Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to separately manage the inventory of products being offered for sale and the actual inventory, thereby broadening the sales strategy of the seller of the products.　In a CPU 11 of a management server 1 constituting an information processing system: a data management unit 32 separately manages a first inventory quantity which is an actual inventory quantity of a target product, and a second inventory quantity which is an inventory quantity, among the first inventory quantity, listed on an EC platform for online sale of the target product; a listing instruction reception unit 33 receives a listing instruction for listing m (m is an integer value between 1 and n both inclusive) of n (n is an integer value of 1 or more) units of the first inventory quantity on the EC platform; and a listing management unit 34 lists the m units of the target product on the EC platform in response to the listing instruction. At this time, the data management unit 32 reduces the first inventory quantity for the m listed items of the target product and increases the second inventory quantity by m.

Description

Information processing system, information processing method, and program

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for supporting product sales based on live video distribution.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-199352

[0004] Conventional technologies, including the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, do not distinguish between inventory of products for sale and actual inventory, which limits the range of sales strategies available to product sellers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and aims to broaden the range of sales strategies available to product sellers by enabling them to manage inventory of products for sale separately from actual inventory.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising: an inventory management means for distinguishing and managing a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of the target products, and a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity that is being exhibited on an EC platform that sells the target products online; an exhibit instruction receiving means for receiving an exhibit instruction to exhibit m (m is an integer value between 1 and n) of the first inventory quantity of n (n is an integer value of 1 or more) target products on the EC platform; and an exhibit management means for exhibiting the m target products on the EC platform in response to the exhibit instruction, wherein the inventory management means decreases the first inventory quantity of the m target products that have been exhibited, and increases the second inventory quantity by m.

[0007] An information processing method and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, inventory of products for sale and actual inventory can be managed separately, thereby broadening the scope of sales strategies of product sellers.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management server constituting the information processing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server constituting the information processing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of inventory management of target products by the management server. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen for live streaming on SNS. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing a specific example of a screen for accepting an instruction to put up a target product. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another specific example of a screen for accepting an instruction to purchase a target product. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of access information acquired in real time as information about viewers.

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Information Processing System S> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system S according to one embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system S is an information processing system configured to include a management server 1, provider terminals 2-1 to 2-r (r is an integer value of 1 or greater), viewer terminals 3-1 to 3-q (q is an integer value of 1 or greater), and distributor terminals 4-1 to 4-t (t is an integer value of 1 or greater), all connected via a network N.

[0011] The network N is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), etc. Hereinafter, when there is no need to explain each of the provider terminals 2-1 to 2-r connected to the network N individually, they will be collectively referred to as "provider terminals 2." Furthermore, when there is no need to explain each of the viewer terminals 3-1 to 3-q individually, they will be collectively referred to as "viewer terminals 3." Furthermore, when there is no need to explain each of the distributor terminals 4-1 to 4-t individually, they will be collectively referred to as "distributor terminals 4."

[0012] The information processing system S is an information processing system that enables SNS live commerce, which combines CtoC (Consumer to Consumer: transactions between individuals), BtoC (Business to Consumer: transactions directed at consumers), and SNS (Social Networking Service). The information processing system S provides a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as the "dedicated app") that enables SNS live commerce. The dedicated app enables EC (Electronic Commerce) businesses to list products and viewers to purchase the products during live SNS distribution.

[0013] [Management Server 1] The management server 1 constituting the information processing system S is an information processing device that serves as a server that manages the entire information processing system S. The management server 1 is capable of executing dedicated applications. The management server 1 transmits various types of information to the provider terminal 2, the viewer terminal 3, the broadcaster terminal 4, and external devices, and enables various processes to be executed. The management server 1 also acquires various types of information transmitted from the provider terminal 2, the viewer terminal 3, the broadcaster terminal 4, and external devices, and enables various processes to be executed.

[0014] For example, the management server 1 controls live streaming on SNS. Specifically, a broadcaster who broadcasts live on SNS issues an instruction to start live streaming on SNS (hereinafter referred to as a "broadcast start instruction") by inputting information into the broadcaster terminal 4. In response to this instruction, the management server 1 controls the start of live streaming on SNS based on the broadcast start instruction.

[0015] Furthermore, the management server 1 controls the listing of products (hereinafter referred to as "target products") that are the subject of online sales during live streaming on SNS. Specifically, when the EC business operator issues an instruction to list the target products (hereinafter referred to as "listing instruction") by inputting an instruction to the business operator to list the target products through the business operator terminal 2, the management server 1 controls the EC business operator to list the target products during live streaming on SNS based on the listing instruction.

[0016] Here, "control for listing" refers to, for example, control for displaying a target product listed by an e-commerce business operator during a live SNS broadcast by a broadcaster in a selectable manner on the SNS live streaming screen. In this case, "control for displaying in a selectable manner" refers to, for example, control for displaying a user interface that enables online sales of the target product superimposed on the SNS live streaming screen.

[0017] The management server 1 manages the actual inventory quantity (hereinafter referred to as the "first inventory quantity") of target products that have been put up for live streaming on SNS. The management server 1 also manages the inventory quantity (hereinafter referred to as the "second inventory quantity") of the target products that is being put up for live streaming on SNS separately from the first inventory quantity. Furthermore, the management server 1 manages the second inventory quantities of target products that are being put up for live streaming on multiple SNSs separately on a listing basis. The management server 1 also makes it possible to manage the traceability of target products using blockchain technology.

[0018] The management server 1 receives, as a listing instruction from an EC business operator, an instruction to list m target products (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) out of a first inventory quantity of n products (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1). The management server 1 lists the m target products in accordance with the received listing instruction, decreases the first inventory quantity of the m target products, and increases the second inventory quantity by m products. Here, upon receiving one listing instruction, the management server 1 can list the m target products on each of multiple pre-set EC platforms, or can list a total of m target products on multiple pre-set EC platforms.

[0019] The management server 1 manages the display mode of m target products to be put up for sale during a live SNS broadcast for each listing unit. For example, when the same target product with a common first inventory quantity is put up for sale in multiple listing units, the management server 1 displays, on the SNS live broadcast screen, product names or product codes for each of the multiple listing units with identification information added thereto. Here, the "identification information" added to the product names or product codes is, for example, a so-called branch number consisting of a combination of a hyphen and a number. Specific examples of identification information added to product names or product codes will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, etc.

[0020] The management server 1 can receive advance listing instructions for target products to be put up for sale during live streaming on SNS. The advance listing instructions are received for each live streaming on SNS. For example, when the management server 1 receives advance listing instructions for m target products for a certain live streaming on SNS, the management server 1 puts up the m target products for sale during the live streaming on SNS.

[0021] The management server 1 also enables a product for which a prior listing instruction has not been received to be put up for sale during a live SNS broadcast. In this case, when a product for which a prior listing instruction has not been received appears during a live SNS broadcast and a listing instruction is issued, the management server 1 acquires information about the product and lists it for sale. Specifically, the management server 1 acquires information such as a captured image of the product, the product name, price, specifications, first stock quantity, and second stock quantity, and lists the product for sale. In this case, the management server 1 may capture an image of the product displayed on the SNS live broadcast screen, acquire the captured image, and display it on the SNS live broadcast screen as the target product. Furthermore, the management server 1 may acquire information about the product through a web search and display it on the SNS live broadcast screen as information about the target product.

[0022] The management server 1 has a function for conducting so-called auctions. That is, the management server 1 can determine a successful bidder who will purchase a target product that has been put up for sale during a live SNS broadcast, based on bids from one or more viewers who wish to purchase the product. In this case, the management server 1 can determine the viewer who made the bid as the successful bidder, provided that a preset time has elapsed since the bid was made. Furthermore, the management server 1 has a function for conducting so-called countdown auctions. That is, the management server 1 can lower the listing price of a target product that has been put up for sale during a live SNS broadcast over time. The management server 1 may use AI (artificial intelligence) to conduct bidding in auctions and countdown auctions.

[0023] The management server 1 makes it possible to notify a person who has been predetermined as a person who can influence viewers' purchasing desire that a live broadcast is being performed on SNS. Here, "a person who has been predetermined as a person who can influence viewers' purchasing desire" refers to, for example, a so-called influencer who has been registered in advance.

[0024] The management server 1 manages payments for the target products. Specifically, for example, the management server 1 manages payments for the target products by accepting the selection of a cryptocurrency as a payment method for the target products and enabling the display of a payment price based on the exchange rate of the selected cryptocurrency.

[0025] The management server 1 enables the management of target products purchased by viewers as digital assets of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). In this case, when a target product managed as a digital asset of NFTs is resold, the management server 1 makes it possible to return a pre-specified percentage or amount as revenue to the e-commerce business operator of the target product or the creator of the target product.

[0026] The management server 1 makes it possible to superimpose a user interface for implementing a predetermined event on the SNS live streaming screen. In this case, the "predetermined event" is, for example, a giveaway campaign based on a lottery. The management server 1 also makes it possible to display information related to advertising for a target product listed by an EC business operator on the SNS live streaming screen in which a target product from an EC business other than the EC business operator is listed.

[0027] The management server 1 manages the amount of money contributed by each of multiple viewers and provides eligible products that can be purchased with the total amount of that money to one or more viewers who win a lottery. This allows, for example, a viewer to save money each month for a predetermined period, allowing that viewer to receive a predetermined amount once during that period. Specifically, for example, assume that one viewer contributes 10,000 yen each month, the predetermined period is three years (36 months), and there are 36 viewers who are saving. In this case, the predetermined amount is 360,000 yen, and a lottery is held each month in which one of the 36 viewers who are saving can purchase a product worth 360,000 yen. As a result, each of the 36 viewers who are saving will win the lottery at least once during the three years (36 months). The functional configuration and processing flow of the management server 1 will be described later.

[0028] [Business Operator Terminal 2] The business operator terminal 2 is an information processing device operated by an EC business operator who offers products for live streaming on SNS. The business operator terminal 2 is configured, for example, as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The business operator terminal 2 is capable of executing a dedicated app. The business operator terminal 2 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1 and external parties, and various information input by the EC business operator. The business operator terminal 2 is also capable of transmitting various information to both the management server 1 and external parties.

[0029] For example, the business operator terminal 2 receives an operation to launch a dedicated application and displays on the display a user interface for listing a product for live streaming on the SNS. A specific example of the user interface displayed on the display of the business operator terminal 2 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 .

[0030] The business operator terminal 2 also transmits a listing instruction input to the user interface by the EC business operator to the management server 1. The listing instruction includes, for example, information that can uniquely identify the SNS on which the product is listed, a captured image of the product related to the listing, the product name, price, specifications, first stock quantity, second stock quantity, etc. As described above, the listing instruction may be issued in advance before the start of the live SNS broadcast, or may be issued during the live SNS broadcast. The functional configuration and processing flow of the business operator terminal 2 will be described later.

[0031] [Viewer Terminal 3] The viewer terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by a viewer who watches a live SNS broadcast and, if necessary, purchases products put up for sale during the live SNS broadcast. The viewer terminal 3 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The viewer terminal 3 is capable of executing a dedicated app. The viewer terminal 3 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1 and external parties, as well as various information input by the viewer. The viewer terminal 3 is also capable of transmitting various information to both the management server 1 and external parties.

[0032] For example, the viewer terminal 3 accepts an operation to launch a dedicated app and displays a screen of the SNS live streaming on its display. A specific example of the SNS live streaming screen displayed on the display of the viewer terminal 3 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 . When a viewer issues an instruction to purchase a product (hereinafter referred to as a "purchase instruction") through an input operation, the viewer terminal 3 accepts the purchase instruction. The viewer terminal 3 then transmits the accepted purchase instruction to the management server 1. The purchase instruction includes information necessary to purchase the product offered on the SNS live streaming screen, such as information that can uniquely identify the product to be purchased, the quantity to be purchased, and the bid price if the product is being sold through bidding. The functional configuration and processing flow of the viewer terminal 3 will be described later.

[0033] [Distributor Terminal 4] The broadcaster terminal 4 is an information processing device operated by a broadcaster who broadcasts live on SNS. The broadcaster terminal 4 is configured, for example, as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. The broadcaster terminal 4 is capable of executing dedicated apps. The broadcaster terminal 4 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1 and external parties, as well as various information input by the broadcaster. The broadcaster terminal 4 is also capable of transmitting various information to both the management server 1 and external parties.

[0034] For example, the broadcaster terminal 4 receives an operation to launch a dedicated app and displays a screen for live streaming on the display. The broadcaster terminal 4 also receives an input operation by the broadcaster to issue a command to start streaming and transmits the input information to the management server 1. The functional configuration and processing flow of the broadcaster terminal 4 will be described later.

[0035] The above-described processing by each of the management server 1, the provider terminal 2, the viewer terminal 3, and the distributor terminal 4 that constitute the information processing system S is merely an example. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system S as a whole to have the functions to realize the above-described processing, and some or all of the functions to realize the above-described processing may be shared or cooperated within the information processing system S.

[0036] For example, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be functions of other information processing devices in the information processing system S. Also, some or all of the functions of other information processing devices in the information processing system S may be functions of the management server 1. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be transferred to other servers (not shown). This promotes processing in the information processing system S as a whole and also makes it possible for processes to complement each other.

[0037] <Hardware Configuration> [Hardware Configuration of Management Server 1] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1 that constitutes the information processing system S of Fig. 1. The management server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0038] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data and the like required for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0039] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc., and outputs various types of information as images, sounds, etc. The input unit 17 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and accepts input of various types of information. The storage unit 18 is composed of a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various types of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices via the above-mentioned network N, which is composed of the Internet, etc.

[0040] Removable media 21, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0041] [Hardware configuration of the provider terminal 2, viewer terminal 3, and distributor terminal 4] The provider terminal 2, viewer terminal 3, and distributor terminal 4 have the same hardware configuration as the management server 1 shown in Fig. 2. That is, the provider terminal 2, viewer terminal 3, and distributor terminal 4 each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, bus, input / output interface, output unit, input unit, memory unit, communication unit, drive, and removable media, which correspond to the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, bus 14, input / output interface 15, output unit 16, input unit 17, memory unit 18, communication unit 19, drive 20, and removable media 21, respectively, in Fig. 2.

[0042] In addition to the hardware configuration, the business operator terminal 2 and the distributor terminal 4 also have an imaging unit. The imaging unit is also connected to the input / output interface. The imaging unit is composed of a camera or the like, and enables, for example, imaging of a target product when it is put up for sale or imaging of a product displayed on the screen during live streaming on SNS.

[0043] <Functional Configuration> [Functional Configuration of Management Server 1] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 1 that constitutes the information processing system S of Figure 1. In the CPU 11 of the management server 1, an acquisition unit 31, a data management unit 32 as inventory management means, a display instruction receiving unit 33 as display instruction receiving means, a display management unit 34 as display management means, and a display control unit 35 as display control means function. In addition, in the CPU 11, a notification unit 36 ​​as notification means, a payment management unit 37 as payment management means, an asset management unit 38 as asset management means, a product lottery unit 39 as product lottery means, and a transmission control unit 40 function.

[0044] Furthermore, various databases are provided in the storage unit 18 of the management server 1. For example, a first inventory DB 41 that stores the first inventory quantity in a database and a second inventory DB 42 that stores the second inventory information in a database are provided.

[0045] The acquisition unit 31 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 31 acquires various types of information transmitted from the business operator terminal 2 to the management server 1. Examples of information transmitted from the business operator terminal 2 to the management server 1 include listing instructions. The acquisition unit 31 also acquires various types of information transmitted from the viewer terminal 3 to the management server 1. Examples of information transmitted from the viewer terminal 3 to the management server 1 include purchase instructions.

[0046] The data management unit 32 stores and manages various information in the database of the storage unit 18. For example, the data management unit 32 stores and manages the first inventory quantity of the target product in the first inventory DB 41. The data management unit 32 also stores and manages the second inventory information of the target product in the second inventory DB 42. In this way, the data management unit 32 manages the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity of the target product separately. When m target products are put up for sale, the data management unit 32 decreases the first inventory quantity of the put up m target products and increases the second inventory quantity by m.

[0047] The data management unit 32 manages the second inventory quantities of target products being offered for sale in live streaming on each of multiple SNSs, distinguishing them by listing. That is, the data management unit 32 manages the second inventory quantities of target products offered for sale during live streaming on one SNS and the second inventory quantities of identical target products offered for sale during live streaming on another SNS, but sharing the same first inventory quantity. The data management unit 32 enables management of the traceability of target products using blockchain technology. The data management unit 32 can use IoT sensors to manage real-time inventory tracking and delivery status information using blockchain technology. The traceability information of target products using blockchain technology is provided so that it can be viewed on the business operator terminal 2 and the viewer terminal 3 (particularly the terminal of the viewer who made a successful bid or purchase).

[0048] The listing instruction receiving unit 33 receives listing instructions from the EC business operator. For example, the listing instruction receiving unit 33 receives listing instructions to list m target products out of n first inventory quantities during a live SNS broadcast. Furthermore, the listing instruction receiving unit 33 receives advance listing instructions for the target products to be put up for sale during the live SNS broadcast for each live SNS broadcast.

[0049] The listing management unit 34 lists m target products for the SNS live stream in response to the listing instruction received by the listing instruction receiving unit 33. The listing management unit 34 manages the display mode of the m target products to be listed for the SNS live stream for each listing unit. For example, when the same target product having a common first inventory quantity is listed in multiple listing units, the listing management unit 34 displays, on the SNS live stream screen, product names or product codes for each of the multiple listing units with identification information added.

[0050] When one listing instruction is received from the e-commerce operator, the listing management unit 34 enables m target products to be listed for live streaming on each of a plurality of pre-set SNSs. That is, the listing management unit 34 enables m target products to be listed for live streaming on one SNS and m target products to be listed for live streaming on another SNS. The listing management unit 34 also enables a total of m target products to be listed for live streaming on each of a plurality of pre-set SNSs. That is, the listing management unit 34 enables the listing of target products so that the total quantity of target products listed for live streaming on one SNS and the total quantity of target products listed for live streaming on another SNS equals m.

[0051] The listing management unit 34 lists m target products for which a listing instruction has been received in advance by the listing instruction receiving unit 33, in the live SNS broadcast. The listing management unit 34 also acquires and lists information (e.g., captured images) about products for which a listing instruction has not been received in advance by the listing instruction receiving unit 33. The listing management unit 34 also makes it possible to lower the listing prices of target products that have been listed during the live SNS broadcast over time.

[0052] The listing management unit 34 makes it possible to determine a successful bidder who will purchase a target product that has been listed for live streaming on SNS, based on bids from one or more viewers who wish to purchase the product. The listing management unit 34 makes it possible to determine the viewer who made the bid as the successful bidder, on the condition that a preset time has passed since the bid was made. The listing management unit 34 makes it possible to have AI (artificial intelligence) carry out the bidding.

[0053] The display control unit 35 superimposes a user interface for online sales of the target product on the SNS live streaming screen displayed on each of the business operator terminal 2 and the viewer terminal 3. The display control unit 35 also enables a user interface for holding a predetermined event (e.g., a gift campaign by lottery) to be superimposed on the SNS live streaming screen. The display control unit 35 also enables information about an advertisement for the target product offered by a certain EC business during a SNS live streaming, to be displayed together with the SNS live streaming screen on which the target product of another EC business is offered. The display control unit 35 also enables the advertisement information for the target product to be displayed not only on product pages of other EC businesses, but also to a wider audience by utilizing a predetermined advertising distribution platform.

[0054] The notification unit 36 ​​makes it possible to notify a person (for example, a so-called influencer) who has been predetermined as someone who can influence the purchasing desire of viewers of the live SNS broadcast that the SNS is currently broadcasting live.

[0055] The payment management unit 37 manages payments for products that are put up for sale during live streaming on SNS and purchased by viewers. For example, the payment management unit 37 accepts the selection of cryptocurrency as the payment method for the products purchased by the viewer, and enables the display of the payment price based on the exchange rate of the selected cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the payment management unit 37 can improve security by combining multi-factor authentication, transaction monitoring, etc.

[0056] The asset management unit 38 enables the management of target products purchased by viewers of live streaming on SNS as NFT digital assets. When a target product managed as an NFT digital asset is resold, the asset management unit 38 enables a pre-specified percentage or amount to be returned as revenue to the e-commerce business operator or creator of the target product.

[0057] The product lottery unit 39 manages the amounts of money provided by multiple viewers watching the live streaming on SNS, and can provide target products that can be purchased with the total amount of money provided to one or more viewers selected by lottery. The product lottery unit 39 can allow users (viewers, etc.) to participate in a lottery in exchange for a predetermined amount of compensation (for example, the use of points or virtual currency on an EC platform or SNS). The product lottery unit 39 can also broadcast the lottery event in real time (broadcasting the drawing and announcement of winning numbers). This improves viewer engagement with the target products, etc.

[0058] The transmission control unit 40 controls the communication unit 19 (see FIG. 2 ) to transmit various types of information to each of the operator terminal 2, the viewer terminal 3, the distributor terminal 4, and the outside. For example, the transmission control unit 40 controls the transmission of control information for displaying the SNS live streaming screen on a display to each of the operator terminal 2, the viewer terminal 3, and the distributor terminal 4.

[0059] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of inventory management of target products by the management server 1. When a distribution start instruction is issued by input operation on the broadcaster terminal 4 (YES in step S1), the management server 1 performs control to start live distribution on SNS based on the distribution start instruction (step S2). On the other hand, if a distribution start instruction has not been issued (NO in step S1), the management server 1 repeats the determination processing of step S1.

[0060] When the management server 1 receives a listing instruction to list m target products out of the n first inventory quantities (YES in step S3), the management server 1 lists m target products in accordance with the received listing instruction (step S4).The management server 1 then decreases the first inventory quantity of the target products by m and increases the second inventory quantity by m (step S5), and ends the process (END).On the other hand, when a listing instruction has not been received (NO in step S3), the management server 1 repeats the determination process of step S3.

[0061] <Specific Example> [Specific Example of a Screen for Live SNS Streaming] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen for live SNS streaming. The live streaming screen includes display areas F1 and F2. Display area F1 of the live streaming screen displays an image captured by the camera of the imaging unit of the broadcaster terminal 4 of the broadcaster performing the live SNS streaming, or by an external camera connected to the broadcaster terminal 4 for performing the live SNS streaming. In the example shown in Fig. 5, an image captured by broadcaster D performing live SNS streaming is displayed in display area F1. Broadcaster D, displayed in display area F1, is holding a stuffed animal as target product M.

[0062] Display area F2 of the live streaming screen displays comments from the chatbot, information about the target product M that was put up for sale during the live streaming on the SNS, and information for purchasing the target product. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , a comment C, "A new stuffed toy has been put up for sale!", is displayed as a comment from the chatbot to inform viewers that the target product M has been put up for sale. Information about the put-upon target product M includes a thumbnail image P1 of the target product M, the product name "stuffed toy," the current price "6,600 JPY," and a button B1 for displaying detailed information. Information for purchasing the target product also includes a countdown timer T for conducting a countdown auction, a button B2 labeled "Buy Now," and a button B3 labeled "Add to Cart." The viewer presses button B2 to immediately purchase the target product, which is the stuffed toy, or presses button B3 to consider purchasing the product.

[0063] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing specific examples of screens for accepting instructions to put up a product. The screens for accepting instructions to put up a product are configured with a screen including display areas F11 to F13 shown in Fig. 6A and a screen including display areas F14 to F16 shown in Fig. 6B.

[0064] Display area F11 of the screen shown in FIG. 6(A) displays the notation "List," a button B11 labeled "Take Photo," and a button B12 labeled "Album." When button B11 is pressed, the camera of the imaging unit of the business operator terminal 2 is activated, making it possible to capture an image of the target product. When button B12 is pressed, a list of captured images stored in the memory unit of the business operator terminal 2 is displayed. If the EC business operator does not have a captured image of the target product to be listed, the EC business operator can capture an image of the target product by pressing button B11 and register the captured image. If the EC business operator has a captured image of the target product to be listed, the EC business operator can press button B12 to select and register the captured image of the target product from the list of captured images.

[0065] 6A, the display area F12 displays the notation "Items currently on sale" and thumbnail images P11 to P14 of target items that were put up for sale during the live streaming on SNS as a result of a listing instruction being issued. Specifically, as the put-up target items, identical blankets with a common first inventory quantity are displayed in four listing units with branch numbers assigned, such as "Blanket-1," "Blanket-2," "Blanket-3," and "Blanket-4."

[0066] Display area F3 of the screen shown in Fig. 6(A) displays the notation "Saved Listed Items" and thumbnail images P15 and P16 of target items that have not yet been listed and for which a listing instruction has not yet been issued. Specifically, as target items that have not yet been listed, identical stuffed animals with a common first inventory quantity are displayed in two listing units with branch numbers such as "Stuffed Animal-1" and "Stuffed Animal-2." Here, when the e-commerce business operator performs an operation to register a captured image of the target item by pressing button B11 or button B12, the screen shown in Fig. 6(B) is displayed.

[0067] In the display area F14 of the screen shown in FIG. 6(B), the words "Product Photo" and a thumbnail image of a captured image of the target product are displayed. Specifically, a thumbnail image of a captured image of a stuffed toy, which is the target product, is displayed. Also, in the display area F14, a button B13 labeled "Add" is displayed. By pressing the button B13, the e-commerce business operator can add and register a captured image of the stuffed toy, which is the target product.

[0068] Display area F15 of the screen shown in FIG. 6(B) displays the notation "Product Details," a button B14 labeled "Category," and a button B15 labeled "Product Condition." By pressing button B14, the EC business operator can select and register the category of the target product, which is a stuffed animal. In the example shown in FIG. 6(B), the category "Manga" is selected. Furthermore, by pressing button B15, the EC business operator can register the condition of the target product, which is a stuffed animal.

[0069] Display area F16 of the screen shown in FIG. 6(B) displays the notation "Product Name and Description," an input field R1 for inputting the product name of the target product, and an input field R2 for inputting a description of the target product. The EC business can register the target product by inputting the product name of the target product in input field R1. In the example shown in FIG. 6(B), "stuffed toy" is input in input field R1. The EC business can also register the target product by inputting a description of the target product in input field R2.

[0070] The description of the target product may be entered by the e-commerce business operator themselves, or the e-commerce business operator may have AI (artificial intelligence) create the description by pressing a button B16 labeled "AI Automatic Generation." In this case, the e-commerce business operator enters keywords related to the target product in the input field R2 and presses a button B17 labeled "Generate Description." The AI ​​then creates a description of the target product and outputs it to the output field R11. In the example shown in FIG. 6(B), the output field R11 displays a description such as, "We have cute stuffed animals in stock! They have a soft, fluffy texture and adorable expressions. We have a variety of animal and character plush toys, large and small, so please choose your favorite..."

[0071] [Specific Example of Screen for Receiving Purchase Instructions] FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) are diagrams showing other specific examples of a screen for receiving a purchase instruction for a target product. As shown in FIG. 5 described above, a viewer can issue a purchase instruction for a target product from the screen of a live distribution on SNS, but can also issue a purchase instruction for a target product from a screen other than the screen of the live distribution on SNS. The screens shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) are screens that enable reception of a purchase instruction from a viewer, and are composed of a screen including display areas F21 and F22 shown in FIG. 7(A) and the screen shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0072] In the display area F21 of the screen shown in FIG. 7(A), there are shown notations of "Sellers Being Followed" and thumbnail images P21 to P24 of EC merchants registered as follow-up targets by the viewer. When the viewer performs an operation of selecting a desired EC merchant from the thumbnail images P21 to P24, a list of target products offered by the selected EC merchant is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the viewer performs an operation of selecting the EC merchant of the thumbnail image P21.

[0073] In the display area F22 of the screen shown in FIG. 7(A), there are shown notations of "Products Being Offered" and thumbnail images P31 to P33 of target products offered by the EC merchant selected by the viewer. In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), thumbnail images P31 labeled "Stuffed Toy - 1", P32 labeled "Stuffed Toy - 2", and P33 labeled "Stuffed Toy - 3" are shown.

[0074] Of the thumbnail images P31 to P33 shown in the display area F22, thumbnail images P31 and P32 each have an icon I labeled "Sold Out" superimposed on them. The icon I indicates that the second stock quantity of each of the stuffed animals (same stuffed animals with the same first stock quantity) associated with thumbnail images P31 and P32 is 0 (zero). In contrast, the icon I is not superimposed on thumbnail image P33. This indicates that the second stock quantity of the same stuffed animal (same stuffed animal with the same first stock quantity) associated with thumbnail image P33 is at least one. Here, suppose that the viewer performs an operation to select thumbnail image P33 of "Stuffed Animal-3." This causes the screen shown in FIG. 7(B) to be displayed.

[0075] The screen shown in FIG. 7(B) displays the notation "Selected Product," a captured image P43 of the target product "Plush Toy-3" selected by the viewer, the product name "Plush Toy," the price "6,600 JPY," and a product description. The purchase instruction acceptance screen shown in FIG. 7(B) also displays a button B21 labeled "Buy Now" and a button B22 labeled "Add to Cart." The viewer presses button B21 if they wish to immediately purchase the target product "Plush Toy-3," or presses button B22 if they wish to consider purchasing it. When button B22 is pressed, the quantity V of the contents of the cart, which is displayed in the upper right area of ​​the purchase instruction acceptance screen shown in FIG. 7(B), is incremented. In the example shown in FIG. 7(B), the quantity V of the contents of the cart is incremented from "6" to "7."

[0076] As described above, the information processing system S enables e-commerce businesses to list products for sale and viewers to purchase the products during live streaming on SNS, but also enables viewers to purchase products even when live streaming is not being performed. In this case, the management server 1 updates the products listed on SNS based on at least one of information related to the products, viewers, sales profits, and inventory turnover.

[0077] For example, the management server 1 updates the target products listed on the SNS by listing different target products each day as information about the target products. In this case, the management server 1 may automatically perform the process of listing the target products or may perform the process in response to instructions from the EC business operator. Furthermore, the management server 1 updates the target products listed on the SNS by changing the price of the target product based on a standard or algorithm set for each day as information about the target product. Furthermore, the management server 1 updates the target products listed on the SNS by previously registering detailed information about the target product, a first inventory quantity, a second inventory quantity, cost, shipping fee, etc.

[0078] The management server 1 also updates the target products listed on the SNS by optimizing the profit margin based on the quantity and unit price of the target products ultimately purchased as information regarding the sales profit of the target products. The management server 1 also updates the target products listed on the SNS by changing the price of the target products in accordance with the inventory turnover rate calculated from changes in the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity.

[0079] The management server 1 also recommends optimal products for each viewer based on purchase information, such as the past purchase history of the target products listed on the SNS, as viewer information, thereby enabling the updating of target products listed on the SNS. The management server 1 also acquires access information, including the number of accesses to the SNS, in real time as viewer information, and adjusts the timing of listing the target products based on the detected number, thereby enabling the updating of target products listed on the SNS. The management server 1 also updates the target products listed on the SNS by varying the target products displayed on the SNS screen and their prices based on the current location and access time of the viewer accessing the SNS, as viewer information. The management server 1 can also have AI (artificial intelligence) perform the above-described process of updating target products listed on the SNS. Specifically, for example, the management server 1 can use AI to not only manage bids, but also set prices for listed products and recommend products based on viewer preferences.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of access information acquired in real time as information about viewers. FIG. 8 shows an example of a user interface displayed on the provider terminal 2 as access information acquired in real time. The user interface shown in FIG. 8 shows the number of users over the past 30 minutes, the number of users per minute, the category of devices (viewer terminals 3) over the past 30 minutes, and the number of users by SNS. It also shows the number of users as viewers, the number of page views, the number of events by event, and the number of conversions by event. The access information shown in FIG. 8 is, for example, information used in a process of updating a target product listed on an SNS.

[0081] 8 and some or all of the purchase information, such as the viewer's purchase history, may be provided to the business operator terminal 2 (the terminal of the live stream broadcaster or the terminal of the person managing the listings) during the live stream. Furthermore, the management server 1 may use AI (artificial intelligence) to update the target products listed on SNS or e-commerce platforms during the live stream based on the analysis results of the live stream. Furthermore, the analysis results may include, for example, information regarding trends in popular products and predictions of when to replenish them.

[0082] <Advantageous Effects of the Present Embodiment> According to the above-described embodiment, the inventory of products to be sold and the actual inventory can be managed separately, thereby broadening the scope of the sales strategy of the product seller.

[0083] <Others> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. For example, the specific examples shown in each of Figures 5 to 7 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the present service has been described as managing the actual inventory quantity (first inventory quantity) of the target product in the management server 1 and managing the inventory quantity (second inventory quantity) of the product being sold on multiple EC platforms (including live streaming on SNS), but is not particularly limited to this. That is, for example, the management server 1 may not only provide each function directly to the business operator terminal 2 and the viewer terminal 3, but also indirectly provide each function, for example, in the form of OEM provision or API provision to sales platforms of other companies other than the provider of the present service.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the above-described functional configuration is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to be provided with a function that can execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the above-described example.

[0086] The location of the functional blocks is not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional blocks of the management server 1 may be transferred to another device, or the functional blocks of another device may be transferred to a server. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0087] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0088] The recording medium containing such a program may be configured as a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to users, etc., or may be configured as a recording medium that is pre-installed in the device main body and provided to users, etc. Since the program can be distributed via a network, the recording medium may be installed in or accessible from a computer that is connected or connectable to the network.

[0089] In this specification, the steps describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. Also, in this specification, the term "system" means an overall device composed of multiple devices or multiple means, etc.

[0090] In other words, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations: (1) That is, an information processing system S to which the present invention is applied includes: inventory management means (e.g., the data management unit 32 in FIG. 3 ) that distinguishes between and manages a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of target products, and a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity that is being put up for sale on an EC platform that sells the target products online (e.g., live streaming on SNS), listing instruction receiving means (e.g., the listing instruction receiving unit 33 in FIG. 3 ) that receives listing instructions to list m target products (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) of the n first inventory quantities (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) on the EC platform, and listing management means (e.g., the listing management unit 34 in FIG. 3 ) that lists the m target products on the EC platform in response to the listing instructions, and the inventory management means decreases the first inventory quantity of the m put up for sale and increases the second inventory quantity by m.

[0091] This automatically manages the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity in response to a listing instruction targeting an arbitrary quantity (m units) of the first inventory quantity of the target product. As a result, the EC business can, for example, limit the listing quantity to make the target product scarce as a sales strategy to increase viewers' purchasing desire. Furthermore, because the EC business issues listing instructions within the range of the first inventory quantity, it can reduce the workload required for inventory management while preventing listing errors such as overlisting of the target product.

[0092] (2) The inventory management means can also manage the second inventory quantities of the target products being listed on each of the multiple EC platforms separately by listing unit. As a result, even if one EC business is listing target products on multiple EC platforms, the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantities of each of the products being listed on each of the multiple EC platforms are managed by listing unit in accordance with instructions from the EC business. As a result, the EC business can keep the second inventory quantities of the target products being listed on each of the multiple EC platforms different for each listing unit within the range of the first inventory quantity. Furthermore, the second inventory quantities of target products being listed on external EC platforms, where inventory management is difficult, can also be easily managed.

[0093] (3) The listing management means also manages the display mode of the m target products listed on the EC platform for each listing unit. When the same target product having the same first inventory quantity is listed in multiple listing units, the product names or product codes of each of the multiple listing units can be displayed on the EC platform with identification information (e.g., branch numbers) added. This allows the EC business operator to list the same target product having the same first inventory quantity in multiple listing units, thereby creating a sense of rarity for the listed target products, for example, by limiting the second inventory quantity for each listing unit. As a result, the viewer's desire to purchase can be instantly increased.

[0094] (4) The listing management means can update the target product to be listed on the EC platform based on at least one of information related to the target product, information related to viewers, information related to the sales profit of the target product, and information related to the inventory turnover rate calculated from the first inventory quantity and the second inventory information. This improves the efficiency of listing of target products. Furthermore, even when the EC platform is not live streaming, the target product being listed is updated each time a viewer watches the EC platform, giving viewers the impression that the content is being live streamed. As a result, viewers' purchasing motivation can be increased.

[0095] (5) When one of the listing instructions is received, the listing management means can list m units of the target products on each of a plurality of pre-set EC platforms, or a total of m units of the target products. This eliminates the need for the EC operator to perform individual operations to list the target products on each of the plurality of EC platforms, thereby reducing costs associated with listing the target products.

[0096] (6) The system further includes a display control unit (e.g., the display control unit 35 in FIG. 3 ) that displays a user interface (e.g., the display area F2 in FIG. 5 ) for selling the target products online superimposed on the screen of the live streaming on the SNS serving as the EC platform. When the listing instruction to list the target products is received during the live streaming on the EC platform, the listing management unit can list m target products on the EC platform in response to the listing instruction. This allows viewers to purchase the target products without leaving the SNS live streaming screen, even during the live streaming on the SNS. As a result, the purchase rate of the target products can be improved.

[0097] (7) Furthermore, the listing instruction receiving means receives advance listing instructions for the target products to be listed on the EC platform for each EC platform, and the listing management means lists m target products for which advance listing instructions have been received during live streaming on the EC platform, and acquires information (e.g., captured images) about products for which advance listing instructions have not been received and lists them. This allows an EC business operator to specify in advance the target products and the number of products to be listed on the EC platform, and the specified target products are automatically listed during the live streaming, thereby reducing costs associated with listing the target products. Furthermore, the EC business operator can list products not specified in advance during the live streaming, ensuring that no products are missed.

[0098] (8) The commodity management unit can also lower the commodity price of the commodity over time, enabling a so-called countdown auction, which can reduce unsold commodity sales.

[0099] (9) The bid management means may determine a successful bidder for the target product based on bids from one or more viewers who wish to purchase the product being put up for sale, and may determine the viewer who made the bid as the successful bidder on the condition that a preset time has elapsed since the bid was made. This enables an auction to be held during live streaming on SNS, allowing the put up target product to be bought and sold at a fair price.

[0100] (10) The bid management unit can also have AI (artificial intelligence) conduct the bidding. This allows AI (artificial intelligence) to conduct the bidding. As a result, the e-commerce business can reduce costs associated with listing the target products.

[0101] (11) The system may further include a notification means for notifying predetermined individuals (e.g., influencers) who may be able to influence viewers' purchasing desires that the social networking service is currently live streaming. This allows for the participation of individuals who may be able to influence viewers' purchasing desires during the SNS live streaming. As a result, viewers' purchasing desires can be increased.

[0102] (12) The system further includes a payment management means (e.g., the payment management unit 37 in FIG. 3) for managing payments for the target products, and the payment management means can accept the selection of a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) as a payment method for the target products and display the payment price based on the exchange rate of the selected cryptocurrency. This allows viewers to use cryptocurrency as a payment method when purchasing the target products, improving convenience.

[0103] (13) The system may further include an asset management unit (e.g., the asset management unit 38 in FIG. 3) that manages the target product purchased by the viewer as a digital asset of an NFT (non-fungible token), and when the target product managed as a digital asset of an NFT is resold, the asset management unit may return a predetermined percentage or amount as revenue to the e-commerce business operator or creator of the target product. This allows the target product to be managed as a digital asset of an NFT, enabling appropriate revenue distribution to the e-commerce business operator or creator of the target product.

[0104] (14) Furthermore, the inventory management means can manage the traceability of the target products using blockchain technology. This allows the product's distribution from the producer to the seller, from the seller to the purchaser, and from the purchaser's purchase to the logistics stage to be managed using information that cannot be tampered with. As a result, accidents such as non-delivery of the target products and fraudulent activities can be prevented, allowing e-commerce businesses and viewers to trade the target products with peace of mind.

[0105] (15) The display control means can also superimpose a user interface for holding a predetermined event (e.g., a gift campaign by lottery) on the screen of the live streaming of the EC platform. This allows various events to be held during the live streaming of the EC platform, which is expected to increase the number of viewers.

[0106] (16) The display control means can also display information about the advertisement for the target product listed by the EC business on an EC platform on which the target product of another EC business is listed. This allows EC businesses to collaborate with other EC businesses to post advertisements for the target product, thereby reducing advertising fees. For example, if one EC business lists product A and another EC business lists product B, an advertisement for product A can be displayed on the page on which product B is listed, and an advertisement for product A can be displayed on the page on which product A is listed. Furthermore, a sales strategy can be implemented in which product A is always included when a viewer purchases product B, or product B is always included when a viewer purchases product A.

[0107] (17) The program may further include a product lottery unit (e.g., the product lottery unit 39 in FIG. 3) that manages the amounts of money provided by the plurality of viewers and provides the target products that can be purchased with the total amount of money to one or more viewers selected by lottery. This allows viewers to participate in the lottery and, if they are lucky, can win a high-value target product, which is expected to increase the number of viewers.

[0108] (18) Furthermore, the information processing method to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations: That is, the information processing method to which the present invention is applied includes: a management step of distinguishing and managing a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of target products, from a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity that is being put up for sale on an EC platform that sells the target products online; a receiving step of receiving a listing instruction to list m target products (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) out of n first inventory quantities (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1); and a listing step of listing the m target products on the EC platform in response to the listing instruction, wherein in the management step, the first inventory quantity of the put up m target products is decreased and the second inventory quantity is increased by m.

[0109] (19) Furthermore, the program to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configuration: That is, the program to which the present invention is applied is a program that causes an information processing system (for example, the information processing system S in FIG. 1 ) to execute control processing including: a management step of distinguishing and managing a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of target products, from a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity that is being put up for sale on an EC platform that sells the target products online; a receiving step of receiving a listing instruction to list m (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) of the n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) first inventory quantities on the EC platform; and a listing step of listing the m target products on the EC platform in response to the listing instruction, wherein in the management step, the first inventory quantity of the put up m target products is decreased and the second inventory quantity is increased by m.

[0110] 1: Management server, 2: Business operator terminal, 3: Viewer terminal, 4: Distributor terminal, 11: CPU, 16: Output unit, 17: Input unit, 18: Memory unit, 19: Communication unit, 31: Acquisition unit, 32: Data management unit, 33: Exhibit instruction reception unit, 34: Exhibit management unit, 35: Display control unit, 36: Notification unit, 37: Settlement management unit, 38: Asset management unit, 39: Product lottery unit, 40: Transmission control unit, 41: First inventory DB, 42: Second inventory DB, S: Information processing system, N: Network

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: an inventory management means for distinguishing and managing a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of a target product, and a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity that is being listed on an EC platform that sells the target product online; a listing instruction receiving means for receiving a listing instruction to list m target products (m is an integer between 1 and n) out of n first inventory quantities (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) on the EC platform; and a listing management means for listing the m target products on the EC platform in response to the listing instruction, wherein the inventory management means decreases the first inventory quantity of the m listed target products and increases the second inventory quantity by m.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the inventory management means manages the second inventory quantity of the target product being listed on each of the plurality of EC platforms by distinguishing the second inventory quantity for each listing.

3. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the listing management means manages the display mode of the m target products to be listed on the EC platform for each listing unit, and when the same target product having the same first inventory quantity is listed in multiple listing units, the product name or product code of each of the multiple listing units is displayed on the EC platform with identification information added.

4. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the listing management means updates the target product to be listed on the EC platform based on at least one of information regarding the target product, information regarding viewers, information regarding sales profits of the target product, and information regarding inventory turnover calculated from the first inventory quantity and the second inventory quantity.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the listing management means, when one listing instruction is accepted, lists m or a total of m of the target products on each of a plurality of pre-set EC platforms.

6. The information processing system of claim 1, further comprising a display control means for superimposing a user interface for online sales of the target products on the screen of the live broadcast of the social network service as the EC platform, and wherein the listing management means, when the listing instruction to list the target products during the live broadcast of the EC platform is received, lists m number of the target products on the EC platform in accordance with the listing instruction.

7. The information processing system described in claim 6, wherein the listing instruction receiving means receives advance listing instructions for the target products to be listed on the EC platform for each EC platform, and the listing management means lists m target products for which advance listing instructions have been accepted during live streaming on the EC platform, and obtains information about products for which advance listing instructions have not been accepted and lists them.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the listing management means lowers the listing price of the listed target product over time.

9. The information processing system of claim 6, wherein the listing management means determines a successful bidder who will purchase the target product based on bids from one or more viewers who wish to purchase the target product being listed, and determines the viewer who made the bid as the successful bidder, provided that a predetermined time has passed since the bid was made.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein the bid management means causes AI (artificial intelligence) to carry out the bidding.

11. The information processing system according to claim 6, further comprising a notification means for notifying a person who has been predetermined as a person who may influence viewers' purchasing motivation that the social network service is currently live streaming.

12. An information processing system as described in claim 6, further comprising a payment management means for managing payment for the target product, wherein the payment management means accepts the selection of a cryptocurrency as the payment means for the target product and displays the payment price based on the exchange rate of the selected cryptocurrency.

13. The information processing system of claim 6, further comprising an asset management means for managing the target products purchased by viewers as digital assets of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), wherein when the target products managed as digital assets of NFTs are resold, the asset management means returns a pre-specified percentage or amount as revenue to the e-commerce operator or creator of the target products.

14. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the inventory management means manages the traceability of the target products using blockchain technology.

15. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the display control means displays a user interface for implementing a predetermined event superimposed on the live streaming screen of the EC platform.

16. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the display control means displays information relating to the advertisement of the target product listed by an EC business together with information relating to the advertisement of the target product listed by an EC business on an EC platform on which the target product of another EC business different from the EC business is listed.

17. The information processing system according to claim 6, further comprising a product lottery means for managing the amounts of money provided by a plurality of viewers and providing the target products that can be purchased with the total amount of money to one or more viewers selected by lottery.

18. An information processing method comprising: a management step of distinguishing and managing a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of the target product, and a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity currently being listed on an EC platform that sells the target product online; a receiving step of receiving a listing instruction to list m target products (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) out of n first inventory quantities (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) on the EC platform; and a listing step of listing the m target products on the EC platform in accordance with the listing instruction, wherein in the management step, the first inventory quantity of the m listed target products is decreased and the second inventory quantity is increased by m.

19. A program that causes an information processing system to execute control processing including: a management step of distinguishing and managing a first inventory quantity, which is the actual inventory quantity of the target product, and a second inventory quantity, which is the inventory quantity of the first inventory quantity that is being listed on an EC platform that sells the target product online; a receiving step of receiving a listing instruction to list m (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) of the first inventory quantity of n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) of the target products on the EC platform; and a listing step of listing the m target products on the EC platform in accordance with the listing instruction, wherein in the management step, the first inventory quantity of the m listed target products is decreased and the second inventory quantity is increased by m.

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