Search system

Abstract

To provide a retrieval system for improving convenience of both facilities side holding events and a vendor side in a series of procedures when opening a store, while building a reliable relationship between the facilities side and the vendor side.SOLUTION: A retrieval system includes: retrieval condition acquisition means for acquiring input retrieval conditions; extraction means for extracting event space information or vacant floor information based on the acquired retrieval conditions; display data generation means for generating display data for displaying the extracted event space information or vacant floor information; and output means for outputting the display data to display means. The display data creation means creates the event space information or vacant floor information extracted by the extraction means in a plurality of display formats to be selectable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for searching event spaces, vacant spaces, and store owners.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, commercial facilities such as department stores and shopping malls have leased a specific section within the commercial facility (hereinafter referred to as "event space" in this specification) to external operators who wish to hold events in that section, and have earned rental fees. And since the event held by the store owner, who is an external operator, also increases the customer-attracting power of the entire commercial facility, there is an advantage for the commercial facility in that not only the profit from the rental fees but also the overall revenue of the commercial facility can be expected to improve.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that mediates between a location provider and an owner when the location provider leases a location (frontage) to the owner of a mobile food truck for business operation, and particularly improves the convenience of procedures for both parties.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the case of an event in a commercial facility, unlike the so-called "frontage business" of providing a location to a mobile food truck as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the facility allows the use of an internal section of the facility. Therefore, when using the section to hold an event or the like, it is necessary to ensure a strong trust relationship with the store owner. However, usually, both the facility-side staff and the store owner often do not know the circumstances of the other party, so the presence of an intermediary who mediates between the two becomes extremely important. In other words, facility staff require vendors to comply with the facility's rules, satisfy facility visitors, and use the event space in a way that contributes to increasing the overall visitor numbers of the facility. Furthermore, vendors with little experience exhibiting at the facility often have little prior acquaintance with facility staff and have not yet built a relationship of trust, making it difficult for them to even receive an offer to exhibit. Moreover, it is also difficult for intermediaries to smoothly handle the procedures for exhibiting at the facility in a way that satisfies both parties. Therefore, there was a need for a tool that could foster trust between facility staff and vendors, clearly demonstrate the process, and improve the convenience of using the event space for all parties involved: facility staff, vendors, and intermediaries alike.

[0006] Similarly, when it comes to opening stores (tenants) in vacant spaces within commercial facilities, there was a need for tools that could improve convenience during the opening process while fostering trust between facility staff and tenants.

[0007] Furthermore, for facility managers, there may be situations where they want to proactively encourage event hosting or tenant openings from vendors who match the facility's needs, rather than simply waiting for offers to host events or open stores. In such cases, there was a need for tools that could identify reliable vendors and improve the convenience of the vendor opening process.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a search system that improves convenience for both the facility staff who own event spaces and the exhibitors, while fostering a relationship of trust between them and the process of holding events and setting up a tenant store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, according to one embodiment of the present invention, A search condition acquisition means for acquiring entered search conditions, An extraction means for extracting event space information or vacant space information based on the acquired search conditions, A means for creating display data that displays extracted event space information or vacant floor information, An output means that outputs display data to a display means, A search system is provided that includes [this]. According to the present invention, tenants who wish to hold events or open stores can easily find event spaces and vacant floors within potential facilities.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, The display data creation means creates event space information or vacant floor information extracted by the extraction means in one of several selectable display formats. According to the present invention, search results can be displayed in a format that is easy for exhibitors to view, thereby improving the convenience of browsing for exhibitors.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, The displayed data includes a display format that includes map information indicating the location of event spaces or vacant floors, as well as the facility itself. According to the present invention, event spaces or vacant floors, as well as the location of facilities, become easier to recognize visually, and candidate facilities can be narrowed down from the perspective of location information.

[0012] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, The display data includes a display format that has map information showing visually recognizable information regarding the location and appearance of the event space or vacant floor within the facility to which the event space or vacant floor belongs, as well as their surrounding environment. According to the present invention, the location and appearance of event spaces within a facility can be visually grasped, and their relationship with the surrounding environment can also be recognized, making it easier to predict actual attendance figures, taking into account visitor flow and other factors.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, A user registration means for registering user information, including user identification information that identifies the user, User authentication means for authenticating users, User history storage means for storing information generated during the user's system usage process in association with user identification information, having, The extraction means extracts information according to the user's request from the information stored by the user history storage means, The display data creation means creates display data for displaying the information extracted by the extraction means, A search system is provided in which the information extracted by the extraction means includes the adjustment status of the event holding offer or tenant store opening offer applied for by the user. According to the present invention, the convenience in the process until the user holds an event or the like through the system of the present invention can be improved.

[0014] Also, according to one embodiment of the present invention, The information extracted by the extraction means includes an instruction manual regarding the facility and / or the event space or the vacant floor, and the instruction manual can be viewed when the adjustment status of the event holding offer or tenant store opening offer reaches a predetermined stage. According to the present invention, procedures such as event holding offers can be carried out simply.

[0015] Also, according to one embodiment of the present invention, The event holding offer or tenant store opening offer is permitted or rejected by the system administrator. According to the present invention, by granting certain authority to the administrator, the labor of the facility side staff can be reduced.

[0016] Also, according to one embodiment of the present invention, Search condition acquisition means for acquiring the input search conditions, Extraction means for extracting store opening person information based on the acquired search conditions, Display data creation means for creating display data for displaying the extracted store opening person information, Output means for outputting the display data to the display means, A search system including is provided. According to the present invention, a person in charge of a facility can easily search for an exhibitor who holds an event in an event space within the facility or occupies a vacant space as a tenant store.

[0017] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, The display data creation means creates the exhibitor information extracted by the extraction means in a plurality of selectable display formats. According to the present invention, search results can be displayed under conditions that are easy for the user to view, improving the convenience for the user during browsing.

[0018] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, The search condition acquisition means acquires, as search conditions, store opening plan information regarding the event holding plan of an exhibitor, The extraction means extracts the store opening plan information. According to the present invention, by making the planning information created by the exhibitor the search target, it becomes easy to match the needs of the facility and the exhibitor.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the system of the present invention, while forming a trust relationship between the facility and the exhibitor in event holding, the convenience of both can be improved in a series of procedures during event holding.

[0020] Furthermore, while forming a trust relationship between the facility having vacant spaces and the exhibitor, the convenience of both can be improved in a series of procedures when a tenant store occupies a vacant space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the search system of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configurations of the exhibitor terminal, the administrator terminal, and the facility terminal in the search system of the present invention. [Figure 3A] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the server in the search system of the present invention. [Figure 3B]This diagram shows examples of tenant information and facility master data. [Figure 3C] This diagram shows an example of user history master data. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of the control unit in the search system of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the process performed by the vendor's search application. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the user registration input page for the vendor search site. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the search menu page of a vendor search site. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the input page for search criteria on the vendor search site. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a page displaying search results from a vendor search site. [Figure 10] This is a diagram representing the facility details page on the vendor search site. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the transition from the facility details page on the exhibitor search site to the event space details page. [Figure 12] This is a diagram representing the detailed display page for event spaces on a vendor search website. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a user's profile page on a vendor search site. [Figure 14] This diagram shows an example of a new project registration page on a vendor search site. [Figure 15] This diagram shows an example of a page displaying the progress status of offer applications on a vendor search site. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the processing of event hosting offers in the vendor search app. [Figure 17] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an event hosting offer application page on a vendor search site. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates the processing performed by the facility's search application. [Figure 19] This is a diagram representing the search menu page of the facility's search website. [Figure 20]This is a diagram showing the input page for search criteria on the facility's search website. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing a page displaying search results from a facility-specific search website. [Figure 22] This is a diagram representing the detailed information display page for vendor projects on the facility's search website. [Figure 23] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a user page on a facility's search website. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of a sales information display page on a facility's search website. [Figure 25] This diagram shows an example of a project offer application page on a facility search website. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the application and master data in the search system of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the application and master data in the search system of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The search system of the present invention enables the mutual searching of facilities that have event spaces and / or vacant floors available for commercial use (hereinafter referred to as "facilities" in this specification) and businesses that hold events such as merchandise sales related to the provision of goods or services in the event spaces within the facilities and businesses that set up shop as tenants in the vacant floors within the facilities (hereinafter referred to as "exhibitors" in this specification), thereby matching the needs of facilities and exhibitors, and further supports various procedures for both parties related to event hosting, etc., through a system administrator who manages the system (hereinafter referred to as "administrator" in this specification).

[0023] In this specification, examples of goods handled by vendors include food, beverages, passenger cars, books, local products, communication equipment, housing, and daily necessities. Examples of services handled by vendors include educational facilities such as English conversation schools, cram schools, and various other schools; sports facilities such as swimming pools, dance studios, and training gyms; appraisal services for used goods such as used books and antiques; provision of various insurance products; and operation of beauty facilities. However, the goods and services handled by vendors are not limited to the examples given above.

[0024] Examples of facilities as used herein include, but are not limited to, commercial facilities, retail stores, hot spring facilities, cinemas, rental shops, bookstores, department stores, shopping streets, drugstores, sports facilities, train stations, office buildings, apartment buildings, post offices, amusement parks, sports stadiums, and road service facilities.

[0025] In this specification, "event space" means a section within a facility that can be rented out for a certain period of time to various businesses for the purpose of providing or advertising goods or services.

[0026] In this specification, "event" means that exhibitors use the event space described above to offer or advertise goods or services.

[0027] In this specification, "vacant space" refers to a section within a facility that is available for commercial use but is not currently being used as a retail space. A retail space occupied by a tenant is referred to as a "tenant."

[0028] In this specification, "facility representative" means a person responsible for managing event spaces and vacant floors within the facility, and who has certain authority to allow exhibitors to use these spaces and vacant floors.

[0029] In this specification, "event hosting offer" means an offer submitted to the facility by a vendor who wishes to host an event in the event space within the facility.

[0030] In this specification, "tenant offer" means both an offer made by a tenant to a facility manager when they wish to occupy a vacant space owned by the facility, and an offer made by a facility manager to a tenant in order to have them occupy a vacant space owned by the facility.

[0031] In this specification, "event offer" means an offer made by a facility representative to an exhibitor to allow them to hold their event in the event space owned by the facility.

[0032] In this specification, "user" means a person who has registered to use the search system of the present invention. When it is not necessary to distinguish between store owners and facility staff who use the search system of the present invention, they may be collectively referred to as "users."

[0033] [1. Overall Structure] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the search system 1 of the present invention. The search system 1 of the present invention comprises a server 10, a vendor terminal 20, an administrator terminal 30, and a facility terminal 40, each connected via a network N to enable information exchange. Here, the server 10 is a device operated by the administrator of the search system 1, the vendor terminal 20 is an information terminal used by vendors to utilize the search system 1, and the facility terminal 40 is an information terminal used by facility staff to utilize the search system 1. The administrator terminal 30 is an information terminal used by the administrator to connect to the server 10 and execute various functions of the server 10, or to edit data recorded in the server 10.

[0034] By using Search System 1, exhibitors can search for event spaces available for event hosting or vacant spaces available for tenant occupancy. Furthermore, by launching and using the application program within Search System 1 (hereinafter referred to as "App" in this specification), they can carry out various procedures related to event hosting or tenant occupancy (hereinafter referred to as the "Exhibitor Search App"). Facility staff can also use Search System 1 to search for exhibitors who will host events in the event spaces owned by the facility or occupy vacant spaces as tenant occupants, and by launching and using the App within Search System 1, they can carry out the necessary procedures with exhibitors for event hosting or tenant occupancy (hereinafter referred to as the "Facility Search App"). In other words, Search System 1 can contribute to improving convenience for both exhibitors and facilities by using the Exhibitor Search App or the Facility Search App, or by sharing data between the two.

[0035] The overall configuration of search system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0036] [1.1 Exhibitor Terminals] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the exhibitor terminal 20. The exhibitor terminal 20 comprises an input unit 202, a communication unit 204, a display unit 206, a control unit 208, and a storage unit 210. Exhibitors can use the exhibitor terminal 20 to connect to the search system 1 and search for event spaces or available floors. The exhibitor terminal 20 may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer.

[0037] In Figure 2, the input unit 202 is equipped with devices for receiving various input operations. The devices of the input unit 202 include buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and a camera.

[0038] The communication unit 204 is an interface for communicating with external devices and includes a communication interface for connecting the exhibitor terminal 20 to network N (Figure 1). Examples of network N (Figure 1) include various networks such as the Internet, wireless LAN, and wired LAN.

[0039] The display unit 206 includes a display device capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0040] The storage unit 210 is configured to store various types of data. The storage unit 210 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, flash memory, or SSD.

[0041] The control unit 208 is primarily composed of a well-known microcomputer having a CPU and memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The various functions of the control unit 208 are realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a non-transitional physical storage medium. In this example, the memory corresponds to the non-transitional physical storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. The control unit 208 may consist of one or more microcomputers. The control unit 208 can search for event spaces or available beds by executing the application of the search system 1 stored in the server 10 via the network.

[0042] [1.2 Facility Terminals] The facility staff can use the facility terminal 40 to connect to the search system 1 and search for tenants who would like to hold events in the event spaces within the facility or set up shops in vacant spaces.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the facility terminal 40 comprises an input unit 402, a communication unit 404, a display unit 406, a control unit 408, and a storage unit 410. The facility terminal 40 may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer.

[0044] The configuration of the memory unit 410, input unit 402, communication unit 404, and display unit 406 is the same as that of the display unit 206 and memory unit 210 in the exhibitor terminal 20 described above.

[0045] The configuration of the control unit 408 is the same as that of the control unit 208 in the exhibitor terminal 20. The control unit 408 can search for exhibitors to hold events in the event space or to set up shop in vacant spaces by executing the application of the search system 1 stored on the server 10 via the network.

[0046] [1.3 Administrator Terminal] The administrator terminal 30 is an information device used by the business operator (administrator) providing the search system 1, and is not limited to, but may include, for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. As shown in Figure 2, the configuration of the administrator terminal 30 is the same as that of the exhibitor terminal 20 and the facility terminal 40, and includes an input unit 302, a communication unit 304, a display unit 306, a control unit 308, and a storage unit 310.

[0047] Specifically, the administrator terminal 30 performs various operations necessary for the administrator to operate the search system 1. For example, it performs operations related to managing user accounts of the search system 1 (facility staff and vendors), approving / denying user registration applications, editing information stored in the database (hereinafter referred to as "DB") on the server 10, and mediating offers submitted by both users (facility staff and vendors).

[0048] [1.4 Server] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of server 10. As shown in Figure 3A, the server 10 comprises a communication unit 104, a control unit 108, and a storage unit 110. The communication unit 104 includes a communication interface for connecting the server 10 to the network N in order to communicate with external devices.

[0049] Server 10 is installed on network N by the administrator. Server 10 functions as a web server and application server to provide the search system 1. That is, Server 10 processes requests in response to applications stored in the storage unit 110 within Server 10, or applications downloaded to the exhibitor terminal 20 or facility terminal 40. Server 10 then transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., corresponding to the results of the processing to the exhibitor terminal 20, facility terminal 40, or administrator terminal 30. The exhibitor terminal 20, facility terminal 40, or administrator terminal 30 displays a screen based on the received data.

[0050] [1.4.1 Storage section] The storage unit 110 is configured to store various types of data. The storage unit 110 has semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, flash memory, or SSD. The storage unit 110 also stores applications for realizing the functions of the search system 1, other programs for executing various processes in response to requests from the applications, and various screen data and control data to be transmitted to the exhibitor terminal 20, facility terminal 40, and administrator terminal 30. The storage unit 110 also stores registration information of users who use the search system 1 and information regarding the system usage history of registered users.

[0051] In Figure 3A, the storage unit 110 includes the tenant information DB 1102, the facility information DB 1104, and the user history DB 1106.

[0052] The Exhibitor Information DB1102 primarily stores basic information about exhibitors, such as company names and contact information, in a list format as master data (hereinafter referred to as "Exhibitor Master Data" in this specification). Figure 3B(a) shows an example of Exhibitor Master Data. The information constituting the Exhibitor Master Data may be obtained from registration information when exhibitors register as users, detailed information added on the exhibitor's My Page in the exhibitor search application, and information related to event planning (Figure 14), or it may be partially or entirely created by the administrator. The Exhibitor Master Data can be edited by the administrator as needed.

[0053] Facility Information DB1104 stores basic information such as location, rent, and contact information for event spaces and vacant floors within the facility as master data in a list format (hereinafter referred to as "facility master data" in this specification). Figure 3B(b) shows an example of facility master data. The information that makes up the facility master data may include information about the facility itself, such as company name, branch name, trade name, store name, address, contact information, business hours, person in charge information, access information, parking information, bank account information, and number of visitors, as well as information such as event space name, floor, space size, usage time, available equipment, rent, required documents, payment method, precautions within the facility, information on changing rooms and restrooms, and available merchandise.

[0054] The information that makes up the facility master data may be obtained by the administrator in connection with sales activities or procedures such as basic transaction agreements conducted with the facility, or it may be obtained as user registration information when users register on the facility search site described later. The search for event spaces and vacant floors using the exhibitor search application described later is mainly extracted from the facility master data. The facility master data can be edited by the administrator as needed.

[0055] The facility master data for vacant beds consists of the same items as the facility master data shown in Figure 3B(b), however, the handling of vacant beds may differ from that of event spaces within the facility. In such cases, some information may be omitted, or the data may be composed of different items, or it may be created as completely separate master data. For the sake of simplicity in this embodiment, the master data for event spaces and vacant beds are both stored in the same facility master data and can be identified by the "Category" in Figure 3B(b).

[0056] User History DB1106 primarily stores event hosting offers and tenant store opening offers from exhibitors as master data in a list format, linking various data from each process that occurs for each case with some exhibitor information and facility information (hereinafter referred to as "User History Master Data" in this specification).

[0057] Figure 3C shows an example of user history master data. User history master data mainly consists of status information, exhibitor information, facility information, schedule information, and sales information. Status information includes information such as the application date, confirmation date, status, and person in charge of the event hosting offer. The application date is automatically entered when the offer application form described later is submitted, but some information, such as status and person in charge, may be entered by the administrator. Exhibitor information and facility information may be entered by the user in the application form when applying for an offer (Figure 17), or they may be copies of the master data stored in the exhibitor information DB and facility information DB mentioned above based on the user's identification information. Schedule information may be the information entered in the application form when applying for an event hosting offer.

[0058] The "Status" in the user history master data indicates the progress of an event hosting offer application and is updated by the administrator as the applied offer progresses. The administrator can update the user history master data. The status may be displayed on the exhibitor's My Page in the exhibitor search application (described later), or it may be notified to the exhibitor by the administrator via email, chat, or other communication methods.

[0059] In the user history master data, "sales information" refers to payment information from exhibitors to the administrator through the holding of events. In other words, in this embodiment, sales from events held by exhibitors are paid to the administrator based on an agreement between the exhibitor and the administrator, and this amount paid is entered by the administrator as sales information. However, the processing of sales from event holding is determined by an agreement between the administrator, exhibitor, and facility, and the manner in which it is reflected in the master data is not limited to the above manner. The sales items are not limited to sales and profit as exemplified in Figure 3C, and items such as purchase amount and expenses related to exhibiting can be added as appropriate.

[0060] The user history master data may include records of a series of exchanges between the exhibitor, administrator, and facility after an offer is submitted, such as the exchange of contract-related documents and various notices concerning event hosting and tenant store openings, payment history of usage fees paid by the exhibitor to the administrator or facility, and distribution history of manuals and other documents sent after the offer is confirmed.

[0061] [1.4.2 Control Unit] In Figure 3A, the control unit 108 is primarily composed of a well-known microcomputer having a CPU 108A and memory 108B such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The various functions of the control unit 108 are realized by the CPU 108A executing a program stored in a non-transitional physical storage medium. In this example, the memory corresponds to the non-transitional physical storage medium that stores the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. Note that the number of microcomputers constituting the control unit 108 may be one or more.

[0062] In Figure 3A, the control unit 108 has the function of launching and controlling the tenant-side search application, the function of launching and controlling the facility-side search application, and the function of managing and controlling the entire system. Here, the control unit 108 may be composed of multiple microcomputers, each assigned a separate CPU 108A and memory 108B according to its respective function, or it may be configured to share the same CPU 108A and memory 108B.

[0063] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 108.

[0064] The control unit 108 includes a user registration means 1081, a user authentication means 1082, a search condition acquisition means 1083, an extraction means 1084, a display data creation means 1085, a display data output means 1086, an offer receiving means 1087, a user history storage means 1088, and a DB editing means 1089. These functions are executed by the control unit 108 based on the functions (programs) provided in the vendor-side search application or the facility-side search application stored in the storage unit 110.

[0065] The user registration means 1081 obtains initial registration information when a user uses the search system 1 for the first time, assigns identification information to it, and stores this information in the exhibitor information DB 1102 or the facility information DB 1104. In addition to the initial registration information, the user registration means 1081 also updates the exhibitor information DB 1102 or the facility information DB 1104 when new information (such as project information or contact person information) is registered from the My Page described later, or when there are changes to this information. Here, the identification information may be a number assigned to each user, such as a vendor or facility representative (or facility, etc.), or the name of the vendor or facility representative (or facility, etc.) may be used as the identification information.

[0066] When a user requests to log in to the search system 1, the user authentication means 1082 compares the username and password entered by the user with those stored in the exhibitor information DB 1102 or the facility information DB 1104. If they match, it grants permission to log in; otherwise, it denies permission to log in.

[0067] The search condition acquisition means 1083 is a means of acquiring search conditions from the user. Search conditions are entered on the search condition input page (Figure 8, etc.), which will be described later. Examples of search conditions include location, products handled, and time period, but are not limited to these. In addition to text input, the search condition acquisition means 1083 can also use known input methods such as chat services, voice input, and image input.

[0068] The extraction means 1084 extracts the necessary data from the tenant information DB 1102 or the facility information DB 1104 in response to the user's request. For example, data matching the search criteria obtained by the search criteria acquisition means 1083 is extracted from the exhibitor information DB 1102 or the facility information DB 1104. That is, if the user is an exhibitor, information on event spaces that match the specified conditions such as location, merchandise, and time is extracted from the facility information DB 1104. Similarly, if the user is a facility representative, information on exhibitors that match the project details entered as search criteria is extracted from the exhibitor information DB 1102. Furthermore, in the My Page section described later, information from the Exhibitor Information DB1102, Facility Information DB1104, and User History Information DB1106, which are stored in association with the user's identification information, are extracted based on the user's request.

[0069] The display data creation means 1085 creates display data from the data extracted by the extraction means 1084. The display data creation means 1085 also has a function to set the layout of the display data. Since the search system 1 allows exhibitors to use sections within the facility, it is preferable that users can visually perceive and consider the event space before actually using it. Therefore, it is preferable that the display data creation means 1085 can set a layout that displays basic information about the event space along with image data of the event space and surrounding facilities and stores, or embeds map information such as a web mapping platform.

[0070] Furthermore, it is preferable that the display data creation means 1085 can change the layout settings at any time. For example, it may be set from the beginning to display the search results in the desired layout, or it may be specified to display the search results in multiple display formats and then select the most suitable layout each time.

[0071] The display data output means 1086 displays the created display data on a user terminal (exhibitor terminal 20 or facility terminal 40) or on a display device that can be shared by multiple people, such as a projector.

[0072] The offer receiving means 1087 receives event hosting offers or tenant store opening offers from exhibitors, or project offers or tenant store opening offers from facility staff, and sends information that an offer has been made by a user to the administrator terminal 30.

[0073] The user history storage means 1088 is a means for storing information in the user history DB 1106 according to the format of the user history master data.

[0074] The DB editing means 1089 is primarily used by administrators to edit master data in the aforementioned tenant information DB 1102, facility information DB 1104, and user history DB 1106. The editing function may be included as a function of the tenant-side search application and the facility-side search application, or a separate application for editing master data may be provided.

[0075] The functions described above are a list of the main functions of the control unit 108, but the functions used in the search system 1 are not limited to these.

[0076] [2 Processing] [2.1 Processing by the search application] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the vendor-side search application and the facility-side search application used in search system 1. Hereinafter, in this specification, the search site displayed by the vendor-side search application will be referred to as the "vendor-side search site," and the search site displayed by the facility-side search application will be referred to as the "facility-side search site."

[0077] This section provides supplementary information about the overview of the search system 1 using the application. Figure 26 shows an overview of the relationships between the applications used in search system 1, the master data in the database, the users, and the administrators. The processes performed by the vendor-side search app and the facility-side search app used by users (user registration, search, progress management, etc.) are executed by exchanging data within three master data sets in Search System 1. Furthermore, the user history master data is formed by obtaining vendor and facility information from the vendor master data and facility master data, and then adding and editing information such as the user's system usage history. On the other hand, administrators can edit all master data. In this way, multiple types of apps utilize information from common master data to perform processes such as searching.

[0078] [2.2 Vendor Search App] Figure 5 illustrates the process of a system where exhibitors act as users of an exhibitor-side search application to search for facilities and other resources. Exhibitors use the exhibitor-side search application to search for event spaces to hold events, or to search for available space to set up a store as a tenant, and to complete the procedures leading up to the event.

[0079] [2.2.1 User Registration Function] Exhibitors access the URL of the exhibitor-side search site from their exhibitor terminal 20 via the network N. When an access is received from an exhibitor, the control unit 108 (display data output means 1086) in the server 10 displays a top page with a login menu for the exhibitor-side search site (S101a), and proceeds from the top page to the login page (S102). Here, the top page may be a page for the exhibitor-side search site alone, or it may be a joint top page with the facility-side search site described later. In addition, in this embodiment, the search pages for event spaces and vacant floors are not distinguished within the exhibitor-side search site, but the search for event spaces and vacant floors may be performed on a separate search site.

[0080] As mentioned above, if the top page serves as the top page for multiple types of websites, the system may be designed to allow the seller to select their preferred search site after logging in, or a page may be displayed allowing the seller to select their preferred site before logging in, and the login page may be displayed after the seller has selected their preferred site.

[0081] Furthermore, the top page may display not only the login menu but also the search page. In that case, the system may be designed so that some of the search functions are available even before the seller logs in, or so that only some of the search items are displayed.

[0082] If the exhibitor has completed user registration on the exhibitor-side search site (S103:Yes), they enter the username and password provided by the administrator on the login page. If the control unit 108 (user authentication means 1082) determines that the username and password entered by the exhibitor match those previously registered, the control unit 108 displays the search menu page of the exhibitor-side search site to the exhibitor (S106). If the exhibitor has not completed user registration on the exhibitor-side search site (S103:No), the control unit 108 (user registration means 1081) displays the new registration page (S104).

[0083] On the new registration page, you register an account (S104). Here, you set a username and password, and register basic information such as a contact email address.

[0084] Once account registration is complete, the control unit 108 (user registration means 1081) displays a user information registration page (S105) as illustrated in Figure 6 and requests the user to enter basic exhibitor information. On the user information registration page, the exhibitor enters basic information (name of person in charge, contact information of person in charge, job title of person in charge, company name, company contact information, name of company representative, business description, etc.).

[0085] In addition to registering vendor information, the search system 1 may require vendors to upload various certificates related to them in order to ensure the credibility of the information of the vendors and to increase their trust in the facility. For example, a certificate upload page may be provided within the vendor search site, allowing users to upload image data of various certificates on that page. Examples of such certificates include the vendor's identification card, seal certificate, registration certificate, land ownership certificate, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, the system may require administrator approval for user registration. In this case, the exhibitor information entered by the exhibitor is stored in the exhibitor information storage DB1102, and the administrator refers to this information and only permits user registration if they determine that it is possible. By setting a certain hurdle for user registration in this way, it is possible to reduce the risk of allowing unreliable exhibitors to hold events in the event space, which could ultimately cause damage to the facility.

[0087] Once user registration is complete, the vendor can use the vendor-side search site, and their user information is stored in the vendor information DB1102. For example, if a vendor commits a serious breach of contract after user registration, the administrator can revoke the vendor's account information on server 10. Alternatively, instead of revoking the account information, the administrator can restrict access to some functions, such as not displaying search items on the top page or disabling some search items.

[0088] Once user registration is complete after entering the exhibitor's basic information (S103: Yes), the control unit 108 displays the search menu page on the exhibitor terminal 20 (S106).

[0089] [2.2.2 Search Function] The search menu page is the starting page for exhibitors to search for event spaces and other related items. Figure 7 shows an example of a search menu page on an exhibitor-side search site. On the search menu page shown in Figure 7, exhibitors can select the most suitable search criteria from multiple options to search for event spaces and other related items.

[0090] The search menu 1705 in Figure 7 displays buttons for multiple types of search items. Examples of search items include "Free Word Search," which searches using entered words such as facility name or address; "Area Search," which searches by the location of the facility or by area such as prefecture; "Product Search," which searches by the type of goods or services handled by the vendors; "Facility Type Search," which searches by selecting the type of facility such as department stores, shopping streets, and road service facilities; "Map Search," which displays map information on the page and searches for facilities based on their location on the map; "New Store Search," which searches for newly opened facilities; "My Search," which repeatedly uses pre-set search conditions; "Date Search," which searches by specifying event dates or desired dates for tenants to open a store; and "Batch Search," which combines these search conditions, but is not limited to these.

[0091] In the search menu page shown in Figure 7, when a vendor presses one of these search item buttons, the control unit 108 (search condition acquisition means 1083) displays a page for entering search conditions (S107-1 to S107-n).

[0092] Furthermore, if the search criteria for event space searches and vacant space searches differ significantly, a "Click here for vacant space searches" button 1701, as shown in the lower left of Figure 7, may be provided. When an exhibitor presses this button, the control unit 108 (search condition acquisition means 1083) may display a separate page (not shown) for vacant space searches.

[0093] In addition to the example search items mentioned above, the search results may also be refined from other perspectives (Detailed Search 1702 in Figure 7). Examples of refinement include data based on the number of visitors (ranking) of the event venue itself, the availability of equipment such as power and supplies for each event venue, the presence or absence of image data of the event space within the search site, data based on access status, and information based on circumstances specific to the event venue, such as store hours (S109).

[0094] As an additional search criterion for event spaces, an item (1703) may be added to narrow down the search from properties managed on behalf of the administrator (S110). Properties managed on behalf of the administrator are facilities that can only be used for exhibitions through the administrator of Search System 1, and can only be searched exclusively by registered users. By making these properties managed on behalf of the administrator searchable, it is possible to provide registered users of Search System 1 with added value that surpasses other systems. When a vendor presses a button for a facility name listed in the list of entrusted management properties on the search menu page (e.g., Company A in Figure 7), the control unit 108 (search condition acquisition means 1083) displays a page (S114) showing the list of entrusted management properties on the vendor terminal 20.

[0095] The search menu page may also display helpful information for searches as a special feature page 1704 (S108-1~S108-n). Examples of featured pages include, but are not limited to, information on event spaces for products requiring a certain amount of space, such as passenger cars; rankings of the number of events held in a particular period in the past; rankings of the number of requests from exhibitors by city, town, or prefecture; a list of newly opened facilities; and past complaint cases. By using information that can only be obtained through managers who have actually built a relationship of trust with the facilities as search criteria, it is possible to create an incentive for exhibitors to use the search system 1.

[0096] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen where an exhibitor enters search criteria (S107-1 to S107-n). Figure 8(a) is the criteria input page for free word search, and Figure 8(b) is the criteria input page for product search. When an exhibitor enters search criteria on the page where they enter search criteria and presses the "Search >" button, the control unit 108 (search criteria acquisition means 1083) acquires the search request and search criteria. Then, the control unit 108 (extraction means 1084) extracts information about event spaces that match the search criteria from the facility information DB 1104. The extraction results are edited as display data by the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085), and the display data creation means 1085 transmits it from the server 10 to the exhibitor terminal 20 (S112-1 to S112-n).

[0097] Figure 9 shows an example of a search results page extracted based on the search criteria entered by the exhibitor. The search results page displays information about event spaces that match the entered search criteria in four different display formats. Exhibitors can select their preferred display format from these options to view information about the event spaces. As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the search results can be displayed in one or more of the multiple display formats to improve the readability for exhibitors.

[0098] For example, Figure 9 shows examples of search results, including "list view" which displays a table of specified items, "list view" which displays more items than the list view, "block view" which lists blocks such as images of event venues, and "map view" which shows the locations of event venues on a map. However, the display format is not limited to these.

[0099] In the search results display page shown in Figure 9, pressing the "Facility Details" button on the page will display detailed information about the facility (S120). In Figure 9, when the "Facility Details" button is pressed in the list view, the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) edits the display data showing the detailed information about the facility, and the display data output means 1086 displays the facility details display page. In the block view and map view, pressing an icon consisting of a thumbnail image of the facility or a logo mark will also take the user to the facility details display page showing the detailed information about the facility.

[0100] Furthermore, on the search results page shown in Figure 9, the list view is designed so that pressing the "Space Details" button directly displays the event space details page within the facility, which will be described later (S121). Thus, the order in which the search results page, facility display page, and event space details page are displayed is not limited and can be set by the administrator as appropriate.

[0101] Furthermore, the display of results when narrowing down the search criteria from the aforementioned special page is the same as in Figure 9 (S113-1 to S-113-n), so the explanation is omitted.

[0102] Figure 10 shows an example of a facility details display page. The facility details page can display basic information such as the facility name, location, access information, and business hours, as well as a calendar showing available dates, a map of the facility, and a list of basic information for the event space. The content displayed on the facility details page is not limited to the above and can be set appropriately while considering its relationship with the content displayed on the event space details page, which will be described later. In Figure 10, the event space list displays a "Space Details" button, and pressing these buttons displays the details page for each event space (S121).

[0103] As shown in Figure 10, the facility details page may embed a floor map that displays the facility's map information and the location of event spaces within the facility. The floor map will be discussed later.

[0104] Figure 11 is an example showing an event space details page that displays details of a specific event space, for example, from the list display of pages shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10. When an exhibitor presses the "Space Details" button in the list display of Figure 9, or the "Space Details" button in the event space list on the facility details display page in Figure 10, the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) creates the data for the event space details display page, and the display data output means 1086 displays the event space details display page shown in Figure 11 on the exhibitor terminal 20.

[0105] The upper right corner of the event space details page displays a "Reservation Request" button (1801) and an "Inquiry" button (1802). The "Reservation Request" button will be explained later. The "Contact Us" button is used to make inquiries to the administrator regarding the event space displayed on the page. When the user presses the "Contact Us" button (S151), the control unit 108 displays a window for entering the inquiry details (not shown). The window displays information about the exhibitor, such as company name, contact person's name, phone number, and reply email address, along with a field for entering the inquiry details. When the exhibitor enters and submits the inquiry details, the inquiry details are notified to the administrator. After the administrator confirms the inquiry details, they may send a reply to the reply email address, display the reply using the My Page described later, or reply via chat using a publicly known chat tool.

[0106] The "Contact Us" button for administrators can be placed on any page within the vendor search site, such as the facility details page or the search results list page.

[0107] The event space details page in Figure 11 can include basic information and images of the event space within the facility, as well as tabs 1803 for "Facility Information," "Usage Fees," "Merchandise," "Equipment / Rental," "Calendar," "Notes," and "Map Display." Each item in tab 1803 will be explained using Figure 12.

[0108] As shown in Figure 12, "Facility Information" displays comprehensive information about the facility to which the selected event space belongs. Examples of this information include, but are not limited to, the type of event facility, location, access information, information on various areas such as site area, parking information, attendance figures, number of stores, tenant information, setup and dismantling information, location information, equipment information such as power and water, and available hours. Map information may also be embedded as part of the facility information. Note that the information displayed as facility information may overlap with the information on the facility details page shown in Figure 10. This allows exhibitors to consider both the event space information and the facility information itself, thereby improving their convenience.

[0109] The "Usage Fee" section details the usage fees for the selected event space. For example, it displays the basic daily usage fee for each day of the week, fees for using equipment such as sound systems, and cancellation fees for the event space and equipment usage.

[0110] "Merchandise" refers to the goods and services that can be offered at the selected event space. Products can also be categorized and displayed in several ways; for example, they may be grouped into categories such as "feasible products," "unfeasible products," and "products requiring confirmation."

[0111] The "Equipment / Rental" section displays information on equipment that exhibitors can use during the event. Examples of equipment include, but are not limited to, long tables, chairs, partitions, extension cords, tents, sound equipment, loading carts, and storage. Instructions for handling these items and rental precautions can also be displayed.

[0112] The "Calendar" displays the availability and fees for the selected event space in a calendar format. In Figure 12, the calendar can be displayed by selecting an item within the tabs, but as shown in Figure 11, it may also be designed to be permanently displayed in the space below the tabs for layout reasons.

[0113] The "Notes" section, as shown in Figure 12, displays important information regarding the use of the selected event space. These notes may include, but are not limited to, instructions regarding the delivery of fixtures, rules regarding setup and dismantling, wattage limits and available outlets for power use, instructions regarding the distribution of flyers, application procedures for delivery vehicles, filling out the management register, entry and exit procedures, changing areas, restrooms and smoking areas, procedures for equipment rental, instructions for nighttime work, height restrictions for exhibits, restrictions on soliciting or calling out to visitors, rules regarding waste disposal, entry passes (badges, etc.), baggage checks, restrictions on the use of rest areas, rules regarding photography, and contact information in case of emergencies.

[0114] The "Map" function can display map information for both the facility and its surroundings. As mentioned earlier, the map may overlap with other pages such as facility information and search results lists, so it may be excluded from the detailed display page for the selected event space. However, being able to display the map on multiple display pages improves convenience for exhibitors when considering event venues.

[0115] When using map information for a facility, the display format may be one in which a symbol indicating the location of the facility is superimposed on a map of the surrounding area. In that case, the display format can be devised by superimposing symbols representing the locations of nearby facilities on the same map, displaying thumbnail images of the facilities, changing the display of the thumbnail image when it is selected by clicking on it, or displaying a description of the facility corresponding to the thumbnail image.

[0116] When a user (exhibitor) holds an event using the event space within the facility, the positional relationship between the event space and surrounding stores, the positional relationship with visitor traffic routes such as entrances, corridors, and escalators, and the orientation of the booth and how it is visible to passersby are all extremely important factors that affect the number of attendees at the event. Therefore, in order to avoid misunderstandings between the facility and the exhibitor and to ensure that both parties can hold the event with peace of mind, it is preferable that the floor map shows the aforementioned factors that affect the number of attendees at the event.

[0117] The event space details page may include embedded map information; for example, a publicly available web mapping platform may be embedded and used. The map information used should preferably allow switching between maps and photographs, and even better, allow switching between a plan view and a panoramic view. Furthermore, it is preferable that the map information allows exhibitors to display details of the facility's interior. If the map information can display detailed information about the facility's interior, it may also be used as a floor map of the event space.

[0118] Furthermore, it is preferable to display the "Reservation Application" and "Inquiry" buttons on multiple pages in these facility and event space detail display pages. Since exhibitors usually decide to offer event hosting after referring to the detailed information of each, a page structure that allows them to apply immediately from these multiple pages will improve the convenience for exhibitors. Details on "Reservation Application" will be described later.

[0119] The event space details page can include a communication space 1804 to display important notes and other information specific to each event space. In the page shown in Figure 11, it states, "Posting posters or other materials on the window glass is prohibited." This is due to past events where posting materials on the window glass caused extra work when cleaning the glass was removed. By prominently displaying important but additional notes based on past experiences, it is possible to reduce disputes between the facility and exhibitors.

[0120] The display items provided on the event space details page are not limited to those exemplified above. For example, multiple linked tags indicating the characteristics of a specific event space viewed by an exhibitor (e.g., "3 minutes from the station," "high-speed WiFi," "under 20,000 yen / day") could be displayed, and clicking on these tags could display a list of event spaces with similar characteristics.

[0121] Additionally, comments from the administrator or facility staff may be included on the event space details page. For example, comments such as "This is one of the most popular spaces in the Omiya area, and it rarely becomes available, so we recommend applying immediately while it's open" or "This facility attracts many children. Events geared towards children are recommended" can encourage exhibitors to decide to hold their events.

[0122] [2.2.3 My Page] When the "My Page" button is pressed on the search menu page shown in Figure 7, the control unit 108 (display data output means 1086) displays My Page (S111). The My Page is a page for users who have completed user registration. It extracts information stored in the master data of each DB of the storage unit 110 of the search system 1 that is associated with the exhibitor's identification information, and displays this information after editing it using the extraction means 1084. Here, the information stored in association with the identification information includes information generated as a result of the exhibitor's actions, such as the exhibitor's search log and the status information of event hosting offers. The My Page is a page edited to make this information convenient for the exhibitor.

[0123] Figure 13 shows an example of a user's profile page on the vendor search site. Items displayed on your My Page may include, but are not limited to, "Document Downloads," "Project Information," "Company Information," "My Menu," "Account Management," and "Offer Progress."

[0124] The "Document Download" page allows exhibitors to download facility rules, manuals, and other documents when holding events in the event space (S115). Examples of documents that can be uploaded include an event operation manual summarizing the basic flow and precautions for holding an event, as illustrated in Figure 13, and a morning meeting checklist summarizing the items to be checked at the start of each day. These documents may be general manuals applicable to most facilities, or they may be manuals specific to a particular event space. If the manuals are specific to a particular event space, the exhibitor, who is the party responsible for booking the facility, may be required to download them only after the booking for the event space has been completed. When an exhibitor clicks on, for example, the text of an event management manual or morning meeting checklist with a link attached, the control unit 108 displays a document download page (S122) (not shown).

[0125] The "Event Information" page is where exhibitors register, edit, and display information about the events they plan (S118). When an exhibitor clicks on the "Event Information" link, the control unit 108 displays buttons to move to the "New Event Registration" page for registering an event and the "Event Details Confirmation" page for viewing and editing registered events (not shown). When the exhibitor clicks on the "New Project Registration" link, the control unit 108 (display data output means 1086) displays a new project registration page for registering new project information (S128).

[0126] Figure 14 shows an example of a new project registration page. Items that can be registered on the new project registration page include, for example, the event area, target age group, target gender, project name, project details, required space, budget, PR points, project image or diagram, and project proposal upload. When an exhibitor enters these items on the new project registration page and presses the "Register" button, the control unit 108 sends the information to the administrator. If the administrator approves the registration of the content, or if it is automatically registered as the exhibitor's project information.

[0127] In the "Project Information" section, when the user clicks the link labeled "Confirm Project Details," the control unit 108 displays a project details confirmation page (S129) (not shown) where the registered project information can be viewed and edited. The event details confirmation page is editable by the exhibitors, and the event information edited by the exhibitors is updated either with the administrator's permission or automatically.

[0128] The event information registered and edited by the exhibitors will be used by the facility staff or administrators as a basis for their decision in determining whether or not to offer an event hosting opportunity, as described below. Furthermore, the event information registered here will be used by facility staff when searching for exhibitors on the facility's search website, as described below.

[0129] The "Company Information" section allows for the registration of basic information about the exhibitor, as well as information about the exhibitor's contact person and the group organization to which the exhibitor belongs (S119). Company information is registered from the Company Information Registration page (S130) and can be viewed and edited from the Company Information Confirmation page (S131).

[0130] "My Menu" (S117) is a page where exhibitors can view their past search history, browsing history of event spaces in search results, third-party survey reports, and a list of their searches (S119).

[0131] A "Third-Party Investigation Report" is a summary of a report submitted by a third party regarding an event previously held by an exhibitor via the search system 1. The third-party investigation may cover, for example, the appearance and language of the exhibitor's staff, as well as infection control measures such as mask-wearing, alcohol disinfectant availability, acrylic panel installation, and glove-wearing. Regarding the setup, this may include, but is not limited to, the completeness of the booth setup, the use of handwritten POP displays, the organization of the back room, the height of fixtures and banners, and the use of sound equipment.

[0132] When a vendor clicks on the text "Third-Party Survey Report" which has a link attached, the control unit 108 (display data output means 1086) displays the third-party survey report page (S125). The third-party report may be a numerical representation of the evaluation by a third party, or it may be an evaluation using symbols such as ○×△, and if the evaluation is by multiple investigators, the average value, highest value, lowest value, etc. may be shown. In this way, a survey by a third party can recognize matters that the parties involved may not be aware of, and is effective in improving the vendor's operations and increasing their ability to attract customers.

[0133] When an exhibitor clicks on the "Browsing History" link, the control unit 108 (display data output means 1086) displays the browsing history of event spaces extracted as a result of the search performed by the exhibitor on the exhibitor's search site (S126). Additionally, clicking on the "My Search" link displays the usage history (search query) of My Search, as shown in Figure 7 (S127).

[0134] "Account Management" is a page that displays the user account list page (S123) and the permission list page (S124) for setting editing permissions for vendors using the search system 1 (S116).

[0135] The "Application Progress Management" page displays a list of application progress for each event hosting offer submitted by an exhibitor (S141). When an exhibitor presses the "Application Progress Management" button, the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) extracts and edits data, including the latest status, related to the event hosting offer submitted by the exhibitor from the user history master data in the user history DB 1106, and displays the progress status display page on the exhibitor terminal 20 screen using the display data output means 1086 (S142).

[0136] Figure 15 shows an example of a progress display page. Figure 15 shows a list of application progress for multiple event spaces to which an exhibitor has made an event hosting offer. In the list, the "Status" column will display one of the following, for example, Confirmed, Rejected, Pending, or Cancelled. Here, "Confirmed" indicates that the reservation process for hosting the event has been completed. "Rejected" indicates that the application to host the event was not approved. "Pending" indicates that a decision has not yet been made regarding whether or not to allow the exhibitor to use the event space in response to the offer. "Cancelled" indicates that the event hosting offer has been canceled by the user.

[0137] At the top of Figure 15, there are buttons labeled "Confirmed," "NG," "Pending," and "Cancel" for filtering the status of offers in the list. When these buttons are pressed, the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) extracts offers with the selected status and creates data to be displayed on the vendor terminal 20. In Figure 15, filtering is limited to status only, but filtering may be made possible by other items, such as the request date or business name.

[0138] Other examples of items that can be displayed on the My Page include, for example, visitor reviews about facilities related to the exhibitor's offer, or visitor reviews about events previously held by the exhibitor.

[0139] [2.2.4 Processing Event Hosting Offers] The processing of event hosting offers will be explained using Figure 16. As described above, an event hosting offer is sent from the communication unit 204 in the exhibitor terminal 20 to the server 10 (S201) when the exhibitor presses the "Reservation Application" button on the event space details display page (Figures 11 and 12) (S161), received by the control unit 108 (offer receiving means 1087), and notified to the administrator (S301).

[0140] Figure 17 shows an example of a form used when submitting an offer. The information to be filled in when submitting an offer includes the basic information of the exhibitor (the user), as well as the desired date and time for the event. Information regarding offers from exhibitors is tagged with the user's identification information and linked to the exhibitor information and facility information of the offered event space for that user, and is stored as user history master data in user history DB1106. Thereafter, as the event progresses, the data is updated with new information such as sales figures and document exchanges during the event (hereinafter referred to as data 1). In Data 1, the status is "no" before submitting an event hosting offer application.

[0141] Returning to Figure 16, the processing of event hosting offers will be explained. The administrator receives the offer application (S301) and changes the status of Data 1 to "Application in progress" using the control unit 108 (DB editing means 1089) (S302). The administrator decides whether or not to inquire with the facility about the offer from the exhibitor. If it is determined that an inquiry is necessary (S303: YES), the administrator sends part or all of Data 1 related to the offer to the facility's representative (S304). If it is determined that an inquiry is not necessary (S303: NO), the administrator decides whether or not to host the event. The administrator may grant the facility's representative permission to view the information in Data 1, as well as the registration information at the time of user registration and the project information described on My Page.

[0142] Typically, the administrator and the facility have a basic transaction agreement in place, and in order to reduce the workload for the facility's staff, the administrator has the authority to approve event hosting offers from individual vendors and to act as an agent for the various procedures with the vendors regarding facility use after the offer has been approved. Examples of situations in which the administrator may need to contact the facility's staff include cases where a vendor has little to no experience hosting events through the system of the present invention, or where a vendor has caused problems and received complaints at events they have held in the past. Because the administrator has the authority described above, the entire process from the vendor's offer to the completion of the reservation is handled solely between the vendor and the administrator. This reduces the workload for the facility's staff.

[0143] Communication between the administrator and the facility staff can be conducted via email, My Page, or chat function. Upon receiving an inquiry, the facility staff member (S401) sends a response to the administrator regarding whether or not the event can be held (S402).

[0144] Upon receiving a response from the facility's representative (S305), the administrator decides whether or not to allow the event to be held. If the administrator decides not to allow the event to be held (S306: NO), the administrator changes the status of data 1 to "NG" using the control unit 108 (DB editing means 1089) (S310). On the other hand, if the administrator decides to allow the event to be held (S306: YES), the administrator notifies the exhibitors that the event has been permitted, as necessary, and initiates the necessary procedures for holding the event between the exhibitors and the administrator.

[0145] The administrator grants exhibitors the right to download necessary manuals and rules regarding the use of the event space from their My Page. Subsequently, the administrator also grants exhibitors the right to download necessary procedural documents. These documents may be mailed to exhibitors, sent as electronic files via email, or a new form may be created within their My Page (not shown) to facilitate the process.

[0146] If the administrator has completed the necessary procedures for holding the event with the exhibitor (S309:YES), the administrator will change the status of Data 1 to "Confirmed". On the other hand, if the administrator receives notification from the exhibitor to cancel the offer before the procedures are completed (S309:NO), the administrator will change the status of Data 1 to "Cancelled". If the administrator has not completed the procedures with the exhibitor (S309:NO) and has not received notification from the exhibitor to cancel the offer, the administrator will not change the status of Data 1.

[0147] In the above-described embodiment of the tenant search application, tenants search for suitable locations for holding events in event spaces within the facility or for setting up a tenant store in an empty space. The above-mentioned events and tenant stores may also include so-called "pop-up stores." Pop-up stores are stores that are opened for a limited period of time, ranging from a few days to several months, and may operate by setting up a temporary store in an event space or by operating in an empty space. To search for a location suitable for opening a "pop-up store," the user should appropriately use the search function for event spaces or empty spaces, depending on the type of pop-up store to be opened.

[0148] To facilitate the search for locations for pop-up stores, a pop-up store search function may be added to the vendor search app. For example, administrators could include a field indicating whether or not a pop-up store is permitted in the facility master data, and the vendor search app's search menu could be configured to allow filtering by whether or not a pop-up store is permitted.

[0149] [2.3 Facility-side search app] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the facility-side search application used in search system 1.

[0150] Figure 18 illustrates the process of a system where a facility representative acts as a user of the facility's search application to search for exhibitors. The facility representative uses the facility's search application to search for exhibitors (exhibitor information) who will hold events in the event spaces owned by the facility or who will set up shop as tenants in vacant spaces. The exhibitor information searched using the facility's search application includes exhibitor event planning information.

[0151] [2.3.1 User Registration Function] The facility staff member accesses the URL of the facility search site from the facility terminal 40 via the network N. Upon receiving access from the facility staff member, the control unit 108 in the server 10 displays a top page containing a login menu for the facility search site (S501b). Here, the top page may be a page solely for the facility search site, or it may be a joint top page with the aforementioned tenant search site. In this embodiment, the search page for seeking to set up a booth in an event space and the search page for seeking to set up a tenant booth in an empty space are not distinguished within the facility search site, but the specification may be to search for both on separate search sites. When the facility staff member gives a login instruction from the login menu, the control unit 108 (user authentication means 1082) displays the login page (S502).

[0152] Furthermore, the top page may display a search page in addition to the login menu. In that case, the system may be designed so that only a portion of the search function is available to the facility staff member before they log in, or so that only a portion of the search items are displayed.

[0153] If the facility staff member has completed user registration (S503:Yes), similar to the case of the vendor search site, they enter the username and password provided by the administrator on the login page. If the control unit 108 (user authentication means 1082) determines that the username and password entered by the facility staff member match those previously registered, the control unit 108 displays the search menu page of the facility search site to the facility staff member (S505). If the facility staff member has not completed user registration on the facility search site (S503:No), the control unit 108 (user registration means 1081) displays the new account registration page (S504) and requests account registration.

[0154] Unlike vendor-side search sites, administrators often already possess facility information through their sales activities. In such cases, administrators may register users beforehand without going through the account registration page on the site.

[0155] Once user registration is complete, the facility representative will be able to use the facility search site, and their information will be added to the facility master data in facility information DB1104. If a facility representative ceases to be a facility representative after user registration, the administrator can revoke that representative's account information. Alternatively, the administrator can restrict access to some of the facility search site's functions.

[0156] Once user registration is complete after entering the exhibitor's basic information (S503: Yes), the control unit 108 displays the search menu page on the facility terminal 40 (S505).

[0157] [2.3.2 Search Function] The search menu page is the starting page for facility staff to search for vendors. Figure 19 shows an example of a search menu page on a facility's search site. On the search menu page, facility staff can select the most suitable search criteria from multiple options to search for vendors.

[0158] The search menu 1901 in Figure 19 displays buttons for multiple types of search items. Examples of search items include "Free Word Search," which searches using phrases including facility names and areas; "Area Search," which searches by the location of the facility or prefecture; "Event Content Search," which searches by the content of events planned by exhibitors; "Product Search," which searches by the type of goods or services handled by exhibitors; and "Batch Search," which combines these search conditions, but is not limited to these. On the search menu page shown in Figure 19, when a facility staff member presses one of these search item buttons, the control unit 108 (search condition acquisition means 1083) displays pages (S506-1 to S506-n) for entering each search condition.

[0159] The search menu page may include a special menu 1902 that allows users to search from groups of exhibitors edited independently by the administrator (S507-1 to S507-n). The special menu 1902 exemplified in Figure 19 is, for example, a collection of goods handled by exhibitors categorized into multiple fields, and when a facility staff member clicks a button for each of these items, a list of events offered by the corresponding exhibitor is displayed (S510-1 to S510-n). The configuration of Special Menu 1902 can be arbitrarily set by the administrator and is not limited to the example in Figure 19.

[0160] Figure 20 shows an example of a page where a facility staff member enters search criteria (S506-1 to S506-n). Figure 20 is an example of an area search. When a facility staff member presses the area search button on the search menu page, the control unit 108 (search criteria acquisition means 1083) displays a search criteria input page that allows the staff member to select a major area category, as shown in Figure 20a. If the facility staff member checks the "Kanto-Koshinetsu" checkbox and presses the "Search >" button, the control unit 108 (search criteria acquisition means 1083) displays a search criteria input page that allows the staff member to select a minor area category, as shown in Figure 20b.

[0161] For example, when a facility staff member checks the "Tokyo" and "Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa" checkboxes on the input page shown in Figure 20b and presses the "Search >" button, the control unit 108 (extraction means 1084) extracts information about vendors that match the search criteria from the vendor information DB 1102. The extraction results are edited as display data by the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) and transmitted from the server 10 to the facility terminal 40 by the display data output means 1086. The search results display page (S509-1 to S509-n) is displayed on the vendor terminal 20.

[0162] Figure 21 shows examples of search result display pages (S509-1 to S509-n) corresponding to the search criteria entered by the facility staff. The search results page displays the event information of vendors that match the search criteria entered on the search criteria input page shown in Figure 20(a) or Figure 20(b), in three different display formats. Facility staff can select the display format that is easiest to use from among the multiple display formats and view the event information. As shown in Figure 21, it is preferable that the search results can be displayed by selecting one or more of the multiple display formats to improve readability for facility staff.

[0163] For example, Figure 21 illustrates the following display formats for search results: "List View" in a table format, "List Display" with more display items than the list view, and "Block View" which lists blocks such as images of event venues. However, the display format is not limited to these. These display formats can be selected as appropriate by the facility staff, and it is also possible to display results lists in multiple display formats on a single page.

[0164] In the search results display page shown in Figure 21, pressing a designated button on the page allows users to transition to the exhibitor's detailed plan display page, which shows detailed information about the exhibitor's plan (S514). In Figure 21, when the list view is pressed, pressing the "Detailed Information" button causes the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) to edit the display data showing detailed information about the exhibitor's plan, and the display data output means 1086 displays the exhibitor's detailed plan display page. In the block view and map view, pressing an icon consisting of a thumbnail image or logo mark representing the exhibitor's plan displays the exhibitor's detailed plan display page.

[0165] Figure 22 is an example of a detailed exhibitor event page, showing a PR event by a company that operates an English conversation school. In the example shown in Figure 22, the exhibitor's event details page consists of basic information such as the area where the event can be held, the target age and gender, and the area of ​​space required for the event, as well as items such as the event's PR points, event details, and company profile. The facility staff will review this detailed information and consider whether to submit a proposal to the vendors.

[0166] The upper right corner of the exhibitor's event details page displays a "Reservation Request" button (2201) and an "Inquiry" button (2202) (S524). The "Inquiry" button is the same as on the exhibitor search site, so no explanation is provided.

[0167] [2.3.3 My Page] When the "My Page" button is pressed on the search menu page shown in Figure 19, the control unit 108 (display data output means 1086) displays My Page (S508). The My Page is a page that extracts and handles information stored in the master data of each DB in the storage unit 110 of the search system 1, for facility staff members who have registered as users, and associates this information with the identification information of the facility staff member. Here, the information stored in association with the identification information includes the search log of the facility staff member, event information held at the facility and the group stores described later, and this page is edited to improve the convenience of the facility staff member.

[0168] Figure 23 shows an example of a user page. Examples of items displayed on the My Page as illustrated in Figure 23 include "Schedule Management" (S511), "My Menu," and "Administration Screen," but are not limited to these.

[0169] The "Schedule Management" page displays the availability of event spaces or vacant beds within the facility, as determined by the facility's staff member, in a calendar format (S515).

[0170] "My Menu" allows facility staff to view information about their system usage history (S512). The "Offer History" is a record of project offers made by the facility representative from the account registered at the facility to which they belong (S516). "Browsing history" refers to the browsing history when searching for vendors using the facility's search site (S517). "My Search" is a function that allows users to save search queries and repeatedly perform searches using the same query. It can be used by facility staff to periodically search for tenants (S518).

[0171] The "administration screen" is a page that allows facility staff to centrally manage and view the status of a group of chain stores, including the facility to which they belong (hereinafter referred to as "group stores" in this specification).

[0172] The "Schedule Management" function displays the event status of group stores in a calendar format (S519). By allowing users to refer to the event status of group stores in one place, facility staff can plan event schedules as part of the group. The event schedule information for group stores is compiled from data stored in facility master data and user history master data, based on facility identification information. The data in the list is extracted and edited from user history master data by the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085), and displayed on the facility terminal 40 by the display data output means 1086.

[0173] The "Facility Information" page allows users to view basic information about group stores in a list format (S520).

[0174] The "Sales Information" page allows users to view a list of sales information from events held at group stores (S521). Figure 24 shows an example of a sales information display page. The table in Figure 24 shows the event holding record of Department Store Group A in June 2023. The table can display information such as store name, event location, merchandise, date, and sales amount. By referring to this data, facility staff can use it as reference material to decide what kind of events should be held at the stores to which they belong.

[0175] In the table in Figure 24, the sales performance values ​​are data entered into the user history master data in the user history DB 1106 based on declarations from exhibitors when events were held at each store of Department Store A. The data in the table is extracted and edited from the user history master data by the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085), and displayed on the facility terminal 40 by the display data output means 1086.

[0176] The "Account Management" page allows users to view account information of facility staff at group stores (S522). The account information displayed here is extracted from the facility master data by the control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) and displayed on the facility terminal 40 by the display data output means 1086.

[0177] The My Page may include items other than those mentioned above. For example, it may be designed to allow users to view past visitor reviews from events and the aforementioned third-party survey reports for vendors that the facility staff have narrowed down through their search.

[0178] [2.3.4 Processing Project Offers] When an exhibitor makes a promotional offer, the exhibitor presses the "Offer" button on the exhibitor's promotional details display page (Figure 22). The control unit 108 (display data creation means 1085) then creates an application form for the promotional offer, which is displayed on the facility terminal 40 by the display data output means 1086 (S).

[0179] Figure 25 shows an example of a form used when submitting a project offer. The information entered when submitting an offer includes basic information about the facility to which the facility representative belongs, as well as details of the application. Information regarding the offer from the facility representative is linked to the facility representative's identification information and facility information, and is stored as user history master data in user history DB1106.

[0180] When a project offer request is submitted by a facility representative, it is received via offer receiving method 1087 and notified to the administrator. The administrator contacts the vendors who are the target of the offer, and if the vendors intend to hold an event at the facility, they apply for a reservation using the vendor search site. The subsequent processing is the same as when applying for a reservation using the vendor search site, so the explanation is omitted.

[0181] Furthermore, if a facility representative submits a proposal for an event, the administrator may, after confirming the exhibitor's intentions, create new user history master data related to the offer using DB editing means 1089, without requiring the exhibitor to submit another event hosting offer through the exhibitor search site.

[0182] Regarding the status of offer applications, similar to the vendor search site, the status can be checked on the user's My Page by extracting data from the user history master data, or the administrator can contact the facility's representative via email or other means each time.

[0183] [2.4 Search for available beds] As described above, we have specifically explained how to search for event spaces using the exhibitor's search app and how to search for exhibitor-planned events using the facility's search app. However, the same process is used for exhibitors to search for available spaces for tenant applications and for facility staff to search for exhibitors to fill available spaces. As mentioned above, in the case of searching for available spaces, administrators may make changes as appropriate, such as using a different search site or changing some of the search criteria.

[0184] [3. Variant] In the above embodiment, a vendor-side search app was used to search for event spaces, and a facility-side search app was used to search for vendor-planned events. However, both apps could be the same app (Figure 27). That is, since the vendor-side search app and the facility-side search app extract results using data from the same database during processing such as searching, both apps could be integrated into a single app, and the type of search could be specified after logging in, allowing vendors and facility staff to use them accordingly.

[0185] In the above-described embodiment, a search application for exhibitors was used to search for event spaces, and a search application for facilities was used to search for exhibitor-organized events. Both applications used the same database. However, the databases used by the applications may be separate. In that case, if multiple databases are used, it is preferable that the data they contain is synchronized.

[0186] In the above-described embodiment, the vendor-side search application and the facility-side search application were stored in the server 10 and controlled by the control unit 108 of the server 10. However, they may also be downloaded to the vendor terminal 20 and the facility terminal 40, respectively, installed within each terminal, and only the information stored in the storage unit 110 of the server may be used. In that case, the control function of the control unit 108 of the server 10 would be replaced by the control unit 208 in the vendor terminal or the control unit 408 in the facility terminal.

[0187] [4. Summary] Although embodiments of the information processing apparatus of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the effects described in the above embodiments are merely a list of the most preferred effects arising from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in these embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 1: Search system, 10: Server, 20: Exhibitor terminal, 30: Administrator terminal, 40: Facility terminal, 104: Communication unit, 108: Control unit, 108A: CPU, 108B: Memory, 110: Storage unit, 202: Input unit, 204: Communication unit, 206: Display unit, 208: Control unit, 210: Storage unit, CPU: 212, Memory: 214, 302: Input unit, 304: Communication unit, 306: Display unit, 308: Control unit, 310: Storage unit, CPU: 312, Memory: 314, 402: Input unit, 4 04: Communication unit, 406: Display unit, 408: Control unit, 410: Storage unit, CPU: 412, Memory: 414, 1081: User registration means, 1082: User authentication means, 1083: Search condition acquisition means, 1084: Extraction means, 1085: Display data creation means, 1086: Display data output means, 1087: Offer reception means, 1088: User history storage means, 1089: DB editing means, 1102: Exhibitor information DB, 1104: Facility information DB, 1106: User history DB

Claims

1. A search system equipped with a server that supports various procedures for facilities and tenants through a system administrator, The server comprises a control unit and a storage unit, It has, The control unit, A means for obtaining search conditions entered into a terminal, An extraction means for extracting information on event spaces or vacant beds stored in the storage unit based on the acquired search conditions, A display data creation means for creating display data that displays the extracted information of the event space or vacant floor space, Output means for outputting the aforementioned display data to the terminal, An offer receiving means for receiving an offer from an exhibitor to hold an event in relation to information about event spaces stored in the memory unit, or an offer from an exhibitor to set up a store as a tenant in relation to information about vacant spaces, It has, The aforementioned storage unit is The system has a user history database that stores status information indicating the progress of applications for the aforementioned event hosting offer or the aforementioned tenant store opening offer, Furthermore, the control unit, A notification that the aforementioned offer has been received is sent to the administrator terminal. Based on the operation performed by the system administrator from the administrator terminal, the status information is updated. Based on requests made through the vendor's terminal, display data including the aforementioned status information is created. Displayed on the aforementioned vendor terminal, Search system.

2. The display data creation means creates the information of the event space or vacant floor space extracted by the extraction means in one of several selectable display formats. The search system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned display data includes a display format that has map information indicating the location of the event space or vacant floor, as well as the facility. The search system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned display data includes a display format having map information that displays visually identifiable information regarding the location and appearance of the event space or vacant floor within the facility to which the event space or vacant floor belongs, as well as the surrounding environment. The search system according to claim 1.

5. A user registration means for registering user information, including user identification information that identifies the user, User authentication means for authenticating users, A user history storage means that stores information generated during the user's system usage process in the user history DB in association with the user identification information, It has, The extraction means extracts information from the information stored by the user history storage means in accordance with the user's request. The display data creation means creates display data that displays the information extracted by the extraction means. The search system according to claim 1.

6. The information extracted by the extraction means includes instruction manuals for facilities and / or event spaces or vacant floors, and these instruction manuals become available for viewing when the arrangements for holding the event or offering tenant space reach a predetermined stage. The search system of claim 5.

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