JP2001350891A - Project supporting device and project supporting method and computer readable recording medium with project support program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a consumer to participate the planning or design of a product or a service in a project for conducting information transmission through a computer network. SOLUTION: The project supporting device 10 is provided with the place of debate providing part 11 for making open to the public and setting the place of debate in which consumers can participate from plural terminal equipment connected to a network 40 and a voting processing part 11c for judging whether or not a stage should be advanced to the next stage based on a vote inputted from the terminal equipment by each participant for each stage of a project including plural stages to be examined in the place of debate. Also, a participant control part 12a advertises for participants, and an advertisement provider control part 12b advertises for advertisements on the network 40 for each stage of the project. The advertisement provider control part 12b presents the obtained advertisements in the place of debate. A price calculating part 14d sets the price of a product being the result of the project so that the participant who participates in the more early stage can purchase the product at a higher discount rage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a project support apparatus and a project support method for supporting a project for transmitting information via a computer network.
The invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a project support program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, there are various stages in manufacturing and selling products and services, such as planning, design, parts procurement, manufacturing, testing, sales, advertising, and support. Most of these were covered by a single company. As a result, consumer purchasing activities were also largely led by suppliers (producers).

[0003] In a configuration in which a supplier has production equipment, resources of a planning and development department corresponding to various specifications, sales channels, and the like in one company, small-quantity multi-product production cannot be performed efficiently. For this reason, it has been difficult to provide services customized to individual needs of consumers.

[0004] On the other hand, with the development of the Internet, consumer-led purchasing activities in which individual consumers pursue the possibility of obtaining products and services of their preferred specifications will be easily realized. It is becoming.

[0005] For example, a so-called reverse auction patent (price line patent) (US Pat. No. 5,794,207 (registered date: August 11, 1998)) includes a system in which a central controller of an intermediary acquires a buyer via the Internet. Enter the purchase conditions such as price and credit card account, multiple sellers present the conditions for them, the seller that matches the most conditions is selected, and a reverse auction is executed to complete the sale A method for doing so is disclosed.

[0006] As described above, the reverse auction method is a mechanism in which a user outsources the trouble of searching for a product that meets his / her request from already existing products to a service provider and pays the price. In other words, this method is a method of supporting consumer-driven consumer activities.

[0007]

In recent years, in the manufacturing industry and the service industry, outsourcing in which a part of a business department is outsourced to an external company has been actively performed.

[0008] However, considering the development of products and services that fully take into account consumer preferences, partial outsourcing is not flexible and cannot be led by consumers. .

[0009] In the reverse auction method, the seller determines the price of a product or service that already exists based on the price of the consumer. The only method that is performed by the consumer is to determine the price. Limited to stages.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a consumer to participate in planning and designing products and services in a project in which information is transmitted through a computer network. It is an object of the present invention to provide a project support device and a project support method that enable the user to perform a task, and a computer-readable recording medium that records a project support program.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a project support apparatus according to the present invention provides a discussion space providing means for setting up a discussion space where a plurality of terminal devices connected to a computer network can participate. And progress judgment means for judging whether or not to proceed to the next stage, based on an input from the terminal device, for each stage of the project including a plurality of stages to be considered in the discussion. It is characterized by.

Further, the project support method of the present invention comprises:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a discussion place providing process for setting up a discussion place that can be participated from a plurality of terminal devices connected to a computer network, and a project including a plurality of stages to be considered in the discussion place Each stage includes a progress determination process for determining whether to proceed to the next stage based on an input from the terminal device.

According to the above-described configuration and method, a discussion place for discussing a project including a plurality of stages is set up so as to be able to participate from a plurality of terminal devices connected to a computer network. Whether or not to proceed to the stage can be determined based on the input from each terminal by each participant.

Therefore, according to the above configuration and method,
At each stage of the project, a function to determine whether to proceed to the next stage can be provided at the forum, so that projects involving multiple stages, such as product manufacturing, can be efficiently promoted via a computer network. be able to.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the project support apparatus of the present invention further comprises a means for providing a place for discussion, wherein the means for providing a place for discussion is openly set up on the computer network, and A resource procurement unit for recruiting resources on the computer network for each stage of the project is provided.

According to the above configuration, furthermore, the discussion place providing means sets the discussion place open to the public on the computer network, so that the discussion place in which the project is being studied is all terminals connected to the computer network. Can be viewed from the device. Then, the resource procurement means solicits resources necessary for each stage of the project from all terminal devices connected on the computer network.

Here, the resources procured by the resource procurement means include human resources, physical resources, and financial resources. In other words, the resource procurement means includes human resources such as “produce ideas, manufacture, manage, support, etc.”, “planning / design tools, raw materials, manufacturing facilities,
Physical resources such as "warehouses" and monetary resources such as "providing funds, purchasing advertising space, etc." can be procured by public offering from all terminal devices connected on the computer network.

Therefore, the project support apparatus can widely procure resources necessary for each stage of the project from all terminal devices connected on the computer network. Further, the project support device can take in a provider of physical and financial resources as a participant who is a human resource.

Therefore, the project support apparatus can easily procure necessary resources and activate a project discussion to promote the progress of the project.

[0020] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the project support apparatus of the present invention further includes a participant for recording a participant of the project obtained by solicitation on the computer network in a participant list at each stage. The resource procurement means includes a management means, and a reward determination means for determining a reward obtained by the participant from the project according to a ratio set in advance for each stage of the project. And

According to the above configuration, the participant management means solicits participants on the computer network for the discussion, which is a human resource of the project.

Therefore, even ordinary consumers can participate in the project via the terminal device. For example, they can participate in discussions at the planning stage and directly reflect consumer opinions in the design of products and services. In addition, they can participate in discussions at the manufacturing stage, procure necessary resources under consumer initiative, and efficiently produce.

As described above, the above-mentioned project support apparatus opens a forum for discussion and publicly recruits participants, so that consumers can participate in the project and take the initiative in planning and designing in the true sense. Consumer-led purchasing activities can be achieved. In addition, for products and services suppliers such as manufacturers, by participating in projects supported by the above project support equipment,
It can flexibly cope with small-lot multi-product production.

Further, according to the above configuration, the participant management means records the participant in the participant list for each stage, and the reward determining means allocates a reward in accordance with the ratio set for each stage of the project. decide. Therefore, the timing of each participant's participation in the project can be reflected in the reward. For example, the earlier the participant in the project, the higher the discount rate when purchasing products resulting from the project. Therefore, the motivation to participate in the project at an early stage can be increased, and the discussion of the project can be activated to promote the progress of the project.

As described above, the project support device is
Providing a forum for discussions and a solicitation of resources (auction) open to the public on a computer network, which enables consumers and suppliers to pursue small-lot, high-mix purchasing activities in a small and efficient manner. I can help you.

In order to solve the above problems, the project support apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
Each participant determines whether or not to proceed with the project based on the voting input from the terminal device.

With the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not to proceed to the next stage for each stage of the project based on the voting input by each participant from the terminal device. Therefore, a project including a plurality of stages, such as product manufacturing, can be efficiently promoted via a computer network.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the project support apparatus of the present invention further comprises: the resource procurement means for presenting an advertisement obtained through public offering on the computer network to the forum for discussion. It is characterized by having.

[0029] With the above configuration, the advertisement management means further publishes and sells the advertisement space for the discussion on the computer network. In the above-mentioned project support apparatus, the advertisement space is also a resource of the project, and the advertisement provider who purchased the advertisement space and provided the advertisement fee can be taken in by the participants as the resource provider.

Thus, the project support apparatus can sell an advertisement space in which the target of advertisement is limited to the participants of the project and the viewers of the discussion place. Therefore, it becomes possible for an advertiser who is interested in the contents of the project, or an advertiser whose target is a participant or a viewer of the project, to present the advertisement to the discussion place. Of course, a project participant may purchase advertising space and present the advertisement in the discussion space. In addition, the project support device may incorporate this advertising fee into the project,
It may be collected as expenses for the project support device.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned project support apparatus, a place for discussion open to the public on a computer network is prepared, and an advertisement space is provided in the place for discussion and sold, thereby facilitating the promotion of the project.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a computer-readable recording medium storing a project support program of the present invention is a project support program for causing a computer to realize each of the above means and operating the project support apparatus. Is a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon.

With the above configuration, the project support apparatus can be realized on a computer by the project support program read from the recording medium.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a service provided by the project support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an example for explanation, and the participants (consumers), each stage of the project, the tools provided by the project support device 10, and the like change according to the target project.

The project support apparatus 10 provides a service for providing a virtual workbench including an open discussion place and an auction place on the Internet in order to support the progress of a project including a plurality of stages such as planning and design. Do.

Specifically, the project support device 1
0, in the virtual workbench, for each stage of the project, by recruiting resources including participants, recruiting advertisements, public debate, progress judgment (voting),
Advance the project. The project support device 10 provides various tools that can be used in the virtual workbench so that the project proceeds smoothly.

On the other hand, project participants participate in open discussions at each stage of the project using the virtual workbench provided by the project support apparatus 10. Participants in the project will be offered on the Internet. Therefore, specialists such as a planner, a designer, a manufacturer, a distributor, a delivery company, and a support company can participate in the specialized stages. In addition, the advertising agency can present an advertisement for each stage. And since pure consumers can also participate, the above-mentioned specialists such as planners and designers can participate in a non-specialized stage from a consumer's standpoint.

As described above, by participating in the project of the project support device 10, the consumer can participate in the design of a product or service desired by the consumer. In addition, consumers can take control of the product development process for various products and services at each stage of the project. Therefore, the consumer can take the initiative in planning and designing themselves, and achieve a truly consumer-led purchasing activity. Also, in the manufacturing process, necessary resources led by consumers can be recruited on a public network, and efficient production activities can be performed.

On the other hand, a supplier of a product or service such as a manufacturer can flexibly cope with small-quantity multi-product production by participating in the project of the project support device 10.

As described above, the project support apparatus 10 allows consumers to participate in the planning and design of products and services by preparing open discussion and auction sites on a computer network. Things. In addition, it handles the relationship between consumers and suppliers, efficiently supports small-lot, multi-product production and sales activities for suppliers, and efficiently supports consumer-led purchasing activities for consumers. It is possible to obtain a price by providing a service that does the same.

Hereinafter, the project support apparatus 10 and the virtual workbench provided by the apparatus will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a network including the project support device 10 for providing the virtual workbench and a terminal device 20 operated by a participant.

In the project support apparatus 10, a service server device 10a for providing the virtual workbench on a network (computer network) 40 including the Internet includes a network connection device 10
b to the network 40. Similarly, the terminal device 20 is a terminal device 20a that uses the virtual workbench.
0b is connected to the network 40. Of course, the terminal devices 20 are connected to the network 40 by the number of project participants.

In the present embodiment, the virtual workbench is basically configured as a home page on the service server device 10a of the project support device 10, and is connected to the network connection device 2 of the terminal device 20.
It is assumed that the web data of the homepage is transmitted in response to a request from 0b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the project support device 10 and the terminal device 20 can be configured based on a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer.

That is, the above-described project support device 1
0 and the terminal device 20 execute a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a program for realizing the respective functions.
unit) 31, ROM (read) storing boot logic
only memory) 32, RAM for expanding the above program
(Random access memory) 33, a storage device 34 such as a hard disk for storing the programs and various databases, an input device 35 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an output device 36 such as a monitor, a speaker, and a printer, and a network connected to an external network 40. Connected equipment 37
(10b, 20b) are connected by an internal bus 38.

The functions of the project support device 10 and the terminal device 20 are realized by expanding a program stored in the storage device 34 into the RAM 33 as necessary and executing the program by the CPU 31.

The project support apparatus 10 executes a project support program (details will be described later) for providing the virtual workbench. Specifically, the service server device 10a (FIG. 2)
Through the network 40, in addition to services such as open discussion, voting progress determination, design, public review, market making, auctions, and the like, as well as processes for smoothly making decisions at each stage in a public place. Various services such as e-mail, public bulletin board, video conferencing, project proposal disclosure (for example, three-dimensional modeling tool),
Provide tools for design, etc.

On the other hand, in the terminal device 20, a program for using the virtual workbench is executed. Specifically, the terminal device 20a (FIG. 2) acquires and displays data of a homepage presented by the service server device 10a (for example, data in HTML (hypertext markup language) format), and displays the data input in the form. In addition to a general browser for transmission and a program for transmitting and receiving e-mail, a program for responding to a tool provided by the service server device 10a via the network 40 is executed. As described above, the terminal device 20 operated by the consumer may be an ordinary personal computer as long as it can be connected to the network 40.

FIG. 1 shows the above-mentioned project support apparatus 10.
Is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions provided for providing the virtual workbench. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the project support apparatus 10 includes a discussion space providing unit (a discussion space providing means) 1
1, a resource procurement unit (resource procurement means) 12, a data storage unit 13, a calculation unit 14, a tool providing unit 15, and a communication interface 16.

First, the discussion site providing unit 11 publishes a discussion site that can be participated from a plurality of terminal devices 20 (FIG. 2) connected to the network 40 on the homepage of the service server device 10a of the project support device 10. And set up and support the project in this forum. To this end, the discussion space providing unit 11 includes the examination plan presentation unit 11.
a, discussion processing unit 11b, voting processing unit (progress determination unit) 1
1c.

The study plan presentation section 11a presents the study subject in each stage of the project to the above-mentioned discussion. Specifically, the plan framework, the proposals for consideration at each stage, the final proposal at each stage, the final price and the number of products to be produced are presented.

The discussion processing section 11b controls input from the terminal device 20 by each participant, and establishes a project discussion. Specifically, the discussion processing unit 11b provides a place for discussion using, for example, an electronic bulletin board system (BBS) or a chat system provided as a communication tool.

The voting processing section 11c is provided for each stage of the project including a plurality of stages to be considered in the discussion.
Whether or not to proceed to the next stage is determined based on the voting input by each participant from the terminal device 20. To this end, voting is carried out for the examination plan and the final examination plan at each stage, and the results of the tally are presented to the debate.

The resource procurement unit 12 solicits resources necessary for promoting the project on the network 40 for each stage. Here, the resources include human resources such as “produce ideas, manufacture, manage, support, etc.”, physical resources such as “planning / design tools, raw materials, manufacturing equipment, warehouses, etc.”, and “providing funds. Financial resources such as “doing, buying advertising space, etc.”. And since any resource provider becomes a participant in the project, consumers who only come up with ideas are included in the participant.

The resource procurement unit 12 includes a participant management unit (participant management unit) 12a, an advertisement provider management unit (advertisement management unit) 12b, an auction unit 12c, and a charging unit 12d.

The participant management unit 12a solicits participants on the network 40 for each stage of the project. Specifically, the participant management unit 12 a
The participant data input form (FIG. 12) is displayed on the browser of FIG. 12, and the acquired participant data (participant ID, participant name, participation stage, required quantity) (FIG. 13) is registered in the participant list D1.
To record.

The advertisement provider management unit 12b solicits advertisements on the network 40 for each stage of the project. Specifically, the advertisement provider management unit 12b transmits the advertiser data input form (FIG. 14) to the browser of the terminal device 20.
Is displayed, and the acquired advertisement data (participant ID, advertisement provider name, participation stage, advertisement content data) (FIG. 15) is recorded in the advertisement provider list D2, and the advertisement itself (advertisement data) is discussed. Present it in the advertising space of the venue.

The auction unit 12c solicits resources required for promoting the project on the network 40 for each stage, and procure resources from providers who have shown the most advantageous conditions for the project. The auction unit 12c mediates transactions between participants required for the project. The structure of the auction itself is the same as that conventionally used for buying and selling and procuring goods on the Internet.

The charge processing unit 12d charges an advertisement fee for an advertisement to be presented at a discussion site and a fee corresponding to a contract amount of a transaction made by the auction unit 12c.

The data storage section 13 is provided in the storage device 34 and is a participant list D which is a database of each data.
1, an advertisement provider list D2 and a discount rate table D3.

The participant list D1 stores participant data (participant ID, participant name, participation stage, required quantity) acquired by the participant management unit 12a (FIG. 13).

The advertisement provider list D2 stores the advertisement data (participant ID, advertisement provider name, participation stage, advertisement content data) acquired by the advertisement provider management unit 12b (FIG. 15). Note that the participant management unit 12a automatically gives the participant ID recorded in the participant data and the advertisement data.

In the discount rate table D3, a discount rate for the price of the product and the advertisement income is set in advance for each stage of the project.

The calculation unit 14 determines the number of products to be manufactured and the price at the final stage of the project. For this purpose, the calculation unit 14 includes an advertisement income calculation unit 14a, a production quantity calculation unit 14b, an expense calculation unit 14c, and a price calculation unit (reward determining means) 14d.

The advertisement income calculation section 14a calculates the advertisement provider list D2 and the discount rate table D3 based on the advertisement provider list D2 and the discount rate table D3.
Calculate the advertising revenue in the project. That is,
The advertisement income calculation unit 14a sets so that a participant from an earlier stage, that is, an advertisement provider, can present an advertisement at a higher discount rate.

The number-of-manufacturing calculation section 14b calculates the provisional number of manufactures and the final number of manufactures based on the required quantity of the participant list D1.

The expense calculation section 14c calculates the expense in the project.

The price calculator 14d calculates the price of the product which is the result of the project based on the participant list D1 and the discount rate table D3. That is, the price calculation unit 14d sets such that the earlier the participant, the more the product can be purchased at a higher discount rate.

The tool providing unit 15 provides various tools for public discussion so that the project proceeds smoothly. Specifically, prior to the planning stage, the environment necessary for smooth planning is provided to the participants, for example, tools such as e-mail, electronic bulletin board, chat, and remote conference (video conference). Prior to the design stage, participants are provided with an environment necessary for smooth design, such as tools for design, exchange of design data, and review. Therefore,
Participants can use the services of these tools in public discussions to facilitate discussions. Note that the provided tool does not require a special function for the client (terminal device 20), and it is desirable that all functions can be used on a normal browser. In addition, since all the provided tools are basically released from the service server device 10a to the network 40, any terminal device 20 that can be connected to the network 40 can be used without restriction on the location. .

The communication interface 16 controls the network connection device 37 to communicate with the network 40.

Next, the auction function in the virtual workbench of the project support apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

The auction function of the virtual workbench is provided by the resource procurement unit 12 (participant management unit 12a,
The advertisement provider management unit 12b and the auction unit 12c) open and execute the information to a plurality of the terminal devices 20 connected to the network 40.

The resource procurement unit 12 does not merely procure ordinary articles typified by parts necessary for manufacturing products of a project. That is, first,
The participant management unit 12a allocates human resources required at all stages from product planning to support, such as a product planner, a designer, a seller, and a support company, to the Internet according to the project stage. Recruit widely above.

In the planning / designing stage, since a specific price cannot be set, a person who has expressed the intention to participate can participate in the project unconditionally. In other words, instead of purchasing a product with a value, it is possible to recognize the value of a plan or a design and participate in the discussion. In other words, proposals and design proposals are auctioned for the human resources they want to participate in.

As described above, the participant management unit 12a
The structure of the auction itself is the same as that of a normal system, but by using the participation in the public debate instead of offering the desired price, human resources for the project can be procured.

Second, the auction unit 12c
In the planning and design stages, the necessary software, such as software and development tools, etc. necessary to facilitate discussions, and in the product manufacturing stage, all necessary items, such as provision of parts and vacant lines, are provided using the auction mechanism described above. Recruit widely on the Internet.

In the above virtual workbench,
Provide all infrastructure related to product manufacturing (hereinafter abbreviated as “infrastructure”) at each stage from planning to sales, including open discussions and various design tools. However, as mentioned above, in the stage from planning to design / development, the final production number is not determined, and no specific money is given or received, so the participants are basically volunteers . Therefore, it is necessary to provide the infrastructure at this stage free of charge.

Third, the advertisement provider management unit 1
2b widely recruits companies who wish to present advertisements at the virtual workbench discussions on the Internet according to the stage of the project.

In the above virtual workbench,
In each stage from planning to sales, the provision fee for all infrastructure related to product manufacturing can be settled as a difference from the advertising fee, so these infrastructures can be procured virtually free of charge. Therefore, a further cost reduction effect can be achieved.

Next, referring to FIGS. 5 to 15,
The operation of the project support device 10 associated with the progress of a product planning project will be described. 5 and 6
Are connected by connectors A and B. 6 and 7 are connected by connectors C and D. 7 and 8 are connected by connectors E and F. 8 and 9 are connected by connectors G and H.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, a participant list RP1 and an advertisement provider list RA1 are created (S1).
1), the planning frame of the product is disclosed on the home page by the examination plan presentation unit 11a, and the participants are invited by the participant management unit 12a and the advertisement provider management unit 12b (S12, S1).
3).

Note that the project target in the virtual workbench may be any product or service. However, in order to avoid too many different ideas from being confused at the planning stage, the project initiator (for example, the Service Provider)
In this way, a planning framework can be presented as to what kind of product is to be recruited first.

When a consumer or the like who agrees with this framework and wants to be involved in the discussion and decision of the project makes an application for participation (“application for participation” in S14), the participant management unit 12a joins the participant. The person list RP1 (S
15). If there is an application for advertisement recruitment performed in parallel (“Advertisement application” in S14), the advertisement provider management unit 12b registers it in the advertisement provider list RA1 (S1).
6) Post the advertisement on the homepage of the forum (S1)
7). When a participant writes in the plan framework (“Write Opinion” in S14), the discussion processing unit 11b presents the writing to a discussion place (S1).
8).

Since this work is completely open on the Internet, communication tools (information sharing infrastructure) necessary for the work, such as an electronic bulletin board system (BBS) and a chat system, are provided by the tool providing unit 1.
5 free of charge. Note that these tools can be procured in an auction in the auction unit 12c. In addition, these tools are all used in the terminal device 20.
It is desirable to be able to be used by any browser. Further, the tool providing unit 15 transmits a tool program and data to the terminal device 20 as necessary.

Then, while proceeding with the public discussion on the planning framework by the participants (S18), the recruitment of participants and advertisements (S15, S16) is repeated until a sufficient number of participants and advertisement providers gather (S19). And "do not vote").

Here, the participant list RP1 and the advertisement provider list RA1 will be described. Note that the participant lists RP2 to RP5 and the advertisement provider lists RA2 to RA5 in each stage described below all follow the same format. The participant lists RP1 to RP5 are stored in the participant list D1 (FIG. 1). The advertisement provider lists RA1 to RA5 are stored in the advertisement provider list D2 (FIG. 1).

The participant and the advertisement provider fill in the necessary items on the input page (FIGS. 12 and 14) of the necessary items displayed on the browser of the terminal device 20 at the time of application, and transmit the necessary items to the project support device 10. register. On the other hand, in the project support device 10, the participant management unit 12a automatically receives the IDs in the order of reception (registration acceptance).
(Identifier). In the case of participant registration, the required quantity of the target product is recorded at the time of registration. This required quantity can be changed by the participant at any time. This required quantity data is used for price determination in the final stage.
On the other hand, in the case of advertisement provider registration, an advertisement is input at the time of registration. This advertisement is presented to the discussion by the advertisement provider management unit 12b.

As described above, while the open discussion of the planning framework by the participants is proceeding (S18), the recruitment of the participants and advertisements is continued (S15, S16). It is determined whether or not to shift to (S19).

Here, the project support apparatus 10 provides a voting service (voting processing unit 11c) by the participant as a mechanism for the participant to make a decision autonomously. This is a system for systematically judging the examination plan and final examination plan at each stage, whether necessary resources are sufficiently collected, and the like. Therefore, should project participants use this voting service to ask the will of each participant when they proceed to the next stage of each stage, and should they automatically proceed to the next stage according to the voting result? You can judge whether. In principle, the decision-making in the project shall be based on the autonomous judgment of the participants (participant community) at that time. However, in some cases, it is possible to give priority to the judgment of the project initiator or the like.

Subsequently, if sufficient consent of the participants cannot be obtained by voting ("promotion impossible" in S19),
Project participants determine whether to promote this planning framework (S20). The voting service of the voting processing unit 11c can be used for this determination. As a result of the determination, when the promotion is carried out without modifying the planning framework (“promotion as is” in S20), the participants and advertisements are recruited (S15, S15) while the participants further openly discuss the planning framework (S18). S16) can be continued. If it is necessary to modify the planning framework (S2
0, "revise and promote"), modify and change the planning framework (S21), present the new planning framework in the examination plan presentation unit 11a, open discussion (S18), and recruit participants and advertisements (S15). , S16) can be continued. Further, when the project is stopped (“end” in S20), the participant list RP1 and the advertisement provider list RA1 can be discarded (S22), and the project can be ended.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed by voting that sufficient human resources have been secured by the auction ("promotion possible" in S20), the process proceeds to the stage of studying the plan. At this time, in the virtual workbench, the tool providing unit 15 provides the terminal device 20 with tools necessary for smoothly performing the planning work, for example, a teleconference system and an environment for using e-mail (S23). That is,
Since the work at the planning stage is completely open on the Internet, the communication tools (information sharing infrastructure) required for the work, such as an electronic bulletin board system (B
A tool providing unit 15 provides a BS (bulletin board system), a chat system, and the like free of charge. Note that these tools can be procured in an auction in the auction unit 12c. Further, it is desirable that all of these tools can be used by the browser of the terminal device 20. Further, the tool providing unit 15 transmits a tool program and data to the terminal device 20 as necessary.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in the study of the project proposal, first, a participant list RP2 and an advertisement provider list RA2 are created in the same manner as in the stage of the planning framework (S).
31). Then, the examination plan presentation unit 11a publishes a specific plan on the homepage, and the participant management unit 12a and the advertisement provider management unit 12b recruit participants and advertisement providers, respectively, and input the opinions of the participants. Ask (S3
2, S33).

Here, if there is a new application for participation (S
The "participation application" at 34), the participant management unit 12a additionally registers in the participant list RP2 (S35). Also, if there is an advertisement application ("Advertisement application" in S34), the advertisement provider management unit 12b additionally registers in the advertisement provider list RA2 (S36), and posts the advertisement on the homepage (S3).
7). Also, if there is a participant's writing of an opinion on the plan ("writing an opinion" in S34), the discussion processing unit 11b presents it to the public discussion (S38).

If there is a request from the participant to correct the plan, the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c determines if the plan is to be corrected (S39).
39 "corrected"), corrects the proposal (S40),
The public discussion and the recruitment of participants and advertisements are repeated (S3
3-S39).

If it is determined that the plan is not to be corrected ("no correction" in S39), the participant uses the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c to determine whether to proceed to the next stage. (S41). Then, when it is determined that the discussion has been sufficiently completed and the process proceeds to the next stage (“YES” in S41), the process proceeds to the planning final plan examination stage to recruit designers. If not ("NO" in S41), the project participant determines whether or not to promote this proposal (S42). The voting system can be used for this determination. As a result of the determination, if the promotion is to be performed ("YES" in S42), the public discussion and the recruitment of participants and advertisements are repeated (S32 to S41). On the other hand, if the promotion is not performed ("NO" in S42), the participant list RP2 and the advertisement provider list RA2 are discarded (S42).
43), returning to the previous step (S12).

Therefore, if sufficient consent of the participants could not be obtained at this stage, and if there is a consumer who has a strong will to realize this plan, from the stage of the planning framework again, It is possible to continue the debate in a public debate. The decision as to whether or not to continue the public debate from the stage of the planning framework may also be determined by voting by participating using a voting system.

Subsequently, the study of the proposal on the Internet proceeds, and as a result of the vote, the project participants
When it was judged that the discussion was exhausted enough as a project,
Place the proposal on an auction.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, similarly to the above-described stage, first, a participant list RP3 and an advertisement provider list RA3 are created (S51), and the discussion processing unit 11b prepares a final plan. The participant management unit 12a and the advertisement provider management unit 12b open the site to the homepage on the service server (S52). In this project, a design plan will be examined in the next stage. Therefore, in this stage, a designer for this plan plan is recruited, not a planner, as a participant. Of course, planners and consumers who participated in the project can also be directly involved in the design stage. However, when a high level of technical knowledge is required for product design, the participation of not only ordinary consumers but also design experts is required.
Therefore, in promoting the project, it is desirable to involve a consumer who is an expert with necessary expertise and who is interested in the product planning at the auction and wants to contribute to its realization.

If there is an application for participation ("application for participation" in S54), the participant management unit 12a additionally registers in the participant list RP3 (S55). If there is an application for an advertisement (“advertisement application” in S54), the advertisement provider management unit 1
2b is additionally registered in the advertisement provider list RA3 (S56),
The advertisement is posted on the homepage (S57). If the participant writes an opinion on the final plan (“write opinion” in S54), the discussion processing unit 11b presents it to the public discussion (S58).

Then, if there is a request from the participant to modify the final plan, the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c determines whether to modify the final plan if necessary (S59). Yes "), the final plan is corrected (S60), and open discussion and recruitment of participants and advertisements are repeated (S52 to S59).

If it is determined that the final plan is not to be corrected ("No correction" in S59), whether to proceed to the next stage is determined by the participants using the voting system of the discussion processing unit 11b. It is determined by voting (S61). Then, when it is determined that the discussion has been sufficiently made and the process proceeds to the next stage (“YES” in S61), the process proceeds to the design stage.
Otherwise ("NO" in S61), the project participant determines whether or not to promote the final plan (S62). The voting system can be used for this determination. As a result of the determination, if the vehicle is to be propelled ("Y" in S62)
ES "), and repeats open discussion and recruitment of participants and advertisements (S52 to S61). On the other hand, when the promotion is not performed (“NO” in S62), the participant list RP3 and the advertisement provider list RA3 are discarded (S63), and the previous step (S4)
Return to 2).

Therefore, if sufficient consent of the participants cannot be obtained at this stage, and if there is a consumer who has a strong will to realize the final plan, the plan or the plan framework is re-executed. It is also possible to continue the debate in the public debate from the stage. The decision as to whether to continue the public discussion from the stage of the project proposal or the project framework may be determined by voting by the participants using the voting system.

If it is determined that the process proceeds to the next stage (“YES” in S61), in the virtual workbench, the tool providing unit 15 sets the design in the same way as the tool provided in the planning stage (S23). (For example, a design tool, a design data exchange environment, a place for review, etc.) are provided (S64). Note that these tools can be procured in an auction in the auction unit 12c. It is desirable that all of these tools can be used by the browser of the terminal device 20. Further, the tool providing unit 15 transmits a tool program and data to the terminal device 20 as necessary.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in the study of the design plan, first, a participant list RP4 and an advertisement provider list RA4 are created (S71). Next, a specific design plan is created based on the discussion of the participants in the public discussion space (S70). Then, the study plan presentation unit 11a publishes the design plan on the homepage, and the participant management unit 12a and the advertisement provider management unit 12b recruit participants and advertisement providers, respectively, and seek the opinions of the participants ( S72, S73). The work in the design stage is also openly performed on the Internet, like the work in the planning stage. Therefore, even consumers who are not involved in the design can refer to the design materials.

If there is a new application for participation (S
The "participation application" at 74), the participant management unit 12a additionally registers in the participant list RP4 (S75). Also, if there is an advertisement application ("Advertisement application" in S74), the advertisement provider management unit 12b additionally registers in the advertisement provider list RA4 (S76), and posts the advertisement on the homepage (S7).
7). If the participant writes an opinion on the design plan (“write opinion” in S74), the discussion processing unit 11b presents it to the public discussion (S78).

Then, if there is a request from the participant to modify the design plan, the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c determines whether to modify the design plan if necessary (S79).
At 79, there is "correction"), and the design plan is corrected (S80).
The public discussion and the recruitment of participants and advertisements are repeated (S7
3-S79).

If it is determined that the design plan is not to be modified (“no modification” in S79), the participant uses the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c to determine whether to proceed to the next stage. (S81). Then, when it is determined that the discussion has been sufficiently made, and the process proceeds to the next stage (“YES” in S81), the process proceeds to a study stage of the final design plan, and a manufacturing-related company is recruited. If not (“NO” in S81), the project participant determines whether to promote this design plan (S82). The voting system can be used for this determination. As a result of the determination, if the promotion is to be performed ("YES" in S82), after the design plan is created (S70), the open discussion and the recruitment of participants and advertisements are repeated (S72 to S81). On the other hand, when the promotion is not performed ("NO" in S82), the participant list RP4 and the advertisement provider list RA4 are discarded (S83), and the process returns to the previous step (S62).

Therefore, if sufficient consent of the participant could not be obtained at this stage, and if there is a consumer who has a strong intention to realize this design plan, the stage of presenting the design plan again or Before that, the final plan, the plan,
From the planning framework stage, it is possible to continue the discussion in the open debate. The decision as to whether or not to continue the public discussion may also be made by voting by participating using the voting system.

Subsequently, the study of the design proposal on the Internet proceeds, and as a result of the vote, the project participants
Once we have determined that the design has been fully discussed,
Auction the design proposal.

The auction is performed on the virtual workbench by the same method and system as in the case of the above-mentioned plan. At this stage of the auction, many resources will be recruited, including consumers, manufacturers, sellers, and in some cases, parts suppliers, mold manufacturers, advertising agencies, and supporters who support this plan and design. In addition, it is necessary to determine the selling price and production quantity at the time of the auction,
In the above virtual workbench, the calculation unit 14
The determination of the price and the number of products to be manufactured in the final auction can be smoothly performed.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the participant directory RP5 and the advertisement provider directory R
A5 is created (S91). Then, the calculation unit 14 (advertising income calculation unit 14a, production quantity calculation unit 14b, expense calculation unit 1)
4c, the price calculation unit 14d) determines a provisional price and the number of products to be manufactured (S90).

Here, the “manufacturing number” is the initial manufacturing number using the participant list RP1 to RP4 created up to this stage to obtain the required number of products registered in advance and distributed to all the participants. And In addition, the costs and profits required for the operation of this service, the estimated costs and profits of the related companies, that is, manufacturers, delivery companies, support companies, etc. from the final product, the advertising fees obtained so far, The price is calculated based on the number of products manufactured, taking into account the commissions paid at the auction.

Further, the price of the consumer is based on the participant list RP1.
With reference to RP4, a high discount rate is applied to consumers who participated from the beginning. That is, when setting the product price, a discount rate set in advance in the discount rate table D3 is applied in accordance with the “participation stage” recorded in each participant list. For example, participant list R
It is possible to set a discount rate such as 10% for a consumer having a name in P1 and 5% for a consumer having a name in the participant list RP2. Furthermore, it is also possible to set a more detailed discount rate using the participant ID in the participant list automatically given in the order of participation. Thus, the product price itself fluctuates.

[0117] Further, the advertisement fee is determined by the advertisement provider list RA1.
It is calculated based on RA4. And, like the participants,
For advertisers who offered ads from the early stages, apply a high discount rate to advertising fees. That is, with reference to the discount rate table D3, the “participation stage” in which the provision of the advertisement is started
, A discount rate set in advance in stages is applied. For example, a discount rate can be set such as 10% for an advertiser whose name is in the advertisement provider list RA1 and 5% for an advertiser whose name is in the advertisement provider list RA2. Furthermore, it is also possible to set a more detailed discount rate using the participant ID in the advertisement provider list automatically given in the order of participation. As described above, the advertisement fee income, which is a part of the profit when determining the product price, fluctuates. The auction closing fee is calculated by applying a preset rate to the auction closing price.

Next, in the final stage of the project, the study plan presentation unit 11a discloses the final design plan and the provisional production number and provisional price determined as described above in a place for discussion, and the participant management unit 12a And advertisement provider management unit 12b
Recruits participants and advertisement providers, respectively, and seeks the opinions of the participants (S92, S93).

If there is a new participation application (S
The "participation application" at 94), the participant management unit 12a additionally registers in the participant list RP5 (S95). Also, if there is an advertisement application ("Advertisement application" in S94), the advertisement provider management unit 12b additionally registers in the advertisement provider list RA5 (S96), and posts the advertisement on the homepage (S9).
7). If the participant writes an opinion on the final design plan (“write opinion” in S94), the discussion processing unit 11b presents it to the public discussion (S98).

If there is a request for modification of the final design from the participant, the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c determines, if necessary, the modification of the plan (S99). ), Correct the proposal (S10
0), the public discussion and the recruitment of participants and advertisements are repeated (S92 to S99).

At this point, it is possible to participate for the purpose of selling the final product. Also, a participant who has already registered the required quantity can change the required quantity. Therefore, the number of consumers who seek products and the required quantity, that is, the number of products, change. In addition, the costs related to manufacturing and delivery will vary from the provisionally set values at the beginning of the final design plan review stage due to the auction between participants, so the number of products and the price will be changed taking these factors into account. (S101). If the final production number and price are determined while repeating this step many times (“YE
S "), and shift to the actual manufacturing, sales, delivery, and support stages. That is, the project support service using the virtual workbench ends here.

On the other hand, if the final production number and the price are not determined ("NO" in S104), it is decided by the project participants whether to promote this project (S102). The voting system can be used for this determination. Then, in the case of promotion (“YE
S "), and the number of products and the price are determined again (S9).
0), repeat the process (S92-S104) of public discussion, recruitment of participants and advertisements, determination of price and number of production. If the promotion is not performed ("NO" in S102), the participant list RP5 and the advertisement provider list RA5 are discarded (S103), and the process returns to the previous step (S82).

Therefore, even if resources necessary for commercialization have not been sufficiently gathered at this stage, there are still consumers and designers who express a strong will for realizing the product. It is possible to reconsider at any stage of public debate from any stage of the final plan, the plan, and the plan framework. Note that the voting system of the voting processing unit 11c can be used again to determine whether to continue the open discussion from the previous stage.

Here, the price determining mechanism at the final stage will be described in detail. Price determination in the final stage is based on the fact that the price of parts and the number of
Gradually, the final price and number of productions are fixed. In other words, the price of the final product and its price are calculated by taking into account the commission income associated with the transaction, while obtaining the parts prices and manufacturing costs through auction procurement, and considering the advertising fee income for the advertising space provided by this service. , The consumer who purchases the final product and the required quantity are determined, and the cost and profit of the project support apparatus 10 are determined. In addition, a discount rate is set to be advantageous to the participants and the advertisement providers from the beginning. Thus, the final pricing mechanism is very complex, with various factors intertwined.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when starting the final stage of price determination, first, the advertisement fee income is calculated based on the advertisement provider list D2 (S151).
At this time, the discount rate according to the participation time point is applied with reference to the discount rate table D3. Next, a provisional production number is calculated based on the participant list D1 (S152). Then, based on the provisional production number, taking into account the necessary expenses (S153) and the commission income (S154) calculated based on the production number,
With reference to the discount rate table D3, the provisional price is calculated by applying the discount rate according to the participation time (S155), and determined (S156).

Then, if the required expenses change due to the closing of the auction transaction (S157), the calculation from the required expenses (S153) is repeated. Further, when there is a new participant or when there is a change in the number of productions required by the existing participant (S158), the provisional production number is calculated (S15).
Start over from 2). When the advertisement provider newly participates (S159), the advertisement fee income is calculated (S151).
Start over.

Through the above process, the final price and the number of products are determined, and the parts supplier, the mold supplier, the manufacturer, the seller, the service provider, etc. that can be reconciled under the conditions are determined at the auction. In the same manufacturing process,
The product is made. For the first time at this stage,
The actual business relationship arises. Then, in the virtual workbench, an amount corresponding to the actual contract amount can be charged as a contract brokerage fee for this actual business relationship (S154). This fee has been incorporated into the sales price in the above process.

The operation performed by the participant via the terminal device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a person who wants to participate in the project on the virtual workbench accesses the place of the public debate with the terminal device 20 connected to the network 40, and obtains the examination plan displayed according to the project stage. Browse recruitment of public debates and advertising providers. Then, participant data is input and registration is performed (S20).
1).

Next, if the examination plan or the final examination plan is being discussed (“YES” in S202), the user participates in the open discussion (S203). That is, the user examines the examination plan or the final examination plan at each stage, inputs his / her opinion into the discussion, and participates in the examination. Then, it participates in the voting appropriately performed for the examination plan or the final examination plan of each stage (“YES” in S204, S205), confirms the voting result, and moves to the next step (“Y” in S207).
ES ").

Then, if the project proceeds to the final stage auction ("YES" in S206), it participates in the final auction (S208). In the final auction, the required quantity is changed and entered, and the final price determined is viewed.

At each stage of the project, recruitment of advertisers can be browsed, and advertisements to be presented in discussions can be registered from the terminal device 20. Of course, when a participant accesses the home page of the virtual workbench, they will be able to view the advertisements that are being presented in the forum.

As described above, anyone who wants to participate in the project using the virtual workbench, including general consumers, participates in the public debate from the terminal device 20 connected to the network 40 and obtains a product or product that the user wants. Participate in each phase of the project while discussing services.

In the project support service provided by the project support apparatus 10, advertisement revenue and commission revenue can be collected.

[0135] The advertising revenue is provided by providing an advertising space on a virtual workbench provided by the present service and recruiting advertisements from related companies. Advertisement recruitment is also performed through an auction on the Internet as in the other cases (S12, S32, S52, S72, S92). The advertiser may be a parts supplier or a manufacturing and sales company. Users of the service can be viewed as a kind of community, so advertisers can place well-targeted ads on them, increase their visibility, and It can be expected to increase the opportunity to enter the market and other business opportunities. Further, as described above, the advertiser who has participated from the beginning can be reduced by increasing the discount rate of the advertisement fee (S1).
51) It is possible to receive as many advertisements as possible from the beginning. Further, when the advertisement provider participates in actual production at the production stage, a service for discounting a contract fee may be provided.

The commission income differs before and after the final auction in which the production of a product is determined. Planning /
During the design phase, human resources and other resources (infrastructure) are procured through auctions,
There will be no commission income as no specific transactions will be conducted. That is, human resources at this stage are collected by volunteers of the participants' free will. Then, as a preferential treatment for the participants from the initial stage such as the planning / design stage, a service for discounting the distribution price can be provided when the number of manufactured final products and the price are determined. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the price discount and the closing fee for the participants as described above as price determining factors of the final auction (S154).

After the auction for deciding production is established, an actual transaction relationship occurs. Therefore, a fixed percentage of a commission as a participation fee to the service is imposed on the closing of the auction transaction in which money is given and received. Can be performed (S154). For example, a participant commission corresponding to the transaction amount can be collected from a company in charge of parts delivery, assembling work on an assembly line, shipping, etc. determined at an auction. In other words, this is a price for providing this service to a supplier company with a business opportunity for consumer-led, small-quantity, multi-product production.

As described above, the project support service provided by the project support apparatus 10 supports the progress of a multi-stage project (draft) performed on the network. Specifically, by providing a virtual workbench based on an Internet auction, it is possible to provide a new product supply mechanism that is compatible with consumer-led purchasing activities and is characterized by small-lot, multi-product production.

In the present service, all the persons involved in the product can be constituted by consumers, and in particular, a participant in the initial planning and designing stage can entrust his or her own thoughts to the product. Due to this property, high consumer loyalty to this service can be expected.

[0140] In addition, the present service can provide a business operator as a supplier with a plan and design plan led by a consumer, and provide business opportunities in the era of high-mix low-volume production. Also,
By taking charge of the consumer and the supplier, it is possible to provide a service that allows both parties to enjoy mutual benefits.

Further, the present service can collect a fixed rate of charge for effective commercial transactions obtained by the service and advertisements targeted at the participants of the service.

This service is based on procurement by auction in the final stage. In this way, by recruiting a wide range of participants, it is possible to manufacture products at a low cost, and to gather stakeholders who have appreciation for and support for the products. By participating in this transaction, various advantages can be obtained, for example, when a part supplier can use immovable stock for the product, or when a production line holder can effectively use an available line. There is. Further, since the number of products to be manufactured is determined at this final stage, the manufacturer does not need to take inventory risk, and can use the same approach as that of build-to-order manufacturing.
Needless to say, manufacturers and related companies can also participate in the auction from the standpoint of consumers who purchase products. Also, even if a sufficient number of consumers do not gather at this stage, this project can proceed to the manufacturing stage if there is a company that will undertake manufacturing at a fixed number of products and at a fixed price. In other words, with this service, prices and production quantities are determined at the end of the auction at the same time, enabling low-risk, high-mix low-volume production similar to build-to-order production and supporting consumer-led production activities. Becomes

The above embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention, and various changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the following configuration can be adopted.

The project support method performed by the project support apparatus according to the present invention uses a computer and a network to execute a project (draft) including a plurality of stages.
(A) providing a place for proposals for individual stages of the project on the network, and (B) providing a place for proposals for each stage of the project from a plurality of network users. (C) inputting the success judgment of each step (draft) in consideration of the respective proposals, and (D) receiving the next step according to the success judgment of each step. (E) inputting the success judgment of the entire project (draft) according to the success judgment of each step, and (F) taking into account the respective proposals. And (G) returning to one or more previous steps (inputting a judgment) in response to the failure judgment of each of the steps (draft). May be. As a result, in a computer network, a project (draft) having a plurality of stages can be determined step by step to support the promotion of the project.

Furthermore, the project support method described above
(A) publishing on a network a service (system) that determines a project (draft) consisting of a plurality of stages in a stepwise manner; (B) recruiting users of the service on the network; C) a step of receiving a judgment in the service, (D) a step of recruiting additional users in the next stage based on the judgment, and (E) a project by repeatedly performing the above steps BD. (F) automatically charging a success fee at a fixed rate for commercial transactions established between the users of the service, and (G) providing a fee to the users of the service. Selling the right to advertise on the service; and (H) obtaining the product obtained in the project in favor of the participants from the initial stage and the ad provider. The discount rate may include the steps of setting. As a result, in a computer network, a project (draft) consisting of a plurality of stages is determined in stages, and a service for supporting the promotion of the project is widely disclosed to the public, thereby making it possible to obtain a price.

Further, the project support device is a system including a control device and a storage device connected to a network, wherein the storage device includes the control device as a device for executing each step of the project support method. A program for operating may be stored.

Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium for recording program codes (executable program, intermediate code program, source program) of a project support program which is software for realizing the above-described functions. Is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes a program code recorded on a recording medium.
Achievable. In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the above-described function, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

A recording medium for supplying the program code can be configured to be separable from a system or an apparatus. Further, the recording medium may be a medium that fixedly carries the program code so that the program code can be supplied. Even if the recording medium is mounted on a system or an apparatus so that a computer can directly read the recorded program code, the recording medium may be connected to a system or apparatus as an external storage device via a program reading apparatus connected to the system or the apparatus. It may be mounted so that it can be read.

For example, the recording medium may be a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, or a CD.
A disk system including an optical disk such as ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R, a card system such as an IC card (including a memory card) / optical card, or a mask ROM /
A semiconductor memory system such as an EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM can be used.

The program code may be recorded so that the computer can read out from the recording medium and directly execute the program code. Alternatively, the program code may be read from the main storage after being transferred from the recording medium to the program storage area of the main storage. It may be recorded so that it can be executed.

Further, the recording medium may be a medium that carries the program code in a fluid manner so that the program code can be supplied via a communication network or the like. In this case, the system or device can be configured to be connectable to a communication network (including the Internet or the like), and the program code can be supplied by downloading from the communication network.

A program for reading the program code from the recording medium and storing the program code in the main memory;
It is assumed that the program for downloading the program code from the communication network is stored in a system or an apparatus in advance so as to be executable by a computer.

The functions described above are realized not only by the computer executing the above-described program code read out, but also by the OS or the like running on the computer performing one of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It is also realized by performing part or all.

Further, the above-mentioned function is realized after the above-mentioned program code read from the above-mentioned recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board mounted on a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Based on the instructions of the program code, the functions are also realized by the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performing part or all of the actual processing.

[0155]

As described above, the project support apparatus of the present invention provides a discussion space providing means for setting up a discussion space in which a plurality of terminal devices connected to a computer network can participate, and examines the above discussion space. Progress determination means for determining, for each stage of the project including a plurality of stages to be performed, whether to proceed to the next stage based on an input from the terminal device.

Also, the project support method of the present invention
As described above, for each stage of the project including the process of providing a place for discussion to set up a place for discussion that can be participated from a plurality of terminal devices connected to the computer network, And a progress determination process for determining whether to proceed to the next stage based on an input from the terminal device.

Therefore, a forum for discussing a project including a plurality of stages is set up so that it can be participated from a plurality of terminal devices connected to the computer network, and the process proceeds to the next stage for each stage of the project. It can be determined whether or not each participant has input from the terminal device.

Therefore, according to the above configuration and method, a function for determining whether or not to proceed to the next stage in each stage of a project can be provided at the place of discussion. Is effectively promoted via a computer network.

As described above, according to the project support apparatus of the present invention, the means for providing a place for discussion is such that the place for discussion is openly set up on the computer network, and each of the projects The system is provided with a resource procurement unit for recruiting resources on the computer network for each stage.

Therefore, the project support apparatus can widely procure resources necessary for each stage of the project from all terminal apparatuses connected on the computer network. Further, the project support device can take in a provider of physical and financial resources as a participant who is a human resource.

Therefore, the project support apparatus has an effect that the necessary resources can be easily procured, and the discussion of the project can be activated to promote the progress of the project.

As described above, the project support apparatus of the present invention further comprises a participant management means for recording the participants of the project obtained by solicitation on the computer network in a participant list at each stage. In addition to the resource procurement means, the system is provided with a reward determining means for determining a reward obtained by the participant from the project in accordance with a ratio set in advance for each stage of the project.

Therefore, even a general consumer who merely gives an opinion can participate in the project via the terminal device. For example, they can participate in discussions at the planning stage and directly reflect consumer opinions in the design of products and services. In addition, they can participate in discussions at the manufacturing stage, procure necessary resources under consumer initiative, and efficiently produce.

[0164] Therefore, the above-mentioned project support apparatus opens a forum for discussion and publicly recruits participants, so that consumers can participate in the project and take the initiative in planning and designing themselves. This has the effect of making it possible to achieve purchase activities led by consumers. In addition, for a product or service supplier such as a manufacturer, by participating in a project supported by the project support device, there is an effect that it is possible to flexibly cope with small-quantity multi-product production.

Further, the project support apparatus can reflect the time when each participant participates in the project in the reward.
For example, the earlier the participant in the project,
The discount rate for purchasing products resulting from the project can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the willingness to participate in the project at an early stage, and it is possible to activate the discussion of the project and to promote the progress of the project.

As described above, the project support apparatus is:
Providing a forum for discussions and a solicitation of resources (auction) open to the public on a computer network, which enables consumers and suppliers to pursue small-lot, high-volume, low-mix purchasing activities efficiently. This has the effect of being able to provide support.

As described above, the project support apparatus of the present invention is further configured such that the progress determination means determines whether the progress of the project is possible based on the voting input by the participant from the terminal device. .

Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to proceed to the next stage for each stage of the project based on the voting input by each participant from the terminal device. Therefore, there is an effect that a project including a plurality of stages such as product manufacturing can be efficiently promoted via a computer network.

As described above, in the project support apparatus of the present invention, the resource procurement means further includes an advertisement management means for publicly soliciting an advertisement on the computer network and presenting the obtained advertisement to the discussion place. It is a configuration provided.

[0170] Therefore, the project support apparatus can sell an advertising space in which the advertisement target is limited to the participants of the project and the viewers of the discussion place. Therefore,
An advertiser who is interested in the contents of the project, or an advertiser targeting the participants and the viewers of the project as advertisers, can present an advertisement in a place for discussion. Of course, a project participant may purchase advertising space and present an advertisement in a discussion space. The project support device may incorporate the advertisement fee into the project or collect the advertisement fee as an expense of the project support device.

[0171] Therefore, in the above-mentioned project support apparatus, a place for discussion open to the public on a computer network is prepared, and an advertisement space is provided in the place for discussion and sold, thereby facilitating the project. It works.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a computer-readable recording medium storing a project support program of the present invention is a project support program for causing a computer to realize each of the above means and operating the project support apparatus. Is a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon.

With the above configuration, the project support device can be realized on a computer by the project support program read from the recording medium. Therefore, the effects of the project support device described above can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a project support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a computer network including the project support device shown in FIG. 1 and a terminal device using a project support service provided by the project support device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the project support apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a project support service provided by the project support device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of a process of a project support service provided by the project support device shown in FIG. 1, and is combined with FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of a process of a project support service provided by the project support device shown in FIG. 1, and is combined with FIGS. 5 and 7;

FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of a process of a project support service provided by the project support device shown in FIG. 1, and is combined with FIGS. 6 and 8;

FIG. 8 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of a process of a project support service provided by the project support device shown in FIG. 1, and is combined with FIGS. 7 and 9;

9 is a part of a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a project support service provided by the project support device illustrated in FIG. 1, and is combined with FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a final price among project support services provided by the project support apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

11 is a flowchart showing a process in which the terminal device shown in FIG. 2 uses a project support service.

FIG. 12 is an example of a participant data input screen displayed on the terminal device shown in FIG. 2;

13 is an explanatory diagram showing a format when participant data acquired on the participant data input screen shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the database of the project support device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an example of an advertiser data input screen displayed on the terminal device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a format when the advertiser data acquired on the advertiser data input screen shown in FIG. 14 is stored in the database of the project support device shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Project support apparatus 11 Discussion provision part (discussion provision means) 11c Voting processing part (progress judgment means) 12 Resource procurement part (resource procurement means) 12a Participant management part (participant management means) 12b Advertisement provider Management unit (advertising management unit) 14d Price calculation unit (reward determining unit) 20 Terminal device 40 Network (computer network) D1 Participant list

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuo Ozawa 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term (reference) 5B049 BB36 BB49 CC02 CC36 DD01 DD05 FF02 FF03 FF04 FF06 FF09 GG04 GG07

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A means for providing a place for discussion in which a plurality of terminal devices connected to a computer network can participate, and a means for providing a place for discussion, each stage of a project including a plurality of stages to be considered in the place for discussion And a progress judging means for judging whether or not to proceed to the next stage based on an input from the terminal device. 2. The resource providing means for providing a place for discussion on the computer network, wherein the means for providing a place for discussion is made public on the computer network, and a resource is solicited on the computer network for each stage of the project. The project support device according to claim 1, further comprising a procurement unit. 3. The resource procurement means includes participant management means for recording, in each participant list, participants of the project obtained by solicitation on the computer network at each stage. 3. The project support apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a reward determining unit configured to determine a reward that the participant obtains from the project according to a ratio set for each stage. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said progress judging means judges whether or not the project can be advanced based on a vote inputted by said participant from said terminal device. 2. The project support device according to claim 1. 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein said resource procurement means includes an advertisement management means for presenting an advertisement obtained through public offering on said computer network to said discussion place. The project support device according to the paragraph. 6. A computer-readable recording medium on which a project support program for operating the project support apparatus according to claim 1 is recorded, wherein the computer implements each of the above means. A computer-readable recording medium on which a project support program is recorded. 7. A process for providing a place for discussion in which a place for discussion can be participated from a plurality of terminal devices connected to a computer network, and for each stage of a project including a plurality of stages to be considered in the stage for discussion. A progress determination process for determining whether to proceed to the next stage based on an input from the terminal device.