Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of improving convenience for a user.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus of the present disclosure is provided with a providing unit, a receiving unit, and an order processing unit. The providing unit provides a user with route information including information on a moving route selected in response to a route retrieval request from the user. The receiving unit accepts an order of a commodity sold at a store in an area along the moving route and received from the user moving on the moving route. The order processing unit processes the order accepted by the receiving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a technology is known in which a user specifies a destination, and a recommended route to the specified destination is selected and provided. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for searching for stores and products in the vicinity of a travel route searched by a user, and providing the stores and products to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-176338 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, a user needs to order and purchase products at a store while traveling along their travel route. For example, when the store is crowded with customers placing orders, it may take an unexpected amount of time for the user to receive the product, and there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the present disclosure includes a providing unit, a receiving unit, and an order processing unit. The providing unit provides a user with route information including information on a travel route selected in response to a route search request by the user. The receiving unit receives orders for products that are sold in stores in an area along the travel route and that the user picks up while traveling along the travel route. The order processing unit processes the orders received by the receiving unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an effect is achieved in that it is possible to improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information table stored in the user information storage unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store information table stored in the store information storage unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product information table stored in the product information storage unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a route information display screen displayed on a terminal device based on route information provided by the providing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a product information screen displayed on a terminal device based on store information provided by a providing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a provided information screen displayed on a terminal device based on the provided information provided by the providing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing by the processing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. In addition, each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory. In addition, the same parts in each of the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [1. An example of information processing] First, an example of information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment, which is executed by an information processing device 1.

[0011] 1, the information processing device 1 receives a route search request transmitted from the terminal device 2 (step S1). When searching for a route, the user U can cause the terminal device 2 to execute a process of transmitting the route search request to the information processing device 1 by using an application installed in the terminal device 2.

[0012] When the application installed in the terminal device 2 is a route search application, the user U inputs or selects information such as a destination, a means of transportation, a starting point, etc., and a route search request including the information input by the user U is transmitted to the information processing device 1. The route search request includes information such as a destination, a means of transportation, a starting point, etc.

[0013] In addition, when the application installed on the terminal device 2 is a browser, when the user U inputs or selects information such as a destination, a means of transportation, and a starting point in the information on the route search screen provided by the information processing device 1, a route search request including the information input by the user U is sent to the information processing device 1.

[0014] The information included in the route search request may include information on the designated arrival time or the designated departure time, and may include information on the current location instead of the departure point. The type of transportation indicated in the route search request may be walking, bicycle, car, or public transportation (e.g., bus, train), but the route search request does not have to include information on the transportation.

[0015] When the information processing device 1 receives a route search request in step S1, it selects a route from the departure point indicated in the route search request received in step S1 to the destination based on information such as the destination, means of transportation, and departure point indicated in the route search request (step S2).

[0016] In step S2, the information processing device 1 selects the top m routes (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) from among multiple routes connecting the departure point to the destination, in descending order of score, based on, for example, scores according to travel distance and travel time. The information processing device 1 selects the routes using a well-known route search algorithm. In addition, the information processing device 1 determines, for each route, the departure time of the route, the predicted arrival time of the travel route, and the departure and arrival times of each of one or more means of transportation on the route.

[0017] Next, the information processing device 1 transmits route information indicating the route selected in step S2 to the terminal device 2 that transmitted the route search request accepted in step S1 as route information including information on the travel route in response to the route search request of the user U (step S3). When the terminal device 2 receives the route information transmitted from the information processing device 1, it displays the route indicated by the route information on a map by a function of an application.

[0018] In addition, the route information includes information on the departure time of the travel route indicated by the route information and information on the estimated arrival time of the travel route indicated by the route information, and the terminal device 2 displays the departure time and the estimated arrival time of the travel route.

[0019] In addition, if the means of transportation indicated in the route search request is a public transport, the route information includes information on the departure time and arrival time of each of the one or more means of transportation on the travel route, and the terminal device 2 displays the departure time and arrival time of each of the one or more means of transportation.

[0020] The route information also includes information for displaying a store information display button for displaying information about stores in an area along the travel route, and the store information display button is displayed on the terminal device 2. When a user U of the terminal device 2 plans to do some shopping while traveling along the travel route, the user U operates the terminal device 2 to select the store information display button. When the user U selects the store information display button, the terminal device 2 transmits a store information request to the information processing device 1.

[0021] The information processing device 1 accepts the store information request transmitted from the terminal device 2 (step S4). The store information request includes, for example, information for identifying route information, information for identifying the current location of the user U, and information for identifying the user U (for example, a user ID (identifier)).

[0022] Based on the information included in the store information request received in step S4, the information processing device 1 determines store information to be provided to the user U (step S5). The store information includes information about one or more stores in an area along the travel route indicated in the store information request received in step S4.

[0023] The information processing device 1 determines, for example, information on one or more stores selected from a plurality of stores in an area along the travel route indicated by the route information included in the store information request as the store information. The area along the travel route included in the store information request is, for example, an area within a predetermined range from the travel route.

[0024] For example, when the means of travel is a public transport facility, the predetermined range is a range within a predetermined distance from the portion of the travel route indicated by the route information that is traveled by foot. Note that the predetermined distance may be set to be different depending on the type of the portion that is traveled by foot (for example, a station, an underground mall, a commercial building, a shopping street, an underground passage, etc.).

[0025] The information processing device 1 selects, for example, one or more stores from among a plurality of stores in an area along the travel route based on the information of the user U, and determines the information of the selected one or more stores as store information. The information of the user U is, for example, information on the attributes of the user U and information on the behavior history of the user U. The store selected by the information processing device 1 is an example of a store that accepts product orders by the reception unit 31.

[0026] For example, the information processing device 1 selects one or more stores predetermined according to the attributes of the user U from among a plurality of stores in an area along the travel route, and determines information on the selected store as store information. The information processing device 1 has, for example, selection information that associates the attributes of the user U with one or more stores, and can select one or more stores according to the attributes of the user U using such selection information. For example, a store associated with the attributes of the user U is a store that sells products that are highly likely to be purchased by a user U having that attribute.

[0027] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 selects one or more stores according to the user U's behavior history from among a plurality of stores in an area along the movement route, and determines information on the selected store as store information. For example, the information processing device 1 selects a store that the user U has visited, a store that the user U has purchased a product from, a store that sells a product identical to or similar to a product purchased by the user U, or the like.

[0028] The information processing device 1 can also input information about the user U as a feature amount, select one or more stores according to the information about the user U using a model that outputs information about a store or a type of store to be proposed to the user U, and determine the information about the selected store as the store information. Such a model is generated, for example, using learning information that includes, for each user U, the information about the user U and the store or the type of store where the user U purchased a product. The information about the store or the type of store where the user U purchased a product is used, for example, as correct answer data.

[0029] The above-mentioned model used for selecting a store is, for example, a regression model, a neural network, or a gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), but is not limited to such learning models and may be other learning models. Also, the above-mentioned model may be a language model.

[0030] The language model is, for example, a model such as a transformer that is trained to estimate and output the next token from an input token string. Such a language model is, for example, in the information processing device 1 and is created independently by the operator of the information processing device 1. Note that it is preferable that the input information is trained so as not to be used as a new answer, thereby concealing the input information such as personal information.

[0031] In addition, instead of or in addition to the above processing, the information processing device 1 can also determine, as store information, information on one or more stores from among multiple stores in an area along the travel route, based on the travel direction (the direction from the starting point to the destination) of the travel route indicated in the route information and the user U's base (e.g., the user U's residence or company).

[0032] For example, when the direction of travel of the travel route indicated by the route information is a direction away from the base of the user U, the information processing device 1 determines, as store information, information on one or more stores around the departure point of the travel means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the departure point). The departure point of the travel means is, for example, the departure station if the travel means is a train, the boarding bus stop if the travel means is a bus, and the departure airport if the travel means is an airplane.

[0033] Furthermore, when the travel direction of the travel route indicated by the route information is a direction approaching the base of the user U, the information processing device 1 determines, as store information, information on one or more stores in the vicinity of the arrival point of the travel means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the arrival point). The arrival point of the travel means is, for example, the arrival station if the travel means is a train, the disembarking bus stop if the travel means is a bus, and the arrival airport if the travel means is an airplane.

[0034] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can include in the above-mentioned store information waiting time information including information on the waiting time for purchasing a product sold in the store, and sell-out time information including information on the time when the product sold in the store is sold out, etc. The waiting time information and sell-out time information are acquired by the information processing device 1 from, for example, a device in the store or an external device.

[0035] The waiting time is the time from when a user U traveling along a travel route is predicted to arrive at the store or the time period during which the user can purchase the product after ordering the product. The waiting time and the sell-out time are estimated using, for example, an estimation model generated based on information such as the time period, day of the week, weather, temperature, and humidity, and history of past waiting times and sell-out times, but are not limited to such examples.

[0036] For example, the information processing device 1 can include the waiting time information in the store information when the waiting time for purchasing a product is equal to or longer than a threshold time, and can not include the waiting time information in the store information when the waiting time is not equal to or longer than a threshold time. The waiting time information can include, for example, information indicating the product corresponding to the waiting time in addition to information indicating the waiting time.

[0037] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can include sell-out time information in the store information when the sell-out time of a product sold at a store is earlier than the sell-out time at the time or time zone when a user U traveling along a travel route is predicted to arrive at the store, and can not include the sell-out time information in the store information otherwise. The sell-out time information can include, for example, information indicating the product corresponding to the sell-out time in addition to information indicating the sell-out time.

[0038] Next, the information processing device 1 transmits the store information determined in step S5 to the terminal device 2, thereby providing the store information to the user U (step S6). When the terminal device 2 receives the store information transmitted from the information processing device 1, it displays the store information using an application function.

[0039] The store information includes information regarding stores in an area along the travel route indicated in the product information request, for example, information indicating a list of stores in an area along the travel route indicated in the product information request, and the user U can select the store from which he or she wishes to purchase a product from the information indicating the list of stores.

[0040] The store information may also include information on waiting times and sell-out times, which allows the user U to know the waiting times for purchasing products sold at the store and the sell-out times of the products, and allows the user U to easily purchase the products by placing an order for the products sold at the store early. When a store is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits a product information request including information for identifying the selected store to the information processing device 1.

[0041] The information processing device 1 accepts the product information request transmitted from the terminal device 2 (step S7). The product information request includes, for example, information for identifying route information, information for identifying a store, information for identifying a current location of the user U, and information for identifying the user U (for example, a user ID).

[0042] Based on the information included in the product information request accepted in step S7, the information processing device 1 determines product information to be provided to the user U (step S8). The product information includes information about the product sold at the store indicated in the product information request accepted in step S7. The product information includes, for example, information about the product sold at the store indicated in the product information request (product name, product description, product image, etc.) and information for ordering the product sold at the store indicated in the product information request.

[0043] For example, the information processing device 1 can determine, as the product information, information on all products sold in the store specified by the product information request. Also, the information processing device 1 can determine, as the product information, information on a product selected from among all products sold in the store specified by the product information request.

[0044] The information processing device 1 can select, for example, from all products sold in a store specified by the product information request, a product according to one or more of information indicating a travel route, information indicating a current location of the user U, and information on the user U. The information on the user U is, for example, information on the attributes of the user U, information on the behavior history of the user U, and the like.

[0045] For example, the information processing device 1 can input one or more pieces of information including information indicating a travel route, information indicating the current location of the user U, and information about the user U as features, and select one or more products from among all products sold at the store identified in the product information request using a model that outputs information indicating the order probability for each product sold at the store identified in the product information request.

[0046] In the above example, the route information was described as including information for displaying a store information display button, but instead of or in addition to the store information display button, the route information may also include information for displaying a product information display button for displaying information about products sold in stores in the area along the travel route.

[0047] In this case, a product information display button is displayed on the terminal device 2. When a user U of the terminal device 2 plans to do some shopping while traveling along a travel route, the user U can also select the product information display button by operating the terminal device 2. When the product information display button is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits a product information request to the information processing device 1.

[0048] If the information request accepted in step S4 is a product information request, the information processing device 1 determines that the product information to be provided to the user U is product information that is information regarding products sold in stores in an area along the travel route indicated by the route information included in the store information request.

[0049] The information processing device 1 can input one or more pieces of information among information indicating the travel route, information indicating the current location of user U, and information about user U as features, and select one or more products from among all products sold in multiple stores in an area along the travel route using a model that outputs information indicating the order probability of each product sold in multiple stores in an area along the travel route.

[0050] The above-mentioned model is generated using learning information including, for each user, one or more pieces of information among information indicating a travel route, information indicating a current location of the user U, and information indicating whether or not the user U has ordered each product and the number of times the user U has ordered each product. The above-mentioned model is, for example, a regression model, a neural network, or a gradient boosting decision tree, but is not limited to such learning models and may be other learning models. The above-mentioned model may also be a language model.

[0051] The information processing device 1 can also select one or more types of products from all types of products sold in multiple stores in the area along the travel route using a model that inputs one or more pieces of information among information indicating the travel route, information indicating the current location of the user U, and information about the user U as features and outputs information indicating the types of products sold in stores in the area along the travel route. In this case, the information processing device 1 selects one or more products of the type selected using the model from all products sold in multiple stores in the area along the travel route.

[0052] Next, the information processing device 1 transmits the product information determined in step S8 to the terminal device 2, thereby providing the product information to the user U (step S9). When the terminal device 2 receives the product information transmitted from the information processing device 1, it displays the product information by a function of the application.

[0053] The product information includes information about the product, and the information about the product includes, for example, product information and information for ordering the product. The user U can select the products and the number of products that are sold in stores in an area along the travel route indicated by the route information and that the user U will receive while traveling along the travel route. When the user U performs an ordering operation, the terminal device 2 transmits an order request including information specifying the selected products and the number of products to the information processing device 1.

[0054] In addition, similar to the case of store information, the information processing device 1 can include in the product information waiting time information including information on the waiting time for purchasing the selected product as described above, and sell-out time information including information on the sell-out time of the selected product as described above.

[0055] The information processing device 1 accepts an order request transmitted from the terminal device 2 (step S10). The order request includes information specifying the products and the number of products selected by the user U as products to be received by the user U while moving along the movement path, which are sold in stores in an area along the movement path indicated by the route information. This allows the information processing device 1 to accept an order for products to be received by the user U while moving along the movement path, which are sold in stores in an area along the movement path indicated by the route information.

[0056] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the product information may also include waiting time information and sell-out time information, which allows the user U to know the waiting time for purchasing a product sold at the store and the time when the product will sell out, and by placing an order for the product sold at the store early, the user U can easily purchase the product.

[0057] Next, the information processing device 1 determines a place to receive the product ordered in step S10 (step S11). The information processing device 1 can determine, for example, a store, a dedicated delivery location, or the location of the user U to hand over the product as the receiving location. The store is a store that sells the product ordered in step S10, and the dedicated delivery location is, for example, a location set up exclusively for product delivery, and is not limited to being manned, and may be a dedicated product delivery locker where the product can be delivered unmanned.

[0058] For example, if the distance from the route of travel to a store selling the product for which an order was accepted in step S10 is within a predetermined distance, the information processing device 1 can determine the store as the pick-up location, and if not, can determine a location dedicated to handover as the pick-up location.

[0059] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can determine the pick-up location based on the means of transportation on the travel route. For example, when the means of transportation on the travel route is a reserved seat on a train (for example, a green car or a reserved seat on a Shinkansen), the information processing device 1 determines a reserved seat on the train as the pick-up location. When the means of transportation on the travel route is not a reserved seat on a train, the information processing device 1 determines a dedicated delivery location as the pick-up location. In this case, the dedicated delivery location is installed, for example, near the ticket gate of a station.

[0060] The information processing device 1 can also determine the pick-up location based on the travel direction of the travel route and the base of the user U. For example, assume that the product for which the order was accepted in step S10 is a product sold in a store near the departure point of the travel means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the departure point) or near the arrival point of the travel means (for example, within a predetermined range from the arrival point).

[0061] In this case, if the direction of travel of the travel route indicated by the route information is away from the user U's base, the information processing device 1 determines that the pick-up location is a store or a dedicated pick-up location near the departure point of the transportation means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the departure point).

[0062] In addition, when the direction of travel of the travel route indicated by the route information is a direction approaching the base of user U, the information processing device 1 determines that the pick-up location is a store or a dedicated pick-up location near the arrival point of the transportation means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the arrival point).

[0063] Furthermore, when placing an order, the user U can set a pick-up time for the ordered product by operating the terminal device 2. In this case, the order request transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the information processing device 1 includes time information indicating the time when the user U will pick up the product. Based on the time information included in the order request, the information processing device 1 determines the travel start time at which the user U traveling along the travel route can pick up the product as a recommended travel start time (step S12). The recommended travel start time is a time recommended as the time to start traveling along the travel route.

[0064] For example, the information processing device 1 performs route selection processing in which the pickup time is set as the arrival time and the pickup location is set as the destination. The information processing device 1 performs route selection processing in which, for example, from among a plurality of routes connecting a departure point and a destination, a route that arrives at the pickup time is selected. Then, the information processing device 1 performs route selection processing in which the time required for the user U to pick up the product is added to the arrival time as the departure time, the pickup location is set as the departure point, and the destination indicated in the route selection request is set as the destination.

[0065] When traveling along the travel route indicated by the route information transmitted to the terminal device 2 in step S3, the information processing device 1 determines, as the recommended travel start time, the travel start time at which the user U can arrive after the pickup time and can pick up the product closest to the pickup time. The travel start time is the departure time from the starting point of the travel route.

[0066] In addition, in such a route selection process, the information processing device 1 also determines the departure time of the route, the predicted arrival time of the travel route, the departure time and arrival time of each of one or more means of transportation on the route, and the like.

[0067] The information processing device 1 can also determine the available delivery time, which is the time when preparation for delivery of the ordered product is completed. When the determined available delivery time is later than the receipt time indicated in the order request, the information processing device 1 performs the above-mentioned route selection process using the available delivery time instead of the receipt time indicated in the order request, and determines the travel start time at which the user U traveling along the travel route can receive the product as the recommended travel start time.

[0068] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can also predict the waiting time at the pick-up location determined in step S11 when the pick-up time has not been set by the user U. The method of predicting such waiting time is similar to the method of predicting waiting time included in the store information and product information described above, for example.

[0069] Next, the information processing device 1 transmits the provided information including the information on the pick-up location determined in step S11 and the information on the recommended travel start time determined in step S12 to the terminal device 2 of the user U (step S13). When the terminal device 2 receives the product information transmitted from the information processing device 1, it displays the provided information by the application function.

[0070] This allows user U to know the pick-up location for products that are sold in stores in the area along the travel route indicated by the route information and that user U needs to pick up while traveling along the travel route, and also allows user U to know when to start traveling along the travel route indicated by the route information.

[0071] Next, the information processing device 1 transmits information about the product ordered in step S10 to a device or system in the store that sells the product ordered in step S10 (step S14). In the example shown in Fig. 1, the information about the product is transmitted to the in-store device 3, which is a device of an employee O of the store, but the information about the product may also be transmitted to the in-store device 3 via a server (not shown) or the like.

[0072] The information related to the products whose orders were accepted in step S10 includes the number of products whose orders were accepted in step S10, information about user U who is the purchaser of the products whose orders were accepted in step S10, information about the pick-up time and pick-up location of the products whose orders were accepted in step S10, etc. This enables the information processing device 1 to notify the store of the information related to the products whose orders were accepted in step S10.

[0073] The information processing device 1 also performs a payment process for the product ordered in step S10 (step S15). For example, the user U sets information such as the user U's credit card information and financial institution information in the information processing device 1, and the information processing device 1 can perform a payment process for the product ordered in step S10 based on the information set by the user U.

[0074] The terminal device 2 accepts the setting of the moving route indicated by the route information (e.g., the setting of the start of the movement) based on the operation by the user U by the function of the application. When the terminal device 2 accepts the setting of the moving route indicated by the route information, it can start the guidance of the moving route indicated by the route information. Note that the guidance of the moving route can also be performed by, for example, the information processing device 1.

[0075] Furthermore, when the terminal device 2 accepts the setting of the travel route indicated by the route information, it transmits setting acceptance information indicating that the setting of the travel route has been accepted to the information processing device 1. When the information processing device 1 accepts the setting acceptance information transmitted from the terminal device 2, it performs the processes of steps S13 and S14, and when it does not, it is possible not to perform the processes of steps S13 and S14.

[0076] In addition, after accepting the setting acceptance information, if the terminal device 2 accepts cancellation of the travel route setting by operation of the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits cancellation acceptance information indicating that the cancellation of the travel route setting has been accepted to the information processing device 1.

[0077] When the information processing device 1 receives the cancellation acceptance information transmitted from the terminal device 2, it does not perform the processes of steps S13 and S14, and cancels the order received in step S10. In this way, when the user U has ordered multiple products, the user U can cancel the orders of multiple products at once, and the information processing device 1 can improve the convenience of the user U.

[0078] In this way, the information processing device 1 provides the user U with route information including the search results of the travel route by the user U, accepts orders for products that are sold in stores in the area along the travel route shown in the search results and that the user U will pick up while traveling along the travel route, and processes the accepted orders. In this way, the information processing device 1 can improve the convenience of the user U.

[0079] The configuration of an information processing system including the information processing device 1, the terminal device 2, and the in-store device 3 that perform such processing will be described in detail below.

[0080] 2. Configuration of the Information Processing System 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment includes an information processing device 1, a plurality of terminal devices 2, and a plurality of in-store devices 3.

[0081] The multiple terminal devices 2 are used by different users U. The terminal devices 2 are, for example, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a wearable device. The wearable device is, for example, a smart glass or a smart watch, but is not limited to such examples.

[0082] The multiple in-store devices 3 are used by employees O of different stores. The in-store devices 3 and the terminal devices 2 are, for example, notebook PCs, desktop PCs, smartphones, tablet PCs, etc., but are not limited to these examples.

[0083] The information processing device 1, the terminal device 2, and the in-store device 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly via a network N. Note that the information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 2 may include a plurality of information processing devices 1 and the like.

[0084] The network N includes, for example, a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet and mobile communication networks such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4th Generation (4G), and 5th Generation (5G: fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0085] The terminal device 2 and the in-store device 3 can connect to the network N and communicate with the information processing device 1 via short-range wireless communication such as a mobile communication network, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0086] 3. Configuration of information processing device 1 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a processing unit 12.

[0087] [3.1. Communication unit 10] The communication unit 10 is realized by, for example, a communication module or a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 10 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices. For example, the communication unit 10 transmits and receives information to and from a terminal device or a store device 3 via the network N.

[0088] [3.2. Storage section 11] The storage unit 11 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 11 has a user information storage unit 20, a route selection element information storage unit 21, a store information storage unit 22, and a product information storage unit 23.

[0089] 3.2.1. User information storage unit 20 The user information storage unit 20 stores various pieces of information related to the user U. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user information table stored in the user information storage unit 20 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0090] 4, the user information table stored in the user information storage unit 20 includes information items such as "user ID," "attribute information," "history information," and "setting information." The "user ID" is an identifier for identifying a user U, and is information assigned to each user U.

[0091] The "attribute information" is attribute information indicating attributes of the user U associated with the "user ID." The attributes of the user U are, for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, etc. The demographic attributes are demographic attributes, and include a plurality of attribute items such as age, sex, occupation, place of residence, annual income, and family structure.

[0092] The psychographic attributes are psychological attributes, and include, for example, a plurality of attribute items related to lifestyle, values, interests, etc. For example, each of the plurality of attribute items in the psychographic attributes is an object of interest of the user U, such as a car, clothes, travel, games, camping, motorcycle, train, home appliance, or computer.

[0093] The "history information" includes information on the behavior history of the user U associated with the "user ID." The behavior history of the user U includes, for example, information on the behavior history of the user U in the online service. The behavior history information of the user U in the online service includes, for example, search history information, browsing history information, delivery history information, and transaction history information in the online service of the user U.

[0094] The search history information of the user U includes, for example, information on the search history of content by the user U in a web search service. The browsing history information of the user U includes, for example, information on the browsing history of content by the user U in an online service. The delivery history information includes information on the delivery history of content delivered to the terminal device 2 of the user U. The transaction history information includes information on the transaction history of products by the user U in an online service.

[0095] The "setting information" includes setting information that is information set by the user U associated with the "user ID." The setting information includes, for example, information on the setting of a travel route by the user U.

[0096] 3.2.2. Route Selection Element Information Storage Unit 21 The route selection element information storage unit 21 stores various information related to route elements used for route selection. The route selection elements include, for example, route selection elements related to passages and roads, route selection elements related to transportation facilities, and the like.

[0097] Route selection elements related to passages and roads include, for example, map information such as nodes (e.g., intersections and forks), edges (roads and passages), traffic signs, and information indicating current traffic conditions (e.g., traffic volume, traffic accidents, construction, etc.), but are not limited to such examples.

[0098] Route selection elements related to transportation include, for example, information on departure and arrival times at each station of the transportation facility, information on current traffic conditions (e.g., delays, etc.), and the like, but are not limited to such examples.

[0099] 3.2.3. Store information storage unit 22 The store information storage unit 22 stores various information related to stores. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a store information table stored in the store information storage unit 22 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0100] 5, the store information table stored in the store information storage unit 22 includes information items such as "store ID," "store name," "store location," and "business hours." The "store ID" is an identifier that identifies a store, and is information that is assigned to each store.

[0101] "Store name" is information that indicates the name of the store that corresponds to the "store ID." "Store location" is information that indicates the location of the store that corresponds to the "store ID." "Business hours" is information that indicates the business hours of the store that corresponds to the "store ID."

[0102] [3.2.4. Product information storage section 23] The product information storage unit 23 stores various information related to products. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product information table stored in the product information storage unit 23 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0103] 6, the product information table stored in the product information storage unit 23 includes information on items such as "product ID", "store ID", "product information", "waiting time", "sold out time", and "receiving location". The "product ID" is an identifier that identifies a product, and is information assigned to each product.

[0104] The "store ID" is the store ID of the store that sells the product corresponding to the "product ID." The "product information" is information about the product corresponding to the "product ID," and includes, for example, information about the product's name, description, image, price, number in stock, number sold, etc.

[0105] "Waiting time" is information about the waiting time required to purchase a product corresponding to "Product ID", and includes, for example, information about the waiting time for each combination of one or more of time period, day of the week, weather, temperature, and humidity. "Sold out time" is information about the sell-out of a product corresponding to "Product ID", and includes, for example, information about the sell-out for each combination of one or more of day of the week, weather, temperature, and humidity.

[0106] "Pickup location" is information indicating one or more pickup locations for the product corresponding to the "product ID" or information indicating candidate pickup locations, and includes information indicating whether or not there is an additional charge depending on the pickup location.

[0107] [3.3. Processing section 12] The processing unit 12 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 1 using a RAM as a working area.

[0108] The processing unit 12 may be partially or entirely realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0109] 3, the processing unit 12 has an acquisition unit 30, a reception unit 31, a selection unit 32, a decision unit 33, an order processing unit 34, and a provision unit 35, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the processing unit 12 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0110] [3.3.1. Acquisition part 30] The acquisition unit 30 acquires various pieces of information from an external information processing device, the terminal device 2, the store device 3, or the like via the communication unit 10, and stores the acquired information in the storage unit 11.

[0111] For example, the acquiring unit 30 acquires user information, which is information about the user U, from an external information processing device or the terminal device 2 or the like via the communication unit 10, and adds the acquired user information to a user information table in the user information storage unit 20. In addition, the acquiring unit 30 acquires route selection element information from an external information processing device or the like via the communication unit 10, and adds the acquired route selection element information to a route element information table in the route selection element information storage unit 21.

[0112] The acquisition unit 30 also acquires store information from an external information processing device or a store device 3, etc., via the communication unit 10, and adds the acquired store information to the store information table in the store information storage unit 22. The acquisition unit 30 also acquires information on each product from an external information processing device or a store device 3, etc., via the communication unit 10, and adds the acquired information on each product to the product information table in the product information storage unit 23.

[0113] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 30 acquires various pieces of information from the storage unit 11. For example, the acquisition unit 30 acquires user information, which is information on the user U, from the user information storage unit 20 or the like. The user information acquired by the acquisition unit 30 includes, for example, a part or all of at least one of the above-mentioned attribute information, history information, and setting information.

[0114] Furthermore, when a route search request is accepted by the accepting unit 31 or the like, the acquiring unit 30 acquires route selection element information from the route selection element information storage unit 21 or the like. Furthermore, when a store information request, a product information request, or the like is accepted by the accepting unit 31 or the like, the acquiring unit 30 acquires store information from the store information storage unit 22 or the like, and acquires product information from the product information storage unit 23 or the like.

[0115] [3.3.2. Reception Unit 31] The reception unit 31 receives various requests and information. For example, the reception unit 31 receives a route search request transmitted from the terminal device 2. Such a route search request includes information such as a destination, a means of transportation, and a starting point.

[0116] The reception unit 31 also receives a store information request transmitted from the terminal device 2. The store information request includes, for example, information for identifying route information, information for identifying the current location of the user U, and information for identifying the user U (for example, a user ID).

[0117] Furthermore, the reception unit 31 receives a product information request transmitted from the terminal device 2. The product information request includes, for example, information for identifying route information, information for identifying a store, information for identifying a current location of the user U, and information for identifying the user U (for example, a user ID).

[0118] Furthermore, the reception unit 31 receives an order request transmitted from the terminal device 2, thereby receiving an order for a product that is sold in a store in an area along the travel route indicated by the search result of the travel route by the user U and that the user U will pick up while traveling along the travel route. The search result of the travel route by the user U is the selection result of the travel route by the selection unit 32 in response to the route search request.

[0119] This allows the reception unit 31 to receive orders for products that are sold in stores in areas along the travel route indicated by the route information and that are to be picked up by the user U while traveling along the travel route.

[0120] The order request may include time information indicating the time when the user U will receive the product. In this case, the reception unit 31 receives the order request sent from the terminal device 2, thereby receiving the time information indicating the time when the user U will receive the product.

[0121] Furthermore, the reception unit 31 receives setting reception information transmitted from the terminal device 2, thereby receiving a travel route setting (for example, a setting for starting travel) from the user U. When the reception unit 31 receives a travel route setting from the user U, the reception unit 31 adds information indicating the travel route setting to a user information table in the user information storage unit 20.

[0122] Furthermore, the reception unit 31 receives cancellation information transmitted from the terminal device 2, thereby receiving cancellation of the travel route setting from the user U. When the reception unit 31 receives cancellation of the travel route setting from the user U, the reception unit 31 deletes information indicating the travel route setting from the user information table of the user information storage unit 20.

[0123] [3.3.3. Selection unit 32] The selection unit 32 selects a route. For example, when a route search request is accepted by the acceptance unit 31, the selection unit 32 selects a route from the departure point indicated in the route search request to the destination based on information such as the destination, the means of transportation, and the departure point indicated in the route search request.

[0124] The selection unit 32 selects the route with the lowest score from among multiple routes connecting a departure point to a destination, for example, based on a score according to a travel distance or a travel time. The selection unit 32 selects a route using a well-known route search algorithm. For example, the selection unit 32 selects the top m routes with the highest scores from among the multiple routes, based on the multiple route selection elements acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

[0125] In addition, the selection unit 32 determines, for each route, the departure time of the route, the predicted arrival time of the travel route, the departure time and the arrival time of each of the one or more means of travel on the route, and the like.

[0126] Furthermore, when time information indicating the time at which the user U will receive the product is included in the order request received by the receiving unit 31, the selecting unit 32 determines, based on the time information, the travel start time at which the user U traveling along the travel route can receive the product as the recommended travel start time. The recommended travel start time is the time recommended as the time to start traveling along the travel route.

[0127] In this case, the selection unit 32 performs a route selection process in which the pickup time indicated by the time information is set as the arrival time, and the pickup location is set as the destination. The selection unit 32 performs a route selection process in which, for example, from among a plurality of routes connecting the departure point and the destination, a route that arrives at the pickup time is selected. The selection unit 32 then performs a route selection process in which the time required for the user U to pick up the product is added to the arrival time, and the departure time is set as the pickup location, and the destination indicated in the route selection request is set as the destination.

[0128] The selection unit 32 determines, as the recommended travel start time, the travel start time at which the user U can receive the product at or after the pickup time indicated in the time information and closest to the pickup time, when traveling along the travel route indicated in the route information transmitted by the provision unit 35 to the terminal device 2. The travel start time is the departure time from the starting point of the travel route.

[0129] In addition, in such a route selection process, the selection unit 32 determines the departure time of the route, the predicted arrival time of the travel route, the departure time and arrival time of each of one or more means of travel on the route, and the like.

[0130] The selection unit 32 can also determine the available delivery time, which is the time when preparation for delivery of the product for which an order has been accepted by the acceptance unit 31 is completed. For example, the selection unit 32 can determine the available delivery time, which is the time when preparation for delivery is completed, based on information on a waiting time indicated in information on the product acquired from the product information storage unit 23 by the acquisition unit 30. The waiting time is the time from when the user U places an order to when he or she receives the product.

[0131] In this case, if the determined available delivery time is later than the pick-up time indicated in the order request, the selection unit 32 performs the above-mentioned route selection process using the available delivery time instead of the pick-up time indicated in the order request, and determines the recommended travel start time as the travel start time at which user U traveling along the travel route can pick up the product.

[0132] Furthermore, when the user U has not set a pick-up time, the selection unit 32 can also predict the waiting time at the pick-up location determined by the determination unit 33. The method of predicting such waiting time is similar to the method of predicting waiting time included in the store information and product information described above, for example.

[0133] [3.3.4. Determination unit 33] When a store information request is accepted by the accepting unit 31, the deciding unit 33 decides store information to be provided to the user U, based on information included in the store information request. The store information includes information about one or more stores in an area along the travel route indicated in the store information request accepted by the accepting unit 31.

[0134] The determination unit 33 determines, for example, information on one or more stores selected from a plurality of stores in an area along the travel route indicated by the route information included in the store information request as the store information. The area along the travel route included in the store information request is, for example, an area within a predetermined range from the travel route.

[0135] For example, when the means of travel is a public transport facility, the predetermined range is a range within a predetermined distance from the portion of the travel route indicated by the route information that is traveled by foot. Note that the predetermined distance may be set to be different depending on the type of the portion that is traveled by foot (for example, a station, an underground mall, a commercial building, a shopping street, an underground passage, etc.).

[0136] The determination unit 33 selects one or more stores from among a plurality of stores in an area along the movement route based on the information of the user U, and determines the information of the selected one or more stores as store information. The information of the user U is, for example, information on the attributes of the user U and information on the behavior history of the user U. The store selected by the determination unit 33 is an example of a store that accepts product orders by the reception unit 31.

[0137] For example, the determination unit 33 selects one or more stores predetermined according to the attributes of the user U from among a plurality of stores in an area along the movement route, and determines information on the selected store as the store information. The determination unit 33 has, for example, selection information that associates the attributes of the user U with one or more stores, and can select one or more stores according to the attributes of the user U using such selection information. For example, a store associated with the attributes of the user U is a store that sells products that are highly likely to be purchased by a user U having that attribute.

[0138] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 selects one or more stores according to the user U's behavior history from among a plurality of stores in an area along the movement route, and determines information on the selected store as store information. For example, the determination unit 33 selects a store that the user U has visited, a store that the user U has purchased a product from, a store that sells a product identical to or similar to a product purchased by the user U, or the like.

[0139] The determination unit 33 can also input information about the user U as a feature amount, select one or more stores according to the information about the user U using a model that outputs information about a store or a type of store to be proposed to the user U, and determine the information about the selected store as the store information. Such a model is generated, for example, using learning information that includes, for each user U, the information about the user U and the store or the type of store where the user U purchased the product. The information about the store or the type of store where the user U purchased the product is used, for example, as correct answer data.

[0140] The above-mentioned model used for selecting a store is, for example, a regression model, a neural network, or a gradient boosting decision tree, but is not limited to such learning models and may be other learning models. Also, the above-mentioned model may be a language model.

[0141] The language model is, for example, a model such as a transformer that is trained to estimate and output the next token from an input token string. Such a language model is in the determination unit 33 or the storage unit 11, and is created independently by the operator of the information processing device 1. It is preferable that the input information is trained so as not to be used as a new answer, thereby concealing the input information, such as personal information.

[0142] In addition, instead of or in addition to the above processing, the determination unit 33 can also determine information on one or more stores from among multiple stores in an area along the travel route as store information, based on the travel direction (the direction from the starting point to the destination) of the travel route indicated in the route information and the base of user U (e.g., user U's residence or company).

[0143] For example, when the moving direction of the moving route indicated by the route information is a direction away from the base of the user U, the determination unit 33 determines, as the store information, information of one or more stores around the departure point of the moving means on the moving route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the departure point). The departure point of the moving means is, for example, the departure station if the moving means is a train, the boarding bus stop if the moving means is a bus, and the departure airport if the moving means is an airplane.

[0144] Furthermore, when the moving direction of the moving route indicated by the route information is a direction approaching the base of the user U, the determination unit 33 determines, as the store information, information of one or more stores around the arrival point of the moving means on the moving route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the arrival point). The arrival point of the moving means is, for example, the arrival station if the moving means is a train, the disembarking bus stop if the moving means is a bus, and the arrival airport if the moving means is an airplane.

[0145] In addition, the determination unit 33 can include, in the above-mentioned store information, waiting time information including information on the waiting time for purchasing a product sold in the store, and sell-out time information including information on the sell-out time of a product sold in the store, etc. The waiting time information and sell-out time information are acquired by the acquisition unit 30 from, for example, a device in the store or an external device.

[0146] The waiting time is the time from when a user U traveling along a travel route is predicted to arrive at the store or the time period during which the user can purchase the product after ordering the product. The waiting time and the sell-out time are estimated using, for example, an estimation model generated based on information such as the time period, day of the week, weather, temperature, and humidity, and history of the past waiting time and sell-out time, but are not limited to such examples. The waiting time information and the sell-out time information may be generated by the determination unit 33 using the above-mentioned estimation model.

[0147] For example, the determination unit 33 can include the waiting time information in the store information when the waiting time to purchase a product is equal to or longer than a threshold time, and can not include the waiting time information in the store information when the waiting time is not equal to or longer than a threshold time. The waiting time information can include, for example, information indicating a product corresponding to the waiting time (a product for which it is necessary to wait to purchase) in addition to information indicating the waiting time.

[0148] Furthermore, the decision unit 33 can include sell-out time information in the store information when the sell-out time of a product sold at a store is earlier than the sell-out time at the time or time period when the user U traveling along the travel route is predicted to arrive at the store, and can not include the sell-out time information in the store information otherwise. The sell-out time information can include, for example, information indicating the product corresponding to the sell-out time (product predicted to be sold out) in addition to information indicating the sell-out time.

[0149] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 determines product information, which is information to be provided to the user U, based on information included in the product information request accepted by the acceptance unit 31. The product information includes information about a product sold at the store indicated in the product information request accepted by the acceptance unit 31. The product information includes, for example, information about a product sold at the store indicated in the product information request (product name, product description, product image, etc.) and information for ordering the product sold at the store indicated in the product information request.

[0150] For example, the determination unit 33 can determine, as the product information, information on all products sold in the store specified by the product information request. Also, the determination unit 33 can determine, as the product information, information on a product selected from among all products sold in the store specified by the product information request.

[0151] The determination unit 33 can select, for example, from all the products sold in the store specified by the product information request, a product according to one or more of information indicating a travel route, information indicating a current location of the user U, and information on the user U. The information on the user U is, for example, information on the attributes of the user U, information on the behavior history of the user U, and the like.

[0152] For example, the determination unit 33 can select one or more products from among all products sold at the store specified in the product information request using a model that inputs one or more pieces of information among information indicating a travel route, information indicating the current location of the user U, and information about the user U as features and outputs information indicating an order probability for each product sold at the store specified in the product information request. Such a model is generated using learning information including, for example, one or more pieces of information among information indicating a travel route, information indicating the current location of the user U, and information about the user U, and information indicating whether or not each product sold at the store has been ordered.

[0153] When a product information request accepted by the receiving unit 31 is sent from the terminal device 2 by operating a product information display button, the determination unit 33 inputs one or more pieces of information indicating the travel route, information indicating the current location of the user U, and information about the user U as features, and can select one or more products from among all products sold in multiple stores in the area along the travel route using a model that outputs information indicating the order probability of each product sold in multiple stores in the area along the travel route.

[0154] The above-mentioned model is generated using learning information including, for each user, one or more pieces of information among information indicating a travel route, information indicating a current location of the user U, and information indicating whether or not the user U has ordered each product and the number of times the user U has ordered each product. The above-mentioned model is, for example, a regression model, a neural network, or a gradient boosting decision tree, but is not limited to such learning models and may be other learning models. The above-mentioned model may also be a language model.

[0155] The determination unit 33 can also select one or more types of products from all types of products sold in multiple stores in the area along the movement route using a model that inputs one or more pieces of information from among information indicating the movement route, information indicating the current location of the user U, and information about the user U as features and outputs information indicating the types of products sold in stores in the area along the movement route. In this case, the determination unit 33 selects one or more products of the type selected using the model from among all products sold in multiple stores in the area along the movement route.

[0156] In addition, the determination unit 33 can include, in the above-mentioned product information, waiting time information including information on the waiting time for purchasing the product selected as described above, and sell-out time information including information on the sell-out time of the product sold in the store, etc. The waiting time information and sell-out time information are acquired by the acquisition unit 30 from the product information storage unit 23 or an external information providing device, for example.

[0157] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 determines a place to receive the product. For example, the determination unit 33 determines a place to receive the product sold at a store indicated in the product information request received by the reception unit 31. Furthermore, the determination unit 33 determines a place to receive the product for which an order has been received by the reception unit 31.

[0158] The determination unit 33 can determine, for example, a store, a dedicated delivery location, a location of the user U to be handed over, etc., as the receiving location. The store is a store that sells the product for which the order is accepted by the reception unit 31, and the dedicated delivery location is, for example, a location that is set up exclusively for the delivery of the product, and is not limited to being manned, and may be a dedicated product delivery locker where the product can be handed over unmanned.

[0159] For example, the determination unit 33 can determine the store as the pick-up location if the distance from the route of travel to the store selling the product is within a predetermined distance, and can determine a location dedicated to handover as the pick-up location if this is not the case.

[0160] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 can determine the pick-up location based on the means of transportation in the travel route. For example, when the means of transportation in the travel route is a reserved seat on a train (e.g., a green car or a reserved seat on a Shinkansen), the determination unit 33 determines a reserved seat on the train as the pick-up location. When the means of transportation in the travel route is not a reserved seat on a train, the determination unit 33 determines a dedicated delivery location as the pick-up location. In this case, the dedicated delivery location is installed, for example, around the ticket gate of the station.

[0161] The determination unit 33 can also determine the pick-up location based on the travel direction of the travel route and the base of the user U. For example, the product for which the pick-up location is to be determined is assumed to be a product sold in a store near the departure point of the travel means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the departure point) or near the arrival point of the travel means (for example, within a predetermined range from the arrival point).

[0162] In this case, if the direction of travel of the travel route indicated by the route information is a direction away from the user U's base, the determination unit 33 determines that the pick-up location is a store or a dedicated pick-up location near the departure point of the transportation means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the departure point).

[0163] In addition, when the direction of travel of the travel route indicated by the route information is a direction approaching the base of user U, the determination unit 33 determines as the pick-up location a store or a dedicated pick-up location near the arrival point of the transportation means on the travel route indicated by the route information (for example, within a predetermined range from the arrival point).

[0164] [3.3.5. Order Processing Unit 34] The order processing unit 34 processes the order accepted by the acceptance unit 31. For example, the order processing unit 34 transmits information about the product for which the order has been accepted by the acceptance unit 31 to a device or system of a store that sells the product for which the order has been accepted by the acceptance unit 31.

[0165] The in-store device or system is, for example, one or more of the in-store device 3 and the server, but is not limited to such examples. In the following, a product for which an order is accepted by the acceptance unit 31 may be referred to as an ordered product.

[0166] The information about the ordered items includes the number of ordered items, information about the user U who purchased the ordered items, information about the time and place of receipt of the ordered items, etc. In this way, the order processing unit 34 can notify the store of the information about the ordered items.

[0167] The order processing unit 34 also performs payment processing for the ordered items. For example, the user U's credit card information, financial institution information, and the like are set in the order processing unit 34 by the user U, and the order processing unit 34 can perform payment processing for the ordered items based on the information set by the user U.

[0168] Furthermore, when the reception unit 31 receives a cancellation of the setting of the travel route, the order processing unit 34 cancels the order received by the reception unit 31. In this way, when the user U has ordered multiple products, the user U can cancel the orders of the multiple products at once, and the information processing device 1 can improve the convenience of the user U.

[0169] [3.3.6.Providing Department 35] The providing unit 35 provides various kinds of information via the communication unit 10. For example, the providing unit 35 provides the user U with information corresponding to the request accepted by the accepting unit 31 by transmitting the information corresponding to the request accepted by the accepting unit 31 to the terminal device 2.

[0170] For example, the providing unit 35 provides route information to the user U by transmitting route information to the terminal device 2, the route information including information on the travel route selected by the selecting unit 32 in response to a route search request by the user U accepted by the accepting unit 31.

[0171] When the terminal device 2 receives the route information transmitted by the providing unit 35, the terminal device 2 displays the route indicated by the route information on a map by a function of the application. The route information also includes information on the departure time of the travel route indicated by the route information and information on the estimated arrival time of the travel route indicated by the route information, and the terminal device 2 displays the departure time and the estimated arrival time of the travel route.

[0172] In addition, if the means of transportation indicated in the route search request is a public transport, the route information includes information on the departure time and arrival time of each of the one or more means of transportation on the travel route, and the terminal device 2 displays the departure time and arrival time of each of the one or more means of transportation.

[0173] The route information also includes information for displaying a store information display button for displaying information about stores in an area along the travel route, and the store information display button is displayed on the terminal device 2. When a user U of the terminal device 2 plans to do some shopping while traveling along the travel route, the user U operates the terminal device 2 to select the store information display button. When the user U selects the store information display button, the terminal device 2 transmits a store information request to the information processing device 1.

[0174] The providing unit 35 provides the store information determined by the determining unit 33 to the user U by transmitting the store information determined by the determining unit 33 in response to the store information request accepted by the accepting unit 31 to the terminal device 2.

[0175] When the terminal device 2 receives the store information transmitted by the providing unit 35, the terminal device 2 displays the store information by a function of the application. The store information includes, for example, information indicating a list of stores in the area along the movement route indicated in the product information request, as information regarding stores in the area along the movement route indicated in the product information request, and the user U can select a store from which he or she wishes to purchase a product from the information indicating the list of stores.

[0176] The store information may also include information on waiting times and sell-out times, which allows the user U to know the waiting times for purchasing products sold at the store and the sell-out times of the products, and allows the user U to easily purchase the products by placing an order for the products sold at the store early. When a store is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits a product information request including information for identifying the selected store to the information processing device 1.

[0177] The providing unit 35 provides the product information determined by the determining unit 33 to the user U by transmitting the product information determined by the determining unit 33 in response to the product information request accepted by the accepting unit 31 to the terminal device 2.

[0178] When the terminal device 2 receives the product information transmitted from the information processing device 1, the terminal device 2 displays the product information by a function of the application. The product information includes information about the product, and the information about the product includes, for example, information about the product and information for ordering the product.

[0179] The user U can select the products and the number of products that are sold in stores in an area along the travel route indicated by the route information and that the user U will receive while traveling along the travel route. When the products and the number of products are selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits an order request including information specifying the selected products and the number of products to the information processing device 1.

[0180] Similarly to the store information, the product information may include waiting time information including information on the waiting time for purchasing a product, and sell-out time information including information on the sell-out time of the product selected as described above. In this case, the user U can know the waiting time for purchasing a product sold at the store and the sell-out time of the product, and can easily purchase the product by placing an order for the product sold at the store early.

[0181] In addition, the providing unit 35 provides the user U with information indicating the pick-up location determined by the determining unit 33 by transmitting the information indicating the pick-up location determined by the determining unit 33 to the terminal device 2 of the user U.

[0182] Furthermore, when the selection unit 32 performs a route selection process in response to the reception unit 31 receiving an order for a product, the providing unit 35 transmits the result of the route selection process, etc. to the terminal device 2 of the user U, thereby providing the result of the route selection process to the user U. When the order request includes time information, the result of the route selection process is, for example, a result of a re-search for a travel route, and includes information such as the departure time of the reselected route, the predicted arrival time of the travel route, and the departure time and arrival time of each of one or more means of transportation on the reselected route.

[0183] In this way, when the time information is accepted by the accepting unit 31, the providing unit 35 transmits information on the recommended movement start time for the movement route to the terminal device 2 of the user U, thereby being able to provide the information on the recommended movement start time for the movement route to the user U. The recommended movement start time is, for example, the departure time of the reselected route.

[0184] In addition, the providing unit 35 can also transmit the result of the route selection process, including the recommended travel start time, to the terminal device 2 of the user U, when the route selection process is performed by the selection unit 32 using the delivery time instead of the pickup time indicated in the order request when the receiving unit 31 accepts an order for a product.

[0185] The store information determined by the determination unit 33 includes information on a store that accepts an order via the reception unit 31 and that corresponds to a waiting time required for the user U to pick up a product while moving along the movement route. This allows the provision unit 35 to provide the user U with store information on a store that accepts an order via the reception unit 31 and that corresponds to a waiting time required for the user U to pick up a product while moving along the movement route.

[0186] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a route information display screen displayed on the terminal device 2 based on route information provided by the providing unit 35 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, a route information display screen 40 displayed on the terminal device 2 includes information 41 indicating a travel route, a store information display button 42, and a product information display button 43.

[0187] The user U can operate the terminal device 2 to select the store information display button 42, thereby causing the terminal device 2 to execute a process of transmitting a store information request to the information processing device 1. The user U can also operate the terminal device 2 to select the product information display button 43, thereby causing the terminal device 2 to execute a process of transmitting a product information request to the information processing device 1.

[0188] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a product information screen displayed on the terminal device 2 based on the store information provided by the providing unit 35 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, a product information screen 50 displayed on the terminal device 2 includes product-related information 51, delivery location information 52, a desired receipt time setting frame 53, an order button 54, and a back button 55.

[0189] The product information 51 includes the product name, product description, price, etc. of the orderable product, as well as the waiting time required to receive the product. This waiting time is the waiting time if the product is ordered at a store. The delivery location information 52 is information indicating the delivery location of the product.

[0190] The user U can know the delivery location of the product from the delivery location information 52. When the delivery location of the product can be selected from among a plurality of locations, the user U can set a desired location from among the plurality of locations as the delivery location in the delivery location information 52 using a combo box or the like.

[0191] The desired receipt time setting frame 53 is a setting frame (input frame) for the user U to set a desired receipt time. By operating the terminal device 2 and selecting the order button 54, the user U can cause the terminal device 2 to execute a process of transmitting an order request including information on the receipt time set in the desired receipt time setting frame 53 to the information processing device 1.

[0192] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a provided information screen displayed on the terminal device 2 based on the provided information provided by the providing unit 35 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, a provided information screen 60 displayed on the terminal device 2 includes product-related information 61, delivery location information 62, delivery time information 63, and recommended travel start time information 64.

[0193] The user U can know the product delivery location from the delivery location information 62, and the product delivery time from the delivery time information 63. In addition, the user U can know the recommended travel start time from the recommended travel start time information 64.

[0194] 4. Processing Procedure Next, a procedure of information processing by the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing by the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0195] 10, the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a route search request transmitted from the terminal device 2 has been accepted (step S20). When the processing unit 12 determines that the route search request has been accepted (step S20: Yes), the processing unit 12 selects a travel route based on information included in the route search request, and provides route information, which is information on the selected travel route, to the user U (step S21).

[0196] When the process of step S11 is completed or when it is determined that a route search request has not been received (step S20: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether or not an information request has been received (step S22). The information request is, for example, a store information request or a product information request.

[0197] When the processing unit 12 determines that an information request has been received (step S22: Yes), it determines information according to the information request and provides the determined information to the user U (step S23). For example, when the processing unit 12 receives a store information request, it determines store information according to the store information request and provides the determined store information to the user U. In addition, when the processing unit 12 receives a product information request, it determines product information according to the product information request and provides the determined product information to the user U.

[0198] When the process of step S23 is completed or when it is determined that the information request has not been accepted (step S22: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether or not an order request has been accepted (step S24). When it is determined that the order request has been accepted (step S24: Yes), the processing unit 12 determines a pickup location for the product specified in the order request (step S25).

[0199] Next, the processing unit 12 determines a recommended travel start time (step S26), and provides the user U with information including the information on the pick-up location determined in step S25 and the information on the recommended travel start time determined in step S25 (step S27). In addition, the processing unit 12 notifies the store of information related to the product specified in the order request (step S28).

[0200] When the process of step S28 is completed or when it is determined that the order request has not been accepted (step S24: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether or not the operation end timing has arrived (step S29). The processing unit 12 determines that the operation end timing has arrived when, for example, the power supply of the information processing device 1 is turned off.

[0201] If the processing unit 12 determines that the operation end time has not arrived (step S29: No), it transitions to step S20, and if the processing unit 12 determines that the operation end time has arrived (step S29: Yes), it terminates the processing shown in FIG. 10.

[0202] 5. Modifications A part or all of the processing of the information processing device 1 described above may be performed by the terminal device 2. In this case, the terminal device 2 has a part or all of the functions of the acquisition unit 30, the reception unit 31, the selection unit 32, the decision unit 33, the order processing unit 34, and the provision unit 35.

[0203] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 30 can acquire schedule information of the user U from an external server or the like. In this case, the determination unit 33 can determine different types of stores and products depending on whether the user U is on a business trip or a trip.

[0204] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 can determine the type of store or product according to the speed of the user U's movement (for example, movement on foot) based on the location information of the user U acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

[0205] The acquisition unit 30 can also acquire user status information such as the user U's heart rate and the number of steps taken that day from a wearable device such as a smart watch worn by the user U via the terminal device 2. In this case, the determination unit 33 can determine the type of store or product according to the user status information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

[0206] [6. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 1 according to the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 80 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 80 that realizes the functions of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The computer 80 has a CPU 81, a RAM 82, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 84, a communication interface (I / F) 85, an input / output interface (I / F) 86, and a media interface (I / F) 87.

[0207] The CPU 81 operates and controls each part based on a program stored in the ROM 83 or the HDD 84. The ROM 83 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 81 when the computer 80 is started up, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 80.

[0208] The HDD 84 stores programs executed by the CPU 81, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 85 receives data from other devices via the network N (see FIG. 2) and sends it to the CPU 81, and transmits data generated by the CPU 81 to other devices via the network N.

[0209] The CPU 81 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 86. The CPU 81 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 86. The CPU 81 also outputs data generated via the input / output interface 86 to the output devices.

[0210] The media interface 87 reads a program or data stored in a recording medium 88 and provides it to the CPU 81 via the RAM 82. The CPU 81 loads the program from the recording medium 88 onto the RAM 82 via the media interface 87 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 88 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0211] For example, when the computer 80 functions as the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 81 of the computer 80 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 82 to realize the function of the processing unit 12. In addition, the HDD 84 stores data in the storage unit 11. The CPU 81 of the computer 80 reads and executes these programs from a recording medium 88, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via the network N.

[0212] [7. Other] In addition, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0213] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0214] For example, the above-mentioned information processing device 1 may be realized by a terminal device and a server computer, or may be realized by multiple server computers. Also, depending on the functions, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0215] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0216] 8. Effects As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment includes the providing unit 35, the receiving unit 31, and the order processing unit 34. The providing unit 35 provides the user U with route information including information on a travel route selected in response to a route search request by the user U. The receiving unit 31 receives an order for a product that is sold in a store in an area along the travel route and that the user U will pick up while traveling along the travel route. The order processing unit 34 processes the order received by the receiving unit 31. This allows the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience for the user U.

[0217] The information processing device 1 also includes a determination unit 33 that determines a pickup location for the product whose order has been accepted by the acceptance unit 31, and the provision unit 35 provides the user U with information indicating the pickup location determined by the determination unit 33. This enables the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience for the user U.

[0218] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 determines the pick-up location based on the means of transportation along the travel route. This allows the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience for the user U.

[0219] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 determines the receiving location based on the movement direction of the movement route and the base of the user U. This allows the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience for the user U.

[0220] The determination unit 33 determines store information including information about a store that accepts an order by the reception unit 31 based on the information 41 of the user U, and the provision unit 35 provides the store information determined by the determination unit 33 to the user U. This allows the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience of the user U.

[0221] The providing unit 35 provides the user U with store information including information on a waiting time required for the user U to receive a product while moving along a moving route, the store accepting the order by the receiving unit 31. This enables the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience of the user U.

[0222] The receiving unit 31 receives time information 63 which is information indicating the time when the user U will receive the product, and when the receiving unit 31 receives the time information 63, the providing unit 35 provides the user U with information on a recommended movement start time for the movement route. This enables the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience for the user U.

[0223] The reception unit 31 receives the cancellation of the setting of the travel route, and when the cancellation is received by the reception unit 31, the order processing unit 34 cancels the order received by the reception unit 31. This enables the information processing device 1 to improve the convenience of the user U.

[0224] The above describes the embodiment of the present application in detail based on the drawings, but this is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

[0225] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, an acquisition section can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 1. Information processing device 2 Terminal Equipment 3. Store equipment 10. Communications Department 11 Storage section 12 Processing section 20 User information storage unit 21 Route selection element information storage unit 22 Store information storage unit 23 Product information storage section 30 Acquisition Department 31 Reception 32 Selection section 33 Decision Section 34 Order Processing Unit 100 Information Processing Systems N Network

Claims

1. a providing unit that provides route information to a user, the route information including information on a travel route selected in response to a route search request by the user; a reception unit that receives an order for a product that is sold in a store in an area along the movement route and that is to be received by the user while moving along the movement route; an order processing unit that processes the order received by the reception unit; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. a determination unit that determines a place to receive the product whose order has been received by the reception unit; The providing unit is providing the user with information indicating the pick-up location determined by the determination unit; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The determination unit is The receiving location is determined based on a means of transportation in the travel route.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit is The receiving location is determined based on a moving direction of the moving route and a base of the user.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The determination unit is determining store information including information about a store that accepts the order by the reception unit based on the user information; The providing unit is The store information determined by the determination unit is provided to the user.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

6. The providing unit is The reception unit provides the user with store information including information on a store that receives the order and is in response to a waiting time required for the user to receive the product while moving along the movement route.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The reception unit is receiving time information indicating a time when the user will receive the product; The providing unit is When the time information is accepted by the accepting unit, information on a recommended travel start time for the travel route is provided to the user.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

8. The reception unit is Accepting cancellation of the setting of the travel route; The order processing unit: When the cancellation is accepted by the acceptance unit, the order accepted by the acceptance unit is cancelled.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

9. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a providing step of providing route information to the user, the route information including information on a travel route selected in response to a route search request by the user; a receiving step of receiving an order for a product that is sold in a store in an area along the movement route and that is to be received by the user while moving along the movement route; an order processing step of processing the order accepted by the accepting step.

23. An information processing method comprising:

10. a provision step of providing route information to a user, the route information including information on a travel route selected in response to a route search request by the user; a receiving step of receiving an order for a product that is sold in a store in an area along the movement route and that is to be received by the user while moving along the movement route; an order processing procedure for processing the order accepted by the acceptance procedure.

2. An information processing program comprising:

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