Referral support device, referral support method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a referral support device capable of improving the accuracy of target information provided to the seller's terminal. [Solution] An administrator server 11 is connected to a seller terminal 13 and a user terminal 12 so as to be able to communicate with them, and the processor 17 of the administrator server 11 is configured to perform the following: a first process of acquiring product information of a product from the seller terminal 13; a second process of providing the product information acquired in the first process to the user terminal 12; a third process of acquiring usage information after the second process that indicates that the product information has been used by the user terminal 12; a fourth process of determining whether the usage information includes the information of a target person 14 who is an acquaintance of the user 12 and is interested in the product of the product information; and a fifth process of providing the information of the target person 14 who is interested in the product of the product information to the seller terminal 13 if the usage information includes the information of the target person 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a salesperson terminal of a merchandise seller who sells merchandise, an introduction support device, an introduction support method, and a program that are communicably connected to an introducer terminal of an introducer who introduces the merchandise to a target person.

Background Art

[0002] An example of an introduction support device communicably connected to a salesperson terminal of a merchandise seller who sells merchandise and an introducer terminal of an introducer who introduces the merchandise to a target person is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The server as the introduction support device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of salesperson terminals and a plurality of agency terminals. Each of the plurality of salesperson terminals is managed by a plurality of sellers who sell merchandise, and each of the plurality of agency terminals is managed by a plurality of agencies that act as agents for the business activities of the merchandise.

[0003] Furthermore, the agency condition information includes at least a merchandise, a seller who sells the merchandise, and agency conditions related to the agency business of the merchandise. Further, the storage device of the server stores a plurality of agency condition information, and the search condition information indicates search conditions for searching the agency condition information.

[0004] Then, the control device of the server acquires the search condition information transmitted from the first agency terminal among the plurality of agency terminals, and generates search result information including one or more agency condition information that matches the search condition information. Further, the control device of the server transmits the search result information to the first agency terminal. The application approval information indicates that the first seller has approved the agency business for the first agency that manages the first agency terminal.

[0005] Furthermore, the server's storage device stores multiple agency details that show the details of the agency sales or agency conditions for the goods sold by the first seller. Additionally, the server's control device obtains application approval information from the first seller's terminal managed by the first seller, and after obtaining the application approval information, transmits the agency details corresponding to the application approval information to the first agent's terminal. Furthermore, with respect to the agency conditions corresponding to the application approval information, referral information indicating that the first agent will refer a customer to the seller can be obtained from the first agent's terminal. Moreover, the referral performed by the server includes the agent referring a customer to the seller with the goods specifically identified. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7659866 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The inventors of this application recognized that the server described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the relationship between the agent and the customers that the agent introduces to the seller is unclear, and the accuracy of the introduction information is unknown.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a referral support device, a referral support method, and a program that can improve the accuracy of target information provided to the seller's terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This embodiment discloses a referral support device having a processor that performs processing and being communicably connected to a seller terminal used by a product seller who sells products and a referrer terminal used by a referrer who introduces products to target persons, wherein the processor performs a first process of acquiring product information of a product from the seller terminal; a second process of providing the product information acquired in the first process to the referrer terminal; a third process of acquiring usage information from the referrer terminal after the second process that indicates that the product information has been used by the seller terminal; a fourth process of determining whether the usage information acquired from the referrer terminal includes target person information of a target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the product of the product information; and a fifth process of providing the target person information of a target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the product of the product information to the seller terminal of the product seller if the usage information includes target person information of a target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the product of the product information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the target information provided to the seller's terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example configuration of a referral support system. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example configuration of the administrator server that makes up the referral support system. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example configuration of user terminals and seller terminals that make up a referral support system. [Figure 4A] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the referral support system. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the user terminal's screen. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows other processing examples on the administrator server. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows other processing examples in the referral support system. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the user terminal's screen. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows other processing examples on the administrator server. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows other processing examples in the referral support system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Overview of the referral support system) In this embodiment, several specific examples of the referral support system, referral support device, and program are described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of the referral support system 10. The referral support system 10 may consist of an administrator server 11, a user terminal 12, a seller terminal 13, a target terminal 14, and a network 15.

[0013] The administrator server 11 may be connected to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13 via the network 15. The seller terminal 13 may be connected to the target terminal 14 via the network 15. The seller terminal 13 is used by seller P1. Seller P1 may be identified as a seller or provider of goods. Seller P1 may be either an organization or an individual that sells (provides) goods. The organization may be either a company or a corporation. The seller terminal 13 may send product information of the goods it sells to the administrator server 11. An example of product information will be described later.

[0014] The administrator server 11 is managed and operated by administrator P2. Administrator P2 may be an organization or an individual. The organization may be a company or a corporation. The administrator server 11 implements the function of providing product information obtained from the seller terminal 13 on the website of the network 15.

[0015] The user terminal 12 is used and operated by the user P3. The user P3 may connect the user terminal 12 to a website and send the target person information of the target person P4, who is a acquaintance of the user P3, to the seller terminal 13 via the administrator server 11. The target person P4 can be grasped as a person interested in the commercial product, a person who plans to purchase the commercial product, or a person to be introduced to the commercial product. An example of the target person information will be described later.

[0016] The network 15 may be any of the Internet, a wide area network, etc. The network 15 is a communication line that transmits various kinds of information and signals, and the network 15 is realized by a base station, a communication satellite, a communication antenna, communication equipment (access point), a repeater, a communication circuit, a communication cable (copper wire, optical fiber), etc. The communication line includes one or more communication means of wireless communication or wired communication. The wireless communication includes short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication includes, for example, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless communication includes an electric signal, an optical signal, a radio wave, an infrared ray, satellite communication, etc. The signals used for communication include digital signals and analog signals.

[0017] (Configuration example of the administrator server) The administrator server 11 is a computer realized by various kinds of hardware and various kinds of software. The software includes an operating system and an application. The administrator server 11 may have hardware such as a main body (casing), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 16, a processor 17, a main storage device 18, an auxiliary storage device 19, a communication device 20, etc.

[0018] The ROM 16 is a non-volatile storage device provided inside the main body. The ROM 16 is a memory dedicated to reading data, and the data will not be changed after being written at the time of manufacture. The ROM 16 stores programs that are first executed when the administrator server 11 is started, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader).

[0019] The processor 17 is located inside the main body of the administrator server 11 and may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that integrates an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit). The processor 17 is communicatively connected to the ROM 16, main memory 18, auxiliary memory 19, and communication device 20 via the communication bus 21. The processor 17 comprehensively controls other devices and circuits located inside the main body, as well as devices and circuits located outside the main body.

[0020] Furthermore, the processor 17 may have, in place of or in addition to the central processing unit, arithmetic processing circuits such as a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The GPU processes video information and audio information.

[0021] The processor 17 performs various processes by running a program. The processes performed by the processor 17 include arithmetic, judgment, learning, comparison, identification, classification, control, generation, etc. The processes performed by the processor 17 include reading a program from the auxiliary storage device 19, running the program read from the auxiliary storage device 19 in the main memory 18, retrieving information and data from the auxiliary storage device 19 according to the program and processing it, processing information acquired via the network 15, storing the processing results performed by the processor 17 in the auxiliary storage device 19, processing information to be transmitted to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13, etc. Specific examples of the functional configurations realized by the operation of the program by the processor 17 will be described later. The information processed by the processor 17 includes data, files, instructions, etc.

[0022] The main memory 18 is a volatile memory device, implemented, for example, by RAM (Random Access Memory). When the processor 17 runs a program read from the auxiliary memory 19 and performs various processes, the main memory 18 functions as a work area and buffer area for storing the program and the information being processed. The main memory 18 is a non-temporary storage medium.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 19 is a non-temporary storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 19 may also be understood as storage. The auxiliary storage device 19 may be located inside the main unit, or it may be located outside the main unit and connected to the communication bus 21 by wireless or wired communication. The auxiliary storage device 19 has a larger capacity than the main memory 18. The auxiliary storage device 19 operates according to input and output commands from the processor 17.

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 19 is composed of one or more methods, such as magnetic storage, optical storage, magneto-optical storage, and semiconductor storage. Magnetic storage is implemented using hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc. Optical storage is configured to record data by light or heat by irradiating the surface of the storage medium 19A with laser light, and to read the reflection of the laser light with an optical head.

[0025] Optical storage systems are implemented using optical drives and storage media 19A. Optical drives include component drives, super component drives, multi-drives, super multi-drives, hyperdrives, etc. Storage media 19A include compact discs, digital video discs, Blu-ray discs, etc. Magneto-optical systems are implemented, for example, using magneto-optical discs.

[0026] Magnetic storage and optical storage methods include a head and a storage medium 19A. The storage medium 19A may be configured to be attached to and detached from the main unit. Semiconductor storage methods may be defined as flash memory. Examples of flash memory include SD memory cards, USB flash drives, solid-state drives, etc. Flash memory can also be understood as a storage medium 19A configured to be attached to and detached from the main unit. Non-temporary programs, various information, and data are stored in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0027] The communication device 20 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the administrator server 11 to the network 15 via at least one of either a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The hardware constituting the communication device 20 may consist of, for example, a LAN card, a network adapter, a network interface card, a communication cable, a communication antenna, a communication port, a modem, a hub (concentrator), a router, etc. The administrator server 11 may transmit information and signals to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13 via the communication device 20. The administrator server 11 may also receive information and signals from the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13 via the communication device 20.

[0028] The processor 17 runs non-temporary programs and works in cooperation with various hardware components that make up the administrator server 11 to realize the various functional components shown in Figure 2. For example, the processor 17 realizes the website management unit 22, user information processing unit 23, seller information processing unit 24, product information processing unit 25, transaction information processing unit 26, various processing units 75, artificial intelligence unit 27, etc.

[0029] When a web application is running on the processor 17, the website management unit 22 provides the website at a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the network 15. User terminals 12 and seller terminals 13 may access the administrator server 11 via the website. The website management unit 22 implements the function of sending web pages written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format to user terminals 12 and seller terminals 13. The website management unit 22 also implements the function of providing login screens, user screens, image files, etc., to user terminals 12 and seller terminals 13.

[0030] Furthermore, the website management unit 22 implements the function of acquiring information and signals transmitted from the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13. The website management unit 22 may also manage the browsing history of the website by the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13, the usage history of the login screen and usage screen, etc. In addition, the website management unit 22 implements the function of transmitting information and signals to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13.

[0031] The user information processing unit 23 processes user information obtained from the user terminal 12 to register the user, and may also store the user information and registration date in the auxiliary storage device 19. User information may include the name, address, date of birth, gender, telephone number, email address, user account, products sold by user P3, the name of user P3's financial institution and account number, contract (member) plan, products of knowledge and interest, etc. The user account includes a user identification number and password unique to user P3. The contract plan is a contract concluded between user P3 and administrator P2.

[0032] The contract plans include several types, such as Trial, Challenge, Standard, and Premium. Each contract plan differs in the monthly usage fee paid by User P3 to Administrator P2, the percentage of commission User P3 receives from Administrator P2 for each successful deal between Target Person P4 and Seller P1, etc. The meaning of successful deal will be explained later.

[0033] In the Trial Plan, for example, the monthly fee is 300 yen and the commission rate is 30%. In the Challenge Plan, for example, the monthly fee is 3,000 yen and the commission rate is 50%. In the Standard Plan, for example, the monthly fee is 10,000 yen and the commission rate is 100%. In the Premium Plan, for example, the monthly fee is 30,000 yen and the commission rate is 100%. Note that the commission rate is calculated based on the display referral fee set for each product, which is set at 100%. The display referral fee is set by the seller P1.

[0034] Additionally, premium plan users may receive services from administrator P2. For example, user P3 could receive instructions on how to use the user interface, know-how and seminars to increase earnings, etc., from administrator P2. User P3 could also purchase (use) products sold by seller P1, such as makeup courses, yoga lessons, and one-point English conversation lessons, at a lower price than the listed product price. Furthermore, premium plan users may acquire the right to sell products sold by seller P1 through their own online shop.

[0035] The seller information processing unit 24 processes the seller information obtained from the seller terminal 13 to register the seller and stores the seller information and the fact of registration in the auxiliary storage device 19. The seller information includes the seller's name, seller's address, telephone number, email address, contract terms, seller account, etc. The contract terms are the agreement concluded between administrator P2 and seller P1. The contract terms include the approval and payment processing of system usage fees, the type of referral fee, etc. The type of referral fee includes a method of setting a fixed amount set for each product for each successful transaction, a method of setting the referral fee amount as a percentage of the successful transaction price of the product for each successful transaction, etc. The seller account includes the seller identification number and password unique to seller P1.

[0036] The product information processing unit 25 processes product information obtained from the seller terminal 13 and stores the product information in the auxiliary storage device 19. The product information includes the category of product that seller P1 wishes to introduce to target person P4, the name of the product, the price of the product, the number of items in stock, images of the product, etc. Images of the product include both video and still images. Products are items sold by seller P1 and may be tangible or intangible. Products include goods and various services. Products may include, for example, clothing, accessories, electrical appliances, automobiles, food ingredients, real estate, financial products, English conversation lesson memberships, sports gym memberships, event tickets, etc. Products may also be defined as goods.

[0037] The transaction information processing unit 26 processes the transaction information obtained from the seller terminal 13 and stores the transaction information in the auxiliary storage device 19. The transaction information includes the seller identification number, the name of the sold product, the price (unit price) of the sold product, the number of sold products, the date of the transaction, etc.

[0038] The various processing units 75 may determine the number of times that user P3 has introduced target person P4 to the seller terminal 13 based on the acquired sales information, and may set user P3's evaluation level based on the determination of the number of sales. Furthermore, the various processing units 75 may store the determination of user P3's number of sales and the set evaluation level of user P3 in the auxiliary storage device 19. The number of sales and evaluation level will be described later. The various processing units 75 may also set the price of the products that user P3 can introduce to the seller terminal 13 based on user P3's evaluation level.

[0039] The various processing units 75 may process the networking event information and store the processing results in the auxiliary storage device 19. The networking event information will be described later. The various processing units 75 may also work in cooperation with the artificial intelligence unit 27 to perform processing to visualize the sales and marketing skills of user P3. Sales and marketing skills include communication skills, talking skills, negotiation skills, presentation skills, document creation skills, etc. Visualization is the process of representing the processed and analyzed information and data in graphs or charts, etc., and the graphs or charts are viewed on the user terminal 12's screen.

[0040] The various processing units 75 may, upon receiving a question from a user terminal 12, generate an answer to that question and return the generated answer to the user terminal 12. The various processing units 75 may also determine whether user P3's experience level is above a predetermined value. The meaning of user P3's experience level will be described later. Furthermore, upon receiving a question from a predetermined user terminal 12, the various processing units 75 may request that user terminal 12 used by user P3 whose experience level is above the predetermined value generate and return an answer. In addition, the various processing units 75 may send the answer obtained from user terminal 12 to the user terminal 12 that issued the question. The various processing units 75 may also store the experience level for each user P3, the questions obtained from user terminals 12, and the answers to the questions in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0041] Furthermore, the various processing units 75 may collaborate with the artificial intelligence unit 27 to extract products that are included in the target person information and that the target person is interested in. The various processing units 75 may then send the products extracted by the various processing units 75 and the artificial intelligence unit 27 in collaboration with the target person information, along with the target person information, to the seller terminal 13.

[0042] When a program is run, the artificial intelligence unit 27 works in cooperation with the auxiliary storage device 19 to perform various processes. The processes performed by the artificial intelligence unit 27 include learning processes (learning stage) and inference processes (inference stage). In the learning process, for example, in the machine learning process, the artificial intelligence unit 27 processes the input learning target data with a learning model and outputs the processing result (output data). The artificial intelligence unit 27 also calculates the error between the processing result and the correct data using a loss function and trains the learning model based on that error. Specifically, it adjusts weights, biases, etc., to reduce the error. In the inference process, the artificial intelligence unit 27 processes the inference target data with a learning model and outputs the inference result. The inference target data may include information and data input to the administrator server 11 and prompts generated by the administrator server 11.

[0043] The processing of input data performed by machine learning includes extracting features from the input data. These features include classification and regression. Classification is the process of classifying and identifying features. Regression is the process of understanding the trends of the classified features. The learning model is stored in auxiliary memory 19, and as machine learning is repeated, the learning model is continuously trained.

[0044] The machine learning performed by the Artificial Intelligence Department 27 may include three types: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. In supervised learning, the learning model is trained by comparing the output data obtained by processing training data with pre-prepared correct labels.

[0045] When training data is input to the learning model, it processes the training data using the large amount of data stored in the auxiliary memory device 19 and outputs an inference result. The artificial intelligence unit 27 then compares the inference result with the correct label and trains the learning model based on the error.

[0046] Unsupervised learning is a method of training using training data that does not contain correct answers, and it involves classifying the training data into groups of data with similar features (such as patterns). For example, the type, trend, and characteristics of the training data are classified and stored in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0047] Reinforcement learning repeatedly processes input data with a learning model to obtain output data, generating "actions to achieve this objective." Specifically, it may generate the optimal action to achieve the objective. The reinforcement learning performed by the artificial intelligence unit 27 includes the following four stages.

[0048] In the first stage, the artificial intelligence unit 27 processes input data using a learning model to determine the state of the environment. In the second stage, the artificial intelligence unit 27 uses the learning model to determine actions that can be performed in the current environment. In the third stage, the artificial intelligence unit 27 uses the learning model to predict the degree of reward that can be obtained by adopting the "actions that can be performed as determined in the second stage".

[0049] Then, in the fourth stage, the artificial intelligence unit 27 repeatedly trains the learning model so that, based on the environmental assessment results, feasible actions, and the predicted degree of reward obtained by adopting the feasible actions, it can select the action that will result in a relatively large (maximized) reward in the future (practical application stage).

[0050] Furthermore, when the processor 17 runs the program, the artificial intelligence unit 27, in the inference stage, uses various information acquired by the administrator server 11 and various information stored in the auxiliary storage device 19 to have the learning model perform inference processing and output the inference results. For example, if products of interest to the target person are input as the data to be inferred, the product information of products included in the product information for which the target person has a predetermined or greater probability of purchasing may be output as the inference result.

[0051] The artificial intelligence unit 27 can use a convolutional neural network as a learning model to realize machine learning. A neural network has an input layer, an intermediate layer (hidden layer), and an output layer. The intermediate layer is configured to make the input information useful for the output layer. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 27 can perform deep learning in realizing the intermediate layer of the neural network. In deep learning, the intermediate layer is multilayered with multiple types of stages (nodes), and weights and biases are assigned to the functions (features) contained in the information. Deep learning can reduce noise in the information and data input to the learning model because it automatically instructs the intermediate layer to focus on the functions (features).

[0052] The artificial intelligence unit 27 can use Random Forest as a learning model to implement machine learning. Random Forest is an algorithm that combines two methods: "decision tree" and "ensemble learning (bagging)". The artificial intelligence unit 27 can also use Light Gradient Boosting Machine as a learning model to implement machine learning. Light Gradient Boosting Machine is an analytical algorithm in machine learning and is one of the data analysis methods in the field called "supervised learning," which expresses target variables from given data.

[0053] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 27 may use the functions of the large language model to process prompts, generate texts that create suggestion information, and so on. Large language models (LLMs) are a type of generative artificial intelligence specialized in natural language processing (NLP). Large language models are language models that realize advanced natural language generation (LNG) by being constructed through deep learning of a vast amount of text data. Natural language processing processes natural language by combining processes such as morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, contextual analysis, and intent analysis, enabling machine translation, text summarization, speech recognition, and more.

[0054] A language model refers to a system that understands patterns in natural language used by humans and analyzes the probability of word occurrence to predict the word that will follow a given word. Examples of large-scale language models include ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) (registered trademark), PaLM2 (registered trademark), and LaMDA2 (registered trademark). The words and sentences used as instructions to input into these large-scale language models are called prompts. The artificial intelligence unit 27 may use the functions of the large-scale language model to generate catchy phrases that will attract the target audience as a description of the product.

[0055] When the artificial intelligence unit 27 functions as a generative artificial intelligence unit, it can perform text generation, image generation, video generation, and speech generation. Text generation is a function that, when a prompt (in text format) is input, analyzes the content and intent of the prompt and uses the information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 19 to automatically generate a response to the prompt in text format. Because a large-scale language model is used, natural and highly accurate responses can be obtained.

[0056] Image generation is a function that automatically generates an original image similar to the prompt's image by using information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 19 in response to an input prompt (in text format). Known image generation models include, for example, stable diffusion, mid-journey, and Dali-2.

[0057] Video generation is a function that automatically generates an original video that closely resembles the image of a prompt (in text format) by using the information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 19 in response to an input prompt. For example, Gentoo is known as a model for generating videos. Voice generation is a function that automatically generates original audio data by using the information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 19 in response to an input prompt (in voice or text format). For example, Voice Engine is known as a model for generating audio.

[0058] The auxiliary storage device 19 stores information and data acquired from the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13, information and data resulting from processing performed by the processor 17, and data that constitutes web pages on the website. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the auxiliary storage device 19 implements a website information storage unit 28, a user information storage unit 29, a seller information storage unit 30, a product information storage unit 31, a contract information storage unit 32, a program storage unit 33, a model storage unit 34, and the like.

[0059] The website information storage unit 28 stores HTML files that make up the website pages, login screens provided to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13, user screens provided to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13, image files provided to the user terminal 12 and the seller terminal 13, etc. The user information storage unit 29 stores user information processed by the user information processing unit 23.

[0060] The seller information storage unit 30 stores seller information processed by the seller information processing unit 24. The product information storage unit 31 stores product information processed by the product information processing unit 25. The transaction information storage unit 32 stores transaction information processed by the transaction information processing unit 26.

[0061] The program storage unit 33 stores applications and various programs run by the processor 17. The applications stored in the program storage unit 33 include non-temporary programs, manuals, configuration files, data storage files, data, and various libraries. The model storage unit 34 stores various models used by the artificial intelligence unit 27.

[0062] (Example of user terminal configuration) User terminal 12 is a computer used and operated by user P3. User terminal 12 includes, for example, portable computers and fixed computers. Portable computers include smartphones and tablet computers. Fixed computers include desktop computers, notebook computers, etc. Figure 3 shows an example configuration of user terminal 12. User terminal 12 includes a main unit (casing), ROM 40, processor 41, main memory 42, auxiliary memory 43, input device 44, output device 45, communication device 46, etc.

[0063] ROM40 is a non-volatile storage device located inside the main unit. ROM40 is a read-only memory; once data is written to it during manufacturing, it remains unchanged. ROM40 stores programs that are executed first when the user terminal 12 starts up, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader).

[0064] The processor 41 is located inside the main unit and may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that integrates an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit). The processor 41 is communicably connected to the ROM 40, main memory 42, auxiliary memory 43, input device 44, output device 45, and communication device 46 via a communication bus 47. The processor 41 has a configuration that comprehensively controls other devices and circuits located inside the main unit and devices and circuits located outside the main unit.

[0065] The processor 41 performs information and data processing by running non-temporary programs. The processing performed by the processor 41 includes reading information and data from the auxiliary storage device 43, updating information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 43, sending the information and data processed by the processor 41 to the administrator server 11, processing information and data obtained from the administrator server 11, processing information and commands input by the input device 44, processing information and data to be output by the output device 45, and so on.

[0066] The main memory 42 is a volatile memory device, and functions as a work area and buffer area for storing programs, data, instructions, etc., retrieved from the auxiliary memory 43 when the processor 41 executes processing of programs, data, instructions, etc. The main memory 42 is a non-temporary storage medium.

[0067] The auxiliary storage device 43 is a non-temporary storage medium. Non-temporary applications and programs are stored in the auxiliary storage device 43. Furthermore, information and data processed by the processor 41 are stored in the auxiliary storage device 43. The information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 43 include the processing results of the processor 41, various data, the operation details of the input device 44, control signals to the output device 45, information and data obtained from the administrator server 11, etc. The processor 41 is configured to perform various processes by reading and executing non-temporary programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 43.

[0068] The auxiliary storage device 43 has a larger capacity than the main storage device 42, and operates according to input and output commands from the processor 41. The auxiliary storage device 43 is implemented, for example, by a head and a non-temporary storage medium 43A. The head writes information and data to the storage medium 43A and reads information and data from the storage medium 53A. The storage medium 43A is implemented by a magnetic disk, optical disk, flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disc, digital video disc, Blu-ray disc, etc. Flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and an example of a flash memory is an SD memory card, USB flash drive, solid state drive, etc. The storage medium 43A may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main unit.

[0069] The input device 44 is operated when inputting information and data to the user terminal 12, when the user terminal 12 executes various processes, when the user terminal 12 sends various information and data to the administrator server 11, when the user terminal 12 retrieves various information and data from the administrator server 11, when the output device 45 outputs information, etc.

[0070] The input device 44 is a device operated by user P3, and may consist of devices such as a keyboard 48, mouse 49, microphone 50, display 51, and camera 52. The display 51 may be implemented as, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The screen of the display 51 displays the login screen and user screen obtained from the administrator server 11, as well as images, graphics, text, operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. The display 51 may also be defined as a monitor.

[0071] User P3 can operate one or more of the following configurations: keyboard 48, mouse 49, and operation buttons and operation tabs displayed on the screen of display 541. User P3 may also input voice information using microphone 50. User P3 may also photograph an object with camera 52 and store the captured image in auxiliary storage device 43.

[0072] The output device 45 includes devices such as a display 51 and an audio information output device 53. The display 51 is the same as the display 51 of the input device 44. The audio information output device 53 is a device that outputs audio information. The audio information output device 53 is implemented by a speaker, headphones, earphones, etc. The audio information output device 53 is connected to the communication bus 47 by wireless or wired communication. The audio information output device 53 may output voice and music acquired from the administrator server 11, audio information stored in the auxiliary storage device 43, etc.

[0073] The communication device 46 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11 via at least one of either a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11 may include cables, antennas, routers, communication circuits, communication ports, communication connectors, communication hubs, etc.

[0074] (Example of a seller's terminal configuration) The seller terminal 13 is a computer used and operated by the seller P1. The seller terminal 13 includes, for example, a portable computer and a fixed computer. Portable computers include smartphones and tablet computers. Fixed computers include desktop computers, notebook computers, etc. Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the seller terminal 13. The seller terminal 13 includes a main unit (casing), ROM 55, processor 56, main memory 57, auxiliary memory 58, input device 59, output device 60, communication device 61, etc.

[0075] ROM55 is a non-volatile storage device located inside the main unit. ROM55 is a read-only memory; once data is written to it during manufacturing, it remains unchanged. ROM55 stores programs such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader) that are executed first when the vendor terminal 13 starts up.

[0076] The processor 56 is located inside the main unit and may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that integrates an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit). The processor 56 is communicated via a communication bus 62 to the ROM 55, main memory 57, auxiliary memory 58, input device 59, output device 60, and communication device 61. The processor 56 has a configuration that comprehensively controls other devices and circuits located inside the main unit and devices and circuits located outside the main unit.

[0077] The main memory 57 is a volatile memory device, and functions as a work area and buffer area for storing programs, information, and data read from the auxiliary memory 43 when the processor 56 runs a program and executes processing. The main memory 57 is a non-temporary storage medium.

[0078] The auxiliary storage device 58 is a non-temporary storage medium. Non-temporary applications and programs are stored in the auxiliary storage device 58. In addition, information and data processed by the processor 56 are stored in the auxiliary storage device 58. The auxiliary storage device 58 stores product information, information and data for generating product information, seller information, operation details of the input device 59, control signals to the output device 60, information and data obtained from the administrator server 11, etc. The processor 56 is configured to perform various processes by reading and executing non-temporary programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 58.

[0079] The processor 56 performs, for example, the processing of information and data input by the input device 44, data and commands, the processing of information and data sent from the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11, the processing of information and data acquired from the administrator server 11, the processing of information and data output from the output device 45, the processing of storing information and data in the auxiliary storage device 43, and so on.

[0080] The auxiliary storage device 58 has a larger capacity than the main memory 57, and operates according to input and output commands from the processor 56. The auxiliary storage device 58 is implemented, for example, by a head and a non-temporary storage medium 58A. The head writes information and data to the storage medium 58A and reads information and data from the storage medium 58A. The storage medium 58A is implemented by a magnetic disk, optical disk, flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disc, digital video disc, Blu-ray disc, etc. Flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and an example of a flash memory is an SD memory card, USB flash drive, solid state drive, etc. The storage medium 58A may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main unit.

[0081] The input device 59 is operated when inputting information and data to the seller terminal 13, when the seller terminal 13 executes various processes, when the seller terminal 13 sends various information and data to the administrator server 11, when the seller terminal 13 retrieves various information and data from the administrator server 11, when the output device 60 outputs information, etc.

[0082] The input device 59 is a device operated by the seller P1, and may consist of devices such as a keyboard 63, mouse 64, microphone 65, display 66, and camera 67. The display 66 may be implemented as, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display. The screen of the display 66 displays the login screen and user screen obtained from the administrator server 11, as well as images, graphics, text, operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. The display 66 may also be defined as a monitor.

[0083] Seller P1 can operate one or more of the following configurations: keyboard 63, mouse 64, and operation buttons and operation tabs displayed on the screen of display 66. Seller P1 may also input voice information using microphone 65. Seller P1 may photograph the merchandise with camera 67 and store the captured video in auxiliary storage device 58.

[0084] The output device 60 includes devices such as a display 66 and an audio information output device 68. The display 66 is the same as the display 66 of the input device 59. The audio information output device 68 is a device that outputs audio information. The audio information output device 68 is implemented by a speaker, headphones, earphones, etc. The audio information output device 68 is connected to the communication bus 62 by wireless or wired communication. The audio information output device 68 may output voice and music acquired from the administrator server 11, audio information stored in the auxiliary storage device 58, etc.

[0085] The communication device 46 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the seller terminal 13 to the administrator server 11 or the target terminal 14 via at least one of either a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The communication device 46 may also include cables, antennas, routers, communication circuits, communication ports, communication connectors, communication hubs, etc.

[0086] (Example configuration of the target user's device) The target terminal 14 is used by target P4. The target terminal 14 may be either a fixed computer or a portable computer. The target terminal 14 can be implemented as a tablet computer, smartphone, etc. A smartphone has telephone functionality. The target terminal 14 includes a processor 70, a storage device 71, a communication device 72, an operating device 73, a display 74, etc. The processor 70 is connected to the storage device 71, the communication device 72, the operating device 73, and the display 74 via a communication bus. By operating the operating device 73, target P4 can input information and commands to the target terminal 14.

[0087] The storage device 71 stores non-temporary programs, and the processor 70 executes processing by running these programs. The processor 70 processes information and data to be displayed on the display 74. The communication device 72 is connected to the network 15. Note that the user terminal 14 may be a mobile phone instead of a computer.

[0088] (Example of processing by the referral support system) Figure 4A shows an example of the processing performed by the referral support system 10.

[0089] (Example of administrator processing) In step S10, the administrator server 11 may provide a website at a predetermined URL on the network 15. The website allows users to access a login screen and a user interface. In step S11, the administrator server 11 may obtain user information from a user terminal 12 that accesses the website's login screen, register the user, and store the user information in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0090] Furthermore, in step S11, the administrator server may obtain seller information from the seller terminal 13 of seller P1 who has accessed the website login screen, and may also register seller P1 as a member. In addition, in step S11, the administrator server 11 may obtain product information from the seller terminal 13 who has accessed the website user screen, and may also register the product information. The seller information and product information are stored in the auxiliary storage device 19. Furthermore, the seller information and product information of the same seller P1 are stored in the auxiliary storage device 19 in association.

[0091] After registering user P3, the administrator server 11 may provide a user interface to the user terminal 12 connected to the website in step S12. The user interface is used by user P3 to introduce target person P4 to seller P1. A specific example of the user interface will be described later.

[0092] In step S13, the administrator server 11 obtains target information and referral product information from the user terminal 12 and transfers the target information and referral product information to the seller terminal 13. Referral product information will be described later. In step S13, the administrator server 11 assigns a unique target identification number to the target information. The target identification number is associated with the user identification number of the referrer user P3 and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 19. The administrator server 11 does not store personal information included in the target information, such as the name, telephone number, email address, address, date of birth, etc. of target P4, in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0093] When the administrator server 11 obtains transaction information from the seller terminal 13 in step S14, it processes the payment of the reward to user P3 included in the transaction information. The process by which the administrator server 11 pays the reward may be either a process of converting the reward into points and storing them in the auxiliary storage device 19, or a process of transferring the amount corresponding to the reward to user P3's financial institution account. The administrator server 11 stores the target identification number and the user identification number in association. Therefore, the administrator server 11 can determine which user P3 should receive the reward from the target identification number.

[0094] In step S15, the administrator server 11 requests a referral fee from the seller terminal 13. The referral fee is the consideration paid by seller P1 to administrator P2 when a deal is concluded between seller P1 and target P4. The amount of the referral fee is determined based on the contract terms concluded between administrator P2 and seller P1. A deal is concluded when "target P4 agrees with seller P1 to purchase the goods at a predetermined price."

[0095] (Example of user terminal processing) User P3 may operate the user terminal 12 to access the website in step S20 and send user information from the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11. After the user information has been sent from the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11 and user registration has been performed at the administrator server 11, if the user terminal 12 accesses the website, the user terminal 12 may obtain the user screen from the administrator server 11 in step S21. When the user screen is displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 12, the user may input target person information and introduced product information into the user screen in step S22. Alternatively, the user terminal 12 may send target person information to the administrator server 11.

[0096] In step S22, the user screen displayed on the display 51 may switch between the first screen and the second screen. The first screen displays that the product is being introduced to target person P4 through the administrator server 11. The second screen does not display that the product is being introduced to target person P4 through the administrator server 11. User P3 can switch between the first screen and the second screen by operating the input device 44 of the user terminal 12. User P3 may also show the user screen of the user terminal 12 to target person P4.

[0097] Figure 4B shows an example of the referral screen 80 included in the user interface. The referral screen 80 includes a product category display field 81, a product information display field 82, a product identification number display field 83, a selection button 84, a target person information entry field 85, etc. The product category display field 81 displays categories such as kitchenware, supplements, cosmetics, and general merchandise. When any of the categories displayed in the product category display field 81 is selected, the products included in the selected category are displayed on the display 51. When any product is selected, the product information for the selected product is displayed on the display 51.

[0098] Product information, if the product is a physical item, includes the product name, price of each product, product identification number, photograph of each product, and inventory quantity of each product. Note that products are not limited to physical items; examples of non-physical products will be discussed later.

[0099] The target information entry field 85 allows you to enter the target information of target person P4, who is an acquaintance of user P3. The target information includes target person P4's name, phone number, email address, preferred contact method, address, date of birth, gender, products of interest, etc. The preferred contact method is the method that target person P4 would prefer to be contacted by seller P1.

[0100] Then, when the selection button 84 is operated, the product information of the selected product, that is, the product information to be introduced, and the target information are associated and sent from the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11 in step S22.

[0101] In step S23, user terminal 12 may obtain transaction information from administrator server 11 and receive the reward. User P3 can have user terminal 12 access the website provided by administrator server 11 and submit a withdrawal request. A withdrawal request is a request for administrator server 11 to deposit the reward into the user's bank account.

[0102] (Example of processing by a product seller) In step S30, the seller terminal may send seller information to the administrator server. After the administrator server has registered the seller, the seller terminal may send product information to the administrator server in step S30.

[0103] In step S31, the seller's terminal may obtain target information from the administrator server. In step S32, the seller may contact the target by referring to the target information and conduct business negotiations. Business negotiations may be conducted by telephone, email, face-to-face meeting, or online meeting. If a deal is concluded during the negotiations, in step S32, a settlement process corresponding to the price of the goods is carried out between the seller and the target. Furthermore, if the goods that have been sold are physical items, the seller's terminal may process the shipment of the sold goods to the target in step S33.

[0104] In step S34, the seller terminal 13 sends a message to the administrator server 11 indicating whether or not a deal was concluded in the negotiation. In step S35, the seller terminal 13 may receive an invoice for the referral fee from the administrator server 11 and execute a process to pay the referral fee to administrator P2.

[0105] (Handling of the individuals involved) In step S40, the subject P4 communicates their subject information to user P3. In step S41, which follows step S40, the subject P4 conducts business negotiations with the product seller. In step S41, the subject P4 may inform the seller P1 that they intend to purchase the product, and a settlement process may be carried out between the subject P4 and the seller P1. In step S42, the subject P4 may receive the product, for example, an item, shipped by the seller P1.

[0106] (Another processing example 1) Figure 5 shows other examples of processes that may be performed by the administrator server 11. The specific example of the process shown in Figure 5 is a detailed representation of the process from step S11 to step S13 in Figure 4A. In step S50, the administrator server 11 checks the usage history of the user terminal 12's usage screen. In step S51, following step S50, the administrator server 11 determines whether or not it has obtained the target person information of target person P4 from the user terminal 12.

[0107] If the administrator server 11 determines Yes in step S51, it may proceed to step S52 and send the subject information of subject P4 to the seller terminal 13. If the administrator server 11 determines No in step S51, it proceeds to step S53 and performs a process that does not send the subject information of subject P4 to the seller terminal 13.

[0108] (Another processing example 2) Figure 6 shows an example of a process available only to premium plan users where user P3 introduces products in a dedicated online shop. In step S60, user P3 selects one of the products on the user terminal 12's screen and operates the shop creation button, creating an online shop screen that displays the user's own online shop. In step S61, the administrator server 11 stores the information of the online shop created on the user terminal 12 in the auxiliary storage device 19. The online shop information includes user P3's user identification number, the online shop's URL, the online shop screen, the products and unit prices handled by the online shop, the seller P1 of the products handled by the online shop, the seller identification number, etc.

[0109] Figure 7 shows an example of the user screen 90 of the display 51. The user screen 90 includes a product category display area 91, a product information display area 92, a selection button 93, a target user information entry area 85, etc. The product category display area 91 displays categories such as kitchenware, supplements, cosmetics, and general merchandise. When any of the categories displayed in the product category display area 91 is selected, the products and product information included in the selected category are displayed in the product information display area 92.

[0110] When a user selects a product from the product information display area 92 and operates the selection button 93, an online shop is created. The online shop belongs to user P3. User P3 operates the user terminal 12 to send the URL of the online shop to the target terminal 14 in step S62. In step S63, target P4 may operate the target terminal 14 to access the URL of the online shop. Then, the online shop screen is displayed on the display 74 of the target terminal 14.

[0111] When user P4 operates the control device 73 to purchase merchandise sold on the online shop, purchase information is sent from user terminal 14 to administrator server 11. This purchase information includes the name of the merchandise, its unit price, the quantity purchased, the merchandise identification number, etc. Furthermore, user information and user identification number are associated with the purchase information.

[0112] In step S64, the administrator server 11 obtains product purchase information, target information, and user identification number from the target terminal 14. Also in step S64, the administrator server 11 transfers the product purchase information and target information to the seller terminal 13. Furthermore, in step S64, the administrator server 11 associates the product purchase information and user identification number and stores them in the auxiliary storage device 19. Note that the administrator server 11 does not store personal information included in the target information, such as the name, telephone number, email address, address, and date of birth of target P4, in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0113] In step S65, when user P3 purchases a product from the administrator server 11, the administrator server 11 processes the payment of a subsidy to the user terminal 12. For example, if seller P1 sells a product for 6,000 yen on a website provided by the administrator server 11, and the same product is sold for 4,500 yen in user P3's online shop, the difference of 1,500 yen will be paid as a subsidy. In step S66, the user terminal 12 receives the subsidy from the administrator server 11.

[0114] In step S67, the seller terminal 13 requests payment of the purchase amount from the target terminal 14. In step S68, when the target terminal 14 receives the payment request, it processes the payment of the purchase amount to the seller terminal 13. In step S67, when the seller terminal 13 detects that the payment has been received, it processes the shipment of the purchased goods to the target P4 in step S69. The target P4 receives the goods in step S70.

[0115] (Other processing example 3) Figure 8 shows another example of processing 3 that may be performed by the administrator server 11. In step S80, the administrator server 11 determines the contract information for each target person P4 that user P3 has introduced to the seller terminal 13. Based on the contract information, the administrator server 11 determines the number of contracts made within a predetermined period, the total price of the goods sold within the predetermined period, etc. The predetermined period may be, for example, every month, every year, etc.

[0116] In step S81, following step S80, the administrator server 11 sets an evaluation level for user P3 based on the results of the contract information assessment. For example, it sets a higher evaluation level for user 2, who has 60 contracts within a specified period, than for user 1, who has 50 contracts within a specified period. For example, it sets a higher evaluation level for user 2, who has 1,000,000 yen in total value of products sold within a specified period, than for user 1, whose total value of products sold within a specified period is 500,000 yen.

[0117] The administrator server 11 can set evaluation levels, for example, evaluation level 1, evaluation level 2, evaluation level 3, evaluation level 4, and evaluation level 5. Here, a higher number indicating the evaluation level may mean a higher evaluation level.

[0118] In step S82, following step S81, the administrator server 11 sets the referral status for when user P3 introduces a product to target person P4. In step S82, the administrator server 11 may also set referral conditions based on the evaluation level. The referral conditions include the maximum number of products that user P3 can introduce to target person P4 within a predetermined period, the highest price (unit price) of the products, etc.

[0119] The administrator server 11 may, for example, set the maximum number of products that a user P3 with evaluation level 2 can introduce to target person P4 within a predetermined period to be greater than the maximum number of products that a user P3 with evaluation level 1 can introduce to target person P4 within a predetermined period. The administrator server 11 may, for example, set the maximum price of products that a user P3 with evaluation level 2 can introduce to target person P4 to be greater than the maximum price of products that a user P3 with evaluation level 1 can introduce to target person P4.

[0120] (Other processing example 4) Figure 8 shows another example of processing 4 that may be performed by the administrator server 11. In step S90, when the administrator server 11 receives a question from the user terminal 12, it may generate an answer to the question and send the generated answer back to the user terminal 12. The question may include one or more questions from among questions about the services that the administrator server 11 provides to the user terminal 12 and questions about how to operate the user screen of the user terminal 12.

[0121] In step S91, the administrator server 11 determines whether the experience points of each user P3 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The administrator server 11 may determine that the experience points of user P3 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value if one or more of the following conditions are met: for example, the elapsed time since the user registration date is 3 years or more, and the number of successful transactions in a month is 5 or more. The administrator server 11 may also determine that the experience points of user P3 are less than a predetermined value if, for example, the elapsed time since the user registration date is less than 3 years and the number of successful transactions in a month is less than 5.

[0122] When the administrator server 11 receives a question from the first user terminal 12, it may, in step S92, send a request to the second user terminal 12 to generate and send back an answer to that question. The second user terminal 12 is the user terminal 12 used by user P3 whose experience level is above a predetermined value. In step S92, the administrator server 11 does not request the generation of an answer from a user terminal 12 used by user P3 whose experience level is below the predetermined value. The answer generated by the second user terminal 12 is sent to the administrator server 11 in step S92, and also sent from the administrator server 11 to the first user terminal 12.

[0123] (Other processing example 5) Another example of processing that can be executed on the administrator server 11 (5) will be explained with reference to Figure 4A. In step S11, the administrator server 11 may determine the product introduction level of user P3 based on the user information obtained from the user terminal 12. For example, it can determine product introduction level 1, product introduction level 2, product introduction level 3, product introduction level 4, product introduction level 5, etc.

[0124] A higher numerical value indicating a product referral level signifies a higher level of expertise. The product referral level is determined based on the membership plan, the time elapsed since user registration, and the types of products the user possesses knowledge of and interest in. For example, the more types of products a user possesses knowledge of and interest in, the higher their product referral level will be. Furthermore, for product referral levels 1-3, the membership plan, time elapsed since user registration, and types of products possessed knowledge of and interest are not considered. In contrast, for product referral levels 4 and 5, the membership plan may be limited to Standard or Premium, the user may have been registered for more than three years, and the user may possess knowledge of and interest in five or more types of products.

[0125] When providing the user screen to the user terminal 12 in step S12, the administrator server 11 may set the maximum number of products to be displayed on the user screen and the maximum unit price of the products that can be displayed, based on the product introduction level of user P3. For example, if user P3 has a high product introduction level, the administrator server 11 may set a higher maximum number of products to be displayed on the user screen than if user P3 has a low product introduction level. For example, if user P3 has a high product introduction level, the administrator server 11 may set a higher maximum unit price of the products that can be displayed than if user P3 has a low product introduction level.

[0126] (Other processing example 6) As shown in Figure 1, the introduction support system 10 may include an external terminal 86. The external terminal 86 is a computer managed by the organizer P5 of the exchange meeting, and has a processor, main memory, auxiliary memory, communication device, etc. The external terminal 86 is connected to the network 15 in a communicative manner. The exchange meeting is a place to deepen relationships among participants and to revitalize communication. The exchange meeting may be held in the real world or in a virtual space.

[0127] Other processing examples 6 that can be executed on the administrator server 11 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 4A. If user P3 is also seller P1, user P3, who is also seller P1, may use user terminal 12. Also, seller P1 may participate in the exchange meeting. In step S100 of Figure 9, the external terminal 86 sends the exchange meeting information to the administrator server 11. The exchange meeting information may include the name of the exchange meeting that seller P1 is participating in, the date and time of the exchange meeting, the location of the exchange meeting, the name of the organizer of the exchange meeting, telephone number, email address of the external terminal 86 used by the organizer of the exchange meeting, exchange meeting identification number, name of seller P1 who participated in the exchange meeting, products sold by seller P1, user account, etc. The exchange meeting identification number is a unique number for mutually identifying the exchange meetings.

[0128] In step S110, the administrator server 11 may acquire information about the exchange meeting from the external terminal 86 and process the information to automatically generate a list of participants for each exchange meeting held by seller P1. The administrator server 11 may store the participant list in the auxiliary storage device 19. In step S111, the administrator server 11 provides a user screen to the user terminal 12. In step S21, the user terminal 12 acquires the user screen, which may display the names of sellers P1 who participated in the exchange meeting, the products sold by seller P1, etc. The first seller P1 may then send target information of target persons P4 who are interested in the products sold by the second seller P1 to the administrator server 11 from the user terminal 12 in step S22, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0129] Furthermore, when the target terminal 14 performs the process of purchasing the goods sold by the second seller P1 in step S41 shown in Figure 4A, the seller terminal 13 executes the process in step S32. Then, when the seller terminal 13 sends a message to the administrator server 11 in step S34 indicating that the sale of the goods has been completed, the administrator server 11 performs the process of paying the reward to the second seller P1's user terminal 12 in step S14. Furthermore, the administrator server 11 performs the process of paying the reward for providing the goods to the external terminal 86 in step S112 shown in Figure 9. The external terminal 86 receives the reward from the administrator server 11 in step S101.

[0130] (Other processing example 7) Furthermore, the administrator server 11 may visualize user P3's sales and marketing skills. For example, it may analyze the products sold by user P3 and the target customers P4 to visualize objective sales capabilities. Sales and marketing skills are indicators that integrate communication skills, talking skills, negotiation skills, presentation skills, document creation skills, etc., and are analyzed and visualized by the artificial intelligence unit 27.

[0131] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 27 may analyze job postings within Jobscape that match user P3's skills and provide recommendations. This allows users to participate in jobs that match their skills, as well as jobs slightly above their skill level, leading to further skill improvement.

[0132] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 27 may analyze data on the skills possessed by user P3 and provide recommended job types on the user screen. User P3 can also create this as their own resume.

[0133] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 27 may perform skill matching so that user P3 can conduct business by complementing their own lacking skills with those of other users P3. Users P3 can search for such users themselves, or the artificial intelligence unit 27 may display recommended users P3.

[0134] (Other processing example 8) Furthermore, the administrator server 11 may be configured to provide business opportunities (sales of goods) to be accomplished by a team consisting of multiple users P3 to each of the user terminals 12 of the multiple users P3. The business opportunities may be displayed on the user screen provided to the user terminals 12. The business opportunities are entrusted to the administrator server 11 from the seller terminal 13. The artificial intelligence unit 27 may work in cooperation with the various processing units 75 and the auxiliary storage device 19 to create a team of multiple users based on a single business opportunity, according to the level of each user P3. The artificial intelligence unit 27 may also configure a team including multiple users P3, taking into account the balance of levels required for each business opportunity.

[0135] The administrator server 11 may, in step S12 shown in Figure 4A, send offers to user terminals 12 used by user P3 selected by the artificial intelligence unit 27 based on the content of the business case, along with the user screen. The offer is a request to join a team composed of multiple users P3. Alternatively, any user P3 may operate their own user terminal 12 and, in step S22, send an offer to user terminals 12 used by other users P3 via the administrator server 11. When a user terminal 12 receives an offer in step S21, it may send a message from the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11 indicating acceptance of the offer or a message from the user terminal 12 to the administrator server 11 indicating rejection of the offer.

[0136] Furthermore, when multiple users P3 constituting a team accept an offer, the administrator server 11 may generate visualization information that visualizes the contribution of one team to a single business deal. The visualization information includes a contribution measurement plan and the results of the contribution measurement. The visualization information may also include graphs and charts. Based on the measurement plan and results, each user P3 may reach an agreement (addition or subtraction) within the team to improve their individual skills.

[0137] The administrator server 11 may store the names of participating teams and users P3 for each business project in the auxiliary storage device 19, and may also store the success or failure result for each business project in the auxiliary storage device 19. Each user terminal 12 and seller terminal 13 can access the administrator server 11 to view the names of participating teams and users P3 for each business project, as well as the success or failure result for each business project.

[0138] (Other processing example 9) Furthermore, the user screen that the administrator server 11 provides to the seller terminal 13 in step S31 may include a user screen that allows the administrator server 11 to send sales requests for merchandise and job offers to user terminals 12 corresponding to highly skilled user accounts. "Highly skilled" means that the number of merchandise sales completed within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined number, and the sales amount of the merchandise is greater than a predetermined amount. The criteria data that the administrator server 11 uses to determine whether or not a user is "highly skilled" is stored in the auxiliary storage device 19.

[0139] Seller P1 can operate the seller terminal 13 to search for a suitable user P3 to recommend their products based on the user P3's skills. Alternatively, the artificial intelligence unit 27 of the administrator server 11 may estimate a suitable user P3 to recommend seller P1's products, and the administrator server 11 may recommend the estimated user P3's user account to the seller terminal 13 in step S12.

[0140] Furthermore, the administrator server 11 may utilize data including the content and results of business requests sent to the team. For example, the administrator server 11 may, given that multiple users P3 are participating, refer each user P3 to a customer (seller) P1 that suits their strengths. This allows seller P1 to analyze in detail the customer base that sells their products best. The artificial intelligence unit 27 may also analyze, for each seller P1, the target customers P4 for whom the products sell well.

[0141] (Effects of the embodiment) In this embodiment, if the administrator server 11 obtains usage information from the user terminal 12 and includes target person information for target person P4, who is an acquaintance of user P3 and is interested in the product information, it provides the target person information for target person P4 to the seller terminal 13. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the target person information provided to the seller terminal 13.

[0142] Furthermore, the administrator server 11 sets the maximum number of products that a second user P3 with a higher evaluation level can introduce to target user P4 to a larger number of products and a higher maximum price for products compared to the maximum number of products and the maximum price for products that a first user P3 with a predetermined evaluation level can introduce to target user P4. Therefore, user P3 will have increased motivation to raise their evaluation level.

[0143] Furthermore, the administrator server 11 may acquire a question from any of the user terminals 12, generate an answer, and send the generated answer to the user terminal 12 from which the question was asked. Also, when the administrator server 11 acquires a question from the first user terminal 12, it may request the user terminal 12 of user P3, whose experience level is above a predetermined value, to generate an answer to the question. Therefore, this can contribute to improving user P3's skills.

[0144] Furthermore, the administrator server 11 may provide the user terminal 12 with the user screen displayed on the user terminal 12's display 51. In addition, the administrator server 11 may set the maximum number of products displayed on the user screen to be higher and the maximum unit price of products to be higher when user P3's referral level is high, compared to when user P3's referral level is low. Therefore, user P3 will be more motivated to raise their referral level.

[0145] Furthermore, user P3 does not hold inventory of the goods that seller P1 sells to target P4, does not process payment even if a deal is concluded between seller P1 and target P4, and does not handle the process of shipping the goods to target P4.

[0146] (supplementary explanation) An example of the technical meaning of the matters disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: Administrator server 11 is an example of a referral support device and computer. User terminal 12 is an example of a referrer terminal. Seller terminal 13 is an example of a seller terminal. Processor 17 is an example of a processor. Seller P1 is an example of a product seller. Target person P4 is an example of a target person. User P3 is an example of a referrer.

[0147] Step S11 shown in Figure 4A is an example of the first process. Step S12 is the second process. Reason This is just one example. Step S13 in Figure 4A and Step S50 in Figure 5 are examples of the third process. Step S13 in Figure 4A and Step S51 in Figure 5 and step S52 This is an example of the fourth process. 。

[0148] Step S80 in Figure 8 is 5 This is an example of the process, and step S81 is the 6 This is an example of the process, and step S82 is the 7 This is an example of processing. .figure The processing examples shown in 4A and Figure 5 are examples of referral support methods.

[0149] The computer constituting the referral support system may consist of one or more computers, such as supercomputers, mainframes, servers, and workstations. The computer constituting the referral support system includes a single computer and a distributed computer composed of multiple devices.

[0150] In this embodiment, the program for operating the administrator server 11 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 19. Alternatively, the program may be stored on an external computer connected to the network 15. In this case, a web browser is run on the administrator server 11 to connect to the external computer, and the program is run on the external computer.

[0151] This embodiment describes the following characteristic configuration. For example, the present invention describes a non-temporary storage medium that stores a non-temporary program that causes a computer to perform processing on a seller terminal used by a seller of goods who sells goods, and a referrer terminal used by a referrer who introduces goods to a target person, wherein the program causes the computer to perform the following: a first process of acquiring goods information of goods from the seller terminal; a second process of providing the goods information acquired in the first process to the referrer terminal; a third process of acquiring usage information from the referrer terminal after the second process, indicating that the goods information has been used on the seller terminal; a fourth process of determining whether the usage information acquired from the referrer terminal includes target person information of a target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the goods of the goods; and a fifth process of providing the target person information of a target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the goods of the goods to the seller terminal of the goods seller if the usage information includes target person information of a target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the goods of the goods of the goods. Furthermore, programs can also be understood as program products.

[0152] Users can donate to various organizations using points they earn (they can choose to disclose or not disclose their names). Target organizations include disability support groups, single mother (and father) support groups, and sports promotion organizations. The platform offers the same quality as a typical hometown tax donation website, allowing users to submit various donation-related notifications and declarations (designated / general, etc.). Users can also level up their experience points in a role-playing game-like manner, expanding their eligibility to participate in various events and the range of products and services they can offer.

[0153] Experienced users may earn points or other rewards by providing support for frequently asked questions (FAQs). This will increase loyalty and a sense of belonging to the service. Users will acquire business knowledge, such as tax filing. Users will improve their IT literacy and gain knowledge about the national system (taxation, etc.).

[0154] Selling, listing, introducing, and purchasing overseas is all possible in one place. You can also choose your currency. Cryptocurrencies can be used and invested in the deposit pool mentioned above. Recycling (resale) of purchased items is also possible on this site (seller information and purchase history are clear, so you can rest assured). Purchased items can be provided free of charge to government agencies and individuals (to facilities, etc.). For the above, delivery is handled in cooperation with shipping companies, and in the case of donations or other free provision, the items may be provided free of charge as a sponsorship.

[0155] Within the limits of not violating regulations concerning the sale of financial products, it is possible to sell or broker the buying and selling of real estate and financial products (similar to) products. Members' sales history automatically becomes a kind of resume, and companies can offer offers as agent (provisional) introductions. It is also possible to receive hometown tax return gifts or make donations to one's hometown. It may also be possible to purchase the return gifts of the relevant local government at a special price. Users can have their own online store. They can sell their products to people all over the world via real-time messaging.

[0156] Online shops come together to form a "city," and the members of this city cooperate as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to conduct sales activities. Users can visualize their skills based on skill points, allowing them to track their growth and compare themselves to others. Users can use the ability to compare skill points to perform their own analysis of the numerical level, which they can then submit as evidence of their achievements and abilities in job hunting. The visualization of skills can enable job scouting. Recruitment support can be provided to members, such as scout offers from companies and job introductions based on skills. [Industrial applicability]

[0157] This embodiment can be used as a referral support device, referral support method, and program that are communicably connected to a seller's terminal of a product seller who sells products, and to a referrer's terminal of a referrer who introduces products to target customers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 11...Administrator server, 12...User terminal, 13...Seller terminal, 17...Processor, P1...Seller, P3...User, P4...Target audience

Claims

1. A referral support device having a storage device and a processor for performing processing, and which is communicably connected to a seller terminal used by a seller of goods that sells goods, and to a referrer terminal used by a referrer that introduces goods to a target person, The aforementioned processor, A first process of obtaining product information of the product from the seller's terminal, A second process provides the product information acquired in the first process to the referrer terminal, After the second process, a third process is performed to obtain from the referrer terminal the target person information of the target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the product information of the product, which has been entered into the referrer terminal. A fourth process involves providing the subject information obtained in the third process to the seller's terminal of the product seller, This configuration is for executing, The third process performed by the processor is configured not to store the personal information of the subject included in the acquired subject information in the storage device, in the referral support device.

2. A referral support method executed by a computer having a storage device and being connected to a seller terminal used by a product seller who sells products, and a referrer terminal used by a referrer who introduces products to target persons, The aforementioned computer, A first process of obtaining product information of the product from the seller's terminal, A second process provides the product information acquired in the first process to the referrer terminal, After the second process, a third process is performed to obtain from the referrer terminal the target person information of the target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the product information of the product, which has been entered into the referrer terminal. A fourth process involves providing the subject information obtained in the third process to the seller's terminal of the product seller, This configuration is for executing, The third process performed by the computer is configured not to store the personal information of the subject included in the acquired subject information in the storage device, in the referral support method.

3. A non-temporary program that causes a computer having storage to execute processing, which is connected to a seller terminal used by a seller of goods who sells goods, and to a referrer terminal used by a referrer who introduces goods to a target person, and which is capable of communication with the seller terminal and capable of storing storage. To the aforementioned computer, A first process of obtaining product information of the product from the seller's terminal, A second process provides the product information acquired in the first process to the referrer terminal, After the second process, a third process is performed to obtain from the referrer terminal the target person information of the target person who is an acquaintance of the referrer and is interested in the product information of the product, which has been entered into the referrer terminal. A fourth process involves providing the subject information obtained in the third process to the seller's terminal of the product seller, To execute, and, The third process to be executed by the computer is a program configured not to store the personal information of the subject included in the acquired subject information in the storage device.

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