JP2002041918A - Retrieving server, retrieving method using retrieving server and recording medium with retrieving program recorded on it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide and sell unoccupied information on service of a different category at a price discounted from a normal charge via a retrieving server from a service dealer. SOLUTION: This retrieving server 4 is provided with an unoccupied information database 8 for storing unoccupied information on the service and a member database 6 for storing client information. A request form is transmitted in the shape of being displayed on an accessed client terminal 2 by receiving access from the client terminal 2. Corresponding optimal unoccupied information is retrieved on the basis of input information inputted to the request form, and is transmitted in the shape of being displayed on the accessed client terminal 2. Client information is read out of the member database 6 by a reply from the client terminal 2, and is transmitted to an event dealer terminal 3 of a seller together with the sold service.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a search server, a method, and a storage medium storing a program for controlling a search server, which constitute a system for electronic commerce using a network, and more particularly to a plurality of clients. Controls a search server, a method, and a search server capable of two-way communication via a network for a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers of different categories. And a storage medium storing a program for the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When using reserved seats in sports venues and concerts such as baseball, soccer, and professional wrestling, concerts, such as trains, buses, ships, and airplanes, and when using accommodation facilities such as hotels, Alternatively, the user generally accesses a service provider's web site using a search engine on the Internet, confirms vacant seats and availability, and reserves seats.

[0003] In this case, the price of a vacant room or vacant seat varies depending on the rank of the vacant room or vacant seat, but is usually provided to the client at a regular fee.

[0004]

However, even for a reserved seat or the like that is satisfactory to the client, the price may be expensive and the purchase may be hesitant or abandoned. On the other hand, some clients may change the desired schedule depending on conditions and prices.

[0005] Further, from the viewpoint of the service provider, if the seats and the like for the day of sale are not provided on that day, unoccupied seats or vacancies will remain unsold, and the chance of provision will be lost, and therefore, prior to or immediately before I want to predict and provide.
Therefore, we would like to offer vacancies and vacant seats even if they are slightly discounted from the regular rates to improve sales.
Since the site offers it at the regular price, providing it at a discount will give unfairness to the client who purchased at the regular price, and there is a problem in providing the discount even if it is just around the corner . Further, it is difficult to find a desired purchaser even if the user wants to provide the seat just before the vacant seat is generated.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a search server between a client and a service provider to provide free information on services of different categories from the service provider via the search server. The purpose is to provide at a price discounted from the regular price.

Another object is to provide a search server with a vacancy information database in which vacancy information of services sold by a plurality of service providers of different categories is stored, so that a schedule desired by the client, a provision place, and a category are provided. The purpose is to provide various services according to the requirements.

Still another object is to satisfy the search condition by transmitting the search condition to a service provider terminal included in the category selected as the search condition when the search result is 0, and providing the service provider terminal. To provide service availability information in real time to meet client needs.

Another object is to select a date desired by the client corresponding to the provided price and a specified period corresponding to a discounted price specified for specifying a search range when the desired date is undecided. When the specified period is selected, the service with the largest quantity is sent as a search result in the form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request in order from the service with the largest quantity, so that the service with the largest stock is provided preferentially at a low price Is to do.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search server for a plurality of client terminals owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service companies belonging to different categories. A search server capable of two-way communication via a network, wherein at least the schedule, location, remaining number, offered price and available information of the service designated by the category are stored which are provided by the service provider. A vacancy information database, a member database storing client information for identifying the client,
Means for searching a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the space information from the space information database in response to a search request from the client terminal, and a mode in which a search result can be displayed on the client terminal that has made the search request Means for transmitting, and a response from the client terminal that made the search request, after confirming the service selected from the search result, reads the client information of the client that made the search request from the member database, and sends the search request Means for transmitting the client information of the client and the selected service to the service provider terminal of the providing source.

A search server according to a second aspect of the present invention is the search server according to the first aspect, further comprising: means for determining whether or not the search result is 0; A message that the vacancy information of the service that satisfies the search condition is transmitted to the client terminal that requested the search, and the service provider terminal included in the category selected as the search condition transmits the search information to the client terminal. Means for transmitting and providing a condition, and a request for providing a service that satisfies the search condition is received from the service provider terminal targeted for the offer within a first set time preset from the time of the offer. Means for transmitting the presented service in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request,
Depending on whether or not there is access from the client terminal that made the search request within a second set time preset from the time at which the presented service was sent to the client terminal that made the search request, one of the presented services Means for determining whether or not has been selected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search server, via a network, for a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service agent terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service agents of different categories. A search server capable of two-way communication, wherein at least a schedule, a place to be provided, a remaining number, a first provided price, a second provided price lower than the first provided price, and the category provided by the service provider A vacancy information database storing vacancy information of a designated service, a member database storing client information identifying the client, and the client corresponding to the first offer price for the schedule. A desired date and the aforementioned date for specifying a search range when the desired date is undecided. Means for enabling selection of a search period corresponding to the offer price of No. 2 and transmitting the search date in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal, and responding to a search request from the client terminal when the desired date is selected. A first search unit that searches the vacancy information database for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the vacancy information including the first provided price; and a first search unit obtained from the first search unit. Means for transmitting a search result in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request; and, when the search period is selected, the second information from the free space database in response to the search request from the client terminal. Second search means for searching for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the vacant information including the provided price of the second information, and a second search means obtained from the second search means. From the search result, the service with the largest remaining number is given priority and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and in response to a rejection request from the client terminal that made the search request, Means for transmitting the next candidate service from the second search result in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and a reply from the client terminal that made the search request, the first or second search After confirming the service selected from the result, the client information of the client making the search request is read from the member database, and the client information of the client making the search request and the selected service are transmitted to the service provider terminal of the provider. Means for transmitting;
It is characterized by having.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search method comprising the steps of:
Two-way communication can be performed via a network to a plurality of service provider terminals owned by a plurality of service providers in different categories, respectively, and at least the schedule provided by the service provider, the location provided, the remaining number, the provided price and A search method using a search server, comprising: a vacancy information database that stores vacancy information of the service whose category is specified; and a member database that stores client information that specifies the client. In response to a search request from a client terminal, a search is made from the free space information database for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free space information, and a search result is transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request. By a reply from the client terminal that made the search request, After confirming the service selected from the search result, the client information of the client making the search request is read from the member database, and the client information of the client making the search request and the selected service are provided by the service provider of the provider. It is transmitted to a terminal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the search method according to the fourth aspect, it is determined whether or not the search result is 0. If the search result is 0, the search result is notified within a predetermined time. A message that the vacancy information of the service that satisfies the condition is transmitted is transmitted to the client terminal requesting the search, and the search condition is transmitted to a service provider terminal included in the category selected as the search condition. When a service request that satisfies the search condition is received from the service provider terminal targeted for the offer within a first set time preset from the offered time, Transmitting the provided service in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and transmitting the presented service to the client that made the search request. Determining whether any of the presented services has been selected based on the presence or absence of access from the client terminal that has made the search request within a second set time preset from the time of transmission to the client terminal. Features.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search method comprising: a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients;
Two-way communication is possible via a network to a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers belonging to different categories, and at least the schedule, the provision place, the remaining number, the first A provision information, a second provision price lower than the first provision price, a vacancy information database storing vacancy information of a service in which the category is specified, and client information for specifying the client are stored. A search database using a search server comprising: a search server that includes a search database provided by the client; And a search period corresponding to the second offer price for specifying the client terminal. Send in a form display, when the Yes date is selected, in response to a search request from the client terminal, from the free-space information database,
A service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free information including the first offer price is searched, and from the search result,
The search request is transmitted in a displayable form to the client terminal, and when the search period is selected, the second offer price is included from the availability information database in response to the search request from the client terminal. A service that satisfies the search condition corresponding to the availability information is searched, and from the search result, the service with the largest remaining number is prioritized and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that has made the search request, In response to a rejection request from the client terminal that made the search request, the next candidate service was transmitted from the second search result in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and the search request was made. After confirming the service selected from the search result by a reply from the client terminal, the search request is retrieved from the member database. It reads the client of the client information, and search method the search request was client of the client information and the selected service, and transmits to the provider of the service provider terminal.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which a plurality of client terminals owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service agent terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service agents belonging to different categories are provided. Two-way communication is possible via the network, at least the schedule provided by the service provider,
A search server including a free space database storing free space information of a service in which a providing place, a remaining number, a provided price and the category are specified, and a member database storing client information for specifying the client. A storage medium storing a search program for performing search by using a search request from the client terminal, searching for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the space information from the space information database. The result is transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and the service selected from the search result is confirmed by a reply from the client terminal that made the search request, and then the search request is sent from the member database. Read the client information of the client Client client information and the selected services, and transmits the provider of the service provider terminal.

A recording medium storing the search program according to claim 8 is a recording medium storing the search program according to claim 7, wherein it is determined whether or not the search result is 0;
When the search result is 0, a message to that effect and the transmission of the free information of the service that satisfies the search condition within a predetermined time are transmitted to the client terminal requesting the search, and selected as the search condition. To the service provider terminal included in the category, the search condition is transmitted and offered, and within the first set time set in advance from the offered time, the service provider terminal targeted for the offer When there is a request to present a service that satisfies the search condition, the presented service is transmitted in a form that can be displayed to the client terminal that made the search request, and the client terminal that made the search request the presented service The client terminal that made the search request within a second set time set in advance from the time of transmission to the client terminal The presence or absence of the access, characterized in that to determine whether any of the proposed service has been selected.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a search program, wherein a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service agent terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service agents of different categories are provided. Two-way communication is possible via the network, at least the schedule provided by the service provider,
A vacancy information database that stores a provision location, a remaining number, a first provision price, a second provision price lower than the first provision price, and vacancy information of a service in which the category is specified, and the client And a member database storing client information for specifying the client information, the client computer corresponding to the first offer price for the schedule, wherein the search program performs a search using the search server. The day you want,
When the desired date is undecided, a search period corresponding to the second offer price for specifying a search range can be selected and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal, and the desired date is transmitted. When a date is selected, a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free information including the first offer price is searched from the free information database in response to a search request from the client terminal, and the search is performed. From the result, when the search period is selected and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request,
In response to a search request from the client terminal, the vacancy information database is searched for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the vacancy information including the second offer price. The highest number of services are given priority and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and in response to a rejection request from the client terminal that made the search request, the next candidate is selected from the second search result. Is transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and after the service selected from the search result is confirmed by a reply from the client terminal that made the search request, the search is performed from the member database. The client information of the client making the request is read, and the client of the client making the search request is read. The door information and the selected service, and transmits to the provider of the service provider terminal.

Here, the "service" refers to the provision of a space or thing that can be occupied within a specific period, such as vacancy of accommodation facilities, vacant seats in a ballpark where ball games are to be performed, and so on.
This refers to vacant seats in transportation such as airplanes, trains, ships, and buses, vacant seats in concerts, rental items such as rental cars, and rental spaces such as rental grounds.

Before the search, when the client accesses the search server from the client terminal, the search server transmits a member registration form to the client terminal. When the client inputs and replies with predetermined items, the client is registered as a member, and the client information is stored in the member database.

Similarly, when the service provider accesses the search server from the service provider terminal, the search server transmits a service provider registration form to the service provider terminal. The service provider is registered as a member when replying after inputting predetermined items, and the service provider information is stored in the service provider database.

When the registered service provider accesses the search server, the search server sends a service availability information registration form to the service provider terminal. When the service provider inputs the vacant information such as the schedule of the service, the place to be provided, the remaining number, the regular fee, the discount rate, and the detailed data, and returns the vacant information, the vacant information is stored in the vacant information database. The control unit subtracts the regular rate multiplied by the discount rate from the regular rate to calculate the offered price, and registers the calculated offer price in the availability information database.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a free information search system 1 according to the present invention. On the network, a plurality of client terminals 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,
...) and a plurality of service provider terminals 3 (3a, 3b, 3
c), and a single search server 4 are connected to the network. As the network, an existing network such as a public telephone network or the Internet is used.

The client terminal 2 and the service provider terminal 3 are general-purpose personal computers and mobile phones.
It has a control unit such as a CPU, a display unit of a CRT or LCD, and an input unit such as a keyboard, a mouse, and buttons.

The search server 4 is configured such that a member database 6, a service provider database 7, a vacancy information database 8, and a program storage unit 9 are connected to the control unit 5. The program storage unit 9 is constituted by a RAM or the like, and stores an empty information search program described later.

The control unit 5 includes a CPU, a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM, and performs data transfer, various arithmetic processing, temporary storage of data, and the like. The storage unit stores various forms such as a member registration form, a service provider registration form, a vacancy information registration form, a request form, and a billing form, which will be described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the service category stores a main category and subcategories in lower layers thereof in a hierarchical structure. For example, as a sub-category of the main category “Accommodation”, “Hotel”, “Pension”, “Condominium”, “Ryokan”, “Minshuku”, “Lodge” are stored. As categories, "baseball", "soccer", "wrestling", "sumo", "boxing", and "tennis" are stored.

As shown in FIG. 3, the member database 6 stores the client names "ClientA", "ClientB",
Member codes A, B, C,... Are assigned to each “Client C”. In a predetermined storage area of the member database 6, the client name and its address, telephone number, e-mail
The mail address is stored in association with each member code A, B, C,...

As shown in FIG. 4, the service provider database 7 stores the names of the service providers “company a”, “company b”,
Service companies a, b, c,... Are assigned to each “company c”. In a predetermined storage area of the service provider database 7, the service provider name and its address, telephone number, and e-mail address are stored for each service provider code a, b,
are stored in association with c,.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the addresses and the like are blank in the description of the drawings. However, in practice, individual addresses and the like of clients and service providers are written.

As shown in FIG. 5, the service information 01, 02, 0
3, ... are allocated and stored. The service availability information including the main category, the sub-category, the schedule, the remaining number, the provided price, the provided location, the detailed data, and the service provider code is stored in association with the service code.

Next, the data registration process will be described with reference to FIG. The client is the client terminal 2a
When the user accesses the search server 3 (S101), the control unit 5 of the search server 4 transmits a member registration form to which the member code A is assigned as shown in FIG. 7 to the client terminal 2a (S201). The member registration form is displayed on the display unit of the client terminal 2a. The client will fill in the blanks on the membership registration form with their name,
Enter the address, telephone number, e-mail address, credit card number, card expiration date, user ID, password, check the gender checkbox, and select the prefecture and card type by pulling down. Then, the user clicks the send button to reply to the search server 4 (S1).
02). If you make a mistake, click Reset and start over. The search server 4 receives the returned member registration form and stores it in the member code A column of the member database 6 as shown in FIG. 3 (S202). Then, the control unit creates a login ID based on the user ID corresponding to the member code a, and transmits the login ID to the client terminal 2a of the registered client (S203).

When the service provider accesses the search server 4 from the service provider terminal 3a (S301),
The service provider registration form to which the service provider code a is assigned as shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted from the control unit 5 of the search server 4 to the service provider terminal 3a (S20).
4). The service provider registration form is displayed on the display unit of the service provider terminal 3a. The service provider inputs the name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, URL, representative name, gender of the representative, user ID, and password in the blanks of the service provider registration form. Check the gender checkbox, and select the prefecture by pull-down. Then, a reply is sent to the search server 4 (S302). If you make a mistake, click Reset and start over. The search server 4 receives the returned service provider registration form and stores it in the field of the service provider code a of the service provider database 7 as shown in FIG. 4 (S205). Then, a login ID is created based on the user ID corresponding to the service provider code a, and the client terminal 3a of the registered client is created.
(S206).

Next, the service provider accesses the search server 4 from the service provider terminal 3a and logs in his / her own login I
When D is input (S303), the control unit 5 of the search server 4
Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the free information registration form to which the service code "01" is assigned is transmitted to the service provider terminal 3a (S207). The availability information registration form is displayed on the display unit of the service provider terminal 3a. The service provider inputs a schedule, a place to be provided, a regular fee, a discount rate, a remaining number, a service name, and detailed data in blanks. Then, the user pulls down the main category item and selects a main category corresponding to his / her job (S304).

When the main category is selected, a sub-category (see FIG. 2) in a lower layer of the selected main category is read from the storage unit in the control unit 5 of the search server 4 and transmitted to the service provider terminal 3a. (S20
8), is displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG.

Then, the corresponding sub-category is selected, and the transmission button is clicked to return to the search server 4 (S305). The search server 4 receives the returned empty information registration form, and stores and holds the empty information registration form for each item in the empty information database 8 shown in FIG. 5 (S209). The “provided price” in the availability information database 8 is a value obtained by subtracting the price obtained by multiplying the “regular fee” by the “discount rate” from the “regular fee” by the arithmetic processing of the control unit 5.

Next, a search process will be described with reference to FIG. The client who has registered as a member accesses the search server 4 from the client terminal 2a and logs in with the login ID.
Is input (S103), the control unit 5 of the search server 4 transmits a main request form as shown in FIG. 12 to the client terminal 2a (S210). The main request form is displayed on the display unit of the client terminal 2a. The main request form contains the schedule,
There are blank spaces for the providing place and the quantity, and the client inputs desired dates and the like in the blank spaces. The price range desired by the client is displayed as m yen (lower limit) to n yen (upper limit), and the price range is set by checking the check box of the corresponding price range. Further, the main category is selected by pull-down. It should be noted that the member code A corresponding to the inputted password specifies who accessed the member from the member database 6.

The client who has registered as a member enters blank and check boxes in the request form. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, "7" month "20" day, quantity "1", providing location "Tokyo", and price range "5,000
Check the box of "0 yen to 10,000 yen". Pull down the main category item and click “Accommodation”.

Further, when "accommodation" in the main request form is clicked (or W-clicked), a sub-category of a lower layer of the selected main category, here " “Hotel”, “Pension”, “Condominium”, “Ryokan”, “Minshuku”, “Lodge” are read, transmitted to the client terminal 2a, and displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG. Become. Here, the sub-category “hotel” is selected.

Then, the transmission button is clicked to return to the search server 4 (S104). If you make a mistake, click the reset button and start over. The search server 4 receives the returned main request form,
Search processing with the free space information database 8 is performed (S21).
1).

Each item of the returned request form is searched by comparing corresponding items for each service stored in the free space information database 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, "schedule", "providing place" and "place" of the free space database 8 and the request form.
(Prefectures only), "Main category" and "Sub-category" exactly match, "Remaining number" and "Quantity" are remaining number ≤
Quantity, “offer price” (x yen) and “price range” (m yen to n
(Circle) is read from the free space database 8 as a search result when m ≦ x <n is satisfied. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the search result form is transmitted to the client terminal 2a, and the display screen of the client terminal 2a displays, for example, the “service name” of the hotel a and the inn e,
“Schedule”, “Offer price”, and “Quantity” are displayed (S2
12).

When the client looks at the search result and restarts the search (S105-YES), the client clicks the "reset" button to access the search server 4, and receives a request form from the search server 4 (S10).
3).

Further, in the search result form, as shown in FIG. 14, a detailed button is displayed for each service output as a search result. When this button is clicked, the control unit 5 of the search server 4 executes The detailed data of the service corresponding to the detail button clicked from the free space information database 8 (see FIG. 5), for example, "Japanese-style room",
“Single 15th floor” is transmitted to the client terminal 2a and displayed on the display screen.

When the search result is satisfied (S105-N
O), when the client clicks the purchase button of the accommodation facility of company a, it is transmitted to the search server 4 (S106),
The charge request form is read from the storage unit in the control unit 5 of the search server 4 and transmitted to the client terminal 2a (S213). The client selects a predetermined item such as a payment method in the billing form and returns it to the search server 4 (S107). Payment methods include a method of mailing an invoice to the purchased client and depositing it in the account of the service provider, a method of paying at the reception counter on the day of providing the service, a method of automatically debiting the account with a credit card, etc. You.

The search server 4 receives the name and contact information of the client who has purchased the service from the member database 6 and sends the name and contact information of the client to the service provider terminal 3 which provides the service.
a (S214). The service provider that provided the
After confirming the contents of transmission from the search server 4, a reply is sent to the search server 4 for confirmation (S305).

After this confirmation, the "remaining number" item of the service code "01" in the free space information database 6 is updated from "50" to "49" (S215). When the “remaining number” after the update becomes “0”, the service is sold out of stock and is deleted from the free space information database 6.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
A search server 4 is provided between the client terminal 2 and the service provider terminal 3 so that the service is sold without direct communication between the client terminal 2 and the service provider terminal 3. Therefore, when a service provider directly provides an unsold service, it is usually sold at a prescribed rate even immediately before to prevent price collapse, but the service is sold only to registered members via a search server. As a result, a price lower than the prescribed fee can be set, prospective customers can be secured even immediately before, and the inventory of vacant seats and vacant services can be eliminated.

If the client does not have a predetermined schedule, he / she can search for various events on a specific schedule and a specific place by searching on the search server, and compare the charges. You can also use the event that suits you.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration of the search system and the data registration process are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will be omitted.

The search processing according to this embodiment will be described. S1
03, S104, S210, and S211 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, when the search result (the number of hits) is not 0 (S216-NO), as shown in FIG. 17, similar to the first embodiment, a search result form as shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the client terminal 2a, and the "service name", "schedule", "offer price", and "quantity" of the hotel a and the inn e are displayed on the display screen of the client terminal 2a (S212). The processing between the client terminal 2 and the search server 4 and the processing between the search server 4 and the service provider terminal 3 (S105 to S10
7, S213 to S215, and S305) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

On the other hand, when the search result (the number of hits) is 0 (S216-YES), a search result form as shown in FIG. 19 is transmitted to the client terminal 2a as shown in FIG. 18 (S217). This search result form is displayed on the display screen of the client terminal 2a. As shown in FIG. 19, the search result form indicates that the number of hits is 0 and that the result is provided within a predetermined time (24 hours in this case) after being offered to the service provider.

Then, the search server 4 sends, by e-mail, the items entered by the client to the request form to the service provider terminals 3 of the same category in order to offer them to the service provider (S218). This e-mail displays the URL of the search server.

[0052] The service providers that have been offered the offer are:
The e-mail is received (S306), and it is determined whether or not to sell the service based on the request (S30).
7).

[0053] The search server 4, the control unit 5, sent to the service provider terminal 3 became offer interest in e-mail (S218) to within the set time t ₁ from the service provider became Offers subject It monitors whether there is access from the terminal 3 (S219). The predetermined time to the client for (in this case 24 hours) are notified to report results within (S217), the set time t ₁ is set so as not to exceed a predetermined time .

Then, in the case where none of the offered service providers accept the offer (S307-N)
O), the control unit 5 of the search server 4, become no offer within the set time t ₁ (S219-NO), it sends by e-mail to that effect to the client terminal 2a (S22
0). The client, as shown in FIG.
After receiving the il (S108), it cannot be purchased because there is no free information under its own search condition (S109-N).
O), the operation ends.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when the service provider provided with the offer accepts the offer (S
307-YES), the U displayed on the received e-mail
The user clicks on the RL to access the search server 4 and inputs his / her login ID (S308). Search server 4
Is within the set time t ₁ in the control unit 5 determines whether there is an access from the service provider terminal 3 was the offer of interest (S219). When there is no access setting time t ₁ within is the same as if no accept (S219-NO), offer.

If there is an access within the set time t ₁ (S 219 —YES), as shown in FIG.
(S221). In the availability information creation form,
Search conditions (schedule, quantity, location, main category,
Sub-categories, price ranges) are all displayed. As for the offer price, as shown in FIG. 20, the service provider inputs the offer price (x yen) in the blank of the price range.
Further, a service name and detailed data are input and returned to the search server 4 (S309).

In the search server 4, in the control unit 5, the provided price (x yen) entered by the service provider in the availability information creation form is the price range (m ≦ x <n) in which the client clicks the check box of the request form. Is determined. If m ≦ x <n is not satisfied (S222—NO), the free space creation form is transmitted to the service provider terminal 3 again (S221). m ≦ x <n
If the condition is satisfied (S222-YES), the content, that is, the latest vacancy information including the search condition entered by the client in the request form and the item entered by the service provider in the vacancy information creation form is stored in the client terminal as e. It is transmitted by -mail (S223). In this e-mail,
The URL of the search server 4 is displayed, and "Please access within a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) from the transmission time" is displayed.

In the search server 4, a time (set time t ₂ ) accessible from the client terminal 2a is preset in the control unit 5 from the transmission time of the free information (S223), and is set within the set time t _2. Is monitored to determine whether there is access from the client terminal 2a (S2).
24). In S223, the set time t _{2 is} set to notify the client that “Please access within a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) from the transmission time”.
Is set to be the same as the predetermined time (24 hours in this case).

The client receives the e-mail displaying the free information from the search server (S108), and examines whether or not to purchase (S109). When not purchasing (S
109-NO), there is no need to access and the set time t
_{After 2} elapses (S224-NO), negotiation is not established and the process ends. When purchasing (S109-YES), the user clicks the URL of the search server 4 displayed in the received mail to access the search server 4, and enters his / her login ID.
Is input (S110).

[0060] when when this access (S110), which had passed the set time t ₂ (S224-NO) is,
Access is denied even if the login ID is input, and the process ends.

[0061] When the accessed (S110), when it is within the set time t ₂ (S224-YES), as shown in FIG. 17, and transmits the search results form such as shown in FIG. 15 (S212). Subsequent processing between the client terminal 2 and the search server 4 and processing between the search server 4 and the service provider terminal 3 (S105 to S107, S212 to S21)
5, S305) are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

According to the present embodiment, when there is no vacancy information of the service desired by the client in the vacancy information database registered in the past, it is possible to provide the service provider with the needs of the vacancy information desired by the client, Will be able to respond to client needs in real time by accepting the offer.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the request form of this embodiment has two schedules (A) and (B). In the blank space of the schedule (A), the client inputs a desired date as in the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, when the date desired by the client is undecided, that is, when the date (A) is not input, a search period for specifying a search range is input in the blank of the date (B). Further, as shown in FIG. 24, in the availability information registration form, the discount rate A is applied when the date is entered in the schedule (A), and the discount rate B is applied when the date is entered in the schedule (B).

Next, the data registration processing according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that S101 to S101 described in FIG.
S102, S201 to S203, S204 to S207,
The processes in S301 to S303 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, S208 and subsequent steps and S304 and subsequent steps will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 25, when the main category is selected (S304), the sub-category (see FIG. 2) in the lower layer of the selected main category is read from the storage unit in the control unit 5 of the search server 4. It is transmitted to the service provider terminal 3 (S208) and displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG.

Then, a corresponding sub-category is selected. In addition, schedule, location, regular fee, discount rate (A),
Enter the discount rate (B), remaining number, service name, and detailed data. The transmission button is clicked to return to the search server 4 (S305A). In the search server, the control unit 5 determines the magnitude of the discount rate (A) and the discount rate (B) (S
208A). If the discount rate (B) is less than or equal to the discount rate (A) (S208A-NO), an error occurs, and an empty information registration form before transmission is displayed on the service provider terminal 3. When the discount rate (B) is larger than the discount rate (A) (S208A)
-YES), the search server 4 receives the returned free information registration form, and stores and holds the free information database 8 for each item in the free information database 8 (S209). In the present embodiment, the control unit 5 sets the first offer price A ′ obtained by subtracting the discount rate (A) multiplied by the regular rate from the regular rate, and the regular rate to the discount rate (B). The second offer price B ′ obtained by subtracting the multiplied amount from the regular fee is stored and held in the “offer price” item.

Next, the search processing of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, when the registered client accesses the search server 4 from the client terminal 2a and inputs a password (S103), the control unit 5 of the search server 4 sends a main request form as shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the client terminal 2a (S2
10). The main request form is displayed on the display unit of the client terminal 2a. The member database A is identified from the member database 6 by the member code A corresponding to the input login ID.

The client who has registered as a member enters blank and check boxes in the request form. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the quantity “1” and the providing place “Tokyo” are input, and the price range “5,000 to 10,000” is input.
Check the box for "Yen". Pull down the main category item and click “Accommodation”. If the desired date has been determined, the date (A) is input, for example, "7" month "20" day. On the other hand, if the date is not determined, a search period for specifying a search range, for example, “8” month “1” day to “8” month “15” day is input in the schedule (B) of the request form.

Further, "Accommodation" in the request form
Is clicked (or W-clicked), the sub-categories in the lower layer of the selected main category, that is, “hotel”, “pension”, “condominium”, “inn” from the storage unit in the control unit 5 of the search server 4 are clicked. ”,“ Minshuku ”and“ lodge ”are read out and the client terminal 2a
To be displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG. For example, the subcategory "Hotel"
Select

Then, the transmission button is clicked to return to the search server 4 (S104). If you make a mistake, click the reset button and start over. The search server 4 receives the returned request form and performs a search process with the free space information database 8 (S211).

Here, the schedule of the request form (A)
(S225-A), the first offer price A 'is set as a search target, and as shown in FIG. 17, a search result form as shown in FIG. For example, the “service name”, “schedule”, “offer price” (first offer price A ′), and “quantity” of the hotel a and the inn e are transmitted to the client terminal 2a and displayed on the display screen of the client terminal 2a. It is displayed (S212). Subsequent processing between the client terminal 2 and the search server 4 and processing between the search server 4 and the service provider terminal 3 (S105 to S1)
07, S213 to S215, and S305) are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

On the other hand, when a search period for designating a search range is entered in the schedule (B) of the request form (S225-B), the search server performs a search in the control unit 5 as shown in FIG. Service extracted by
The service is sorted in the descending order of the “residual number” (S226), and the free information of the service having the largest “residual number” is transmitted to the client terminal 2a in a search result form as shown in FIG. 28 (S227).

The client looks at the search result form and determines whether to purchase the entered service (S111). If you want to purchase (S111-YE
S), the service is selected and transmitted as shown in FIG. 17 (S106). Thereafter, processing between the client terminal 2 and the search server 4 and processing between the search server 4 and the service provider terminal 3 (S107, S213 to S215, S30)
5) is the same as in the first embodiment, and will not be described.

In the case of resetting without purchasing (S111-NO) (S112-YES), as shown in FIG.
The user clicks the reset button of the request form to access the search server 4 (S103), and receives the request form again (S210).

When the reset is not performed (S112-N)
O), the next candidate button is clicked and transmitted to the search server 4 (S113). The search server 4 causes the control unit 5 to determine whether there is a service extracted in S226, that is, whether there is a next candidate (S228). If there is no next candidate (S228-NO), The fact that there is no next candidate is transmitted to the client terminal (S229). Then, when resetting (S114-YES), the reset button is clicked, and the routine proceeds to S103 as shown in FIG. If the user gives up the purchase (S114-NO), the process ends.

On the other hand, when there is a next candidate (S228-YE
S) Next, the vacancy information of the service with the largest “remaining number” is shown in FIG.
8 in a search result form as shown in FIG. 8 (S23).
0). Then, proceeding to S111, the client examines whether or not to purchase the service. This routine is repeated until the service to be purchased is determined. When purchasing (S111-YES), the service is selected and transmitted as shown in FIG. 17 (S106). Subsequent processing between the client terminal 2 and the search server 4 and processing between the search server 4 and the service provider terminal 3 (S107, S213)
To S 215 and S 305) are the same as in the first embodiment, and will not be described.

In the present embodiment, the service provider can guide the client whose schedule has not been determined in order from the free information of the service with the larger “remaining number” and provide the service more efficiently. Inventory disposal. Further, from the viewpoint of the client, since the degree of freedom in selecting a schedule is reduced, it is possible to receive the availability information of the service to which the discount rate B higher than the discount rate A is applied.
There is an advantage that services can be purchased at lower prices.

In the above-described embodiment, the main categories are four types of “accommodation facilities”, “entertainment”, “transportation”, and “watching sports”, but are not limited to these. Alternatively, another type of main category may be registered. Similarly, many sub-categories may be registered.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the search result form and the billing form are transmitted separately. However, after the search processing, a form in which the search result and the billing form are combined is transmitted. You may do it.

The above-mentioned vacancy information search program is a universally available storage medium, for example, F
A configuration may be adopted in which the program is externally installed in the program storage unit 9 using a D, MO, HDD, memory card, CD-ROM, or the like.

[0082]

According to the present invention, by providing a search server between a client and a service provider, vacant information on services of different categories is provided from the service provider via the search server, and sold at a price discounted from the regular price. Can be.

Further, by providing the search server with a vacancy information database storing vacancy information of services sold by a plurality of different categories of service providers, various services can be provided according to the date and time when the client is open. can do.

Further, when there is no vacancy information of the service desired by the client in the vacancy information database registered in the past, the need of the vacancy information desired by the client can be provided to the service provider side, and the service provider can accept the offer. This allows us to respond to client needs in real time.

In addition, since the service provider can guide the client whose specific schedule is undecided in order from the available information of the service having the larger “remaining number”, it is possible to more efficiently dispose of the stock of the service. Becomes Further, the client can receive the availability information of the service to which the discount rate (B) higher than the discount rate (A) is applied because the degree of freedom in selecting the schedule is reduced. There is an advantage that a service can be purchased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a free information search system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hierarchical state of a category.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a member database in a search server according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a service provider database in a search server according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an empty information database in a search server according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an empty information search program according to the present invention;
It is a flowchart which shows a data processing program.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a member registration form.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a service provider registration form.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a free information registration form on which a main category is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a free information registration form on which subcategories are displayed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a search program among the free information search programs according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a request form on which a main category is displayed.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a request form in which sub-categories are displayed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship of search processing.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a search result form.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a first part of a search program according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a latter part of the search program when the number of hits is not 0 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and a latter part of the search program according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a first part of a subroutine of a search program when the number of hits is 0 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a search result form when the number of hits is 0 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a latter part of a subroutine of a search program when the number of hits is 0 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an empty information creation form.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a request form in which main categories according to the third embodiment of the present invention are displayed.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a request form in which sub-categories according to the third embodiment of the present invention are displayed.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a free information registration form displaying a main category according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a characteristic portion of the third embodiment in the data processing program.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a first part of a search program according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a search program according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a search result form according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: free information retrieval system, 2: client terminal, 3
... Service provider terminal, 4 ... Search server, 5 ... Control unit, 6
… Member database, 7… Service provider database,
Empty information database, 9 ... program storage unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A search server capable of two-way communication via a network to a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service agent terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service agents belonging to different categories. A vacancy information database that stores vacancy information of at least a schedule, a location, a remaining number, a provision price, and a category specified by the service provided by the service provider; and client information that specifies the client. Means for searching for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the empty information from the empty information database in response to a search request from the client terminal; Sent in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal Means for checking the service selected from the search result by a reply from the client terminal that made the search request, and then reading the client information of the client that made the search request from the member database, Means for transmitting the client information and the selected service to a service provider terminal of a providing source. 2. The search server further comprises: means for determining whether or not the search result is 0. When the search result is 0, the search server determines whether the service satisfies the search condition within a predetermined time. Means for transmitting the availability information to the client terminal requesting the search, and transmitting and providing the search condition to a service provider terminal included in the category selected as the search condition, Within a first set time set in advance from the offered time, when there is a presentation request for a service that satisfies the search condition from the service provider terminal targeted for the offer, the presented service is Means for transmitting in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request; and a client terminal that made the search service the presented service. Means for determining which of the presented services has been selected based on the presence or absence of access from the client terminal that has made the search request within a second set time preset from the time of transmission to The search server according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A search server capable of two-way communication via a network to a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers belonging to different categories. And at least a schedule, a location, a remaining number, a first offered price, a second offered price lower than the first offered price, and a vacancy of the service specified by the category provided by the service provider. An empty information database in which information is stored; a member database in which client information identifying the client is stored; a date desired by the client corresponding to the first offer price for the schedule; If the date to be determined is not yet determined, the search corresponding to the second offer price for specifying the search range is performed. Means for selecting a search period and transmitting it in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal; and when the desired date is selected, in response to a search request from the client terminal, from the availability information database. First search means for searching for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free information including the first offer price; and a first search result obtained from the first search means for the search request. Means for transmitting in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal, and when the search period is selected, in response to a search request from the client terminal, the space information including the second offer price from the space information database. A second search unit that searches for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to information; and a second search result obtained from the second search unit,
The service with the largest remaining number is given priority and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and the second search is made in response to a rejection request from the client terminal that made the search request. Means for transmitting the service of the next candidate from the result in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, and a service selected from the first or second search result by a reply from the client terminal that made the search request Means for reading the client information of the client making the search request from the member database, and transmitting the client information of the client making the search request and the selected service to the service provider terminal of the provider. , A search server comprising: 4. Two-way communication is possible via a network to a plurality of client terminals owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers belonging to different categories. At least a schedule provided by the service provider, a location provided, a remaining number, a price provided, and a space information database storing space information of a service in which the category is specified, and client information for specifying the client are stored. A search method using a search server comprising: a member database; and in response to a search request from the client terminal, searching for a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free information from the free information database, The search result is sent to the client terminal that made the search request. In a form that can be transmitted, the client terminal that has made the search request is confirmed by a reply from the client terminal that has made the search request, and the client information of the client that has made the search request is read from the member database. A search method, comprising transmitting client information of a requesting client and the selected service to a service provider terminal of a provider. 5. Determine whether the search result is 0 or not, and when the search result is 0, indicate to that effect and transmitting the free information of the service satisfying the search condition within a predetermined time. The search condition is transmitted to the client terminal that has made the search request, and the search condition is transmitted to the service provider terminal included in the category selected as the search condition to provide an offer. A form in which the presented service can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request when there is a request to present a service that satisfies the search condition from the service provider terminal that has been offered the offer within a set time. Within a second set time preset from the time at which the presented service was transmitted to the client terminal that made the search request 5. The search method according to claim 4, wherein whether or not any of the presented services is selected is determined based on whether or not there is access from the client terminal that has made the search request. 6. A two-way communication is possible via a network between a plurality of client terminals owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers belonging to different categories, At least the schedule provided by the service provider, the provided location, the remaining number, the first provided price, the second provided price lower than the first provided price, and the free information of the service in which the category is specified are stored. A search method using a search server, comprising: a vacancy information database that stores the client information that specifies the client; and a member database that stores client information that specifies the client, wherein the schedule corresponds to the first offer price. The date that the client wants and the search range to specify if the desired date is undecided A search period corresponding to the second offer price is selectable and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal. When the desired date is selected, a search request is sent from the client terminal. A service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free information including the first provided price is searched from the free information database, and the search result is displayed in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request. Transmitting, when the search period is selected, a service satisfying a search condition corresponding to the free information including the second offer price from the free information database in response to a search request from the client terminal; From the search results, giving priority to the service with the largest remaining number, in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request. In response to a rejection request from the client terminal that made the search request, transmitting the next candidate service from the second search result in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request, After confirming the service selected from the search result by the reply from the client terminal that made the search request, the client information of the client that made the search request is read from the member database, and the client information of the client that made the search request and the client information A search method characterized by transmitting a selected service to a service provider terminal of a provider. 7. A two-way communication can be performed via a network with a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers belonging to different categories, At least a schedule provided by the service provider, a location provided, a remaining number, a price provided, and a space information database storing space information of a service in which the category is specified, and client information for specifying the client are stored. A search database for performing a search using a search server including a member database, wherein, in response to a search request from the client terminal, from the free space database, a search condition corresponding to the free space information Search for services that satisfy After transmitting the search request in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal that has made the search request, and confirming the service selected from the search result by a reply from the client terminal that has made the search request, A recording medium storing a search program, which reads client information and transmits the client information of the client who has made the search request and the selected service to a service provider terminal of a provider. 8. Determine whether the search result is 0 or not, and when the search result is 0, indicate to that effect and transmit the free information of the service satisfying the search condition within a predetermined time. The search condition is transmitted to the client terminal that has made the search request, and the search condition is transmitted to the service provider terminal included in the category selected as the search condition to provide an offer. A form in which the presented service can be displayed on the client terminal that made the search request when there is a request to present a service that satisfies the search condition from the service provider terminal that has been offered the offer within a set time. Within a second set time preset from the time at which the presented service was transmitted to the client terminal that made the search request 8. The recording medium according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines which of the presented services is selected based on whether or not there is access from the client terminal that has made the search request. 9. A two-way communication is possible via a network with a plurality of client terminals respectively owned by a plurality of clients and a plurality of service provider terminals respectively owned by a plurality of service providers belonging to different categories, At least the schedule provided by the service provider, the provided location, the remaining number, the first provided price, the second provided price lower than the first provided price, and the free information of the service in which the category is specified are stored. A free information database, and a member database in which client information for specifying the client is stored, a recording medium recording a search program for searching using a search server comprising: The date that the client wants corresponding to the offer price of 1 and the date that the client wants In the case of, when a search period corresponding to the second offer price for specifying the search range is selectable and transmitted in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal, and when the desired date is selected In response to a search request from the client terminal, a service that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the free information including the first offer price is searched from the free information database, and from the search result, the search request When the search period is selected, in response to a search request from the client terminal, the free space information including the second offer price is transmitted from the free space database when the search period is selected. A service that satisfies the search condition corresponding to is searched, and from the search result, the service with the largest remaining number is given priority and the search request is made. A second candidate service from the second search result is displayed on the client terminal that made the search request in response to a rejection request from the client terminal that made the search request, in a form that can be displayed on the client terminal. After transmitting the search request and confirming the service selected from the search result by a reply from the client terminal that made the search request, the client information of the client that made the search request is read from the member database, And transmitting the client information of the client and the selected service to the service provider terminal of the provider.