JP7755482B2 - Shopping agent service providing device and shopping agent service providing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for shopping for products.

People who want to purchase products usually either go to a store in person or shop online. If they go to a store in person, it takes time and effort to get there. If they shop online, it takes time from ordering to delivery. Taking these points into consideration, shopping agents have traditionally been used, where someone shops for the product on behalf of the person who wants to purchase it.

In the shopping proxy service system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the assistant who is shopping on behalf of the user is provided with the user's personal information, the name of the destination retailer, the fee amount for the shopping service, and the product names and quantities requested. The assistant then carries out the shopping and delivers the purchased products to the user.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-139776

For example, if a shopping agent delivers purchased items directly to the person requesting the shopping service, this can place a heavy burden on the shopping agent. It would be convenient if the shopping agent could perform the shopping service efficiently while reducing the burden on the shopping agent.

In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide technology that enables efficient shopping services while reducing the burden on the shopping agent.

An exemplary shopping agent service providing device of the present invention includes a processing unit that is capable of communicating with both a shopping agent terminal used by a shopping agent who performs shopping agent services and a transportation service provider terminal used by a transportation service provider who provides transportation services. The processing unit accepts requests for the shopping agent service, transmits shopping information related to the shopping agent service to the shopping agent terminal, and transmits delivery instructions for products purchased by the shopping agent in accordance with the shopping information to the transportation service provider terminal.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shopping can be carried out efficiently while reducing the burden on the shopping agent.

A diagram showing the general configuration of a shopping agent system A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a shopping agent service providing device. Flowchart showing an example of a member registration process in a shopping agent system A diagram for explaining the format of a member information DB. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the format of a shopping agent registration information DB. A flowchart illustrating the flow from a shopping agent request to a shopping agent instruction in a method for providing a shopping agent service using a shopping agent system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the format of a shopping request information DB. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating shopping information. A flowchart illustrating the flow from issuing a shopping agent instruction to reporting delivery completion in a method for providing a shopping agent service using a shopping agent system. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the format of a shopping agent result information DB. Diagram for explaining delivery information A diagram for explaining delivery result information 1 is a flowchart illustrating a payment process in a method for providing a shopping agent service using a shopping agent system. A diagram for explaining product payment information Diagram for explaining delivery service payment information A diagram for explaining member point information

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<1. Shopping agent system>
1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a shopping agent system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the shopping agent system 100 includes a shopping agent service providing device 1, a client terminal 2, a shopping agent terminal 3, a transportation service provider terminal 4, and a payment agent terminal 5.

In response to a shopping proxy request from a client who wishes to have their shopping handled, the shopping proxy service providing device 1 provides a shopping proxy service by linking a shopping proxy who handles the shopping and transportation provided by a transportation service provider. The shopping proxy service providing device 1 also appropriately links with a payment proxy in response to the shopping proxy request. Details of the shopping proxy service providing device 1 will be described later.

The client terminal 2 is a terminal used by a client who requests shopping proxy services. The client terminal 2 may be a terminal operated by the client himself or herself, or a terminal operated by someone other than the client in response to a request from the client. The client terminal 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the shopping proxy service providing device 1 via a network 6, such as the Internet or a mobile phone network. The client terminal 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The shopping agent terminal 3 is a terminal used by the shopping agent who performs shopping on behalf of the customer. The shopping agent terminal 3 is configured to be able to communicate with the shopping agent service providing device 1 via the network 6. The shopping agent terminal 3 may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. It is preferable that the shopping agent terminal 3 be a mobile terminal carried by the shopping agent.

The transportation service provider terminal 4 is a terminal used by a transportation service provider that provides transportation services. A transportation service provider is, for example, a business that provides transportation services. For example, the transportation service may be a taxi service or a demand-based transportation service. Demand-based transportation may be a demand-based taxi or demand-based bus. The transportation service provider terminal 4 is configured to be able to communicate with the shopping agent service providing device 1 via the network 6. The transportation service provider terminal 4 may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. The transportation service provider terminal 4 may be a terminal located at a business premises or an on-board terminal installed in a vehicle.

The payment agent terminal 5 is a terminal used by a payment agent to pay at least a portion of the costs required for shopping proxy services. Costs required for shopping proxy services include, for example, the price of the products purchased through the shopping proxy service, delivery fees for transportation services, and agency fees incurred by the shopping proxy service. The payment agent may handle payment for all or part of the costs required for shopping proxy services. For example, the payment agent may handle payment for both the product price and delivery fees. Examples of payment agents include credit card companies that issue credit cards and financial institutions. The payment agent terminal 5 is capable of communicating with the shopping proxy service provider 1 via the network 6. The payment agent terminal 5 may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

<2. Shopping Agent Service Providing Device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a shopping agent service providing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the shopping agent service providing device 1 includes a processing unit 11. The processing unit 11 is, for example, a computer device including a processor, memory, and a communication unit (none of which are shown). The processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory includes, for example, volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory). The communication unit enables communication connection to the network 6 via wired or wireless communication.

The processing unit 11 may be made up of a single computer device or multiple computers. That is, the processing unit 11 may be made up of multiple server devices (an example of a computer device). The server devices may be physical servers located in a building such as an office, or virtual servers such as cloud servers. The processing unit 11 may be made up of multiple API (Application Programming Interface) servers.

The processing unit 11 is configured to be able to communicate with the client terminal 2. As a result, the processing unit 11 can receive requests for shopping services via the client terminal 2. For example, the client may be a business traveler or a tourist. The client can request that souvenirs be purchased for the business trip destination while the client is working there. Similarly, a tourist can request that souvenirs be purchased for a tourist destination while the client is sightseeing.

The processing unit 11 is also configured to be able to communicate with the shopping agent terminal 3 and the transportation service provider terminal 4. That is, the processing unit 11 is configured to be able to communicate with both the shopping agent terminal 3 and the transportation service provider terminal 4. This allows the processing unit 11 to give instructions to the shopping agent related to the shopping agent. The processing unit 11 can also instruct the transportation service provider to work with the shopping agent to deliver the products purchased through the shopping agent to the client.

The processing unit 11 is also configured to be able to communicate with the payment agent terminal 5. This allows the processing unit 11 to instruct the payment agent to pay at least a portion of the costs required for the shopping agent on behalf of the customer. This allows the shopping agent to purchase products without having to pay the costs in advance when shopping on the customer's behalf.

As shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 11 has, as its functional configuration, an external data receiving unit 111, a proxy request detection unit 112, and a proxy request management unit 113. The functions of each unit 111 to 113 are realized by a processor executing arithmetic processing in accordance with a program stored in non-volatile memory. The external data receiving unit 111, proxy request detection unit 112, and proxy request management unit 113 may each be functions realized by separate API servers.

The scope of this embodiment may include a computer program that causes a processor (computer) to implement at least some of the functions of the shopping agent service providing device 1. The scope of this embodiment may also include a computer-readable non-volatile recording medium that records such a computer program.

As mentioned above, each of the above units 111-113 may be implemented by having a processor execute a program, i.e., by software, but they may also be implemented by other methods. Each of the above units 111-113 may be implemented using, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). That is, each of the above units 111-113 may be implemented by hardware using a dedicated IC or the like. Each of the above units 111-113 may also be implemented by a combination of software and hardware. Each of the above units 111-113 is a conceptual component. The functions performed by one component may be distributed among multiple components. Furthermore, the functions of multiple components may be integrated into a single component.

In this embodiment, the external data receiving unit 111, the proxy request detection unit 112, and the proxy request management unit 113 that make up the processing unit 11 are an API server.

The external data receiving unit 111 receives data from various terminals. For example, the external data receiving unit 111 receives data from the client terminal 2, shopping agent terminal 3, transportation service provider terminal 4, and payment agent terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the external data receiving unit 111 includes, as its functions, a data receiving unit 1111, a data identifying unit 1112, and a data writing unit 1113. The functions of these units 1111-1113 will be described in detail below. The functions of these units 1111-1113 may be realized by a processor executing a computer program. The data receiving unit 1111 may be configured as a device provided in the shopping agent service providing device 1 separately from the processing unit 11.

The proxy request detection unit 112 works in cooperation with the external data receiving unit 111 to detect requests for shopping proxy services. Furthermore, upon detecting a request for shopping proxy services, the proxy request detection unit 112 performs various processes required to execute the shopping proxy service. These processes include, for example, selecting a shopping proxy service and creating a shopping plan that links the shopping proxy service with transportation services provided by the transportation service provider. As shown in FIG. 2 , the proxy request detection unit 112 includes, as its functions, a data reading unit 1121, a proxy service selection unit 1122, and a proxy request instruction unit 1123. The functions of each of these units 1121-1123 will be described in detail below. The functions of each of these units 1121-1123 may be implemented by a processor executing a computer program.

The proxy request management unit 113 works in conjunction with the external data receiving unit 111 to manage shopping proxy services. For example, the proxy request management unit 113 manages the delivery of products purchased through the shopping proxy service, the payments incurred during shopping proxy services, and the points of members of the shopping proxy system 100. Details regarding members of the shopping proxy system 100 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the proxy request management unit 113 includes, as its functions, a data reading unit 1131, a delivery instruction unit 1132, a points update unit 1133, and a payment processing unit 1134. The functions of each of these units 1131 to 1134 will be described in detail later. The functions of each of these units 1131 to 1134 may be realized by a processor executing a computer program.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shopping agent service providing device 1 further includes a data storage unit 12. The data storage unit 12 is configured with non-volatile memory. The data storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The data storage unit 12 stores various databases (DBs) related to shopping agent services.

In this embodiment, the databases stored in the data storage unit 12 include a member information database 121, a shopping agent registration information database 122, a shopping request information database 123, a shopping agent result information database 124, and a member point information database 125. Details of these databases 121-125 will be provided later.

<3. How the shopping agent service is provided>
Next, a method for providing a shopping proxy service using the shopping proxy system 100 including the shopping proxy service providing device 1 will be described.

(3-1. Membership registration)
In this embodiment, a shopping agent is a person who is registered as a member of the shopping agent system 100. A shopping agent who is registered as a member may also be a person requesting shopping services. In other words, in the configuration of this embodiment, members can shop for each other. Note that a shopping agent may also be an employee employed by a professional shopping agent. However, introducing a membership system as in this embodiment can reduce the expenses required for employment, for example, and therefore reduce the agency fees.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the person requesting shopping proxy services may be a registered member or may not be a registered member. Furthermore, a registered member requesting shopping proxy services may not wish to act as a shopping proxy. In other words, in this embodiment, members also include people who only request shopping proxy services but do not themselves act as a shopping proxy.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the member registration process in the shopping agent system 100. The user terminal in Figure 3 is the terminal used by the person registering as a member. The user terminal may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. The user terminal shown in Figure 3 is typically used as the client terminal 2 or shopping agent terminal 3 after the member registration process shown in Figure 3.

In step S1, the user terminal transmits user information to the external data receiving unit 111 of the shopping agent service providing device 1 via the network 6. That is, the data receiving unit 1111 of the external data receiving unit 111 receives the user information. Note that the user information can be transmitted, for example, by a person who wishes to register as a member of the shopping agent system 100 entering the user information on an online member registration site. Alternatively, an app (application software) for members of the shopping agent system 100 can be downloaded to the user terminal, and the user information can be input and transmitted using the app.

As shown in Figure 4 below, user information includes, for example, the name, address, age, and gender of the person wishing to register as a member, as well as financial institution information. Financial institution information includes, for example, an account number for withdrawing payments incurred by the member and an account number for transferring money to the member. Financial institution information may include, for example, information about a credit card rather than a financial institution account number. Once the user information is sent, processing proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the data identification unit 1112 of the external data receiving unit 111 identifies the type of data received by the data receiving unit 1111. Here, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of the received data as user information. Once the identification of the data type is complete, processing proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the data writing unit 1113 converts the user information into the format of the member information DB 121 and saves it as member information. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the format of the member information DB 121. In the example shown in Figure 4, the data writing unit 1113 adds the member ID, password, and update time to the name, age, gender, and financial institution information included in the user information, and saves this information in the member information DB 121 as member information.

The password is, for example, a password for accessing the member site of the shopping agent system 100 on the Internet. For example, the member site can be accessed by entering a member ID and password. In this example, the password is automatically determined by the shopping agent service providing device 1. However, this is an example, and the password may also be determined in advance by the member.

Once the member information has been saved, the user terminal is notified that member registration has been completed, and processing proceeds to the next step S4. The registration completion notification may be sent by the processing unit 11, or by a device provided in the shopping agent service providing device 1 separately from the processing unit 11. The registration completion notification may include, for example, the member ID and password. The member ID and password may be sent to the registered email address. In this case, the email address information is included in the user information. Note that those who do not wish to have their shopping agent services provided may end the member registration process at this point. This allows them to register as a member who is only requesting shopping agent services.

In step S4, the user terminal transmits the shopping agent requester information to the external data receiving unit 111 via the network 6. That is, the data receiving unit 1111 of the external data receiving unit 111 receives the shopping agent requester information. Note that the shopping agent requester information can be transmitted, for example, by a person wishing to act as a shopping agent entering the shopping agent requester information on an online member's site. Alternatively, the shopping agent requester information may be input and transmitted using a member's app.

As shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later, the shopping agent requester information includes, for example, the member ID of the person requesting registration as a shopping agent, current location information, available proxy types, available proxy areas, and available proxy time periods. The current location information may be, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) information. The current location information as registration information may grant the shopping agent service providing device 1 permission to view the GPS information of the shopping agent's device. The available proxy types are the types of products for which shopping agent services are available. The available proxy areas are, for example, area information for which shopping agent services are available. Once the shopping agent requester information has been sent, processing proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of data received by the data receiving unit 1111. Here, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of received data as shopping agent requester information. Once the data type identification is complete, processing proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the data writing unit 1113 converts the shopping agent requester information into the format of the shopping agent registration information DB 122 and saves it as shopping agent registration information. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the format of the shopping agent registration information DB 122. In the example shown in Figure 5, the data writing unit 1113 adds the agent ID and update time to the member ID, current location information, available proxy type, available proxy range, and available proxy time period included in the shopping agent requester information, and saves this information as shopping agent registration information in the shopping agent registration information DB 122. In other words, the data saving unit 12 saves information about shopping agent requesters who wish to be served as shopping agents.

Once the saving of the shopping agent registration information is complete, the user terminal is notified that the shopping agent registration has been completed. This registration completion notification may be issued by the processing unit 11 or by a device provided in the shopping agent service providing device 1 separately from the processing unit 11. The registration completion notification may include, for example, the agent ID. If email address information is included as member information, the agent ID may be sent to the registered email address.

(3-2. Shopping proxy request ~ Shopping proxy instruction)
6 is a flowchart illustrating the process from a shopping agent request to a shopping agent instruction in a method for providing a shopping agent service using the shopping agent system 100. A shopping agent request is made by a requester who wishes to request shopping agent services using the requester terminal 2. The requester for shopping agent services is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a business traveler on a business trip or a tourist going sightseeing. The requester may or may not be a member of the shopping agent system 100.

In step S11, the client terminal 2 transmits shopping request information to the external data receiving unit 111 of the shopping agent service providing device 1 via the network 6. That is, the data receiving unit 1111 of the external data receiving unit 111 receives the shopping request information. In other words, the processing unit 11 accepts a shopping agent request. The shopping agent service providing method includes a request accepting step of accepting a shopping agent request via communication.

For example, a client may request a shopping agent for souvenirs when using the client terminal 2 to make a hotel reservation for a business trip or sightseeing. The client enters the shopping agent request information using a shopping agent request page provided on an online hotel reservation site, for example. The client may pay the shopping agent fee when requesting the shopping agent service. In this case, payment may be made using a credit card. Also, for example, if the client is a member of the shopping agent system 100, the shopping agent fee may be debited from a financial institution account. The shopping agent fee may include, for example, the product price, delivery fee, and agency fee.

As shown in Figure 7 below, shopping request information, which is information requesting a shopping agent service, includes, for example, the requester's membership ID, desired product, desired delivery time, and desired delivery location. If the requester is not a member, information that identifies the requester, such as the requester's name, may be included instead of the membership ID. For example, the requester may specify the desired delivery location as the hotel where the requester is staying, and the desired delivery time as the hotel check-out time. The number and type of desired products may be one or more. Once the shopping request information is sent, the shopping agent service request using the requester terminal 2 is completed. Then, when the shopping agent service providing device 1 receives the shopping request information, processing in step S12 is performed.

In step S12, the data identification unit 1112 of the external data receiving unit 111 identifies the type of data received by the data receiving unit 1111. Here, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of the received data as shopping request information. Once the identification of the data type is complete, processing proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the data writing unit 1113 converts the received shopping request information into a format that conforms to the shopping request information DB 123 and saves it. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the format of the shopping request information DB 123. In the example shown in Figure 7, the data writing unit 1113 adds a shopping ID and update time to the received shopping request information and saves this information as shopping request information in the shopping request information DB 123. Once the shopping request information has been saved in the shopping request information DB 123, processing proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the data reading unit 1121 of the proxy request detection unit 112 reads the data from the shopping agent registration information DB 122 and the shopping request information DB 123 when the shopping request information DB 123 is updated. Note that the timing when the shopping request information DB 123 is updated corresponds to the timing when information is saved to the shopping request information DB 123 in step S13. Once the data reading is complete, processing proceeds to the next step, S15.

In step S15, the agent selection unit 1122 selects a shopping agent from among those registered in the shopping agent registration information based on the data previously read. In other words, a shopping agent is selected from among multiple members who wish to act as a shopping agent. The agent selection unit 1122 may select one or more shopping agents based on the shopping request information.

The agent selection unit 1122 selects a shopping agent so that the transportation provided by the transportation service provider can be linked with the shopping agent. For example, the agent selection unit 1122 creates a plan for linking transportation and the shopping agent based on the shopping request information and information provided by the transportation service provider, and selects a shopping agent based on the plan. The information provided by the transportation service provider is, for example, candidate information on locations where the transportation provided by the transportation service provider can pick up products purchased through the shopping agent. The candidate location information may be predetermined and stored in non-volatile memory such as a server. As another example, the candidate location information may be provided by the transportation service provider via communication.

Note that transportation includes the driver of the transportation. In other words, when transportation receives products purchased through a shopping agent, it includes the driver of the transportation receiving the products purchased through a shopping agent. In other words, if the transportation is a taxi, the taxi driver may receive the products purchased through a shopping agent. Furthermore, when transportation receives products purchased through a shopping agent, it may mean that the shopping agent places the products purchased through a shopping agent in a predetermined location (such as a luggage space) within the transportation, such as a bus.

For example, the agent selection unit 1122 selects a shopping agent based on the shopping request information, shopping agent registration information, and information about the location where the items purchased through shopping agent service will be picked up. The agent selection unit 1122 may, for example, select as a shopping agent an individual who can complete the shopping agent service in the shortest time possible. Furthermore, for example, if the desired item included in the shopping request information is a frozen food, the agent selection unit 1122 may select as a shopping agent an individual who can purchase the item at a time close to the desired delivery time included in the shopping request information (an optimal time item purchaser).

In addition, when selecting a shopping agent, information about the shopping agent's past performance may also be used, and the selection of a shopping agent may be based on the performance information. Performance information may include, for example, information about the time and cost required for past shopping proxy services. Performance information may also include information about the client's evaluation of past shopping proxy services and information about the member's specialty areas for purchasing products derived from past shopping proxy services. Specialty information may be, for example, information about product categories in which members can purchase products at low prices using discount information, or information about product categories in which members have a high probability of purchasing hard-to-find products. For example, a person who is estimated to be able to purchase products at low prices based on performance information may be given priority as a shopping agent. In addition, if a product is purchased at low prices, the surplus cost may be returned to the client or given to the member, for example.

Furthermore, when a client requests shopping proxy services for multiple types of products, a single shopping proxy service may be selected, or multiple shopping proxy services may be selected. In the former case, the cost of the shopping proxy service can be reduced. In the latter case, the time required for the shopping proxy service can be shortened. The client may include in advance in the shopping request information whether they want to prioritize cost or time when shopping on their behalf. The proxy selection unit 1122 may then select a shopping proxy service based on the client's preference for prioritizing cost or time.

Furthermore, if another client has already requested shopping for the same product and a shopping agent has already been selected, the agent selection unit 1122 may select the previously selected shopping agent again as a shopping agent if, for example, the time and location conditions are met. In other words, the configuration may be such that a certain shopping agent is instructed to purchase multiple client's desired products all at once. This can reduce the cost of shopping.

Once a shopping agent has been selected, processing proceeds to the next step, S16.

In step S16, the proxy request instruction unit 1123 generates shopping information based on the results of the shopping agent selection and sends the generated shopping information to the shopping agent terminal 3 via the network 6. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining shopping information. As shown in Figure 8, shopping information includes, for example, a shopping ID, product information, product delivery time, and product delivery location. Product information is information about the products for which shopping is performed on behalf of the customer, and may include the number of products to be purchased and the type of product. Product information may also include multiple types of products. The product delivery time and location are the time and location at which the shopping agent will deliver the purchased products to the transportation facility provided by the transportation service provider.

Upon completion of step S16, the shopping information is displayed on the display screen 30 of the shopping agent terminal 3 to which the shopping information was sent (for example, the area surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 7). In other words, the shopping agent service providing device 1 displays at least a portion of the information contained in the shopping information on the display screen 30 of the shopping agent terminal 3. This allows the shopping agent to easily understand the information required when performing shopping on the shopping agent's behalf by looking at the display screen 30 of the shopping agent terminal 3.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the shopping information displayed on the display screen 30 of the shopping agent terminal 3 includes a shopping ID, product information, product delivery time, and product delivery location. Items displayed on the display screen 30 may also include other information, such as cost restrictions for shopping agents and whether gift wrapping is available. Furthermore, in addition to text information, the display screen 30 may also display product photos and maps showing the location.

The shopping agent purchases the requested products according to the shopping information displayed on the shopping agent terminal 3, and delivers the purchased products to the designated product delivery location at the specified time. Because the client pays the fee by credit card or direct debit, the shopping agent does not have to pay a fee when purchasing the products. This reduces the burden on the shopping agent.

In addition, if the shopping agent determines that the product cannot be purchased according to the shopping information displayed on the shopping agent terminal 3, the shopping agent may be configured to notify the shopping agent service providing device 1 of this. In this case, the shopping agent service providing device 1 may be configured to re-plan the shopping agent service, including selecting a shopping agent.

In addition, in the example shown above, a plan for linking transportation facilities and shopping agents is first created, and then the shopping agent is selected, but this is merely an example. For example, a shopping agent may first be selected based on the shopping request information and shopping agent registration information, and the location where the shopping agent will hand over the items to the transportation facility may be determined based on the selected shopping agent's schedule. Furthermore, the shopping agent schedule, including the selection of a shopping agent, may be determined based on the schedules of each member registered in the shopping agent registration information DB122 and the schedules of transportation facilities provided by the transportation service provider.

The agent selection unit 1122 may also be configured to determine whether or not it is necessary to use transportation provided by a transportation service provider when selecting a shopping agent. For example, if the desired delivery location desired by the client is close to the address of the shopping agent, it may be determined that it is not necessary to use transportation provided by the transportation service provider. In this case, an instruction to deliver the product may be issued to the shopping agent. This reduces unnecessary delivery fees and suppresses the costs required for shopping. In other words, the destination of the delivery instruction may be selected between the shopping agent terminal 3 and the transportation service provider terminal 4.

As can be seen from the above, the processing unit 11 of the shopping agent service providing device 1 transmits shopping information related to the shopping agent service to the shopping agent terminal 3. The shopping agent service providing method includes a shopping information transmission step of transmitting shopping information related to the shopping agent service to the terminal 3 used by the shopping agent.

The processing unit 11 selects a shopping agent from among those who wish to act as a shopping agent. With this configuration, a shopping agent can be selected from among those who wish to act as a shopping agent and have registered as members in advance. Members who wish to act as a shopping agent can effectively use their free time to act as a shopping agent and receive payment for the work. Because a shopping agent can be selected from multiple registered members, there is no need to hire an employee to act as a shopping agent, which helps keep agency costs low.

The processing unit 11 may also select a shopping agent based on their past performance in shopping proxy services. This can improve the quality of shopping proxy services and increase the satisfaction of the person requesting the service.

(3-3. After instructing shopping agency ~ Delivery completion report)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow from issuing a shopping agent instruction to reporting delivery completion in a method for providing a shopping agent service using the shopping agent system 100.

In step S21, the shopping agent terminal 3 transmits shopping agent result information indicating the results of the shopping agent instruction to the shopping agent service providing device 1. That is, the data receiving unit 1111 of the external data receiving unit 111 receives the shopping agent result information. Note that the shopping agent transmits the shopping agent result information, for example, by operating the shopping agent terminal 3 to input the shopping agent result information and issue a transmission instruction.

As shown in Figure 10 (described below), the shopping proxy result information includes, for example, a shopping ID, the shopping proxy's membership ID, retailer information for the items purchased through the shopping proxy, purchased item information, the time of purchase, the total amount spent on the items, and a status indicating the result of the shopping proxy. Specifically, the status indicates whether the item was purchased or canceled. A purchase is canceled, for example, when the item is out of stock and cannot be purchased. Once the shopping proxy result information has been sent, processing proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the data identification unit 1112 of the external data receiving unit 111 identifies the type of data received by the data receiving unit 1111. Here, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of the received data as shopping agent result information. Once the identification of the data type is complete, processing proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the data writing unit 1113 converts the received shopping proxy result information into a format conforming to the shopping proxy result information DB 124 and saves it. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the format of the shopping proxy result information DB 124. In the example shown in Figure 10, the data writing unit 1113 adds a shopping proxy result ID and update time to the received shopping proxy result information and saves this information as shopping proxy result information in the shopping proxy result information DB 124. Once the shopping proxy result information has been saved in the shopping proxy result information DB 124, processing proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the data reading unit 1131 of the proxy request management unit 113 reads the data from the shopping proxy result information DB 124 when the shopping proxy result information DB 124 is updated. Note that the timing when the shopping proxy result information DB 124 is updated corresponds to the timing when information is saved to the shopping proxy result information DB 124 in step S23. Once the data reading is complete, processing proceeds to the next step, S25.

In step S25, the delivery instruction unit 1132 generates delivery information based on the shopping agent result information and transmits the generated delivery information to the transportation service provider terminal 4 via the network 6. Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining delivery information. As shown in Figure 11, the delivery information includes, for example, the name and member ID of the client, the name and member ID of the shopping agent, the shopping ID, delivery item information, the product pickup location, the product pickup time, the product delivery location, and the product delivery time. The product pickup location is the location where the transportation facility will pick up the products purchased by the shopping agent. The product delivery location is the product pickup location desired by the client requesting the shopping agent.

Note that if the "status" in the shopping proxy result information indicates purchase canceled, the product cannot be delivered. For this reason, a configuration may be adopted in which delivery cancellation information is sent to the transportation service provider terminal 4 instead of delivery information. In this case, it is preferable that the shopping proxy cancellation information be sent to the client terminal 2 used by the person requesting the shopping proxy.

Upon completion of step S25, the delivery information is displayed on the display screen 40 of the transportation service provider terminal 4 to which the delivery information was sent (for example, the area surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 11). That is, the shopping agent service providing device 1 displays at least some of the information contained in the delivery information on the display screen 40 of the transportation service provider terminal 4. This allows the transportation service provider to easily understand the information required for delivering goods by looking at the display screen 40 of the transportation service provider terminal 4. In the example shown in Figure 11, the display screen 40 of the transportation service provider terminal 4 displays the following delivery information: the client's name and member ID, the shopping agent's name and member ID, shopping ID, delivery product information, product pickup location, product pickup time, product delivery location, and product delivery time.

The transportation service provider dispatches a taxi or performs other operations in accordance with the delivery information displayed on the transportation service provider terminal 4. The driver or other occupant of the taxi or other transportation facility receives the purchased items from the shopping agent and hands them over to the client.

As can be seen from the above, the processing unit 11 of the shopping agent service providing device 1 sends delivery instructions for products purchased by the shopping agent in accordance with the shopping information to the transportation service provider terminal. The shopping agent service providing method includes a delivery instruction step of sending delivery instructions for products purchased by the shopping agent in accordance with the shopping information to the terminal 4 used by the transportation service provider that provides the transportation service. With this configuration, the products purchased by the shopping agent can be delivered using transportation provided by the transportation service provider, making shopping more efficient. For example, the shopping agent can deliver the purchased products to the client using a taxi that the client plans to use. Furthermore, if the client is on a business trip, for example, the shopping agent can purchase souvenirs for the client's business trip destination while the client is working, and the souvenirs can be delivered to the client using transportation services provided by the transportation service provider. Furthermore, the shopping agent does not need to deliver the purchased products directly to the client. This reduces the burden on the shopping agent.

The delivery instructions also include a location where the shopping agent and the transportation provided by the transportation service provider will meet. If the transportation is a transportation driver, etc., the delivery instructions may also specify a location where the shopping agent and the transportation driver, etc. will meet. This configuration allows for appropriate coordination between the shopping agent and the transportation service provider, enabling efficient shopping. This configuration also allows for a meeting location for product delivery to be specified for the shopping agent, making it easier for the transportation service provider to optimize the product delivery plan.

Once delivery using transportation is complete, the transportation service provider reports the delivery result. Returning to FIG. 9 , in step S26, the transportation service provider terminal 4 transmits delivery result information to the shopping agent service providing device 1. That is, the data receiving unit 1111 of the external data receiving unit 111 receives the delivery result information. Note that the delivery result information is transmitted when the transportation service provider operates the transportation service provider terminal 4 to input the delivery result information and issue a transmission instruction.

Figure 12 is a diagram explaining delivery result information. As shown in Figure 12, delivery result information includes, for example, the transportation service provider, delivered product information, product pickup location, product delivery location, product delivery time, delivery fee, and status. The status includes information indicating that delivery has been completed. Once the delivery result information is sent, processing proceeds to step S27 (see Figure 9).

In step S27, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of data received by the data receiving unit 1111. Here, the data identification unit 1112 identifies the type of the received data as delivery result information. Once the identification of the data type is complete, processing proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, the data writing unit 1113 updates the shopping proxy result information stored in the shopping proxy result information DB 124 in accordance with the delivery result information. In detail, the data writing unit 1113 updates the "status" of the shopping proxy result information (see FIG. 10) to "delivered."

(3-4. Payment Processing and Point Processing)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of payment processing and point processing in a method for providing a shopping agent service using the shopping agent system 100.

As described above, when the shopping agent terminal 3 sends the shopping agent result information (step S21), the data reading unit 1131 of the proxy request management unit 113 reads the shopping agent result information from the shopping agent result information DB 124 (step S24). When the payment processing unit 1134 confirms that the product has been purchased in the read shopping agent result information, it creates product payment information based on the shopping agent result information and sends it to the payment agent terminal 5 (step S29).

Figure 14 is a diagram explaining product payment information. As shown in Figure 14, product payment information includes, for example, the name of the retailer of the product purchased through shopping agent service, the payment amount (product price), the payment deadline, the shopping ID, and the date and time of purchase. Based on the product payment information sent to payment agent terminal 5, the payment agent makes payment on behalf of the client to the retailer where the product purchased through shopping agent service.

Returning to FIG. 13, as described above, when the transportation service provider terminal 4 transmits delivery result information (step S26), the data writing unit 1113 of the external data receiving unit 111 updates the "status" of the shopping agent result information to "delivered" (step S28). At the time of this update, the payment processing unit 1134 creates delivery service payment information based on the delivery result information and transmits it to the payment agent terminal 5 (step S30).

Figure 15 is a diagram explaining delivery service payment information. As shown in Figure 15, delivery service payment information includes, for example, the transportation service provider who delivered the shopping agent product, the payment amount (delivery fee), the payment deadline, the shopping ID, delivery product information, the product pickup location, the product delivery location, and the product delivery time. Based on the delivery service payment information sent to payment agent terminal 5, the payment agent makes payment on behalf of the client to the transportation service provider who delivered the shopping agent product.

Returning to FIG. 13, once the delivery service payment information has been sent, the points update unit 1133 performs a process to award the shopping agent with work points for the shopping agent task. In detail, the points update unit 1133 updates the member point information of the shopping agent to whom points are to be awarded, which is stored in the member point information DB 125.

Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating member point information. As shown in Figure 16, member point information stored in member point information DB 125 includes, for example, the member ID, total points, point validity period, and update time. In this example, updating member point information involves rewriting the total points. Points are awarded, for example, by converting the delivery fee paid by the requester into points. Points can be used, for example, to pay for transportation provided by participating stores (retailers) of shopping agent system 100 or transportation service providers. Furthermore, for example, points may be configured to be convertible into cash.

As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, the information stored in the data storage unit 12 includes point information. The processing unit 11 updates the point information when a shopping agent performs shopping on behalf of a customer. With this configuration, the shopping agent can earn points as compensation for shopping on behalf of a customer in their own free time. This configuration eliminates the need for the shopping agent to receive payment, reducing the burden on the shopping agent.

4. Modifications
In the above embodiment, a shopping proxy plan is created individually for each shopping proxy request received, but this is merely an example. The processing unit 11 may also be configured to accept multiple shopping proxy requests at once within a certain period of time. This configuration allows for the ability to accept multiple shopping proxy requests at once and plan multiple shopping proxy requests at once, thereby reducing the cost of the shopping proxy service. This configuration is suitable for shopping proxy services in areas where there are few product retailers near the user's home, such as depopulated areas.

When applying the shopping agent system 100 to shopping proxy services in depopulated areas, it is preferable for the person requesting the shopping proxy service to also register as a member. This allows for efficient handling of the costs associated with the shopping proxy service. Furthermore, when applying the shopping agent system 100 to depopulated areas, the shopping proxy service may be required to use public transportation to pick up and drop off items. Furthermore, the transportation service provided by the transportation service provider may be an on-demand taxi.

The system may also be configured so that a client who has requested a shopping agent service can use the client terminal 2 to send an evaluation of the shopping agent service to the shopping agent service providing device 1. In this case, the shopping agent service providing device 1 may reflect the received evaluation of the shopping agent service in the information stored in the data storage unit 12. For example, the evaluation points included in the information of each registrant in the shopping agent registration information DB 122 may be configured to change depending on the evaluation of the shopping agent service.

For example, if a shopping agent's shopping service is highly rated, the evaluation points may be increased, and if the evaluation is low, the evaluation points may be decreased. For example, when selecting a shopping agent, the shopping agent service providing device 1 may prioritize registered users with high evaluation points as shopping agents.

<5. Things to keep in mind>
Various technical features disclosed in the description of the present invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, multiple embodiments and modifications disclosed in the description of the present invention may be combined to the extent possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Shopping agent service providing device 2: Client terminal 3: Shopping agent terminal 4: Transportation service provider terminal 5: Payment agent terminal 11: Processing unit 12: Data storage unit 30: Display screen of shopping agent terminal

Claims (8)

receiving shopping information from a client terminal used by a client requesting shopping proxy service;
Sending the shopping information to a shopping agent terminal used by the shopping agent;
Sending delivery instructions for the merchandise purchased through the shopping agent service to a transportation service provider terminal used by the transportation service provider;
A shopping agent service providing device that transmits at least a portion of the information about the costs required for the shopping agent service to a payment agent . receiving shopping information from a client terminal used by a client requesting shopping proxy service;
Sending the shopping information to a shopping agent terminal used by the shopping agent;
Sending delivery instructions for the merchandise purchased through the shopping agent service to a transportation service provider terminal used by the transportation service provider;
The delivery instructions include a location where the shopping agent and the transportation provided by the transportation service provider will meet. The shopping agent service providing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein points are awarded as compensation for the shopping agent performing the shopping agent service. 4. The shopping agent service providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the shopping agent is selected from among the shopping agent applicants who wish to be the shopping agent. The shopping agent service providing device according to claim 4 , wherein the shopping agent is selected based on past performance of the shopping agent. The shopping agent service providing device according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the shopping agent requests are accepted at once within a certain period of time. The shopping agent service providing device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the shopping information is displayed on a display screen of the shopping agent terminal. A shopping proxy service providing method performed by a shopping proxy service providing device, comprising:
receiving shopping information from a client terminal used by a client requesting a shopping agent;
a step of transmitting the shopping information to a shopping agent terminal used by the shopping agent;
a step of transmitting a delivery instruction for the merchandise purchased through the shopping agent service to a transportation service provider terminal used by the transportation service provider;
transmitting at least a portion of the cost information required for the shopping agent to a payment agent;
A method for providing a shopping agent service comprising: