Transaction assistance system, transaction assistance method, and program

Abstract

The present invention assists with a transaction for an article by a user. The present invention is a transaction assistance system that includes a computer and assists with a transaction relating to an article, said transaction assistance system 100 being characterised by linking a first transaction platform 101 on which a first provider provides the article to a user and a second transaction platform 102 on which a second provider selected from among a plurality of providers different from the first provider provides the article to the user, wherein the computer identifies shape data of an article received from a client terminal on one transaction platform from among the first transaction platform and the second transaction platform and makes the identified shape data of the article available to the other transaction platform when a request to provide the shape data to the other transaction platform is received from the client terminal on the one transaction platform.

Description

Transaction Support System, Transaction Support Method, Program

[0001] The present invention relates to a transaction support system, a transaction support method, and a program.

[0002] Transactions of various items are being carried out. For example, a user who needs an item requests a manufacturer to manufacture the item. An estimate including manufacturing costs and delivery dates is created according to the design data and quantity of the item. When the orderer approves the estimate, the orderer places an order for the item with the manufacturer, and in some cases, a transaction is carried out where the manufacturer manufactures the ordered item.

[0003] There is a known technique for reducing the time loss caused by manually creating estimates by automating it (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically estimating the processing costs required for machining from the information of the product model of a CAD / CAM system.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-222441

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, there are transaction platforms where the provider is fixed, or transaction platforms where the provider can be selected. When a user wants to conduct a transaction of an item on one transaction platform while also considering a transaction of the item on the other transaction platform, the user needs to input information about the item such as shape data into both transaction platforms.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a technology for supporting the transaction of items by users.

[0007] The present invention relates to a transaction support system having a computer that supports transactions relating to goods, wherein the transaction support system links a first transaction platform in which a first provider provides the goods to a user, and a second transaction platform in which a second provider selected from a plurality of providers different from the first provider provides the goods to the user, and the computer identifies shape data of the goods received from a client terminal in one of the transaction platforms, and when the first transaction platform receives a request from the client terminal to provide the shape data to the other transaction platform, it makes the identified shape data of the goods available for use in the other transaction platform.

[0008] This invention can support users in trading goods.

[0009] This diagram shows the general configuration and processing flow of the transaction support system. This is a system configuration diagram of an example of the transaction support system. This is a detailed system configuration diagram of an example of the transaction support system. This diagram explains the relationship between the transaction support system and the first transaction platform and the second transaction platform. This diagram explains the relationship between the transaction support system and the first transaction platform and the second transaction platform. This diagram explains the relationship between the transaction support system and the first transaction platform and the second transaction platform. This diagram shows an example of a quotation creation screen displayed by a terminal device. This diagram shows an example of a quotation creation screen displayed by a terminal device, showing the state after the analysis of design data has been completed. This diagram shows an example of a 3D model screen displayed by a terminal device. This diagram shows an example of a quotation field after the quotation creation button has been pressed. This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device, goods procurement server, and MP server. This diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a goods procurement server, terminal device, and MP server. This diagram explains the recognition of error conditions. This diagram explains the recognition of error conditions. This is an example of a sequence diagram explaining the processing or operation when the goods procurement server receives an order for the provision of goods. This is an example of a screen transition diagram of a screen displayed by a terminal device. This diagram shows an example of a quotation creation screen. This is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 14. This is a diagram of an example of a terms and conditions document. This is a diagram of an example of a marketplace service screen. This is a diagram of an example of a marketplace service screen. This is an example sequence diagram illustrating the process flow in which the transaction support system provides the marketplace service to the buyer. This is a diagram illustrating the process flow when a terminal device is logged into the MP server, the MP server cooperates with the goods procurement server, and the terminal device connects to the goods procurement server. This is an example sequence diagram illustrating the basic processing performed by the transaction support system. This is an example sequence diagram illustrating the process in which the goods procurement server automatically transfers items for which a quote cannot be created to the marketplace service. This is an example sequence diagram illustrating the process in which design data is transferred from the MP server to the goods procurement server. This is an example flowchart illustrating the process performed by the goods procurement server when a quote can be created using multiple processing methods.This flowchart illustrates an example of how a procurement server automatically or manually determines whether a design data can be used for an estimate. It also shows an example of how an estimate creation screen, tailored to the client's attributes, is displayed on a terminal device.

[0010] Below, we will describe a trading support system and the trading support methods performed by the trading support system as an example of how this disclosure can be implemented.

[0011] <Outline> First, with reference to Figure 1, the general flow of how the transaction support system 100 of this embodiment procures goods will be explained. Figure 1 shows the general configuration and processing flow of the transaction support system 100. The terminal device 50 is operated by the person ordering the goods and is assumed to have design data for the goods in advance.

[0012] (1) The ordering party connects the terminal device 50 to the goods procurement server 30 by logging in to the goods procurement server 30. The terminal device 50 transmits design data and other information for the goods to be ordered to the goods procurement server 30 in response to the ordering party's operations. When the goods procurement server 30 receives the design data and other information for the goods from the ordering party, it automatically creates an estimate online and returns it to the terminal device 50. This type of service is called the goods procurement service. The transaction platform for providing the goods procurement service is called the "first transaction platform".

[0013] The goods procurement server 30 can provide and create quotations for goods that can be processed, manufactured, or procured through the goods procurement service. However, if the ordering party wishes to order goods with special specifications that cannot be provided through the goods procurement service, the server may determine that it cannot provide (this can also be rephrased as providing processing, manufacturing, adjustment, procurement, etc.) such goods.

[0014] Therefore, the transaction support system 100 provides a marketplace-type service (hereinafter referred to as the marketplace service). A marketplace is a trading market that connects sellers and buyers on the internet. In Japanese, it is also called an "electronic market," and a marketplace is a type of EC (Electronic Commerce). A marketplace provides a platform for realizing many-to-many electronic commerce online via a website.

[0015] The trading platform for providing marketplace services is called the "second trading platform." The marketplace service provided by the trading support system 100 connects partner vendors who can provide goods with buyers, and supports information communication, order processing, and payment between the two parties. The MP (Market Place) server has multiple partner vendors registered, selected by the operator of the goods procurement server 30.

[0016] (2) If the goods procurement server 30 determines that it cannot provide (handle) the goods such as the design data that has been sent, the ordering party may request a quote from the marketplace service. Even if the goods procurement server 30 can provide (handle) the goods such as the design data that has been sent, the ordering party may request a quote from the marketplace service in order to find a partner company that is more favorable in terms of cost and delivery time. The goods procurement server 30 receives the ordering party's operation to request a quote from the marketplace service and sends the design data to the MP server 10 by calling the API (Application Programming Interface) of the MP server 10.

[0017] When a client requests a quote from the marketplace service, the terminal device 50 automatically connects to the MP server 10 under the control of the goods procurement server 30. The terminal device 50 displays the status of design data reception and quote status from the MP server 10, allowing the client to check the quotes created by partner companies.

[0018] (3) The MP server 10 sends the request for quotation to the partner company via email or other means. The partner company to which the request for quotation is sent may be specified by the ordering party, or it may be through a bidding process.

[0019] (4) The partner company checks the design data, etc., to determine whether it is possible to provide the product, what the delivery time will be, and what the costs for manufacturing, processing, adjustment, procurement, and delivery will be, and prepares an estimate including the delivery time and price. The partner company operates the vendor terminal 70 and sends the estimate to the MP server 10.

[0020] (5) The terminal device 50 receives quotations registered by partner companies from the MP server 10. The ordering party can check the quotations created by the partner companies. If there are multiple partner companies that have agreed to create quotations, each partner company will create its own quotation. The ordering party can decide which partner company to order from by considering factors such as the partner company that prepares quotations quickly, the partner company with low manufacturing costs, or the reliability of the partner company.

[0021] As described above, the transaction support system 100 of this embodiment can automatically create an estimate for the provision of goods online using the goods procurement server 30. If an estimate for the provision of goods cannot be created (or is not possible to provide), or if the ordering party wishes, the transaction support system 100 makes the design data etc. sent to the goods procurement server 30 available on the marketplace service. Therefore, the ordering party does not need to search for a partner company that can provide the goods or send the design data again, thus reducing their burden. Even for goods that can be manufactured through the goods procurement service, the ordering party can use the marketplace service to request an estimate from the MP server 10, and can place an order with the supplier that offers the most favorable manufacturing costs and delivery times from the goods procurement service provider or one or more partner companies.

[0022] Furthermore, since the goods procurement service provided by the goods procurement server 30 can be obtained from the same provider, it reduces the effort required for the ordering party to manage deliveries and other related matters. However, since there are limitations to the goods that the same provider can offer, reducing the effort required to use a marketplace service that allows for a wide selection of partner companies makes it easier to provide the goods that the ordering party needs.

[0023] In this embodiment, the explanation will mainly focus on a situation where the terminal device 50 is connected to the goods procurement server 30 and the goods procurement server 30 then cooperates with the MP server 10. However, it is also possible for the process to proceed in the opposite direction, where the terminal device 50 is connected to the MP server 10 and the MP server 10 then cooperates with the goods procurement server 30.

[0024] Therefore, if a buyer wants to conduct a goods transaction on either the goods procurement server 30 or the MP server 10, and also wants to consider conducting a goods transaction on either the MP server 10 or the goods procurement server 30, the buyer can start the goods transaction on either server. In either case, the buyer does not need to resend the design data.

[0025] <Regarding Terminology> An article is a part or device used to construct machinery or equipment when manufacturing such equipment, and includes sheet metal parts, machined parts, welded parts, pressed parts, injection molded parts, mold parts, etc. An article may be a single item, or it may be composed of multiple other articles.

[0026] A goods procurement service is a service in which a goods procurement server automatically generates quotes and accepts orders for the provision of goods. A marketplace service, on the other hand, is a service in which partner vendors generate quotes and accept orders for the provision of goods. Goods procurement is one example of a transaction.

[0027] The first provider is the operator of the goods procurement server 30. The first provider may not be a single company but may include multiple companies. The first transaction platform is provided by the first provider and is a transaction platform with a fixed provider. The transaction platform is the underlying environment for providing services, including software and hardware.

[0028] The second provider is one or more providers selected from among multiple providers. The ordering party may select the second provider, or an AI or system may automatically select it. There may also be multiple second providers. In this embodiment, providers who can be second providers are referred to as "partner companies." The second transaction platform (marketplace service) is a transaction platform in which partner companies selected from multiple different partner companies provide goods to the ordering party.

[0029] In the linkage between the first trading platform and the second trading platform, the trading platform may be included within the trading support system, the trading platform may be located on a server connected outside the trading support system, or the trading support system may be the trading platform itself.

[0030] A user is anyone who uses the transaction support system. In this embodiment, since users conduct transactions in the form of placing orders, users are referred to as "orderers" regardless of whether they actually place an order or not.

[0031] Making shape data available on a trading platform means that the shape data is in a state where it can be traded on the trading platform. For example, this means successfully receiving the shape data and ensuring that the data format conforms to the trading platform's specifications. In other words, it means that the shape data is in a state where it can be used in the services provided by the trading platform.

[0032] Collaboration is a process in which multiple trading platforms with shared objectives proactively build cooperative relationships to address challenges and work together towards achieving those objectives. In this embodiment, the objectives are the creation of quotes for goods ordered by the ordering party and the subsequent transactions.

[0033] <System Configuration Example> Figure 2 is a system configuration diagram of an example of the transaction support system 100. The transaction support system 100 is configured as a network system equipped with a goods procurement server 30, or as a client-server system. The terminal device 50 and the vendor terminal 70 are connected to each server when the transaction support system 100 is used, and do not need to be included in the transaction support system 100.

[0034] In the transaction support system 100, the terminal device 50, the goods procurement server 30, the MP server 10, and the vendor terminal 70 can communicate via the network N. The transaction support system 100 may have only the goods procurement server 30, or it may have only the MP server 10, or it may have both the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10.

[0035] The goods procurement server 30 provides goods procurement services to the terminal device 50, or to the ordering party who is a user of the terminal device 50. The trading platform that enables such transactions of goods is called the first trading platform. The goods procurement service includes the creation of quotes for goods, order acceptance, manufacturing, processing, adjustment, procurement, and delivery. The MP server 10 also provides marketplace services. The marketplace service is a service that acts as an intermediary between the ordering party and partner companies. Specifically, the marketplace service handles information communication, order processing, and settlement between the ordering party and partner companies. However, the delivery of completed goods is handled directly between the ordering party and the partner company.

[0036] The goods procurement server 30 may be configured as a single logical goods procurement server 30 by combining, for example, multiple server units as computers, or it may be configured as a single server unit. Alternatively, the goods procurement server 30 may be logically configured using cloud computing. Furthermore, the goods procurement server 30 has the function of a web server that runs web applications together with the terminal device 50.

[0037] MP Server 10 is a server for operating the marketplace service. The trading platform that enables the trading of goods through the marketplace service is referred to as the second trading platform. MP Server 10 is operated by the same or related operator as the goods procurement server 30, and MP Server 10 and goods procurement server 30 can cooperate. For example, MP Server 10 and goods procurement server 30 can communicate via API. Even if MP Server 10 and goods procurement server 30 are not operated by related operators, this embodiment does not cause any problems. Note that the operator of goods procurement server 30 is the operator of the goods procurement service, and the operator of MP Server 10 is the operator of the marketplace service.

[0038] Partner companies are also suppliers of goods, just like the goods procurement service provider. However, partner companies can offer services such as providing goods that the goods procurement service cannot provide, providing goods that the goods procurement service can provide but with different delivery times or manufacturing costs, or manufacturing them using different methods. Partner companies enter into a terms of service agreement with the marketplace service operator (which may be the same as the goods procurement service provider) in order to participate in the marketplace service. In this case, if the marketplace service operator is the goods procurement service provider, the partner company is a provider selected by the goods procurement service provider, and therefore the ordering party can conduct business with the partner company with the understanding that it is a partner company introduced by the goods procurement service provider.

[0039] For example, the details of a business negotiation between the ordering party and a partner company (questions, requests, consultations, revision requests, etc.) are sent from the terminal device 50 to the MP server 10. The partner company connects its terminal 70 to the MP server 10 to confirm the details of the business negotiation. The partner company then sends the details of the business negotiation (answers, proposals, agreements, etc.) entered into the terminal 70 to the MP server 10. The ordering party can then confirm the details of the business negotiation received by the terminal device 50 from the MP server 10. In this way, the ordering party can conduct business directly with the partner company. The details of the business negotiation may be stored in the MP server 10, recorded by the transaction support system 100, or stored in other storage devices or media.

[0040] In other words, the ordering party and the partner company conduct transactions directly, and the marketplace service provides a platform for these direct transactions. Once an order and acceptance are concluded between the ordering party and the partner company, and the goods are delivered to the ordering party, the ordering party pays the price to the marketplace service operator, and the marketplace service operator pays the price (or the price and fee separately) to the partner company after collecting a commission. Payment may be made on the closing date specified in the contract.

[0041] This system eliminates the need for the ordering party to search for a reliable manufacturer (equivalent to a partner company) for items that the goods procurement server 30 has determined are unavailable in the goods procurement service. Furthermore, while opening an account designated by the partner company is required for the first transaction, if the marketplace service operator is also the provider of the goods procurement service, the ordering party only needs to pay the provider of the goods procurement service, eliminating the need to create an account. In addition, the user interface for information communication between the ordering party and the partner company remains the same regardless of the partner company, eliminating the need for the ordering party and the partner company to learn how to use the system.

[0042] Terminal device 50 is a computer device used by the ordering party. Terminal device 50 can be a client terminal of the goods procurement server 30. For example, terminal device 50 is a stationary or book-type personal computer 41, a portable tablet 42, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) 43, etc. By implementing various computer software, terminal device 50 can allow the ordering party to enjoy various services provided by the goods procurement server 30 and MP server 10. In addition, terminal device 50 can execute web applications provided by the goods procurement server 30. A web application is a program written in a programming language (e.g., JavaScript®) that runs on a web browser. By coordinating between the web application and the program on the web server side, the web browser can provide various services to participants. In contrast, an application that will not run unless it is installed on terminal device 50 is called a native application. In this embodiment, the program executed by terminal device 50 may be either a web application or a native application. In addition, terminal device 50 may be any device on which web applications or native applications can run.

[0043] The vendor terminal 70 is a computer device used by a partner vendor. The vendor terminal 70 can be a client terminal of the MP server 10. For example, the vendor terminal 70 may be a stationary or book-type personal computer 44, a portable tablet 45, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) 43, etc. Other aspects may be the same as those of the terminal device 50.

[0044] The network N is configured such that the terminal device 50 can be connected to the goods procurement server 30, and the terminal device 50, the vendor terminal 70, and the goods procurement server 30 can be connected to the MP server 10. As an example, the network is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, the network may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc. The network may also include a network such as a mobile communication network (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.).

[0045] FIG. 3 is a more detailed system configuration diagram. As shown in FIG. 3, the transaction support system 100 coordinates the first transaction platform 101 and the second transaction platform 102. The terminal device 50 can be connected to both the first transaction platform 101 and the second transaction platform 102. However, there may be an orderer whose use of the second transaction platform 102 is prohibited by the corporate policy. The vendor terminal 70 can be connected to the second transaction platform 102. However, the vendor terminal 70 may use the first transaction platform 101.

[0046] FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the transaction support system 100, the first transaction platform 101, and the second transaction platform 102. In FIG. 4A, the transaction support system 100 has only the first transaction platform 101. In FIG. 4B, the transaction support system 100 has only the second transaction platform 102. In FIG. 4C, the transaction support system 100 has both the first transaction platform 101 and the second transaction platform 102.

[0047] <Regarding Design Data and the Like>Design data will be described. The design data includes at least shape data that specifies the shape of an article. The article procurement server 30 receives the design data of an article from the terminal device 50 and creates an estimate for the article. The article may be a finished product that has one integrated function by itself, or may be a single article incorporated into a finished product, or an assembly consisting of a plurality of articles. Furthermore, the article includes units, jigs, devices, and facilities in which a plurality of articles are combined.

[0048] Almost all articles that can be machined are included in the articles. Examples of machining include cutting, lathe work, sheet metal / sheet metal welding, 3D printing, injection molding, casting, etc. The orderer specifies the type of processing and then inputs the material / surface treatment / delivery date / processing size / accuracy / processing conditions, etc. As the material, metal materials such as iron, aluminum, and stainless steel, resin materials such as polyacetal and MC nylon, etc. can be selected. The processing size is the outer dimension corresponding to machining. Accuracy refers to outer shape tolerance, dimensional tolerance, geometric tolerance, flatness / right angle / parallelism, surface roughness, grinding, etc.

[0049] The shape of the article is specified by the design data. The design data is, for example, 3D CAD data including the shape of the article, and the shape data may include information such as the dimensions and positions of each element. An element is a part that constitutes an article such as a hole, shaft, step, notch, corner, surface, and ridge line. Note that the design data only needs to be data including the shape of the article, and may be 2D CAD data, drawing data such as PDF, etc.

[0050] Attribute information such as tolerances required for each element is associated with the design data. The attribute information includes first tolerance information regarding the tolerance for the distance between elements and second tolerance information regarding the tolerance for the dimensions within an element. Also, the attribute information may be included in the design data, or the design data and the attribute information may be separate data. When the design data and the attribute information are separate data, for example, a table including the attribute information associated with the elements of the article is used.

[0051] Attribute information includes customer order number, quantity, material, surface treatment, comments (additional instructions), hole type, hole diameter tolerance, effective depth (length of complete thread), slot width tolerance, external dimension tolerance, design origin, holes in the same group (group hole division), appearance (surface that constitutes the appearance of the article), font size (for dimension notation, etc.), geometric tolerance, datum (reference for geometric tolerance), and surface roughness, and includes various information used for estimation and subsequent manufacturing. Furthermore, attribute information includes information that is associated with the elements of the article and information that is associated with design data.

[0052] Information such as the dimensions and position of each element, as well as attribute information, can be set in the CAD software of the terminal device 50. Alternatively, the transaction support system 100 (and the goods procurement server 30) may be configured so that information such as the dimensions and position of each element, as well as attribute information, can be set on a screen provided by the goods procurement server 30.

[0053] <Example of a screen when the goods procurement server provides goods> Referring to Figure 5, etc., an example of a screen when the goods procurement server 30 creates an estimate and provides goods will be explained. Figure 5 is an example of an estimate creation screen 200 displayed on the terminal device 50. The main components of the estimate creation screen 200 will be explained.

[0054] The upload button 201 is a button that instructs the terminal device 50 to send design data to the goods procurement server 30. In Figure 5, three design data files have already been uploaded to the goods procurement server 30. The uploaded design data is displayed as the project name in the project name column 204. In addition to pressing the upload button 201, design data can also be uploaded by dragging and dropping the design data onto the estimate creation screen 200. Dragging and dropping will start the upload of the design data automatically.

[0055] The Marketplace Service button 202 is a button that the buyer presses when using the Marketplace Service. The Marketplace Service button 202 may be displayed only to specific buyers. That is, the goods procurement server 30 determines the login availability information and decides whether or not to display the Marketplace Service button 202. An example of availability determination is explained below. Buyer attributes include, for example, company size, history of past troubles, usage settings, etc. The availability determination unit 35 does not display the Marketplace Service button 202 to buyers whose company size is above a certain level, buyers who have had troubles with the Marketplace Service in the past, such as financial or complaint issues, buyers who have set their use of the Marketplace Service to be unavailable, or buyers who have not linked their accounts with the services provided by the goods procurement server 30 and the Marketplace Service. In addition, the availability information may reflect whether or not the buyer has a contract to use or try the Marketplace Service. The Marketplace Service button 202 may simply indicate that a quote can be requested, such as "Request a quote on the Marketplace".

[0056] - Column 203 of the checkbox is checked when selecting design data to send to the goods procurement server 30. In other words, the estimate creation screen 200 can display folders already created on the goods procurement server 30 (not shown), allowing the client to select design data. Column 203 of the checkbox is also used when the client selects a project for which they want to request an estimate from the marketplace service.

[0057] - Column 204, the project name column, displays the project name. Each project corresponds to a design data file. One design data file constitutes one project. However, a single design data file may contain multiple items. When the client presses the upload button 201 or drags and drops the design data to the estimate creation screen 200, the design data is uploaded to the goods procurement server 30, and the project name (the file name of the design data) is displayed in column 204. The goods procurement server 30 also begins analyzing the design data.

[0058] - Column 205 displays the model number assigned when an item is deemed available and a quote is created. Once this model number is assigned, the customer can use it to order items in the future.

[0059] The processing method column 206 is a column for the customer to select the type of processing from a pull-down menu. Sheet metal and cutting are the initial settings for processing types. The goods procurement server 30 determines whether it is possible to manufacture using sheet metal or cutting and presents the one that is possible. If it is possible to manufacture using both, both sheet metal and cutting are presented. Processing methods other than sheet metal and cutting are set in the pull-down menu, and the types of processing that the goods procurement server 30 can undertake are pre-registered.

[0060] The material column 207 is for the customer to select the material used to manufacture the goods. The pull-down menu contains pre-registered types of materials that the goods procurement server 30 can handle.

[0061] Column 208 for surface treatment is used to specify the surface treatment required for an article.

[0062] The status column 209 indicates the status of the goods procurement server 30 processing the design data. Statuses include: waiting for condition setting (waiting for setting manufacturing conditions such as processing method), waiting for confirmation (waiting for customer action if an estimate cannot be created), ready to order (waiting for order placed by the customer), waiting for staff estimate (waiting for an estimate from the support staff).

[0063] - The operation column 210 displays the operations that can be accepted by the ordering party. Once the goods procurement server 30 has finished analyzing the design data, the "Next" button is displayed. The "Next" button is displayed whether the goods procurement server 30 determines that the goods can be provided or not, but if the goods procurement server 30 determines that the goods cannot be provided, it is highlighted in red or another color. - The quantity column 211 is the column in which the ordering party enters the quantity of goods to be provided. - The shipping date column 212 displays the shipping date (e.g., the earliest date) of the goods determined by the goods procurement server 30.

[0064] Figure 6 shows the estimate creation screen 200 displayed on the terminal device 50, specifically the screen after the analysis of the design data (no errors found in the error condition recognition) has been completed. Based on the analysis of the design data, the "Next" button 215 is displayed in the operation column 210, indicating that the goods procurement server 30 has determined the item is ready for delivery. The quantity column 211 contains the quantity entered by the ordering party. The shipping date column 212 contains information automatically determined by the goods procurement server 30. The processing method column 206, material column 207, and surface treatment column 208 are displayed automatically, but it is preferable for the ordering party to set them manually.

[0065] When the ordering party presses the "Next" button 215 in the operation column 210, which indicates that the goods procurement server 30 has determined that the item can be manufactured, a 3D model is displayed.

[0066] Figure 7 shows the 3D model screen 220 displayed by the terminal device 50. The 3D model screen 220 includes a manufacturing conditions section 221, an option setting section 231, a detailed information section 222, an estimate section 223, and a 3D model section 224.

[0067] - The manufacturing conditions field 221 automatically displays the processing method 225, product name (project name) 226, material 227, surface treatment 228, and quantity 229. These are the same as those on the quotation creation screen 200. The ordering party can also input the processing method 225, product name 226, material 227, surface treatment 228, and quantity from the manufacturing conditions field 221.

[0068] - In the option settings section 231, you can add manufacturing tolerances, set geometric tolerances, configure surface roughness / grinding, and set markings.

[0069] - The detailed information section 222 is a section that displays attribute information (such as information about elements) attached to the design data.

[0070] The estimate is displayed in the estimate field 223. When the client presses the create estimate button 232, the estimated amount is displayed. Details are shown in Figure 8.

[0071] - The 3D model section 224 displays a perspective view of the 3D model 230 of the item projected onto the screen. Since the item has three-dimensional information, the customer can change the viewpoint direction and check the item from various angles. In addition, the dimensions of various elements are displayed on the 3D model 230, which the customer can change as needed.

[0072] Figure 8 shows the estimate field 223 after pressing the estimate creation button 232. Upon creating an estimate, the estimate list 233 is displayed. The estimate list 233 contains multiple estimates associated with different delivery dates. Each estimate displays the model number 231, the amount 236, and the shipping date 235. When the terminal device 50 displays the estimate creation screen 200, this model number 231 is displayed in the model number column 205. The ordering party can look at the amount 236 and shipping date 235 to decide whether to place an order with the goods procurement server 30, and which shipping date to place the order for. Therefore, the ordering party can select an estimate that delays the delivery date and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0073] When the ordering party selects a quote (by clicking or tapping), a volume discount example 238 is displayed. The ordering party can then consider the quantity to order. When the ordering party selects a quote and presses the "Add to Cart" button 237, the order information (part number, price, delivery date, quantity, etc.) is saved to the cart, and the status column 209 displays "Pending Order". In this way, the goods procurement server 30 can automatically generate quotes based on design data.

[0074] <Hardware Configuration Example> Next, with reference to Figure 9, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 50, the goods procurement server 30, and the MP server 10 included in the transaction support system 100 will be described.

[0075] <<Terminal device, goods procurement server, and MP server>> Figure 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device 50, a goods procurement server 30, and an MP server 10. As shown in Figure 9, the terminal device 50, the goods procurement server 30, and the MP server 10 are built by a computer 500, which includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD (Hard Disk) 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, bus line 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, optical drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0076] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer 500. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as IPLs. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and printers. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using network N. The bus line 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 9.

[0077] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys used for inputting characters, numbers, or various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means used for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, moving the cursor, etc. The optical drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the optical storage medium 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. The optical storage medium is a DVD, CD, etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0078] <About the Functions> Next, with reference to Figure 10, the functional configuration of the transaction support system 100 will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the goods procurement server 30, terminal device 50, and MP server 10.

[0079] <<Terminal Device>> The terminal device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a display control unit 52, and an operation reception unit 53. Each of these functional units is a function or means realized by the CPU 501 shown in Figure 9 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed on the terminal device 50. For example, the communication unit 11, the display control unit 52, and the operation reception unit 53 may be realized by a web browser and a web application. The web application is transmitted to the terminal device 50 from the goods procurement server 30 or the MP server 10. When the terminal device 50 runs a native application, these may be realized by the native application. A native application is an application that cannot be executed unless it is installed on the terminal device 50.

[0080] The communication unit 51 transmits and receives various types of information between the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10. In this embodiment, the communication unit 51 transmits design data and operation details to the goods procurement server 30. The communication unit 51 receives screen information from the goods procurement server 30 for the screen displayed by the terminal device 50. The communication unit 51 also receives screen information from the MP server 10 for the screen displayed by the terminal device 50. The communication unit 51 transmits operation details to the MP server 10. This screen information is implemented by a web application, and the communication unit 51 receives the web application from the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10.

[0081] The display control unit 52 interprets screen information from various screens and displays it on the display 506. The operation reception unit 53 receives various operations from the customer on the various screens displayed on the display 506.

[0082] <<Goods Procurement Server>> The goods procurement server 30 includes a communication unit 31, an analysis unit 32, an estimate creation unit 33, a screen generation unit 34, a usability determination unit 35, an error condition recognition unit 36, a first linkage unit 37, and a storage unit 39. Each functional unit of the goods procurement server 30 is a function or means realized by the CPU 501 shown in Figure 9 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed on the goods procurement server 30.

[0083] The communication unit 31 sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 50. The communication unit 31 receives design data and operation details from the terminal device 50. The communication unit 31 transmits screen information of the screen displayed by the terminal device 50 to the terminal device 50.

[0084] The analysis unit 32 analyzes the design data to recognize the shape of the article and the dimensions of each part as described in the design data. In addition, the analysis unit 32 calculates selectable tolerances along with this shape recognition process. Based on the type of article and the recognized shape of the article, the analysis unit 32 determines selectable manufacturing conditions (e.g., processing method, material, surface treatment, tolerance range, etc.).

[0085] The quotation creation unit 33 creates prices and delivery dates for all possible combinations of the items recognized by the analysis unit 32 and the selectable manufacturing conditions.

[0086] The screen generation unit 34 generates screen information for the screen displayed by the terminal device 50. The screen information is a program written in HTML, JSON, XML, a scripting language, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), and may be called a web application. The structure of the web page is mainly specified by HTML, the operation of the web application is defined by a scripting language, and the style of the web page is specified by CSS. In some cases, the terminal device 50 may execute a native application. In the case of a native application, the screen configuration is held by the terminal device 50, and the information to be displayed is transmitted in JSON, XML, etc.

[0087] The availability determination unit 35 determines whether or not the ordering party can use the marketplace service. For this determination, the storage unit 39 stores availability information for each ordering party (each user). The availability information is a flag that indicates whether or not the marketplace service can be used. The availability information is determined by, for example, the ordering party's attributes (company size, history of past troubles).

[0088] The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​refers to a predetermined data table (error judgment criteria) and, based on the shape and manufacturing conditions of the recognized article, recognizes error conditions and the manufacturing conditions that cause those error conditions (i.e., the cause of the error) from among the manufacturing conditions. Here, "error condition" refers to a manufacturing condition among the recognized specified conditions that corresponds to at least one of the parts in which an error occurs during the manufacturing of the article, and the parts in which there is a risk of an error occurring. If an error occurs, it is determined that the product cannot be provided. Whether or not a manufacturing condition corresponds to an error condition is determined based on the predetermined error judgment criteria.

[0089] Error judging criteria may include, for example, simply whether the manufacturing conditions are included in the selectable conditions that can be chosen when manufacturing the item. Alternatively, one criterion may be whether manufacturing becomes difficult when considering other manufacturing conditions, even if manufacturing is possible under those conditions alone. Another criterion may be whether adopting those manufacturing conditions would result in an excessive increase in either the delivery time or the cost.

[0090] The first collaboration unit 37 communicates with the MP server 10 in order to collaborate with the MP server 10. Specifically, the first collaboration unit 37 calls the MP server 10 when a client requests the creation of a quote using the marketplace service. The MP server 10 exposes an API to the goods procurement server 30, and the first collaboration unit 37 communicates with the MP server 10 by calling the API. In this embodiment, the first collaboration unit 37 sends design data and the like to the MP server 10.

[0091] <<MP Server>> The MP server 10 has a communication unit 11, a management unit 12, a screen generation unit 13, and a second linkage unit 15. Each functional unit of the goods procurement server 30 is a function or means realized by the CPU 501 shown in Figure 9 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed on the goods procurement server 30. The screen generation unit 13 may be the same as that of the goods procurement server 30.

[0092] The communication unit 11 sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 50. For example, the communication unit 11 receives the orderer's operation details from the terminal device 50. The communication unit 11 also transmits screen information of the screen displayed by the terminal device 50 to the terminal device 50.

[0093] The management unit 12 manages the progress related to the provision of goods in the marketplace service. The progress related to provision includes, for example, requests for quotation creation, completed, under negotiation, agreed, received, in production, shipped, delivered, and payment. The management unit 12 receives requests for quotation creation for goods using the marketplace service from the goods procurement server 30. The management unit 12 requests the creation of quotations from partner companies designated by the ordering party via email or other means. In the case of a bidding system, the management unit 12 requests the creation of quotations from any partner company registered in the MP server 10 via email or other means. The management unit 12 receives quotations from partner companies that have been requested to create quotations and transmits them to the terminal device 50.

[0094] The second linkage unit 15 communicates with the goods procurement server 30 in order to link with the goods procurement server 30. The second linkage unit 15 receives and transmits information in response to requests from the first linkage unit 37. The second linkage unit 15 may also call the first linkage unit 37. Specifically, the second linkage unit 15 receives design data and ordering information, etc., from the goods procurement server 30.

[0095] <Error Condition Recognition> The recognition of error conditions will be explained with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. Figure 11A is a diagram illustrating the shape of an item that is deemed unsaleable and the cause of the error. In Figure 11A, the error is that there is a risk of deformation occurring in the bent portion 3b during processing. This is because the height from the bent portion 3b to the lower edge 3c of the notch is too low relative to the bend angle 3a. In other words, the bend angle 3a is the error condition, the bent portion 3b is the error part, and the lower edge 3c of the notch is the cause part.

[0096] The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​recognizes that an error has occurred by comparing the height up to the lower edge 3c of the notch with a threshold (data table of error judgment criteria). In this case, it is determined that the item cannot be provided.

[0097] When the ordering party presses the "Next" button displayed by the goods procurement server 30 if it determines that the goods cannot be provided, the screen generation unit 34 of the goods procurement server 30 generates a screen that highlights the recognized error conditions, the error portion, and the cause portion.

[0098] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11B, among the parts of the 3D model 3, the error condition (bending angle 3a) and the error portion (bent portion 3b) are highlighted with a predetermined color, while the cause portion (lower edge 3c of the notch) is highlighted with a different color than the error condition and the error portion.

[0099] In this embodiment, the transaction support system 100 recognizes error conditions based on the shape of the recognized item and the specified conditions by referring to a data table of predefined error judgment criteria. However, the method for recognizing error conditions is not limited to this method; any method that recognizes error conditions based on the recognized specified conditions and predefined error judgment criteria is acceptable.

[0100] <Processing or Operation When the Goods Procurement Server Receives an Order> Next, referring to Figure 12, the flow of processing or operation when the goods procurement server 30 can provide goods and receives an order will be explained. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram that explains the processing or operation when the goods procurement server 30 receives an order for the provision of goods, based on the screen transitions explained in Figures 5 to 8. It is assumed that the terminal device 50 is displaying the estimate creation screen 200. In other words, the terminal device 50 has already logged into the goods procurement server 30.

[0101] S1: First, the ordering party performs an operation to send the prepared design data to the goods procurement server 30. For example, the ordering party drags and drops the design data onto the estimate creation screen 200, or presses the upload button 201.

[0102] S2: The operation reception unit 53 of the terminal device 50 receives this operation, and the communication unit 51 transmits the design data to the goods procurement server 30.

[0103] S3: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 receives the design data, and the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​recognizes the error condition and the manufacturing condition that caused that error condition (i.e., the cause of the error) from among the manufacturing conditions. Here, it is determined that there are no errors.

[0104] Next, the analysis unit 32 starts the analysis. The analysis unit 32 obtains a general shape pattern corresponding to the item specified in the design data (for example, a pin) from the shape pattern DB. The general shape pattern is the general shape pattern of the item. For example, if the item is a pin, it has an axis, and from one side in the axial direction, it has a flange, a shank, and a tip. The analysis unit 32 searches the design data for the cylindrical shape of the shank and recognizes the axis of that cylinder as the axis of the pin. The analysis unit 32 also obtains dimensions (diameter, total length, etc.) for each part in the axial direction and in the direction perpendicular to the axis from the design data. The general shape pattern, recognized cylindrical axis, dimensions, etc. analyzed by the analysis unit 32 are referred to as intermediate data.

[0105] Through the above processing, the analysis unit 32 recognizes and acquires the shape of the item and the dimensions of each part as described in the design data entered by the ordering party. In addition, along with this shape recognition process, the selectable tolerances are also calculated. Furthermore, along with this shape recognition process, production technology requirements are also checked.

[0106] S4: Next, the analysis unit 32 obtains selectable manufacturing conditions (e.g., processing method, material, surface treatment, tolerance range, etc.) from the manufacturing information DB based on the type of article and the shape of the recognized article. The processing method is at least one of sheet metal or cutting.

[0107] S5: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the processing method, material of the goods, surface treatment, and tolerance level to the terminal device 50.

[0108] S6: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives the processing method, material of the article, surface treatment, and tolerance level, and the display control unit 52 displays these on the estimate creation screen 200 (see Figure 6). The display control unit 52 also displays a "Next" button 215 in the operation column 210 to indicate that it is available.

[0109] S7: The client presses the "Next" button 215 to display the 3D model.

[0110] S8: The operation reception unit 53 of the terminal device 50 receives a press, and the communication unit 51 sends a request to display the 3D model to the goods procurement server 30.

[0111] S9: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 receives a request to display the 3D model, and the screen generation unit 34 generates the 3D model screen 220 and transmits the screen information to the terminal device 50 (see Figure 7).

[0112] S10: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives screen information from the 3D model screen 220, and the display control unit 52 displays it on the 3D model screen 220. The ordering party edits the desired manufacturing conditions from the processing method, material, surface treatment, and tolerance range displayed on the 3D model screen 220, and presses the estimate creation button 232.

[0113] S11: The operation reception unit 53 of the terminal device 50 receives the press, and the communication unit 51 sends the estimate creation request to the goods procurement server 30.

[0114] S12: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 receives a request to create an estimate. In response, the estimate creation unit 33 searches the variation information DB for information on items similar in shape to the item recognized by the analysis unit 32, and semi-finished products of the item that satisfy some of the manufacturing conditions (hereinafter collectively referred to as "variation items"), and obtains this information.

[0115] S13: The estimation unit 33 obtains the price and delivery date for all patterns combining the goods and variation items recognized by the analysis unit 32 with the selectable manufacturing conditions from the estimation information DB. Specifically, the estimation unit 33 calculates the price and delivery date by referring to a pre-created data table, taking into account the production technology requirements when manufacturing the goods, in addition to the selectable manufacturing conditions such as tolerances. The estimation unit 33 also assigns a unique part number.

[0116] Next, the quotation creation unit 33 determines the initial manufacturing conditions to be displayed based on user information such as the username and file name entered by the ordering party. Specifically, if the ordering party's registration information exists and the selection of manufacturing conditions has been omitted, the unit determines the manufacturing conditions used when the ordering party placed an order the previous time as the initial manufacturing conditions to be displayed. If the registration information does not exist and the selection of manufacturing conditions has been omitted, the unit determines the predetermined manufacturing conditions to be displayed as the initial manufacturing conditions. However, whether or not registration information exists, if the selection of manufacturing conditions has been made, the unit determines the selected manufacturing conditions to be displayed as the initial manufacturing conditions.

[0117] S14: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the amount, shipping date, and model number to the terminal device 50.

[0118] S15: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives the amount, delivery date, and model number, and the display control unit 52 displays the amount, delivery date (shipping date), and model number in the estimate field 223 of the 3D model screen 220 (see Figure 8).

[0119] In this way, the goods procurement server 30 can automatically create an estimate for the provision of goods when the ordering party uploads design data.

[0120] <When collaborating with a marketplace service> Next, we will explain how the ordering party uses a marketplace service, referring to Figure 13, etc. First, Figure 13 is a screen transition diagram of the screens displayed by the terminal device 50. The quotation creation screen 200, the terms and conditions document 241A, and the terms and conditions document 241B in Figure 13 are screens generated by the screen generation unit 34 of the goods procurement server 30, and the marketplace service screens 250 and 260 in Figure 13 are screens generated by the screen generation unit 13 of the MP server 10.

[0121] The estimate creation screen 200 in Figure 13 can be the same as in Figure 6. Details of the estimate creation screen 200 are shown in Figures 14 and 15. When the client presses the marketplace service button 202, the terms and conditions 241 will pop up.

[0122] In Figure 13, the terms and conditions document 241A displays message 242. This message 242 serves to draw attention to the fact that the contracting party is not the operator of the goods procurement server 30, but a partner company. In other words, when the goods procurement server 30 creates an estimate and accepts an order, the contracting party (provider of goods) for the ordering party is the operator of the goods procurement server 30 (provider of goods procurement services). However, when the ordering party places an order through the marketplace service, the contracting party becomes a partner company. Depending on the partner company, the source of delivery costs, delivery fees, penalties for exceeding the delivery date, costs for design changes, and costs for remanufacturing may differ. For this reason, the goods procurement server 30 presents the terms and conditions document 241 and only permits the use of the marketplace service if the ordering party accepts it.

[0123] Terms and Conditions 241 displays a checkbox, which will be described later. By checking this checkbox, the client confirms their agreement to Terms and Conditions 241. Checking the checkbox makes the Marketplace Estimate Creation button 243 clickable (the brightness changes from half-bright to normal, and the button appears). Details of Terms and Conditions 241 are shown in Figure 16.

[0124] Figure 13 shows the terms and conditions document 241B, which has been made clickable by checking the checkbox, enabling the Marketplace Quote Creation button 243. The Marketplace Quote Creation button 243 is now clickable. When the buyer clicks the Marketplace Quote Creation button 243, the terminal device 50 connects to the MP server 10.

[0125] Various connection methods can be employed, so let's explain one example. The ordering party is logged into the goods procurement server 30, and the goods procurement server 30 receives input from the terminal device 50 by pressing the marketplace quote creation button 243. The goods procurement server 30 has the MP server 10 issue a token (a string of characters that guarantees that the ordering party is authenticated), and then transfers the token and the URL of the MP server 10 to the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 connects to the URL and is authenticated by the MP server 10 using the token.

[0126] The Marketplace Service screen 250 in Figure 13 is the Marketplace Service screen displayed by the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 is connected to the URL of the MP server 10 notified by the goods procurement server 30. The Marketplace Service screen 250 is the screen displayed while the MP server 10 and the goods procurement server 30 begin coordinating. Details of the Marketplace Service screen 250 are shown in Figure 17. Once the transmission of design data, etc., is complete, the screen transitions to the Marketplace Service screen 260.

[0127] The Marketplace Service screen 260 is the marketplace service available after the submission of design data and other processes have been completed. From the Marketplace Service screen 260, the client can select partner companies and others to request quotes from. Figure 18 shows the details of the Marketplace Service screen 260.

[0128] The following will provide a detailed explanation of each screen displayed by the terminal device 50, with reference to Figure 14 and other figures.

[0129] Figure 14 shows the estimate creation screen 200 of Figure 13. As described above, the estimate creation screen 200 is the same as when the goods procurement server 30 creates an estimate. In other words, the ordering party can use the same user interface whether they request an estimate from the goods procurement server 30 or request an estimate from the marketplace service.

[0130] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 14. For example, when a client mouses over the Marketplace Service button 202, an explanation 244 regarding the Marketplace Service button 202 is displayed. In Figure 15, the explanation 244 displays, "If you select a project for which an estimate cannot be provided and press this button, you can request an estimate from a partner vendor (on another site) with a wider range of capabilities." The client understands that by pressing the Marketplace Service button 202, they can request an estimate from a partner vendor (on another site). When the client presses the Marketplace Service button 202, the Terms and Conditions 241 are displayed.

[0131] Figure 16 is the terms and conditions document 241B of Figure 13. Message 242 of the terms and conditions document 241B is, for example, "In the marketplace service, the customer and the partner selected by the customer become parties to an individual contract. Therefore, the customer is responsible for selecting a partner that meets the required quality, and in principle, requests for quotations, changes in delivery dates, cancellations, and reports of defects must be handled directly between the customer and the partner. For details, please refer to the "Marketplace Service Terms of Use" and "Learn More." Message 242 prompts agreement to the terms of use. By reading message 242, the ordering party can understand that the contracting party will be a partner company. Checking checkbox 245 makes the Marketplace Quote Creation button 243 clickable. Clicking the Marketplace Quote Creation button 243 displays the screen shown in Figure 17.

[0132] Figure 17 shows the marketplace service screen 250 of Figure 13. As described above, when a buyer uses the marketplace service, the first linkage unit 37 of the goods procurement server 30 sends design data to the MP server 10. In Figure 17, the message 251 "Retrieving data" is displayed. This data is mainly design data, but the message 251 may be displayed while sending or receiving other data such as buyer information and tokens.

[0133] Figure 18 is the marketplace service screen 260 of Figure 13. The marketplace service screen 260 has a checkbox column 261, a project name column 262, a status column 263, a model number column 264, a product requirements column 265, a quantity column 266, a unit price column 267, a shipping date column 268, a partner column 269, and a creation date column 270. - The checkbox column 261 is checked by the ordering party when they select a project for which they want to request a quote from a partner company. - The project name column 262 is the design data sent from the goods procurement server 30, for example, the file name of the design data. - The status column 263 shows the progress of the project on the MP server 10. In Figure 18, there is a project that displays an error. One of the reasons for the error is that the MP server 10 fails to read the design data (file).

[0134] The column 264 (model number), 265 (product requirements), 266 (quantity), 267 (unit price), 268 (shipping date), 269 (partner), and 270 (creation date) displays information based on quotations created by partner companies or information entered by the ordering party.

[0135] <Operation or Processing> Figure 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process flow in which the transaction support system 100 provides marketplace services to the ordering party. In Figure 19, it is assumed that the terminal device 50 has already sent design data to the goods procurement server 30. For example, in the estimate creation screen 200 of Figure 5, it is assumed that the "Next" button is displayed in the operation column 210, indicating that the goods procurement server 30 has determined that it cannot provide the service. The processing performed by the terminal device 50 may be implemented by the terminal device 50 itself, or it may be implemented by the goods procurement server 30 or the MP server 10 sending and receiving data to and from the terminal device 50.

[0136] S21: The ordering party presses the Marketplace Service button 202 displayed on the terminal device 50 (see Figure 15). The ordering party can select the projects for which they wish to request quotes from the Marketplace Service using the checkbox column 203.

[0137] S22: The operation reception unit 53 of the terminal device 50 receives confirmation that the marketplace service button 202 has been pressed, and the display control unit 52 displays the terms and conditions document 241 (see Figure 16). When displaying the terms and conditions document 241, the terminal device 50 may connect to the goods procurement server 30 and obtain the terms and conditions document, or the goods procurement server 30 may have previously sent the data for the terms and conditions document 241 to the terminal device 50, and the terminal device 50 may display this data.

[0138] S23: The ordering party checks the checkbox in the terms and conditions document 241 displayed on the terminal device 50. The operation reception unit 53 of the terminal device 50 receives the check input, and the display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the marketplace quote creation button 243 as pressable.

[0139] S24: The ordering party presses the Marketplace Estimate Creation button 243 on the Terms and Conditions document 241 displayed on the terminal device 50.

[0140] S25: The operation reception unit 53 of the terminal device 50 receives input indicating that the marketplace quote creation button 243 has been pressed, and the communication unit 51 sends a request to the goods procurement server 30 to start cooperation with the marketplace service.

[0141] S26: When the communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 receives a request to start linking with the marketplace service, the first linking unit 37 sends the ordering information to the MP server 10. This is to notify the MP server 10 of the ordering person who is about to connect and to obtain a token for logging in. The ordering information is, for example, authentication information (ID, password change, etc.) that the ordering person uses to log in to the MP server 10. If the MP server 10 successfully authenticates the ordering person using the authentication information, it can identify the name of the company to which the ordering person belongs using the ID as a key.

[0142] S27: The second linkage unit 15 of the MP server 10 sends a token to the goods procurement server 30 to accept login from the ordering party. The management unit 12 of the MP server 10 associates this token with the design data sent from the goods procurement server 30 in S28.

[0143] S28: When the first linkage unit 37 of the goods procurement server 30 obtains a token from the MP server 10, it sends the design data of the project selected by the ordering party in the checkbox column 203 to the MP server 10. This reduces the effort required for the ordering party to send the design data to the MP server 10. The second linkage unit 15 of the MP server 10 receives the design data. The management unit 12 associates the token with the design data so that it can identify the design data of the ordering party who logged into the MP server 10. Steps S28 and S29 can be performed in any order.

[0144] The first linkage unit 37 transmits design data to the MP server 10, and may choose not to include intermediate data. Furthermore, the first linkage unit 37 may choose not to transmit quotation results to the MP server 10. This is because intermediate data contains know-how and could lead to information leakage. However, the first linkage unit 37 may transmit intermediate data as well. Also, for example, quotation results that the goods procurement server 30 determines it cannot provide are not transmitted to the MP server 10. This is because it could lead to information leakage and could become unnecessary information for partner companies when considering quotations, etc.

[0145] S29: The first linkage unit 37 of the goods procurement server 30 receives the token, and the communication unit 31 transmits the token and the URL of the MP server 10 to the terminal device 50.

[0146] S30: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives the token and URL, and the terminal device 50 launches another tab in the web browser by executing a program in the web application that has been obtained from the goods procurement server 30. The other tab obtains the token and URL. The communication unit 51 specifies the token and logs in to the MP server 10. If the login is successful, the communication unit 51 receives the web application from the MP server 10 and connects to the MP server 10 by executing the web application.

[0147] S31: When the terminal device 50 connects, the communication unit 11 of the MP server 10 identifies the customer using a token and identifies the design data associated with the token. While the design data is being transmitted, the screen generation unit 13 generates the marketplace service screen 250, and the communication unit 11 transmits the screen information to the terminal device 50.

[0148] S32: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives screen information of the marketplace service screen 250, and the display control unit 52 displays the marketplace service screen 250 in a newly opened tab (web browser) (see Figure 17).

[0149] S33: Once the MP server 10 has finished receiving the design data and checking the format of the design data, the screen generation unit 13 generates the marketplace service screen 260, and the communication unit 11 transmits the screen information and updates to the terminal device 50.

[0150] S34: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives an update request for the marketplace service screen 260, and the display control unit 52 displays the marketplace service screen 260 (see Figure 18).

[0151] Alternatively, in the process from S25 to S34, the first linkage unit 37 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the ordering party information and information about the goods (token) to the MP server 10. The second linkage unit 15 of the MP server 10 returns the transmission result to the goods procurement server 30. If the transmission status is successful, the communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the URL of the MP server 10 and the token to the terminal device 50. If the terminal device accesses the URL (and transmits the token), the second linkage unit 15 of the MP server 10 transmits the acquisition of shape data corresponding to the token to the goods procurement server 30, and the communication unit 11 of the MP server 10 displays the recognition result of the shape data transmitted from the goods procurement server to the terminal device 50.

[0152] On the marketplace service screen 260 displayed on the terminal device 50, the ordering party selects a partner vendor and requests the creation of a quote. When the partner vendor manually creates a quote and uploads it to the MP server 10, the terminal device 50 can display the quote created by the partner vendor on the marketplace service screen 260.

[0153] If the goods procurement server 30 creates a quote, but the client also requests a quote using the marketplace service, the quote created by the goods procurement server 30 and the quote created by the partner vendor can be displayed in different tabs in the web browser. In this case, the client can compare and review each quote.

[0154] <When the terminal device is logged into the MP server and the MP server cooperates with the goods procurement server> In the above embodiment, the terminal device 50 is logged into the goods procurement server 30, the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 cooperate, and the terminal device 50 connects to the MP server 10. However, it is also possible for the terminal device 50 to be logged into the MP server 10, for the MP server 10 to cooperate with the goods procurement server 30, and for the terminal device 50 to connect to the goods procurement server 30.

[0155] Figure 20 illustrates the processing flow when the terminal device 50 is logged into the MP server 10, the MP server 10 cooperates with the goods procurement server 30, and the terminal device 50 connects to the goods procurement server 30. In this case as well, the screen displayed by the terminal device 50 can be the same as when the terminal device 50 is logged into the goods procurement server 30 and the goods procurement server 30 and MP server 10 cooperate.

[0156] (1) The ordering party connects the terminal device 50 to the MP server 10. The terminal device 50 displays the marketplace service screen 260 and sends design data and other information of the items the ordering party wishes to purchase to the MP server 10 in response to the ordering party's operation.

[0157] (2) Upon receiving the design data, the MP server 10 sends a request for quotation of goods to the partner company via email or other means. The partner company to which the quotation request is sent may be specified by the ordering party, selected through a bidding process, or automatically selected. The timing of sending the quotation request may be automatic upon receiving the design data by the MP server 10, or it may be when the MP server 10 receives an instruction from the ordering party to request a quotation.

[0158] (3) The partner company checks the design data, etc., to determine whether it is possible to provide the product, what the delivery time will be, and what the manufacturing cost will be, and then creates an estimate including the delivery time and price. The partner company operates the vendor terminal 70 and sends the estimate to the MP server 10.

[0159] The terminal device 50 receives quotes registered by partner companies from the MP server 10. The ordering party can check the quotes created by the partner companies. If there are multiple partner companies that have agreed to create a quote, each partner company will create its own quote. The ordering party can decide which partner company to order from, taking into consideration factors such as the speed of quote creation, the lowest manufacturing cost, or the reliability of the partner company.

[0160] (4) If the ordering party is not satisfied with the quote from the partner company, or if they would like to refer to the quote from the goods procurement server 30, the terminal device 50 requests the MP server 10 to provide an automatic quote from the goods procurement server 30, in response to the ordering party's operation. In this case, a button to accept the request to provide a quote to the goods procurement server 30 is displayed on the marketplace service screen 260, and this button is pressed. When the MP server 10 receives the input of pressing the button, it calls the API of the goods procurement server 30 and sends the design data to the goods procurement server 30. The ordering party may also request an automatic quote from the MP server 10 without waiting for a quote from the partner company.

[0161] When the ordering party requests an automated quote from the goods procurement server 30, the terminal device 50 automatically connects to the goods procurement server 30 under the control of the MP server 10 and displays the quote creation screen 200.

[0162] (5) When the goods procurement server 30 receives the design data for the goods, it creates an estimate. The terminal device 50 displays the status of the receipt of the design data by the goods procurement server 30, the estimate result, etc. on the estimate creation screen 200, so that the estimate created automatically by the goods procurement server 30 can be confirmed.

[0163] In this way, even when the terminal device 50 is logged into the MP server 10, the MP server 10 cooperates with the goods procurement server 30, and the ordering party can obtain quotes from both the goods procurement server 30 and the marketplace service.

[0164] [Detailed Processing Flow] The processing details will be explained below using sequence diagrams. Note that even if the processing flow in the following sequence diagrams or flowcharts differs from that in Figure 12 or Figure 19, both are merely examples of different configurations, and neither one alone is necessarily valid.

[0165] Figure 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic processing performed by the transaction support system 100.

[0166] S101: Depending on login or customer actions, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives screen information of the estimate creation screen 200 from the goods procurement server 30.

[0167] S102: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the estimate creation screen 200.

[0168] S103: In response to the customer's operation to send design data to the goods procurement server 30, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 transmits the design data to the goods procurement server 30.

[0169] S104: The analysis unit 32 of the goods procurement server 30 registers the design data as the target of analysis. Registration means, for example, registering the design data in the processing list.

[0170] S105: The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​makes a determination on the registered design data regarding the feasibility of the estimate (error condition recognition and shape recognition, etc.).

[0171] S106: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the result of the estimate feasibility determination to the terminal device 50.

[0172] S107: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the result of the estimate feasibility determination. The estimate feasibility determination result is reflected, for example, in the "Next" button in the operation column 210 of the estimate creation screen 200.

[0173] S108: When the ordering party selects the items for which they want a quote from the marketplace service in the checkbox column 203 and presses the marketplace service button 202, the operation reception unit 53 accepts the selection.

[0174] S109: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 sends a request to use another service (a request to start linking with the marketplace service) to the goods procurement server 30.

[0175] S110: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the notices and the terms of use agreement to the terminal device 50.

[0176] S111: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the notices and the terms of use agreement (see Figure 16).

[0177] S112: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 transmits the terms of service agreement result (checkbox 245 pressed) and the selected item information to the item procurement server 30. Here, it is assumed that the agreement has been given. The selected item information is the identification information of the selected item from the design data registered in S104.

[0178] S113: The goods procurement server 30 identifies the design data of the selected goods using the goods identification information.

[0179] S114: The first linkage unit 37 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the ordering party's ordering information and design data to the MP server 10.

[0180] S115: The screen generation unit 13 of the MP server 10 displays the marketplace service screen 250 on the terminal device 50.

[0181] S116: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the marketplace service screen 250 on the display 506.

[0182] S117: The management unit 12 of the MP server 10 registers the design data received from the goods procurement server 30 as the target for analysis. Registration means, for example, registering the design data in the processing list.

[0183] S118: The communication unit 11 of the MP server 10 transmits the registration result of the design data to the terminal device 50.

[0184] S119: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 updates from the marketplace service screen 250 to the marketplace service screen 260.

[0185] Figure 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which the goods procurement server 30 automatically transfers items for which a quote cannot be created in the goods procurement service to the marketplace service. Note that the explanation of Figure 22 will mainly focus on the differences from Figure 21. First, steps S121 to S127 are the same as steps S101 to S107 in Figure 21.

[0186] S128: In Figure 22, even if the ordering party does not select an item, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 sends a request for use of other services (marketplace service) to the item procurement server 30.

[0187] S129: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the notices and the terms of use agreement to the terminal device 50 (see Figure 16).

[0188] S130: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the notices and the terms of use agreement.

[0189] S131: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the result of the agreement to the terms of use (checkbox 245 being pressed) to the goods procurement server 30. In other words, the terminal device 50 does not transmit the selected goods information. Here, it is assumed that the ordering party has agreed.

[0190] S132: The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies the design data that was determined in step S125 to be unsuitable for quotation. Subsequent processing is the same as in Figure 21. Alternatively, the goods procurement server 30 may display a screen to the terminal device 50 allowing the user to choose whether to send design data that cannot be quotated or design data for items selected by the customer. Depending on the customer's selection input in the terminal device 50, the process executed may be changed to either the process in Figure 21 or the process in Figure 22.

[0191] Figure 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of transferring design data from the MP server 10 to the goods procurement server 30. In other words, the process in Figure 23 corresponds to the process in Figure 20.

[0192] S141: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives screen information of the marketplace service screen 260 from the MP server 10. At this point, the design data has not yet been registered in the MP server 10.

[0193] S142: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the marketplace service screen 260.

[0194] S143: In response to the customer's operation, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 transmits the design data to the MP server 10.

[0195] S144: The management unit 12 of the MP server 10 registers the design data as the target of analysis. Registration means, for example, registering the design data in the processing list.

[0196] S145: The communication unit 11 of the MP server 10 transmits the design data registration result to the terminal device 50.

[0197] S146: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the design data registration result. Since the MP server 10 does not perform automatic quotation creation, the design data registration result means that the format of the design data conforms to the specified format.

[0198] S147: When the ordering party selects items for which they wish to request a quote from the goods procurement server 30, the operation reception unit 53 accepts the selection.

[0199] S148: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 sends a request to use another service (a request to start cooperation with the goods procurement server 30) to the MP server 10.

[0200] S149: The communication unit 11 of the MP server 10 transmits the notices and terms of use agreement to the terminal device 50.

[0201] S150: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the notices and the terms of service agreement. However, if the operator of the marketplace service and the provider of the goods procurement service are the same, or if the terms of service of the marketplace service can be applied to the terms of service of the goods procurement service, the communication unit of the MP server 10 does not need to send the notices or agreement screen, and does not need to display the notices or terms of service agreement on the terminal device 50.

[0202] S151: The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 50 transmits the terms of service agreement result (checkbox 245 pressed) and the selected item information to the MP server 10. Here, it is assumed that the ordering party has agreed. The terms of service also require the agreement that the contracting party will be the operator of the goods procurement server 30, rather than a partner company.

[0203] S152: The management unit 12 of the MP server 10 identifies the design data of the selected item from the design data registered in step S144.

[0204] S153: The second linkage unit 15 of the MP server 10 transmits the customer's user information and design data to the goods procurement server 30.

[0205] S154: The screen generation unit 34 of the goods procurement server 30 displays the estimate creation screen 200 on the terminal device 50.

[0206] S155: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the estimate creation screen 200.

[0207] S156: Meanwhile, the analysis unit 32 of the goods procurement server 30 registers the design data as the target of analysis. Registration means, for example, registering the design data in the processing list.

[0208] S157: The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​performs a determination of whether or not an estimate is feasible (error condition recognition and shape recognition, etc.).

[0209] S158: The communication unit 31 of the goods procurement server 30 transmits the result of the decision on whether or not to provide an estimate to the terminal device 50.

[0210] S159: The display control unit 52 of the terminal device 50 displays the result of the estimate feasibility determination. The estimate feasibility determination result is reflected, for example, in the "Next" button in the operation column 210 of the estimate creation screen 200.

[0211] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the goods procurement server 30 when it is possible to create an estimate using multiple processing methods.

[0212] First, the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies design data to determine whether or not it is possible to create an estimate (S161).

[0213] The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​makes a determination of whether automatic estimation is possible based on multiple processing methods (S162).

[0214] If it is possible to create an estimate using multiple processing methods (Yes in S162), the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies that the design data can be estimated using multiple processing methods (S163).

[0215] If it is not possible to create an estimate using multiple processing methods (No. in S162), the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies that the design data can be estimated using a single processing method (S164).

[0216] The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​determines whether the processing shown in Figure 24 has been completed for all design data (S165).

[0217] If the decision in step S165 is No, the process returns to step S161. If the decision in step S165 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S166.

[0218] The screen generation unit 34 displays the automatically estimable processing methods for each design data on the terminal device 50 (S166).

[0219] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing how the goods procurement server 30 makes an automatic or manual decision on whether to estimate the design data.

[0220] First, the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies design data to determine whether or not it is possible to create an estimate (S171).

[0221] The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​makes a determination as to whether automatic estimation is possible (S172). If the determination in step S172 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S173. If the determination in step S172 is No, the process proceeds to step S175.

[0222] In step S173, the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies that the design data can be automatically estimated (S173).

[0223] In step S175, the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​makes a determination as to whether manual estimation is possible (S175). If the determination in step S175 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S176. If the determination in step S175 is No, the process proceeds to step S177.

[0224] In step S176, the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies that the design data can be manually estimated (S176). When it is determined in step S175 that the design data can be manually estimated, or when it is identified in step S176 that the design data can be manually estimated, the screen generation unit 34 may display a "Request Estimate from Person in Charge" button on the terminal device 50. In other words, step S172 may be a process to determine whether to display the "Request Estimate from Person in Charge" button on the terminal device 50. Furthermore, when the "Request Estimate from Person in Charge" button is pressed on the terminal device 50, the communication unit 31 may send an estimate request to the terminal device of the person in charge of estimation (not shown), or it may automatically send an estimate request to the terminal device of the person in charge of estimation.

[0225] In step S177, the error condition recognition unit 36 ​​identifies the design data as unsuitable for estimation (S177).

[0226] The error condition recognition unit 36 ​​determines whether the processing shown in Figure 25 has been completed for all design data (S174).

[0227] If the decision in step S174 is No, the process returns to step S171. If the decision in step S174 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0228] The screen generation unit 34 displays information on whether an estimate is feasible for each design data on the terminal device 50 (S178).

[0229] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing how to display a quotation creation screen 200 tailored to the client's attributes on the terminal device 50.

[0230] First, the goods procurement server 30 accepts the login of the ordering party (S181).

[0231] The goods procurement server 30 identifies the ordering party and determines whether or not they can use the marketplace service (S182). In other words, the attributes of the ordering party (company size, history of past troubles, etc.) are determined.

[0232] If the decision in step S182 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S183. If the decision in step S182 is No, the process proceeds to step S184.

[0233] In step S183, the screen generation unit 34 displays a quote creation screen 200 having a marketplace service button 202 on the terminal device 50 (S183).

[0234] In step S184, the screen generation unit 34 displays an estimate creation screen 200 without the marketplace service button 202 on the terminal device 50 (S184). Instead of hiding the marketplace service button 202, the screen generation unit 34 may process it as follows.

[0235] - Pressing the grayed-out Marketplace Service button 202 ⇒ Unavailable alert displayed <Main effects> In this embodiment, the transaction support system 100 allows the goods procurement server 30 to automatically create an estimate for goods online. If an estimate cannot be created (cannot be provided) or if the ordering party wishes, the transaction support system 100 provides the Marketplace Service. Therefore, the ordering party does not need to search for a partner company that can provide the goods or resend the design data, thus reducing their burden. The ordering party can also use the Marketplace Service to request an estimate from the MP server 10 even for goods that the goods procurement service provider can provide. The ordering party can also place an order with the supplier that offers the most favorable manufacturing costs and delivery times from the goods procurement service provider or one or more partner companies. Furthermore, when linking from the goods procurement server 30 to the MP server, the ordering party only needs to manage the delivery of goods from the first provider, as many goods are provided by the first provider through the goods procurement service. In addition, by selectively linking goods that cannot be provided by the first provider to the Marketplace Service and receiving them from partner companies, the ordering party's workload can be significantly reduced.

[0236] In this embodiment, the explanation will mainly focus on a situation where the terminal device 50 is connected to the goods procurement server 30 and the goods procurement server 30 then cooperates with the MP server 10. However, it is also possible for the process to proceed in the opposite direction, where the terminal device 50 is connected to the MP server 10 and the MP server 10 then cooperates with the goods procurement server 30.

[0237] Therefore, if a customer wants to conduct a transaction for goods on either the goods procurement server 30 or the MP server 10, and also wants to consider conducting a transaction for goods on either the MP server 10 or the goods procurement server 30, the customer can start the transaction on either server. In either case, the customer does not need to resend the design data. [Other Application Examples] The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way to these examples, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0238] For example, the configuration example shown in Figure 10 is divided according to its main function in order to facilitate understanding of the processing performed by the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of those units. The processing of the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, each processing unit can be divided to include even more processing.

[0239] For example, as shown in Figure 3, if the transaction support system 100 is configured to link a first platform (goods procurement server 30) and a second platform (MP server 10), it is preferable that the transaction support system 100 be configured to have a first linking unit 37 of the goods procurement server 30 and a second linking unit 15 of the MP server 10.

[0240] The process when the transaction support system 100 is configured in this way will be explained using the process shown in Figure 19 as an example. When the goods procurement server 30 receives a request to start cooperation in step S25, the transaction support system 100 receives the ordering information transmitted from the goods procurement server 30. In step S26, the transaction support system 100 transmits the ordering information to the MP server 10. In step S27, the transaction support system 100 receives a token transmitted from the MP server 10 and transmits it to the goods procurement server 30. In step S28, the transaction support system 100 receives design data transmitted from the goods procurement server 30 and transmits it to the MP server 10.

[0241] With this configuration, the transaction support system 100 can link the first platform and the second platform, identify the design data received on one platform, and when a request is received from the terminal device 50 on one platform, make the design data available on the other platform.

[0242] Furthermore, although this embodiment has described the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 as separate server devices, the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 may have their functions contained within a single server device.

[0243] Furthermore, although an example has been described in which the transaction support system 100 has a goods procurement server 30, an MP server 10, and a terminal device 50, the transaction support system 100 may be configured not to include the terminal device 50, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C. In this case, the transaction support system 100 may control the display of the terminal device 50 by transmitting display data to the terminal device 50, and the transaction support system 100 may also be configured to accept data input to the terminal device 50 by receiving it from the terminal device 50.

[0244] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0245] The apparatus described in the examples represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 include multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network or shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein.

[0246] Furthermore, the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 can combine the disclosed processing steps in various ways. Each element of the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 may be combined into a single device or divided into multiple devices. Also, each process performed by the goods procurement server 30 and the MP server 10 may be performed by the terminal device 50.

[0247] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-164372, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 20, 2024, and the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-164372 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0248] 10 MP Server 30 Procurement Server 50 Terminal Devices 70 Vendor Terminals 100 Transaction Support System

Claims

1. A transaction support system having a computer and supporting transactions relating to goods, wherein the transaction support system links a first transaction platform in which a first provider provides the goods to a user, and a second transaction platform in which a second provider selected from a plurality of providers different from the first provider provides the goods to the user, and the computer identifies shape data of the goods received from a client terminal in one of the transaction platforms, either the first or the second transaction platform, and when the first transaction platform receives a request from the client terminal to provide the shape data to the other transaction platform, it makes the identified shape data of the goods available for use in the other transaction platform.

2. The transaction support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer identifies the shape data of an item selected on one of the transaction platforms from among the shape data of a plurality of items received on one of the transaction platforms, and when it receives the request, makes the identified shape data of the item available on the other transaction platform.

3. The transaction support system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the computer receives the request, it displays a screen on the client terminal prompting the user to agree to the terms of use for the other platform, and when the computer receives the user to agree to the terms of use on the screen, it makes the shape data of the identified article available on the other transaction platform.

4. The transaction support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer identifies shape data of an item that is determined not to be available on the other transaction platform from among the shape data of a plurality of items received on the one transaction platform, and when the request is received, makes the identified shape data of the item available on the other transaction platform.

5. The trading support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer obtains user availability information of the client terminal from a storage unit that stores availability information indicating whether the first trading platform or the second trading platform is available for each user, determines whether the user can use the other trading platform based on the obtained availability information, and makes the shape data of the article available on the other trading platform when the user can use the other trading platform.

6. The transaction support system according to claim 1, wherein the transaction support system has a first transaction platform, the computer receives the shape data of the article from the client terminal, receives a request from the client terminal to provide the shape data to the second transaction platform, and when the request is received, makes the shape data of the specified article available on the second transaction platform.

7. The transaction support system according to 6, characterized in that the computer receives shape data of multiple articles from the client terminal, determines whether each of the multiple articles can be estimated on the first transaction platform, displays the multiple articles on the client terminal along with the estimation feasibility determination result indicating whether or not they can be estimated on the first transaction platform, identifies the shape data of the article selected by the client terminal from among the displayed multiple articles, and makes the shape data of the identified article available on the second transaction platform when the request is received.

8. The transaction support system according to claim 1, wherein the transaction support system has a second transaction platform, the computer receives the shape data of the article from the client terminal, receives a request from the client terminal to provide the shape data to the first transaction platform, and when the request is received, makes the shape data of the specified article available on the first transaction platform.

9. A transaction support method performed by a transaction support system having a computer and supporting transactions relating to goods, the transaction support system performing a process of linking a first transaction platform in which a first provider provides the goods to a user, and a second transaction platform in which a second provider selected from a plurality of providers different from the first provider provides the goods to the user, and the computer performing a process of identifying shape data of the goods received from a client terminal on one of the transaction platforms, either the first or the second transaction platform, and when the one transaction platform receives a request from the client terminal to provide the shape data to the other transaction platform, the process of making the identified shape data of the goods available on the other transaction platform.

10. A program for a computer in a transaction support system that links a first transaction platform in which a first provider provides goods to a user, and a second transaction platform in which a second provider selected from a plurality of providers different from the first provider provides the goods to the user, to execute: a process to identify shape data of the goods received from a client terminal in one of the transaction platforms, either the first or the second transaction platform; and a process to make the identified shape data of the goods available in the other transaction platform when the one transaction platform receives a request from the client terminal to provide the shape data to the other transaction platform.

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