 1", and "User Information 2".

[0073] "User ID" indicates identification information used to identify a user. "User Information 1" and "User Information 2" indicate information about the user who wishes to receive the service. In the example shown in Figure 8, conceptual information such as "User Information #11" and "User Information #12" is stored in "User Information 1," but in reality, coordinate information indicating the user's place of residence and payment information such as credit card numbers are stored. Note that "User Information 2" stores different information from "User Information 1."

[0074] In other words, Figure 8 shows an example where the user information of a user identified by user ID "U11" is "User Information #11" and "User Information #12".

[0075] The service provider information storage unit 122 stores information about the service provider. Here, Figure 9 shows an example of the service provider information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the service provider information storage unit 122 has items such as "service provider ID", "service", "affiliation", "evaluation", and "service provider information".

[0076] "Service Provider ID" indicates identification information for identifying the service provider. "Service" indicates the services that the service provider specializes in. "Affiliation" indicates the affiliation to which the service provider provides services. "Evaluation" indicates the evaluation of the service provider. "Service Provider Information 1" and "Service Provider Information 2" indicate information about the service provider. In the example shown in Figure 9, conceptual information such as "Service Provider Information #11" and "Service Provider Information #12" is shown to be stored in "Service Provider Information 1," but in reality, coordinate information indicating the service provision location and information about other service providers with a predetermined relationship to the service provider are stored. Note that "Service Provider Information 2" stores different information from "Service Provider Information 1."

[0077] In other words, Figure 9 shows an example where the service provider identified by service provider ID "P11" is "hair styling," their affiliation is "Salon A," their rating is "5 stars," service provider information 1 is "Service Provider Information #11," and service provider information 2 is "Service Provider Information #21."

[0078] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 is a controller and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a specification unit 132, a provision unit 133, a request unit 134, and a determination unit 135, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0080] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from external information processing devices. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from other information processing devices such as the terminal device 10.

[0081] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the user information storage unit 121 and the service provider information storage unit 122. The acquisition unit 131 also stores the acquired information in the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 stores various information in the user information storage unit 121 and the service provider information storage unit 122.

[0082] The acquisition unit 131 acquires requests for the provision of content for a service provision service. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires requests for the provision of content in which the user can select a service provider from among multiple service providers registered with the service provision service.

[0083] The acquisition unit 131 acquires operation information regarding content provided to the user. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the service provider selected by the user. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires operation information regarding the chat room screen provided to the user. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires operation information regarding the reservation screen provided to the user.

[0084] The acquisition unit 131 acquires image information that was displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the content when an operation was performed on the content for selecting a service provider. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires image information that shows the results of services previously performed by the selected service provider.

[0085] (Specific Section 132) The identification unit 132 identifies the service provider selected by the user based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the identification unit 132 identifies the service provider selected by the user based on the operation information for the content provided by the provision unit 133, which will be described later.

[0086] (Provider 133) The service provider unit 133 provides (transmits and distributes) content that allows users to select a service provider from among multiple service providers registered with the service provider service.

[0087] The information provision unit 133 provides information for displaying the chat room screen or the reservation screen based on the determination result by the determination unit 135, which will be described later.

[0088] (Request part 134) The request unit 134 transmits a request for the provision of a chat room where the service provider identified by the identification unit 132 and the user can freely communicate. The request unit 134 also transmits a request for the provision of a chat room where the service provider identified by the identification unit 132 can reserve services.

[0089] (Judgment unit 135) The determination unit 135 determines whether or not an operation to reserve a service from the service provider identified by the identification unit 132 has been performed. If the determination unit 135 determines that an operation to reserve a service from the service provider has been performed, it determines that it will perform a process to display a reservation screen on the terminal device 10. If the determination unit 135 determines that an operation to reserve a service from the service provider has not been performed, it determines that it will pay the consultation fee for the user who made the consultation to that service provider.

[0090] The determination unit 135 determines whether or not the service of the service provider identified by the identification unit 132 has been reserved. If the determination unit 135 determines that the service of the service provider has been reserved, it determines that it will process a refund of the consultation fee charged to the user who made the reservation. If the determination unit 135 determines that the service of the service provider has not been reserved, it determines that it will provide the service provider with the consultation fee paid by the user who made the consultation.

[0091] [5. Configuration of the Talk Room Provisioning Server] Next, the configuration of the talk room providing server 200 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the talk room providing server 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the talk room providing server 200 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230. The talk room providing server 200 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) that accepts various operations from the administrator of the talk room providing server 200, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0092] (Communications Section 210) The communication unit 210 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 210 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the information processing device 100, etc., via the network N.

[0093] (Storage unit 220) The memory unit 220 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs.

[0094] The storage unit 220 stores information about the history of messages posted in the chat room. Figure 11 shows an example of the storage unit 220 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the storage unit 220 has items such as "Chat Room ID", "User ID", "Service Provider ID", "Chat Information 1", and "Chat Information 2".

[0095] "Talk Room ID" indicates identification information for identifying a talk room. "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Service Provider ID" indicates identification information for identifying a service provider. "Talk Information 1" and "Talk Information 2" indicate information about the talk posted in the talk room. In the example shown in Figure 11, conceptual information such as "Talk Information #11" and "Talk Information #12" is shown to be stored in "Talk Information 1," but in reality, posted text information, image information, etc. will be stored. Note that "Talk Information 2" stores different information from "Talk Information 1."

[0096] In other words, Figure 11 shows an example where the user ID of a user in a talk room identified by the talk room ID "TR11" is "U11", the service provider ID of the service provider is "P11", talk information 1 is "talk information #11", and talk information 2 is "talk information #21".

[0097] (Control unit 230) The control unit 230 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the internal memory of the talk room provisioning server 200 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 230 is a controller, and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 230 has an acquisition unit 231 and a provision unit 232, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 230 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 10, and other configurations are also possible as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0099] (Acquisition part 231) The acquisition unit 231 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 231 acquires various types of information from external information processing devices. The acquisition unit 231 acquires various types of information from other information processing devices such as the information processing device 100.

[0100] The acquisition unit 231 acquires various information from the storage unit 220. The acquisition unit 231 also stores the acquired information in the storage unit 220.

[0101] The acquisition unit 231 acquires a request for the provision of a talk room where the service provider and the user can freely talk.

[0102] (Providing Department 232) The provisioning unit 232 provides a chat room based on the provision request acquired by the acquisition unit 231. Specifically, the provisioning unit 232 provides a chat room accessible to the service provider and the user who wants to receive the service, based on the provision request.

[0103] [6. Information Processing Flow] Next, the information processing procedure by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0104] As shown in Figure 12, the information processing device 100 acquires user operation information for content in which the service provider can be selected (step S201).

[0105] The information processing device 100 identifies the service provider selected by the user based on the acquired operation information (step S202).

[0106] The information processing device 100 transmits a request to provide a talk room where the identified service provider and the user can freely communicate (step S203).

[0107] The information processing device 100 determines whether or not an operation has been performed to reserve the services of the identified service provider (step S204).

[0108] If the information processing device 100 determines that an operation to reserve the services of the specified service provider has been performed (step S204; YES), it performs a process to display the reservation screen (step S205).

[0109] If the information processing device 100 determines that no operation was performed to reserve the services of the identified service provider (step S204; NO), it terminates the information processing.

[0110] [7. Variations] The information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment may be implemented in various other forms besides the embodiment described above. Therefore, other embodiments of the information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 was shown to determine whether an operation to reserve a service from the selected service provider (for example, an operation to transition to the reservation screen) was performed based on the results of the talk in the talk room, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine whether an operation to reserve a service from a different service provider, not limited to the selected service provider, was performed. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may perform processing when it is determined that an operation to reserve a service from another service provider was performed.

[0112] In the following embodiment, the process in which a service provider P11 selected by user U11 introduces another service provider Q11, who is registered as a service provider and capable of providing the same services as service provider P11, and the other service provider Q11 solves user U11's problem will be described.

[0113] Figure 13 shows an example of information processing in the modified information processing system 1. Note that explanations similar to those in Figure 2 are omitted as appropriate. For example, the explanations of steps S101 to S105 are omitted. In Figure 13, it is assumed that service provider P11 has performed an operation to allow another service provider Q11 to be added to the talk room TR11.

[0114] The information processing device 100 acquires operation information from the service provider P11 (step S306). Specifically, the information processing device 100 acquires operation information that allows another service provider Q11 to be added to the talk room TR11. Here, the operation information may be operation information based on an operation on the service provision service, or operation information based on an operation on the talk room TR11.

[0115] The information processing device 100 identifies other service providers selected by service provider P11 based on the acquired operation information (step S307). Hereinafter, the explanation will assume that stylist "NATSUMI" is selected as the other service provider Q11.

[0116] The information processing device 100 requests the talk room provider server 200 to add the identified other service provider Q11 to talk room TR11 (step S308). Specifically, the information processing device 100 sends a request to the talk room provider server 200 to add the other service provider Q11 to talk room TR11.

[0117] The talk room server 200 processes the addition of other service providers Q11 to talk room TR11 based on an additional request sent from the information processing device 100. Specifically, the talk room server 200 processes the addition of other service providers Q11 to talk room TR11 so that user U11, service provider P11, and other service providers Q11 can access talk room TR11. Talk room TR11 is made viewable on the terminal devices of user U11, service provider P11, and other service providers Q11. User U11 consults with service provider Q11 about their problems via talk room TR11.

[0118] Figure 14 shows an example of the talk room screen on the user U11's side as displayed on the terminal device 10. Note that explanations similar to those in Figure 4 are omitted as appropriate. Also, since the service provider selected by user U11 is stylist "NOBU," the name of stylist "NOBU" will continue to be displayed in display NA11 even after stylist "NATSUMI" is added to talk room TR11. Note that in the talk room screens of other service providers Q11, registered names such as user U11's nickname will be displayed.

[0119] The chat room screen TG12 contains various conversations between user U11, service provider P11, and other service provider Q11. For example, the chat room screen TG12 includes conversations TK21 and TK24 from user U11.

[0120] The talk room screen TG12 includes talks TK22, TK23, and TK25 from service provider P11. Talks TK22, TK23, and TK25 are responses to talks TK21 and TK24, respectively. The icon IC11 of stylist "NOBU" is displayed for talks TK22, TK23, and TK25, respectively. Although talk TK23 is an image, it is considered a talk here because it is used to support talk TK22.

[0121] The chat room screen TG12 includes entry information AN11, which indicates that another service provider Q11 has been added to chat room TR11. This allows user U11 and service provider P11 to properly understand that another service provider Q11 has entered chat room TR11.

[0122] The chat room screen TG12 includes chat TK26 from another service provider Q11. Additionally, the icon IC12 for stylist "NATSUMI" is displayed for chat TK26.

[0123] Although not shown in the diagram, the talk room screen TG12 may include information for booking a service with stylist "NATSUMI". Furthermore, upon receiving an operation request for booking information with stylist "NATSUMI", the system may transition to a booking screen for booking a service with stylist "NATSUMI". This allows the information processing device 100 to improve usability by eliminating the burden on user U11, such as having to search for stylist "NATSUMI" to make a booking.

[0124] The following is an explanation using a specific example. When user U11 performs a predetermined operation while viewing the hairstyle image IM11, the hairstyle image IM11 is automatically displayed on the chat room screen TG12 as the initial state before the conversation between user U11 and service provider P11. Then, while viewing the hairstyle image IM11 displayed on the chat room screen TG12, user U11 posts a message TK21 such as, "Hi! I'd like to order this hairstyle this weekend, but it seems like it's fully booked."

[0125] Service provider P11, while viewing the hairstyle image IM11 displayed on the chat room screen TG12, posts a message TK22 to chat TK21 saying, "Thank you for your inquiry! I'm available from Monday onwards. If you absolutely need to come on the weekend, I can introduce you to NATSUMI, who is skilled in the same treatment. How does that sound? She's at the XX store!"

[0126] Following talk TK22, service provider P11 posts an image introducing stylist "NATSUMI" as talk TK23. Here, stylist "NATSUMI" could be, for example, a stylist belonging to the same salon group as service provider P11, or a stylist who is friends with P11 on social media. In this way, stylists can be introduced through their existing connections with each other.

[0127] User U11, while viewing the image in Talk TK23, posts Talk TK24 in response to Talk TK22, saying, "I would really like to ask you to do it!"

[0128] Service provider P11 posts message TK25 in response to message TK24, saying, "Understood! I'll call NATSUMI."

[0129] Here, service provider P11 performs the operation to add stylist "NATSUMI" to chat room TR11. Then, stylist "NATSUMI" is added to chat room TR11.

[0130] Other service provider Q11, referring to the history of conversations between user U11 and service provider P11 (talks TK21 through TK25) and the hairstyle image IM11, posts talk TK26 saying, "Hello! I saw your conversation! I'd love to be your 담당!"

[0131] User U11 decides whether or not to book a service with stylist "NATSUMI" based on subsequent interactions with other service providers Q11. If User U11 decides to book a service with stylist "NATSUMI," they make the reservation through the reservation screen that appears when they perform the necessary actions to book a service with stylist "NATSUMI."

[0132] The information processing device 100 can directly refer users to a different service provider based on their consultation, even when there are time or distance limitations that prevent the service provider from responding directly. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can, for example, refer users to service providers within their local area. For instance, even if a user in a distant location consults a service provider at a well-known establishment, the information processing device 100 can refer them to a service provider closer to them. Additionally, the information processing device 100 can make referrals across geographical boundaries, thereby promoting inbound bookings from local salons. In this way, the information processing device 100 can improve the referral system regardless of time or distance limitations.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the service provider may search for a stylist to introduce to the user from among the registered stylists to determine another service provider. The search for other service providers may include filtering by, for example, name, region, specialty treatments, preferred hair length, customer reviews, and length of experience. Alternatively, searches may be conducted based on a list of affiliated stylists displayed by salon name, using the follow / follower function commonly used on social media, or searching for stylists who have worked on similar hairstyles.

[0134] In the above embodiment, a case was shown in which another service provider Q11 can view the history of conversations (talks TK21 to TK25) between user U11 and service provider P11, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing device 100 may perform processing to prevent other service providers Q11 from viewing the history of conversations between user U11 and service provider P11. This allows the information processing device 100 to promote improved protection of privacy for user U11 and service provider P11.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the case was shown in which another service provider Q11 is added to the talk room TR11 between user U11 and service provider P11 in order to answer user U11's inquiries, but the example is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 100 may request the talk room providing server 200 to provide a new talk room in which user U11 and other service provider Q11 can talk freely. This allows the information processing device 100 to promote improved privacy protection for user U11 and other service provider Q11.

[0136] In the above embodiment, a case was shown in which service provider P11 can view talk room TR11 even after another service provider Q11 has entered talk room TR11, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing device 100 may perform processing to prevent service provider P11 from viewing the conversation between user U11 and other service provider Q11 after another service provider Q11 has entered talk room TR11. Alternatively, for example, the information processing device 100 may perform processing to automatically remove service provider P11 from talk room TR11 when another service provider Q11 enters talk room TR11. This allows the information processing device 100 to promote improved protection of privacy for user U11 and other service providers Q11.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the case was shown in which the name of service provider P11 is displayed in display NA11 even after another service provider Q11 enters the talk room TR11, but the example is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 100 may perform a process to change the display NA11 from the name of service provider P11 to the name of the other service provider Q11 after another service provider Q11 enters the talk room TR11. For example, it may perform a process to change from "NOBU" to "NATSUMI".

[0138] In the above embodiment, if the information processing device 100 determines that the introduction by service provider P11 has led to increased customer acquisition for another service provider Q11, it may perform processing to request service provider P11 to pay a referral fee. For example, the information processing device 100 may perform processing to request service provider P11 to pay a predetermined percentage of the revenue based on customer acquisition through the introduction of service provider P11 as a referral fee. In this case, the information processing device 100 may determine whether user U11 has made an operation to reserve the services of another service provider Q11, and if it determines that an operation to reserve the services of another service provider Q11 has been made, it may perform processing to request that the other service provider Q11 pay a referral fee to service provider P11.

[0139] [8. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment has a provisioning unit 133 and a requesting unit 134. The provisioning unit 133 provides content that allows the user to select a service provider from a plurality of service providers that have been registered in advance based on the expertise of the service. The requesting unit 134, when a service provider is selected based on the operation on the content provided by the provisioning unit 133, requests the provision of a chat room in which the selected service provider can consult with the user about the services that the selected service provider can provide and where the user can reserve the services of the selected service provider.

[0140] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can match service providers with users who wish to receive services, thereby promoting the improvement of web services.

[0141] Furthermore, the request unit 134 requests that a talk room be provided in which the initial state before the talk is displayed is image information that was displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the content when the operation was performed, and which shows the result of a service previously performed by the selected service provider.

[0142] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can facilitate consultations by allowing the service provider to view images of services they have provided in the past.

[0143] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment further includes a determination unit 135 that determines whether or not an operation to reserve the services of the selected service provider has been performed as a result of the talk in the talk room requested by the request unit 134. In addition, if the determination unit 135 determines that an operation to reserve the services of the service provider has been performed on the talk room, the provision unit 133 provides information to display a reservation screen for reserving the services of the service provider.

[0144] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can transition directly from the chat room to the reservation screen, thereby facilitating the smooth reservation process.

[0145] Furthermore, the determination unit 135 determines whether or not the services of the selected service provider have been reserved, and if it is determined that they have been reserved, it determines that it will process a refund to the user for the consultation fee that was charged by the user.

[0146] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can promote increased bookings because the consultation fee is refunded at the time of booking.

[0147] Furthermore, if the determination unit 135 determines that no operation was performed to reserve the service provider's services or that the service provider's services were not reserved, it determines that it will process the payment of the consultation fee charged by the user to the service provider who answered the consultation.

[0148] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment is paid for providing answers to consultations, thereby promoting increased motivation among service providers to provide answers to consultations.

[0149] Furthermore, the determination unit 135 determines whether the services of other service providers introduced by the selected service provider have been reserved. If it determines that the services of other service providers have been reserved, it determines that it will process the payment of a referral fee from the other service provider to the service provider.

[0150] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment pays a fee for introducing other service providers, thereby promoting increased motivation among service providers to introduce other service providers.

[0151] Furthermore, the service is a cosmetic procedure. The service provider is a beautician.

[0152] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can appropriately solve the user's beauty concerns.

[0153] [9. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the terminal device 10, information processing device 100, and talk room providing server 200 according to the embodiments described above are implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the terminal device 10, information processing device 100, and talk room providing server 200. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0154] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0155] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0156] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0157] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0158] For example, if the computer 1000 functions as a terminal device 10, an information processing device 100, and a talk room providing server 200 according to this embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control units 14, 130, and 230 by executing programs loaded on the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0159] [10. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0160] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0161] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content is not contradictory.

[0162] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0163] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0164] 1. Information Processing System 10 Terminal devices 100 Information Processing Devices 200 Talk Room Provider Servers 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User Information Storage Unit 122 Service Provider Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Specific part 133 Provision Department 134 Request part 135 Judgment section 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 230 Control Unit 231 Acquisition Department 232 Provision Department N Network

Claims

1. A service provider that offers content allowing users to select a service provider from multiple service providers pre-registered based on their expertise in the service, A requesting unit provides content that is selected when a service provider is selected based on an operation on the content provided by the aforementioned provisioning unit, and includes first information that enables transition to a talk room where the selected service provider can discuss the services they can offer to the user, and second information that enables transition to a reservation screen where the service provider's services can be reserved, wherein if an operation on the second information is performed, the requesting unit requests that the reservation screen be provided, and if an operation on the first information is performed, the requesting unit requests that the talk room including third information that enables transition to the reservation screen be provided. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned request unit is, The request is to provide a chat room in which the image information displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the content when the aforementioned operation was performed, which shows the result of a service previously performed by the selected service provider, is displayed as the initial state before the chat. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not an operation to reserve the services of the selected service provider was performed based on the results of the talk in the talk room requested by the request unit, The aforementioned supply unit is, If the determination unit determines that an operation to reserve a service from a service provider has been performed on the talk room, it provides information to display a reservation screen for reserving the service from the service provider. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The determination unit, Determine whether the services of the selected service provider have been booked. If it is determined that the services have been booked, determine whether to process a refund to the user for the consultation fee that was charged to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The determination unit, If it is determined that no action was taken to reserve the service provider's services or that the service provider's services were not reserved, the system will determine to process the payment of the consultation fee charged by the user to the service provider who answered the consultation. The information processing apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The determination unit, The system determines whether the services of another service provider introduced by the selected service provider have been booked. If it is determined that the services of another service provider have been booked, it determines that the other service provider should pay a referral fee to the selected service provider. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The aforementioned service is a cosmetic procedure, The service provider is a hairdresser. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A service provision process that provides content allowing users to select a service provider from multiple service providers pre-registered based on their expertise in the service, A request step is to provide content that is selected when a service provider is selected based on an operation on the content provided in the aforementioned provision step, the content which includes first information that enables transition to a talk room where the selected service provider can discuss the services they can provide to the user, and second information that enables transition to a reservation screen where the service provider's services can be reserved, wherein if an operation on the second information is performed, the request step is to request that the reservation screen be provided, and if an operation on the first information is performed, the request is to request that the talk room which includes third information that enables transition to the reservation screen be provided. An information processing method characterized by including

9. A provision procedure that provides content allowing users to select a service provider from multiple service providers pre-registered based on their expertise in the service, A request procedure for content provided when a service provider is selected based on an operation on the content provided by the above provision procedure, which includes first information that enables transition to a talk room where the selected service provider can discuss the services they can provide to the user, and second information that enables transition to a reservation screen where the service provider's services can be reserved, wherein if an operation on the second information is performed, the request procedure requests that the reservation screen be provided, and if an operation on the first information is performed, the request procedure requests that the talk room be provided which includes third information that enables transition to the reservation screen, An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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