Information processing device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that can support product purchases.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a first output unit for outputting questions about a product, an acquisition unit for acquiring answers to the questions, a recommendation acquisition unit for acquiring at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about the product, and a second output unit for outputting information about the at least one recommended product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] When consumers choose products related to air fresheners, deodorants, and other products related to the scent of the space, many consumers tend to choose products that they will purchase in a short time. In deciding on a product in a short time, consumers may not be able to find the product they want because it is difficult to understand the purpose, they cannot find products that are different from usual, they cannot try the scent, they do not know the scent they want, etc., and they may hesitate to purchase or not stop by the sales floor. In this way, if consumers are unable to find the product they want in a short time, it will lead to a loss of purchasing opportunities. Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately suggest products that meet the needs of consumers in a short time.

[0003] In addition, fragrance products for the air tend to be for fixed purposes by consumers, and there are few opportunities to try new products for various purposes. Therefore, it is desirable to propose products for various purposes that are tailored to the concerns and requests regarding odors and fragrances that occur in various situations.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a fragrance product suggestion system that suggests the most suitable fragrance product to a user from among a plurality of fragrance products based on information input by the user.

[0005] Non-Patent Document 1 provides an aroma diagnosis service that diagnoses a recommended aroma for a user based on the user's answers to a number of questions about the user's personality and current mood. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 190287 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Lidia: Find the perfect fragrance for you, Fragrance Diagnosis”, [online], [searched May 22, 2023], Internet<https: / / lidea.today / shindan / kaorilab> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, conventional techniques do not provide a technique for supporting consumers in purchasing products by suggesting products that meet consumer needs in a short period of time or by suggesting appropriate products for specific purposes.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that can support product purchases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, an information processing device includes a first output unit that outputs a question regarding a product, an acquisition unit that acquires an answer to the question, a recommendation acquisition unit that acquires at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions regarding the product, and a second output unit that outputs information regarding the at least one recommended product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main data structure of question element information according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main data structure of question element information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main data structure of question element information according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main data structure of question element information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main data structure of question element information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product navigation image displayed on the user terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the user terminal according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0013] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information processing system 100 is a system for providing a product navigation service that supports a consumer in purchasing a product when selecting a product related to a scent of a space, for example. The product navigation service recommends an appropriate product that meets the needs of the consumer. The product related to the scent of a space is, for example, an air freshener or a deodorant. The product navigation service is a service that presents a plurality of questions to the consumer and presents recommended products to the consumer as recommended products based on the answers entered by the consumer. The plurality of questions may be presented to the consumer in an order based on, for example, the consumer's purchasing decision process. The purchasing decision process indicates a process of narrowing down products in order based on a plurality of items such as use and preference. The purchasing decision process includes, for example, a process of first selecting a use of the product and then selecting a preferred scent from among products that meet the use. The use includes, for example, a place of use. The place of use includes, for example, a space, place, position, etc. where the product is used, such as an entrance, a living room, a toilet, a kitchen, or inside a car. The preference includes, for example, a need regarding the space. The needs regarding the space include, for example, the purpose of using the product, such as what kind of space you want to create, a desired image of the space, etc. The needs regarding the space include, for example, wanting to be wrapped in a fine fragrance, wanting to create a clean space, wanting to completely eliminate odors, etc. The needs regarding the space are also simply referred to as the needs of the space. The preferences include, for example, preferences regarding fragrance. The preferences regarding fragrance include desires for fragrance. The desires for fragrance include, for example, the desired image of a fragrance, such as what kind of fragrance you want, what you want from a fragrance, your favorite fragrance, etc. The desires for fragrance include, for example, a refreshing fragrance, a lovely and elegant fragrance, wanting to deodorize without masking with a fragrance, etc. The preferences regarding fragrance are also simply referred to as fragrance preferences. The preferences include, for example, preferences regarding the dosage form. The preferences regarding the dosage form include, for example, wanting to completely deodorize with the power of electronics, wanting to change the fragrance instantly, wanting something that lasts a long time, etc. The preferences regarding the dosage form are also simply referred to as dosage form preferences. The preferences may include preferences regarding the size of the product. The preferences regarding the size of the product are also simply referred to as size preferences.

[0014] For example, let us consider the case where a consumer purchases an air freshener for use in the entranceway. First, the consumer selects "entranceway" as the use of the product, and narrows down the products for entranceway from a large number of products. Next, if the consumer has a spatial need of "creating a relaxing space," the consumer narrows down the products for entranceway to products with relaxing scents. Next, if the consumer's preference for scents is "scents that make you feel high quality," the consumer narrows down the products with relaxing scents to products with scents that make you feel high quality. Following the purchasing decision process described above, the consumer decides on and purchases the desired product.

[0015] The product navigation service recommends products that meet consumers' needs in a short amount of time by having them answer multiple questions in order based on the purchasing decision-making process.

[0016] The information processing system 100 includes a server 1 and a user terminal 2. The server 1 and the user terminal 2 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other freely. For example, the network NW is the Internet. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0017] The server 1 is a device that collects data and processes the collected data. The device includes a computer. The server 1 is connected to a user terminal 2 via a network so as to be able to communicate freely. The server 1 receives various data from the user terminal 2 and outputs various data to the user terminal 2. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described later.

[0018] The user terminal 2 is a device capable of communicating with other devices. The user terminal 2 is a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal 2 is an example of an information processing terminal. An example of the configuration of the user terminal 2 will be described later. The user terminal 2 is used by a consumer who selects or purchases a product. The consumer may be interpreted as a user, a customer, or a person.

[0019] An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described. The server 1 is a device including a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a communication interface 14. Each component of the server 1 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In FIG. 1, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0020] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. The processor 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The processor 11 includes one or more processors. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The processor may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that causes the processor 11 of the server 1 to realize or execute each part described below. The processor 11 executes various operations by executing the program loaded into the main memory 12. The processor 11 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0021] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the server 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores programs.

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a question element storage area 130. The question element storage area 130 stores question element information. The question element information is information related to question elements. The question element information includes at least information such as a question sentence, answer options, and recommended products for a question about a product. A question about a product is also simply called a question. The question element information indicates information that associates a question hierarchy with information such as a question sentence, answer options, and recommended products. The question hierarchy indicates the order in which questions are presented. For example, question hierarchy "1" indicates a question presented first. Question hierarchy "2" indicates a question presented after a question in question hierarchy "1". Question hierarchy "3" indicates a question presented after a question in question hierarchy "2". A question in question hierarchy "1" is also called "Question 1" or "Q1". A question in question hierarchy "2" is also called "Question 2" or "Q2". A question in question hierarchy "3" is also called "Question 3" or "Q3".

[0024] A question in each question hierarchy is a question that is associated with an answer to a question in a higher hierarchy. For example, a question in question hierarchy "2" is a question that is associated with an answer to a question in question hierarchy "1." A question in question hierarchy "3" is a question that is associated with an answer to a question in question hierarchy "2."

[0025] The answer options for each question hierarchical level are answer options associated with answers to questions in a higher hierarchical level. The answer options for each question hierarchical level may change depending on the answers to questions in the higher hierarchical level. The user can select an answer to a question from among the answer options. For example, the answer options for question hierarchical level "2" may be answer options associated with answers to questions in question hierarchical level "1". The answer options for question hierarchical level "3" may be answer options associated with answers to questions in question hierarchical level "2". In the following example, the question hierarchical level is described as being three hierarchical levels, but is not limited to this. The question hierarchical level may be any level.

[0026] Each question layer includes at least one answer option, and the number of answer options included in each question layer may vary depending on the answer to the question in the upper layer.

[0027] The final question hierarchical level is associated with information on at least one recommended product. The number of recommended products associated with the final question hierarchical level may vary depending on the answer to the question at the final question hierarchical level. When the question hierarchical level is three levels, the final question hierarchical level is question hierarchical level "3." In this case, information on recommended products is associated with each of the answer options for the question at question hierarchical level "3."

[0028] The question element information may include at least one of text data, image data, and video data as information on the question sentence, answer options, recommended products, etc. The question element information may be updated every time information on the question sentence, answer options, recommended products, etc. is updated. A question element may also be simply called a question.

[0029] Here, the data structure of the question element information will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6. Fig. 2 to Fig. 6 are schematic diagrams showing the main data structure of the question element information according to the embodiment. The question element information includes questions and answer options in question hierarchy "1," questions and answer options in question hierarchy "2," questions and answer options in question hierarchy "3," and information on recommended products. The question hierarchy may correspond to the order of questions based on a purchasing decision process.

[0030] The question element information includes a question about usage as a question at question hierarchy "1". A question about usage indicates, for example, a question about the place of use or the space of use. An example of a question sentence at question hierarchy "1" is "Which space are you interested in?" A question about usage is the first question presented to the user. A question at question hierarchy "1" is an example of a first question in relation to questions at question hierarchy "2". The first question indicates a question at a higher hierarchy.

[0031] The question element information includes answer options related to use as answer options for questions at question level "1". Answer options related to use indicate, for example, answer options related to the place or space of use. Answer options at question level "1" include, for example, "entrance", "living room", "toilet", "kitchen", "inside the car", etc. Answer options at question level "1" may be set arbitrarily.

[0032] The question element information includes a question about preferences as a question in question hierarchy "2". A question in a lower hierarchy may be a question corresponding to a question in a higher hierarchy. For example, a question in question hierarchy "2" is a question corresponding to a question in question hierarchy "1". A question about preferences in question hierarchy "2" may be a question including a subordinate concept of a question in question hierarchy "1". A question in a lower hierarchy may be a question corresponding to an answer to a question in a higher hierarchy. For example, a question in question hierarchy "2" is a question corresponding to an answer to a question in question hierarchy "1". A question in question hierarchy "2" may be a question for obtaining a keyword that narrows down products that may be selected based on an answer to a question in question hierarchy "1". A question in question hierarchy "2" may differ depending on an answer to a question in question hierarchy "1".

[0033] A question in the question hierarchy "2" may be a question that is a subordinate concept of a question about use. For example, a question in the question hierarchy "2" indicates a question about space needs. A question sentence in the question hierarchy "2" is, for example, "What kind of space do you want?" A question about preference is a question presented to a user after a question about use. For example, a question about space needs is a question presented to a user after a question about a place of use. A question in the question hierarchy "2" is an example of a second question in relation to a question in the question hierarchy "1". A question in the question hierarchy "2" is an example of a first question in relation to a question in the question hierarchy "3". The second question indicates a question in a lower hierarchy than the first question. A question in the question hierarchy "2" is a question associated with a user's answer to a question in the question hierarchy "1". For example, if the user's answer to a question in the question hierarchy "1" is "entrance", a question in the question hierarchy "2" includes a question about preference associated with "entrance". If the user's answer to a question in question hierarchy "1" is "entrance," a question in question hierarchy "2" may include a question to narrow down products associated with "entrance."

[0034] The question element information includes answer options regarding spatial needs as answer options to questions in question hierarchy "2". The answer options regarding spatial needs indicate, for example, answer options regarding the purpose of use and the desired spatial image. The answer options in question hierarchy "2" are answer options associated with the user's answer to the question in question hierarchy "1". For example, if the user's answer to the question in question hierarchy "1" is "entrance", the answer options in question hierarchy "2" include answer options regarding preferences associated with "entrance". The answer options regarding spatial needs associated with "entrance" include, for example, "a relaxing space", "a space that feels clean", etc. The answer options in question hierarchy "2" may be set arbitrarily.

[0035] The question element information includes a question about preferences as a question of the question hierarchy "3". A question of a lower hierarchy may be a question corresponding to a question of a higher hierarchy. For example, a question of the question hierarchy "3" is a question corresponding to a question of the question hierarchy "1" or the question hierarchy "2". A question about preferences of the question hierarchy "3" may be a question including a subordinate concept of a question of the question hierarchy "2". A question of a lower hierarchy may be a question corresponding to an answer to a question of a higher hierarchy. For example, a question of the question hierarchy "3" may be a question corresponding to an answer to a question of the question hierarchy "1". A question of the question hierarchy "3" may be a question corresponding to an answer to a question of the question hierarchy "2". A question of the question hierarchy "3" may be a question for acquiring a keyword that narrows down products that may be selected based on an answer to a question of the question hierarchy "2". A question of the question hierarchy "3" may differ depending on an answer to a question of the question hierarchy "2".

[0036] A question in the question hierarchy "3" may be a question that is a subordinate concept of a question about spatial needs. For example, it may be a question about preferences that is more specific than a question in the question hierarchy "2". A question about preferences in the question hierarchy "3" may, for example, be a question about scent. A question sentence in the question hierarchy "3" may, for example, be "What kind of scent is good?" A question about preferences in the question hierarchy "3" is a question presented to a user after a question about usage. A question about preferences in the question hierarchy "3" is a question presented to a user after a question about preferences in the question hierarchy "2". For example, a question about scent is a question presented to a user after a question about a place of use. A question about scent may be a question presented to a user after a question about spatial needs. A question in the question hierarchy "3" is an example of a second question in relation to a question in the question hierarchy "2". A question in the question hierarchy "3" is a question associated with a user's answer to a question in the question hierarchy "2". For example, if the user's answer to a question in question hierarchy "2" is "a relaxing space," the question in question hierarchy "3" may include a question about preferences associated with the "relaxing space." If the user's answer to a question in question hierarchy "2" is "an entryway," the question in question hierarchy "3" may include a question for narrowing down products associated with the "relaxing space." Note that the question about preferences in question hierarchy "3" may be a question about preferences from a different perspective than the question in question hierarchy "2." For example, if the question in question hierarchy "2" is a question about spatial needs, the question about preferences in question hierarchy "3" may be a question about the duration of a product.

[0037] The question element information includes answer options related to scents as answer options for questions at question level "3". The answer options related to scents indicate, for example, an image of a desired scent or answer options related to a favorite scent. The answer options at question level "3" are answer options associated with the user's answer to a question at question level "2". For example, if the user's answer to a question at question level "2" is "a relaxing space", the answer options at question level "3" include answer options related to preferences associated with "a relaxing space". The answer options related to scents associated with "a relaxing space" include, for example, "a delicate and elegant scent", "a relaxing and soothing scent", etc. The answer options at question level "3" may be set arbitrarily.

[0038] The question element information includes information on recommended products linked to answers to questions at the question hierarchy "3". The recommended products include products that may be selected based on answers to questions at the question hierarchy "3". The recommended products may be set based on answers to questions at the question hierarchy "3". The recommended products may be set based on multiple answers to multiple questions. For example, the recommended products may be set based on answers to questions at the question hierarchy "1", answers to questions at the question hierarchy "2", and answers to questions at the question hierarchy "3". The recommended products may be set based on the order and content of multiple answers to multiple questions. For example, the recommended products may be set based on the order and content of answers to questions at the question hierarchy "1", answers to questions at the question hierarchy "2", and answers to questions at the question hierarchy "3". The recommended products may be acquired based on user information described later. The recommended products may be products sequentially narrowed down based on answers to multiple questions.

[0039] In the following example, a case will be described in which a question at question level "1" is a question about usage, and the question about usage is a question about the location of use. The question at question level "1" is "Which space are you interested in?" The answer options for the question at question level "1" are "Entrance," "Living room," "Toilet," "Kitchen," and "Inside the car."

[0040] FIG. 2 shows an example of a question sentence, answer options, and recommended products associated with answer option A1 “Entrance” from among answer options A1 to A5 for a question in question hierarchy “1”. The question in question hierarchy "2" associated with answer option A1 "Entrance" is "What kind of space do you want to create?". The question in question hierarchy "2" is the next question after the question in question hierarchy "1" "Which space are you interested in?". The question in question hierarchy "2" may be a question presented after the question in question hierarchy "1" according to the purchasing decision process. The questions in question hierarchy "2" include answer options A11 to A14. The answer options A11 to A14 are answer options associated with answer option A1 "Entrance". The answer options A11 to A14 are answer options that include answers to the question in question hierarchy "2" about "Entrance". For example, the answer options A11 to A14 are answer options that include answers to the question "What kind of space do you want to create for the "entrance". Similarly, an answer option is associated with each of the answer options A2 to A5 for the question in question hierarchy "1".

[0041] A question in question hierarchy "3" associated with answer option A1 "Entrance" is "What kind of scent would you like?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with question hierarchy "2" question "What kind of space would you like to have?". A question in question hierarchy "3" is the question following question "What kind of space would you like to have?" in question hierarchy "2". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question presented after a question in question hierarchy "2" in accordance with the purchasing decision process. A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with an answer option in question hierarchy "2". A question in question hierarchy "3" includes answer options A111 to A113. Answer options A111 to A113 are answer options associated with answer option A11 "Relaxing space" to a question in question hierarchy "2". Answer options A111 to A113 are answer options including answers to questions in question hierarchy "3" to question "What kind of space would you like to have?" in question hierarchy "2". For example, answer options A111-A113 are answer options that include answers to the question "What kind of scent is good?" to a user who answered "I want to make the "entrance" a space where I can always relax." The answer options for a question at question level "3" include answer options based on the questions and answers at the associated higher question levels "1" and "2." Similarly, answer options are associated with each of answer options A12-A14 for a question at question level "2."

[0042] A recommended product is associated with each answer option for a question in the question hierarchy "3". For example, a recommended product A1111 is associated with the answer option A111. The recommended product A1111 includes product a1, product a2, and product a3. Similarly, a recommended product is associated with each of the answer options A112 to A113. The recommended product may be a product set according to the answer option for a question in the question hierarchy "3". The recommended products associated with multiple answer options may include at least one identical product. The recommended products include products based on the questions and answers in the associated question hierarchy "1", "2", and "3". The recommended products include products narrowed down based on multiple questions and answers. Note that the recommended products may be the same product or different products depending on the order of the multiple questions, the order of the answers to the multiple questions, and the content.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows an example of a question sentence, answer options, and recommended products associated with answer option A2 “Living Room” from among answer options A1 to A5 for a question in question hierarchy “1”. The question in question hierarchy "2" associated with answer option A2 "Living room" is "What kind of space do you want to create?" The question in question hierarchy "2" includes answer options A21 to A24. Answer options A21 to A24 are answer options associated with answer option A2 "Living room".

[0044] A question in question hierarchy "3" associated with answer option A2 "Living room" is "What kind of smell is good?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with question hierarchy "2" question "What kind of space do you want?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with an answer option in question hierarchy "2". A question in question hierarchy "3" includes answer options A211-A213. Answer options A211-A213 are answer options associated with answer option A21 "A relaxing space" to a question in question hierarchy "2". Similarly, an answer option is associated with each of answer options A22-A24 to a question in question hierarchy "2".

[0045] A recommended product is associated with each answer option for a question in question level "3". For example, a recommended product A2111 is associated with answer option A211. The recommended product A2111 includes product aa1 and product aa2. Similarly, a recommended product is associated with each answer option A212 to A213. The recommended product is a product set according to the answer option for a question in question level "3". The recommended product may be the same product or different products depending on the order of the multiple questions, the order of the answers to the multiple questions, and the contents. For example, when the answers to question level "1" are different, the recommended products may be different products even if the answers to question level "2" and question level "3" are the same. Specifically, if the answer to question level "1" is "entrance", the answer to question level "2" is "I want to create a space where I can always relax", and the answer to question level "3" is "a lovely, elegant scent", then the recommended product A1111 is product a1, product a2, and product a3. In contrast, if the answer to question level "1" is "living room", the answer to question level "2" is "a relaxing space", and the answer to question level "3" is "a lovely, elegant scent", then the recommended product A2111 is product aa1 and product aa2. Products that can be used in both the entrance and the living room may be included in recommended product A1111 and recommended product A2111.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows an example of a question text, answer options, and recommended products associated with answer option A3 “Toilet” from among answer options A1 to A5 for a question in question hierarchy “1”. The question in question hierarchy "2" associated with answer option A3 "Toilet" is "What kind of space do you want to create?" The question in question hierarchy "2" includes answer options A31 to A33. Answer options A31 to A33 are answer options associated with answer option A3 "Toilet".

[0047] A question in question hierarchy "3" associated with answer option A3 "Toilet" is "What kind of smell is good?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with question hierarchy "2" question "What kind of space do you want?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with an answer option in question hierarchy "2". A question in question hierarchy "3" includes answer options A311-A312. Answer options A311-A312 are answer options associated with answer option A31 "Relaxing space" to a question in question hierarchy "2". Similarly, an answer option is associated with each of answer options A32-A33 to a question in question hierarchy "2".

[0048] A recommended product is associated with each answer option for a question at question level "3." For example, recommended product A3111 is associated with answer option A311. Recommended product A3111 includes product aaa1 and product aaa2. Similarly, recommended products are associated with answer option A312. Recommended products are products set according to answer options for questions at question level "3." Note that recommended products can be the same product or different products depending on the order of multiple questions, the order of answers to multiple questions, and the content.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example of a question text, answer options, and recommended products associated with answer option A4 “Kitchen” from among answer options A1 to A5 for a question in question hierarchy “1”. The question at question level "2" associated with answer option A4 "Kitchen" is "Which place are you particularly interested in?" The question at question level "2" includes answer options A41 to A42. Answer options A41 to A42 are answer options associated with answer option A4 "Kitchen".

[0050] A question in question hierarchy "3" associated with answer option A4 "Kitchen" is "How would you like to change the smell?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with question hierarchy "2" question "Which place are you particularly concerned about?". A question in question hierarchy "3" may be a question associated with an answer option in question hierarchy "2". A question in question hierarchy "3" includes answer options A411-A412. Answer options A411-A412 are answer options associated with answer option A41 "Around the kitchen" to a question in question hierarchy "2". Similarly, an answer option is associated with answer option A42 to a question in question hierarchy "2".

[0051] A recommended product is associated with each answer option for a question at question level "3." For example, recommended product A4111 is associated with answer option A4111. Recommended product A4111 includes product aaaa1 and product aaaa2. Similarly, recommended products are associated with answer option A412. Recommended products are products set according to answer options for a question at question level "3." Note that the recommended products may be the same product or different products depending on the order of the multiple questions, the order of the answers to the multiple questions, and the content.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows an example of a question sentence, answer options, and recommended products associated with answer option A5 “Inside the car” from among answer options A1 to A5 for a question in question hierarchy “1”. The question in question hierarchy "2" associated with answer option A5 "Inside the car" is "What kind of space do you want to create?" The question in question hierarchy "2" includes answer options A51 to A52. Answer options A51 to A52 are answer options associated with answer option A5 "Inside the car".

[0053] A question at question level "3" associated with answer option A5 "Inside the car" is "What kind of smell is good?". A question at question level "3" may be a question associated with a question at question level "2" "What kind of space do you want to create?". A question at question level "3" may be a question associated with an answer option at question level "2". A question at question level "3" includes answer options A511-A512. Answer options A511-A512 are answer options associated with answer option A51 "A relaxing space" to a question at question level "2". Similarly, an answer option is associated with answer option A52 to a question at question level "2".

[0054] A recommended product is associated with each answer option for a question at question level "3." For example, recommended product A5111 is associated with answer option A5111. Recommended product A5111 includes product aaaaa1 and product aaaaa2. Similarly, recommended products are associated with answer option A512. Recommended products are products set according to answer options for a question at question level "3." Note that the recommended products may be the same product or different products depending on the order of the multiple questions, the order of the answers to the multiple questions, and the content.

[0055] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a product information storage area 131. The product information storage area 131 stores product information. The product information is information related to recommended products. The recommended products include at least one of deodorants and air fresheners. The product information includes at least information such as product identification information, product name, information regarding the purchase of the product, and how to use the product. The product information may include an image of the product. The product identification information is product identification information that can uniquely identify the product. Information regarding the purchase of the product includes information on a store that handles the product, link information on a site where the product can be purchased, and sales promotion information for the product. Sales promotion information includes discount information, campaign information, and bonus information for the product. How to use the product includes information such as how to place the product, how to use the product effectively, and how long the product will last. The product information may include information regarding the price of the product, release date information, and the like. The product information may be updated as appropriate.

[0056] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a user information storage area 132. The user information storage area 132 stores user information. The user information may include user identification information, user attribute information, user purchase history, information on user preferences, and the like. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to each user to individually identify the user. The user attribute information may include information on gender, age, occupation, place of residence, and the like. The user purchase history may include a purchase history of products related to fragrances and products related to products related to fragrances. The information on user preferences may include information on fragrance preferences, hobbies, tastes, moods, and the like. The user information may be updated as appropriate.

[0057] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that communicatively connect the server 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0058] The hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The server 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0059] Each unit realized by the above-mentioned processor 11 will be described. The processor 11 realizes a first output unit 110, an acquisition unit 111, a recommendation acquisition unit 112, and a second output unit 113. Each unit realized by the processor 11 can also be called each function. Each unit realized by the processor 11 can also be called a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0060] The first output unit 110 outputs data of questions about products to the user terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The first output unit 110 may output data of questions about a plurality of products. The first output unit 110 may sequentially output data of a plurality of questions based on a user's operation. The plurality of questions are questions in a plurality of question hierarchies. The first output unit 110 may output a plurality of questions in the order from a question in a higher hierarchy to a question in a lower hierarchy. The first output unit 110 may output a question in a lower hierarchy in response to acquiring an answer to a question in a higher hierarchy. The questions about products include questions for suggesting recommended products to the user. The questions about products include questions related to the acquisition of recommended products. The questions about products include questions for narrowing down recommended products from a plurality of products. The questions about products include questions about the use of products. The use of products includes a place where the product is used. The place of use may be interpreted as a space where the product is used. The questions about products include questions about the user's product preferences. The questions about product preferences include questions about spatial needs. The questions regarding product preferences include questions regarding fragrance preferences. The questions regarding product preferences may include questions regarding intended use. The questions regarding product preferences may include questions regarding dosage form preferences. The questions regarding product preferences may include questions regarding size preferences.

[0061] The first output unit 110 outputs data of answer options to questions about the product to the user terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The first output unit 110 may output the answer options together with the questions about the product, or may output them separately. The answer options may include at least one of text data, image data, and video data. When the answer options include image data or video data, the user can easily select an answer. According to this example, the information processing system 100 allows the user to imagine an ideal room from the scent, thereby making the user aware of a desire for a scent that they were not aware of before, giving them a new image of the product, and expanding the usage scenarios for the product.

[0062] The acquisition unit 111 acquires an answer to a question from the user terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 111 acquires an answer to a question based on an operation of selecting an answer from answer options by the user of the user terminal 2. The operation of selecting an answer includes a touch operation, a tap operation, a click operation, etc. via the input device 25 of the user terminal 2.

[0063] The acquisition unit 111 may acquire user information from the user terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire user information in response to a user of the user terminal 2 logging in to the product navigation service. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire user information based on an input operation by the user of the user terminal 2 via the input device 25. In this case, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire user information based on a user's answer to a question about the user's attributes, etc., displayed on the display device 27.

[0064] The recommendation acquisition unit 112 acquires at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about a product. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 acquires at least one recommended product based on an answer to a question about the use of the product and an answer to a question about a preference for the product. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire at least one recommended product based on a combination of a plurality of answers. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire at least one recommended product based on the order of a plurality of questions and the contents of the answers. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire at least one recommended product based on a tree structure composed of a plurality of questions and answer options. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire recommended product candidates sequentially each time an answer to a question about a product is acquired. For example, the recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire a first recommended product candidate from a plurality of products based on an answer to a first question. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire a second recommended product candidate from the first recommended product candidates based on the answer to the second question. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire a recommended product from the second recommended product candidates based on the answer to the third question.

[0065] The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about the product and user information. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may narrow down recommended products from recommended product candidates acquired based on multiple answers to multiple questions about the product based on user information. For example, the recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire recommended products based on user attributes from recommended product candidates acquired based on multiple answers to multiple questions. When the user attribute is "women in their 20s", the recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire products that are in high demand among "women in their 20s" from the recommended product candidates as recommended products. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire recommended products based on the purchase history of the user from the recommended product candidates acquired based on multiple answers to multiple questions. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire products that the user has purchased in the past as recommended products from the recommended product candidates. The recommendation acquiring unit 112 may acquire, as a recommended product, a product that the user has not purchased in the past from among the recommended product candidates.

[0066] The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a priority order for at least one recommended product. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a priority order for the recommended products based on answers to a plurality of questions related to fragrance. For example, the recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a priority order for the recommended products based on a combination of answers to questions related to the spatial image and answers to questions related to the dosage form. A case will be described in which the answer to the question related to the spatial image is "a clean space" and the answer to the question related to the dosage form is "I want to change the fragrance instantly." The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a high priority order for spray-type products among products with a clean fragrance. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a high priority order for the recommended products based on the attributes of the user. For example, when the attribute of the user is "women in their twenties," the recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a high priority order for products that are in high demand among "women in their twenties" among the recommended products.

[0067] The second output unit 113 outputs information on at least one recommended product acquired by the recommendation acquisition unit 112 to the user terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The information on the recommended product may include at least one of text data, image data, and video data. The information on the recommended product includes information indicating the recommended product. The information indicating the recommended product is information that can identify the recommended product. The information indicating the recommended product may include the product name of the recommended product, an image of the recommended product, etc. The information on the recommended product may include product features such as the scent of the product. The information on the recommended product may include information on the purchase of the recommended product. The information on the purchase of the recommended product includes information on the store that handles the recommended product, link information on the purchase site of the recommended product, and promotional information on the recommended product. The information on the recommended product may include information on how to use the recommended product. The information on the recommended product may include information on the price of the recommended product.

[0068] An example of the configuration of the user terminal 2 will be described. The user terminal 2 is a device including a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, an input device 25, a camera 26, a display device 27, and a speaker 28. Each component constituting the user terminal 2 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals.

[0069] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the user terminal 2. The processor 21 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned processor 11. The processor 21 executes various operations by executing programs pre-stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The processor 21 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0070] The main memory 22 corresponds to a main storage portion of the user terminal 2. The main memory 22 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 12. The main memory 22 stores programs.

[0071] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the user terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store user information.

[0072] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that connect the user terminal 2 to other devices so that they can communicate with each other via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0073] The input device 25 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the user terminal 2. For example, the input device 25 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The input device 25 includes a microphone capable of inputting voice.

[0074] Camera 26 is a device capable of acquiring photographic data of a photographing range under the control of processor 21. Camera 26 is an example of an imaging unit.

[0075] The display device 27 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processor 21. For example, the display device 27 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display.

[0076] The speaker 28 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of the user terminal 2.

[0077] The hardware configuration of the user terminal 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The user terminal 2 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0078] (Example of operation) The process performed by the information processing system 100 will now be described. In the following description mainly focusing on the server 1, the server 1 may be read as the processor 11. Similarly, in the following description mainly focusing on the user terminal 2, the user terminal 2 may be read as the processor 21.

[0079] Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate for the process steps described below depending on the embodiment.

[0080] In the following process, it is assumed that the user of the user terminal 2 uses the product navigation service provided by the server 1. The user uses the product navigation service, for example, in a store's sales area for fragrance-related products, based on link information for the product navigation service attached to a point-of-purchase advertising (POP) or advertisement, or a two-dimensional code, etc. The user may use the product navigation service, for example, from an online advertisement. The user may start using the service by logging in to the product navigation service. The user may input answers to questions about user information prior to starting the product navigation service.

[0081] 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the server 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that information processing by the server 1 is started when a user starts using a product navigation service.

[0082] The first output unit 110 outputs data of question 1 and data of answer options for question 1 to the user terminal 2 (step S1). In step S1, for example, the first output unit 110 acquires data of question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 13. The first output unit 110 acquires data of answer options for question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 13. The first output unit 110 outputs the acquired data to the user terminal 2. Question 1 is a question about the use of the product. The question about the use may be the first question among multiple questions. The question about the use is a question that precedes the question about the preference of the product. The question about the use does not have to be the first question among multiple questions. In this example, it is assumed that question 1 is "Which space are you interested in?" The answer options are assumed to be "Entrance", "Living room", "Toilet", "Kitchen", and "Inside the car". The first output unit 110 may output at least one of text data, image data, and video data as data of question 1 and data of answer options for question 1.

[0083] The acquisition unit 111 acquires an answer to question 1 from the user terminal 2 (step S2). In step S2, for example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires data indicating an option selected by the user from among answer options for question 1. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the answer to question 1 based on the data indicating the option. In this example, it is assumed that "Entrance" was selected by the user.

[0084] The first output unit 110 outputs data of question 2 and data of answer options of question 2 to the user terminal 2 (step S3). In step S3, for example, the first output unit 110 acquires data of question 2 associated with the answer to question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 13 based on the answer to question 1. The first output unit 110 acquires data of answer options of question 2 associated with the answer to question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 13 based on the answer to question 1. In this example, the first output unit 110 acquires data of question 2 associated with "entrance" and data of answer options, and outputs the acquired data to the user terminal 2. Question 2 is a question about product preferences. The question about product preferences is a question that follows the question about usage. In this example, question 2 is a question about spatial needs, "What kind of space do you want to create?". Question 2 is a question that follows question 1. Question 2 is a question that corresponds to the answer to question 1. The answer options of question 2 are options that correspond to the answer to question 1. The first output unit 110 may output at least one of text data, image data, and video data as data of question 2 and answer options for question 2. Note that the question regarding the spatial needs is not limited to a question immediately following a question regarding the use. The question regarding the spatial needs may be asked after the question regarding the use, and does not have to be consecutive to the question regarding the use.

[0085] The acquisition unit 111 acquires an answer to question 2 from the user terminal 2 (step S4). In step S4, for example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires data of an option selected by the user from among answer options for question 2. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the answer to question 2 based on the data indicating the option. In this example, it is assumed that the user has selected "a relaxing space."

[0086] The first output unit 110 outputs data of question 3 and data of answer options of question 3 to the user terminal 2 (step S5). In step S5, for example, the first output unit 110 acquires data of question 3 associated with the answer to question 2 from the auxiliary storage device 13 based on the answer to question 2. The first output unit 110 acquires data of answer options of question 3 associated with the answer to question 2 from the auxiliary storage device 13 based on the answer to question 2. In this example, the first output unit 110 acquires data of question 3 associated with "I want to create a space where I can relax at any time" and data of answer options, and outputs the acquired data to the user terminal 2. Question 3 is a question about product preferences. The question about product preferences is a question that follows a question about space needs. In this example, question 3 is a question about fragrances, "What kind of fragrance do you like?" The question about product preferences is a question that follows a question about uses. Question 3 is a question that follows question 2. Question 3 is a question that corresponds to the answer to question 2. The answer options of question 3 are options that correspond to the answer to question 2. The first output unit 110 may output at least one of text data, image data, and video data as data of question 3 and answer options for question 3.

[0087] The acquisition unit 111 acquires an answer to question 3 from the user terminal 2 (step S6). In step S6, for example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires data of an option selected by the user from among answer options for question 3. The acquisition unit 111 acquires an answer to question 3 based on the data indicating the option. In this example, it is assumed that the user has selected "a lovely and elegant fragrance."

[0088] The recommendation acquisition unit 112 acquires at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about products (step S7). In step S7, for example, the recommendation acquisition unit 112 acquires recommended products based on the answers to questions 1, 2, and 3. In this example, the recommendation acquisition unit 112 acquires recommended products to be proposed to the user when the place of use is the "entrance", the spatial need is a "relaxing space", and the fragrance preference is a "pretty and elegant fragrance". The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may narrow down the recommended products based on the answers to questions 1, 2, and 3 in that order. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may narrow down the recommended products sequentially based on the answers to each question hierarchy.

[0089] The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may acquire at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about the product and the user information. The recommendation acquisition unit 112 may set a priority order for the recommended products based on at least one of the plurality of answers to the plurality of questions about the product and the user information.

[0090] The second output unit 113 outputs information about at least one recommended product acquired by the recommendation acquisition unit 112 to the user terminal 2 (step S8). In step S8, for example, the second output unit 113 outputs information indicating at least the recommended product to the user terminal 2. The second output unit 113 may output information about the recommended product by referring to product information in the auxiliary storage device 13. The second output unit 113 may output information about product features of the recommended product. The second output unit 113 may output information about the purchase of the recommended product. The second output unit 113 may output at least one of text data, image data, and video data as information about the recommended product.

[0091] It should be noted that the number of multiple questions is not limited to 3. The processor 11 repeats the above-described process according to the number of questions or the number of question hierarchies.

[0092] According to this example, the server 1 can first present the user with a question about the use of the product among multiple questions about the product, and narrow down recommended products according to the user's answer. The server 1 presents the user with a question about the use of the product, followed by a question about the user's preferences for the product. This allows the server 1 to present to the user products that match the user's preferences among products for the user's desired use as recommended products. The user can find a product that matches the user's preferences among the recommended products among the products that match the desired use.

[0093] (Display example) The image of the product navigation service displayed on the user terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product navigation image displayed on the user terminal 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0094] The product navigation images include a first question image Ima including question 1, a second question image Imb including question 2, a third question image Imc including question 3, and a diagnosis result image Imd including recommended products.

[0095] The question image Ima includes a question 1 and answer options for the question 1. In response to the user selecting one of the answer options, the user terminal 2 may display the selected answer option in an identifiable manner. The example of FIG. 8 shows a case where "Entrance" is selected by the user. In response to the user selecting one of the answer options, the product navigation image transitions from the question image Ima to the question image Imb. Note that the question image Ima may include an image corresponding to the answer option.

[0096] The question image Imb includes a question 2 and answer options for the question 2. In response to the user selecting one of the answer options, the user terminal 2 may display the selected answer option in an identifiable manner. The example of FIG. 8 shows a case where the user selects "relaxing space." In response to the user selecting one of the answer options, the product navigation image transitions from the question image Imb to the question image Imc. Note that the question image Imb may include an image corresponding to the answer option.

[0097] The question image Imc includes a question 3 and answer options for the question 3. In response to the user selecting one of the answer options, the user terminal 2 may display the selected answer option in an identifiable manner. The example of FIG. 8 shows a case where the user selects "a lovely and elegant fragrance." In response to the user selecting one of the answer options, the product navigation image transitions from the question image Imc to a diagnosis result image Imd. Note that the question image Imc may include an image corresponding to the answer option.

[0098] The diagnosis result image Imd includes a diagnosis result. The diagnosis result includes information on recommended products. In the example of FIG. 8, the diagnosis result includes the product names of the recommended products, "product a1, product a2, product a3." The diagnosis result image Imd may include images of the recommended products instead of or in addition to the product names of the recommended products. The diagnosis result image Imd may include product features of the recommended products, information on purchasing the recommended products, etc.

[0099] (effect) The information processing device of the first embodiment outputs questions about a product, acquires answers to the questions, acquires at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about the product, and outputs information about the at least one recommended product. In this way, the information processing device can recommend products that meet the needs of the user in a short time by acquiring answers to a plurality of questions from the user. The user can easily find products that meet the needs of the user in a short time by simply answering the plurality of questions output from the information processing device. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing products.

[0100] The information processing device outputs a plurality of questions including a question about the use of the product. This allows the information processing device to recommend an appropriate product according to the use of the product. The user can easily find a product that suits the desired use in a short time by simply answering the questions about the use output from the information processing device. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing a product.

[0101] The information processing device outputs a question about the use of the product as the first question out of multiple questions. In this way, the information processing device can narrow down multiple products to those that suit the use by first outputting a question about the use of the product. By first answering the question about the use output from the information processing device, the user can easily find a product that suits the desired use in a short time. Furthermore, by first presenting the user with a question about the use, the information processing device can motivate the user to find a product with a new use. The user can be given an opportunity to discover a new product with a use that has not been used before. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing products.

[0102] The information processing device outputs questions about the use of the product, including the place where the product will be used. This allows the information processing device to recommend an appropriate product according to the place where the product will be used. A user can easily find a product that suits a desired place of use in a short time by simply answering the questions about the place of use output from the information processing device. In addition, the user can easily imagine a usage scene of the product from the place of use. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing a product.

[0103] The information processing device outputs a plurality of questions including a first question and a second question following the first question, and outputs the second question according to the answer to the first question. This allows the information processing device to present to the user an appropriate second question according to the answer to the first question. The information processing device can recommend a more appropriate product based on the answer to the first question and the answer to the second question. For example, the information processing device can narrow down the products to be recommended based on the first question, and further narrow down the products to be recommended based on the second question. By answering the plurality of questions in order, the user can find a product that better suits their needs. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing products.

[0104] The information processing device outputs a plurality of questions including a first question and a second question following the first question, and outputs answer options for the second question according to the answer to the first question. This allows the information processing device to present to the user appropriate answer options for the second question according to the answer to the first question. The information processing device can recommend a more appropriate product based on the answer to the first question and the answer to the second question. For example, the information processing device can narrow down the products to be recommended based on the first question, and present to the user answer options that further narrow down the narrowed down products. By answering the plurality of questions in order, the user can easily find a product that better suits their needs. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing products.

[0105] The information processing device can output a plurality of questions including a question about the user's product preferences, and output a question about the use before a question about the product preferences. As a result, the information processing device can first acquire recommended products according to the use, and recommend a product that suits the user from among products narrowed down based on the use. The user can find a product that suits the use. For example, when a user is looking for a product that suits his / her preferences for use at the entrance, the information processing device can acquire an appropriate product by first acquiring a product that suits the use, and further acquire a product that suits the user's preferences as a recommended product. For example, when a question about the user's preferences is presented first, there is a possibility that products that suit the use will be more limited. Therefore, the information processing device can recommend an appropriate product that suits the use, unlike the case where a question about the user's preferences is output first. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing a product.

[0106] The information processing device obtains at least one recommended product based on the multiple answers to the multiple questions and the user information. This allows the information processing device to recommend products that better suit the needs of the user based on the user information. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing products.

[0107] The information processing device outputs information regarding the purchase of at least one recommended product. For example, the information processing device outputs information about stores that carry the recommended product, link information about the purchasing site, etc. This allows the information processing device to more reliably provide the user with an opportunity to purchase the product. The information processing device also outputs sales promotion information about the recommended product. This allows the information processing device to effectively motivate the user to purchase the product. In this way, the information processing device can support the user in purchasing the product.

[0108] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the user terminal 2 performs the same process as the server 1. In the second embodiment, the user terminal 2 is an example of an information processing terminal.

[0109] The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

[0110] (Configuration example) FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 100 is a system for providing a product navigation service. The information processing system 100 includes a server 1 and a user terminal 2. The server 1 and the user terminal 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network. For example, the network NW is the Internet. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0111] The configuration example of the server 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0112] An example of the configuration of the user terminal 2 will be described. The user terminal 2 is a device including a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, an input device 25, a camera 26, a display device 27, and a speaker 28. Each component constituting the user terminal 2 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals.

[0113] The configuration examples of the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, communication interface 24, input device 25, camera 26, display device 27, and speaker 28 are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0114] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores an application program that provides a product navigation service. The auxiliary storage device 23 includes a question element storage area 230. The question element storage area 230 stores question element information. The question element information is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0115] The auxiliary storage device 23 includes a product information storage area 231. The product information storage area 231 stores product information. The product information is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0116] The auxiliary storage device 23 includes a user information storage area 232. The user information storage area 232 stores user information. The user information stores user information related to the user of the user terminal 2. The user information is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0117] The hardware configuration of the user terminal 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The user terminal 2 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0118] Each unit realized by the above-mentioned processor 21 will be described. The processor 21 realizes a first acquisition unit 210, a second acquisition unit 211, a recommendation acquisition unit 212, and a display processing unit 213. Each unit realized by the processor 21 can also be called each function. Each unit realized by the processor 21 can also be called a control unit including the processor 21 and the main memory 22.

[0119] The first acquisition unit 210 acquires data on questions related to products from the auxiliary storage device 23. The first acquisition unit 210 may acquire data on questions related to multiple products. The first acquisition unit 210 may acquire data on multiple questions sequentially based on a user's operation. The first acquisition unit 210 may acquire the multiple questions in the order from a question in a higher hierarchy to a question in a lower hierarchy. The first acquisition unit 210 may acquire a question in a lower hierarchy in response to acquiring an answer to a question in a higher hierarchy.

[0120] The first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of answer options to questions about products from the auxiliary storage device 23. The first acquisition unit 210 may acquire the answer options together with the questions about the products, or may acquire them separately.

[0121] The first acquisition unit 210 acquires product information from the auxiliary storage device 23. The first acquisition unit 210 may acquire user information from the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0122] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to a question based on a user's operation. The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to a question based on a user's operation of selecting an answer from answer options. The operation of selecting an answer includes a touch operation, a tap operation, a click operation, etc. via the input device 25.

[0123] The recommendation acquisition unit 212 acquires at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about a product, similar to the recommendation acquisition unit 112. The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may acquire at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about a product and user information, similar to the recommendation acquisition unit 112. The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may set a priority order for at least one recommended product, similar to the recommendation acquisition unit 112. The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may acquire at least one recommended product by communicating with the server 1. For example, the recommendation acquisition unit 212 may output information on a plurality of answers to the server 1 and acquire information on at least one recommended product based on the plurality of answers from the server 1.

[0124] The display processing unit 213 displays the question about the product on the display device 27 based on the data of the question about the product. The display processing unit 213 displays the answer options on the display device 27 based on the data of the answer options.

[0125] The display processing unit 213 displays information about at least one recommended product acquired by the recommendation acquiring unit 212 on the display device 27 .

[0126] (Example of operation) The process performed by the information processing system 100 will now be described. In addition, in the description mainly focusing on the user terminal 2, the user terminal 2 may be read as the processor 21.

[0127] Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate for the process steps described below depending on the embodiment.

[0128] In the following process, it is assumed that the product navigation service is realized by the user terminal 2. The user may start using the service by logging in to an application that provides the product navigation service. Prior to starting the product navigation service, the user may input answers to questions about user information.

[0129] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the user terminal 2 according to the second embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that information processing by the user terminal 2 is started when the user starts using a product navigation service application.

[0130] The display processing unit 213 displays question 1 and answer options for question 1 on the display device 27 (step S11). In step S11, for example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires data for question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 23. The first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of answer options for question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 23. The display processing unit 213 displays question 1 and answer options on the display device 27 based on the data acquired by the first acquisition unit 210. Question 1 is a question about the use of a product. The question about the use is the first question among multiple questions. The question about the use is a question that precedes the question about the preference of the product. In this example, it is assumed that question 1 is "Which space are you interested in?" The answer options are assumed to be "Entrance", "Living room", "Toilet", "Kitchen", and "Inside the car". The display processing unit 213 may display question 1 and answer options for question 1 based on at least one of text data, image data, and video data.

[0131] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to question 1 based on a user operation (step S12). In step S12, for example, the second acquisition unit 211 acquires data indicating an option selected by the user from among answer options for question 1. The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to question 1 based on the data indicating the option. In this example, it is assumed that "Entrance" is selected by the user.

[0132] The display processing unit 213 displays the question 2 and the answer options of the question 2 on the display device 27 (step S13). In step S13, for example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the question 2 associated with the answer to the question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 23 based on the answer to the question 1. The first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the answer options of the question 2 associated with the answer to the question 1 from the auxiliary storage device 13 based on the answer to the question 1. In this example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the question 2 associated with the "entrance" and data of the answer options, and displays the question 2 and the answer options of the question 2 based on the acquired data. The question 2 is a question about product preferences. The question about product preferences is a question that follows the question about the use. In this example, the question 2 is a question about the needs of the space, "What kind of space do you want to create?". The question 2 is a question that follows the question 1. The question 2 is a question that corresponds to the answer to the question 1. The answer options of the question 2 are options that correspond to the answer to the question 1. The display processing unit 213 may display question 2 and answer options for question 2 based on at least one of text data, image data, and video data.

[0133] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to question 2 based on a user operation (step S14). In step S14, for example, the second acquisition unit 211 acquires data of an option selected by the user from among answer options for question 2. The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to question 2 based on data indicating the option. In this example, it is assumed that the user has selected "a relaxing space."

[0134] The display processing unit 213 displays the question 3 and the answer options for the question 3 on the display device 27 (step S15). In step S15, for example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the question 3 associated with the answer to the question 2 from the auxiliary storage device 23 based on the answer to the question 2. The first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the answer options for the question 3 associated with the answer to the question 2 from the auxiliary storage device 23 based on the answer to the question 2. In this example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the question 3 associated with "I want to create a space where I can relax at any time" and data of the answer options, and displays the question 3 and the answer options for the question 3 based on the acquired data. The question about the product preference is a question that follows the question about the needs of the space. In this example, the question 3 is a question about the scent, "What kind of scent is good?". The question about the product preference is a question that follows the question about the use. The question 3 is a question that follows the question 2. The question 3 is a question that corresponds to the answer to the question 2. The answer options for question 3 are options corresponding to the answer to question 2. The display processing unit 213 may display question 3 and the answer options for question 3 based on at least one of text data, image data, and video data.

[0135] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to question 3 based on a user operation (step S16). In step S16, for example, the second acquisition unit 211 acquires data of an option selected by the user from among answer options for question 3. The second acquisition unit 211 acquires an answer to question 3 based on data indicating the option. In this example, it is assumed that "a lovely and elegant fragrance" has been selected by the user.

[0136] The recommendation acquisition unit 212 acquires at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about products (step S17). In step S17, for example, the recommendation acquisition unit 212 acquires recommended products based on the answers to questions 1, 2, and 3. In this example, the recommendation acquisition unit 212 acquires recommended products to be proposed to the user when the place of use is the "entrance", the spatial need is a "relaxing space", and the fragrance preference is a "pretty and elegant fragrance". The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may narrow down the recommended products based on the answers to questions 1, 2, and 3 in that order. The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may narrow down the recommended products sequentially based on the answers to each question hierarchy.

[0137] The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may acquire at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about the product and the user information. The recommendation acquisition unit 212 may set a priority order for the recommended products based on at least one of the multiple answers to multiple questions about the product and the user information.

[0138] The display processing unit 213 displays information about at least one recommended product acquired by the recommendation acquisition unit 212 on the display device 27 (step S18). In step S18, for example, the display processing unit 213 displays information indicating at least the recommended product on the display device 27. The display processing unit 213 may output information about the recommended product by referring to product information in the auxiliary storage device 23. The display processing unit 213 may output information about product features of the recommended product. The display processing unit 213 may output information about the purchase of the recommended product. The display processing unit 213 may display information about the recommended product based on at least one of text data, image data, and video data.

[0139] It should be noted that the number of multiple questions is not limited to 3. The processor 21 repeats the above-described process according to the number of questions or the number of question hierarchies.

[0140] According to this example, the user terminal 2 can first present the user with a question about the use of the product among multiple questions about the product, and narrow down recommended products according to the user's answer. The user terminal 2 presents the user with a question about the use of the product, followed by a question about the user's preferences for the product. This allows the user terminal 2 to present to the user products that match the user's preferences among products for the user's desired use as recommended products. The user can find products that match the user's preferences among the recommended products among the products that match the desired use.

[0141] (effect) The user terminal of the second embodiment displays questions about a product, obtains answers to the questions, obtains at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about the product, and displays information about the at least one recommended product. In this way, the user terminal can recommend products that meet the needs of the user in a short time by obtaining answers to multiple questions from the user. The user can easily find products that meet the needs of the user in a short time by simply answering the multiple questions displayed. In this way, the user terminal can support the user in purchasing products.

[0142] The user terminal of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0143] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the product is described as a product related to the scent of a space, such as an air freshener or a deodorant, but is not limited to this. The product may be any product that can be classified according to its use and scent. For example, the product includes a product that can be used for multiple uses. The product includes multiple products with similar scents for different uses. Note that the scent is an example of a user's preference. Therefore, the product may be a product that can be classified according to its use and preference. In this example, the multiple questions include questions about preferences, rather than questions about scents. The product is not limited to consumables, but may be food, objects, etc.

[0144] The information processing device may be realized by one device such as the server 1, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions. The information processing terminal may be realized by one device such as the user terminal 2, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0145] The above-described embodiments may be applied not only to an apparatus but also to a method executed by the apparatus. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a program capable of causing a computer of the apparatus to execute each function. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a recording medium storing a program. The above-described embodiments may be applied not only to a system but also to a method executed by multiple elements included in the system.

[0146] The processing circuitry includes one or more circuits that realize multiple processes by multiple functions, for example, but not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0147] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more processes among the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits executes a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0148] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an apparatus, or in a state where it is not stored in an apparatus. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by a computer.

[0149] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, in implementing the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0150] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment as it is, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0151] (Additional Note) The above embodiment may be expressed as follows: (1) a first output unit that outputs a question about a product; an acquisition unit for acquiring an answer to the question; a recommendation acquisition unit that acquires at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about the product; a second output unit that outputs information about the at least one recommended product; An information processing device comprising: (2) the plurality of questions includes questions about the use of the product; An information processing device as described in (1). (3) the question regarding the product's intended use is the first of the multiple questions; An information processing device according to (2). (4) The information processing device according to (2) or (3), wherein the purpose of the product includes a place where the product is used. (5) the plurality of questions includes a first question and a second question following the first question; The second question is a question corresponding to the answer to the first question. An information processing device as described in (1). (6) the plurality of questions includes a first question and a second question following the first question; The answer options for the second question are options corresponding to the answer to the first question. An information processing device as described in (1). (7) the plurality of questions includes questions about the user's product preferences; The question regarding the use is a question asked before the question regarding the product preference. An information processing device according to (2) or (3). (8) The recommendation acquisition unit acquires the at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to the plurality of questions and user information. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The information about the at least one recommended product includes information about a purchase of the at least one recommended product. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) To the computer: A function to output questions about products, obtaining answers to said questions; Retrieving at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about the product; A function of outputting information about the at least one recommended product; A program that can execute the following. (11) outputting questions about the product; obtaining answers to said questions; obtaining at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions regarding the product; outputting information about the at least one recommended product; An information processing method comprising: (12) To a computer: The ability to display questions about products, The ability to get answers to your questions; Retrieving at least one recommended product based on multiple answers to multiple questions about the product; displaying information about the at least one recommended product; A program that can execute the following. (13) The plurality of questions includes a question regarding the use of the product; (12) The program according to (12). (14) The question regarding the use of the product is the first of the multiple questions; (13) The program according to (13). (15) The program according to (13) or (14), wherein the purpose of the product includes a place where the product is used. (16) The plurality of questions includes a first question and a second question following the first question, The second question is a question corresponding to the answer to the first question. (12) The program according to (12). (17) The plurality of questions includes a first question and a second question following the first question, The answer options for the second question are options corresponding to the answer to the first question. (12) The program according to (12). (18) The plurality of questions includes questions about the user's product preferences; The question regarding the use is a question asked before the question regarding the product preference. The program according to (13) or (14). (19) The function of acquiring includes acquiring the at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to the plurality of questions and user information. A program according to any one of (12) to (18). (20) The information about the at least one recommended product includes information about a purchase of the at least one recommended product. A program according to any one of (12) to (19). [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1...server, 2...user terminal, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 21...processor, 22...main memory, 23...auxiliary storage device, 24...communication interface, 25...input device, 26...camera, 27...display device, 28...speaker, 100...information processing system, 110...first output unit, 111...acquisition unit, 112...recommendation acquisition unit, 113...second output unit, 130...question element storage area, 131...product information storage area, 132...user information storage area, 210...first acquisition Acquisition unit, 211...second acquisition unit, 212...recommendation acquisition unit, 213...display processing unit, 230...question element storage area, 231...product information storage area, A1 to A5, A11 to A14, A21 to A24, A31 to A33, A41 to A42, A51 to A52, A111 to A113, A211 to A213, A311 to A312, A411 to A412, A511 to A512...answer options, A1111, A2111, A3111, A4111, A5111...recommended products, Ima...question image-Imc...question image, Imd...diagnosis result image, NW...network.

Claims

1. a first output unit that outputs a question about a product; an acquisition unit for acquiring an answer to the question; a recommendation acquisition unit that acquires at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions about the product; a second output unit that outputs information about the at least one recommended product; An information processing device comprising:

2. The plurality of questions includes questions regarding the use of the product. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The question regarding the use of the product is the first question among the plurality of questions. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the purpose of the product includes a place where the product is to be used.

5. the plurality of questions includes a first question and a second question subsequent to the first question; the second question is a question corresponding to the answer to the first question; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the plurality of questions includes a first question and a second question subsequent to the first question; The answer options for the second question are options corresponding to the answer to the first question. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the plurality of questions includes questions about the user's product preferences; The question regarding the use is a question asked before the question regarding the product preference. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

8. the recommendation acquisition unit acquires the at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to the plurality of questions and user information; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The information about the at least one recommended product includes information about a purchase of the at least one recommended product. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. On the computer, A function to output questions about products, obtaining answers to said questions; obtaining at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions regarding the product; outputting information about the at least one recommended product; A program that can execute the following.

11. Outputting questions about the product; obtaining answers to said questions; obtaining at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions regarding the product; outputting information about the at least one recommended product; An information processing method comprising:

12. On the computer, The ability to display questions about products, The ability to get answers to your questions; obtaining at least one recommended product based on a plurality of answers to a plurality of questions regarding the product; displaying information about the at least one recommended product; A program that can execute the following.

Images