Method for achieving crosscutting common evaluation from user's perspective when selecting products / services

Abstract

To provide a method for properly evaluating products, including quantitative evaluation and qualitative evaluation.SOLUTION: In a method for supporting evaluation of quality of a product, a control unit of a server terminal accepts evaluation about a plurality of items related to the quality of the product, and generates comprehensive evaluation of the quality of the product based on the evaluation about the plurality of items. The evaluation about the plurality of items includes any of evaluation about to a numerical value of the product, evaluation about functionality of the product, and evaluation about sensory aspects of the product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assisting in the assessment of the quality of a product. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, users have more opportunities to purchase many products and services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "products"), and at the same time, they are increasingly exposed to various information regarding the evaluation of the products they are about to purchase. Product evaluations, particularly those regarding the quality of products, tend to be biased toward subjective evaluations, making it difficult for users to know which evaluations to refer to when purchasing a product.

[0003] Regarding a method for evaluating a product, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for correcting an objective evaluation of a product based on a subjective evaluation of a user who is about to purchase the product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7101438 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is related to a technology that refers to the objective value of a product and estimates the user's sensitivity tendency from the difference in the user's subjective value relative to the objective value, but does not provide a method for appropriately evaluating the quality of a product that balances a quantitative evaluation as the objective value of the product and a qualitative evaluation as the subjective value for a wide range of users. On the other hand, when a user selects a product for purchase, there is also a need to select a product based on a pure evaluation of the product's quality based on a common language that can be understood by all users as an index for measuring the product's quality, rather than on an evaluation of the product's quality based on various indexes available on the Internet.

[0006] In view of the above problems and needs, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for appropriately evaluating a product, including quantitative evaluation and qualitative evaluation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for supporting evaluation of product quality is provided, in which a control unit of a server terminal accepts evaluations of a plurality of items related to the quality of the product, and generates an overall evaluation of the quality of the product based on the evaluations of the plurality of items, the evaluations of the plurality of items including any one of an evaluation of the product's numerical values, an evaluation of the product's functionality, and an evaluation of the product's sensory characteristics. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for properly evaluating a product, including quantitative evaluation and qualitative evaluation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a system for supporting evaluation of product quality according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing the server terminal 100 of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a functional block diagram showing the evaluator terminal 200 of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of product data stored in a server 100. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of evaluation data stored in the server 100. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of evaluation data. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of evaluation data. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of the evaluation data. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a product quality evaluation support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the product quality evaluation support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the product quality evaluation support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the product quality evaluation support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the components shown in the embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] <Configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing a system for executing a method for supporting evaluation of product quality according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This system 1 is composed of, for example, a server terminal 100 for executing the method for supporting evaluation of product quality, evaluator terminals 200A, 200B for evaluators who evaluate product quality, and user terminals 300A, 300B for selecting products to purchase by referring to the evaluation of product quality. For convenience of explanation, each terminal is described as being a single terminal or a specific number of terminals, but the number of each terminal is not limited.

[0012] The server terminal 100, the evaluator terminals 200A and 200B, and the user terminals 300A and 300B are each connected via a network NW1. The network NW is configured by the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

[0013] The server terminal 100 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing.

[0014] The evaluator terminals 200A and 200B and the user terminals 300A and 300B are, for example, information processing devices such as personal computers and tablet terminals, but may be configured as smartphones, mobile phones, PDAs, etc. The evaluator terminals 200A and 200B may be collectively referred to as the evaluator terminal 200, and the user terminals 300A and 300B may be collectively referred to as the user terminal 300. The evaluator terminal 200 and the user terminal 300 log in to the server terminal 100 with different statuses. The evaluator terminal has the authority to access and rewrite data stored in the product data storage unit and the evaluation data storage unit described later, while the user terminal 300 has no authority to access or rewrite individual data, and only has limited authority such as changing the user's cluster described later and receiving the overall evaluation result. The evaluator terminal 200A is the status of a content creator, and has a higher status with the authority to register new product categories and individual products, create and change user clusters, change weight values, etc. The evaluator terminal 200B has the status of an investigator conducting a monitor survey, and is an evaluator status in which some limited functions, such as inputting evaluation results and changing weight values, are released.

[0015] In this embodiment, the system 1 is described as having a server terminal 100, evaluators 200A, 200B, and user terminals 300A, 300B, and a configuration in which users of each terminal use their respective terminals to operate the server terminal 100, but the server terminal 100 may be configured as a stand-alone system, and the server terminal itself may have a function for each evaluator to directly operate it. Hereinafter, as necessary, the evaluator terminals 200A, 200B will be collectively referred to as the evaluator terminal 200, and the user terminals 300A, 300B will be collectively referred to as the user terminal 300.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the server terminal 100 of Fig. 1. The server terminal 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit .

[0017] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for communicating with the evaluator terminal 200 and user terminals via the network NW1, and communication is performed according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

[0018] The storage unit 120 stores programs for executing various control processes and functions in the control unit 130, input data, etc., and is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 120 also has a product data storage unit 121 that stores various data related to products, and an evaluation data storage unit 122 that stores various data necessary for evaluating the quality of products and various data related to the evaluation results of the quality of products. A database (not shown) storing various data may be constructed outside the storage unit 120 or the server terminal 100.

[0019] The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the server terminal 100 by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 120, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. Functions of the control unit 130 include an information receiving unit 131 that receives instructions and information from each terminal, a product information processing unit 132 that refers to and processes various data related to products, and an evaluation information processing unit 133 that refers to and processes various data related to evaluations of the quality of products. The information receiving unit 131, the product information processing unit 132, and the evaluation information processing unit 133 are started by the programs stored in the storage unit 120 and executed by the server terminal 100, which is a computer (electronic calculator).

[0020] The information receiving unit 131 receives information from the evaluator terminal 200, the user terminal 300, etc. via the communication unit 110. For example, information related to the evaluation of the quality of the product input by the evaluator from the evaluator terminal 200 is received.

[0021] The product information processing unit 132 refers to various data related to products (for example, product data 1000, which will be described later) and performs predetermined processing.

[0022] The evaluation information processing unit 133 performs a predetermined process by referring to various data related to information on evaluation of the quality of the product (for example, evaluation data 2000 described later).

[0023] The control unit 130 may also have a screen generation unit (not shown) and generates screen information to be displayed via the user interface of the evaluator terminal 200 or the user terminal 300 upon request. For example, the control unit 130 uses image and text data (not shown) stored in the storage unit 120 as material, and generates a user interface by arranging various images and text in predetermined areas of the user interface based on predetermined layout rules. The processing related to the image generation unit may also be executed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0024] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the evaluator terminal 200 of Fig. 1. The evaluator terminal 200 includes a communication unit 210, a display operation unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0025] The communication unit 210 is a communication interface for communicating with the server terminal 100 via the network NW, and communication is performed according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0026] The display operation unit 220 is a user interface used for allowing a user to input instructions and for displaying text, images, etc. according to input data from the control unit 240, and is composed of a display, a keyboard, and a mouse when the evaluator terminal 200 is configured as a personal computer, and is composed of a touch panel, etc. when the evaluator terminal 200 is configured as a smartphone or tablet terminal. This display operation unit 220 is started up by a control program stored in the storage unit 230 and executed by the evaluator terminal 200, which is a computer (electronic calculator).

[0027] The storage unit 230 stores programs for executing various control processes and functions in the control unit 240, input data, etc., and is composed of a RAM, a ROM, etc. The storage unit 230 also temporarily stores the contents of communication with the server terminal 100.

[0028] The control unit 240 controls the overall operation of the evaluator terminal 200 by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 230, and is composed of a CPU, a GPU, and the like.

[0029] The user terminal 300 may also have substantially the same configuration as the evaluator terminal 200, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of product data stored in the server 100. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The product data 1000 shown in FIG. 4 stores various data related to the product. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 4 shows an example of one product (for example, a product identified by a product ID "10001" corresponding to "hair iron X" sold by company A), but information on multiple products can be stored. The various data related to the product can include, for example, basic data related to the product (for example, product name, price, product image, sales information, and product category (for example, for product "hair iron X", the categories are "home appliances" and "hair iron")). Here, for example, information on multiple top-selling products in a specific category (for example, "hair iron") sold on multiple online shopping sites can be stored as the product. Information on these products can also be obtained from information stored on the online shopping site via an API (Application Programming Interface) and stored. The various data related to the product can also include evaluation data (for example, rating data (for example, overall evaluation, numerical evaluation, functional evaluation, sensory evaluation)). Here, the evaluation of the quality of the product is composed of multiple evaluation items, and the multiple evaluation items include an evaluation of the quality of the product in terms of a numerical value (numerical evaluation), an evaluation of the product's functions (functional evaluation), and an evaluation of the product's sensory evaluation. The numerical evaluation is calculated based on the degree of satisfaction corresponding to an index expressed in a numerical value among the product's specifications, the functional evaluation is calculated by adding up the points assigned to each function of the product, and the sensory evaluation is calculated based on the degree of satisfaction corresponding to a qualitative index related to the product. The criteria for each evaluation are described in detail in the explanation of the evaluation data below. Each evaluation is expressed by quantifying it with a score or the like, and the overall evaluation is calculated by adding up the corrected scores obtained by multiplying the scores calculated for each of the numerical evaluation, functional evaluation, and sensory evaluation by the weighting variables (weights) described below.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of evaluation data stored in the server 100. As shown in FIG.

[0033] The evaluation data 2000 stores various data related to evaluation of the quality of a product, such as evaluation criteria required for evaluating the quality of a product and the evaluation results of the quality of the product. As various data related to evaluation, for example, category data (for example, the category of each product (such as "Home Appliances" > "Blu-ray Players," "Speakers," "Hair Irons," etc., "Household Goods" > "Stationery," "Security Goods," etc., information on the category of a product determined based on the function, purpose, customer, etc. of a specific product (for example, for a hair iron product, "Home Appliances" > "Hair Irons," etc.))), evaluation criteria data (for example, evaluation criteria (described in detail below) applied to each of the numerical evaluation, functional evaluation, and sensory evaluation of the above product determined by category, and weighting variables (weights) applied to the numerical values ​​calculated based on the evaluation criteria for each evaluation item for the evaluation of the quality of a specific product, and clusters defined based on items that users who purchase products consider important for product selection (for example, in the "Hair Irons" category, weighting variables (weights) determined according to "for those who value cost performance," "for those who want to create beautiful curls," "for those who want to reduce damage," "for those who want to save time")))))))))))))))) and rating data (for example, evaluation and ranking information of each product calculated by category and cluster).

[0034] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the evaluation data.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows an example of evaluation criteria for evaluation (numerical evaluation) of the quality of a product that can be measured numerically, among the evaluation data for evaluating the quality of the product. For example, in evaluating the quality of a product in the category of "hair iron", "maximum temperature" is measurable as a numerical value, namely temperature, and can be applied as an evaluation criterion. Here, since it is difficult to evaluate the quality of the product by the numerical value "maximum temperature is 200 degrees" itself, a concept like a correspondence table as shown in FIG. 6 that corresponds numerical values ​​to good and bad quality is adopted, and evaluation criteria as absolute lines are defined for each product category, such that if the maximum temperature of a hair iron is "220 degrees or more", it corresponds to "very satisfied", and if it is 200 degrees or more but less than 220 degrees", it corresponds to "satisfied", and these are stored in the product data storage unit 121. Here, the numerical evaluation is finally calculated as a numerical value (score), such as 5 points for "very satisfied", 4 points for "satisfied", 3 points for "standard", 2 points for "unsatisfied", and 1 point for "very unsatisfied", and is stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122. In addition, the items set as numerical values ​​do not need to be at equal intervals such as "220 degrees", "200 degrees", and "190 degrees", and can be determined according to the evaluations considered from the user's perspective (for example, "very satisfied", "satisfied", "somewhat satisfied", etc.). In this way, the numerical evaluation is characterized by being calculated based on the satisfaction level corresponding to the indicators expressed by numerical values ​​and quantities among the specifications of the product. In this embodiment, the database records the numerical value itself, such as maximum temperature = 200 degrees, and an absolute line is set so that the numerical data becomes an evaluation based on satisfaction, and it can be automatically replaced with a satisfaction evaluation value that is uniquely replaced. In the case of a hair iron, just because 200 degrees is "satisfied", does not mean that 230 degrees is more satisfying. What the user is looking for is an evaluation of whether or not the user is satisfied, and the higher the maximum temperature, the higher the score should not be. If 220 degrees can be achieved, hair can be dried in a sufficiently short time, so the satisfaction evaluation value will be the highest score of 4 whether it is 220 degrees or 230 degrees. In this way, an absolute line is defined so that the satisfaction level regarding numerical values ​​is uniquely determined when the numerical value of the target product is determined to be one value.Also, for example, in the case of an index such as weight, when all hair irons at a certain time exceed 500g, a product weighing 490g is "satisfied", but if the number of products weighing 380g increases due to technological advances, the absolute line of "satisfaction" changes and it becomes "dissatisfied". In this embodiment, the weight value itself is recorded and converted into a satisfaction evaluation value uniquely according to the absolute line, so that the satisfaction level that changes relative and over time can be changed as necessary by changing this absolute line that serves as the standard. Also, by replacing the numerical index with a satisfaction evaluation value based on the satisfaction level according to the absolute line in this way, it becomes possible to handle products of various categories, such as hair irons, private cars, and toys, in the same way. Also, for the absolute line, a flag indicating whether to disclose or conceal the absolute line from the user may be linked to the absolute line and stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122. By disclosing the absolute line to the user, there is an advantage in that a request to change the absolute line can be received from the user. On the other hand, it is assumed that it is better to conceal a numerical index that is not generally used as an index of satisfaction level without disclosing it.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of the evaluation data.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows an example of evaluation criteria for evaluating the quality of a product with respect to its functions (functional evaluation) among the evaluation data for evaluating the quality of the product. For example, items related to functions such as "auto-off function," "button lock function," "negative ion function," "intuitive operation," and "easy curling" are given as functions that should be emphasized when evaluating the quality of a product in the "hair iron" category, and scores corresponding to each function are assigned. Here, a relatively higher score may be assigned to a function that is emphasized by a user than to other functions. As an example, a score is given for the functional evaluation depending on the presence or absence of each function, the total value of the assigned scores is calculated, and an evaluation such as "very satisfied" or "satisfied" is determined corresponding to the total value. Here, for the functional evaluation, scores may be allocated such that each function is assigned 0.1 points, etc., so that the highest score of the total value is the same as the highest score of the numerical evaluation and the sensory evaluation, "satisfied," and the total value may be determined as the satisfaction evaluation value of the functional evaluation, or a score may be assigned to the evaluations such as "very satisfied" and "satisfied" as a whole of the comprehensive additional functions, and this score may be determined as the satisfaction evaluation value. The presence or absence of additional functions and the degree of satisfaction with the determined functions are stored in the evaluation data storage unit 123. In this manner, the function evaluation is characterized by being calculated by adding up the points assigned to each function of the product.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of the evaluation data.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows an example of evaluation criteria for the sensory evaluation of a product (sensory evaluation) of the quality of the product among the evaluation data for evaluating the quality of the product. The sensory evaluation is a qualitative evaluation that is determined by the user's senses, which is difficult to measure numerically like a numerical evaluation, and difficult to add up depending on the presence or absence of a function like a functional evaluation. For example, if the "ease of holding" of a hair iron is listed as a sensory evaluation that a user who uses a "hair iron" places importance on when using the product, the user can evaluate the "ease of holding" as a satisfaction level such as "very satisfied", "satisfied", "somewhat satisfied", etc., and the sensory evaluation can be determined by a numerical value (score) (e.g., "5 points", "4 points") assigned in response to the evaluation. In this way, the sensory evaluation is characterized by being calculated based on the satisfaction level corresponding to the qualitative index related to the product. The sensory evaluation may differ depending on the attributes and preferences of the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, for the sensory evaluation based on human senses and sensibility, it is preferable to set multiple user clusters, i.e., user attributes (age, sex, status such as student or working, annual income, family structure, and preferences such as conspicuous, high-function, new, simple, etc.), which will be described later, and then conduct a qualitative survey using monitors consisting of multiple clusters. In this embodiment, the attribute information and the evaluation results are linked and stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122. In addition, in order to minimize the difference in sensation between individuals with the same attribute, it is even better to conduct the evaluation with as many people as possible. In this embodiment, the number of monitors with the same attribute and the evaluation results are linked and stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122. The responses of all monitors may be stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122, but since it is not important that the evaluation results of each individual are important, but rather it is sufficient to verify whether the evaluation was conducted by a significant number of people, it is sufficient for verification if the attributes and the number of people are stored. In addition, even if the number of monitors is increased and the survey is conducted again at a later date, it is easy to add up the results if the number of people is known. In addition, it is better to break down sensory evaluation into as specific evaluation axes as possible, rather than using abstract evaluation axes. For example, in the case of earplugs, rather than using "comfort" as an evaluation axis, it is better to use specific evaluation axes such as "does it feel like there is something in the ear?", "does it hurt?", and "does it leave a gap between the ear and the earplug?"Similarly, for the sensory evaluation, an absolute line that can be converted into a satisfaction evaluation value using satisfaction as an index may be defined and stored for each product category in the product data storage unit 121. In the process flow described below, the overall evaluation value may be calculated using each of these specific evaluation axes as a separate evaluation value, but these specific evaluation axes may be positioned as sub-evaluation axes, and the sub-satisfaction evaluation values ​​based on these may be used to calculate the overall evaluation axis of "comfort" at a higher level by adding or averaging them to obtain an overall satisfaction evaluation value for the sensory evaluation, which may then be used to calculate the overall evaluation value.

[0040] <Processing flow> A process flow of a method for supporting evaluation of product quality, executed by the system 1 of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for supporting evaluation of product quality according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] First, as the process of step SQ101, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives data on the product from the evaluator terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. As described above, the product data may include basic data on the product (e.g., product name, price, product image, sales information, and product category (e.g., for the product "Hair Iron X", the categories are "Home Appliances", "Hair Iron", etc.)). Here, for example, information on a number of top-selling products in a specific category (e.g., "Hair Iron") sold on a number of online shopping sites may be stored as the product. Information on these products may also be obtained from the information stored on the online shopping sites via an API (Application Programming Interface) and stored. The product information processing unit 132 of the control unit 130 stores the received and / or generated product data in the product data storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0042] Next, as the process of step SQ102, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives data on the evaluation criteria necessary for evaluating the quality of the product from the evaluator terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. Here, as described above, the evaluation criteria data may include, for example, evaluation criteria that are determined by category and are applied to the evaluation of each of the numerical evaluation, functional evaluation, and sensory evaluation of the above-mentioned product. In addition, for the evaluation of the quality of a specific product, the evaluation criteria may include weighting variables (weights) that are applied to the numerical values ​​calculated based on the evaluation criteria for each evaluation item. For example, weighting variables (weights) such as "40%, " "30%, " "30%" to be multiplied to the numerical values ​​(scores) calculated in the numerical evaluation (in the example of a hair iron, "maximum temperature"), the functional evaluation (in the example of a hair iron, the total value of each function), and the sensory evaluation (in the example of a hair iron, "ease of holding") may be determined. The weighting variables (weights) are determined so that the sum is 100%. Here, the weighting variables (weights) can be determined according to clusters (for example, in the category of "hair irons," "for those who value cost performance," "for those who want to make beautiful curls," "for those who want to reduce damage," "for those who want to save time," and "for families with small children") defined based on items that users who purchase products consider important for product selection, and multiple patterns of sets of weighting variables (weights) can also be determined as evaluation criteria. Here, the evaluation criteria can be determined in common for each product category. Regardless of a specific product, an objective evaluation can be performed that is specialized only in the quality of the product based on the evaluation criteria common to the category to which the product belongs. The evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 stores the received and / or generated evaluation criteria data in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120 as evaluation data 2000. As described above, the product data and evaluation criteria data are registered, and support for evaluating the quality of the product can be performed.

[0043] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the method for supporting evaluation of product quality according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This example relates to a method for supporting evaluation of product quality based on the registered product data and evaluation criterion data.

[0044] First, as the process of step SQ201, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives the registration of a new product category and product from the evaluator terminal 200A, which is the content creator status, via the communication unit 110, and records the basic information of the product in the product data storage unit 121. When the product is registered as a new product, the product data 1000 of the product is newly set, and a unique ID is assigned to distinguish the product from other products. Next, the product category of the new product is set. If the product is classified into an existing product category, it can be selected and input from the existing product category using a pull-down menu. If there is a catalog specification for the product, it can be input manually or transferred as data from the evaluator terminal 200 to the server terminal 100. Next, data on the product's numerical values ​​for the evaluation of the product's quality is received from the evaluator terminal 200. For example, for a product called "Hair Iron X", the evaluator refers to the evaluation criterion data among the evaluation data stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the memory unit 120, performs a numerical evaluation of the product while actually using the product, and inputs data on the evaluation of the product's numerical values. For the numerical evaluation, for example, for a product called "Hair Iron X", the evaluator can obtain the maximum temperature of the product if it is obtained from the specifications while referring to the basic information of the product stored as the product data 1000 in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120, or can reconfirm by actually measuring the maximum temperature and input it as the actual measurement value. If there is a discrepancy between the specification value and the actual measurement value, the actual measurement value is used as a priority, and if the discrepancy is large, a correction may be made to lower the satisfaction evaluation value separately. The evaluator can input the numerical value of the maximum temperature (e.g., "200 degrees") itself, confirm the evaluation value corresponding to the numerical value (e.g., "Satisfied"), and input the evaluation using a pull-down method or manually, or directly input the numerical value (score) corresponding to the evaluation (e.g., "4 points"). The product information processing unit 132 of the control unit 130 stores the received and / or generated numerical information or the evaluation value based on the numerical information in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120.Here, when the data regarding the numerical evaluation received from the evaluator terminal 200 is non-numeric information such as “satisfied,” the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 can automatically convert it into a numerical value based on the evaluation criteria data to use it as a satisfaction evaluation value.

[0045] Next, as the process of step SQ202, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives data on the functional evaluation of the product from the evaluator terminal 200 via the communication unit 110 for the evaluation of the product quality. For example, for a product called "Hair Iron X", the evaluator refers to the evaluation criterion data among the evaluation data stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the storage unit 120, performs a functional evaluation of the product while actually using the product, and inputs data on the evaluation of the product quality. For the functional evaluation, the evaluator can obtain the product's functions while referring to the basic information of the product stored as the product data 1000 in the product data storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120 for the product called "Hair Iron X", and can check the product's functions while actually using the product. The evaluator can check the product's functions (e.g., "auto-off function", "button lock function", etc.) and input the evaluation, or can input a numerical value (score) corresponding to the evaluation (e.g., "2 points", "1.5 points", etc.). The product information processing unit 132 of the control unit 130 stores the received and / or generated evaluation of the functional information in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120. Here, when the data on the functional evaluation received from the evaluator terminal 200 is non-numeric information such as "satisfied", the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 can convert it into a numerical value based on the evaluation criteria data to set it as a satisfaction evaluation value.

[0046] Next, in the process of step SQ203, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives data on the sensory evaluation of the product regarding the evaluation of the product's quality from the evaluator terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. For example, for a product called "Hair Iron X," the evaluator performs a sensory evaluation of the product while actually using the product or by having a monitor try out the product, and inputs data on the sensory evaluation of the product. In addition, the attributes of the evaluator (e.g., age, sex, status such as student or working, annual income, family structure, etc.) are also input along with the evaluation result. For the sensory evaluation, the evaluator can, for example, check the "ease of holding" of a product called "Hair Iron X" while actually using the product. The evaluator can check the feeling of using the product (e.g., "very satisfied", "satisfied") and input the evaluation, or can input a numerical value (score) corresponding to the evaluation (e.g., "5 points", "4 points", etc.). The product information processing unit 132 of the control unit 130 stores the evaluation of the received and / or generated sensory information and the attributes of the evaluator in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120. Here, if the data regarding the sensory evaluation received from the evaluator terminal 200 is non-numerical information such as "satisfied", the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 can convert it into a numerical value based on the evaluation criterion data. Here, the processes of steps S101 to S103 can be executed in any order.

[0047] Next, in the process of step SQ204, the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 performs a weighting variable process to multiply the received satisfaction evaluation value by a value obtained by exponentiating the weight, thereby executing an overall evaluation process. For example, the evaluation information processing unit 133 refers to the product data 1000 stored in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120, and extracts each numerical value (score) of the product, such as a numerical evaluation (e.g., "4 points"), a functional evaluation (e.g., "5 points"), and a sensory evaluation (e.g., "4 points"), for a product called "Hair Iron X", and refers to the evaluation criteria data 2000 stored in the evaluation data storage unit 122, and extracts a weighting variable (weight) to be exponentiated for each evaluation (e.g., "40%" for the numerical evaluation, "30%" for the functional evaluation, and "30%" for the sensory evaluation). Then, the overall evaluation is calculated by performing a weighting variable process to multiply each evaluation by a value obtained by exponentiating the weight. According to the above example,

[0048]

number

[0049] The numerical value (score) "4.27" calculated by this formula is calculated as the overall evaluation. As an alternative process in step SQ204, the overall evaluation value may be calculated by a weighted geometric mean instead of a weighted average. The weighted geometric mean is calculated by raising each satisfaction evaluation value to a power of a weighting variable (weight) and multiplying the results together. The calculation formula in the above example is shown below.

[0050]

number

[0051] In the case of a weighted average, when there are many evaluation indexes, even if one satisfaction evaluation value is extremely poor, the overall evaluation value will be averaged and will not drop significantly if the other satisfaction evaluation values ​​are high. In contrast, in the case of a weighted geometric mean, since it is calculated by multiplying satisfaction evaluation values, if one satisfaction evaluation value is extremely low, the overall evaluation will be calculated relatively low even if the others are relatively high. For example, if a hair iron has a wide range of functions, a good design, and is easy to hold, but the maximum temperature is fatally low, the overall evaluation should be unsatisfactory. In such cases, the weighted geometric mean is more suitable because it calculates a low overall evaluation. For the sake of explanation, the above explanation was given using three satisfaction evaluation values: quantity, functionality, and sensation. However, this is not limited to this, and calculations may be performed using multiple evaluation axes, such as weight, power consumption, and noise level, for example, as a quantitative evaluation. In that case, the weighting variables to be multiplied are set so that the total of all values ​​is 100%.

[0052] Next, in the process of step SQ205, the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 generates evaluation data such as evaluations for each evaluation item calculated in the previous step and an overall evaluation, and stores them in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120 as rating data for the product data 1000, and in the evaluation data storage unit 122 as rating data for the evaluation data 2000. In addition, the evaluation data can also be generated and stored including comments by the evaluator on the evaluation criteria for each evaluation item and text data on comments on the evaluation. In this way, by evaluating the quality of a product based on evaluation criteria generated in advance for multiple evaluation items such as numerical evaluation, functional evaluation, and sensory evaluation, it is possible to generate a product evaluation that is applicable to a wide range of users and that evaluates only the quality.

[0053] 11 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the method for supporting evaluation of product quality according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This example relates to a method for presenting generated evaluation data to a user.

[0054] First, as the process of step SQ301, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives a request to select a category of a product that the user is considering purchasing from the user terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. For example, if the user is considering purchasing a product in the product category of "hair iron", the user accesses a website provided by the server terminal 100 via a web browser implemented in the user terminal 300, and performs input to view evaluations of the desired product category via a search box, tags, etc. displayed on the website. For example, large categories such as "home appliances" and "household goods" are displayed on the website, and when the user selects the category "home appliances", further small categories such as "vacuum cleaner", "refrigerator", "hair iron", and "brush iron" are displayed, and the user performs an operation to select a category related to the product that he or she wants to view (for example, "hair iron"). Information related to the category selected by the user is transmitted from the user terminal 300 to the server terminal 100.

[0055] Next, in the process of step SQ302, the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 refers to the received evaluation data related to the selected category in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the memory unit 120.

[0056] Next, in the process of step SQ303, the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 refers to the rating data contained in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the memory unit 120, extracts information related to the ranking data generated based on the evaluation data of the category selected by the user (e.g., "hair iron"), generates ranking data in descending order of overall evaluation as the evaluation result of the product quality, and transmits it to the user terminal 300 by displaying it on the website. The ranking data is expressed in a table format or the like so that it is easy for the user to view, and can include, in addition to the overall evaluation, evaluations for each item of numerical evaluation, functional evaluation, and sensory evaluation, and information related to evaluations of numerical values ​​(e.g., "maximum temperature"), functions (e.g., "auto-off function", "button lock function", etc.) and sensations (e.g., "ease of holding") listed as evaluation criteria included in each evaluation item.

[0057] Next, in processing step SQ304, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives a request from the user terminal 300 via the communication unit 110 to select a cluster defined based on the items that are important for product selection (for example, in the "hair iron" category, "for people who value cost-effectiveness," "for people who want to create beautiful curls," "for people who want to minimize damage," "for people who want to save time," "for families with small children").

[0058] Next, in the process of step SQ305, the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 refers to the received evaluation data related to the selected cluster in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the memory unit 120.

[0059] Next, in the process of step SQ306, the evaluation information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 refers to the rating data included in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the memory unit 120, extracts information on the ranking data generated based on the satisfaction evaluation value of the cluster selected by the user (e.g., "for people who want to create beautiful curls"), generates ranking data in descending order of overall evaluation as the evaluation result of the quality of the products, and transmits it to the user terminal 300 by displaying it on the website. Here, the evaluation information processing unit 133 refers to the rating data in the evaluation data storage unit 122 of the memory unit 120, checks the overall evaluation of the quality of the products calculated based on the variables (weights) set according to the clusters, and extracts ranking data based on the overall evaluation value calculated using the weighting variables (weights) corresponding to the cluster selected by the user. For example, if a user wants to view evaluations of a cluster "for people who want to make beautiful curls" for "hair irons," weighting variables (weights) that emphasize functional evaluation items are applied, and for example, weighting variables (weights) such as "10%, "65%, "25%" are added to the numerical values ​​(scores) calculated in the numerical evaluation (in the example of a hair iron, "maximum temperature"), the functional evaluation (in the example of a hair iron, the total value of each function), and the sensory evaluation (in the example of a hair iron, "ease of holding") to extract ranking data generated in descending order of overall evaluation, and display it on the website and transmit it to the user terminal 300. For example, if a user selects the cluster "having small children" for the same "hair iron," the above-mentioned evaluation items are relatively lowered, and the weights of evaluation items such as "noise level" and "heating of the housing when used" are increased in the quantitative evaluation, the weights of functional items such as "child lock" and "auto-off" are increased in the functional evaluation, and the weight of the child's monitor evaluation result is increased in the sensory evaluation for "ease of holding." Such a weight set for each cluster is read out from the product data storage unit 121 by the user's cluster selection, set collectively, and reflected in the calculation of the overall evaluation.

[0060] In this way, according to this example, it is possible to provide information regarding the evaluation of the quality of products instantly and flexibly based on the product category or cluster desired by the user.

[0061] 11 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the method for supporting evaluation of product quality according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This example relates to a method for presenting ranking data related to evaluation of product quality to a user and then providing detailed evaluation data when the user wishes to view evaluation data related to a desired product.

[0062] First, in the process of step SQ401, the information receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives a selection request for viewing the quality evaluation of a desired product from the user terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. For example, when a user views ranking data of products with high quality evaluations in a product category called "hair irons" and checks detailed information of a specific product from the product list, the user performs a selection operation to identify the desired product (e.g., "hair iron X"). Information about the product selected by the user is transmitted from the user terminal 300 to the server terminal 100.

[0063] Next, in the process of step SQ402, the product information processing unit 132 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 refers to the product data relating to the received selected product in the product data storage unit 121 of the memory unit 120.

[0064] Next, as the process of step SQ403, the product information processing unit 133 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 extracts basic data (e.g., product name, price, product image, sales information, etc.) and rating information (e.g., overall rating, numerical rating, functional rating, sensory rating, etc.) related to the product from the product data included in the product data storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120, and transmits them to the user terminal 300 by displaying them on a website. In addition to the overall rating of the product, the website displays information related to the price, size, numerical values ​​(e.g., "maximum temperature", "minimum temperature", etc.), attached functions (e.g., "360-degree rotating cord", "auto-off function"), basic specifications (e.g., "weight", "voltage", "length of power cord", etc.), comments by evaluators, link information (URL) for accessing the seller's website of the product, etc. The user can also refer to the quality evaluation of the product and the basic information of the product, and select the seller's link information to access the seller's website and purchase the product.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a user with options for selecting which product to select, based on information that evaluates the quality of the product purely based on multiple evaluation criteria set for each product and category, without relying on the subjective judgment of a specific evaluator. In addition, evaluations based on evaluation items that the user places importance on can also be performed based on the same evaluation criteria, and can be provided instantly and flexibly.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they can be embodied in various other forms and can be implemented with various omissions, substitutions, and modifications. These embodiments and modifications, as well as omissions, substitutions, and modifications, are included in the technical scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 System 100 Server terminal, 110 Communication unit, 120 Storage unit, 130 Control unit, 200 Evaluator terminal, 300 User terminal, NW1 Network

Claims

1. A method by which a server device provides information regarding product evaluations to a user terminal, The server device stores, for each of the multiple products, basic data about the product and rating data including evaluation results for multiple evaluation items. The user terminal receives the specified product category, For multiple products belonging to the aforementioned product category, an overall evaluation is calculated based on the rating data, ranking data is generated in descending order of the overall evaluation, and this data is transmitted to the user terminal. The user terminal receives a selection request to identify a desired product included in the ranking data. For the products identified in the selection request, at least a portion of the basic data and rating data is extracted and transmitted to the user terminal. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, The server device stores a plurality of clusters defined based on the items that the user considers important among the plurality of evaluation items, and a set of weighting variables associated with each of the plurality of clusters. The user terminal receives a selection from one of the multiple clusters, In calculating the overall evaluation, the evaluation results for the multiple evaluation items are calculated using the weighted variable set associated with the selected cluster. method.

3. The method according to claim 2, The server device stores multiple weighting variable sets corresponding to the same cluster as the weighting variable set. In response to a request from the user terminal, select one of the multiple sets of weighted variables, The overall evaluation is calculated using the selected set of weighting variables. method.

4. The method according to claim 1, The server device receives a rating request from the user terminal for evaluating products included in the product category. In response to the rating request, the system calculates evaluation results for the multiple evaluation items using the weighted variable set, generates evaluation result data including the calculation results and the overall evaluation, and transmits them to the user terminal. method.

5. The method according to claim 1, The information transmitted to the user terminal regarding the product identified in the selection request includes, in addition to the overall evaluation, price, numerical information, additional features, basic specifications, link information for accessing the seller's site, and at least a portion of the evaluator's comments on evaluation criteria and evaluation. method.

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