Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

It possesses: customer-specific means, which are used to identify one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a customer based on information about the products purchased by the customer, i.e., purchase history information; and reward-granting means, which are used to grant a reward to a specific customer when any of the aforementioned one or more secondary customers purchases a certain product; and information-providing means, which can be used to provide relational information that visualizes the relationship between the aforementioned customer and the aforementioned one or more secondary customers. Furthermore, the aforementioned customer-specific method involves designating a person who has received product information about a certain product from a certain customer as a prior secondary customer, and establishing a link between the purchase history information of the designated secondary customer and the identification information of the first customer; the aforementioned information-providing method involves referring to the prior purchase history information of the prior secondary customer linked to the identification information of the first customer, and providing the fact that the relationship between the first customer and the secondary customer is a provider and recipient relationship of the aforementioned product information as the aforementioned related relationship information.

Description

5 10 15 20 25 、、 / Instruction Manual Information Processing System, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Program Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program that can visualize the relationship between customers and repeat customers. Background Art

[0002] Previously, a successful reward type brokerage system included: a performance determination means, which periodically obtains purchase information and determines whether the memory unit remembers past purchase information caused by the same customer as the customer of the previously recorded purchase information, or whether the memory unit remembers information indicating that the sales website such as the product was accessed through a specific link (specific access information); and a performance memory means, which remembers the performance of the sales partner as such when the memory unit of a designated terminal remembers the previously recorded past purchase information or specific access information; and a reward calculation and awarding means, which awards the reward to the previous sales partner based on the previous partner's performance, which has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7650116

[0004] The prior success reward type referral system mainly aims to reward the sales partner when a customer who has browsed the sales partner's product introduction website or made a purchase. Although the relationship between the customer and the sales partner can be known, the relationship between the customer and the secondary customer cannot be grasped.

[0005] In view of this fact, the present invention attempts to provide an information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program that can give a customer the motivation to introduce the product to the secondary customer, thereby increasing the sales of the product.The technical solution adopted to solve the technical problem

[0006] The information processing system described in this invention is an information processing system, characterized by having: a memory means, which can be used to memorize the information of the customer's purchased goods history, i.e., purchase history information; and a customer-specific means, which can be used to specify one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on the prior purchase history information; and a reward-granting means, which can be used to grant a reward to a certain customer when any one of the previous one or more secondary customers purchases a certain goods; and an information-providing means, which can be used to provide the relationship information of the previous customer and the previous one or more secondary customers, visualized as a relationship; the previous customer-specific means, referring to the previous purchase history information of a certain customer, and based on the information contained in the purchase history information, specifying the person who received the product information about a certain product from that customer, A specific secondary customer is identified by linking the purchase history information of that secondary customer with the customer's identification information. The method of providing prior information involves referencing the prior purchase history information of the secondary customer linked to the identification information of that previous customer, and providing the relationship between that customer and the secondary customer as a provider and recipient of prior product information as prior related relationship information. Furthermore, the method of providing prior information involves referencing the prior purchase history information of the secondary customer linked to the identification information of that previous customer, and obtaining and providing purchase action information representing the secondary customer's purchase action pattern from the purchase history information. The purchase action pattern of the secondary customer includes: a pattern of browsing prior product information obtained from a previous customer and then purchasing a prior product; a pattern of browsing prior product information but not purchasing a prior product; and a pattern of obtaining prior product information but not browsing the product information.-2- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25

[0007] The information processing method described in this invention is an information processing method executed by a computer using a memory means that can remember the information of a customer's purchased goods history, i.e., purchase history information. Its characteristics are that the aforementioned computer can at least execute: a customer-specific step, which, based on the aforementioned purchase history information, specifies one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer; and a reward-granting step, which, when any one of the aforementioned one or more secondary customers purchases a certain product, grants a reward to that customer; and an information-providing step, which provides relational information that can visualize the relationship between that customer and the aforementioned one or more secondary customers; the aforementioned customer-specific step, which refers to the aforementioned customer's prior purchase history information and, based on the information contained in that purchase history information... A person who receives product information about a certain product from a certain customer is specifically designated as a secondary customer. The purchase history information of this secondary customer is linked to the identification information of the first customer. The secondary information provision step involves referring to the secondary customer's purchase history information linked to the identification information of the first customer, and providing the relationship between the first customer and the secondary customer as a provider and recipient of the product information as secondary relationship information. The secondary information provision step further involves referring to the secondary customer's purchase history information linked to the identification information of the first customer, and obtaining and providing purchase action information indicating the secondary customer's purchase action pattern from the purchase history information. The purchase action pattern of the secondary customer includes: a pattern of browsing the product information obtained from the first customer and then purchasing the product; a pattern of browsing the product information but not purchasing the product; and a pattern of obtaining the product information but not browsing it.

[0008] The information processing program described in this invention is an information processing program characterized by enabling a computer to perform the following functions: a memory means, which can be used to memorize information about the history of goods purchased by a customer, i.e., purchase history information; and a customer-specific means, which can be used to specify one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on the prior purchase history information; and a reward-granting means, which can be used to grant a reward to a certain customer when any one of the previous one or more secondary customers purchases a certain product; and an information-providing means, which can be used to provide relational information visualized from the relationship between a certain customer and the previous one or more secondary customers; and the prior customer-specific means, which refers to the prior purchase history information of a certain customer. Based on the information contained in the purchase history information, a person who received product information about a certain product from a certain customer is specifically designated as a prior secondary customer. A link is established between the purchase history information of this designated secondary customer and the identification information of the previous customer. The prior information provision method involves referring to the prior purchase history information of the prior secondary customer linked to the identification information of the previous customer, and providing the fact that the relationship between the previous customer and the secondary customer is that of a provider and recipient of the prior product information as prior related relationship information. The prior information provision method further involves referring to the prior purchase history information of the prior secondary customer linked to the identification information of the previous customer, and obtaining and providing purchase action information indicating the purchase action pattern of the secondary customer from the purchase history information. The purchase action pattern of the prior secondary customer includes: a pattern of browsing the prior product information obtained from the previous customer and then purchasing the prior product; and a pattern of browsing the prior product information but not purchasing the prior product. And a mode in which the product information is obtained but not viewed. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the information processing system, information processing method and information processing program described in this invention, a customer can be motivated to introduce the product to a second customer, thereby increasing the sales of the product and achieving such excellent results. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the information processing system 10 described in this embodiment.[Figure 2] System configuration diagram of an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 described in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Illustration of an example of customer-secondary customer relationship information and secondary customer purchase behavior information. (Explanation of symbols)

[0011] -4- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25 10: Information processing system; 12: System terminal; 12a: Memory means; 12b: Customer-specific means; 12c: Information providing means; 16: External terminal; 21: CPU; 22: ROM; 23: RAM; 24: Recording medium; 25: External memory drive; 26: Memory device; 27: Input device; 28: Display device; 29: Communication unit. Detailed Description

[0012] Hereinafter, the information processing system 10 described in an embodiment of the present invention will be described using drawings.

[0013] Overview of the Information Processing System First, using FIG1, an overview of the information processing system 10 described in this embodiment will be explained. FIG1 is an overview diagram of the information processing system 10 described in this embodiment.

[0014] The information processing system 10 described in this embodiment is an information processing system characterized by having: a memory means 12a, which can be used to memorize information on the history of goods purchased by a customer, i.e., purchase history information; and a customer-specific means 12b, which can be used to specify one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on the purchase history information; and an information providing means 12c, which can be used to provide information on the relationship between a certain customer and one or more secondary customers, visualized as a relationship.

[0015] According to the information processing system described in this embodiment, the relationship between customers and repeat customers can be visualized based on purchase history information. This allows for an intuitive understanding of how product information is disseminated or diffused, enabling the execution of purchase analysis and effective promotional measures.

[0016] Here, "purchase history information" refers to the information on the purchase history of a specific individual (customer).As "purchase history information", examples include: (1) customer information (customer ID, gender, age, membership level, personal information, etc.), (2) product information (product ID, product name, category, brand, unit price, etc.), (3) purchase information (purchase date, purchase time, purchase quantity, total amount, payment method, etc.), (4) store information (store ID, store name, sales channel (store / EC), etc.), (5) promotional activity information (coupon usage, points usage, discount rate, etc.), (6) purchase frequency (number of purchases, average purchase interval, most recent purchase date, etc.).

[0017] The so-called "secondary customer" refers to a customer who has a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer. Secondary customers are not limited to those who have a direct relationship with a customer (e.g., a customer's friend, a customer's relative, a customer's colleague, etc.), but also include those who have no direct relationship with a customer but have an indirect relationship (e.g., a friend of a customer's friend, an acquaintance of a customer's relative, a friend of a customer's colleague, etc.). Furthermore, secondary customers are not limited to customers who have actually purchased the product, but also include potential customers who have not yet purchased the product.

[0018] As a "secondary customer" identified based on purchase history information, examples include: a person who receives an introduction to a product or service from a customer (or other secondary customer) (not the introducer), or a person who receives product information (e.g., discount coupons, information on special sales or events, information on new product launches or resale) from a customer (or other secondary customer) through communication means such as email or SNS. These secondary customers can be identified based on customer information (such as customer ID or personal information), purchase information (such as purchase date or quantity), and promotional information (such as coupon usage) contained in the purchase history information of a certain customer (or other secondary customers).

[0019] The so-called "relationship information" refers to information that visualizes the relationship between a certain customer and one or more secondary customers. Examples of "relationship information" include: a relationship diagram that visualizes the relationship between customers as shown in Figure 3, and a graphic that visualizes the connection between customers using nodes and edges.

[0020] The so-called "relationship" refers to the connection or influence relationship between two or more people.Examples of "related relationships" include: the introducer and the introducer of a product, the provider and the recipient of information about a product, friends or followers on social networking sites (SNS), companions in specific groups on SNS, friendships, blood relations, employment relationships, etc. Furthermore, "visualization" refers to transforming information invisible to the human eye into images or graphics, making it visible to the naked eye.

[0021] In addition, the information-providing means 12c (or added to it) can be replaced by a reward-granting means, which grants a reward (e.g., coupons, points, cash, discount information, etc.) to a customer when one or more secondary customers purchase a product.

[0022] With such a configuration, a customer can be motivated to introduce the product to secondary customers, thereby increasing product sales.

[0023] Furthermore, it may also include: an analysis means for analyzing the purchasing behavior patterns of secondary customers; and an information providing means 12c that may further provide purchasing behavior information representing the purchasing behavior patterns of secondary customers.

[0024] If configured in this way, in addition to the relationship between customers and secondary customers, by visualizing the purchasing behavior of secondary customers, the process from the purchase of a certain product can be intuitively grasped, and purchasing analysis or effective promotional measures can be performed. -7- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25

[0025] Furthermore, as an "analysis method" for analyzing the purchasing behavior of secondary customers, examples include: a procedure for analyzing the purchasing behavior of secondary customers based on customer information (e.g., customer ID, personal information), purchase information (e.g., purchase date or quantity purchased), and promotional activity information (e.g., coupon usage) contained in the purchase history information of a customer (or the secondary customer itself) with whom the secondary customer has a relationship; or a procedure for analyzing the purchasing behavior of secondary customers by means of a purchasing behavior model (e.g., AIDMA or AIDA).

[0026] "Purchase behavior information" refers to information representing the purchasing behavior pattern of secondary customers. As a "purchasing behavior pattern", examples include: a pattern of browsing product information about a certain product obtained from a certain customer and then purchasing that product; a pattern of browsing product information but not purchasing a certain product; a pattern of obtaining product information but not browsing that product information, etc.Furthermore, as an adjunct to these purchasing action patterns, examples of purchasing action patterns include: introducing product information to other secondary customers, and publishing product information on websites or social networking sites.

[0027] Furthermore, the relevant relationship information may also include specific information about a customer and a secondary customer who have been involved until a certain product is purchased by a secondary customer.

[0028] If configured in this way, the process or interpersonal relationships up to the purchase of a certain product can be intuitively grasped, and purchasing analysis or effective promotional measures can be performed.

[0029] Furthermore, the purchase history information of a certain customer (and secondary customers) may be repeatedly provided as learning material, and the relevant relationship information corresponding to that customer may be learned through machine learning.

[0030] If configured in this way, the relevant relationships corresponding to each customer can be grasped, and the effectiveness of promotional measures can be further improved.

[0031] -8- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25 Furthermore, the customer-specific means 12b can also be configured to: specify secondary customers who are directly related to a certain customer based on the purchase history information of a certain customer, and specify other secondary customers who are directly related to the specified secondary customer based on the purchase history information of the specified secondary customer.

[0032] If configured in this way, a certain customer and a plurality of secondary customers can be specified in a chain based on the purchase history information, which can not only improve the overall processing speed of the system, but also improve the reliability of the related relationships.

[0033] 《System Configuration Example》 Next, using FIG2, a configuration example of the information processing system 10 described in this embodiment will be described. FIG2 is a system configuration diagram of the configuration example of the information processing system 10 described in this embodiment.

[0034] The information processing system 10 may, for example, be configured to include: a system terminal 12 controlling the entire system, and a purchasing information terminal 12a and an external terminal 16 connected to the system terminal 12 via a network NW for mutual communication.

[0035] The system terminal 12, which is the terminal controlling the entire information processing system 10, is composed of a previously known server or personal computer. Furthermore, although the system terminal 12 is configured as one server in this example, it may also be configured as multiple servers or personal computers.The hardware configuration of system terminal 12 and the programs executed by system terminal 12 will be described later.

[0036] Purchase information terminal 12a is a terminal (memory means) required for a sales store (e.g., a drugstore, retail store, convenience store, etc.) to remember the purchase history information of the customer, and is composed of a POS terminal or a previously known server or personal computer.

[0037] In addition, although the purchase information terminal 12a is configured with one POS terminal in this example, it can also be configured with multiple POS terminals, servers or personal computers, etc. -9- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25 Furthermore, the terminal (memory means) used to remember the purchase history information can also be a memory means (e.g., the memory device 26 shown in FIG2) that is connected to the internal part of system terminal 12 through a local area network (e.g., LAN or P2P).

[0038] External terminal 16 is a terminal used by users of the information processing system 10 (e.g., vendors selling goods), and is composed of personal computers, tablet computers, smartphones, etc. The type of external terminal 16 is not particularly limited, but examples such as smartphones, personal computers, and tablet computers used by individuals are acceptable.

[0039] Network NW is a line that allows communication between system terminal 12, purchasing information terminal 12a, and external terminal 16. Typically, it is composed of a WAN (Wide Area Network), also known as the Internet. Furthermore, the network NW can be wired / wireless, or it can be a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a combination of these lines.

[0040] (System Terminal / Hardware Configuration Example) Next, the hardware configuration example of system terminal 12 will be described.

[0041] System terminal 12, as shown in FIG2, is configured to include, for example: CPU 21, and ROM 22, RAM 23, external memory drive 25, memory device 26, input device 27, display device 28, communication unit 29, etc., which are connected to the CPU 21 through a bus.

[0042] The CPU 21 is a control means for the entire system terminal 12. It performs processing such as executing applications or operating systems (OS) stored in ROM 22 or memory device 26, or storing data or files necessary for program execution into RAM 23 or memory device 26.

[0043] ROM 22 is a memory means for storing basic I / O programs or various data. It is constructed from, for example, PROM, flash memory, etc. RAM 23 is a memory means for temporarily storing data. It is constructed from, for example, SDRAM, DRAM, etc. External memory drive 25 is a control means for reading and writing data to recording media 24 such as magnetic tape or DVD. It is constructed from, for example, magnetic tape storage or DVD drive.

[0044] The memory device 26 is a means of storing applications, OS, control programs, related programs, various information, etc., and is constructed using, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SDD). The input device 27 is a device for inputting commands (instructions) to the system terminal 12, and is constructed using, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse), or a touch panel.

[0045] The display device 28 displays the commands input through the input device 27, or the response output of the system terminal 12 to the commands, or various displays, and is constructed using, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL. The communication unit 29 is a control means for controlling communication with the purchased information terminal 12a or an external terminal 16 via the network NW, and is constructed using, for example, a communication card.

[0046] 《System Terminal / Functions》 Next, the functions of the system terminal 12 will be described.

[0047] The memory device 26 of the system terminal 12 contains a program (information processing program) that enables the system terminal 12 to perform its functions as a customer-specific means 12b and an information providing means 12c.

[0048] (System Terminal / Functions / Customer-Specific Means) Next, the customer-specific means 12b will be described.

[0049] Customer-specific means 12b refers to the means of specifying one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on purchase history information; in this example, it is the program stored in the memory device 26 of the system terminal 12, or the memory device 26, etc.

[0050] As mentioned above, "purchase history information" refers to the information on the history of goods purchased by a specific individual (customer). As "purchase history information", examples include: (1) customer information (customer ID, gender, age, membership level, etc.), (2) product information (product ID, product name, category, brand, unit price, etc.), (3) purchase information (purchase date, purchase time, purchase quantity, total amount, payment method, etc.), (4) store information (store ID, store name, sales channel (store / EC), etc.), (5) promotional activity information (coupon usage, points usage, discount rate, etc.), (6) purchase frequency (number of purchases, average purchase interval, most recent purchase date, etc.).

[0051] The so-called "secondary customer" refers to a customer who has a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer. It is not limited to customers who have actually purchased the product, but also includes potential customers who have not purchased the product. Furthermore, it is not limited to those who have a direct relationship with a customer (e.g., a customer's friend, a customer's relative, a customer's colleague, etc.), but also includes those who have an indirect relationship with a customer but not a direct relationship (e.g., a friend of a customer's friend, an acquaintance of a customer's relative, a friend of a customer's colleague, etc.).

[0052] As a "secondary customer" identified based on purchase history information, for example: a person who receives an introduction to a product or service from a customer (or a secondary customer) (not the introducer), or a person who receives product information (e.g., discount coupons, information on special sales or events, information on new listings or resale) about a product from a customer (or a secondary customer) through communication means such as email or SNS, etc., is equivalent. These secondary customers can be identified based on customer information (e.g., customer ID or personal information), purchase information (e.g., purchase date or quantity purchased), and promotional activity information (e.g., coupon usage) contained in a customer's purchase history information.

[0053] Customer-specific means 12b is used when a customer's secondary customers are specifically identified. Based on the customer identification information such as the customer ID or name of the customer, the purchase history information stored in the purchase information terminal 12a is referenced to obtain the information of secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with the customer. The obtained information is then associated with the customer ID of the customer and stored in the memory device 26.

[0054] In addition, if the information of secondary customers cannot be obtained from the purchase history information, the information of a customer's secondary customers can also be obtained based on other information contained in the purchase history information (such as personal information such as SNS accounts).

[0055] Figure 3 is an illustration of an example of the relationship information between a customer and secondary customers and the purchasing behavior of secondary customers.

[0056] In this example, the customer-specific means 12b obtains the purchase history information of secondary customers B to E who obtained product information (e.g., discount coupons) about a certain product from customer A, based on the purchase history information of a certain customer A stored in the purchase information terminal 12a; it also obtains the purchase history information of secondary customer F who obtained product information (e.g., discount coupons) about a certain product from secondary customer B, based on the purchase history information of secondary customer B; and it also obtains the purchase history information of secondary customer G who obtained product information (e.g., discount coupons) about a certain product from secondary customer D, based on the purchase history information of secondary customer D; and associates the obtained purchase history information with the customer ID of customer A and stores it in the memory device 26. In this way, a certain customer A, and secondary customers B to G who have a direct or indirect relationship with that customer A, are identified.

[0057] c System Terminal / Function / Information Providing Means> Next, the information providing means 12c will be described.

[0058] The information providing means 12c is a means of providing relational information that visualizes the relationship between a customer and one or more secondary customers; in this example, it is constructed by means of a program stored in the memory device 26 of the system terminal 12, or the memory device 26 itself.

[0059] As described above, the so-called "relationship information" is information that visualizes the relationship between a customer and one or more secondary customers. Examples of "relationship information" include: a relationship diagram that visualizes the relationship between customers (relationship), a graphic that visualizes the connection between customers (relationship) with nodes and edges, etc.

[0060] The so-called "relationship" refers to the connection or influence relationship between two or more people. Examples of "related relationships" include: the introducer and the introducer of a product, the provider and the provider of information about a product, friends or followers on SNS, companions in a specific group on SNS, friendship, blood relations, employment relations, etc. Furthermore, "visualization" refers to transforming information invisible to the human eye into diagrams or graphics, making it visible to the naked eye.

[0061] In this example, the information providing means 12c, in order to generate related relationship information for a certain customer A, retrieves the customer ID of a certain customer A stored in the memory device 26, and, referring to the purchase history information of secondary customers B to G that are associated with and stored by the customer ID of a certain customer A, generates a relationship diagram that schematically represents the relationship between a certain customer A and secondary customers B to G.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates that customer A sends discount coupons to secondary customers B through E, secondary customer B sends discount coupons to secondary customer F, and secondary customer D sends discount coupons to secondary customer G.

[0063] According to this example, the relationship between customers and secondary customers can be visualized based on purchase history information. In this way, the way product information is disseminated or diffused can be intuitively understood, and purchase analysis or effective promotional measures can be implemented.

[0064] Moreover, since the relevant relationship information is such that specific information can be given to a customer (e.g., customer A) and secondary customers (e.g., secondary customers D and G) who participated in the purchase of a certain product until it was purchased by a secondary customer (e.g., secondary customer G), it is possible to intuitively grasp the process or interpersonal relationships up to the purchase of a certain product, and to perform purchase analysis or effective promotional measures.

[0065] Furthermore, in this example, an analysis means for analyzing the purchase behavior patterns of secondary customers is provided, and the information providing means 12c can further provide purchase behavior information representing the purchase behavior patterns of secondary customers.

[0066] The analysis method in this example is constituted by analyzing the purchasing behavior of a secondary customer based on customer information (e.g., customer ID, personal information), purchase information (e.g., purchase date or quantity purchased), and promotional activity information (e.g., coupon usage) contained in the purchase history information of a customer (or the secondary customer itself) who has a relationship with the secondary customer.

[0067] As mentioned above, "purchase behavior information" refers to information representing the purchasing behavior pattern of the secondary customer. Examples of "purchase behavior patterns" include: browsing product information about a certain product obtained from a certain customer and then purchasing that product; browsing product information but not purchasing a product; and obtaining product information but not browsing that product information.

[0068] The information providing means 12c generates a relationship diagram that schematically represents the relationship between a customer A and secondary customers B to G. It also generates purchase action information representing the purchase action pattern of secondary customers by referring to the purchase history information of secondary customers B to G stored in the memory device 26, and adds the generated purchase action information to the relationship diagram.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates the following: Secondary customers B and C browsed product information about a certain product obtained from customer A and then purchased the product; Secondary customer D browsed product information obtained from customer A but did not purchase the product; Secondary customer E obtained product information obtained from customer A but did not browse the product information; Secondary customer F obtained product information obtained from secondary customer B but did not browse the product information; Secondary customer G browsed product information about a certain product obtained from secondary customer D and then purchased the product.

[0070] Finally, the information providing means 12c, in response to the request of the user of the information processing system 10, sends the generated relevant relationship information and purchase action information (including the data of the relationship diagram shown in Figure 3) to the external terminal 16 used by the user. In this way, the user of the information processing system 10 can obtain relevant relationship information and purchase action information (including data from the relationship diagram shown in Figure 3).

[0071] According to this example, in addition to the relationship between customers and secondary customers, by visualizing the purchase actions of secondary customers, the process from the purchase of a certain product can be intuitively grasped, and purchase analysis or effective promotional measures can be performed.

[0072] In addition, the information providing means 12c may also be that the purchase history information of a certain customer is repeatedly given as learning material, and the relevant relationship information corresponding to that customer is learned through machine learning.

[0073] If configured in this way, the relevant relationships corresponding to each customer can be accumulated and mastered, and the effectiveness of promotional measures can be further improved.

[0074] Furthermore, the customer-specific means 12b can also be configured to: based on the purchase history information of a certain customer (e.g., a certain customer A), identify secondary customers (e.g., a certain customer B) who have a direct relationship with that certain customer, and based on the purchase history information of the identified secondary customers, identify other secondary customers (e.g., a certain customer F) who have a direct relationship with that secondary customer.

[0075] If configured in this way, a certain customer and a plurality of secondary customers can be identified in a chain based on purchase history information, which can not only improve the overall processing speed of the system, but also improve the reliability of the relationship.-16- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25

[0076] 《Information Processing System / Summary》 As explained above, the information processing system described in this embodiment (e.g., the information processing system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2) is an information processing system characterized by having: a memory means (e.g., the memory means 12a shown in Figure 1, the purchase information terminal 12a shown in Figure 2), which can be used to memorize the information of the customer's purchased goods history, i.e., the purchase history information; and a customer-specific means (e.g., the customer-specific means 12b shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2), which is used to specify one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on the previously recorded purchase history information; and an information providing means (e.g., the information providing means 12c shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2). It can be used to provide relational information that visualizes the relationship between a certain customer and one or more secondary customers (such as the interpersonal relationship diagram shown in Figure 3, which is a schematic representation of the relationship between customers).

[0077] Furthermore, the information processing method described in this embodiment (e.g., the method executed by the information processing system 10 shown in FIG1 and FIG2) is an information processing method that uses a memory means (e.g., the memory means 12a shown in FIG1 and the purchase information terminal 12a shown in FIG2) to memorize information on the history of goods purchased by a customer, i.e., purchase history information. It includes: a customer-specific step (e.g., the processing executed by the customer-specific means 12b shown in FIG1 or FIG2), which identifies one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on the previous purchase history information; and an information provision step (e.g., the processing executed by the information provision means 12c shown in FIG1 or FIG2), which provides relational information (e.g., a relationship diagram of the relationship between customers shown in FIG3) that visualizes the relationship between a certain customer and the previous one or more secondary customers.

[0078] Furthermore, the information processing program described in this embodiment (e.g., the program executed by the information processing system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2) is an information processing program characterized in that it enables the computer (e.g., the system terminal 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2) to function as follows: a memory means (e.g., the memory means 12a shown in Figure 1, the purchase information terminal 12a shown in Figure 2), which can be used to memorize the information on the history of the goods purchased by the customer, i.e., the purchase history information; and a customer-specific means (e.g., the customer-specific means 12b shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2), which is used to specify one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer based on the aforementioned purchase history information; and an information providing means (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2). The information providing means 12c shown can be used to provide relational information (e.g., a relational relationship diagram showing the relationship between customers as illustrated in Figure 3) that visualizes the relationship between a previous customer and one or more previous secondary customers.

[0079] According to the information processing system, information processing method, and information processing procedure described in this embodiment, the relationship between a customer and a secondary customer can be visualized based on purchase history information. In this way, the dissemination or diffusion of product information can be intuitively understood, and purchase analysis or effective promotional measures can be performed.

[0080] In addition, the aforementioned information providing means (or added to it) can be replaced by a reward-granting means, which is used to grant a reward (e.g., coupons, points, cash, discount information, etc.) to a customer when any one of one or more secondary customers purchases a product.

[0081] If configured in this way, it can motivate a customer to introduce the product to a secondary customer, thereby increasing the sales volume of the product.

[0082] Furthermore, it may also include: an analysis tool for analyzing the purchasing behavior patterns of the previous secondary customer; and a prior information provision tool that can further provide purchasing behavior information representing the purchasing behavior patterns of the previous secondary customer.

[0083] If configured in this way, in addition to the relationship between the customer and the secondary customer, by visualizing the purchasing behavior of the secondary customer, the process from the purchase of a product can be intuitively grasped, and purchasing analysis or effective promotional measures can be implemented.

[0084] -18- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25 Furthermore, the aforementioned purchase action mode may also include: a mode in which the purchaser browses product information about a certain product obtained from a previous customer and then purchases that product; a mode in which the purchaser browses the previous product information but does not purchase the previous product; and a mode in which the purchaser obtains the previous product information but does not browse that product information.

[0085] Furthermore, the aforementioned related relationship information may also include specific information about the previous customer and the previous second customer who participated in the purchase of a certain product up to the point where the product was purchased by a previous second customer.

[0086] If configured in this way, the process or interpersonal relationships up to the point where a certain product is purchased can be intuitively understood, and purchase analysis or effective promotional measures can be performed.

[0087] Alternatively, the system may be configured such that the purchase history information of a previous customer is repeatedly provided as learning material, and machine learning is used to learn the previous related relationship information corresponding to that customer.

[0088] If configured in this way, the related relationships corresponding to each customer can be grasped, and the effectiveness of promotional measures can be further improved.

[0089] Furthermore, the previous customer-specific method may also be configured such that: based on the purchase history information of a previous customer, previous secondary customers who have a direct relationship with that customer are specified, and based on the purchase history information of the specified secondary customers, other secondary customers who have a direct relationship with that secondary customer are specified.

[0090] If configured in this way, based on the purchase history information, a customer and a plurality of secondary customers can be specified in a chain, which can not only improve the overall processing speed of the system, but also improve the reliability of the related relationships.

[0091] Furthermore, the information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program described in this invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0092] Therefore, for example, information providing means 12c can be replaced or added to it to provide: a reward-granting means for granting a reward to a customer when any one of one or more secondary customers purchases a certain product.

[0093] Also, information providing means 12c is not limited to providing purchase action information, but can also be a means of providing only related relationship information.Furthermore, although an example of sending discount coupons from one customer to a second customer is shown, the means of connecting one customer and a second customer are not limited to this. For example, information other than coupons (such as information about promotional activities or events) can be sent from one customer to a second customer. Also, information about products can be conveyed from one customer to a second customer via telephone or flyers, or verbally. [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] The information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program described in this invention can be widely applied to fields such as manufacturing, service, and retail.-20- HK 20137913 A 5 10 15 20 25 Claim 1. An information processing system, characterized by comprising: a memory means for memorizing information on the history of goods purchased by a customer, i.e., purchase history information; and a customer-specific means for specifying one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a customer based on the prior purchase history information; and a reward-granting means for granting a reward to a prior customer when any of the prior one or more secondary customers purchases a product; and an information-providing means for providing relational information, which is a visualization of the relationship between a prior customer and the prior one or more secondary customers; the prior customer-specific means refers to the prior purchase history information of a prior customer, and based on the information contained in the purchase history information, identifies the person who received product information about a product from that customer. A specific secondary customer is identified by linking the purchase history information of that secondary customer with the customer's identification information. The method of providing prior information involves referencing the prior purchase history information of the secondary customer linked to the identification information of that previous customer, and providing the relationship between that customer and the secondary customer as a provider-supplier relationship of the prior product information as prior related relationship information. Furthermore, the method of providing prior information involves referencing the prior purchase history information of the secondary customer linked to the identification information of that previous customer, and obtaining and providing purchase action information indicating the secondary customer's purchase action pattern from the purchase history information. The purchase action pattern of the secondary customer includes: a pattern of browsing prior product information obtained from a previous customer and then purchasing a prior product; a pattern of browsing prior product information but not purchasing a prior product; and a pattern of obtaining prior product information but not browsing the product information. 2. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the prior related relationship information is such that the prior customer and the prior secondary customer who participated in the purchase of a certain product by a certain secondary customer are specifically identified.3. An information processing method, executed by a computer using a memory means that can remember information on the purchase history of goods purchased by a customer, i.e., purchase history information, characterized in that the aforementioned computer can at least execute: a customer-specific step, which, based on the prior purchase history information, specifies one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a certain customer; and a reward-granting step, which, when any one of the prior one or more secondary customers purchases a certain product, grants a reward to that specific customer; and an information-providing step, which provides relational information that visualizes the relationship between that specific customer and the prior one or more secondary customers; the prior customer-specific step, which, referring to the prior purchase history information of a certain customer, specifies, based on the information contained in the purchase history information, a person who received product information about a certain product from that customer as a prior secondary customer, and combines the purchase history information of the specified secondary customer with the identification information of that specific customer. Establishing a connection; The preceding information provision step involves referring to the preceding purchase history information of the preceding secondary customer to which a connection has been established with the preceding customer's identification information, and providing the fact that the relationship between the preceding customer and the secondary customer is that of a provider and provider of the preceding product information as preceding related relationship information; The preceding information provision step further involves referring to the preceding purchase history information of the preceding secondary customer to which a connection has been established with the preceding customer's identification information, and obtaining and providing purchase action information indicating the secondary customer's purchase action pattern from the purchase history information; The preceding secondary customer's purchase action pattern includes: a pattern of browsing the preceding product information obtained from the preceding customer and then purchasing the preceding product, a pattern of browsing the preceding product information but not purchasing the preceding product, and a pattern of obtaining the preceding product information but not browsing the product information.4. An information processing program, characterized in that it enables a computer to function as follows: a memory mechanism for memorizing information on the history of goods purchased by a customer, i.e., purchase history information; a customer-specific mechanism for identifying one or more secondary customers who have a direct or indirect relationship with a particular customer based on prior purchase history information; a reward-granting mechanism for granting a reward to a prior customer when any of the prior one or more secondary customers purchases a particular product; and an information-providing mechanism for providing relational information, visualized as the relationship between a prior customer and the prior one or more secondary customers; the prior customer-specific mechanism for identifying individuals who have received product information about a particular product from a prior customer, based on the information contained in the prior purchase history information. A specific secondary customer is identified by linking the purchase history information of that secondary customer with the customer's identification information. The method of providing prior information involves referencing the prior purchase history information of the secondary customer linked to the identification information of that previous customer, and providing the relationship between that customer and the secondary customer as a provider-supplier relationship of the prior product information as prior related relationship information. Furthermore, the method of providing prior information involves referencing the prior purchase history information of the secondary customer linked to the identification information of that previous customer, and obtaining and providing purchase action information indicating the secondary customer's purchase action pattern from the purchase history information. The purchase action pattern of the secondary customer includes: a pattern of browsing prior product information obtained from a previous customer and then purchasing a prior product; a pattern of browsing prior product information but not purchasing a prior product; and a pattern of obtaining prior product information but not browsing the product information. -3- HK 20137913 A 1 / 3 HK 20137913 A 2 / 3 HK 20137913 A 3 / 3 HK 20137913 A.

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