Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium

By acquiring user information and location information about purchasing specific goods, and allocating vehicles to carry those goods, the problem of difficulty in purchasing goods in existing technologies is solved, enabling effective promotion in low-probability locations.

CN115700649BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-12TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
Filing Date
2022-05-23
Publication Date
2026-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies are insufficient to effectively encourage users to purchase goods, especially when users are not in locations where they are more likely to make a purchase.

Method used

Information related to a user's purchase of a specific product and the user's location information are obtained through an information processing device, and vehicles carrying the specific product are allocated to increase the likelihood of purchase.

🎯Benefits of technology

It increases the likelihood of users purchasing specific products, especially when users are not in places where they are more likely to make a purchase, thus boosting sales.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN115700649B_ABST
    Figure CN115700649B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a storage medium. An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure acquires first information related to a specific commodity that is likely to be purchased by a user. Further, the information processing apparatus acquires second information related to a location of the user. Further, the information processing apparatus allocates a specific vehicle that carries the specific commodity to the user based on the first information and the second information.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-184149 (JP 2020-184149 A) ​​discloses an information processing device for managing the sale of goods to users and the operation of a mobile store vehicle capable of autonomous movement. The information processing device disclosed in JP 2020-184149 A determines supplementary goods to be replenished to the mobile store vehicle based on the sales performance of each of a variety of goods when sold by the mobile store vehicle within a predetermined sales area. Furthermore, the information processing device generates a driving plan for the mobile store vehicle based on purchase location information, including at least location information of the purchase locations where the supplementary goods can be purchased. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that facilitates users' purchase of goods.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus including a controller. The controller is configured to acquire first information relating to a specific item that may be purchased by a user. The controller is also configured to acquire second information relating to the user's location. Furthermore, the controller is configured to allocate a specific vehicle for loading the specific item to the user based on the first and second information.

[0005] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a computer. The information processing method includes acquiring first information relating to a specific commodity that may be purchased by a user, acquiring second information relating to the location of the user, and assigning the user a specific vehicle carrying the specific commodity based on the first and second information.

[0006] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to a storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform an information processing method. The information processing method includes acquiring first information relating to a specific commodity that may be purchased by a user, acquiring second information relating to the location of the user, and allocating a specific vehicle for loading the specific commodity to the user based on the first and second information.

[0007] This disclosure can encourage users to purchase goods. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a sales system according to the first embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a management server;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the table configuration of product information stored in the product information database;

[0012] Figure 4 This is an illustration showing an example of a table configuration for schedule information stored in a schedule information database;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the vehicle allocation process;

[0014] Figure 6 This is an illustration showing a schematic configuration of a sales system according to a second embodiment. Specific Implementation

[0015] The information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of this disclosure is an apparatus for managing the allocation of vehicles used to sell goods to users. The controller in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of this disclosure acquires first information. Here, the first information is information related to a specific good that may be purchased by a user. Furthermore, the controller in the information processing apparatus acquires second information. Here, the second information is information related to the user's location. By acquiring the first and second information, the controller is able to determine the location of a user who may purchase a specific good. Therefore, the controller allocates a specific vehicle to the user based on the first and second information. Here, the specific vehicle is a vehicle carrying the specific good.

[0016] As described above, the information processing device can assign a specific vehicle carrying a specific product to a user. Therefore, it encourages the user to purchase a specific product from that specific vehicle, given the higher probability of the user making the purchase. This, in turn, promotes the user's purchase of the product.

[0017] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below based on the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] First Embodiment

[0019] System Overview

[0020] Based on Figure 1The sales system 1 in this embodiment is described. Figure 1 This is an illustration showing a schematic configuration of a sales system 1 according to this embodiment. The sales system 1 includes a user terminal 100, an EC server 200, a management server 300, and sales vehicles 400. In the sales system 1, the user terminal 100, EC server 200, management server 300, and sales vehicles 400 are interconnected via a network N1. The network N1 can be a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, which is a global public communication network, or a telephone communication network, such as a portable telephone.

[0021] User terminal

[0022] User terminal 100 is a terminal associated with user 10. User terminal 100 is, for example, a portable information terminal used by user 10. User 10 uses user terminal 100 to purchase goods sold on the EC site. In this case, user 10 can consider whether to purchase a particular item from among several items sold on the EC site. In this case, user 10 uses user terminal 100 to provide a label indicating that user 10 is considering purchasing the item on the EC site (hereinafter referred to as the "specific item"). User terminal 100 sends label information indicating that the specific item has been labeled to EC server 200 via network N1. Furthermore, user terminal 100 sends schedule information related to user 10's schedule to management server 300 via network N1. Here, the schedule information includes information about user 10's future location. Additionally, user 10 uses user terminal 100 to register the location of user 10's workplace. User terminal 100 sends information related to the location of user 10's workplace to management server 300.

[0023] EC Server

[0024] EC server 200 is a server used to run an e-commerce (EC) site. EC server 200 sells various goods on the EC site. EC server 200 receives tag information from user terminal 100 via network N1. Therefore, EC server 200 is able to identify specific goods. Therefore, EC server 200 generates information related to specific goods (hereinafter, may be referred to as "goods information") and stores the generated information in a non-transitory storage medium.

[0025] Note that in this embodiment, the EC server 200 generates product information by receiving tag information from the user terminal 100. However, the EC server 200 does not always have to generate product information by receiving tag information from the user terminal 100. Known methods can be used as methods for the EC server 200 to generate product information. The EC server 200 can generate product information based, for example, on the time that the user terminal 100 continuously displays a product page on the EC site. In this case, the EC server 200 specifies, for example, products for which the user terminal 100 continuously displays the product page for a predetermined time or longer as specific products to generate product information. Furthermore, the EC server 200 can generate product information, for example, by obtaining information related to products that are registered in the favorites list but have not been purchased. Additionally, the EC server 200 can generate product information, for example, by obtaining information related to products that are added to the shopping cart but have not been purchased.

[0026] Vehicles for sale

[0027] A sales vehicle 400 is a vehicle carrying a variety of goods, including a specific product. The sales vehicle 400 sells the loaded goods by moving to a location where a customer is present. The sales vehicle 400 can be an autonomous vehicle or a vehicle driven by a driver.

[0028] Management Server

[0029] Management server 300 is a device for managing the allocation of sales vehicles 400. Management server 300 receives information related to the location of user 10's workplace from user terminal 100. Thus, management server 300 can determine the location of user 10's workplace. Furthermore, management server 300 receives product information from EC server 200. Additionally, management server 300 receives user 10's schedule information from user terminal 100. Furthermore, management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 to user 10 based on product information and schedule information. Details of the method by which management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 to user 10 will be described below.

[0030] The management server 300 is configured as a computer including a processor 310, a main storage unit 320, a secondary storage unit 330, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 340. The processor 310 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP). The main storage unit 320 is, for example, random access memory (RAM). The secondary storage unit 330 is, for example, read-only memory (ROM). Furthermore, the secondary storage unit 330 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a disc recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. Additionally, the secondary storage unit 330 can be a removable medium (portable storage medium). Examples of removable media include USB memory or SD cards. The communication I / F 340 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0031] In management server 300, the operating system (OS), various programs, various information tables, etc., are stored in auxiliary storage unit 330. Furthermore, in management server 300, processor 310 can implement the various functions described below by loading programs stored in auxiliary storage unit 330 into main storage unit 320 and executing these programs. Note that some or all of the functions in management server 300 can be implemented by hardware circuitry such as ASICs or FPGAs. Note that management server 300 does not always have to be implemented by a single physical configuration and can be configured by multiple computers linked together.

[0032] Functional Configuration

[0033] Next, based on Figures 2 to 4 The functional configuration of the management server 300 constituting the sales system 1 according to this embodiment is described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the management server 300.

[0034] The management server 300 includes a controller 301, a communication unit 302, a product information database 303 (product information DB 303), and a user information database 304 (schedule information DB 304). The controller 301 has the function of performing arithmetic processing for controlling the management server 300. The controller 301 can be implemented by the processor 310 in the management server 300. The communication unit 302 has the function of connecting the management server 300 to the network N1. The communication unit 302 can be implemented through the communication I / F 340 in the management server 300.

[0035] The controller 301 receives product information from the EC server 200 via the communication unit 302. The controller 301 stores the received product information in the product information DB 303. Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating the table configuration of product information stored in Product Information DB 303. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the product information includes a user ID field, a product ID field, and a consideration date and time field. An identifier (user ID) for user 10 is entered into the user ID field. An identifier (product ID) for a specific product is entered into the product ID field. The date and time user 10 considers purchasing the specific product is entered into the consideration date and time field. That is, the date and time when user 10 assigns a tag to a specific product using user terminal 100 is entered into the consideration date and time field.

[0036] The controller 301 receives schedule information from the user terminal 100 via the communication unit 302. The controller 301 stores the received schedule information in the schedule information DB 304. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration representing the schedule information stored in schedule information DB 304. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the schedule information includes a user ID field, a date and time field, and a location field. User 10's user ID is entered into the user ID field. The date and time when user 10 has a schedule are entered into the date and time field. The location where user 10 is scheduled to be at the date and time entered into the date and time field is entered into the location field. For example, the date and time when user 10 is at work and the location of user 10's workplace are entered into the date and time field and the location field to correspond to each other. Furthermore, for example, the date and time when user 10 is at home and the location of user 10's home are entered into the date and time field and the location field to correspond to each other. Controller 301 retrieves product information from the product information DB 303. As a result, controller 301 is able to determine the specific product that user 10 is considering purchasing.

[0037] Here, it is assumed that user 10 is at work, assuming user 10 is present at their workplace. Therefore, even if sales vehicle 400 is assigned near user 10's workplace when user 10 is present, it is assumed that the probability of user 10 purchasing a specific item is low. Therefore, controller 301 obtains schedule information from schedule information DB 304. As a result, controller 301 can determine the location of user 10 at a specific date and time. Therefore, if user 10 is present at their workplace when sales vehicle 400 is assigned, controller 301 will not assign sales vehicle 400 to user 10. Note that in this embodiment, user 10's workplace corresponds to the "reserved location" according to this disclosure.

[0038] Vehicle allocation process

[0039] Next, in the sales system 1 according to this embodiment, based on Figure 5The vehicle allocation process performed by the control unit 301 in the management server 300 will be described. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the vehicle allocation process. The vehicle allocation process is used to assign sales vehicle 400 to user 10. The execution of the vehicle allocation process begins at a predetermined time. This predetermined time is, for example, the moment when the administrator of management server 300 allocates sales vehicle 400 and attempts to sell a specific item to user 10.

[0040] In the vehicle allocation process, firstly, in S101, product information is retrieved from product information DB 303. Next, in S102, a specific product is specified from the product ID included in the product information. Furthermore, in S103, schedule information is retrieved from schedule information DB 304. Next, in S104, based on the schedule information, it is determined whether user 10 is present at the workplace on the expected date and time of arrival of sales vehicle 400. If a positive determination is made in S104, the probability of user 10 purchasing the specific product is considered low. Therefore, if a positive determination is made in S104, the vehicle allocation process ends.

[0041] In the case of a negative judgment in S104, the likelihood of user 10 purchasing the specific product is higher compared to the case of a positive judgment. Therefore, in S105, the sales vehicle 400 is assigned to user 10. In S106, a notification message indicating that the sales vehicle 400 carrying the specific product has been assigned to user 10 is sent to user terminal 100. As a result, user 10 is aware that the sales vehicle 400 carrying the specific product has been assigned to user 10. Furthermore, the vehicle allocation process terminates. Note that the notification message in this embodiment corresponds to "information related to the allocation of a specific vehicle" according to this disclosure.

[0042] As described above, sales system 1 assigns a sales vehicle 400 loaded with a specific item that user 10 is considering purchasing at the EC site to user 10. Therefore, user 10 can reconsider purchasing the specific item they previously considered. Here, since user 10 is considering purchasing the specific item at the EC site, user 10 does not actually consider purchasing it when actually viewing the item. However, since the sales vehicle 400 loaded with the specific item is assigned to user 10 by sales system 1, user 10 can actually view the specific item and reconsider purchasing it. Furthermore, the sales vehicle 400 is assigned to user 10 when user 10 is present at a location where the likelihood of user 10 purchasing the specific item is high. This encourages user 10 to purchase the specific item. Therefore, it promotes the purchase of goods sold at the EC site.

[0043] Variant Example 1

[0044] In this embodiment, the management server 300 allocates the sales vehicle 400 using the user 10's schedule information. However, the management server 300 does not always have to allocate the sales vehicle 400 using the user 10's schedule information. For example, the management server 300 can allocate the sales vehicle 400 based on the user 10's current location. Specifically, when performing vehicle allocation processing, the management server 300 obtains the user 10's current location instead of schedule information. Furthermore, if it is determined that the user 10 is currently at a location other than the workplace, the management server 300 allocates the sales vehicle 400 to the user 10's current location. That is, the management server 300 does not allocate a specific vehicle when it determines that the user 10 is currently at the workplace. Even so, it can still encourage the user 10 to purchase a specific product.

[0045] Variation Example 2

[0046] In this embodiment, the management server 300 receives product information from the EC server 200, which is information related to products that user 10 is considering purchasing. Thus, the management server 300 knows which products (specific products) user 10 might purchase. However, the management server 300 does not always have to receive product information from the EC server 200 to know which products user 10 might purchase. For example, the management server 300 can know which products user 10 might purchase by receiving information related to user 10's purchase history from the EC server 200. Specifically, in the vehicle allocation process, the management server 300 obtains information related to user 10's purchase history, rather than product information. The management server 300 designates products that user 10 purchases at a predetermined frequency as products that user 10 might purchase (specific products). Furthermore, if user 10 is outside the workplace, the management server 300 allocates a sales vehicle 400 to user 10.

[0047] In addition to user 10's purchase history, management server 300 can specify specific products based on, for example, user 10's preferences. In this case, management server 300 receives information related to user 10's preferences from EC server 200. Furthermore, management server 300 designates products that match user 10's preferences as products that user 10 is likely to purchase (specific products).

[0048] Variation Example 3

[0049] In this embodiment, during vehicle allocation processing, when sales vehicle 400 is allocated to user 10, management server 300 sends notification information related to the allocation of sales vehicle 400 to user terminal 100. However, management server 300 may send inquiry information to user terminal 100 before sales vehicle 400 is allocated to user 10. Here, inquiry information is used to ask user 10 whether they request the allocation of sales vehicle 400 loaded with specific goods.

[0050] In this scenario, upon receiving an inquiry related to the allocation of the sales vehicle 400, the user terminal 100 displays a screen indicating whether the user 10 has requested the allocation of the sales vehicle 400. If the user 10 requests the allocation of the sales vehicle 400 to purchase a specific item or to reconsider a purchase, the user 10 uses the user terminal 100 to send a request message to request the allocation of the sales vehicle 400. Upon receiving the request message from the user terminal 100, the management server 300 allocates the sales vehicle 400 to the user 10.

[0051] Therefore, when user 10 requests the allocation of sales vehicle 400, sales vehicle 400 can be allocated to user 10. Thus, compared to allocating sales vehicle 400 without receiving a request, sales vehicle 400 can be allocated to user 10 who is more likely to purchase a specific product. Note that the query information in this embodiment corresponds to "information related to the allocation of a specific vehicle" according to this disclosure.

[0052] Variation Example 4

[0053] In this embodiment, the management server 300 does not assign the sales vehicle 400 if user 10 is present at their workplace. However, the location where the management server 300 does not assign the sales vehicle 400 to user 10 is not always limited to user 10's workplace. The location where the management server 300 does not assign the sales vehicle 400 to user 10 could be user 10's school. Additionally, a designated location could be a location that user 10 has registered as not purchasing goods even if the sales vehicle 400 is assigned to user 10. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that user 10's workplace is a location where the probability of user 10 purchasing a particular item is low. However, the management server 300 may assign the sales vehicle 400 even if user 10 is present at their workplace.

[0054] Variant Example 5

[0055] In this variant, the management server 300 is an apparatus for managing the allocation of multiple sales vehicles 400. In this case, the management server 300 has vehicle information relating to each sales vehicle 400 and the goods loaded on each sales vehicle 400. The management server 300 determines which sales vehicle 400 carrying a specific product is to be allocated, and allocates the determined sales vehicle 400 to user 10 based on the vehicle information. Furthermore, when a sales vehicle 400 carrying a specific product exists, the management server 300 determines the sales vehicle 400 closest to the vehicle allocation destination for user 10's specific product as the sales vehicle 400 to be allocated to the user.

[0056] Second Embodiment

[0057] In the first embodiment, the specific product is the product that user 10 considers to purchase on the EC site. In this embodiment, however, the specific product is the product that user 10 considers to purchase in a store. The following description will only focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0058] System Overview

[0059] Based on Figure 6 The sales system 2 in this embodiment is described. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the general configuration of the sales system 2 in this embodiment. The sales system 2 includes a user terminal 100, a management server 300, sales vehicles 400, and employee terminals 500. In the sales system 2, the user terminal 100, management server 300, sales vehicles 400, and employee terminals 500 are interconnected via a network N1.

[0060] Employee Terminal

[0061] Employee terminal 500 is a terminal in the store. Employee terminal 500 is, for example, a point-of-sale (POS) machine in the store. Employee terminal 500 is used by employee 50. Here, employee 50 is an employee in the store responsible for customer service. When user 10 visits the store, employee 50 is responsible for serving user 10. By serving user 10, employee 50 can understand the products user 10 is considering purchasing. Known methods can be used as a way for employee 50 in the store to designate user 10. For example, employee 50 designates user 10 by communicating with user terminal 100 using a device set up in the store and identifying store visitors, and by obtaining a user ID used to designate user 10. Therefore, employee 50 inputs information related to the products user 10 is considering purchasing into employee terminal 500. Based on the information input by employee 50 related to the products user 10 is considering purchasing, employee terminal 500 generates product information and sends the product information to management server 300.

[0062] The management server 300 receives product information from the employee terminal 500. The management server 300 stores the received product information in the product information DB 303. Furthermore, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 based on the product information stored in the product information DB 303 and the user 10's schedule information. Even so, it can encourage the user 10 to purchase specific products. Therefore, it can promote the purchase of products sold in the store.

[0063] Variation Example

[0064] In this embodiment, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 based on product information received from employee terminals 500. However, the management server 300 does not always have to allocate sales vehicles 400 based on product information received from employee terminals 500. The management server 300 receives, for example, moving images of the store interior captured by cameras within the store. The moving images received by the management server 300 may include actions taken by users 10 in the store.

[0065] The management server 300 assigns user 10 based on the received motion images. Furthermore, the management server 300 detects whether user 10 is considering purchasing a product based on the received motion images. For example, the management server 300 detects that user 10 is considering purchasing a product if user 10 has viewed the product for a scheduled time or longer. When the management server 300 detects that user 10 is considering purchasing a product, it records the product ID of the product that user 10 is considering purchasing in the product information database 303. Furthermore, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 based on the product information in the product information database 303 and user 10's schedule information. Even so, this can encourage user 10 to purchase a specific product.

[0066] Third Embodiment

[0067] In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are multiple users 10. The following description only addresses the differences from the first embodiment.

[0068] The management server 300 receives product information related to products that each user 10 is considering purchasing on the EC site from the user terminals 100 used by each user 10. The management server 300 stores the product information related to each user 10 received from the user terminals 100 in a product information DB 303. Here, the specific product indicated by the product information related to each user 10 may be different for each user 10. Additionally, the management server 300 receives the schedule information of each user 10 from the user terminals 100. The management server 300 stores the schedule information of each user 10 received from the user terminals 100 in a schedule information DB 304.

[0069] In the vehicle allocation process, when each user 10 is not present at their respective workplace, the management server 300 allocates a specific vehicle to each user 10, loaded with the specific goods that each user 10 intends to purchase. In this case, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 according to the priority of each user 10. Specifically, the management server 300 sets the priority of each user 10 according to the most recent date and time of consideration in the product information associated with each user 10. Furthermore, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 such that the access order of sales vehicles 400 is earlier with higher priority.

[0070] Here, user 10, who considers a more recent date and time, has a shorter time after considering the specific product. Therefore, it is assumed that user 10, who considers a more recent date and time, is more interested in the specific product than user 10, who considers an older date and time. Furthermore, when the sales vehicle 400 arrives near user 10, advancing the access order can inhibit user 10 from moving away from that location. Therefore, by advancing the access order of the sales vehicle 400 to user 10 who is more interested in the specific product, the sales vehicle 400 can be more reliably allocated to that user 10. As a result, it can encourage user 10, who is more interested in the specific product, to purchase it.

[0071] Variant Example 1

[0072] In this embodiment, priorities are set according to the order in which the consideration dates and times in the product information related to each user 10 are updated. However, priorities do not always have to be set according to the order in which the consideration dates and times in the product information related to each user 10 are updated. For example, priorities can be set based on the order in which the user 10 considered purchasing a specific product a longer period of time (the longer the consideration period for the specific product). In this case, it is assumed that the user 10 who considered purchasing the specific product over a longer period of time is more hesitant to purchase the specific product than the user 10 who considered purchasing the specific product over a shorter period of time. Therefore, the management server 300 will set the priority of users 10 who have a longer period of time after considering purchasing the specific product to be higher than the priority of users 10 who have a shorter period of time after considering purchasing the specific product. Therefore, the sales vehicle 400 can be more reliably allocated to users 10 who are more hesitant to purchase the specific product. Therefore, the purchase of the specific product by users 10 who are more hesitant to purchase the specific product can be encouraged.

[0073] Variation Example 2

[0074] In this embodiment, when user 10 is present, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 based on priority. Alternatively, in a variant, the management server 300 allocates sales vehicles 400 based on the location where user 10 is present. Specifically, the management server 300 can determine the center of gravity of the location where user 10 is present (or a point near the center of gravity where sales vehicles 400 are easily parked) as the vehicle allocation destination for sales vehicles 400. In addition to the center of gravity of the location where user 10 is present, the management server 300 can determine predetermined locations easily accessible to user 10 as the vehicle allocation destination for sales vehicles 400. Therefore, sales vehicles 400 are allocated to locations easily accessible to all users 10. This can encourage user 10 to purchase specific goods.

[0075] Other embodiments

[0076] The above embodiments are merely examples, and this disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the processes and methods described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented, provided there are no technical contradictions.

[0077] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device can be distributed and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices can be performed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) for implementing various functions can be flexibly varied.

[0078] This disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer program that performs the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having the program read and executed by one or more processors included in the computer. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD) etc.) or optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a controller configured to perform Obtain first information related to a specific product that may be purchased by the user, wherein the specific product is a product whose page is continuously displayed on the user's user terminal for a predetermined time or longer, and is a product that the user is considering purchasing from a store that sells the specific product. The system acquires second information related to the user's current location or as schedule information including the user's future location, and assigns a specific vehicle to the user to load the specific goods based on the first and second information. in, The controller is further configured to not allocate the specific vehicle when it is determined, based on the second information, that the user exists at a predetermined location, the predetermined location being a location pre-registered as a place where the user will not purchase goods.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The designated location is the user's workplace or school.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The specific vehicle is determined based on information relating multiple vehicles and the goods loaded on those vehicles.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The specific product is the product that the user is considering purchasing on the EC site; and The first information is information relating the specific product and the user.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to obtain the first information from a server device that manages the EC site.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to obtain the first information from a terminal associated with an employee in the store.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to acquire the first information based on motion images of the user captured by a camera in the store.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to specify the specific product based on the user's purchase history.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to specify the particular product based on the user's preferences.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to allocate a specific vehicle to multiple users based on the priority of allocating the specific vehicle to the multiple users when multiple users exist.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The priority is determined based on the date and time when each of the multiple users considers purchasing the specific product.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: in the presence of multiple users, determine a vehicle destination for the multiple users based on the second information associated with the multiple users.

13. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The controller is configured to send information related to the allocation of the specific vehicle to the terminal associated with the user.

14. An information processing method executed by a computer, the information processing method comprising: Obtain first information related to a specific product that may be purchased by a user, wherein the specific product is a product whose page is continuously displayed on the user's user terminal for a predetermined time or longer and is a product that the user is considering purchasing at a store that sells the specific product; Obtain second information related to the user's current location or as schedule information including the user's future location; as well as Based on the first information and the second information, a specific vehicle for loading the specific goods is assigned to the user. The information processing method further includes not assigning the specific vehicle when it is determined, based on the second information, that the user exists at a predetermined location, wherein the predetermined location is a location pre-registered as a place where the user will not purchase goods.

15. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform an information processing method, the information processing method comprising: Obtain first information related to a specific product that may be purchased by a user, wherein the specific product is a product whose page is continuously displayed on the user's user terminal for a predetermined time or longer and is a product that the user is considering purchasing at a store that sells the specific product; Obtain second information related to the user's current location or as schedule information including the user's future location; as well as Based on the first information and the second information, a specific vehicle for loading the specific goods is assigned to the user. The information processing method further includes not assigning the specific vehicle when it is determined, based on the second information, that the user exists at a predetermined location, wherein the predetermined location is a location pre-registered as a place where the user will not purchase goods.