JP2013012074A - Information providing device, information providing program and information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively prompt a procedure.SOLUTION: An information providing device comprises a retrieval section and an output section. When a request for use is received from a terminal operated by a user, the retrieval section processes followings. The retrieval section refers to a first database which stores identification information for identifying the user and dwelling place information indicating a dwelling place of the user in association with each other, and a second database which stores the identification information for identifying the user and existence or non-existence of notification information to be notified the user in association with each other. The retrieval section also retrieves identification information on another user having the same dwelling place information as that of the user operating the terminal and the notification information. The output section outputs information indicating that there is the notification information to the terminal operated by the user when the identification information retrieved by the retrieval section exists.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing program, and an information providing method.

  Conventionally, there is a technique for providing a service to a user via the Internet. By using this technology, for example, various services such as shopping and financial services are provided on the Internet. In this technology, a website is established for each service to be provided. For example, a user registers information such as his / her name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and password. Then, the user accesses the Internet with an information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, and uses the service by logging in using registration information.

  For example, when the registration information needs to be changed, such as an address change due to moving or a periodic change of the password, the user performs a procedure for changing the registration information. If this procedure is not performed, there is a risk that the use of the service may be hindered, for example, mails do not reach the user, or the user cannot be personally authenticated. In addition, if the pension receipt application procedure is not performed by the subscriber without noticing that it is time to apply, there is a risk that the pension will be urgently delayed. For this reason, for example, there is a technique for displaying a message for prompting a user who has not completed a procedure to be performed when the user logs in. In addition, for example, if there is a history that a document sent to a user has been returned due to non-delivery of a mail, a message for prompting address change is displayed when the user logs in. In addition, the mail procedure has been mostly used in the past, and for example, there is a movement to realize pension-related procedures via a network.

JP 2001-109827 A

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that it is not possible to effectively prompt the procedure.

  For example, the technology for displaying a message when logging in assumes that the user is logged in, and there is almost no opportunity for users who do not log in to view the message, so it is not possible to prompt the user effectively. It was.

  Further, for example, a method for delivering a message to a user by mail is conceivable. However, when the user receives a message by mail, the information processing terminal is not always used, and the user may forget before using the information processing terminal next time. For this reason, this method cannot effectively prompt the user to proceed.

  The disclosed technology has been made in view of the above. For example, provision of information that can effectively promote procedures such as encouraging subscribers who meet the conditions for receiving an annuity but who have not yet applied for it. An object is to provide an apparatus, an information providing program, and an information providing method.

  The technique which this application discloses is provided with a search part and an output part in one mode. When the search unit receives a use request from a terminal operated by the user, the search unit performs the following process. That is, the search unit should notify the user of the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other, the identification information for identifying the user, and the user. The second database that stores the presence / absence of the notification information in association with each other is referred to. In addition, the search unit searches for identification information of other users having the same location information as the user who operates the terminal and having notification information. When there is identification information searched by the search unit, the output unit outputs information indicating that the notification information exists to a terminal operated by the user.

  According to one aspect of the technology disclosed in the present application, there is an effect that the procedure can be effectively promoted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the user database. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the notification database. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the housemate search process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the housemate search process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a computer that executes an information providing program.

  Embodiments of an information providing apparatus, an information providing program, and an information providing method disclosed in the present application will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Each embodiment can be appropriately combined within a range in which processing contents do not contradict each other.

  An example of a functional configuration of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. The information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment has a function of providing a service to a user via, for example, a website established on a network. Here, the services provided on the website include, for example, Internet shopping for purchasing products selected on the website, financial services that perform procedures such as passbook management and bank transfer by operating on the website, pension procedures Including various services. The services provided on the website include, for example, a service in which the user only browses his / her procedure status and a service in which only address change is accepted. A user is also referred to as a user.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information providing apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 110 and a control unit 120. The information providing apparatus 100 corresponds to an information processing apparatus such as a server or a workstation, for example. In addition, for example, the information providing apparatus 100 is connected to the terminals 200a, 200b, and 200c via the network 10. The terminals 200a, 200b, and 200c include, for example, an input device that receives input of various information from a user and an output device that outputs various information. The terminals 200a, 200b, and 200c correspond to information processing terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones used by users. Note that the terminals 200a, 200b, and 200c are collectively referred to as the terminal 200 when described without distinction.

  The storage unit 110 includes a user database 111 and a notification database 112. The storage unit 110 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a flash memory, and a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The user database 111 stores identification information for identifying the user and location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the user database. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the user database 111 associates a user ID (Identification), a surname, a first name, a gender, an address, a telephone number, a date of birth, and a spouse. Remember. Among these, the user ID is identification information for identifying a user who uses the service. The last name is information indicating the last name of the user. The name is information indicating the name of the user. The gender is information indicating the gender of the user. The address is information indicating the user's address. The telephone number is information indicating the user's telephone number. The date of birth is information indicating the date of birth of the user. The spouse is information indicating whether or not the user has a spouse. The user ID is also referred to as a user ID. The address is also called a residence. The user database 111 is an example of a first database.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the user database 111 stores, for example, a user ID “12345”, a surname “Yamada”, a name “Taro”, and a gender “male” in association with each other. In addition, the user database 111 includes, for example, a user ID “12345”, an address “1-2 Prefecture A city B city C ward D town”, a telephone number “045-456Y”, and a date of birth “S48.2”. .1 ”and spouse“ Yes ”are stored in association with each other. That is, the user database 111 stores that the user identified by the user ID “12345” is a man named “Taro Yamada” and was born on February 1, 1973, and has a spouse. Also, the user database 111 stores that Mr. Taro Yamada lives in “A prefecture B city C ward D town 1-2” and the telephone number is “045-456Y”. Further, for example, the user database 111 similarly stores information for other users. The information stored in the user database 111 is stored by the control unit 120, which will be described later, for example, every time a new user is registered. Information stored in the user database 111 is updated by the control unit 120 in response to a request from the user.

  The notification database 112 stores identification information for identifying a user and the presence / absence of notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the notification database. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a user ID, a receipt application, and a password change are stored in association with each other. Among these, the receipt application is information indicating whether or not there is a message for prompting the user to perform the receipt application procedure. For example, the receipt application “present” indicates that there is a message for prompting the user to perform the receipt application procedure. The password change is information indicating whether or not there is a message for prompting the user to change the password. For example, “changed password” indicates that there is a message for prompting the user to perform a password change procedure. The notification database 112 is an example of a second database. Further, the receipt application and the password change are examples of notification information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the notification database 112 stores, for example, a user ID “12345”, a receipt application “present”, and a password change “none” in association with each other. In other words, the notification database 112 has a message for prompting the user for the receipt application procedure to the user identified by the user ID “12345”, and no message for prompting the user for the password change procedure. Indicates. Further, the notification database 112 similarly stores information for other users. The information stored in the notification database 112 is, for example, updated from “none” to “present” by the control unit 120 when information to be notified occurs. For example, the information stored in the notification database 112 is that the control unit 120 changes the receipt application from “No” to “Yes” when the document sent to the user is returned as a non-delivery item. Updated. The information stored in the notification database 112 is updated from “present” to “none” by the control unit 120 when, for example, there is no information to be notified. For example, when the “address” in the user database 111 is updated to a new address, the information stored in the notification database 112 is updated by the control unit 120 from “Yes” to “No”. The timing at which the information stored in the notification database 112 is updated is not limited to the above timing. For example, the information stored in the notification database 112 may be periodically referred to information about each user, operation history, and the like, and the notification information may be updated by the control unit 120 according to the reference result. Specifically, the information stored in the notification database 112 refers to, for example, the operation history of all users for one month at the end of each month, and if the procedure for changing the address has been performed, The receipt application is updated from “present” to “none” by the control unit 120.

  The control unit 120 includes a reception unit 121, a search unit 122, and an output unit 123. For example, the control unit 120 has a function of providing a service to the user via a website established on the network. For example, the control unit 120 has a function of recording information about each user and a history of operations in the internal memory or the storage unit 110 of the control unit 120. The function of the control unit 120 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Further, the function of the control unit 120 can be realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a predetermined program.

  The accepting unit 121 accepts input of various information. For example, the reception unit 121 receives a login from the terminal 200 operated by the user. This login is, for example, that the user requests the use of the service. For example, the accepting unit 121 accepts an input of a user ID and a password for a login screen displayed on the terminal 200 as a login from a user identified by the user ID. Note that login is also referred to as logon, sign-in, sign-on, and the like. For example, the reception unit 121 receives a login via an output screen output by the output unit 123 described later.

  When the search unit 122 receives a use request from a terminal operated by the user, the search unit 122 refers to the first database and the second database, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and Search for identification information of other users having notification information. For example, the search unit 122 executes the following process when the receiving unit 121 receives a login from the terminal 200 operated by the user. For example, the search unit 122 refers to the user database 111 and searches for a person living with the user who has logged in. This living person shows the other user who has the information of the same address as a certain user. For example, the search unit 122 refers to the notification database 112 and searches for a user for which notification information exists. Further, for example, the search unit 122 acquires the user ID of a person who is a living person of the user who has logged in and is a user for whom notification information exists.

  A process for searching for a housemate will be described. For example, the search unit 122 refers to the user database 111 and acquires address information associated with the user ID received by the receiving unit 121. The search unit 122 searches the user database 111 for other user IDs having the same address information using the acquired address information as a search key. The search unit 122 acquires the searched other user ID as the user ID of the housemate.

  With reference to FIG. 2, a process for searching for a housemate will be described. Here, a case where a login from a user with a user ID “12345” is accepted will be described. For example, the search unit 122 acquires from the user database 111 the address “A Prefecture B City C Ward D Town 1-2” associated with the user ID “12345”. The search unit 122 searches the user database 111 using the acquired address “A prefecture B city C ward D town 1-2” as a search key, and acquires the user ID “23456” as the user ID of the housemate. Here, a case has been described in which all user IDs included in the user database 111 are processed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the search unit 122 may process only the user ID searched by the process of searching for a user for which notification information exists.

  For example, the search unit 122 determines whether or not the telephone numbers match when searching for a housemate. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the search unit 122 determines whether the telephone number of the user ID “12345” received by the receiving unit 121 matches the telephone number of the user ID “23456” of the cohabitant. To do. Since the telephone number “045-456Y” of the user ID “12345” matches the telephone number “045-456Y” of the user ID “23456”, the search unit 122 acquires the user ID “23456”. .

  In addition, for example, the search unit 122 determines whether or not the last names match when searching for a housemate. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the search unit 122 determines whether the last name of the user ID “12345” received by the reception unit 121 matches the last name of the user ID “23456” of the cohabitant. Since the surname “Yamada” of the user ID “12345” matches the surname “Yamada” of the user ID “23456”, the search unit 122 acquires the user ID “23456”.

  Further, for example, when searching for a cohabitant, the search unit 122 determines whether the cohabitant has a spouse. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the search unit 122 determines whether or not the spouse of the user ID “23456” of the housemate is “present”. Since the spouse of the user ID “23456” is “present”, the search unit 122 acquires the user ID “23456”.

  Further, for example, the search unit 122 determines whether or not the gender is different when searching for a cohabitant. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the search unit 122 determines whether the gender of the user ID “12345” received by the receiving unit 121 is different from the gender of the user ID “23456” of the cohabitant. Since the gender “male” of the user ID “12345” and the gender “female” of the user ID “23456” are different, the search unit 122 acquires the user ID “23456”.

  A process for searching for a user having notification information will be described. For example, the search unit 122 acquires the user ID of the user for whom the notification information exists from the notification database 112. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the search unit 122 acquires user IDs “12345”, “23456”, “34567”, and “67890” in which “present” is stored in the receipt application or password change. Here, a case has been described in which all user IDs included in the notification database 112 are processed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the search part 122 is good also considering only the user ID searched by the process which searches a housemate as a process target. Further, here, a case has been described in which the search unit 122 acquires a user ID in which “present” is stored in any of the notification information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the search unit 122 may acquire a user ID in which “present” is stored only in specific notification information. Specifically, the search unit 122 may acquire only the user ID “67890” in which “present” is stored in the password change.

  For example, the search unit 122 receives information input by the user via the operation screen displayed on the terminal 200. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen. FIG. 4 shows an operation screen 4 a displayed on the terminal 200. For example, when the user presses the print button 4b on the operation screen 4a, the search unit 122 receives information indicating that the print button 4b has been pressed from the terminal 200.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the identification information searched by the search unit 122 exists, the output unit 123 outputs information indicating that the notification information exists to a terminal operated by the user. Further, the output unit 123 outputs information obtained by adding user identification information corresponding to the notification information to information indicating that the notification information exists. For example, when the user ID acquired by the search unit 122 is present, the output unit 123 generates an output screen indicating that notification information associated with the user ID exists.

  For example, when “present” is stored in the notification information of the cohabiting user who logged in, the output unit 123 displays the user ID of the cohabiting person and information indicating that the notification information exists. An output screen is generated by linking to the output screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen. For example, when “Yes” is stored in the password change of the cohabiting user who logs in, the output unit 123 outputs the user ID “23456” of the cohabitant and the password change “Yes”. By linking to the screen, an output screen 5a is generated as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in the area 5b, the output screen 5a is “Guiding the procedure to those who have been notified of the same address as Taro Yamada” or “Immediately after logging in with the ID of the person living together,” Will be displayed ”. Note that information associated with the output screen 5a may or may not be described on the output screen 5a.

  Further, for example, when “present” is not stored in the notification information of the cohabiting user who logged in, the output unit 123 refers to the history of the operation of the logged-in user. The output unit 123 associates the user ID of the cohabitant and the address information after the address change with the output screen when the history of accepting the address change exists in the operation history of the logged-in user. As a result, an output screen is generated. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen. For example, if the user has changed the address to “A prefecture B city C ward D town 7-8”, the output unit 123 changes the user ID “23456” of the user who lives with the user. By associating the address “A prefecture B city C ward D town 7-8” with the output screen, an output screen 6a is generated as shown in FIG. This output screen 6a is, for example, as shown in the area 6b, "If there is a person whose address is also changed, such as those living together, login is possible from the bottom" or "Address change application procedure screen immediately after login" "Is displayed." In addition, the output screen 6a includes, for example, a description “Taro Yamada's input is initially set for the new address” as shown in a region 6b. For example, the output unit 123 outputs the generated output screen to the terminal 200 that has accepted the login.

  The output unit 123 outputs notification information when a use request is received from a user identified by the identification information given to the output screen. For example, when the receiving unit 121 receives a login from the output screen output by the output unit 123, the output unit 123 matches the user ID input at the time of login with the user ID associated with the output screen. It is determined whether or not. When the user ID is matched with the linked user ID, the output unit 123 outputs a screen related to the notification information linked to the output screen. For example, when the password change “present” is linked to the output screen, the output unit 123 outputs a screen related to the password change. If it does not match the associated user ID, a screen similar to the screen that is output when the login is accepted from the normal login surface is output.

  Next, a processing procedure of the information providing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 7 is executed at predetermined time intervals while power is supplied from the power source to the information providing apparatus 100, for example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the receiving unit 121 receives a login from the terminal 200 operated by the user (Yes in Step S101), the search unit 122 executes a housemate search process (Step S102).

  With reference to FIG. 8, a description will be given of the processing procedure of the housemate search process in step S102 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the housemate search process. As illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, the search unit 122 determines whether there is a living person among the users who have logged in (step S <b> 201). That is, the search unit 122 determines whether or not another user ID having the same address information as the user ID address received by the receiving unit 121 exists in the user database 111.

  If there is a living person (Yes in step S201), the search unit 122 determines whether the telephone number of the living person matches the user who has logged in (step S202). On the other hand, when there is no housemate (No in step S201), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  If the telephone numbers match (Yes at Step S202), the search unit 122 determines whether the surname of the person who lives in the log-in user matches the last name (Step S203). On the other hand, if the telephone numbers do not match (No in step S202), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  When the last names match (Yes at Step S203), the search unit 122 determines whether the housemate has a spouse (Step S204). On the other hand, if the surnames do not match (No in step S203), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  When having a spouse (step S204 Yes), the search unit 122 determines whether or not the gender of the log-in user is different from that of the housemate (step S205). On the other hand, when there is no spouse (step S204 No), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  When the gender is different (Yes at Step S205), the search unit 122 acquires the user ID of the housemate (Step S206). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the search unit 122 acquires a user ID “23456” from the user database 111 as a cohabitant of the user ID “12345”. On the other hand, if the genders match (No in step S205), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The search unit 122 stands by until the print button 4b is pressed (No at Step S103). When the print button 4b is pressed (Yes at Step S103), the search unit 122 determines whether or not the user ID of the housemate has been acquired by the housemate search process (Step S104). When the user ID of the cohabitant is not acquired (step S104 No), the information providing apparatus 100 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the user ID of the housemate is acquired (step S104 Yes), the search unit 122 determines whether or not the notification information corresponding to the acquired user ID exists in the notification database 112 (step S104). S105). In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the search unit 122 stores “Yes” in any of the notification information such as the receipt application and the password change for the living person with the user ID “23456”. Determine whether.

  When the notification information exists (step S105 Yes), the output unit 123 generates an output screen indicating that the notification information exists (step S106). For example, when “Yes” is stored in the password change of the cohabiting user who logs in, the output unit 123 outputs the user ID “23456” of the cohabitant and the password change “Yes”. An output screen is generated by associating with a screen. The output unit 123 outputs the generated output screen to the terminal 200 operated by the logged-in user (Step S107).

  On the other hand, when the notification information does not exist (No at Step S105), the search unit 122 refers to the history of the operation of the logged-in user and determines whether or not an address change has been accepted (Step S108). When the address change is accepted (Yes at Step S108), the process proceeds to Step S106. On the other hand, when the address change is not accepted (No at Step S108), the information providing apparatus 100 ends the process.

  Of the processing procedures described above, the processes from step S202 to step S205 included in the housemate search process do not necessarily have to be executed. For example, after step S201, which is a process for determining whether there is a living person, is executed, step S206, which is a process for acquiring the user ID of the living person, may be executed. In addition, for example, after step S201, which is a process for determining whether there is a living person, is executed, step S203, which is a process for determining whether the surnames match, is executed, and then the user ID of the living person is acquired. The process of step S206, which is a process to be performed, may be executed.

  In addition, among the processing procedures described above, the processes from step S202 to step S205 included in the housemate search process do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described above. For example, after step S201, which is a process for determining whether there is a living person, is executed, step S203, which is a process for determining whether the last names match, is executed, and then, a process for determining whether the telephone numbers match. A certain step S202 may be executed.

  Of the processing procedures described above, step S102, which is a collaborator search process, step S103, which is a process for accepting a press of a print button, and step S105, which is a process for determining the presence of notification information, are not necessarily executed in the order described above. It does not have to be done. For example, it may be executed in the following order. That is, after step S101, which is a process for accepting login from a user, is executed, step S105, which is a process for acquiring a user ID for which notification information exists, is executed. Then, after step S102, which is a collaborator search process, is executed for the acquired user ID, step S103, which is a process for accepting pressing of a print button, is executed, and step S106, which is a process for generating an output screen, is executed. May be executed.

  In the above-described processing procedure, step S103, which is a process for accepting the press of the print button, may be replaced with a process for accepting the press of the logout button. For example, after the process of step S102, which is a colleague search process, is executed, step S103 is executed as a process of accepting the pressing of the logout button, and it is determined whether or not the user ID of the cohabitant has been acquired. Step S104 may be executed.

  The processing procedure of the information providing apparatus 100 when a login is accepted from the output screen output by the output unit 123 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the receiving unit 121 receives a login from the output screen output by the output unit 123 (Yes in step S301), the output unit 123 indicates that the user ID input at the time of login is linked to the output screen. It is determined whether or not it matches the assigned user ID (step S302).

  When it matches with the linked user ID (Yes in step S302), the output unit 123 outputs a screen related to the notification information linked to the output screen (step S303). For example, when the password change “present” is linked to the output screen, the output unit 123 outputs a screen related to the password change.

  On the other hand, if it does not match the associated user ID (No in step S302), the information providing apparatus 100 ends the process. That is, the information providing apparatus 100 outputs a screen similar to the screen that is output when the login is accepted from the normal login surface.

  Next, effects of the information providing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. When receiving a use request from a terminal operated by a user, the information providing apparatus 100 performs the following process. That is, the information providing apparatus 100 should notify the user of the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the whereabouts of the user in association with each other, the identification information for identifying the user, and the user. The second database that stores the presence / absence of the notification information in association with each other is referred to. Further, the information providing apparatus 100 searches for identification information of other users having the same location information as the user who operates the terminal and having notification information. When the identification information searched by the search unit exists, the information providing apparatus 100 outputs information indicating that the searched notification information exists to a terminal operated by the user. For this reason, the information provision apparatus 100 can prompt the procedure effectively.

  For example, since the information providing apparatus 100 outputs information indicating that the cohabiting user who has logged in has notification information to the terminal 200 operated by the user, the information providing apparatus 100 prompts the cohabiting person to perform a procedure through the user. Can do.

  Further, for example, the information providing apparatus 100 outputs information indicating that the cohabitant has the notification information at a timing when the user finishes the operation, such as a timing when the print button is pressed or a time when the logout button is pressed. . For this reason, the information providing apparatus 100 can easily take over the terminal 200 from the user to the living person, and can effectively prompt the living person to perform the procedure.

  In addition, for example, the information providing apparatus 100 outputs an output screen that allows a log-in user to log in, so that it is possible to effectively prompt the user to perform a procedure.

  In addition, for example, the information providing apparatus 100 determines a living person using not only an address but also personal information such as a telephone number, a surname, a spouse, and sex. For this reason, the information providing apparatus 100 can prevent users who are not originally living together from being accidentally determined to be living together due to omission of a receipt application.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in other embodiments besides the above-described embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below.

  For example, the configuration of the information providing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example, and the information providing apparatus 100 may not necessarily include all the processing units illustrated in FIG. For example, the information providing apparatus 100 only needs to include the search unit 122 and the output unit 123. That is, the search part 122 processes as follows, when the utilization request | requirement is received from the terminal which a user operates. That is, the search unit 122 notifies the user of the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other, the identification information for identifying the user, and the user. The second database that stores the presence / absence of notification information to be associated with each other is referred to. In addition, the search unit 122 searches for identification information of other users having the same location information as the user who operates the terminal and having notification information. When the identification information searched by the search unit 122 exists, the output unit 123 outputs information indicating that the notification information exists to a terminal operated by the user.

  For example, the housemate search process is not limited to the housemate search process shown in FIG. For example, when the search unit 122 determines whether or not the person is a living person using the personal information, a flag may be set for each personal information, and whether or not the person is a living person may be determined according to the number of the set flags. . In the following, the process procedure of the housemate search process when the search unit 122 uses a flag will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the housemate search process.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, the search unit 122 determines whether there is a living person among the users who have logged in (step S <b> 401). If there is a living person (Yes in step S401), the search unit 122 determines whether the telephone number of the living person matches the logged-in user (step S402). On the other hand, when there is no housemate (No in step S401), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  When the telephone numbers match (Yes in step S402), the search unit 122 sets the telephone number flag f = 1 (step S403), and determines whether the surname of the person who lives in the log-in user matches the surname. Determination is made (step S405). On the other hand, if the telephone numbers do not match (step S402 No), the search unit 122 sets the telephone number flag f = 0 (step S404), and the process proceeds to step S405.

  When the last names match (Yes at Step S405), the search unit 122 sets the last name flag f = 1 (Step S406), and determines whether the housemate has a spouse (Step S408). On the other hand, if the last names do not match (No in step S405), the search unit 122 sets the last name flag f = 0 (step S407), and proceeds to step S408.

  When having a spouse (step S408 Yes), the search unit 122 sets a spouse flag f = 1 (step S409), and determines whether the gender of the person who logs in is different from the gender. (Step S411). On the other hand, when there is no spouse (step S408 No), the search unit 122 sets a spouse flag f = 0 (step S410), and the process proceeds to step S411.

  If the sexes are different (step S411 Yes), the search unit 122 sets the sex flag f = 1 (step S412), and determines whether three or more flags f = 1 are set (step S414). . The number of flags used for this determination can be arbitrarily set by a person who provides information using the information providing apparatus 100. On the other hand, if the genders match (No in step S411), the search unit 122 sets the gender flag f = 0 (step S413), and proceeds to step S414.

  When three or more flags f = 1 are set (step S414 Yes), the search unit 122 acquires the user ID of the housemate (step S415). On the other hand, when three or more flags f = 1 are not set (step S414 No), the search unit 122 ends the housemate search process.

  As described above, the information providing apparatus 100 sets the flag for each personal information and determines whether or not the person is a living person according to the number of the set flags. Can be improved.

  Note that, in the processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 10, the processes of step S402, step S405, step S408, and step S411 included in the housemate search process are not necessarily executed. In addition, these processes do not necessarily have to be executed in the order described above.

  In addition, among the processes described in the first and second embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or are described as being performed manually. All or part of the processing can be automatically performed by a known method. For example, the information stored in the notification database 112 has been described as being automatically updated by the control unit 120, but may be manually updated by a person who provides information using the information providing apparatus 100. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the user database shown in FIG. 2 may store a password for each user ID. Further, for example, the notification database shown in FIG. 3 may store, for each user ID, a telephone number change indicating that there is a message for prompting the user to change the telephone number.

  Further, each component of the information providing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of the information providing apparatus 100 is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or a part of the information providing apparatus 100 may be functionally or physically functioned in an arbitrary unit according to various loads or usage conditions. It can be configured to be distributed and integrated. For example, the user database 111 shown in FIG. 1 and the notification database 112 may be integrated to serve as a master database that stores user personal information and notification information.

  The information providing apparatus 100 can also be realized by installing each function of the information providing apparatus 100 in a known information processing apparatus. Known information processing apparatuses correspond to apparatuses such as personal computers, workstations, and servers.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that executes an information providing program. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the computer 300 includes a CPU 301 that executes various arithmetic processes, an input device 302 that receives data input from a user, and a monitor 303. The computer 300 also includes a medium reading device 304 that reads a program or the like from a storage medium, an interface device 305 for connecting to another device, and a wireless communication device 306 for connecting to another device wirelessly. The computer 300 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 307 that temporarily stores various types of information and a hard disk device 308. Each device 301 to 308 is connected to a bus 309.

  The hard disk device 308 stores an information providing program having the same functions as the processing units of the search unit 122 and the output unit 123 shown in FIG. The hard disk device 308 stores various data for realizing the information providing program.

  The CPU 301 reads each program stored in the hard disk device 308, expands and executes it in the RAM 307, and performs various processes. In addition, these programs can cause the computer to function as the search unit 122 and the output unit 123 illustrated in FIG.

  Note that the above information providing program is not necessarily stored in the hard disk device 308. For example, the computer 300 may read and execute a program stored in a computer-readable recording medium. As the computer-readable recording medium, for example, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, and a USB memory, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive, and the like are supported. Further, the program may be stored in a device connected to a public line, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc., and the computer 300 may read and execute the program therefrom. good.

  The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the embodiments including the above examples.

(Supplementary note 1) A first database for storing identification information for identifying a user and location information indicating the location of the user when a usage request is received from a terminal operated by the user, and usage The second database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the presence / absence of the notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and A search unit for searching for identification information of other users having the notification information;
An information providing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs information indicating that the notification information is present to the terminal when the identification information retrieved by the retrieval unit exists.

(Appendix 2) The output unit
Outputs information with the identification information corresponding to the notification information to information indicating that the notification information exists, and accepts a use request from a user identified by the identification information attached to the information The information providing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the notification information is output when the information is received.

(Appendix 3)
When a request for use is received from a terminal operated by the user, the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other is identified. The second database that stores the identification information and the presence or absence of notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and the notification information Search for identification information of other users who have
An information providing program that, when there is the identification information retrieved by the process of retrieving the identification information, executes a process of outputting information indicating that the notification information exists to the terminal.

(Supplementary Note 4) The process of outputting the information includes
Outputs information with the identification information corresponding to the notification information to information indicating that the notification information exists, and accepts a use request from a user identified by the identification information attached to the information The information providing program according to appendix 3, wherein the notification information is output when the information is received.

(Supplementary Note 5) An information providing method executed by a computer,
When a request for use is received from a terminal operated by the user, the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other is identified. The second database that stores the identification information and the presence or absence of notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and the notification information Search for identification information of other users who have
When the identification information searched by the process of searching for the identification information exists, information indicating that the notification information exists is output to the terminal.

(Supplementary Note 6) The process of outputting the information includes
Outputs information with the identification information corresponding to the notification information to information indicating that the notification information exists, and accepts a use request from a user identified by the identification information attached to the information 6. The information providing method according to appendix 5, wherein the notification information is output when the information is received.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network 100 Information provision apparatus 110 Storage part 111 User database 112 Notification database 120 Control part 121 Reception part 122 Search part 123 Output part 200 Terminal 300 Computer 301 CPU
302 Input Device 303 Monitor 304 Medium Reading Device 305 Interface Device 306 Wireless Communication Device 307 RAM
308 Hard disk device 309 Bus

Claims (4)

When a request for use is received from a terminal operated by the user, the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other is identified. The second database that stores the identification information and the presence or absence of notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and the notification information A search unit for searching for identification information of other users having
An information providing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs information indicating that the notification information is present to the terminal when the identification information retrieved by the retrieval unit exists. The output unit is
Outputs information with the identification information corresponding to the notification information to information indicating that the notification information exists, and accepts a use request from a user identified by the identification information attached to the information The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification information is output when the information is received. On the computer,
When a request for use is received from a terminal operated by the user, the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other is identified. The second database that stores the identification information and the presence or absence of notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and the notification information Search for identification information of other users who have
An information providing program that, when there is the identification information retrieved by the process of retrieving the identification information, executes a process of outputting information indicating that the notification information exists to the terminal. An information providing method executed by a computer,
When a request for use is received from a terminal operated by the user, the first database that stores the identification information for identifying the user and the location information indicating the location of the user in association with each other is identified. The second database that stores the identification information and the presence or absence of notification information to be notified to the user in association with each other, has the same location information as the user who operates the terminal, and the notification information Search for identification information of other users who have
When the identification information searched by the process of searching for the identification information exists, information indicating that the notification information exists is output to the terminal.

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