JP7726504B2 - Matching system, matching method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a matching system, a matching method, and a program.

Various matching systems have been developed to connect service providers and service users through media such as matching sites. Among these, Patent Document 1 below discloses a matching system that can be used for dining and entertainment services in which the service provider meets with the customer (service user) at a designated waiting area.

Patent No. 6675757

The matching system disclosed in Patent Document 1 relates to a system that includes a service provider terminal owned by a service provider and a server device that can communicate with the service provider terminal. In the matching system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the service provider terminal measures the customer service time through operation by the service provider and transmits the measured customer service time to the server device. The server device also calculates the cost of providing the service (costs incurred for the customer service) based on the customer service time received from the service provider terminal.

However, the information provided to service users by the matching system is limited to only a small portion of the information on service providers. As a result, service users end up selecting a service provider from the fragmented information provided by the matching system. Therefore, if objective evaluation information about a service provider is available, service users can determine before making a reservation whether the service provider is more suitable for their needs, etc. Furthermore, if service providers can obtain objective evaluation information from service users, they can accurately determine whether or not to accept a reservation request from that service user based on that evaluation information. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest, for example, a means for providing evaluation information about service providers or service users that can be referenced when making a reservation request.

In light of the above-mentioned issues, the present invention aims to provide a matching system, matching method, and program that provides evaluation information from service providers or service users and can accurately determine whether a partner is suitable for the needs of both parties.

The matching system according to the present invention comprises:
A matching system in which a first terminal operated by a service provider, a second terminal operated by a service user, and a management server are connected via a communication line,
The management server generates evaluation information for the service provider or the service user based on at least one of the total fee, the total time, and the number of services performed between the same service provider and the service user.

According to this aspect of the present invention, the management server determines the evaluation index of the service provider or service user based on at least one of the total fee, total time, and number of services provided between the same service provider and service user, and can provide the obtained evaluation information to both the first terminal (the service provider receiving the reservation request) and the second terminal (the service user attempting to make a reservation request with the service provider). As a result, according to this aspect of the present invention, the service provider and service user can accurately determine whether the other party is suitable for their needs by referring to the evaluation information received before making a reservation request.

In addition, in the matching system according to the present invention,
The evaluation information includes at least one of indexes 1 to 3 determined by the following calculation formula:
It is preferable.
Formula for calculating index 1: [total fee for the service/number of services].
Formula for calculating index 2: [total time of the service/number of services].
Calculation formula for indicator 3: [value calculated by indicator 1/value calculated by indicator 2].

According to this aspect of the present invention, the management server can generate more objective evaluation information. As a result, service providers and service users can refer to the received evaluation information and more accurately determine whether the other party is more suitable for their needs.

Further, the matching method according to the present invention comprises:
A matching method executed in a matching system in which a first terminal operated by a service provider, a second terminal operated by a service user, and a management server are connected via a communication line, comprising:
On the management server:
Evaluation information of the service provider or the service user is generated based on at least one of the total fee, the total time, and the number of services performed between the same service provider and the service user.

In addition, the program according to the present invention is
A management server of a matching system in which a first terminal operated by a service provider, a second terminal operated by a service user, and a management server are connected via a communication line,
generating evaluation information of the service provider or the service user based on at least one of the total fee, the total time, and the number of services performed between the same service provider and the service user;
To function as a means.

According to these aspects of the present invention, the management server determines the evaluation index of a service provider or service user based on at least one of the total fee, total time, and number of services provided between the same service provider and service user, and can provide the obtained evaluation information to both the first terminal (the service provider receiving the reservation request) and the second terminal (the service user attempting to make a reservation request with the service provider). As a result, according to these aspects of the present invention, before making a reservation request, the service provider and service user can refer to the received evaluation information and accurately determine whether the other party is more suitable for their needs.

The present invention provides a matching system, matching method, and program that can provide evaluation information on service providers or service users and accurately determine whether a partner is suitable for the needs of both parties.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a matching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen displayed on a second terminal in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen displayed on the first terminal in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process up to when a service fee is updated in the matching system according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a transaction process for a service reservation slot in the matching system according to the present embodiment.

Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments shown below.

<Configuration>
First, the configuration of a matching system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the matching system 1 according to this embodiment. Also, Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server 30 provided in the matching system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the matching system 1 includes a first terminal 10 operated by a service provider, a second terminal 20 operated by a service user, and a management server 30. The first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, and the management server 30 are connected via a communication line 40. The matching system 1 in this embodiment is used by service providers and service users who have registered as members. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

Furthermore, the process of connecting service providers and service users in matching system 1 may be largely similar to that of general matching systems (though differences from general matching systems will be described later). That is, the service user operates second terminal 20 to access management server 30 and obtains from management server 30 a list of service providers that meet the desired conditions. The obtained list is displayed on second terminal 20. The service user views the list displayed on second terminal 20 and selects the service provider that they determine best meets their needs.

The management server 30 then sends a notification to the first terminal 10 of the selected service provider that the service user wishes to use the service during a specified time period. If the service provider agrees to the notified request, a match is made between the service provider and the service user (the management server 30 then executes the service reservation process between the service provider and the service user).

Next, in this embodiment, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 are preferably mobile terminals such as smartphones or tablet terminals. In this embodiment, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 communicate with the management server 30 via a dedicated app, web browser, or the like. The management server 30 may also be a general-purpose computer, and includes a computing unit (e.g., a processor such as a CPU), a memory unit (e.g., main memory such as ROM or RAM, storage such as HDD or SSD), a communication interface unit, etc.

The calculation unit of the management server 30 performs predetermined calculations based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit using various information received from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 via the communication interface unit. Furthermore, the calculation unit outputs various information generated from the calculation results to the first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, etc.

By processing in the calculation unit using programs and data, the management server 30 according to this embodiment functions, for example, as the means shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, the management server 30 functions as a communication means 31, a service start registration means 32, a service fee update means 33, a service end registration means 34, an evaluation means 35, a reservation slot transaction registration means 36, etc.

The communication means 31 is a means for communicating with terminals (e.g., the first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, etc.) connected to the management server 30 via the communication line 40. The communication means 31 has the function of receiving various information (various notifications) from the first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, etc., or transmitting various information (various notifications) to the first terminal 10, the second terminal 20, etc.

The communication means 31 may also include a function to transmit various page information displayed on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 when using the matching system 1 (e.g., screen information of the matching site displayed on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 when the app is executed, list information of service providers, schedule information of service providers and service users, etc.) in response to a viewing request from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20.

Next, the service start registration means 32 (service start processing) is a means for storing (registering) in the memory unit of the management server 30 the fact that a reserved service between the service provider operating the first terminal 10 and the service user operating the second terminal 20 has started. Service start registration is based on a service start notification (relative notification) sent from at least one of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 when the service provider and the service user meet at a waiting area.

Next, the service fee update means 33 (service fee update process) is a means for storing (registering) the new service fee in the memory unit of the management server 30 when the service fee is updated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the service (this is not limited to, but for example, after the first 10 minutes have elapsed if a 60-minute service has been reserved). (The process from the start of the service until the service fee is updated will be described later.)

Next, the service termination registration means 34 (service termination processing) is a means for storing (registering) the termination of a service in the memory unit of the management server 30 when a service provided between the service provider and the service user is terminated. Service termination registration is based on, for example, the management server 30 receiving a service termination notification from at least one of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the service, or the reserved service period ending.

Next, the evaluation means 35 is a means for generating evaluation information of at least one of the service provider and the service user, and providing the obtained evaluation information, for example, at a stage before a reservation application. The evaluation means 35 in this embodiment evaluates the service provider and the service user, for example, using the following indices. However, the evaluation indices are not limited to these.
(Indicator 1) Total service fee / Number of services provided (used) so far (Indicator 2) Total service time / Number of services provided (used) so far (Indicator 3) Value calculated in indicator 1 / Value calculated in indicator 2

The total service fee for (Index 1) corresponds to the total service fee for services provided between the same service provider and service user. Furthermore, the total service time for (Index 2) corresponds to the total service time provided between the same service provider and service user. Furthermore, the "number of services provided (used) so far" in (Index 1) and (Index 2) corresponds to the number of services provided between the same service provider and service user. Furthermore, if a service provider provides services to multiple service users, the management server 30 may calculate each value of (Index 1) to (Index 3) for each service user, add up the values for each service user, and calculate the average value (calculate the average value for each of (Index 1) to (Index 3)). The same applies when a service user uses services from multiple service providers.

(Indicator 1) allows service providers to understand the level of fees they receive from each service user per service. This makes it possible to evaluate the quality of service provided by each service provider. It also allows service users to understand the level of fees they pay to each service provider per service. This makes it possible to evaluate whether a service user tends to pay high fees.

In addition, (Indicator 2) allows us to understand the length of time spent with the same person. This makes it possible to evaluate whether a service provider or service user tends to build good relationships with service recipients. Furthermore, (Indicator 3) allows us to evaluate the fee earned per hour for service providers, and the fee paid per hour for service users.

Information such as the total fee per service for each service provider and service user, the number of services, and the time per service is stored in the storage unit of the management server 30. It is preferable that this information be systematically managed in a database constructed in the storage unit of the management server 30. The evaluation means 35 references the usage information stored in the storage unit and determines the numerical values of the (Indicator 1) to (Indicator 3).

Next, the reservation slot transaction registration means 36 is a means for storing (registering) the service user's identification information after the transaction, the service fee after the transaction, etc. in the storage unit of the management server 30 when a time slot (reservation slot) for an already reserved service is traded between a service user and another service user. However, it is preferable that the transaction of a reservation slot ultimately requires the approval of not only the original service user but also the service provider, who is the other party to the reservation. Note that in this embodiment, another service user may sell the reservation slot they purchased to yet another service user.

<Service reservation processing>
Next, a service reservation process in the matching system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen of a service provider displayed on the second terminal 20. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen of a service provider displayed on the first terminal 10.

In response to a request from the second terminal 20, the management server 30 transmits schedule information for the service provider selected by the service user. Upon receiving the schedule information, the second terminal 20 displays a schedule screen for the service provider, such as that shown in Figure 3. Here, the cell corresponding to line A in Figure 3 indicates the time slots available for reservations. Furthermore, the cell corresponding to line B in Figure 3 indicates the reservation slots available for transactions. However, the manner in which the time slots available for reservations and the reservation slots available for transactions are displayed is not limited to this.

A service user viewing schedule information may, for example, touch line A displayed on the screen of the second terminal 20 to request a reservation for a service during that time period. In response, the second terminal 20 transmits information about the service provider and the time period corresponding to line A to the management server 30.

The management server 30 then sends a message to the first terminal 10 informing the service user that they have applied to use the service during the time period corresponding to line A, and requests a response as to whether or not they will accept the application. If the service provider decides to accept the application, it sends an acceptance notice of the application to the management server 30 via the first terminal 10. Upon receiving the acceptance notice, the management server 30 stores the service provider, service user, reservation time period, etc. in its memory as service reservation information. The management server 30 then sends a message to the second terminal 20 informing the service provider that it has accepted the reservation application.

As shown in Figure 4, the schedule screen viewable on the service provider's first terminal 10 displays line A, which indicates the time slots available for reservations, and line B, which indicates the reservation slots available for transactions, as well as line C, which indicates time slots that cannot be reserved because they are already booked with other service users. However, the manner in which time slots that cannot be reserved is not limited to this.

<Process until service fee is updated>
Next, a process for updating the service fee within the service time will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the process from immediately before the start of the reserved service to the update of the service fee within the service time.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a service user arrives at a specified waiting area (for example, a restaurant designated by the service user), the second terminal 20, via operation by the service user, sends a notification to the management server 30 that the service user has arrived at the waiting area (waiting area arrival notification) (S51). Upon receiving the waiting area arrival notification, the management server 30 sends a notification to the first terminal 10 that the service user is waiting at the waiting area (waiting area waiting notification) (S52).

When the service provider receives the waiting area waiting notification on the first terminal 10, the service provider becomes aware that the service user is waiting at the waiting area. The service provider then heads to the waiting area (restaurant) and meets the service user. At this point (for example, when the service provider sits down at the same table as the service user), the first terminal 10, via the service provider's operation, sends a notification of the relationship with the service user to the management server 30 (S53). In the matching system 1 according to this embodiment, the notification of the relationship with the service user is processed as a service start notification. At the same time, the management server 30 stores in the memory unit that the service has started (S54). This process corresponds to the service start registration means 32.

After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the service (for example, approximately 10 minutes after the first terminal 10 sent the relative notification), the service provider leaves the dining table with the service user. At this time, the first terminal 10 preferably sends a notification to the management server 30 that the service provider has left the table via the service provider's operation. Next, the first terminal 10 sends a fee negotiation notification or service suspension notification to the management server 30 via the service provider's operation (S55).

The fee negotiation notification includes the desired value or range of future service fees. For example, if the service fee at the time of the initial reservation (the service fee from the start of service until a specified time has elapsed) was 2,000 yen per hour, and the service provider requests a future service fee of 3,000 yen per hour, then, through operation by the service provider, the first terminal 10 notifies the management server 30 of the desired future service fee (for example, 3,000 yen per hour).

In contrast, if the service provider wishes to notify the desired range of future service fees (for example, a range of "3,000 to 5,000 yen per hour"), the first terminal 10, through operation by the service provider, notifies the management server 30 of the desired range (for example, 3,000 to 5,000 yen per hour).

Here, if the fee negotiation notification received from the first terminal 10 includes a desired service fee (in the previous example, a desired fee of "3,000 yen per hour"), the management server 30 transmits this desired fee to the second terminal 20 (S56). On the other hand, if the fee negotiation notification received from the first terminal includes a desired service fee range (in the previous example, a desired range of "3,000 to 5,000 yen per hour"), the management server 30 transmits a notification (negotiation request notification) to the second terminal 20 indicating that the service provider wishes to negotiate the fee (S56).

When the second terminal 20 receives the desired service fee and the service user accepts that desired fee as the future service fee, the second terminal 20 sends an acceptance notice to the management server 30 (S57). Having received the acceptance notice, the management server 30 updates the future service fee to the desired fee from the first terminal 10 ("3,000 yen per hour") (S58). This process corresponds to the service fee update means 33.

At the same time, the management server 30 sends a new service conditions notification (service fee) to the first terminal 10 (S59). If the service user does not accept the desired value as the future service fee, the future service will be terminated (service termination registration means 34).

Furthermore, when the second terminal 20 receives the negotiation request notification, the second terminal 20, through operation by the service user, transmits to the management server 30 the service user's desired range for future service fees (e.g., "2,000 to 4,000 yen per hour"). At this time, the management server 30 compares the desired range received from the first terminal 10 ("3,000 to 5,000 yen per hour") with the desired range received from the second terminal 20 ("2,000 to 4,000 yen per hour"). If the lower limit of the desired range from the first terminal 10 ("3,000 yen per hour") is equal to or less than the upper limit of the desired range from the second terminal 20 ("4,000 yen per hour"), the management server 30 determines that the negotiation is successful and updates the future service fees to the upper limit of the desired range from the second terminal 20 ("4,000 yen per hour") (S58). This process corresponds to the service fee update means 33.

In addition, the management server 30 sends a new service conditions notification (service fee) to the first terminal 10 (S59). On the other hand, if the lower limit of the desired range from the first terminal 10 exceeds the upper limit of the desired range from the second terminal 20, the management server 30 determines that the negotiation has failed and terminates any further service (service termination registration means 34). However, even if the first negotiation is unsuccessful, the management server 30 may inquire of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 about a different desired range and receive another notification of a desire to negotiate the service fee.

In contrast, if the service provider wishes to stop the service after a predetermined time has elapsed since the service started, the first terminal 10 sends a service stop notification to the management server 30. Furthermore, if the service user also wishes to stop the service from now on, the management server 30 may accept a service stop notification from the second terminal 20. When the management server 30 receives a service stop notification from at least one of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, the service from now on will be terminated (service termination registration means 34).

In this way, after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the service, service termination notices are accepted from the service provider (first terminal 10) and the service user (second terminal 20), and even if both parties wish to continue the service, an opportunity is provided to review the service fee. Therefore, the matching system 1 according to this embodiment allows both the service provider and the service user to choose to continue the service at a fee that is appropriate for both parties.

When the management server 30 receives a service suspension notification from the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20, it may notify the other party that the other party has expressed an intention to suspend service, but may instead notify the other party that the other party has expressed an intention to negotiate fees, and that as a result, the fee negotiation (pseudo fee negotiation) has failed.

Specifically, when the management server 30 receives a service termination notification from the first terminal 10, it transmits the results of the pseudo fee negotiation to the second terminal 20 in order to terminate future services. Similarly, when the management server 30 receives a service termination notification from the second terminal 20, it transmits the results of the pseudo fee negotiation to the first terminal 10 in order to terminate future services. The management server 30 then executes service termination processing.

According to this aspect, even if the service provider (first terminal 10) expresses an intention to stop service, the service user (second terminal 20) is notified that the negotiations have failed as a result of the pseudo fee negotiations. This makes it possible to keep the intention to stop service confidential. Similarly, if the service user (second terminal 20) expresses an intention to stop service, the service provider (first terminal 10) is notified that the negotiations have failed as a result of the pseudo fee negotiations. This makes it possible to keep the intention to stop service confidential.

<Reservation slot transaction process>
In the matching system 1 according to this embodiment, a time slot (reservation slot) that has already been reserved between a service provider and a service user (hereinafter referred to as a "first service user") can be purchased (traded) by another service user (hereinafter referred to as a "second service user"). An example of a transaction process for a service reservation slot will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the transaction process for a service reservation slot.

In the matching system 1 according to this embodiment, it is preferable to limit the transaction period for a reservation slot to a predetermined time before the service is to prevent the reservation party (service user) from being changed immediately before the service is provided. The transaction period may be determined by rules commonly imposed on all members of the matching system 1, or may be set individually at the discretion of one of the reservation parties (e.g., the service provider or the first service user).

As shown in FIG. 6, the second service user views the schedule information of the service provider from whom they wish to receive a service via the second service user's third terminal (terminal designated by reference numeral 50 in FIG. 1) (e.g., FIG. 3). If the service provider has available reservation slots for transactions, line B is displayed on the schedule screen as shown in FIG. 3. The second service user selects line B displayed on the third terminal 50 (S61).

When line B is selected, the third terminal 50 requests the management server 30 to obtain transaction terms information (e.g., desired minimum price, etc.). In response, the management server 30 transmits the transaction terms information to the third terminal 50. It is preferable that the management server 30 transmits the aforementioned information (Indicator 1) to (Indicator 3) regarding the service provider to the third terminal 50 along with the transaction terms information. In this case, the second service user can refer to an estimate of the desired price from each index value received from the management server 30.

When the second service user decides to purchase a reservation slot by referring to the transaction terms information, etc. displayed on the third terminal 50, the second service user inputs desired price information into the third terminal 50. The third terminal 50 then transmits the input desired price information to the management server 30 along with a transaction application notification for the reservation slot (S62).

When the management server 30 receives the transaction application notification and desired price information from the third terminal 50, it transmits this information to the first terminal 10 of the service provider and the second terminal 20 of the first service user, who are currently the parties to the reservation. At this time, the management server 30 may also transmit to at least the first terminal 10 the second service user's attribute information, photo data including a facial image, and information (index 1) to (index 3). This information is referenced by the service provider when determining whether to accept the transaction application from the second service user.

After that, if the management server 30 receives a notification from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 that the transaction at the desired price is accepted (YES in S63), it stores in the memory unit (S64) that one of the reservation parties has changed from the first service user to the second service user and that the service fee has changed (i.e., the reservation slot has been traded). This process corresponds to the reservation slot transaction registration means 36.

In contrast, if the management server 30 receives a notification from the first terminal 10 or the second terminal 20 that the transaction at the desired price is not accepted (NO in S63), the transaction for the reserved slot will not be concluded. If there is no other transaction request thereafter by the reservation date and time (or by a specified time before the reservation date and time), the reservation parties will not be changed and the service will be provided under the original conditions.

By making reservation slots tradable in this way, service providers can offer services at a higher price than the initial service fee. Furthermore, if the transaction amount is higher than the initial service fee, the first service user can make a profit. Furthermore, even if the first service user cancels a reservation due to other plans during the reserved time slot, if the reservation slot is traded with another service user (second service user), the reservation parties will change but the service will still be provided. As a result, the first service user can cancel the service without causing any inconvenience to the service provider. This makes it possible to provide a matching system that is attractive to members (service providers, service users).

1 Matching system 10 First terminal (service provider)
20. Second terminal (first service user)
30 Management server 40 Communication line 50 Third terminal (second service user)

Claims (4)

A matching system in which a first terminal operated by a service provider, a second terminal operated by a service user, and a management server are connected via a communication line,
The management server
a service is started by receiving a notification of the meeting from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal by an operation of the service provider or the service user who has met at the waiting area;
When a service stop notification is received from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the service, the service can be stopped thereafter;
When a fee negotiation notification is received from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal during the period from the start to the end of the service, the fee for the service can be updated;
In the management server,
generating evaluation information of the service provider or the service user based on at least one of the total fee, the total time, and the number of services performed between the same service provider and the service user;
Matching system. The evaluation information includes at least one of indexes 1 to 3 determined by the following calculation formula:
The matching system according to claim 1 .
Formula for calculating index 1: [total fee for the service/number of services].
Formula for calculating index 2: [total time of the service/number of services].
Calculation formula for indicator 3: [value calculated by indicator 1/value calculated by indicator 2]. The evaluation information includes an index 3 determined by the following calculation formula:
The matching system according to claim 1 .
Formula for calculating index 1: [total fee for the service/number of services].
Formula for calculating index 2: [total time of the service/number of services].
Calculation formula for indicator 3: [value calculated by indicator 1/value calculated by indicator 2]. A matching method executed in a matching system in which a first terminal operated by a service provider, a second terminal operated by a service user, and a management server are connected via a communication line, comprising:
The management server
a service is started by receiving a notification of the meeting from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal by an operation of the service provider or the service user who has met at the waiting area;
When a service stop notification is received from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the service, the service can be stopped thereafter;
When a fee negotiation notification is received from at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal during the period from the start to the end of the service, the fee for the service can be updated;
In the management server,
generating evaluation information of the service provider or the service user based on at least one of the total fee, the total time, and the number of services performed between the same service provider and the service user;
Matching method.