Server equipment, method, computer program, and terminal equipment

Abstract

To provide a server device which introduces a mediator who can handle an object to be traded more properly, a method, a program, and a terminal device.SOLUTION: In a system including a user terminal device, a mediator terminal device, and a server device which are connected to communicate with each other, the server device includes at least one processor. The at least one processor transmits position information of multiple objects and object attribute information to a user terminal device of a user who is to trade at least one of the multiple objects, receives map information generated on the basis of pieces of position information of the respective objects and object selection information for a first object selected from at least one of the pieces of object attribute information of the objects, specifies, on the basis of the received object selection information and pieces of operation state information of multiple mediators, a first mediator who can mediate the first object, and transmits mediator attribute information of the first mediator to the user terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a method, a computer program, and a terminal device used for mediating transactions of objects.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a service that mediates a transaction by introducing an object to be transacted on a predetermined service site. For example, in Patent Document 1, for an object to be transacted, regarding a real estate property, by obtaining an appropriate appraisal price, using a real estate property appraisal device capable of making an appropriate judgment, introducing the appraisal price of each real estate property on a service site, it is described that the transaction of each real estate property is mediated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, based on the above technologies, the present disclosure provides a server device, a method, a computer program, and a terminal device that can more appropriately introduce a mediator who can handle an object to be transacted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a server device is provided which comprises "at least one processor, the at least one processor storing in memory location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of objects to be traded and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the plurality of objects, the processor storing in memory intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of intermediaries capable of mediating at least one of the plurality of objects and operational status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries, the server device which is connected to communicate via a network and transmits the location information and object attribute information of each of the plurality of objects to a user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the plurality of objects, receives object selection information of a first object selected from at least one of map information generated based on the location information of each of the plurality of objects and the object attribute information of each of the plurality of objects output by the user terminal device, identifies a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries, and transmits the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device."

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided which is performed by at least one processor and includes the steps of: storing in memory in association location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of objects to be traded and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the plurality of objects; storing in memory in association intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of intermediaries capable of mediating at least one of the plurality of objects and operational status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries; transmitting the location information and object attribute information of each of the plurality of objects to a user terminal device of a user that intends to trade at least one of the plurality of objects and is connected to a network for communication; receiving object selection information of a first object selected from at least one of map information generated based on the location information of each of the plurality of objects and the object attribute information of each of the plurality of objects, which are output at the user terminal device; identifying a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries; and transmitting intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided that is executed by at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to store in memory location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of objects to be traded and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the plurality of objects in association with each other; store in memory intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of a plurality of intermediaries capable of mediating at least one of the plurality of objects in association with each of the multiple intermediaries; transmit the location information and object attribute information of each of the plurality of objects to a user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the plurality of objects and is connected to a network for communication; receive object selection information of a first object selected from at least one of map information generated based on the location information of each of the plurality of objects and the object attribute information of each of the plurality of objects output by the user terminal device; identify a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operating status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries; and transmit the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device is provided which comprises at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to perform processing for receiving location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the plurality of objects from a server device connected to a network for communication, outputting to a display at least one of map information generated based on the received location information of each of the plurality of objects and the object attribute information of each of the objects, selecting a first object from the plurality of objects based on instruction input entered by a user via an input interface, transmitting object selection information indicating the selected first object to the server device, and receiving intermediary attribute information of a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object, which is identified based on the operational status information of each of a plurality of intermediaries capable of mediating at least one of the plurality of objects and the object selection information.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided which is performed by at least one processor and includes the steps of: receiving location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the plurality of objects from a server device that is communicably connected via a network; outputting to a display at least one of map information generated based on the received location information of each of the plurality of objects and the object attribute information of each of the objects; selecting a first object from the plurality of objects based on instruction input entered by a user via an input interface; transmitting object selection information indicating the selected first object to the server device; and receiving intermediary attribute information of a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object, which is identified based on the operational status information of each of a plurality of intermediaries capable of mediating at least one of the plurality of objects and the object selection information.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided which is executed by at least one processor to cause the at least one processor to receive location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of objects of transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the plurality of objects from a server device connected to the network for communication; output to a display at least one of map information generated based on the received location information of each of the plurality of objects and the object attribute information of each of the objects; select a first object from the plurality of objects based on instruction inputs entered by a user via an input interface; transmit object selection information indicating the selected first object to the server device; and receive intermediary attribute information of a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object, which is identified based on the operational status information of each of a plurality of intermediaries capable of mediating at least one of the plurality of objects and the object selection information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a server device, method, computer program, and terminal device that can more appropriately introduce intermediaries capable of handling the objects subject to a transaction.

[0012] The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of System 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a conceptual diagram showing an item table stored in a server device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a conceptual diagram showing an intermediary table stored in a server device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a processing sequence executed in System 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a diagram showing the processing flow performed in a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a diagram showing the processing flow performed in a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a diagram showing the processing flow performed in a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D]FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the server device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the server device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the server device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the server device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <000010!FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from the terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] 1. Overview of System 1 related to this disclosure Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are assigned to common components in the drawings.

[0016] System 1, as disclosed herein, is typically used to introduce an intermediary capable of mediating a transaction for an object to a user who is seeking to trade that object. More specifically, location information and attribute information are pre-stored in association with multiple objects to be traded. Then, attribute information for each object is displayed on a map displayed on the user terminal device based on the location information. When the user selects a desired object from among the displayed objects, an intermediary capable of mediating that object is identified, and the attribute information of that intermediary is displayed on the user terminal device. Subsequently, when the user selects a desired intermediary from among the displayed intermediaries, online communication between the intermediary and the user is initiated, or a reservation for communication is arranged.

[0016] In this disclosure, the objects of the transaction are typically real estate properties such as land or fixtures located on that land (e.g., buildings such as houses, office buildings, condominiums, and apartments), but are not limited to these. In addition to real estate properties, various movable property such as automobiles, ships, aircraft, household goods, and bearer bonds, as well as various membership rights and various services, can naturally be used as objects of the transaction.

[0017] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "intermediary" can be any person capable of mediating transactions of the subject matter to users. Such intermediaries are typically individuals, but are not limited to specific individuals; they may also be organizations such as associations, partnerships, companies, or other organizations capable of mediating. Similarly, "user" can be any person who intends to trade the subject matter. Such users are typically individuals, but are not limited to specific individuals; they may also be organizations such as associations, partnerships, companies, or other organizations capable of mediating. Moreover, the terms "intermediary" and "user" are used merely to distinguish them from each other. In other words, an intermediary can also be a user, and a user can also be an intermediary.

[0018] In this disclosure, "intermediary terminal device" means a terminal device held by the intermediary, and "user terminal device" means a terminal device held by the user. In other words, an intermediary terminal device does not mean a terminal device used exclusively by the intermediary. Similarly, a user terminal device does not mean a terminal device used exclusively by the user. In other words, an intermediary terminal device can function as a user terminal device, and a user terminal device can function as an intermediary terminal device. Furthermore, it may be stated that the intermediary or user "holds" each terminal device. However, this includes not only physically possessing the device by hand, etc., but also placing it in a state where the intermediary or user can operate it without physically possessing it.

[0019] In this disclosure, the intermediary's "operating status information" refers to any information that includes at least one of the intermediary's current operating status or future operating status. Typical examples of such operating status information include the intermediary's schedule information, information on whether or not they are logged in to the services provided by System 1 (primarily the server device 200), or a combination thereof. However, it is not limited to these; various types of information, such as information indicating whether or not intermediary is available, information indicating whether or not they wish to be intermediaried, or information indicating whether or not they are currently assisting another user, can be appropriately combined and used as operating status information.

[0020] In this disclosure, "location information" indicating the location of an object can be any information that indicates the location of an object. Typical examples of such location information include the address information of the object. However, it is not limited to this, and any information that allows the location to be identified to some extent can be used, such as latitude and longitude coordinate information, information indicating the prefecture, city, town, etc., where the object is located, postal code information, information on the nearest landmark, and distance and time information from nearby landmarks.

[0021] In this disclosure, a user terminal device, an intermediary terminal device, or a server device may be referred to as a processing device. Such a processing device is not limited to any specific device as long as it is capable of executing the processing program or processing method related to this disclosure.

[0022] The following example describes a case where an individual intermediary facilitates a real estate transaction between an individual and an individual user, but of course, the case is not limited to this example alone.

[0023] 2. Configuration of System 1 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of System 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 1, System 1 includes a user terminal device 100-1 held by a user, an intermediary terminal device 100-2 held by an intermediary, and a server device 200 that is communicably connected to the user terminal device 100-1 and the intermediary terminal device 100-2 via a network 300. In System 1, various processes according to this embodiment are executed by the server device 200, the user terminal device 100-1, and the intermediary terminal device 100-2 executing programs stored in memory. The server device 200, the user terminal device 100-1, and the intermediary terminal device 100-2 communicate with each other as needed to send and receive various information (for example, Figures 4A and 4B) and programs necessary for the progress of processing.

[0024] Note that in the example in Figure 1, only one user terminal device 100-1 and one intermediary terminal device 100-2 are shown. However, it is certainly possible to include two or more of each terminal device. Also, although the server device 200 is shown as a single unit, it is possible to distribute the various components and processing of the server device 200 to multiple server devices or cloud server devices.

[0025] 3. Configuration of terminal device 100 Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2 shows the configuration of a terminal device 100 that can be used as a user terminal device 100-1 and an intermediary terminal device 100-2. Note that the terminal device 100 does not need to have all of the components shown in Figure 2; it is possible to omit some components or add other components. Furthermore, the terminal device 100 can function as either a user terminal device 100-1 or an intermediary terminal device 100-2. However, the configuration may differ depending on whether it functions as a user terminal device 100-1 or an intermediary terminal device 100-2.

[0026] One example of the terminal device 100 is a laptop PC. However, it can also be suitably applied to any other device capable of executing the processing program related to this disclosure, such as a wireless communication-enabled portable terminal device represented by a smartphone, a feature phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a desktop computer.

[0027] According to Figure 2, the terminal device 100 includes an output interface 111, a processor 112, memory 113 including RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory (and possibly an HDD), a communication interface 114 including a communication processing circuit and an antenna, and an input interface 115 including a touch panel 116 and hard keys 117. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines.

[0028] The processor 112 is composed of a CPU (microcomputer) and functions as a control unit that controls other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 113. Specifically, the processor 112 reads and executes programs from the memory 113 for executing the processes according to this embodiment and programs for executing the OS. In this embodiment, the processor 112 performs the following processes: receiving location information indicating the location of each of the multiple objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects from the server device 200; outputting map information generated based on the received location information of each of the multiple objects and object attribute information for each of the objects to the display via the output interface 111; selecting a first object from the multiple objects based on instruction input entered by the user via the input interface 115; transmitting object selection information indicating the selected first object to the server device 200; and receiving mediator attribute information of a first mediator capable of mediating the first object, which has been identified based on the operational status information of each of the multiple mediators capable of mediating at least one of the multiple objects and the object selection information. Processor 112 may consist of a single CPU, or it may consist of multiple CPUs. Furthermore, other types of processors, such as a GPU specialized for image processing, may be combined as appropriate.

[0029] Memory 113 consists of ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. ROM stores instruction commands for executing applications and the OS according to this embodiment as programs. RAM is memory used for writing and reading data while the program stored in ROM is being processed by the processor 112. Non-volatile memory is memory in which data is written and read as a result of the execution of the program, and the data written there is retained even after the execution of the program has finished. In this embodiment, the memory 113 stores programs for processes such as receiving location information indicating the location of each of the multiple objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects from the server device 200; outputting map information generated based on the received location information of each of the multiple objects and object attribute information for each of the objects to the display via the output interface 111; selecting a first object from the multiple objects based on instruction input entered by the user via the input interface 115; transmitting object selection information indicating the selected first object to the server device 200; and receiving mediator attribute information of a first mediator capable of mediating the first object, which has been identified based on the operational status information of each of the multiple mediators capable of mediating at least one of the multiple objects and the object selection information. Although not specifically shown in the figures, the memory 113 may be connected to a removable storage medium or database via the input interface 115.

[0030] The communication interface 114 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives information with a remotely installed server device 200 and other terminal devices via a communication processing circuit and an antenna. The communication processing circuit performs processing to receive programs for executing the processing according to this embodiment, as well as various information used in said processing, from the server device 200 as the processing progresses. It also performs processing to transmit various information necessary for executing said processing to the server device 200. In this embodiment, in particular, it transmits and receives information stored in the property table shown in Figure 4A and information stored in the intermediary table shown in Figure 4B between the server device 200 and the device.

[0031] The communication processing circuit processes data based on a wideband wireless communication method, such as LTE, but it can also process data based on a narrowband wireless communication method, such as Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11) or Bluetooth®. Furthermore, wired communication can be used in addition to or instead of wireless communication.

[0032] The input interface 115 consists of a touch panel 116 and / or hard keys 117, etc., and functions as an input unit that accepts user input. The touch panel 116 is positioned to cover the display, which serves as the output interface 111, and outputs position coordinate information corresponding to the image data displayed on the display to the processor 112. Known touch panel methods such as resistive touch, capacitive coupling, and ultrasonic surface acoustic wave touch can be used. In this embodiment, as an example, the touch panel 116 detects tap and swipe operations for selecting or moving objects displayed on the display using an indicator. Note that the touch panel 116 is just one example of an input interface, and other interfaces can of course be used. It is also possible to use an input interface (so-called keyboard or mouse input interface) that is wirelessly or wired to the main unit equipped with the processor 112, etc.

[0033] The output interface 111 functions as an output unit that reads image information stored in memory 113 in response to instructions from processor 112 and outputs various displays (for example, Figures 8 to 12, etc.) generated by the execution of processing according to this embodiment. An example of the output interface 111 is a display composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, but the terminal device 100 itself does not necessarily need to be equipped with a display. For example, the output interface 111 may output information for various displays to a display connected by wire or wireless. In other words, the communication interface 114 may also function as the output interface 111.

[0034] 4. Configuration of Server Device 200 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The server device 200 does not need to include all of the components shown in Figure 3; it is possible to omit some components or to add other components.

[0035] According to Figure 3, the server device 200 includes memory 211, which includes RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, etc., a processor 212, which consists of a CPU, etc., and a communication interface 213. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines.

[0036] Memory 211 includes RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and HDD, and functions as a storage unit. Memory 211 stores instruction commands for executing the processes and OS according to this embodiment as programs. Such programs are loaded and executed by the processor 212. Memory 211 (especially RAM) is temporarily used to write and read data while the above programs are being executed by the processor 212. Memory 211 also stores information from the property table shown in Figure 4A and the intermediary table shown in Figure 4B, as well as drawing information used for outputting the screens shown in Figures 8 to 12. Furthermore, memory 211 stores a program for executing processes such as: storing in memory location information indicating the location of each of the multiple objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects in association with each other; storing in memory intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple intermediaries and operational status information for each of the multiple intermediaries in association with each other; transmitting the location information and object attribute information of each of the multiple objects to the user terminal device 100-1 of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects; receiving map information generated based on the location information of each of the multiple objects output by the user terminal device 100-1 and object selection information for a first object selected from the object attribute information of each of the multiple objects; identifying a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries; and transmitting the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device 100-1. Although not specifically illustrated, the various types of information stored in memory 211 may also be stored in a database device or the like installed remotely via a network.

[0037] The processor 212 consists of a CPU (microcomputer) and functions as a control unit for controlling other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 211. In this embodiment, the processor 212 performs the following processes: storing in memory location information indicating the location of each of the multiple objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects in association with each other; storing in memory intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple intermediaries and operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries in association with each other; transmitting the location information and object attribute information of each of the multiple objects to the user terminal device 100-1 of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects; receiving map information generated based on the location information of each of the multiple objects output by the user terminal device 100-1 and object selection information of a first object selected from the object attribute information of each of the multiple objects; identifying a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries; and transmitting the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device 100-1. Processor 212 may consist of a single CPU, or it may consist of multiple CPUs.

[0038] The communication interface 213 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation to send and receive programs, various information, etc., for executing the processing according to this embodiment, for example, via the network 300 with the user terminal device 100-1 and the intermediary terminal device 100-2, or via the network 300 with other server devices or database devices. The communication interface 213 communicates with the user terminal device 100-1, the intermediary terminal device 100-2, and other server devices according to the above-mentioned wireless communication method or known wired communication method. In this embodiment, in particular, information stored in the property table shown in Figure 4A and information stored in the intermediary table shown in Figure 4B are sent and received between the user terminal device 100-1 and the intermediary terminal device 100-2.

[0039] 5. Information stored in memory Figure 4A is a conceptual diagram showing a property table stored in a server device 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The information stored in the property table is updated whenever a new real estate property is added as the subject of a transaction or when new information is entered.

[0040] According to Figure 4A, the property table stores property ID information, property name information, location information, image information, etc., in association with each other. "Property ID information" is information used to identify the real estate property that is the subject of a transaction, and is unique to each real estate property. This property ID information is newly generated each time a new real estate property is added to the server device 200. "Property name information" is one of the object attribute information and indicates the name of each real estate property. "Location information" is information that indicates the location of the real estate property. Such location information can be any information that can identify the location of the real estate property to some extent, such as the property's address information, latitude and longitude coordinate information, prefecture information, city / ward / town / village information, postal code information, nearest landmark information, or information indicating the distance and time from nearby landmarks. "Image information" is one of the object attribute information and is image data of the exterior or interior of the real estate property or information indicating the storage location of such image data. In Figure 4A, the property attribute information shows the property name and image information. However, the property attribute information can also include various other information such as the year of construction, property valuation, property sale price, rental price, history of past owners or tenants, floor plan, floor number, floor on which the property is located, floor area, balcony area, access, amount of management fees and repair reserve fund, total number of units, availability of parking, handover date, current status, management type, information release date, and surrounding facilities. Furthermore, while the property attribute information can be exemplified as described above, it is not necessary to include all of them; any one of them may suffice.

[0041] Figure 4B is a conceptual diagram showing an intermediary table stored in a server device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The information stored in the intermediary table is updated whenever a new intermediary capable of mediating transactions of the subject object is added, or whenever new information is entered by an intermediary or user.

[0042] According to Figure 4B, the property table stores intermediary ID information, intermediary name information, operational status information including current operational information and schedule information, location information, property ID information, contact information, etc., all associated with each other. "Intermediary ID information" is information used to identify an intermediary and is unique to each intermediary. This intermediary ID information is newly generated each time a new intermediary is added to the server device 200. "Intermediary name information" is one of the intermediary attribute information and indicates the name of each intermediary. "Operational status information" is information that includes at least one of each intermediary's current operational status or future operational status. In the example in Figure 4B, "current operational information" stores information on whether each intermediary is logged in to the service provided by System 1 (mainly the server device 200). In addition, "future operational information" stores each intermediary's future schedule information. Furthermore, operational status information can also include information indicating whether intermediary is currently and / or in the future, information indicating whether intermediary is desired, information indicating whether the intermediary is currently assisting another user, or a combination of these, as appropriate. "Location information" is one of the intermediary attribute information, indicating the intermediary's location. Such location information can be any information that allows the intermediary's location to be identified to at least some extent, such as the intermediary's current location (for example, coordinates determined by the intermediary's terminal device's GPS, or location identified by a wireless communication network), a pre-registered office address, or information indicating the assigned district / region. "Property ID information" is property ID information for real estate properties that can be handled. This property ID information can store one or more property IDs. "Contact information" is one of the intermediary attribute information, indicating the intermediary's contact information. Such contact information may include the intermediary's phone number, email address, address, specific contact information such as SNS or chat tools, as well as information such as whether online real-time communication is possible or preferred communication method.In Figure 4B, the intermediary attribute information shows the intermediary's name, location, and contact information. However, the intermediary attribute information can include various other information such as customer reviews, ratings, years of experience, types of properties handled, images, company name, branch name, and past performance. Furthermore, while the intermediary attribute information can be exemplified as described above, it is not necessary to include all of them; any one of them may suffice.

[0043] 6. Processing sequence performed in System 1 Figure 5 is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed in System 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 5 shows a processing sequence executed between the user terminal device 100-1 and the server device 200, from selecting an item and an intermediary to initiating communication between the intermediary and the user.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the processing sequence begins when the application program related to System 1 is executed on the user terminal device 100-1 and the user is logged into the service operated by the server device 200. When the user terminal device 100-1 receives a request to display map information via the input interface 115 using the application program (S11), the user terminal device 100-1 transmits the location information (T11) desired by the user to the server device 200. Typical examples of this location information include keywords indicating the location of a city, town, or village, prefecture, landmark building, station, or school, etc., entered via the input interface 115 in the search box displayed on the map information display screen. Other examples of location information include coordinate information selected by zooming in or out on the map information display screen or moving the display area, and location information detected by the user terminal device 100-1.

[0045] Upon receiving location information requested by the user, the server device 200 refers to the location information in the property table and identifies one or more real estate properties included in the received location information from among one or more real estate properties (S12). The server device 200 then transmits the property ID information of the identified one or more real estate properties, along with the location information and object attribute information (T12) associated with the property ID information, to the user terminal device 100-1.

[0046] The user terminal device 100-1, having received property ID information, location information, and object attribute information of real estate properties included in the desired location information, outputs icons indicating the location of each real estate property based on the received location information to the map information output to the display via the output interface 111. The user terminal device 100-1 then accepts the user's selection operation for real estate properties via the input interface 115. Typically, the user terminal device 100-1 accepts the user's selection of a real estate property by accepting a tap operation from the user via the input interface 115 at the location of the icon of the real estate property desired by the user from among the icons of each real estate property output to the map information, which is displayed on the display.

[0047] Here, Figure 8 shows an example of a screen output from a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 8 shows an example of map information output to a display via an output interface 111 by a user terminal device 100-1. According to Figure 8, map information 11 of the region corresponding to the location information entered by the user in the search box in S11 is displayed on the display. Furthermore, on top of this map information 11, icons 12A to 12E for each real estate property are displayed at positions corresponding to the location information of the real estate property identified by the server device 200 in S12. In this way, since the icons for each real estate property are output superimposed on the map information in the user terminal device 100-1, each user can grasp the location of each real estate property more intuitively.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, of the icons 12A to 12E for each property, only icon 12E is displayed with a changed color. This indicates that the user terminal device 100-1 is accepting user tap operations on icon 12E via the input interface 115. This allows the user to more intuitively understand that the icon of the property they desire is currently being selected.

[0049] Returning to Figure 5, when the user terminal device 100-1 selects an icon for a real estate property desired by the user, it transmits the property ID information corresponding to that real estate property as object selection information (S13) to the server device 200. Upon receiving the object selection information, the server device 200 refers to the property ID information in the intermediary table (S15) and identifies an intermediary from among multiple intermediaries whose property ID information included in the object selection information is registered. At this time, the server device 200 further narrows down the currently operational intermediaries or intermediaries that will be operational in the future by referring to the operational status information associated with the intermediary ID information corresponding to these intermediaries from among the identified intermediaries. Then, it refers to the intermediary attribute information associated with the intermediary ID information of one or more of the narrowed-down intermediaries and creates intermediary information that includes the intermediary ID information and the intermediary attribute information associated with that intermediary ID information (S16). The server device 200 then transmits the created intermediary information (T14) to the user terminal device 100-1.

[0050] The user terminal device 100-1, having received the intermediary information, displays the received intermediary information on the display via the output interface 111 (S17). The user terminal device 100-1 then accepts the user's intermediary selection operation via the input interface 115 (S18). Typically, the user terminal device 100-1 accepts the user's tap operation on the intermediary information of the desired intermediary from the list of one or more intermediary information displayed via the input interface 115. This allows the user terminal device 100-1 to select the intermediary desired by the user.

[0051] Here, Figure 9 shows an example of a screen output from a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 9 shows an example of an intermediary information display screen output to a display via an output interface 111 by a user terminal device 100-1. According to Figure 9, the intermediary information display screen outputs object attribute information 14, etc., of the real estate property (the real estate property corresponding to icon 12E in Figure 8) selected by the user in S14 at the top. Specifically, the image information 13 of the real estate property, property name information, location information (address), and other object attribute information are displayed. In addition, the intermediary information display area 15 displays intermediary information of intermediaries who can mediate the real estate property in a list format. Each intermediary information displays intermediary name information, location information (address), evaluation information, and other intermediary attribute information. If there are multiple such intermediaries and it is not possible to list all intermediary information on one screen, a scroll bar 16 is output, and the user's operation on the scroll bar 16 is accepted, and the intermediary information displayed off-screen is output.

[0052] The intermediary information is displayed in a list format, and it is possible to pre-specify the order in which the intermediaries are displayed in the list based on attribute information stored in the intermediary table and property table. Specifically, intermediary information is received from the server device 200, and if the intermediary information includes information that specifies the order in which one or more intermediaries are displayed, the information may be displayed in the order based on that information. The determination of this order will be described in detail later, but as an example, it is determined based on the amount, evaluation information, location information, or a combination thereof, associated with each intermediary's intermediary ID information. Furthermore, if multiple intermediary information is displayed, it is also possible to rearrange the intermediary information in the desired order by accepting user input for the "rearrange icon 17". For example, it is possible to rearrange the information in order of proximity to the location information of the selected real estate property based on the location information of the intermediary attribute information, or to rearrange it in order of higher evaluation information.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, among the intermediary information displayed in the intermediary information display area 15, only intermediary information 15A is displayed with a changed color. This indicates that the user terminal device 100-1 is accepting user tap operations on the intermediary information 15A via the input interface 115. This makes it possible for the user to more intuitively understand that the intermediary information of the intermediary they desire is currently being selected.

[0054] Returning to Figure 5, the user terminal device 100-1 receives a request from the user to select the desired communication from the intermediary selected in S18 via the input interface 115 (S19).

[0055] Here, Figure 10 shows an example of a screen output from a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 10 shows an example of a communication method selection screen output to a display via an output interface 111 by a user terminal device 100-1. According to Figure 10, the intermediary information of the intermediary selected by the user in S18 is displayed at the top of the screen. Specifically, among the intermediary attribute information included in the intermediary information, the intermediary's image information 19 is displayed in the upper left of the screen, and next to it, the intermediary's name information, location information (address), evaluation information, contact information, and other intermediary attribute information are displayed in the intermediary attribute information display area 18. Furthermore, at the bottom of the screen, icons for selecting a communication method that the user can choose are displayed. First, an online icon 20 is displayed as selectable when online video calls are stored as contact information, a reservation icon 21 is displayed as selectable when schedule information is stored as operational status information, a message icon 22 is displayed as selectable when information indicating the recipient of a message is stored as contact information, and other icons 33 are displayed when other communication methods are selectable. For each communication method, the user selects their desired method by tapping on the corresponding icon. As shown in Figure 10, only the online icon 20 is displayed with a changed color. This indicates that the user terminal device 100-1 is accepting the user's tap on the online icon 20 via the input interface 115. This allows the user to more intuitively understand that online video conferencing is currently being selected as their desired communication method.

[0056] Returning to Figure 5, the user terminal device 100-1 transmits intermediary selection information (T15) to the server device 200, which includes the intermediary ID information of the intermediary selected in S18 and information indicating the communication method selected in S19. Upon receiving the intermediary selection information, the server device 200 updates the current operation information in the intermediary table to information indicating that "acceptance of new intermediary requests via online video call will be discontinued" if online video call was selected. The server device 200 also updates the schedule information based on the selected reservation information if a reservation was selected. The server device 200 then controls the execution process of communication between the user terminal device 100-1 and the intermediary terminal device 100-2. With this, the processing sequence ends.

[0057] Here, Figure 11 shows an example of a screen output from a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 11 shows an example of a screen when a real-time online video call is being performed between a user terminal device 100-1 and an intermediary terminal device 100-2. According to Figure 11, an image 23 of the person communicating (the intermediary in the case of the screen output from user terminal device 100-1, and the user in the case of the screen output from intermediary terminal device 100-2) is displayed near the center of the screen. This makes it possible to understand the current situation, facial expressions, gestures, etc. of the person communicating. In addition, various function icons that can be executed during a video call are displayed at the bottom of the screen. For example, when the selection of the volume icon 24 is received via the input interface 115, the processor 112 changes the volume output from the speaker. Also, when the selection of the screen icon 25 is received via the input interface 115, the processor 112 performs a process to stop imaging by the cameras of each terminal device 100. As a result, the image of the user is no longer displayed on the other party's image 23. Furthermore, when the input interface 115 accepts the selection of the shared icon 26, the processor 112 outputs information displayed in other windows or screens that can be displayed on the terminal device 100 to the terminal device 100 of the communication partner. Also, when the input interface 115 accepts the selection of the exit icon 27, the processor terminates the video call.

[0058] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation screen that is accessed when the reservation icon 21 is selected as the communication method in Figure 10. According to Figure 12, image information 28, intermediary name, and address information, which are intermediary attribute information of the intermediary selected in S18, are displayed at the top of the screen. At the bottom of the screen, a calendar screen 29 is output based on the schedule information from the operational status information stored in association with the intermediary ID information of the intermediary. Although not described in detail here, the intermediary's schedule is displayed on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis, allowing the user to find out the intermediary's available time for communication. When the user selects a desired date, time, or period on the calendar screen via the input interface 115, the user terminal device 100-1 transmits the reservation information for that date, time, or period to the server device 200 as intermediary selection information.

[0059] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output from a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message screen that transitions to when the message icon 22 is selected as the communication method in Figure 10. According to Figure 13, image information 30, intermediary name, and address information, which are the intermediary attribute information of the intermediary selected in S18, are displayed at the top of the screen. In the middle of the screen, a message display area 32 is output, which displays messages exchanged between the user and the intermediary over time. Furthermore, at the bottom of the screen, an input box 31 is displayed for the user to input a new message via the input interface 115. After a message is entered in the input box 31, the system detects an operation input to the send icon to the right of it, and the new message is sent.

[0060] 7. Processing flow performed on user terminal device 100-1 Figures 6A to 6D show the processing flow performed in a terminal device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6A shows the processing flow performed in the user terminal device 100-1 in steps S11 to S14 of Figure 5, Figure 6B shows the processing flow when online communication is performed via steps S17 to S19 of Figure 5, Figure 6C shows the processing flow when the intermediary's schedule is reserved via steps S17 to S19 of Figure 5, and Figure 6D shows the processing flow when message-based communication is performed via steps S17 to S19 of Figure 5. These processing flows are mainly performed by the processor 112 of the user terminal device 100-1 reading and executing a program stored in memory 113.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6A, the processor 112 executes an application program related to the system 1 by receiving an instruction input from the user via the input interface 115 (S111). This application program may be either an application program created specifically for the system 1 and pre-installed on the user terminal device 100-1 (a so-called native application program), or an application program that is executed on a website by accessing a service website operated by the server device 200 (a so-called web application program). When the application program is executed, the processor 112 outputs map information to the display via the output interface 111. The map information may be output by accepting the user's selection to display map information on the menu screen, or it may be output automatically when the application program is executed.

[0062] Next, the processor 112 receives location information from the user via the input interface 115 (S112). This location information is typically entered by the user through an operation to specify the area from which they wish to obtain real estate property information. Such operations include entering keywords indicating the location, such as the name of a city, town, or village, the name of a landmark building, the name of a station, or the name of a school, into the search box displayed on the map information display screen via the input interface 115, or zooming in, out, or moving the display area on the output map information display screen. In addition to user input, location information can also be obtained from location information determined by the GPS of the user terminal device 100-1 at a predetermined timing, or from location information obtained by wireless communication of the user terminal device 100-1. Once location information is acquired through the input, the processor 112 transmits the acquired location information to the server device 200 via the communication interface 114 (S113).

[0063] Next, the processor 112 determines whether or not it has received object attribute information and location information for one or more real estate properties from the server device 200 via the communication interface 114, based on an interrupt signal (S114). If it determines that the information has been received, the processor 112 outputs an icon corresponding to each real estate property on the map information based on the received location information for each real estate property, as shown in Figure 8 (S114). The processor 112 then accepts a real estate property selection operation by the user via the input interface 115 (S116). Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, this is done by accepting a tap operation by the user via the input interface 115 at the location of the icon of the real estate property desired by the user from among the icons of each real estate property on the map information output on the display. The processor 112 then transmits the property ID information corresponding to the selected real estate property as object selection information to the server device 200 via the communication interface 114.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 6B, the processor 112 receives an interrupt signal via the communication interface 114 from the server device 200 indicating that it has received intermediary information for one or more intermediaries capable of mediating the transaction of the real estate property selected in S116. Based on this interrupt signal, it determines whether or not it has received this information (S118). If it determines that it has received the information, the processor 112 outputs the received intermediary information in a list format, as shown in Figure 9 (S119). The processor 112 accepts a tap operation made by the user on the intermediary information of the desired intermediary via the input interface 115 (S120). This allows the processor 112 to select the intermediary desired by the user. When outputting the received intermediary information in a list format in S119, it is possible to specify in advance the order in which the intermediaries to be output in the list format are arranged based on attribute information stored in the intermediary table and property table. Specifically, although intermediary information is received from the server device 200, if the intermediary information includes information that specifies the order in which one or more intermediaries are arranged, the output may be arranged in the order based on that information. The determination of this order will be explained in more detail later, but one example is that it is determined based on the amount, evaluation information, location information, or a combination thereof, associated with each intermediary's intermediary ID information.

[0065] Next, the processor 112 outputs the communication method selection screen shown in Figure 10 via the output interface 111 to select a method of communication with the selected intermediary. The processor 112 then accepts the user's selection operation on this screen for one of the following: an online icon 20 for immediately starting a video call, a reservation icon 21 for scheduling a communication, a message icon 22 for sending and receiving messages, and an other icon 33 for selecting other communication methods (S121).

[0066] Next, when it is determined in S121 that an operation input for the online icon 20 to immediately start a video call has been detected at the input interface 115 (S122), the processor 112 controls the communication interface 114 to send intermediary selection information to the server device 200, which includes the intermediary ID information of the intermediary selected in S120 and information indicating that a video call has been selected as the communication method (S123). Also, although not specifically shown in the diagram, when the online icon 20 is selected, the processor 112 outputs a video call start screen to the display via the output interface 111. When an operation for the call start icon is detected on this screen, the processor 112 performs outgoing processing to the intermediary terminal device 100-2 of the intermediary selected in S120 (S124). When the intermediary terminal device 100-2 receives the message, the processor 112 of the user terminal device 100-1 outputs the screen shown in Figure 11 to the display via the output interface 111 and starts online real-time communication (video call) with the intermediary terminal device 100-2 (S125). On the other hand, if the intermediary terminal device 100-2 rejects the user's call, the process returns to the communication selection in S121, and the processor 112 performs processing related to selecting another communication method.

[0067] Next, according to Figure 6C, if no operation input for the online icon 20 is detected in S122, the processor 112 determines whether or not an operation input for the reservation icon 21 has been detected by the input interface 115 (S126). If such an operation input is detected, the processor 112 sends to the server device 200 the intermediary ID information of the intermediary selected in S120 and intermediary selection information including information that reservation has been selected as the communication method (S127). Then, upon receiving operational status information (schedule information) associated with the intermediary ID information transmitted via the communication interface 114 (S128), the processor 112 outputs a reservation screen displaying the received schedule information, as shown in Figure 12. The input interface 115 accepts the user's selection of date, time, and period on the calendar screen displayed on the reservation screen (S129). The processor 112 sends reservation information to the server device 200 via the communication interface 114, which includes at least the accepted time and period information, its own user ID information, and intermediary ID information (S130).

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 6D, if no operation input for the reservation icon 21 is detected in S126, the processor 112 determines whether or not an operation input for the message icon 22 has been detected by the input interface 115 (S131). If such an operation input is detected, the processor 112 sends the intermediary selection information to the server device 200, which includes the intermediary ID information of the intermediary selected in S120 and information indicating that a message has been selected as the communication method (S132). Then, upon receiving the contact information associated with the intermediary ID information transmitted via the communication interface 114 and the history of messages exchanged with the intermediary so far as message information (S133), the processor 112 outputs a message screen as shown in Figure 13. Then, upon receiving a message input and transmission instruction from the user via the input interface 115 on the message screen (S134), the processor 112 sends the received message to the server device 200 via the communication interface 114 (S135).

[0069] In the above description, we have explained the case in which the server device 200 manages the message sending and receiving history between the intermediary and the user. However, message sending and receiving control may also be performed using a separately provided message management server device. Typical examples of such cases include social networking services (SNS) and short message services (SMS).

[0070] Next, if no input is detected for the message icon 22 in S131, the processor 112 determines whether there is any input for the other icon 33 and executes processing according to the selected communication. This completes the series of processing flows.

[0071] 8. Processing flow performed by server device 200 Figures 7A to 7D show the processing flow performed in a server device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 7A shows the processing flow performed in the server device 200 from the reception of the user's location information (T11) in Figure 5 to the reception of the intermediary selection information (T15); Figure 7B shows the processing flow when online communication is performed after receiving the intermediary selection information (T15) in Figure 5; Figure 7C shows the processing flow when the intermediary's schedule is reserved after receiving the intermediary selection information (T15) in Figure 5; and Figure 7D shows the processing flow when message-based communication is performed after receiving the intermediary selection information (T15) in Figure 5. These processing flows are mainly performed by the processor 212 of the server device 200 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 211.

[0072] According to Figure 6A, the processor 212 determines whether it has received the user's location information, which was received from the user terminal device 100-1 in S112 of Figure 6A, via the communication interface 213 (S211). If it has received the information, the processor 112 refers to the location information in the property table (S212) and identifies one or more real estate properties based on the received user's location information. Then, it transmits the property ID information, object attribute information, and location information of these real estate properties to the user terminal device 100-1 that sent the user's location information via the communication interface 213 (S213). The identification of one or more real estate properties is performed, for example, by identifying real estate properties included in the area specified by the received location information based on the location information of the real estate properties.

[0073] Next, the processor 212 determines whether or not it has received object selection information based on an interrupt signal received from the user terminal device 100-1 via the communication interface 213 (S214). Then, the processor 212 refers to the intermediary table and identifies one or more intermediaries capable of mediating the real estate property selected by the user, based on the property ID information of the real estate property included in the object selection information (S215). Then, it transmits the intermediary information, including the intermediary ID information and intermediary attribute information of the identified intermediaries, to the user terminal device 100-1 that sent the object selection information (S216). At this time, for example, the processor 212 first refers to the property ID information in the intermediary table to identify the intermediary ID information of the intermediary whose property ID information is registered. Furthermore, the processor 212 refers to the current operation information and schedule information in the operation status information of the intermediary table to identify the intermediary ID information of the intermediaries capable of mediating from among the identified intermediaries based on their operation status. Identification based on current operational information is performed, for example, by identifying intermediaries who are logged in to services provided by System 1 (primarily server device 200). Identification based on schedule information is performed, for example, by prioritizing intermediaries who have available time slots in their schedules for a predetermined period in the future. Although the above describes identification using both current operational information and schedule information, identification may also be based on either one.

[0074] Furthermore, when the intermediary information transmitted to the user terminal device 100-1 is received by the user terminal device 100-1, each intermediary is displayed in a list format. However, information specifying the order in which one or more intermediaries are listed may be added to the intermediary information. For example, when an intermediary registers to use a service related to this system, they are required to pay a predetermined amount of registration fee or advertising fee. The amount paid by the intermediary, their manager, or the company to which the intermediary belongs is then associated with each intermediary ID and stored as attribute information in the intermediary table. When one or more intermediaries are identified in S215, the processor 212 can specify the sorting order according to the associated amount, such as in descending order of the amount, or in ascending order. Another example is to store evaluation information from past transactions as attribute information, associated with each intermediary's intermediary ID information, in the intermediary table. When one or more intermediaries are identified in S215, the processor 212 can specify the sorting order according to the associated evaluation information, such as in descending order of the evaluation information, or in descending order of the evaluation information. Furthermore, as another example, the intermediary table stores the intermediary's location information, as shown in Figure 4B. Then, when one or more intermediaries are identified in S215, the processor 212 can specify a sorting order based on the intermediary's location information, such as in order of proximity to the property, based on the associated location information and the location information of the property received in the object selection information of S214. In the above example, the sorting order was described based on price, valuation information, and location information, but these can be combined, or the order can be rearranged based on other attribute information.

[0075] Next, the processor 212 determines whether or not it has received the intermediary selection information based on an interrupt signal received from the user terminal device 100-1 via the communication interface 213 (S217). Then, the processor 212 stores the received intermediary selection information in the memory 211 (S218).

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 7B, the processor 212 refers to the received intermediary selection information and determines whether or not it contains information indicating that video conferencing has been selected as the method of communication with the intermediary (S219). Then, when the processor 212 receives a call initiation request from the user terminal device 100-1, it sends a video conferencing request to the intermediary identified by the intermediary ID information included in the intermediary selection information (S220). Subsequently, when the processor 212 receives notification of an incoming call from the identified intermediary's intermediary terminal device 100-2 via the communication interface 213 (S221), it sends this information to the user terminal device 100-1 and starts the video conferencing between the intermediary and the user. Then, the processor 212 updates the current operational information associated with the intermediary ID information of the intermediary whose video conferencing has started to "Stop accepting new intermediation requests via online video conferencing" (S222). Note that although this explanation describes the case where the server device 200 mediates the initiation and reception of video conferencing, other video conferencing intermediary server devices may also be used for mediation. Typically, it is possible to use video conferencing services via social networking services (SNS).

[0077] Next, according to Figure 7C, if the information indicating that video conferencing was selected as the communication method is not included in S219, the processor 212 determines whether the intermediary selection information includes information indicating that a reservation was selected (S224). If such information is included, the processor 212 refers to the intermediary table based on the intermediary ID information included in the intermediary selection information and transmits the schedule information from the operational status information of the intermediary to the user terminal device 100-1 (S225). Then, when the processor 212 receives reservation information from the user terminal device 100-1, which includes the intermediary ID information and information on the time or period for which the intermediary's schedule is reserved (S226), it updates the schedule information in the intermediary table to indicate that the time or period specified by the reservation information is "reserved" (S227).

[0078] Next, according to Figure 7D, if the information indicating that a reservation has been selected as the communication method is not included in S2224, the processor 212 determines whether the information indicating that a message has been selected is included in the intermediary selection information (S228). If such information is included, the processor 212 refers to the intermediary table based on the intermediary ID information included in the intermediary selection information and sends the intermediary's contact information and past message history information to the user terminal device 100-1 (S229). Then, when the processor 212 receives information about a newly entered message from the user terminal device 100-1 (S230), it sends the message to the intermediary identified by the intermediary ID information (S231). Note that although the case of sending and receiving messages using the server device 200 has been described here, other message intermediary server devices may also be used, for example. Typically, SNS or short message services can be used.

[0079] Next, if S228 does not contain information indicating that a message has been selected as the communication method, the processor 212 executes the processing corresponding to the other selected communication method. This completes the processing flow.

[0080] In this embodiment, by identifying intermediaries capable of handling the objects subject to the transaction based on operational information and other factors, it is possible to introduce them more appropriately.

[0081] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented not only by those explicitly described in the embodiments, 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 process on a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disk, or 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.

[0082] Even if it is stated that the processes and procedures described herein are performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software programs, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Similarly, even if it is stated that the various types of information described herein are stored in a single memory or storage unit, such information may be distributed and stored in multiple memories within a single device or in multiple memories distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 terminal devices 100-1 User terminal device 100-2 Intermediary Terminal Device 200 Server Devices 300 Networks

Claims

1. Equipped with at least one processor, The at least one processor is The system stores object location information, which is location information indicating the position of each of the multiple objects being traded, and object attribute information, which indicates the attributes of each of the multiple objects, in memory in association with each other. Intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple intermediaries capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects, and operational status information for each of the multiple intermediaries are stored in memory in association with each other. The system is connected via a network and receives desired location information, which is the location information desired by the user, from the user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects. Referencing the object location information stored in the memory, one or more objects included in the desired location information are identified from among the multiple objects, and the object location information and object attribute information associated with the identified object are transmitted to the user terminal device. The user terminal device receives the object attribute information of the first object selected from one or more of the objects as object selection information. Based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries, a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object is identified. The intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary is transmitted to the user terminal device. A server device configured to perform processing.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the desired location information is location information other than the user's current location.

3. comprising at least one processor, The at least one processor is Location information indicating the position of each of the multiple transaction objects and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects are stored in memory in association with each other. Intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple intermediaries capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects, and operational status information for each of the multiple intermediaries are stored in memory in association with each other. The system is connected to the user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects, and transmits the location information and object attribute information of each of the multiple objects to the user terminal device of the user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects. The user terminal device receives the object attribute information of the first object selected from the plurality of objects as object selection information. Based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries, a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object is identified. The intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary is transmitted to the user terminal device. Configured to perform the process, The aforementioned operational status information includes information indicating whether the intermediary is logged in to a predetermined service provided by the server device. Server device.

4. A server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein communication via the network is performed between the user terminal device and the first intermediary's intermediary terminal device.

5. The aforementioned operational status information includes the schedule information of each of the multiple intermediaries, The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform a process of transmitting the schedule information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device, in addition to the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary.

6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process a process of receiving reservation time information selected by the user from the user terminal device based on the schedule information of the first intermediary, so that the user can communicate with the first intermediary via the network.

7. The at least one processor is Identify multiple intermediaries as described above, The user terminal device receives intermediary selection information from a plurality of first intermediaries, indicating the intermediary selected by the user. A server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to perform processing.

8. The aforementioned object includes real estate property, and is a server device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method that is executed by at least one processor, A step of associating object location information, which is location information indicating the position of each of the multiple objects of a transaction, with object attribute information, which indicates the attributes of each of the multiple objects, and storing them in memory, The steps include storing in memory, in association with mediator attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple mediators capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects, and operational status information for each of the multiple mediators. The steps include receiving desired location information, which is the location information desired by the user, from a user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the plurality of objects, which is connected to the network in a communicable manner, The steps include: referring to the object location information stored in the memory, identifying one or more objects included in the desired location information from among a plurality of objects, and transmitting the object location information and object attribute information associated with the identified object to the user terminal device; The user terminal device receives the object attribute information of a first object selected from one or more of the objects as object selection information. A step of identifying a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries, The steps include transmitting the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device, A method that includes this.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the desired location information is location information other than the user's current location.

11. A method performed by at least one processor, A step of storing in memory location information indicating the location of each of the multiple objects of a transaction and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects, in association with each other. The steps include storing in memory, in association with mediator attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple mediators capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects, and operational status information for each of the multiple mediators. The steps include transmitting the location information and object attribute information of each of the multiple objects to a user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects, which is connected to the network in a communicable manner, The user terminal device receives the object attribute information of the first object selected from the plurality of objects as object selection information. A step of identifying a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the plurality of intermediaries, The steps include transmitting the intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary to the user terminal device, Includes, The aforementioned operational status information includes information indicating whether the intermediary is logged in to a predetermined service provided by the server device. method.

12. By being executed by at least one processor, The aforementioned at least one processor, The system stores object location information, which is location information indicating the position of each of the multiple objects being traded, and object attribute information, which indicates the attributes of each of the multiple objects, in memory in association with each other. Intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple intermediaries capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects, and operational status information for each of the multiple intermediaries are stored in memory in association with each other. The system is connected via a network and receives desired location information, which is the location information desired by the user, from the user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects. Referencing the object location information stored in the memory, one or more objects included in the desired location information are identified from among the multiple objects, and the object location information and object attribute information associated with the identified object are transmitted to the user terminal device. The user terminal device receives the object attribute information of the first object selected from one or more of the objects as object selection information. Based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries, a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object is identified. The intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary is transmitted to the user terminal device. A computer program that makes something work in a certain way.

13. The computer program according to claim 12, wherein the desired location information is location information other than the user's current location.

14. By being executed by at least one processor, The aforementioned at least one processor, Location information indicating the position of each of the multiple transaction objects and object attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple objects are stored in memory in association with each other. Intermediary attribute information indicating the attributes of each of the multiple intermediaries capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects, and operational status information for each of the multiple intermediaries are stored in memory in association with each other. The system is connected to the user terminal device of a user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects, and transmits the location information and object attribute information of each of the multiple objects to the user terminal device of the user who intends to trade at least one of the multiple objects. The user terminal device receives the object attribute information of the first object selected from the plurality of objects as object selection information. Based on the received object selection information and the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries, a first intermediary capable of mediating the first object is identified. The intermediary attribute information of the first intermediary is transmitted to the user terminal device. Make it work like this, The aforementioned operational status information includes information indicating whether the intermediary is logged in to a predetermined service provided by the server device. Computer program.

15. Equipped with at least one processor, The at least one processor is A server device connected to the network for communication transmits desired location information, which is the location information desired by a user who intends to trade at least one of several objects. In the server device, object location information, which is location information indicating the position of each of the multiple objects, and object attribute information, which indicates the attributes of each of the multiple objects, are stored in association with each other. In the server device, one or more of the objects included in the desired location information are identified, and the object location information and object attribute information associated with the identified objects are received from the server device. The aforementioned object attribute information is output to the display, Based on the instruction input entered by the user via the input interface, a first object is selected from a plurality of objects. The object selection information, which is the object attribute information of the selected first object, is transmitted to the server device. The system receives the mediator attribute information of the first mediator capable of mediating the first object, which is identified based on the operational status information of each of the multiple mediators capable of mediating at least one of the multiple objects and the object selection information. A terminal device configured to perform processing.

16. The terminal device according to claim 15, wherein the desired location information is location information other than the user's current location.

17. A method that is executed by at least one processor, The steps include transmitting desired location information, which is the location information desired by a user who intends to trade at least one of several objects, to a server device connected to the network for communication, In the server device, object location information, which is location information indicating the position of each of the multiple objects, and object attribute information, which indicates the attributes of each of the multiple objects, are stored in association with each other. In the server device, one or more of the objects included in the desired location information are identified. The process involves receiving the object location information and object attribute information associated with the identified object from the server device, The steps include outputting the aforementioned object attribute information to a display, A step of selecting a first object from a plurality of objects based on an instruction input entered by the user via an input interface, The steps include transmitting object selection information, which is the object attribute information of the selected first object, to the server device, The steps include receiving intermediary attribute information of a first intermediary capable of mediating for the first object, which is identified based on the operational status information of each of the multiple intermediaries capable of mediating for at least one of the multiple objects and the object selection information, A method that includes this.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the desired location information is location information other than the user's current location.

19. By being executed by at least one processor, The aforementioned at least one processor, A server device connected to the network for communication transmits desired location information, which is the location information desired by a user who intends to trade at least one of several objects. In the server device, object location information, which is location information indicating the position of each of the multiple objects, and object attribute information, which indicates the attributes of each of the multiple objects, are stored in association with each other. In the server device, one or more of the objects included in the desired location information are identified, and the object location information and object attribute information associated with the identified objects are received from the server device. The aforementioned object attribute information is output to the display, Based on the instruction input entered by the user via the input interface, a first object is selected from a plurality of objects. The object selection information, which is the object attribute information of the selected first object, is transmitted to the server device. The system receives the mediator attribute information of the first mediator capable of mediating the first object, which is identified based on the operational status information of each of the multiple mediators capable of mediating at least one of the multiple objects and the object selection information. A computer program that makes something work in a certain way.

20. The computer program according to claim 19, wherein the desired location information is location information other than the user's current location.

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