JP7537740B2 - Management - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a management method, a management device, a program, and a reuse system.

When taking out drinks or boxed lunches, disposable containers are often used. These disposable containers are difficult to recycle, and are known to create waste problems.

To address these issues, it is effective to utilize containers owned by individuals, such as personal bottles for storing beverages. Here, for example, Patent Document 1 is an example of technology related to personal bottles. Patent Document 1 describes a personal container equipped with an IC tag. The IC tag is also equipped with a payment means that allows for cash payment, and a storage means for storing information about the user's preferences and allergies. According to Patent Document 1, the aim is to promote the spread of personal bottles and the like by taking advantage of these features.

Related technologies include, for example, Patent Document 2. Patent Document 2 describes a system that includes multiple containers and multiple carriers suitable for carrying the multiple containers.

JP 2008-287566 A WO2019/069082

Even with the use of technology such as that described in Patent Document 1, many people still do not use their own bottles. Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a management method, management device, program, and reuse system to solve the problem that it is difficult to promote the use of reusable containers such as my bottles.

In order to achieve this object, a management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
An information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
The system is configured such that payment for the container is made based on pre-stored information in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user.

In addition, a management device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A management unit that manages a reusable container in association with a user when lending the reusable container to the user;
a payment unit that settles for the container in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user;
The configuration has the following:

In addition, a program according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes:
In the information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
This is a program for implementing a process of paying for the container based on pre-stored information in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user.

In addition, a reuse system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
Reusable containers and
A reading device that reads the identification information attached to the container and transmits it to a server device;
A management device having a management unit that manages the container in association with the user based on information received from the reading device when lending the container to the user, and a settlement unit that settles for the container in accordance with a purchase request received from the user while lending the container to the user;
The configuration includes:

The above-mentioned configurations make it possible to solve the problem of how difficult it is to promote the widespread use of reusable containers.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a reuse system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a store terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of container information shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of user information shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of container state information shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the number of rentals and the discount rate. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device when receiving a purchase request. FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the server device. FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the server device. 11 is a diagram for explaining a processing example when individual identification information is read. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a processing example when individual identification information is read. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management device.

[First embodiment]
The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 13. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of a reuse system 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a user terminal 300. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a store terminal 400. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server device 500. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of container information 541. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information 542. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of container state information 543. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of rentals and the discount rate. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 500 when a purchase request is received. FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the server device 500. FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing when the individual identification information 210 is read.

In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a reuse system 100 is described that lends a user a container 200 that can be reused repeatedly by cleaning or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, in the reuse system 100, when a user purchases a product such as coffee at a store, the container 200 is lent to the user. That is, the product such as coffee is placed inside the container 200 and provided to the user. In addition, the reuse system 100 accepts the return of the container 200 from the user at the store or the like. The returned container 200 is cleaned by a cleaning company or the like and then returned to the store. Alternatively, it is cleaned in the store. Then, it is lent again to the user or the like.

In the case of the reuse system 100 described in this embodiment, as described later, the status of the container 200, such as whether it is on loan or not, is managed using a server device 500 connected to multiple stores. Therefore, the container 200 may be returned to a store other than the one that loaned it out. In other words, even if the container 200 is returned to a store other than the one that loaned it out, the reuse system 100 can manage the container 200 without any problems. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the container 200 is used as the entire reuse system 100. Therefore, for example, the store to which the container 200 is delivered after being cleaned by a cleaning company may be different from the store that accepted the return from the user.

In the reuse system 100 described in this embodiment, when lending a container 200 to a user, the server device 500 associates the user with the container 200 and manages them. Then, when the user uses the container 200, for example, and a request to purchase the container 200 is received from the user, the reuse system 100 uses the associated and managed information to make a payment, etc. With this configuration, the user can purchase a container 200 that they like while it is being rented.

In this embodiment, a liquid container for holding liquid products such as coffee will be described as an example of the container 200 that can be reused by cleaning or the like. However, the container 200 may be something other than a liquid container as long as it can be reused by cleaning or the like. For example, the container 200 may be a food container such as a lunch box for holding food such as lunch boxes, or a shopping container (bag) such as an eco bag for holding products purchased at a store. Also, for example, the container 200 may be a box for storing products such as clothes, or a container for holding something other than the examples given.

Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the reuse system 100. Referring to Figure 1, the reuse system 100 has, for example, a container 200, a user terminal 300, a store terminal 400, and a server device 500. As shown in Figure 1, the store terminal 400 and the server device 500 are connected to each other via a network or the like so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, the user terminal 300 and the store terminal 400 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other using wireless communication or the like. In addition, the user terminal 300 and the server device 500 can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other using wireless communication or the like.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the reuse system 100 may include multiple user terminals 300, multiple store terminals 400, and multiple server devices 500. The cleaning company may also have an information processing device, and the information processing device owned by the cleaning company may be configured to communicate with the store terminals 400 and the server devices 500.

The container 200 is a container that can be reused by cleaning or the like. As described above, in this embodiment, the container 200 holds a liquid product such as coffee. For example, the container 200 is a stainless steel tumbler or a resin cup. The container 200 may be something other than the example shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, individual identification information 210 is attached to an arbitrary location on the side of container 200. The individual identification information 210 is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or an RF tag. The individual identification information 210 includes, for example, information indicating a container ID, which is identification information uniquely assigned to each container. The individual identification information 210 may be other than the above examples, such as a barcode.

The user terminal 300 is a portable information processing device owned by a user. The user terminal 300 is used, for example, when registering to use the reuse system 100, when borrowing a container 200, when returning a container 200, when sending a purchase request, etc. For example, the user terminal 300 is a smartphone or a tablet. The user terminal 300 may be a device other than those exemplified above.

Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the user terminal 300. Referring to Fig. 2, for example, the user terminal 300 has a user information registration unit 310, a reading unit 320, a processing unit 330, a purchase request transmission unit 340, etc., in addition to general functions such as an operation input unit such as a touch panel, a screen display unit, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) function.

For example, the user terminal 300 has a calculation device such as a CPU and a storage device. The user terminal 300 can realize each of the above-mentioned processing units by, for example, having the calculation device execute a program stored in the storage device.

The user information registration unit 310 accepts input of user information by the user operating the operation input unit, etc. For example, the user information registration unit 310 accepts input of user information when the user uses the reuse system 100 for the first time. The user information registration unit 310 then transmits the accepted user information to the server device 500. The user information registration unit 310 may also accept information for updating the user information while the user is using the reuse system 100.

Here, the user information accepted by the user information registration unit 310 includes information such as payment information necessary for the user to use the reuse system 100. The user information may also include attribute information indicating attributes to which the user belongs.

Specifically, for example, the user information may include payment information such as the user's nickname and credit card information, as well as attribute information such as age, sex, and approximate local area information such as the prefecture or city/town/village of residence, and preference information about the container 200 such as favorite colors and shapes. The user information may include only a portion of the information exemplified above, or may include information other than the information exemplified above.

In addition, when the user information registration unit 310 transmits the user information to the server device 500, the user terminal 300 is assigned a user ID, which is identification information uniquely assigned to each user. The user ID is stored, for example, in a storage device possessed by the user terminal 300. The user ID may be generated by the user terminal 300 using a predetermined method, or may be generated by the server device 500 as described below.

The reading unit 320 uses an imaging device such as a camera or a wireless communication function to read the individual identification information 210 attached to the container 200. For example, the reading unit 320 reads the individual identification information 210 such as a QR code or an RF tag to obtain a container ID that has been previously assigned to the container 200.

For example, when a user borrows the container 200 (i.e., when the user starts borrowing the container 200) or when the user returns the container 200 to the store, the reading unit 320 reads the individual identification information 210 attached to the container 200 by the user or a store employee operating the user terminal 300. The reading unit 320 may read the individual identification information 210 at times other than the above.

The imaging device used by the reading unit 320 may be included in the user terminal 300, or may be an external device connected to the user terminal 300.

The processing unit 330 performs processing in response to the reading of the individual identification information 210 by the reading unit 320. For example, the processing unit 330 transmits the container ID and the user ID, etc., acquired by the reading unit 320 reading the individual identification information 210, to the server device 500. As a result, the processing unit 330 registers the start of lending the container 200 to the server device 500, and registers the return of the container 200 to the server device 500. In other words, the processing unit 330 performs a registration process for registering the start of lending or the return of the container 200 to the server device 500. The processing unit 330 may transmit the store identification information received from the store terminal 400 described later together with the container ID, etc., to the server device 500. In addition, when the reading unit 320 reads the individual identification information 210, the processing unit 330 can display predetermined information on the screen display unit of the user terminal 300. For example, the processing unit 330 can calculate the return deadline for the container 200 (e.g., one week from the start of lending) based on time information at the start of lending, and display the calculated result on the screen.

The purchase request sending unit 340 sends a purchase request for the container 200 to the server device 500 in response to input from the user. For example, the purchase request sending unit 340 can send the purchase request while the container 200 is being lent. The purchase request sending unit 340 may also send the purchase request at a timing other than the above example.

For example, the purchase request sending unit 340 sends a purchase request for the container 200 in use to the server device 500 in response to input from the user. The purchase request sending unit 340 may also send a purchase request for a new or other used item to the server device 500 instead of or together with the container 200 in use.

The purchase request sending unit 340 can send information indicating the user's location, obtained using a GPS function or the like, to the server device 500 along with the purchase request. For example, when sending a purchase request for a second-hand item other than the container 200 being used, the purchase request sending unit 340 sends information indicating the user's location to the server device 500. The purchase request sending unit 340 may also send information indicating the user's location to the server device 500 when sending a purchase request for a new item. The purchase request sending unit 340 may send store identification information obtained when the container 200 was rented along with or instead of information obtained using a GPS function or the like as information indicating the location.

As described below, the price of the container 200 may be notified from the server device 500 depending on the content of the purchase request. The purchase request sending unit 340 can send information to the server device 500 indicating whether or not the notified price is accepted, depending on the input from the user in response to the above notification.

The store terminal 400 is an information processing device installed in a store that rents out the container 200. The store terminal 400 can be used when renting out the container 200, when returning the container 200, etc. For example, the store terminal 400 is a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. The store terminal 400 may be a device other than those exemplified above.

Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the store terminal 400. Referring to Figure 3, the store terminal 400 has, for example, a reading unit 410, a processing unit 420, and a store information transmission unit 430.

For example, the store terminal 400 has a calculation device such as a CPU and a storage device. The store terminal 400 can realize each of the above-mentioned processing units by, for example, having the calculation device execute a program stored in the storage device.

The reading unit 410 uses an imaging device such as a camera or a wireless communication function to read the individual identification information 210 attached to the container 200. For example, the reading unit 410 reads the individual identification information 210 such as a QR code or an RF tag to obtain a container ID that has been previously assigned to the container 200.

For example, when a user borrows the container 200 (i.e., when the user starts borrowing the container 200) or when the user returns the container 200 to the store, the reading unit 410 reads the individual identification information 210 attached to the container 200 by the user or a store employee operating the store terminal 400.

The imaging device used by the reading unit 410 may be included in the store terminal 400, as in the case of the user terminal 300, or may be an external device connected to the store terminal 400. Furthermore, if either the reading using the reading unit 320 or the reading using the reading unit 410 is performed, the other may be omitted.

The processing unit 420 performs processing in response to the reading of the individual identification information 210 by the reading unit 410. For example, the processing unit 420 transmits the container ID and the user ID, etc., acquired by the reading unit 410 reading the individual identification information 210, to the server device 500. As a result, the processing unit 420 registers the start of lending the container 200 to the server device 500, and registers the return of the container 200 to the server device 500. In other words, the processing unit 420 can perform a registration process for registering the start of lending or the return of the container 200 to the server device 500, similar to the processing unit 330. The processing unit 420 may transmit the store identification information stored in the store terminal 400 to the server device 500 together with the container ID, etc. It is assumed that the store terminal 400 has received the user ID from the user terminal 300 in advance by communicating with the user terminal 300, etc. Furthermore, when the reading unit 410 reads, the processing unit 420 can display predetermined information on the screen display unit of the store terminal 400. For example, the processing unit 420 can calculate the return deadline of the container 200 (e.g., one week from the start of lending) from time information at the start of lending, and display the calculated result on the screen.

The store information transmission unit 430 transmits the store identification information stored in the store terminal 400 to the user terminal 300. The store identification information is identification information that is uniquely assigned to each store and is determined in advance for each store. The store information transmission unit 430 may transmit the store identification information to the user terminal 300 at any timing.

The server device 500 is an information processing device (management device) that manages the status of the container 200, such as whether it is on loan or not. The server device 500 manages the status of the container 200 based on the container ID, user ID, etc. received from the user terminal 300 or the store terminal 400. The server device 500 also accepts a purchase request for the container 200 from the user terminal 300. The server device 500 then performs, for example, different processes depending on the content of the accepted purchase request. For example, the server device 500 is an on-premise server or a cloud server. The server device 500 may be other than the above examples.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the server device 500. Referring to FIG. 4, the server device 500 has, as main components, for example, an operation input unit 510, a screen display unit 520, a communication I/F unit 530, a storage unit 540, and an arithmetic processing unit 550. Note that the server device 500 may have only a part of the configuration exemplified above, such as not having the operation input unit 510.

The operation input unit 510 is composed of operation input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The operation input unit 510 detects the operation of the operator who operates the server device 500 and outputs it to the calculation processing unit 550.

The screen display unit 520 is composed of a screen display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The screen display unit 520 can display various information stored in the memory unit 540 on the screen in response to instructions from the calculation processing unit 550.

The communication I/F unit 530 is composed of a data communication circuit. The communication I/F unit 530 communicates with the user terminal 300, the store terminal 400, and other external devices.

The storage unit 540 is a storage device such as a hard disk or memory. The storage unit 540 stores processing information and programs 544 necessary for various processes in the calculation processing unit 550. The programs 544 are loaded into the calculation processing unit 550 and executed to realize various processing units. The programs 544 are loaded in advance from an external device or recording medium via a data input/output function such as the communication I/F unit 530, and are stored in the storage unit 540. Main information stored in the storage unit 540 includes, for example, container information 541, user information 542, and container status information 543.

The container information 541 includes information about the container 200 itself, such as the color, capacity, and material of the container 200. The container information 541 is acquired in advance, for example, by inputting the container information 541 using the operation input unit 510 or by receiving the container information 541 from an external device via the communication I/F unit 530, and is stored in the storage unit 540.

Figure 5 shows an example of container information 541. Referring to Figure 5, container information 541 includes items such as a container ID, color information, capacity information, material information, processing type information, and design information.

Here, as described above, the container ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each container 200. The container ID is assigned to each container 200 in advance. The color information is information indicating the color of the container 200, such as "black" or "white". The capacity information is information indicating the capacity of the container 200, such as "300 ml" or "500 ml". The material information is information indicating the material of the container 200, such as "polypropylene" or "stainless steel". The material information may indicate multiple materials, such as the external material and the internal material. The processing type information indicates the type of processing applied to the container 200, such as "embossing". The design information indicates information about the designer who designed the container 200 itself or the illustrations on the surface of the container 200. For example, the design information can include at least one of the following: the name of the designer, the designer's website or contact information, the characteristics of the design, and the type of main work.

For example, as described above, container information 541 includes information indicating the characteristics of container 200 itself. Note that container information 541 may be composed of a portion exemplified in FIG. 5, or may include information other than that exemplified in FIG. 5. For example, container information 541 may include use information indicating the use, such as "for hot coffee" or "for iced coffee," transparency information indicating the transparency of container 200, straw information indicating whether or not a straw is included, shape information indicating the shape of container 200, image information of container 200, etc.

The user information 542 includes information about the user, such as the user ID, user attribute information, and payment information. The user information 542 is stored in the memory unit 540, for example, when the user information receiving unit 551 described below receives the user information from the user terminal 300. In addition, the user information 542 can be updated when the user borrows a container 200, for example.

Figure 6 shows an example of user information 542. Referring to Figure 6, user information 542 includes items such as a user ID, attribute information, payment information, preference information, and history information.

Here, as described above, the user ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each user. For example, when the user information receiving unit 551 receives user information from the user terminal 300, the user ID is assigned to the user by the user information receiving unit 551. The attribute information is information indicating the attributes to which the user belongs. The attribute information may include, for example, age, sex, and approximate regional information such as the prefecture or city/town/village in which the user lives. The payment information is information required for payment, such as credit card information. The preference information is information indicating the user's preferences, such as the user's favorite color, shape, and favorite designer. As will be described later, the preference information is used when searching for similar products. The history information is information indicating the rental history, such as information about the container 200 that the user has rented in the past. The history information includes the container ID of the container 200 that the user has rented in the past, information indicating the characteristics of the rented container 200, such as color and shape, the number of times it has been rented, and information about the store where it has been rented.

For example, as described above, the user information 542 includes information input by the user, information indicating the user's rental history, etc. Note that the user information 542 may be composed of a part of the information exemplified in FIG. 6, or may include information other than that exemplified in FIG. 6.

Container status information 543 includes information according to the use of container 200, such as status information indicating the status of container 200, the number of times container 200 has been lent out, and damage information. Container status information 543 is generated, for example, when container information 541 is stored in memory unit 540, and is updated when a user borrows or returns container 200. In addition, container status information 543 can be updated in response to contact from a cleaning company, for example, when the cleaning company discovers damage or deterioration during cleaning.

Figure 7 shows an example of container status information 543. Referring to Figure 7, container status information 543 includes items such as container ID, status information, number of times lent out, and damage information.

Here, the container ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each container 200, as described above. The status information is information indicating the status of the container 200. The status information includes, for example, information indicating whether the container 200 is being lent to a user, and information indicating the store where the container 200 is placed, such as store identification information. The status information may include the user ID of the user who is lending the container. The status information may also include information indicating that the container 200 is being cleaned, information indicating a cleaning company, and the like. The status information may include past information, such as information indicating the status over the past week or month, or may include more detailed information, such as information indicating the time when the container 200 was lent. The number of times the container 200 has been lent to a user is incremented by one each time the container 200 is lent to a user. The scratch information is information indicating whether the container 200 has scratches or deteriorated areas, the size of the scratches or deteriorated areas, and the like. The scratch information is updated when a cleaning company or store employee notifies the cleaning company or store that a scratch has been discovered, for example, when the cleaning company discovers a scratch during cleaning or when a store employee discovers a scratch.

The arithmetic processing unit 550 has an arithmetic device such as a CPU and its peripheral circuits. The arithmetic processing unit 550 reads and executes the program 544 from the storage unit 540, thereby implementing various processing units by having the above hardware and the program 544 work together. The main processing units implemented by the arithmetic processing unit 550 include, for example, a user information receiving unit 551, a status management unit 552, a purchase request receiving unit 553, a similar product search unit 554, a price determination unit 555, and a settlement unit 556.

The user information receiving unit 551 acquires user information from the user terminal 300. The user information receiving unit 551 then generates a user ID in response to the acquisition. The user information receiving unit 551 then stores the generated user ID and the acquired user information in the storage unit 540 as user information 542. The user information receiving unit 551 can also transmit the generated user ID to the user terminal 300. The user information receiving unit 551 may generate the user ID using any method.

The status management unit 552 manages the status of the container 200, such as whether the container 200 is on loan or not. For example, when the status management unit 552 receives a container ID, a user ID, etc. from the user terminal 300, it updates the status information in the container status information 543 according to the received information, thereby managing the status of the container 200.

For example, when a container 200 with container ID "AAAB" existing in store A is to be loaned to a new user, the user ID of the user and the container ID "AAAB" are received from the user terminal 300 or the store terminal 400. The status management unit 552 then changes the status information corresponding to the container ID "AAAB" in the container status information 543 described with reference to FIG. 7 from "Store A" to "On loan." The status management unit 552 also includes the user ID in the status information. For example, by the above process, when the container 200 is loaned, the status management unit 552 manages the container 200 in association with the user.

Furthermore, when returning a container 200 with container ID "AAAB", the user terminal 300 or the store terminal 400 receives the user's user ID, the container ID "AAAB", store identification information, and the like. The status management unit 552 then changes the status information in the container status information 543 described with reference to FIG. 7 from "on loan" to "store A". In this way, by using the store identification information and the like, the status management unit 552 can manage the status of the container 200, including information about the store to which the container 200 has been returned.

The status management unit 552 can set the status information to "cleaning in progress" when, for example, shipping the container 200 to a cleaning company. The status management unit 552 can also set the status information to correspond to each store when the cleaned container 200 is shipped from the cleaning company to each store. In this way, the status management unit 552 can manage the status other than at the time of rental.

The purchase request receiving unit 553 receives a purchase request from the user terminal 300. As described above, the purchase request may include a request to purchase a new container 200, a request to purchase a second-hand item other than the container 200 being used, in addition to a request to purchase the container 200 being used. The purchase request receiving unit 553 may also receive information indicating the user's location along with the purchase request.

The similar product search unit 554 searches for a container 200 similar to the container 200 currently being used by the user, by referring to the container information 541, etc. For example, the similar product search unit 554 searches for a similar product when the content of the purchase request is a request to purchase a new product or a request to purchase a used product other than the container 200 currently being used. The similar product search unit 554 may be configured to search for a similar product even when the content of the purchase request is a request to purchase the container 200 currently being used.

In this embodiment, the method of searching for similar products is not particularly limited. For example, the similar product search unit 554 can search for containers 200 whose contents of items in the container information 541 at least partially match the container 200 in use as similar products, such as searching for containers 200 of different colors that differ only in color information from the container 200 in use as similar products, or searching for other containers 200 designed by the same designer as similar products. The similar product search unit 554 may search for similar products by methods other than those exemplified above.

When searching for similar products, the similar product search unit 554 may also refer to preference information and history information contained in the user information 542. For example, the similar product search unit 554 may be configured to further select only containers 200 whose colors are considered to be preferred in the preference information from among the search results for similar products. The similar product search unit 554 may also be configured to further select only containers 200 designed by a certain designer from among the search results for similar products when the frequency of rental of containers 200 designed by the designer exceeds a predetermined value based on the history information, for example. In this way, the similar product search unit 554 may perform a similarity search using preference information and history information.

In addition, the similar product search unit 554 may refer to the user's location information when searching for similar products. For example, as described above, when the container 200 is placed in a store, the status information in the container status information 543 includes store identification information. Therefore, the similar product search unit 554 can search for similar products only for second-hand products placed in stores that are within a predetermined range from the user's location based on the user's location information and the status information in the container status information 543. In this way, the similar product search unit 554 may perform a similar search using the user's location information. By using the user's location information, for example, it is possible to search for only second-hand products that can be purchased at the nearest store as similar products. Note that, when the container status information 543 includes information about a new container 200, it is possible to search for only new products that can be purchased at the nearest store as similar products by performing a process similar to the above process. In other words, even if the user wishes to purchase a new container 200, the similar product search unit 554 may perform a similar search using the user's location information, as in the case of a second-hand product.

The price determination unit 555 determines the price of the container 200 that the user wishes to purchase by referring to the container status information 543, etc. For example, the price determination unit 555 determines the price when the content of the purchase request is a request to purchase a second-hand item other than the container 200 currently in use, or when the user wishes to purchase the container 200 currently in use as is.

For example, the price determination unit 555 provides a discount based on the number of times the container has been rented out in the container status information 543. Specifically, for example, the price determination unit 555 has a table as shown in FIG. 8 in which the number of times the container has been rented out corresponds to a discount rate. The price determination unit 555 then refers to the table to identify the discount rate according to the number of times the container has been rented out. Thereafter, the price determination unit 555 determines the price of the container 200 based on the identified discount rate and the list price. Note that the discount rate according to the number of times the container has been rented out is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8, and may be determined arbitrarily.

In addition, for example, the price determination unit 555 performs a discount based on the scratch information in the container condition information 543. Specifically, for example, the price determination unit 555 has a table that associates the size and number of scratches with a discount rate, just as in the case of performing a discount based on the number of rentals. The price determination unit 555 then refers to the table to identify a discount rate according to the size and number of scratches. The price determination unit 555 then determines the price of the container 200 based on the identified discount rate and the list price.

For example, as described above, when a user wishes to purchase a container 200 in use or a second-hand product, the price determination unit 555 determines the price of the purchase item based on the container condition information 543. The price determination unit 555 may be configured to perform only one of the discounts based on the number of times the item has been rented or the discount based on the damage information, such as adopting the higher discount rate, or may be configured to perform both the discount based on the number of times the item has been rented and the discount based on the damage information. Also, when the similar product search unit 554 is searching for similar products, the price determination unit 555 can determine the price for each of the searched similar products.

The settlement unit 556 makes a payment based on the payment information included in the user information 542. For example, if a user wishes to purchase a container 200 that is currently in use, the settlement unit 556 notifies the user terminal 300 of the price of the container 200 determined by the price determination unit 555. Then, when the settlement unit 556 receives information from the user terminal 300 indicating that the notified price is accepted, the settlement unit 556 makes a payment based on the payment information.

The payment unit 556 may be configured to make payment upon approval from the user terminal 300, even in cases where the user wishes to purchase a new container 200 or a used item other than the container 200 currently in use. In this case, the payment will be made in advance before receiving the used or new item at the nearest store, etc.

The above is an example of the configuration of the server device 500. The server device 500 may be configured to notify the user terminal 300 of the presence or absence of a purchase request, for example, when a predetermined time has passed since the start of lending. Furthermore, the settlement unit 556 of the server device 500 may settle the price of the container 200 as unreturned if the container 200 has not been returned even after a predetermined period of time, such as three days, has passed since the return deadline. In this case, the server device 500 may settle the price at the list price without having the price determination unit 555 determine the price. Furthermore, when the user transmits a purchase request, information such as the color desired to be purchased may be included in the purchase request. In this case, the similar product search unit 554 can perform a similar search by referring to the information included in the purchase request.

The above is an example of the configuration of the reuse system 100. Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of the operation when the server device 500 receives a purchase request will be described. Note that the operation of the server device 500 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, the server device 500 receives a purchase request for the container 200 from the user terminal 300 (step S101). In addition to a request to purchase a container 200 in use, the purchase request may include a request to purchase a new container 200 or a request to purchase a second-hand item other than the container 200 in use.

If the content of the purchase request is to purchase the container 200 that is currently in use (step S102, as is), the price determination unit 555 refers to the container status information 543, etc., and determines the price of the container 200 that the user wishes to purchase (step S103).

The settlement unit 556 notifies the user terminal 300 of the price of the container 200 determined by the price determination unit 555. Then, when the settlement unit 556 receives information from the user terminal 300 indicating that the notified price is accepted, the settlement unit 556 performs settlement based on the payment information (step S104).

For example, according to the above process, if a user wishes to purchase a container 200 that is currently in use, the user can continue to use the container 200 as is by transmitting a purchase request to the server device 500.

Also, if the desired purchase is for a new product (step S102, new product), the similar product search unit 554 searches for a similar product that resembles the container 200 currently in use. For example, the similar product search unit 554 searches for a similar product using the container information 541, the preference information and history information contained in the user information 542, the user's location information, and the like. The similar product search unit 554 then presents similar products to the user by sending information indicating the search results to the user terminal 300 (step S105).

The user can then purchase a new container 200 via a website or the like. The user may also purchase a new container 200 at a nearby store.

In addition, if the content of the purchase request is to purchase a second-hand product other than the container 200 being used (step S102, new product), the similar product search unit 554 searches for a similar product that resembles the container 200 being used. For example, the similar product search unit 554 searches for a similar product available at the nearest store using the container information 541, the preference information and history information contained in the user information 542, and the user's location information. The similar product search unit 554 then presents similar products to the user by sending information indicating the search results to the user terminal 300 (step S106).

The price determination unit 555 determines the price of the container 200 by referring to the container condition information 543, etc. (step S107). For example, the price determination unit 555 determines the price for each similar product searched for by the similar product search unit 554.

The user can then purchase the desired used item at the nearest store or the like. Note that the system may be configured to transmit information about the desired used item from the user terminal 300 to the store terminal 400 via the server device 500. This makes it possible to reserve the desired used item at a store or the like, for example.

In this way, the server device 500 has a status management unit 552, a purchase request receiving unit 553, and a settlement unit 556. With this configuration, the status management unit 552 can manage the container 200 in association with the user when lending out the container 200. As a result, when the purchase request receiving unit 553 receives a purchase request for the container 200, the settlement unit 556 can make a payment using the associated and managed information. This makes it possible to try out the container 200 and then purchase the container 200 that you like, thereby lowering the hurdle of purchasing the container 200. In other words, with the above configuration, it is possible to promote the spread of the container 200.

In addition, with the above-mentioned configuration, there is no need to pay a deposit when renting out the container 200. This reduces the psychological burden of renting out the container 200, which can further promote the widespread use of the container 200.

The server device 500 also has a price determination unit 555. With this configuration, the price determination unit 555 can determine the price of the container 200 depending on the number of times it has been rented out, etc. As a result, it becomes possible to purchase the container 200 at a price depending on the number of times it has been rented out, etc., thereby reducing the burden on the user. The server device 500 also accepts requests to purchase new products. By allowing users to try out the container 200 before purchasing a new product, it becomes possible to accept purchase requests from users who are reluctant to purchase used products.

The server device 500 also has a similar product search unit 554. With this configuration, the similar product search unit 554 can search for products similar to the container 200 currently in use, based on the purchase request, etc. This allows the user to purchase a container 200 that better suits their preferences.

The configuration of the server device 500 is not limited to the example shown in this embodiment. For example, FIG. 10 shows another example of the configuration of the server device 500. Referring to FIG. 10, the calculation processing unit 550 of the server device 500 can realize a proposal unit 557 in addition to the components described with reference to FIG. 4 by having the hardware and the program 544 work together.

The suggestion unit 557 suggests a container 200 to be lent to the user at the store by referring to the preference information and history information included in the user information 542. For example, the suggestion unit 557 makes the above suggestion by receiving a suggestion instruction from the store terminal 400 or the like when the user borrows the container 200.

For example, the suggestion unit 557 makes a suggestion based on the container information 541 and the user information 542. Specifically, the suggestion unit 557 refers to the preference information and history information included in the user information 542 to estimate the characteristics of the container 200 that is estimated to be preferred by the user, such as the user's favorite color or a color that is lent out more frequently than a predetermined value. The suggestion unit 557 also refers to the container information 541 to identify a container 200 that has the estimated characteristics. Then, the suggestion unit 557 outputs information such as a container ID indicating the identified container 200. For example, by the above-mentioned processing, the suggestion unit 557 suggests a container 200 to be lent to the user. With this configuration, it is possible to lend out a container 200 that matches the user's preferences.

FIG. 11 shows yet another example of the configuration of the server device 500. Referring to FIG. 11, the calculation processing unit 550 of the server device 500 can realize a search unit 558 in addition to the components described with reference to FIG. 4 by having the hardware and the program 544 work together. Note that in the server device 500, the suggestion unit 557 and the search unit 558 may be realized simultaneously.

The search unit 558 searches for containers 200 based on central position information indicating the central position of the search. Then, it outputs information indicating the characteristics of the searched containers 200.

For example, suppose that a third party witnesses a container 200 that is on loan and wishes to obtain information about the container 200 that they witnessed. In this case, the third party can transmit information indicating the location where the third party witnessed the container 200 (for example, location information such as latitude and longitude indicating the third party's location) to the server device 500 as central location information.

The search unit 558 searches for containers 200 that are likely to be nearby based on the location information acquired from another person as described above. For example, the search unit 558 refers to the status information in the container status information 543 to identify the store that has lent the container 200 (i.e., the store where the container 200 was placed before being lent) for each container 200 currently on loan. The search unit 558 then uses the identified results to search for containers 200 that have been lent from stores that are located within a predetermined range from the location indicated by the location information. The search unit 558 may also perform a search using information about time, such as searching for containers 200 that have been lent within a predetermined time from the time of the search.

The search unit 558 also refers to the container information 541 to identify characteristic information indicating characteristics such as the color of the searched container 200, image data of the container 200, etc. Then, the search unit 558 outputs the identified characteristic information, image data, etc. to the other person described above. With this configuration, a witness can easily obtain information about the container 200 that they witnessed.

The server device 500 may acquire characteristic information, such as the color, of the container 200 that was witnessed together with the location information. In this case, the search unit 558 may be configured to search for a container 200 that has the same characteristics as the characteristic information acquired together with the location information. The server device 500 may also acquire information about the transportation means of the other person or the user of the container 200 described above together with the location information. For example, the server device 500 may acquire information indicating that the container 200 was witnessed while traveling by train together with the location information. In this case, the search unit 558 may be configured to change the range of the search target based on the information about the transportation means. For example, as described above, the search unit 558 searches for a container 200 rented from a store located within a predetermined range from the position indicated by the location information. For example, if the container 200 is witnessed while traveling by train rather than on foot, the search unit 558 may be configured to search for a container 200 rented from a store located within a wider range than in the case of walking. The relationship between the transportation means and the search range may be determined arbitrarily.

In addition, by using the container information 541 and container status information 543 described in this embodiment, it is possible to identify the characteristics of containers 200 that are frequently rented out from each store. The server device 500 may be configured to use the results of the above identification to identify the containers 200 to be deployed in each store.

Also, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the information to be output (displayed) may be changed depending on the scene in which the individual identification information 210 is read. For example, Fig. 12 is an example of an output when the individual identification information 210 is read when the container 200 is lent, and Fig. 13 is an example of an output when the individual identification information 210 is read when the container 200 is lent. As shown in Fig. 12, when the individual identification information 210 is read when lent, for example, a return deadline is displayed. On the other hand, when the individual identification information 210 is read during lending, for example, a transition to the home page of the container 200 is made. In this way, by changing the content to be output depending on the scene in which it is read, for example, when a friend wants to purchase the container 200 that the user has, it is possible to easily purchase the container 200. Note that it may be configured to transition to the home page of the container 200 when the individual identification information 210 is read by a method other than a dedicated application. In addition, for example, when the individual identification information 210 is read during lending, the history information in the user information 542 may be configured to be viewable.

The server device 500 may also be configured to receive from the user terminal 300 a request to buy back the container 200 sold to the user. The container 200 to be bought may be configured to be accepted, for example, at each store.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. In the second embodiment, a management device 600 will be described.

Fig. 14 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 600. Referring to Fig. 14, the management device 600 has, as an example, the following hardware configuration.
・CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601 (arithmetic unit)
・ROM (Read Only Memory) 602 (storage device)
・RAM (Random Access Memory) 603 (storage device)
Program group 604 loaded into RAM 603
A storage device 605 for storing the programs 604
A drive device 606 that reads and writes data from and to a recording medium 610 outside the information processing device.
A communication interface 607 that connects to a communication network 611 outside the information processing device
Input/output interface 608 for inputting and outputting data
A bus 609 connecting each component

In addition, the management device 600 can realize the functions of the management unit 621 and the settlement unit 622 shown in FIG. 15 by having the CPU 601 acquire and execute the group of programs 604. The group of programs 604 is stored in advance in the storage device 605 or the ROM 602, for example, and is loaded and executed by the CPU 601 into the RAM 603, etc., as necessary. The group of programs 604 may be supplied to the CPU 601 via the communication network 611, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 610, and the drive device 606 may read out the programs and supply them to the CPU 601.

Note that FIG. 14 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 600. The hardware configuration of the management device 600 is not limited to the above-described case. For example, the management device 600 may be configured with a part of the above-described configuration, such as not having the drive device 606.

When lending a reusable container to a user, the management unit 621 manages the container by associating it with the user.

The settlement unit 622 makes a payment for the container in accordance with a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user.

In this way, the management device 600 has a management unit 621 and a settlement unit 622. With this configuration, the settlement unit 622 can settle for containers according to the purchase request. In addition, since the container and the user are associated and managed when lending out the container, it is possible to deal with cases where the container is not returned without any problems. This makes it possible to try out the feel of the container and then purchase the container that you like. In addition, since there is no need to make a deposit when lending out a container, the hurdle of using the lending service can be lowered. As a result, it is possible to promote the lending of containers and also promote the spread of containers.

The above-mentioned management device 600 can be realized by incorporating a predetermined program into an information processing device such as the management device 600. Specifically, a program that is another form of the present invention is a program for causing an information processing device such as the management device 600 to realize a process in which, when lending a reusable container to a user, the container and the user are associated and managed, and payment is made for the container in accordance with a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user.

The management method realized by an information processing device such as the above-mentioned management device 600 is a method in which, when lending a reusable container to a user, the information processing device such as the management device 600 associates the container with the user and manages the container, and makes a payment for the container in accordance with a purchase request received from the user while lending the container to the user.

Even if the invention is a program (or recording medium) or a management method having the above-mentioned configuration, it has the same action and effect as the above-mentioned management device 600, and therefore can achieve the above-mentioned object of the present invention.

<Additional Notes>
A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: The following provides an overview of the management method and the like of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following configuration.

(Appendix 1)
An information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
and paying for the container based on pre-stored information in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user.
(Appendix 2)
The management method according to claim 1, further comprising determining a price for the container based on information corresponding to the use of the container, and settling the container at the determined price.
(Appendix 3)
The information according to the use of the container includes the number of times the container has been lent out, and the price of the container is determined based on the number of times the container has been lent out.
(Appendix 4)
The management method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the information according to the use of the container includes information according to scratches on the container, and a price of the container is determined based on the information according to scratches on the container.
(Appendix 5)
receiving information indicating a desire to purchase a container different from the container currently on loan as the purchase desire;
A management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising searching for and outputting similar products similar to the container on loan according to the received information.
(Appendix 5-1)
The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of: performing different processing depending on the content of the purchase request.
(Appendix 5-2)
The management method according to any one of appendices 1 to 5-1, wherein information indicating a desire to purchase a new product or a used product different from the container currently on loan is received as the purchase request.
(Appendix 6)
The management method according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 5-2, further comprising searching for the similar products using location information indicating the location of the user.
(Appendix 7)
A management method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, which includes obtaining central location information indicating a location that is the center of the search, searching for the container that is located within a specified range from the location indicated by the central location information based on the obtained central location information and information indicating the store that rented out the container, and outputting information according to the search results.
(Appendix 8)
A management unit that manages a reusable container in association with a user when lending the reusable container to the user;
a payment unit that settles for the container in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user;
A management device having
(Appendix 9)
In the information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
A program for implementing a process of paying for the container in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user.
(Appendix 10)
Reusable containers and
A reading device that reads the identification information attached to the container and transmits it to a server device;
A management device having a management unit that manages the container in association with the user based on information received from the reading device when lending the container to the user, and a settlement unit that settles for the container in accordance with a purchase request received from the user while lending the container to the user;
Includes reuse system.

The programs described in the above embodiments and appendices may be stored in a storage device or a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the recording medium may be a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

100 Reuse system 200 Container 210 Individual identification information 300 User terminal 310 User information registration unit 320 Reading unit 330 Processing unit 340 Purchase request transmission unit 400 Store terminal 410 Reading unit 420 Processing unit 430 Store information transmission unit 500 Server device 510 Operation input unit 520 Screen display unit 530 Communication I/F unit 540 Storage unit 541 Container information 542 User information 543 Container status information 550 Arithmetic processing unit 551 User information receiving unit 552 Status management unit 553 Purchase request receiving unit 554 Similar product search unit 555 Price determination unit 556 Settlement unit 600 Management device 601 CPU
602 ROM
603 RAM
604 Program group 605 Storage device 606 Drive device 607 Communication interface 608 Input/output interface 609 Bus 610 Recording medium 611 Communication network 621 Management unit 622 Settlement unit

Claims (10)

An information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
paying for the container based on pre-stored information in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user ;
When making a payment, a price of the container is determined based on information corresponding to the use of the container, and the container is paid for at the determined price;
The information according to the use of the container includes the number of times the container has been lent, and when determining the price of the container, the price of the container is determined based on the number of times the container has been lent.
How to manage it. The management method according to claim 1 , wherein the information according to the use of the container includes information according to damage to the container, and a price of the container is determined based on the information according to the damage to the container. receiving information indicating a desire to purchase a container different from the container currently on loan as the purchase desire;
The management method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of searching for and outputting a similar product to the container on loan in accordance with the received information. A management unit that manages a reusable container in association with a user when lending the reusable container to the user;
a payment unit that settles for the container in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user;
having
The settlement unit determines a price for the container based on information corresponding to the use of the container, and settles for the container at the determined price;
The information according to the use of the container includes the number of times the container has been lent out,
The settlement unit determines the price of the container based on the number of times the container is rented.
Management device. In the information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
paying for the container in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user;
When making a payment, a price of the container is determined based on information corresponding to the use of the container, and the container is paid for at the determined price;
The information according to the use of the container includes the number of times the container has been lent, and when determining the price of the container, the price of the container is determined based on the number of times the container has been lent.
A program to realize the processing. Reusable containers and
A reading device that reads the identification information attached to the container and transmits it to a server device;
A management device having a management unit that manages the container in association with the user based on information received from the reading device when lending the container to the user, and a settlement unit that settles for the container in accordance with a purchase request received from the user while lending the container to the user;
Including,
The settlement unit determines a price for the container based on information corresponding to the use of the container, and settles for the container at the determined price;
The information according to the use of the container includes the number of times the container has been lent out,
The settlement unit determines the price of the container based on the number of times the container is rented.
Reuse system. An information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
paying for the container based on pre-stored information in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user;
When making a payment, a price of the container is determined based on information corresponding to the use of the container, and the container is paid for at the determined price;
The information according to the use of the container includes information according to scratches on the container, and when determining the price of the container, the price of the container is determined based on the information according to scratches on the container.
How to manage it. An information processing device,
When lending a reusable container to a user, the container is associated with the user and managed;
paying for the container based on pre-stored information in response to a purchase request received from the user while the container is being lent to the user;
receiving information indicating a desire to purchase a container different from the container currently on loan as the purchase desire;
A management method for searching for and outputting similar products to the container on loan in accordance with the received information . Obtaining location information indicating the location of the user, and searching for the similar products using the obtained location information
The management method according to claim 8. Central position information indicating a central position of the search is acquired, and based on the acquired central position information, the container that exists within a predetermined range from the position indicated by the central position information is searched for, and information according to the search result is output.
The management method according to claim 8 or 9.

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