JP7770040B2 - Information processing system and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method.

Conventionally, there are a variety of technologies related to store search systems (information processing systems, etc.) that display store information on a map displayed on a terminal and search for stores that meet the user's search criteria.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-037170 (Patent Document 1) discloses an information processing device comprising a storage means, a communication means, and a control means. The storage means stores spot images associated with spots on a map. The communication means receives rating information for the spots. The control means determines the size of the spot image according to an attention index obtained from the rating information, generates a website image in which the spot image is placed on the map, and controls the communication means to transmit the website image to another information processing device. This makes it possible to provide an information processing device that is highly convenient when displayed on a map.

JP 2018-142019 A (Patent Document 2) discloses an information processing device comprising a receiving unit, an extraction unit, and a display control unit. The receiving unit receives display requirements, including reference location information and search words, from a terminal. The extraction unit extracts search results based on the reference location and search words. The display control unit identifies attributes associated with the extracted search results and instructs the terminal to display information indicating the attributes at a position corresponding to the search results on a map displayed on the terminal screen. The display control unit also adjusts the type and/or amount of information indicating the displayed attributes depending on the distance between the reference location and the position corresponding to the extracted search results. This makes it possible to adjust the type and/or amount of information related to locations displayed on the map depending on the distance from the reference location.

JP 2019-153007 A (Patent Document 3) discloses a display program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition procedure and a display procedure. The acquisition procedure acquires sales information related to the sale and purchase of goods. The display procedure displays, together with map information, correspondence information that associates the location of the seller in the sale with the location of the buyer in the sale, based on the sales information acquired by the acquisition procedure. This makes it possible to provide a display program that can provide users with useful information related to goods.

JP 2021-105903 A (Patent Document 4) discloses a search method for displaying search results that match search criteria on a computer device. This search method includes a step of displaying a link that accepts search criteria specification with a single user selection operation, where the search criteria change depending on the time the link is displayed, and a step of displaying search results in a display area of the computer device. This is said to make it possible to provide a search system that is convenient for users.

JP 2022-077871 A (Patent Document 5) discloses an information processing terminal equipped with a display unit, a first display control means, an acquisition means, and a second display control means. The first display control means displays map information on the display unit, including information indicating the location of stores on a map. The acquisition means acquires coupon information that can be used at stores located on the map displayed on the display unit. The second display control means displays the acquired coupon information on the display unit. This is said to improve operability when displaying coupon information that can be used at stores shown on the map.

JP 2022-144206 A (Patent Document 6) discloses a content providing device. This content providing device, in a service that provides map information to users, extracts comments previously provided by users regarding location information or areas, which are associated with location information or areas included in map content displayed on the display unit of the user's terminal device. The content providing device also displays the extracted comments on the display unit, superimposed on a map in the map content. This is said to enable useful information to be provided to users.

JP 2012-215968 A (Patent Document 7) discloses a store search system that searches for stores that meet desired store conditions using a user's terminal. The store search system includes a store condition acquisition unit, a store condition distribution unit, a store information acquisition unit, an information distribution unit, a point assignment unit, and a point accumulation unit. The store condition acquisition unit acquires store condition information posted from the user's terminal and stores it in the store condition storage unit. The store condition distribution unit distributes the store condition information stored in the store condition storage unit to the user's terminal and other terminals used by other users. The store information acquisition unit acquires store information posted from other terminals based on the store condition information and stores it in the store information storage unit. The information distribution unit distributes the store condition information and store information to the user's terminal and other terminals. The point assignment unit assigns points to other users who have posted store information selected by the user. The point accumulation unit accumulates points assigned to other users for each user. This will enable the company to provide a store search system that allows users to easily search for reliable store information.

JP 2023-055471 A (Patent Document 8) discloses a video sharing system that allows users to share videos they have posted with other users. The video sharing system includes a server device, a user terminal, a follow relationship registration means, a posting means, an approval means, and a distribution means. The server device selectively links users to other users and/or stores based on input from the user terminal. The follow relationship registration means registers the follower/followee relationship. The posting means accepts uploads of video data and selection of stores to be linked to the video data based on input from the user terminal. The approval means accepts selection of approval or disapproval for the video data based on input from the store terminal of the store linked to the video data. The distribution means distributes approved video data to user devices operated by the store linked to the video data and/or followers of the user who posted the video data. This is said to provide a video sharing system that enhances the advertising effectiveness of videos posted by users promoting specific stores.

JP 2017-037170 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-142019 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-153007 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-105903 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-077871 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-144206 JP 2012-215968 A JP 2023-055471 A

In recent years, with the development of search engines (search sites, etc.), users can now easily search for the store they want using the network. Search engines also allow users to easily post and rate their favorite stores.

When users post or rate on this service, the store that posted or rated the item will appear at the top of search engines and points will be awarded to the user. However, there are issues with the service, such as a lack of convenience and immersion for users, as there is no incentive for posting or rating, and points can only be used for certain prizes.

On the other hand, in order for a store to appear at the top of search engine results, it may be necessary to pay a large contract fee to the search engine operator, and there is an issue that user opinions are not directly reflected in the store's top ranking. Furthermore, store ratings and top rankings should be based on a fair, democratic system run by users.

The technologies described in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1-8 cannot solve the above-mentioned problems. In particular, there was no technology that introduced a currency that could be freely used within a store's search engine to give it a game-like quality.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing system and information processing method that can be used by both stores and members in a game-like manner by introducing a currency mechanism that can be used freely within the system.

The information processing system of the present invention comprises a member registration control unit, a store registration control unit, a screen display control unit, a word-of-mouth processing control unit, a store reservation control unit, and a currency use control unit. When user information is input to a specified store search site from a user's user terminal, the member registration control unit associates the input user information with the number of site currencies usable on the store search site, registers the user information as a member, and logs the user terminal into the store search site. The store registration control unit associates the logged-in user terminal with a specified store on the store search site, and when detailed information including the store's location information is input, associates the detailed store information with the number of site currencies provided to the person who made the reservation, and registers the store on the store search site. When a store search key is input from a user terminal logged into the store search site, the screen display control unit displays on the user terminal a map centered on the user terminal's set location information and locating nearby stores based on the registered detailed store information. When word-of-mouth information is entered for a specific store from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, the word-of-mouth processing control unit associates the user information of the user terminal with the detailed information of the store, and when the word-of-mouth information is confirmed, adds a specified number of site currencies for word-of-mouth to the number of site currencies for the user information associated with the detailed information of the store. When a specific store is reserved from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, the store reservation control unit associates the user information of the user terminal with the detailed information of the reserved store, and when the reservation of the store is confirmed, adds a number of site currencies for reservation associated with the detailed information of the store to the number of site currencies for the user information associated with the detailed information of the store after a specified period has elapsed since the reservation was confirmed. When a user terminal logged in to the store search site instructs the store search site to provide a service using a specified number of site currencies for the service, the currency usage control unit subtracts the number of site currencies for the service from the number of site currencies for the user information of the user terminal, and provides the service.

The information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing system, and includes a member registration control process, a store registration control process, a screen display control process, a word-of-mouth processing control process, a store reservation control process, and a currency usage control process. Each control process of the information processing method corresponds to a respective control unit of the information processing system.

This invention introduces a currency system that can be used freely within the system, allowing both stores and members to use it with a gaming-like feel.

1 is a functional block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search screen of a store search site. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a member screen, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a member registration database. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a login screen, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a password reissue screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a My Page screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account editing screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an account information database. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store registration screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store registration database. 11A is a diagram showing an example of a map screen, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of the map screen on which a plurality of other icon operation keys are displayed. FIG. 12A shows an example of a map screen when the Jump to Current Location key is selected, and FIG. 12B shows an example of a map screen when the Jump to Base key is selected. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a map screen when a store search key is selected, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a map screen when a favorite filter key is selected. FIG. 14A shows an example of a list screen of people you are following, and FIG. 14B shows an example of a map screen when you select a store key that allows reservations. FIG. 15A shows an example of a map screen when a route guidance key is selected, and FIG. 15B shows an example of a map screen when a property collection and purchase key is selected. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing an example of a map screen when a specific item is selected, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of a map screen when a like display key is selected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a review posting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a review posting screen for site currency. FIG. 19A shows an example of a word-of-mouth information database, and FIG. 19B shows an example of a member registration database in the case where the number of site currencies for word-of-mouth is added when word-of-mouth information is confirmed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a specific course when an outing map screen switching key is selected. FIG. 21A shows an example of a screen when a specific store is selected, and FIG. 21B shows an example of a screen when another specific store is selected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation request screen. FIG. 23A shows an example of a reservation information database, and FIG. 23B shows an example of a member registration database in the case where the amount of site currency used for reservations is added when a reservation is confirmed.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in understanding the present invention. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

An information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a user terminal 10, a server 11, and a network 12. The user terminal 10 is used by store users who own stores and by member users who search for stores.

The user terminal 10 also includes a display unit (output unit) that displays screens (including windows and images), a reception unit (input unit) that receives predetermined instructions input by user operation, a communication unit for wireless or wired communication, a storage unit that stores data, and a control unit that controls each unit. The communication unit of the user terminal 10 can communicate with the server 11 via the network 12. Examples of the user terminal 10 include mobile terminal devices (smartphones) with touch panels, tablet terminal devices, portable laptops, etc.

The server 11 is a commonly used computer or the like, and includes, for example, a communication unit for wireless and wired communication, a memory unit for storing data, and a control unit for controlling each unit. The server 11 mainly transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 10 via the network 12.

The network 12 is also communicatively connected to the user terminal 10 and the server 11. The network 12 includes wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a LAN (Local Area Network) via an access point, a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless base station, third-generation (3G) communication methods, fourth-generation (4G) communication methods such as LTE, fifth-generation (5G) and later communication methods, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and specified low-power wireless methods.

The user terminal 10 and the server 11 each incorporate a CPU, ROM, RAM, SSD, etc. (not shown), and the CPU uses the RAM as a work area, for example, to execute programs stored in the ROM, SSD, etc. The functions of each control unit (described below) are also realized by the CPU executing the program.

Next, the configuration and execution procedures according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 23. First, when a store user accesses a predetermined store search site using their user terminal 10, the search control unit 101 of the server 11 accepts the access from the user terminal 10 and prompts the user to search for a store by displaying a search screen of the store search site on the user terminal 10 (Figure 2: S101).

Here, there are no particular limitations on the display method of the search control unit 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the search screen 300 displays a search field 301 in which search keywords can be entered, a field 302 indicating "Search in detail," a field 303 for selecting the prefecture in the area, a field 304 for selecting the city, ward, town, or village, a field 305 for inputting keywords (e.g., store name, genre, private room, etc.), a "Reflect base" key 306, and a "Reflect current location" key 307.

Here, the "Reflect base" key 306 is a key for inputting the location information previously set by a registered user into the prefecture selection field 303 and the city/ward/town/village selection field 304 when that user is logged in. The "Reflect current location" key 307 is a key for inputting the location information of the user terminal 10 into the prefecture selection field 303 and the city/ward/town/village selection field 304 when the location information of the user terminal 10 is available.

In addition, "Latest Posts" 308 displays the latest posts 309 and posters 310 selected based on predetermined criteria, while "Like Rankings" 311, which indicate users' favorable reviews, displays highly rated establishments 312 in categories such as "Cafes/Coffee Shops," "Sweets," and "Izakayas." A message 313 encouraging membership registration (for example, "Become a member of the system and share delicious restaurants!") is also displayed.

Here, users who are not registered members can use the search screen 300 to view the database of detailed store information and word-of-mouth information (posted information) entered by registered users, but cannot enter new information into the database. Users who do not feel they need to register can use the search screen 300 to view the database and then end the process. Furthermore, users who are not registered members will not be awarded the site currency described below.

On the other hand, when a user who has checked message 313 on search screen 300 selects a specific membership registration key or login key to register as a member, the membership registration control unit 102 of server 11 accepts the selection of the membership registration key or login key and prompts the user to register as a member or log in by displaying the member screen of the store search site on the user terminal 10 (Figure 2: S102).

Here, there are no particular limitations on the display method of the member registration control unit 101. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, the member screen 400 displays a "Register as a new member" message 401, an input field 402 for an email address as user information, an input field 403 for a password, a "Register" key 404, and an "Already registered? Click here" key 405.

Here, user information refers to information that can uniquely identify a user, and examples include the user's name, nickname, email address, etc. User information can also be paired with a password. Here, the user information used is the store user's email address and a password created by the store user.

Now, after checking the member screen 400, the store user enters a specified email address (e.g., "abc@def") and a specified password (e.g., "123456") into the respective input fields and selects the "Register" key 404. The member registration control unit 102 then accepts the selection of the "Register" key 404 and references a specified member registration database to determine whether or not member registration is possible.

Here, there are no particular limitations on the member registration database, but for example, as shown in Figure 4B, the member registration database 406 stores, in association with each other, a registered registered email address 407, a registered registered password 408, and the registered amount of currency within the registered site 409 held by the user of the registered email address 407.

Here, site currency refers to the currency that can be used on the store search site, and the number of site currencies refers to the amount of currency. In an embodiment of the present invention, the registered site currency number 409 is set to a discount currency number 409a (e.g., "Tasty! Cash") that can be used to discount the price of store products by that number of currencies, and a usable currency number 409b (e.g., "Tasty! Coins") that can be used for the store search site's services by that number of currencies. Setting two types of site currency number can improve usability for both store users and member users. The discount currency number 409a and usable currency number 409b will be explained later.

Then, the member registration control unit 101 compares the registered email address 407 in the referenced member registration database 406 with the input email address ("abc@def"), and determines whether there is a registered email address that is the same as the input email address ("abc@def").

If the determination reveals that a registered email address exists that is the same as the input email address ("abc@def"), the member registration control unit 102 displays a message on the user terminal 10 indicating that the user is already registered on the store search site, erases the input email address ("abc@def") and input password ("123456"), and prompts the user to enter a different email address and password.

On the other hand, if there is no registered email address that matches the input email address, the member registration control unit 102 displays a message on the user terminal 10 instructing the user to register as a new member, and as shown in FIG. 4B, stores the input email address ("abc@def") and input password ("123456") in association with the registered email address 407 and registered password 408 in the member registration database 406. The member registration control unit 102 then stores a preset number of site currencies (e.g., "0") in association with the registered site currency number 409 (number of discount currencies 409a and number of used currencies 409b) in the member registration database 406 associated with the input email address ("abc@def"). This completes the user's membership registration on the store search site.

The membership registration control unit 102 then logs the user terminal 10 of the registered user into the store search site. This allows the store user to log in to the store search site and use it.

The number of registered site currencies (number of discounted currencies 409a and number of used currencies 409b) for a newly registered user is usually set to "0." However, for example, if the member registration control unit 102 receives the email address of another user (introducer) who has already registered as a member and referral information indicating that the other user (introducer) has introduced the user, and the store user then registers as a new member, a predetermined number of site currencies for the introduced user (e.g., "20 cash" or "20 coins") may be stored in the registered site currencies 409 of the user (introducer), or a predetermined number of site currencies for the introducer (e.g., "50 cash" or "50 coins") may be stored in the registered site currencies 409 of the other user (introducer). In an embodiment of the present invention, since the number of discounted currencies 409a and number of used currencies 409b are set, for example, when making a referral, a predetermined number of site currencies may be set for either or both of the number of discounted currencies 409a and number of used currencies 409b.

Now, when a user who has already registered as a member views the member screen 400 in Figure 4A and selects the "Already registered, click here" key 405, the member registration control unit 102 accepts the selection of the "Already registered, click here" key 405, displays a specified login screen, and accepts input of the user's registered email address and registered password.

As shown in Figure 5A, the login screen 500 displays a "Login" message 501, an email address input field 502, a password input field 503, a check box 504 for recording login information, a "Login" key 505, and a "Forgot your password?" key 506.

After checking the login screen 500, the user enters the specified email address ("abc@def") and the specified password ("123456") into the respective input fields 502 and 503, and selects the "Login" key 505. The member registration control unit 102 then accepts the selection of the "Login" key 505 and references the member registration database 406 to determine whether or not login is possible.

Specifically, the member registration control unit 102 determines whether a registered email address identical to the input email address ("abc@def") exists in the referenced member registration database 406, and whether the input password ("123456") matches the registered password associated with the registered email address.

If, as a result of the determination, there is no registered email address that matches the input email address ("abc@def"), or if the input password ("123456") does not match the registered password associated with an existing registered email address, the member registration control unit 102 displays an error screen on the user terminal 10 indicating that there is an error in the input email address ("abc@def") and input password ("123456"), and prompts the user to enter the correct email address and password.

On the other hand, if a registered email address exists that matches the input email address ("abc@def") and the input password ("123456") matches the registered password associated with the existing registered email address, the member registration control unit 102 determines that the input email address ("abc@def") and input password ("123456") are correct and logs the user terminal 10 into the store search site. This allows users who have already registered as members to use the store search site.

When a registered user who has forgotten their password selects the "Forgot Password" key 506 on the login screen 500 in Figure 5A, the member registration control unit 102 accepts the selection of the "Forgot Password" key 506, displays a password reissue screen, and accepts input of a new password from the user.

As shown in Figure 5B, the password reissue screen 507 displays a "Password reissue" message 508, an email address input field 509, a predetermined message 510 (e.g., "Please enter your email address. A password reissue email will be sent to the email address you entered."), and a "Password reissue" key 511.

When a user checks the password reissue screen 507, they enter a specific email address ("abc@def") in the input field 509 and select the "Password reissue" key 511. The member registration control unit 102 accepts the selection of the "Password reissue" key 511, references the member registration database 406, identifies the registered email address 407 corresponding to the entered email address ("abc@def"), and erases the registered password 408 associated with the identified registered email address 407. The member registration control unit 102 then issues a new password using a specific password issuance program, stores the new password in the erased registered password 408, and notifies the identified registered email address 407 of the new password. This allows users who have forgotten their passwords to log in again.

Now, when the member registration control unit 102 logs in the user terminal 10, a predetermined My Page screen displaying selectable keys for various functions is displayed on the user terminal 10, and the store user is asked to select a predetermined key.

As shown in Figure 6, the My Page screen 600 displays a "My Page" message 601, a "Notice" key 602, a "Comment" key 603, an "Edit Account" key 604, and a "Basic Settings" key 605. When the "Notice" key 602 is selected, a notice 606 from the administrator of server 11 is displayed as a "Notice" along with the date and content of the notice.

Furthermore, when the "Comment" key 607 is selected, the content 608a of the comment made by the first user 607a (for example, user AAA) is displayed as a "Comment," and a reply key 609a is displayed, which allows the logged-in user to reply to user AAA, as well as a report key 610a, which allows the logged-in user to report any illegality, etc., in response to user AAA's comment to the administrator of server 11. When the logged-in user selects the reply key 609a, a reply field 611a and reply execution key 612a are displayed.

Here, if a second user 607a (e.g., user BBB) makes a comment as a "comment," the comment's content 608b, reply key 609b, and report key 610b are displayed. If a logged-in user enters the content in the reply field 611b and selects the reply execution key 612a, a delete key 612b is displayed, allowing the logged-in user to delete the content of their reply.

When a logged-in user selects the "Edit Account" key 604, the member registration control unit 102 displays a specified account editing screen on the user terminal 10 and accepts the selection of a specified key from the store user.

As shown in Figure 7, the account editing screen 700 includes an "Edit Account" message 701, a user name input field 702, a display field 703 for the currently logged-in user's email address, a gender selection field 704 (e.g., male, female, no selection), a prefecture input field 705, a newsletter selection field 706 (e.g., receive, no selection), a notification selection field 707 (e.g., receive, no selection), a like/comment notification selection field 708 (e.g., receive, no selection), a new message selection field 709 (e.g., receive, no selection), and a notification of other users. A selection field 710 for showing favorites to friends (for example, show, don't show), a selection field 711 for showing favorites to friends (for example, show, don't show), a selection field 712 for showing your bass to others (for example, show, don't show), a selection field 713 for showing your bass to friends (for example, show, don't show), a link input field 714 for SNS (Twitter (registered trademark), Facebook (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), YouTube (registered trademark), TikTok (registered trademark), etc.), and a registration key 715 are displayed.

When the logged-in user enters information into the input and selection fields and selects the registration key 715, the member registration control unit 102 accepts the entered information and the selection of the registration key 715. If the logged-in user wants to make information public, such as in the selection field 710 for showing favorites to others, the member registration control unit 102 displays a confirmation screen for the public settings, has the logged-in user select the confirmation key on the confirmation screen, and then sets the account information. The member registration control unit 102 then associates and stores the entered and selected information in the account information database.

Here, there are no particular limitations on the account information database 800, but for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the account information database 800 stores a registered email address 801 and input selection items 802 (e.g., user name, SNS link destination) on the account editing screen 700 in association with each other. The member registration control unit 102 then acquires the email address ("abc@def") of the currently logged-in user, and associates the acquired email address ("abc@def") and the entered/selected information with the respective items in the account information database 800 and stores them. This completes the registration of the user's account information.

Registered users can register their own stores. For example, a store user searches for their store on a store search site to register detailed information about their store. The store search site searches for stores posted by other users. When the store user finds their store on the store search site and enters a specific store registration key, the store registration control unit 103 of the server 11 associates the specific store with the user terminal 10 currently logged in to the store search site, displays a store registration screen, and accepts input of detailed information including the location information of the specific store and the amount of site currency for reservations to be provided to the person who made the reservation (Figure 2: S103).

Here, there are no particular limitations on the method by which a store user is associated with a store. For example, after registering as a member, the store user may post their own store on a store search site, causing the store registration control unit 103 to associate the logged-in user terminal 10 of the store user with the store. Alternatively, if the store user has not yet registered as a member, they may find a store posted by another registered user on the store search site and register as a member from there, causing the store registration control unit 103 to associate the logged-in user terminal 10 of the store user with the store. Alternatively, after the user finds their own store, when proceeding with member registration, the store registration control unit 103 may inquire of the logged-in user terminal 10 whether they are a member or a store, and if the logged-in user terminal 10 replies that they are a store, the store user may be recognized as a store user and the logged-in user terminal 10 of the store user may be associated with the store.

Now, detailed store information includes the store's location information, and can also include, for example, the store name, address, business hours, an introductory video for the store, price range, products (or services), and prices set for the products.

In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the store registration screen 900 includes a "Store Registration" message 901, a header image attachment field 902, a profile image attachment field 903, a store name input field 904, a person in charge input field 905, a selection field 906 for accepting reservation requests (e.g., accept, not accept), a genre input field 907, a postal code input field 908, an address search key by postal code 908a, an address input field 909, a telephone number input field 910, and an input field 911 for business hours (e.g., input of opening hours to closing hours for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday). , regular holiday settings, etc.), a provision method input field 912 (for example, selection settings such as in-store, terrace seating, takeout, delivery, staff delivery, drive-through, curbside, mail order/order, food delivery, visiting chef, mail order/store goods, etc.), a number of seats input field 913, a selection field 914 for whether or not the restaurant is reserved, a parking input field 915, and a payment method input field 916 (for example, cash, credit card, PayPay (registered trademark), Rakuten Pay (registered trademark), nanaco (registered trademark), transportation IC (such as Suica (registered trademark)), QUICPay (registered trademark), debit card, prepaid card, LINE , au Pay (registered trademark), dPay (registered trademark), Merpay (registered trademark), others, etc.), a non-smoking/smoking selection field 917 (for example, non-smoking, smoking allowed, separate smoking and non-smoking areas, smoking room available, e-cigarettes only allowed, etc.), a price range input field 918 (for example, input settings for daytime and nighttime), an input field 919 for regional coupons, etc., an input field 920 for the nearest station and distance from the station (for example, 0.1 km from the station), a recommendation/comment input field 921, a content save key 922 for saving the content, and a reservation request setting key 923 for saving the content and setting a reservation request.

Now, after checking the store registration screen 900, the store user enters information into the input and selection fields and selects the Save Content key 922 or Set Reservation Request key 923. The store registration control unit 103 then accepts the entered information and the selection of the Save Content key 922 or Set Reservation Request key 923. The store registration control unit 103 then uses the store registration database to register the entered and selected information as detailed store information, associates the number of site currency for reservations provided to the person who made a reservation at the store, and registers the store on the store search site.

Here, there are no particular limitations on the store registration database 1000, but for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the store registration database 1000 stores a registered email address 1001, input selection items 1002 (e.g., header image, recommendations/comments) on the store registration screen 900, and the site currency amount for reservations 1003, all associated with each other.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the number of site currencies for reservations 1003 is set to the number of discount currencies for reservations 1003a and the number of currencies used for reservations 1003b. The store registration control unit 103 then acquires the email address ("abc@def") of the logged-in user, and associates the acquired email address ("abc@def") and the entered/selected information with each item in the store registration database 1000 and stores them.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the site currency number for reservations 1003 can be set by the administrator of the server 11; for example, the discount currency number for reservations 1003a is set to "150 cash," and the currency number used for reservations 1003b is set to "15,000 coins." This completes the registration of the store on the store search site.

The site currency number for reservations 1003 may be freely set by users on the store side, as well as by the server 11 administrator, by providing an input field for currency setting. For example, if a curry restaurant with an average customer spend of 1,000 yen sets the site currency number for reservations to 100 yen, advertising costs will be 10%, which will be a significant burden. Therefore, a restaurant with a low average customer spend can reduce advertising costs by setting a low site currency number for reservations. Similarly, if a sushi restaurant with an average customer spend of 10,000 yen sets the site currency number for reservations to 300 yen, advertising costs will be 3%, which will be a significant burden. Therefore, a restaurant with a high average customer spend can achieve a greater advertising effect by setting a high site currency number for reservations. Furthermore, if the site currency number for reservations 1003 is related to a customer referral fee paid by the restaurant user to the server 11 administrator, the setting field for the site currency number for reservations 1003 may be changed to a setting field for the customer referral fee.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, when two types of site currency can be set for a reservation, the number of discounted currencies and the number of used currencies, the store user can simply enter the number of site currencies for each reservation. For example, since the number of discounted currencies for a reservation is related to the price discount, the store user can simply enter a specified number of currencies (e.g., "150 cash") as the number of discounted currencies for the reservation in the currency setting input field. If the setting field for the customer referral fee is used instead of the setting field for the number of discounted currencies for the reservation, the number of discounted currencies for the reservation is set by entering the customer referral fee. Furthermore, since the number of used currencies for a reservation is related only to use within the site, the store user can simply enter a specified number of currencies (e.g., "15,000 coins") as the number of used currencies for the reservation in the currency setting input field. Note that it is also possible to set only the number of discounted currencies for reservations and not the number of used currencies for reservations, or vice versa.

Once a store user has completed registering their store, the registered store becomes searchable on the store search site. In this way, multiple store users can register their own stores on the store search site, allowing detailed information about many stores to be accumulated on the store search site. Furthermore, when a member user posts a store on the store search site as word-of-mouth information, minimum information such as the store name and address can be registered, and detailed store information can be accumulated.

On the other hand, when a member-side user who uses a store search site uses the store search site, the process is as follows. That is, in S101, when the member-side user accesses the store search site using their own user terminal 10, the search control unit 101 displays the search screen of the store search site on the user terminal 10, prompting the user to search for a store (Figure 2: S101). Here, when the user registers as a member or logs in, they select a member registration key or login key, and the member registration control unit 102 displays the member screen of the store search site on the user terminal 10, prompting the user to register as a member or log in (Figure 2: S102). These are the same as those described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

Then, the member registration control unit 102 logs in the user terminal 10, displays the My Page screen, and accepts the selection of a specific key from the member user.

When a member user enters a specified store search key, the screen display control unit 104 of the server 11 accepts the store search key input and displays on the user terminal 10 a map that shows nearby stores centered around the user terminal 10's set location information, based on the registered store's detailed information (Figure 2: S104). Note that the process from S104 onwards is the same for store users as well.

The display method of the screen display control unit 104 is not particularly limited. For example, the screen display control unit 104 acquires the set location information of the user terminal 10. The set location information of the user terminal 10 is not particularly limited, but examples include the current location information of the user terminal 10 and set location information preset by the user. The set location information is composed of information based on the address and location of the store. Next, the screen display control unit 104 searches for store addresses within a predetermined circular range formed with a predetermined radius (e.g., 500 m) centered on the set location information of the user terminal 10. The screen display control unit 104 utilizes stores already posted by other registered users on the store search site, detailed information about registered stores, and the store registration database 1000. The screen display control unit 104 then acquires the store name associated with the address in the searched store registration database 1000, generates a map centered on the set location information of the user terminal 10, and places an icon for the store at the location of the store's address on the generated map. The map is then displayed on the user terminal 10.

Here, there is no particular limitation on the type of map, and examples include two-dimensional maps and three-dimensional maps, but in this embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional map is assumed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the screen display control unit 104 displays a three-dimensional map 1101 on which store icons 1102 are arranged on a map screen 1100.

In this way, by having the screen display control unit 104 display the three-dimensional map 1101, it is possible to give the user a sense of three-dimensional geography, making it easier for the user to find the icon 1102 of the desired store.

Here, the screen display control unit 104 displays a store icon 1102 corresponding to the type of store on the three-dimensional map 1101. For example, if the store is a ramen shop, an icon 1102 representing ramen is displayed; if the store is a Western-style restaurant such as a French restaurant, an icon 1102 representing steak is displayed; and if the store is an izakaya, an icon 1102 representing a jug and knobs is displayed. This allows the store icon 1102 to stand out on the three-dimensional map 1101 to the user, improving the ease of searching for stores.

The screen display control unit 104 also displays icons 1103 of landmarks, such as train and subway station names, on the three-dimensional map 1101. This helps give the user a better sense of geography.

The screen display control unit 104 uses the member registration database 406 to obtain the number of site currencies 409 held by the logged-in user, and displays an in-site currency number display field 1104 above the map screen 1100, displaying the obtained number of site currencies. The in-site currency number display field 1104 is divided into a discounted currency number field 1104a and a used currency number field 1104b, with the discounted currency number field 1104a displaying the number of discounted currencies 409a held by the user (e.g., "12,345,678 cash") and the used currency number field 1104b displaying the used currency number 409b held by the user (e.g., "12,345,678 coins"). This allows the user to easily check the number of site currencies they own by checking the map screen 1100.

The screen display control unit 104 also displays a plurality of selectable icon operation keys 1105 with various functions below the map screen 1100. There are no particular limitations on the types of icon operation keys 1105, but for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the icon operation keys 1105 include an icon display switch key 1106, a jump to current location key 1107, a jump to base key 1108, a store information search key 1109, and a background music and sound effects ON/OFF key 1110.

Here, the function of each operation key 1105 will be explained. For example, when the user selects the icon display switching key 1106, the screen display control unit 104 displays multiple other icon operation keys 1111 on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 11B. This allows the user to recognize and operate the multiple other icon operation keys 1111. On the other hand, if the multiple other icon operation keys 1111 occupy the map screen 1100 and make it difficult to see the map screen 1100, when the user selects the icon display switching key 1106, the screen display control unit 104 will erase the multiple other icon operation keys 1111 and display the first icon operation key 1105, as shown in FIG. 11A. This ensures visibility for the user.

Here, other icon operation keys 1111 include, for example, a favorite filter key 1112, a store key for making reservations 1113, a route guidance key 1114, a collection of belongings and purchase key 1115, a like display key 1116, a top screen switch key 1117, an account settings screen switch key 1118, a review posting screen switch key 1119, an outing map screen switch key 1120, and a my screen switch key 1121.

Now, when the user selects the Jump to Current Location key 1107, the screen display control unit 104 displays a map screen 1100 centered on the current location 1200 of the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 12A. Here, only users who have permission to use the current location of the user terminal 10 can use the Jump to Current Location key 1107 to jump to the current location. This allows the user to quickly display a 3D map centered on the current location.

Furthermore, when the user selects the Jump to Base key 1108, the screen display control unit 104 uses the preset location set by the currently logged-in user as the base, as shown in FIG. 12B, and displays the base 1201 as the center on the map screen 1100. This allows the user to quickly display a 3D map centered on the preset location. Furthermore, an icon 1201 of the user's preset location information is displayed at the base.

Furthermore, when the user selects the store information search key 1109, the screen display control unit 104 displays a store search screen 1300 on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 13A. Here, the store search screen 1300 displays a store search field 1301 and an information search field 1302. When a store name or keyword is entered into the store search field 1301, the screen display control unit 104 searches for the store in the store registration database. Furthermore, when a keyword is entered into the information search field 1302, the screen display control unit 104 searches for the keyword in other databases. This allows the user to easily search for the desired store or information.

Furthermore, when the user selects the BGM and sound effects ON/OFF key 1110, the screen display control unit 104 displays a specified BGM and sound effects ON/OFF screen on the map screen 1100. The BGM and sound effects ON/OFF screen allows the user to switch the played BGM and sound effects ON/OFF. This allows the user to turn the BGM and sound effects ON/OFF.

Furthermore, when the user selects the favorite filter key 1112, the screen display control unit 104 displays the favorite filter screen 1303 on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 13B. Here, the favorite filter screen 1303 displays a no-favorite designation field 1304, a my favorites field 1305, and a followed people's favorites field 1306. When the user selects the no-favorite designation field 1304, the favorite filter screen 1303 is cleared, and the map screen 1100 is displayed without any favorites designated. When the user selects the my favorites field 1305, the favorite filter screen 1303 is cleared, and the map screen 1100 is displayed with only the user's favorite stores displayed. When the user selects the followed people's favorites field 1306, a followed people list screen 1400 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 14A. When a user selects a person they are following from the list screen 1400, the list screen 1400 disappears and the map screen 1100 is displayed, showing only the favorite stores of the selected person they are following. In this way, the user can easily search for the store they want.

Furthermore, when the user selects a store key 1113 for which reservations are available, the screen display control unit 104 displays, on the map screen 1100, an icon of the store that can be reserved at the time the store key 1113 for which reservations are available, as shown in FIG. 14B, in a speech bubble 1401. This allows the user to easily search for stores that can be reserved. Here, speech bubble 1401 displays the number of site currency for reservations that can be acquired per person who makes a reservation and visits the store. This allows the user to make a reservation taking into account the number of site currency for reservations. Note that if the user selects a store key 1113 for which reservations are available again in this state, the screen display control unit 104 will erase speech bubble 1401 and return to the normal map screen 1100 display.

Furthermore, when the user selects the route guidance key 1114, the screen display control unit 104 displays a route guidance screen 1500 on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 15A. The route guidance screen 1500 displays a departure point search field 1501, a destination search field 1502, a route key 1503, and an animation key 1504. The current location, base, or a departure point selected by the user is input into the departure point search field 1501, and a store name or a destination selected by the user is input into the destination search field 1502. When the user inputs a specified departure point (e.g., the current location) into the departure point search field 1501, inputs a specified destination (e.g., a ramen shop) into the destination search field 1502, and selects the route key 1503, the screen display control unit 104 displays the route from the input departure point to the destination on the three-dimensional map 1101. Furthermore, when the user selects the animation key 1504, the screen display control unit 104 displays the input route from the departure point to the destination on the three-dimensional map 1101, and also displays an animation of the user's vehicle traveling along the route. This allows the user to easily visually understand the route from the departure point to the destination.

Furthermore, when the user selects the property collection and purchase key 1115, the screen display control unit 104 displays the property collection and purchase screen 1505 on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 15B. Here, the property collection and purchase screen 1505 displays a list 1506 of the user's vehicle items and a list 1507 of the user's base items. Vehicles and bases (such as houses) are composed of CG models. An "owner" 1508 is displayed for vehicles and bases purchased by the user, and an in-use mark 1509 is set for vehicles and bases currently in use by the user. When the user selects a specific item (e.g., a vehicle icon) from the vehicle item list 1506 or the base item list 1507, the screen display control unit 104 displays the item purchase screen 1600 on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 16A. The item purchase screen 1600 displays the amount of site currency held by the logged-in user (here, a discounted currency number field 1601a and a used currency number field 1601b), a description 1602 of the item to be purchased, a purchase key 1603 indicating the amount of site currency to be purchased (discounted currency number or used currency number), and a cancel key 1604. This allows the user to purchase a base indicating an item related to the user's set location information, or a virtual vehicle for the user. Note that the property collection and purchase screen 1500 may also be configured to sell icons and color changes for the icon operation keys, or to allow the purchase of site currency.

Furthermore, when the user selects the like display key 1116, the screen display control unit 104 displays on the map screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 16B, a number of hearts 1605 corresponding to the number of likes the user has given to comments (replies, reviews, articles, etc.) associated with a store icon on the 3D map 1101, so that the hearts 1605 appear to erupt from the store icon. This allows the user to quickly check the icons of stores with a large number of likes.

Furthermore, when the user selects the top screen switching key 1117, the screen display control unit 104 displays a specified top screen switching screen on the map screen 1100. The top screen switching screen is a screen for transitioning from the map screen 1100 to a pre-set web top screen. This allows the user to quickly move to the top screen.

Furthermore, when the user selects the account setting screen switching key 1118, the screen display control unit 104 displays a specified account setting screen on the map screen 1100. The account setting screen is a screen for transitioning from the map screen 1100 to the My Page screen. This allows the user to quickly move to the My Page screen.

When the user selects the review posting screen switching key 1119, the screen display control unit 104 accepts the selection of the review posting screen switching key 1119, and the word-of-mouth processing control unit 105 of the server 11 displays a review posting screen on the user terminal 10 and accepts input of word-of-mouth information from the user terminal 10 to the specified store (Figure 2: S105).

Here, there are no particular limitations on the display method of the review processing control unit 105, but for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the review posting screen 1700 displays a "Post" message 1701, a store name search field 1702, a "Stores close to current location" key 1703, a "Stores close to base" key 1704, a list of nearby store candidates 1705, an address input field 1706, a genre input field 1707, a hashtag input field 1708, an image attachment field 1709, an image type (single item or course) selection field 1710, and a post text input field 1711. This allows the user to post a comment to a specific store. The review posting screen 1700 may also be configured to have a "Like" key so that the user can select the "Like" key.

Here, the review posting screen 1700 is a normal posting screen, but the review processing control unit 105 displays a review posting screen for site currency, which allows users to enter review information and obtain site currency for reviews. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the review posting screen for site currency 1800 displays a "Enter details" message 1801, an image attachment field 1802 for the image category and price, a price input field 1803, a video URL input field 1804, an input field 1805 for the daytime or evening price per person (tax included), an input field 1806 for the usage scenario, an input field 1807 for business hours, a field 1808 for selecting non-smoking/smoking, an input field 1809 for payment method, an input field 1810 for whether reservations are available, an input field 1811 for the service method, a "Save draft" key 1812, and a "Post" key 1813. Here, the "Enter details" message 1801 states, "*You will receive coins for each entry. *In the case of fraudulent posts, coins may be revoked even after they have been awarded." For each entry and selection field, the amount of predetermined in-site review currency 1814 that can be acquired by entering information (for example, the amount of currency to be used, "5 coins") is displayed. This makes it possible to encourage users to enter review information by using the opportunity to acquire in-site currency as an incentive.

Now, after checking the review posting screen 1700 and the site currency review posting screen 1800, the member user enters information into the input and selection fields and selects the "Post" key 1813. The review processing control unit 105 then accepts the entered information and the selection of the "Post" key 1813. The review processing control unit 105 then associates the user information of the user terminal 10 with the entered store details.

Here, the word-of-mouth processing control unit 105 is not particularly limited in its association method, but for example, the word-of-mouth processing control unit 105 references a word-of-mouth information database. As shown in FIG. 19A, the word-of-mouth information database 1900 stores, in association with each other, a registered email address 1901, a store name 1902, input selection items 1903 (e.g., genre, posted text) of the review posting screen 1700, and input selection items 1904 (e.g., image category, price, provision method) of the site currency review posting screen 1800.

The review processing control unit 105 then acquires the email address ("abc@def") of the logged-in user and stores the acquired email address ("abc@def"), the store name for which the user entered the review information, and the information entered and selected in association with each item in the review information database 1900. This completes the registration of the user's review information. Note that the review information database 1900 may also store the posting time of the review information in association with the information.

Here, when a user posts a review and the review information is confirmed by registering it, the review processing control unit 105 adds the specified number of site currencies for the review to the number of site currencies for the user information associated with the detailed information of the store for which the review information has been confirmed.

Here, there are no particular limitations on the method of addition used by the review processing control unit 105, but for example, the review processing control unit 105 uses the review information database 1900 and the member registration database 406 to identify the registered user email address 1901 in the review information database 1900 for which review information has been confirmed and the registered site currency number 409 associated with the registered user email address 407 in the member registration database 406. Then, as shown in FIG. 19B, the review processing control unit 105 adds the specified site currency number for review to the registered registered site currency number 409 held by the user of the registered email address 407 for which review information has been confirmed in the member registration database 406.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the number of items for which information has been entered is multiplied by a certain number of currencies used ("5 coins") to calculate the number of currencies within the review site. Therefore, for example, if a user enters information for three items, the review processing control unit 105 adds the product ("15 coins") obtained by multiplying three items by a certain number of currencies used ("5 coins") to the number of currencies used 409b within the registered site currencies 409 associated with the registered user email address 407. This makes it possible to provide an incentive for users to post reviews.

In the above description, the review processing control unit 105 adds the number of currencies used as the number of site currencies for reviews according to the number of input fields for review information. However, this is not limited to this. For example, since the number of discounted currencies 409a and the number of used currencies 409b are set in the number of registered site currencies 409, the review processing control unit 105 may add a fixed number of discounted currencies ("50 cash") to the number of discounted currencies 409a, or a fixed number of used currencies ("10,000 coins") to the number of used currencies 409b, depending on the settings of the store user or the administrator of the server 11.

Furthermore, when the review processing control unit 105 adds the amount of site currency for reviews to the amount of site currency for the user, it may notify the user using the user's registered user email address 407 that the site currency for reviews has been granted.

In the above example, the review information was confirmed and the site currency for reviews was immediately incremented when the user posted the review; however, review information may contain content that violates legal laws. Therefore, it is possible to presume that the review information is confirmed when the user posts the review, and first increment the site currency for reviews. Later, with approval from the server 11 administrator or the store user, the incremented site currency for reviews may be confirmed, or with approval from the server 11 administrator or the store user, the incremented site currency for reviews may be decremented. In particular, if the review information contains inappropriate language, the review information may be deleted by the server 11 administrator or the store user, and the incremented site currency for reviews may be decremented (cancelled).

As another method, for example, the review information can be provisionally registered once, and then the site currency for the review can be incremented with approval from the server 11 administrator or the store user, or the site currency for the review can be not incremented with approval from the server 11 administrator or the store user.

For example, when the review processing control unit 105 provisionally registers review information, it uses the store registration database 1000 and the review information database 1900 to identify the registered email address of the user (on the store side) of the store name, and displays a confirmation screen for the provisionally registered review information on the user's user terminal 10. There are no particular limitations on the type of review information confirmation screen, but for example, the contents of the provisionally registered review information database 1900, an approval key, and a denial key may be displayed.

When a store user looks at the review title and content on the review confirmation screen, determines that there are no problems (violations) with the review information, and selects the approval key, the review processing control unit 105 accepts the selection of the approval key, transitions the provisional registration in the review information database 1900 to a final registration, and finalizes the review information. The review processing control unit 105 then adds the specified site currency number for reviews to the site currency number for the user information associated with the detailed information of the store whose review information has been finalized.

On the other hand, if a store user who views the review information confirmation screen determines that there is a problem (violation) with the review information and selects the denial key, the review processing control unit 105 accepts the selection of the denial key, erases the provisional registration in the review information database 1900, and notifies the provisionally registered user using the registered user email address 1901 that the review information is inappropriate and has been erased. This allows the user to enter an appropriate review title and review content.

When the user selects the outing map screen switching key 1120 on the map screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11B, the screen display control unit 104 displays a predetermined outing map screen switching screen on the map 1100. The outing map screen switching screen is a screen for transitioning to the outing map screen, and the outing map displays multiple selectable routes (courses), such as a date course or a bar photo course. For example, when the user selects a specific course on the outing map screen, the screen display control unit 104 accepts the selection of the specific course and, as shown in FIG. 20, displays a three-dimensional map 2000 showing the specific course, a photo 2001 showing a famous spot on the specific course displayed on the three-dimensional map 2000, and a description 2002 explaining the spot. When the user scrolls through the photo 2001 or the description 2002, the screen display control unit 104 moves the 3D map 2000 in conjunction with the scrolling to the location of the photo 2001 or description 2002 being scrolled. This allows the user to enjoy each point on the 3D map 2000 while looking at the photo 2001 or description 2002.

Furthermore, when the user selects the My Page screen switching key 1121, the screen display control unit 104 switches to the My Page screen. The My Page screen is the same as described above. This allows the user to easily move to the My Page screen.

Next, to explain how a user makes a restaurant reservation, for example, when a user selects the icon 1102 of a specific restaurant (e.g., "Ramen Uma!") from the three-dimensional map 1101 on the map screen 1100, the screen display control unit 104 accepts the selection of the icon 1102 of the specific restaurant ("Ramen Uma!") and displays the icon 1102 of the specific restaurant enlarged at a predetermined magnification rate, as shown in FIG. 21A. The screen display control unit 104 also references the restaurant registration database 1000 to obtain detailed information about the selected restaurant ("Ramen Uma!"), and displays a restaurant information screen 2100 for the specific restaurant ("Ramen Uma!") below the map screen 1100.

Here, the store information screen 2100 is not particularly limited, but for example, the store information screen 2100 displays the store name 2101 ("Ramen Uma!"), a favorites display 2102, a price range 2103 ("Lunch: ¥1000-¥2000", "Dinner: ¥1000-¥2000"), business hours 2104 ("10:00-20:00"), a route display 2105, an introductory video 2106, products and prices 2107, a review posting screen switching key 1119 as a shortcut key, a route guidance key 1114, an indication 2108 of whether reservations are possible, and a reservation icon 2109. This allows the user to check detailed information about the selected store. Furthermore, the introductory video 2106 is displayed, allowing the user to see what the store is like in detail.

Here, the favorite display 2102 is displayed in a specific color (e.g., blue) if the store is the user's favorite store, and is displayed in white if the store is not the user's favorite store. Therefore, by looking at the color of the favorite display 2102, the user can understand whether the store is their favorite or not.

The route display 2105 is a display for getting to the selected store, and displays the distance from the current location to the store (1.5 km), the distance from the base to the store (500 m), and the distance from a nearby landmark such as a station to the store (200 m). This allows the user to immediately understand the distance to the selected store.

Furthermore, the reservation availability display 2108 will display "Reservations Not Available" if the store does not allow reservations, but will display a message encouraging the user to acquire the required site currency for reservations (for example, "300 cash will be accumulated" for the discount currency for reservations, or "1,000 coins will be accumulated" for the usage currency for reservations) instead of "Reservations Available" as shown in FIG. 21B if the store allows reservations. This allows the user to immediately check whether the store allows reservations. Furthermore, by displaying a message encouraging the user to acquire the required site currency for reservations, the user feels an incentive to make a reservation at the selected store, which encourages the user to make a reservation.

The reservation icon 2109 is also linked to the display 2108 indicating whether or not a reservation is possible. If a reservation is not possible, an icon indicating that a reservation is not accepted is displayed, and an icon indicating that a reservation is accepted is displayed, as shown in Figure 21B. This allows the user to make a reservation immediately if the store is available for reservation.

Here, if word-of-mouth information is associated with the selected restaurant ("Ramen Uma!"), the screen display control unit 104 displays word-of-mouth information 2110 associated with the restaurant around the enlarged restaurant icon 1102. For example, the screen display control unit 104 references the word-of-mouth information database 1900, acquires a posted message for the selected restaurant ("Ramen Uma!"), and displays the acquired posted message 2110 around the enlarged restaurant icon 1102. Note that if the posted message 2110 contains a large number of characters, the posted message 2110 may be shortened to a specified number of characters before being displayed. This allows the user to check the word-of-mouth information 2110 for the selected restaurant and consider whether or not to make a reservation at the restaurant.

In Figure 21B, the selected store is a "French restaurant," and the screen display control unit 104 enlarges the icon 1102 of the selected specific store and displays the store information screen 2100 for the specific store ("Bistro Uma! French"). If word-of-mouth information is associated with the specific store, the word-of-mouth information 2110 is also displayed. In this way, the present invention makes it possible to easily check detailed store information and word-of-mouth information.

Now, when a user checks the store information screen 2100, decides they want to make a reservation at a specific store, and selects a reservation key for that specific store, the store reservation control unit 106 of the server 11 accepts the selection of the reservation key, displays a reservation request screen on the user terminal 10, and accepts a reservation for the specific store from the user terminal 10 (Figure 2: S106).

Here, there is no particular limitation on the display method of the store reservation control unit 106, but for example, as shown in FIG. 22, the reservation request screen 2200 may include a "reservation request" message 2201, a store name 2202 ("Ramen Uma!"), a store phone number 2203 ("0123456789"), cancellation instructions 2204 (for example, "Please call the store if you wish to cancel a reservation on the day"), an input field for the name of the person making the reservation 2205, a calendar 2206 for specifying the date of visit, an input field for the time of entry 2207, an input field for the number of people 2208, and a reservation A message 2209 indicating that the user will be able to earn site currency for the reservation (for example, "If you make a reservation and visit this store now, you will be awarded 50 cash for each visitor. *It will take approximately one month from the date of your visit for the cash to be awarded."), an input field 2210 for the number of discount currencies to be used, a display 2211 of the upper limit of the number of discount currencies that can be used, an input field 2212 for a phone number, an input field 2213 for an email address, an input field 2214 for requests, a check box 2215 for agreeing to the terms of use, and a "Confirm reservation request" key 2216 are displayed.

Here, for example, the input information from the name of the person making the reservation to the request constitutes the reservation information, and the input value for the amount of discount currency to be used corresponds to the amount of discount that the store will apply to the price of the product ordered by the user who made the reservation at the time of payment. Furthermore, the "Confirm reservation request" key 2216 may display, for example, information that indicates that site currency will be obtained upon confirmation of the reservation, the timing at which site currency will be obtained, and that if the reservation cannot be made, the reservation will be deleted.

Now, after checking the reservation request screen 2200, the member-side user enters information in the input and selection fields, checks the checkbox 2215, and selects the "Confirm reservation request" key 2216. The store reservation control unit 106 then displays the entered information, reservation key, and cancel key on the user terminal 10 for the user to confirm. When the user selects the reservation key, the store reservation control unit 106 accepts the selection of the reservation key and associates the user information of the user terminal 10 with detailed information about the selected store.

Here, there are no particular limitations on the association method used by the store reservation control unit 106, but for example, the store reservation control unit 106 references a reservation information database. As shown in FIG. 23A, the reservation information database 2300 stores store names 2301, registered email addresses 2302, and input selection items 2303 (e.g., name of person making reservation, requests) on the reservation request screen 2200 in association with each other.

The store reservation control unit 106 then acquires the email address ("abc@def") of the logged-in user and the store name ("Ramen Uma!"), and stores the acquired store name ("Ramen Uma!"), the acquired email address ("abc@def"), and the entered/selected information in association with each item in the reservation information database 2300. This completes the provisional registration of the user's reservation information. Note that the reservation information database 2300 may also store the reserved reservation time in association with the information.

Here, because reservation information needs to take into account the schedule and circumstances of the restaurant where the reservation is made, there is a certain risk in confirming the reservation as is at the time the user makes the reservation. Therefore, once the restaurant reservation control unit 106 has completed provisional registration of the reservation information, it uses the restaurant registration database 1000 and the reservation information database 2300 to identify the registered email address of the restaurant user with the restaurant name ("Ramen Uma!"), and displays a confirmation screen for the provisionally registered reservation information on the restaurant user's user terminal 10. Here, there are no particular limitations on the type of reservation information confirmation screen, but for example, the provisionally registered reservation information, an approval key, and a denial key may be displayed.

When a store user views the reservation information on the reservation information confirmation screen, determines that the store can accept the reservation, and selects an approval key, the store reservation control unit 106 accepts the selection of the approval key, transitions the provisional registration in the reservation information database 2300 to a final registration, and confirms the reservation. Then, after a predetermined period of time has passed since the reservation was confirmed, the store reservation control unit 106 adds the number of site currencies for the reservation associated with the detailed information of the store to the number of site currencies in the user information associated with the detailed information of the store for which the reservation was confirmed.

The specified period corresponds to the period from when the store user waits for the reserved user to arrive, when the reserved user arrives, and then when the payment is completed and there are no changes to the number of people in the reservation, and can be set appropriately depending on the reservation status and the progress of the process, such as about one month. In other words, a certain period of time is required from when the reservation is confirmed until the reserved user properly completes the payment, and so after that period has passed, the store reservation control unit 106 will add the amount of site currency used for the reservation.

Here, there is no particular limitation on the method of addition by the store reservation control unit 106, but for example, the store reservation control unit 106 uses the reservation information database 2300 and the member registration database 406 to identify the registered user email address 2302 in the reservation information database 2300 where the reservation has been confirmed and the registered site currency number 409 associated with the registered user email address 407 in the member registration database 406. Furthermore, the store reservation control unit 106 uses the reservation information database 2300 and the store registration database 1000 to identify the store name 2301 in the reservation information database 2300 where the reservation has been confirmed and the site currency number 1003 for the reservation associated with the store name in the store registration database 1000 (or the registered user email address 1001 on the store side). Then, as shown in FIG. 23B, the store reservation control unit 106 adds the number of site currencies 1003 for reservations associated with the store name (or the registered user email address 1001 on the store side) to the number of registered site currencies 409 already registered in the member registration database 406 held by the user whose registered email address 406 has confirmed the reservation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the number of visitors is multiplied by a certain number of discount currencies ("50 cash") to calculate the number of site currencies for reservations. Therefore, for example, if the number of visitors is three, the store reservation control unit 106 adds the product ("150 cash") obtained by multiplying three people by a certain number of discount currencies ("50 cash") to the discount currency number 409a of the registered site currency number 409 associated with the registered user email address 407. This makes it possible to provide an incentive for users to make reservations.

In the above description, the store reservation control unit 106 adds the number of discounted currencies to the number of site currencies for reservations according to the number of customers visiting the store. However, this is not limited to this. For example, since the number of discounted currencies 409a and the number of used currencies 409b are set in the registered number of site currencies 409, the store reservation control unit 106 may add a fixed number of discounted currencies ("100 cash") to the number of discounted currencies 409a, or a fixed number of used currencies ("15,000 coins") to the number of used currencies 409b, depending on the settings of the store user.

Furthermore, when the store reservation control unit 105 adds the amount of site currency for reservations to the amount of site currency for the user, it may notify the user using the user's registered user email address 407 that the site currency for reservations has been granted.

Furthermore, as described above, if the "number of discount currencies to be used" has been entered, once the reservation is confirmed, the user's number of discount currencies will be used equal to the "number of discount currencies to be used." In this case, the store user confirms the "number of discount currencies to be used" in advance on the reservation information confirmation screen, and when the user who made the reservation checks out, the price of the items ordered by the user will be discounted by the entered number of discount currencies ("50 cash") when charged. Then, once the discount is confirmed, the store reservation control unit 106 subtracts the entered "number of discount currencies to be used" (e.g., "50 cash") from the number of discount currencies 409a held by the user of the registered email address 407 whose reservation has been confirmed in the member registration database 406. This allows the user to use the number of discount currencies.

On the other hand, if a store user who views the reservation information confirmation screen determines that the store cannot accept the reservation and selects the Deny key, the store reservation control unit 106 accepts the selection of the Deny key, erases the provisional registration in the reservation information database 2300, and notifies the provisionally registered user that the reservation cannot be made using the registered user email address 2302 of the user. This notifies the user that the reservation cannot be made and encourages them to change their reservation information.

In addition, for example, if a user on the store side selects the approval key once and the store reservation control unit 106 confirms the reservation, but the reservation is canceled within a specified period from the time the reservation is confirmed, for example, because the user who made the reservation calls to cancel or does not show up at the store, the user on the store side selects the denial key again within the specified period, and the store reservation control unit 106 accepts the selection of the denial key, erases the actual registration in the reservation information database 2300, and notifies the user of the reservation cancellation using the registered user email address 2302 of the user who erased the actual registration. This makes it possible to prevent the amount of site currency used for reservations from being added unless the user who made the reservation shows up at the store.

Of the site currencies acquired as described above, the discounted currency amount is used at the time of reservation, but the usage currency amount is used as follows. For example, on the map screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11B, a user selects the property collection and purchase key 1115, and displays the item purchase screen 1600 via the property collection and purchase screen 1505. Then, on the item purchase screen 1600, the user checks the site currency amount held by the logged-in user and the site currency amount for purchase (discounted currency amount or usage currency amount), selects the desired item, and selects the purchase key 1603. The currency usage control unit 107 of the server 11 accepts the selection of the purchase key, treats the site currency amount for purchase as the site currency amount for service use, and subtracts the site currency amount for service use from the registered site currency amount 409 (discounted currency amount 409a or usage currency amount 409b) held by the user of the registered email address 407 in the member registration database 406, and provides the selected item or icon to the user. For example, if the item is a base house, a house item is added to the base on the three-dimensional map 1101. If the item is a vehicle, a car item is added to the vehicle when the vehicle is animated using the route guidance key 1114. Items can be selected as appropriate by user operation. In this way, by using the amount of currency used, the user can decorate the three-dimensional map 1101 in various ways, thereby improving the game-like presentation of the store search site.

The currency usage control unit 107 may also provide the site currency (discount currency or usage currency) on the property collection and purchase screen 1505, for example, by the user's payment of real currency. In this case, the currency usage control unit 107 accepts input of the desired site currency from the user, displays a real currency payment screen, and allows the user to make the real currency payment. There are no particular limitations on the method of payment for real currency, and examples include payment by bank transfer or credit card. Then, when the user pays real currency, the currency usage control unit 107 receives information about the user's payment of real currency and, for example, adds the entered site currency for purchase to the registered site currency 409 (discount currency 409a or usage currency 409b) held by the user of the registered email address 407 after purchase in the member registration database 406, and provides the entered site currency for purchase to the user. This allows the user to freely purchase site currency using real currency.

Furthermore, the currency usage control unit 107 may convert the discounted currency amount into the usable currency amount at a predetermined conversion rate on the possession collection and purchase screen 1505 and provide it to the user. For example, the discounted currency amount "10 cash" may be converted into the usable currency amount "10,000 coins" by user operation. This can encourage the user to use the usable currency amount.

In the above, we explained how to use the currency used by using a service for purchasing items on a store search site as an example of a store search site service, but this is not limited to this. Since a variety of store search site services can be defined, the site currency (discount currency or currency used) can also be used for other services.

For example, if a user posts a review of a specific store using the site currency for services, the currency usage control unit 107 may subtract the site currency for services from the site currency owned by the user, and then raise the display priority of the store for which the user posted review information on the 3D map 1101, thereby highlighting the store. Also, if another user likes a user's review and rates the user's review using the site currency for services, the currency usage control unit 107 may subtract the site currency for services from the site currency owned by the other user, and then highlight the user's review. A method for highlighting stores and reviews is, for example, to display them in a conspicuous speech bubble on the 3D map 1101. This allows users to highlight stores they want to support and reviews they like, allowing them to be shared with other users, thereby revitalizing the store search site. In particular, stores and reviews that users want to highlight can be given a certain degree of credibility even if they have to pay in-site currency, and using in-site currency can weight stores and reviews (ratings).

In addition, since store users can also hold site currency, for example, if a store user uses site currency for services to highlight their store, the currency use control unit 107 may subtract the site currency for services from the site currency held by the store user, and then display the user's store in a way that highlights it on the 3D map 1101. One way to highlight a store is to, for example, install a specified electronic billboard on the 3D map 1101 and display an advertisement on the billboard introducing the store of the store user.

Furthermore, when an advertisement such as a still image advertisement or a video advertisement is displayed on a store search site, if the user wishes to shorten the display time of the advertisement or to eliminate the display of the advertisement by using the in-site currency for the service, the currency use control unit 1011 may subtract the in-site currency for the service from the in-site currency held by the user, and then shorten the display time of the advertisement or eliminate the display of the advertisement.

In addition, while the above describes the use of site currency, the currency use control unit 105 may also be configured to add bonus site currency in response to user operations on the store search site. For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, review information 2110 associated with a store is displayed around an enlarged store icon 1102 on a three-dimensional map 1101. When a user selects a specific review 2110 to check it, the screen display control unit 104 enlarges and displays the selected review 2110. At this time, the currency use control unit 107 may, with a certain probability (e.g., 1%), add bonus site currency (e.g., "1 cash" or "100 coins") to the site currency held by the user who selected the review 2110.

Furthermore, when a user posts a specific comment on the enlarged word-of-mouth information 2110, the screen display control unit 104 accepts the posting of the comment, and at this point, the currency usage control unit 107 may, with a certain probability (e.g., 80%), add a bonus amount of site currency (e.g., "10 cash" or "1,000 coins") to the amount of site currency held by the user who posted the comment.

Furthermore, when a user selects a specific Like key when checking the word-of-mouth information 2110, the screen display control unit 104 accepts the selection of the Like key and adds "1" to the "number of Likes" contained in the word-of-mouth information database 1900. Here, the currency usage control unit 107 may, with a certain probability (for example, 1%), add a bonus amount of site currency (for example, "1 cash" or "100 coins") to the amount of site currency held by the user who selected the Like key.

Furthermore, when a user logs in for the first time each day, the currency usage control unit 107 may display a predetermined number (e.g., three) of selectable treasure chest icons on the map screen 1100, and when the user selects one of the treasure chest icons, the currency usage control unit 107 may, with a certain probability (e.g., 33%), add a bonus amount of site currency (e.g., "1 cash" or "100 coins") to the amount of site currency held by the user who selected the treasure chest icon. In addition to the aforementioned amount of site currency, the treasure chest icons may also represent items on the store search site.

Furthermore, when an advertisement is displayed within a store search site and a user selects the advertisement and displays the contents of the advertisement, the currency usage control unit 107 may, with a certain probability (e.g., 33%), add a bonus amount of site currency (e.g., "1 cash" or "100 coins") to the amount of site currency held by the user who displayed the advertisement contents. In addition to the above-mentioned amount of site currency, items within the store search site may also be added.

In this way, the currency usage control unit 107 can add the amount of site currency for bonuses based on user operations on the store search site, further enhancing the gaming aspect of the store search site.

Furthermore, while the above description assumes that the store is a restaurant such as a ramen shop, the application is not limited to this and can also be applied to service businesses such as beauty salons and osteopathic clinics that require reservations.

As described above, the information processing system and information processing method of the present invention are useful as a store search site with a game-like feel never before seen, and by introducing a currency mechanism that can be used freely within the system, they are effective as an information processing system and information processing method that can be used by both stores and members in a game-like manner.

1 Information Processing System 10 User Terminal 11 Server 12 Network 101 Search Control Unit 102 Member Registration Control Unit 103 Store Registration Control Unit 104 Screen Display Control Unit 105 Review Processing Control Unit 106 Store Reservation Control Unit 107 Currency Usage Control Unit

Claims (2)

a member registration control unit that, when user information is input to a predetermined store search site from a user terminal of a user, associates the input user information with the number of site currencies that can be used on the store search site, registers the user information as a member, and logs the user terminal into the store search site;
a store registration control unit that, when the logged-in user terminal is associated with a predetermined store on the store search site and detailed information including location information of the store is input, associates the detailed store information with an in-site currency number for reservation provided to a person who makes a reservation for the store, and registers the store on the store search site;
a screen display control unit that, when a store search key is input from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, displays on the user terminal a map in which stores located nearby are arranged with the location information set by the user terminal as the center, based on the detailed information of the registered store;
a word-of-mouth processing control unit that, when word-of-mouth information is input to a predetermined store from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, associates user information of the user terminal with detailed information about the store, and, when the word-of-mouth information is confirmed, adds a predetermined number of site currencies for word-of-mouth to the number of site currencies of the user information associated with the detailed information about the store;
a store reservation control unit that, when a specific store is reserved from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, associates user information of the user terminal with detailed information about the reserved store, and, when the store reservation is confirmed, adds the number of site currencies for reservation associated with the detailed information about the store to the number of site currencies in the user information associated with the detailed information about the store after a predetermined period has elapsed since the reservation was confirmed;
a currency usage control unit that, when a user terminal logged in to the store search site instructs the service of the store search site to be provided with a predetermined number of site currencies for the service, subtracts the number of site currencies for the service from the number of site currencies in the user information of the user terminal and provides the service;
Equipped with
the map is a three-dimensional map;
the screen display control unit uses a preset position set by the logged-in user terminal as a base and displays a three-dimensional map centered on the base,
The base can be purchased as an item by the logged-in user terminal.
Information processing system. a member registration control step of, when user information is input to a predetermined store search site from a user terminal of a user, associating the input user information with the number of site currencies that can be used on the store search site, registering the user information as a member, and logging in the user terminal to the store search site;
a store registration control process for associating the logged-in user terminal with a predetermined store on the store search site, and when detailed information including location information of the store is input, associating the detailed store information with an in-site currency number for reservation provided to a person who has made a reservation for the store, and registering the store on the store search site;
a screen display control step of, when a store search key is input from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, displaying on the user terminal a map in which stores located nearby are arranged with the location information set on the user terminal as the center, based on the detailed information of the registered store;
a word-of-mouth processing control step of, when word-of-mouth information is input to a predetermined store from a user terminal currently logged in to the store search site, associating user information of the user terminal with detailed information about the store, and, when the word-of-mouth information is confirmed, adding a predetermined number of site currencies for word-of-mouth to the number of site currencies of the user information associated with the detailed information about the store;
a store reservation control step of, when a specific store is reserved from a user terminal logged in to the store search site, associating user information of the user terminal with detailed information about the reserved store, and, when the reservation of the store is confirmed, adding the number of site currencies for reservation associated with the detailed information about the store to the number of site currencies in the user information associated with the detailed information about the store after a predetermined period has elapsed since the reservation was confirmed;
a currency usage control step of providing the service by subtracting the number of site currencies for the service from the number of site currencies in the user information of the user terminal when a user terminal logging in to the store search site instructs the service of the store search site to be provided with a predetermined number of site currencies for the service;
Equipped with
the map is a three-dimensional map;
the screen display control step uses a preset position set by the logged-in user terminal as a base and displays a three-dimensional map centered on the base,
The base can be purchased as an item by the logged-in user terminal.
Information processing method for an information processing system.