Information providing device, information providing method, information providing program, and information providing system

Abstract

To provide a novel customer experience related to purchasing of commodities.SOLUTION: An information providing device is equipped with: means for acquiring information related to customers; and means for presenting information related to properties imparted to a target individual being any one of target commodity individuals to which properties have been individually imparted such that individual differences arise between the individuals of the same commodity item, to a customer, by referring to at least the information related to the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, an information providing program, and an information providing system. [Background technology]

[0002] By presenting information that is appropriate for each individual customer, the customer can benefit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that manages the purchase history of each customer, and when the customer pays for a purchased item, if the purchased item is in the customer's purchase history or if there is an item that the customer forgot to buy, it issues a warning and introduces new products that belong to the customer's preferred category. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-228179 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The system described in Patent Document 1 provides each customer with information according to their purchase history. However, this system is premised on handling products that cannot be used permanently (i.e., must be replaced), such as consumables (e.g., seasonings), or products such as books, for which it is generally difficult to imagine purchasing the same product multiple times. For example, character goods such as stuffed toys are products that some customers may be tempted to purchase multiple times, and even if this system is applied as is to such products, it is not necessarily possible to present appropriate information to customers.

[0006] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new customer experience regarding the purchase of goods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information providing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a means for acquiring information about a customer, and a means for presenting to the customer, by referring to at least the information about the customer, information regarding characteristics assigned to a target individual, which is any one of the units of a target product that has been individually assigned characteristics such that individual differences arise between units of the same item. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a new customer experience regarding product purchases. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a user terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display of merchandise. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented to a customer when a particular product in FIG. 3 is selected. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented to a customer when a different product from that shown in FIG. 3 is selected. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data structure of a customer database according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data structure of a purchase history database according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of information provision processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of a game play history database in Modification 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of an inventory database in the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of an information provision process according to the second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of an information provision process according to the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0011] (1) Information provision system configuration The configuration of the information providing system will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information providing system according to the present embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system 1 includes a user terminal 10 (an example of an “information providing device”), a store terminal 20, a customer information management device 30, and a product information management device 40. The user terminal 10, the store terminal 20, the customer information management device 3, and the product information management device 40 are connected via a network (eg, the Internet or an intranet) NW.

[0013] The user terminal 10 is an information processing device (i.e., a computer) carried by a customer. The user terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a wearable device. The user terminal 10 provides information appropriate for the customer in response to the customer's operation.

[0014] The store terminal 20 is an information processing device installed in a store. The store terminal 20 is, for example, a payment terminal, a customer service robot, a product search terminal, a check-in terminal, or a combination of these. The store terminal 20 responds to operations by customers or store clerks to support the purchasing behavior of customers.

[0015] The customer information management device 30 is an information processing device that manages information related to customers. The customer information management device 30 is, for example, a web server, a database server, or a combination thereof.

[0016] The product information management device 40 is an information processing device that manages information related to products. The product information management device 40 is, for example, a web server, a database server, or a combination thereof.

[0017] (1-1) User terminal configuration The following describes the configuration of the user terminal 10. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal of this embodiment.

[0018] 2, the user terminal 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14. The user terminal 10 is connectable to at least one of an input device 15 and an output device 16.

[0019] The storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0020] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs Applications that process information (e.g. web browsers)

[0021] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0022] The processor 12 is configured to realize the functions of the user terminal 10 by running a program stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is an example of a computer.

[0023] The input / output interface 13 is configured to receive signals (e.g., user instructions, sensing signals, or a combination thereof) from the input device 15 and output signals (e.g., image signals, audio signals, or a combination thereof) to the output device 16. The input device 15 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, a sensor, or a combination thereof. The output device 16 is, for example, a display, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0024] The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the user terminal 10 and an external device (for example, at least one of the store terminal 20, the customer information management device 30, and the product information management device 40).

[0025] (1-2) Configuration of store terminal, customer information management device, and product information management device The store terminal 20, the customer information management device 30, and the product information management device 40 are all information processing devices, and may be equipped with the same type of hardware as the user terminal 10.

[0026] (2) Overview of the embodiment An overview of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display of products. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented to a customer when a certain product in Fig. 3 is specified. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented to a customer when a different product in Fig. 3 is specified.

[0027] The user terminal 10 of this embodiment provides information that contributes to the purchasing behavior of customers in a store. In the store, as shown in Fig. 3, one or more individual products (hereinafter, referred to as "individual products") PR11, PR12, ... are displayed for one or more products.

[0028] The products that are the subject of the information provision (hereinafter referred to as "target products") are, by way of example and not by way of limitation, character goods, fan goods, or other content-related goods, and are industrial products designed to be of uniform quality. Each target product is individually endowed with characteristics that create individual differences between it and other products of the same item. The characteristic may be an appearance characteristic (i.e., distinguishable by the customer with the naked eye), a non-appearance characteristic, or a combination of these. The non-appearance characteristic may be stored as information on an information carrier (e.g., a wireless tag, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code) attached to the individual. The characteristic may be, for example, a characteristic possessed by a real or imaginary entity (e.g., a game character) on which the product is based. In this way, intentionally creating individual differences in products makes it easier for customers to feel attracted to the individual they have purchased or are planning to purchase.

[0029] The user terminal 10 presents the customer with information on the characteristics given to any of the individual items of the target product (hereinafter, referred to as the "target individual item"). This makes it easier for the customer to decide which individual item to purchase from among the products with individual differences. The target individual item is specified, for example, according to the customer's designation.

[0030] When a customer designates an individual PR11 in Fig. 3, the user terminal 10 presents information to the customer by displaying, for example, a screen P11 in Fig. 4 on the display. The screen P11 includes a display region R111, a display region R121, and a display region R131.

[0031] In the display region R111, an icon of the target individual (individual PR11) is displayed. The icon of the target individual may be common among individuals of the same item, may be determined depending on the individual's characteristics (e.g., age, sex, or a combination thereof), or may itself be an element of the individual's characteristics.

[0032] Display region R121 displays general information about the target product (i.e., information common to individual products). The general information about the target product indicates, for example, the type of entity that is the source of the target product, a product number, or a combination thereof.

[0033] In the display region R131, information regarding the characteristics given to the target individual (hereinafter referred to as "individuality information") is displayed. The individuality information indicates, for example, personality, special skills, hobbies, preferences, sex, date of meeting, birthday, place of meeting, hometown, age, other parameters, or a combination thereof.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, a "New" mark MK11 is added to "Personality: Quiet" among the personality information items displayed in the display area R131. The "New" mark MK11 means that none of the individuals that the customer has already purchased for the target product have the characteristic of "Personality: Quiet."

[0035] When the customer specifies an individual PR12 different from the individual PR11, the user terminal 10 presents information to the customer by displaying, for example, the screen of Fig. 5 on the display. The screen P12 includes a display region R112, a display region R122, and a display region R132.

[0036] In the display region R112, an icon of the target individual (individual PR12) is displayed.

[0037] General information about the target product is displayed in the display area R122. Since the individual PR12 is the same as the individual PR11, the same information as that in the display area R121 can be displayed in the display area R122.

[0038] In the display area R132, personality information of the target individual is displayed.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, a "New" mark MK12 is added to "Personality: Mischievous" among the personality information items displayed in the display area R132. The "New" mark MK12 means that none of the individuals that the customer has already purchased for the target product have the characteristic of "Personality: Mischievous."

[0040] In this way, in response to the identification of the target individual, the user terminal 10 presents not only information about the target product but also information about the target individual (for example, information displayed in the display areas R131 and R132). Therefore, the customer can make a purchase decision while being aware of the individual differences of the target product.

[0041] In addition, the user terminal 10 refers to information about the customer and displays a "New" mark (e.g., "New" marks MK11 and MK12) for any characteristics of the target individual that are not possessed by any of the individuals already purchased by the customer. Therefore, the customer can use the presence or absence of a "New" mark as one of the clues for deciding whether to purchase the target individual. For example, the customer may use the number of "New" marks as a clue to pass on purchasing a target individual with similar characteristics to the individuals already purchased, or decide to purchase a target individual with characteristics different from those of the individuals already purchased.

[0042] (3) Database The databases of this embodiment will now be described. The following databases are stored in an internal storage device of the customer information management device 30 or in a storage device connected to the customer information management device 30 via a network.

[0043] (3-1) Customer database The customer database of this embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 6, which is a diagram showing the data structure of the customer database of this embodiment.

[0044] 6, the customer database includes a "customer ID" field, a "customer name" field, and an "attribute" field. Each field is associated with the other fields. The customer database stores customer information, which is basic information about the customer. The customer database may correspond to, but is not limited to, a member database of a store or a store group, for example, or may correspond to a user database of a game, application, service, or platform related to the product.

[0045] The "customer ID" field stores a customer ID. The customer ID is information for identifying a customer.

[0046] The "customer name" field stores customer name information. The customer name information is information about the name of the customer (for example, a real name or a nickname).

[0047] The "attribute" field stores attribute information. The attribute information is information about the attributes of a customer. In the example of FIG. 6, gender and age group are shown as customer attributes, but these are merely examples.

[0048] (3-2) Purchase history database The purchase history database of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7, which is a diagram showing the data structure of the purchase history database of this embodiment.

[0049] 7, the purchase history database includes a "transaction ID" field, a "date" field, a "product ID" field, and an "individual ID" field. Each field is associated with the others. The purchase history database stores purchase history information, which is information about when and which item of which product a customer purchased. The purchase history database is linked to the customer database (Figure 6). From the purchase history database, it is possible to extract a table in which purchase history information corresponding to each customer ID is stored, as shown in FIG.

[0050] The "transaction ID" field stores a transaction ID. The transaction ID is information for identifying a transaction that constitutes the purchase history.

[0051] The "Date" field stores purchase date information. The purchase date information is information about the date on which the transaction identified by the transaction ID was made.

[0052] The "Product ID" field stores a purchased product ID. The purchased product ID is information for identifying a product purchased in a transaction identified by the transaction ID.

[0053] The "individual ID" field stores a purchased individual ID. The purchased individual ID is information that identifies an individual purchased in a transaction identified by the transaction ID.

[0054] (4) Processing of information provided The information provision process of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8, which is a diagram showing the flow of the information provision process of this embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 10 executes acquisition of information about a customer (S101). In this embodiment, the processor 12 obtains the customer's purchase history information. Specifically, the processor 12 transmits the customer ID to the customer information management device 30. The customer information management device 30 extracts purchase history information associated with the received customer ID from the purchase history database, and transmits the purchase history information to the user terminal 10. The processor 12 acquires the purchase history information received by the communication interface 14.

[0056] The processor 12 may execute step S101 at least one of the following times, for example. When a customer visits a store When the user terminal 10 reads the information carrier attached to the target product (or any individual product thereof) When a customer performs a predetermined operation on a predetermined application executed on the user terminal 10 (for example, selecting a product on the application). When a customer performs a predetermined operation on the store terminal 20 (for example, holds up the user terminal 10)

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 10 executes identification of a target product (S102). In this embodiment, the processor 12 identifies any product in the store as the target product in response to a designation by a customer. The customer can designate the target product by at least one of the following means, for example. - Reading the information carrier attached to the target product (or any individual part thereof) Performing a predetermined operation on a predetermined application executed on the user terminal 10 (for example, selecting a target product on the application) Photograph the target product (or any individual item of it) Enter the product name or product ID of the target product by text, voice, or selection. A predetermined operation is performed on the store terminal 20 (for example, holding up any of the target products)

[0058] The processor 12 may perform step S102 before or after step S101, or may perform step S102 simultaneously with step S101.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 10 executes identification of the target individual (S103). Specifically, in response to the customer's designation, the processor 12 specifies one of the individual items of the target product specified in step S102 as the target individual item. The customer can specify the target individual item by at least one of the following means, for example. - Reading the information carrier attached to the target individual Performing a predetermined operation on a predetermined application executed on the user terminal 10 (e.g., selecting a target individual on the application) Photograph the target specimen Enter the individual name or individual ID of the target individual by text, voice, or selection. Perform a predetermined operation on the store terminal 20 (for example, hold the target object over the store terminal 20)

[0060] The processor 12 may perform step S103 after step S102, or may perform step S103 simultaneously with step S102.

[0061] After step S103, the user terminal 10 executes acquisition of personality information of the target individual (S104). Specifically, the processor 12 acquires the individuality information of the target individual identified in step S103. For example, the processor 12 can acquire the individuality information of the target individual by at least one of the following means. Extracting individuality information of the target individual from information stored in an information carrier attached to the target individual Acquire individuality information associated with the individual ID of the target individual from the store terminal 20 or the product information management device 40

[0062] After steps S101 and S104, the user terminal 10 determines (S105) the information to be presented to the customer. Specifically, the processor 12 determines information to be presented to the customer by referring to the information about the customer acquired in step S101 and the individuality information of the target individual acquired in step S104. The processor 12 determines, for example, at least one of the following as the information to be presented to the customer. Information about the characteristics assigned to the target individual (i.e., the information acquired in step S104) Information indicating whether or not the customer has purchased any of the target products If a customer has previously purchased any of the target products, information regarding the characteristics of such products (hereinafter referred to as "purchased products"). If a customer has previously purchased any of the target products, information indicating at least some of the characteristics of the purchased products If a customer has purchased any of the target product units, information regarding the comparison results (match / mismatch) between the characteristics of the target product and the characteristics of the purchased product If the customer has never purchased any of the target products, information indicating that this is the first purchase of the product

[0063] After step S105, the user terminal 10 executes the presentation of information (S106). Specifically, the processor 12 presents the information determined in step S105 to the customer by outputting it on the output device 16. This allows the customer to obtain information to decide whether or not to purchase the target individual before purchasing the target individual. The processor 12 presents the information to the customer by, for example, at least one of the following means. Displaying images on the display - Output audio from the speaker

[0064] As described above, the user terminal according to the embodiment refers to information about the customer (specifically, purchase history information) and presents the customer with information about the characteristics given to the target individual. Therefore, this user terminal can provide appropriate information in consideration of the customer's purchase history when the customer purchases a specific individual from a product to which individual differences have been intentionally given. In other words, a new customer experience can be provided. For example, the customer can be provided with the fun of searching for an individual with characteristics not possessed by an individual that has already been purchased. Furthermore, when a customer wishes to repeatedly purchase an individual of the same product, the individual differences between the individual that has already been purchased and the target individual can be easily understood and used in making a purchase decision.

[0065] (5) Variations A modification of this embodiment will now be described.

[0066] (5-1) Variation 1 A description will now be given of Modification 1. Modification 1 is an example in which a target product or a target individual is recommended to a customer.

[0067] In the first modification, at least one of the following items can be used as information about the customer: Purchase history information Information regarding your usage history regarding games, applications, services, or platforms related to the products (hereinafter referred to as "usage history information") Information about customer preferences or characteristics

[0068] (5-1-1) Database The database of the first modification will be described.

[0069] (5-1-1-1) Game play history database An explanation will be given of the game play history database of Modification 1. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the game play history database of Modification 1.

[0070] The game play history database is stored in an internal storage device of the customer information management device 30, or in a storage device connected to the customer information management device 30 via a network. The game play history database stores game play history information (an example of "usage history information"). The game play history information is information relating to the game play history of each customer. 9, the game play history database includes a "customer ID" field, a "play time" field, a "level" field, a "favorite character" field, and a "purchase information" field. Each field is associated with each other. The game play history database is associated with the customer database (Figure 6).

[0071] The "customer ID" field stores a customer ID. The customer ID may be the same as the customer ID in the customer database (FIG. 6).

[0072] The "Play Time" field stores play time information. The play time information is information about the amount of time a customer has played a game.

[0073] The "level" field stores level information. The level information is information about the customer's level in the game.

[0074] The "favorite character" field stores favorite character information. The favorite character information is information about a favorite character in a game of the customer.

[0075] The "Purchase Information" field stores purchase information about the customer's purchase of an in-game item in the game. (5-1-1-2) Inventory Database A description will be given of the inventory database of the modified example 1. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the inventory database of the modified example 1.

[0076] The inventory database is stored in an internal storage device of the product information management device 40 or in a storage device connected to the product information management device 40 via a network. The inventory database stores inventory information, which is information about the inventory of each individual product in a store or a group of stores. 10, the inventory database includes a "product ID" field, an "individual ID" field, and a "quantity" field. Each field is associated with the others.

[0077] The "product ID" field stores a product ID. The product ID is information for identifying a product.

[0078] The "item ID" field stores an item ID. The item ID is information for identifying an individual item of a product identified by the corresponding product ID.

[0079] The "quantity" field stores quantity information. The quantity information is information about the stock quantity of the individual identified by the corresponding individual ID.

[0080] (5-1-2) Information provision processing The information provision process of the first modification will be described.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 10 executes acquisition of information about a customer (S101). In the first modification, the processor 12 acquires at least one of the following pieces of information about the customer: Purchase history information Usage history information Information about customer preferences or characteristics

[0082] In a first example of acquiring information about a customer (S101), the processor 12 transmits a customer ID to the customer information management device 30. The customer information management device 30 extracts purchase history information associated with the received customer ID from the purchase history database, and transmits it to the user terminal 10. The processor 12 acquires the purchase history information received by the communication interface 14.

[0083] In a second example of acquiring information about a customer (S101), the processor 12 transmits a customer ID to the customer information management device 30. The customer information management device 30 extracts usage history information associated with the received customer ID from the usage history database, and transmits it to the user terminal 10. The processor 12 acquires the usage history information received by the communication interface 14.

[0084] In a third example of acquiring information about a customer (S101), the processor 12 transmits a customer ID to the customer information management device 30. The customer information management device 30 extracts information about the customer's preferences or characteristics associated with the received customer ID from the customer database, and transmits the information to the user terminal 10. The processor 12 acquires the information about the customer's preferences or characteristics received by the communication interface 14.

[0085] In a fourth example of acquiring information about a customer (S101), the processor 12 executes a questionnaire about preferences or a personality test for the customer. The processor 12 acquires information about the customer's preferences or personality by referring to the response results of the customer. The questionnaire about preferences or the personality test may be conducted by the store terminal 20. The questionnaire about preferences may include, for example, a question that asks the customer to select which character is preferred from a plurality of characters related to the product.

[0086] After step S101, the user terminal 10 specifies a target product (S102). Specifically, the processor 12 requests inventory information from the product information management device 40, and acquires the inventory information from the product information management device 40 in response. The processor 12 refers to the inventory information and the information on the customer acquired in step S101, and identifies one of the products in stock as the target product. The processor 12 can identify at least one of the following products as the target product, for example: -Products that customers have never purchased Products related to products the customer has previously purchased Products that are purchased frequently by customers who have similar purchase histories, usage histories, preferences, or personalities to the customer Products related to the number of characters or items purchased, owned, or consumed by customers in a game related to the product Products that match the customer's tastes or characteristics -Products selected by lottery

[0087] After step S102, the user terminal 10 executes identification of the target individual (S103). Specifically, the processor 12 refers to the inventory information and the information on the customer acquired in step S101 to identify one of the target products identified in step S102 as the target product. The processor 12 can identify at least one of the following products as the target product, for example: -An individual that has characteristics that are not possessed by any previously purchased units of the target product Individuals who have characteristics that make them more likely to purchase than other customers who are similar to the customer in terms of purchase history, usage history, preferences, or personality An individual that has characteristics (e.g., the same or similar characteristics) corresponding to the character that the customer uses in the game related to the target product - Determining whether a customer meets certain conditions in a game related to the target product (e.g., whether the customer has a certain character, has purchased a certain game item, has purchased a certain number of certain game items, etc.), and determining whether the customer meets the certain conditions, and determining whether the customer meets the certain conditions, Individuals with characteristics that match the customer's preferences or personality Individuals selected by lottery

[0088] After step S103, the user terminal 10 acquires individuality information of the target individual (S104), determines information to be presented to the customer (S105), and presents the information (S106), in the same manner as in FIG.

[0089] As described above, the user terminal according to the embodiment refers to information about a customer to identify a target product and a target individual. Therefore, this user terminal can select a product that is a candidate for purchase and a specific individual thereof and provide information on it without the customer having to specify it himself / herself. In other words, a new customer experience can be provided. For example, it is possible to recommend a target individual that may have characteristics that meet the customer's potential needs, without the customer having to search around the store or check the individual characteristics of each of the displayed products.

[0090] (5-2) Variation 2 Modification 2 will now be described. Modification 2 is an example in which the personality of a target individual is determined after the target individual is identified. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of information provision processing in Modification 2.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, the user terminal 10 acquires information about a customer (S101) in the same manner as in FIG. Then, the target product is identified (S102), and the target individual is identified (S103).

[0092] After step S103, the user terminal 10 executes determination of the personality of the target individual (S111). Specifically, the processor 12 determines the characteristics to be imparted to the target individual. In step S111, the processor 12 may or may not refer to the information about the customer acquired in step S101. The processor 12 determines the personality of the target individual by at least one of the following means, for example. Select characteristics that are at least partially different from those already purchased by the customer The customer selects characteristics according to the character used in the game related to the target product (for example, the same personality as the character) Selecting features that match customer preferences or personality - Determined by lottery

[0093] After step S111, the user terminal 10 executes the assignment of a personality (S112). Specifically, the processor 12 assigns the personality determined in step S111 to the target individual. The processor 12 assigns the personality to the target individual by at least one of the following means, for example. Request the product information management device 40 to rewrite the individuality information of the target individual (for example, individuality information associated with the individual ID of the target individual in the database) -Rewrite the information stored in the information carrier (e.g., radio tag) attached to the target individual

[0094] A reader / writer (for example, an RFID reader / writer) can be used to rewrite the information stored in the information carrier. The reader / writer can be connected to the user terminal 10 or the store terminal 20 as an input / output device.

[0095] After step S112, the user terminal 10 determines (S105a) the information to be presented to the customer. Specifically, the processor 12 determines information to be presented to the customer by referring to the information about the customer acquired in step S101 and the personality of the target individual determined in step S111. The processor 12 determines, for example, at least one of the following as the information to be presented to the customer. Information about the characteristics assigned to the target individual (i.e., information about the personality determined in step S111) Information indicating whether or not the customer has purchased any of the target products If a customer has previously purchased any of the target products, information regarding the characteristics of the purchased products If a customer has previously purchased any of the target products, information indicating at least some of the characteristics of the purchased products If a customer has purchased any of the target product units, information regarding the comparison results (match / mismatch) between the characteristics of the target product and the characteristics of the purchased product If the customer has never purchased any of the target products, information indicating that this is the first purchase of the product

[0096] After step S105a, the user terminal 10 executes the presentation of information (S106). Specifically, the processor 12 causes the output device 16 to output the information determined in step S105a, thereby presenting it to the customer.

[0097] As described above, the user terminal of the second modification adds individual differences to the target product at the point of sale. Therefore, the user terminal of the second modification can prevent a mismatch between supply and demand, such as an extreme shortage of target products with / without specific characteristics at the store, or conversely, a large number of target products with / without specific characteristics remaining unsold. For example, a store can sell target products with rich individual differences without excessively increasing the number of items in stock.

[0098] (5-3) Variation 3 Modification 3 will be described. Modification 3 is an example in which purchasing support for new customers is provided when the customer is a new customer. A new customer means, for example, a customer who is not a member of a store or a store group. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of information provision processing in modification 3.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 12, the user terminal 10 acquires information about a customer (S101) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0100] After step S101, the user terminal 10 executes a customer category determination (S121). Specifically, the processor 12 determines the category of the customer by referring to the information about the customer acquired in step S101. As an example, the processor 12 determines that the customer is a new customer when the purchase history information of the customer is not registered in the purchase history database.

[0101] If it is determined in step S121 that the customer is not a new customer, the user terminal 10 executes the steps of identifying the target product (S102), identifying the target individual (S103), acquiring personality information of the target individual (S104), deciding on information to be presented to the customer (S105), and presenting the information (S106) in the same manner as in Fig. 8. Alternatively, the user terminal 10 may execute the steps of identifying the target product (S102), identifying the target individual (S103), deciding on the personality of the target individual (S111), assigning personality (S112), deciding on information to be presented to the customer (S105a), and presenting the information (S106) in the same manner as in Fig. 11.

[0102] When it is determined in step S121 that the customer is a new customer, the user terminal 10 executes a notification (S122) of the new customer's visit. As an example, the user terminal 10 transmits a notification to the store terminal 20 (e.g., a customer service robot or a terminal carried by a store clerk). After the notification, for example, at least one of the following purchasing support is performed for the customer. · Displaying store information · Product information display -Providing instructions on how to check the individual's personality - Providing information on membership registration - Customer service by a customer service robot or store clerk Conducting preference surveys or personality tests

[0103] As described above, the user terminal of the third modification determines the customer category and notifies the customer of the arrival of a new customer, thereby providing purchasing support for the new customer. Therefore, the user terminal of the third modification can foster a prior understanding of the customer regarding the concept of the store, the products, and the purchasing system.

[0104] (5-4) Variation 4 Modification 4 will now be described. Modification 4 is an example in which information on the characteristics imparted to the target individual is presented at the time of purchase of the target individual or after purchase of the target individual, instead of before purchase of the target individual.

[0105] In the fourth modification, the "New" mark MK11 in Fig. 4 means that none of the target products purchased by the customer before the target product had the characteristic "Personality: Quiet". Similarly, according to the fourth modification, the "New" mark MK12 in Fig. 5 means that none of the target products purchased by the customer before the target product had the characteristic "Personality: Mischievous".

[0106] As described above, the user terminal of Modification 4 presents information on the characteristics imparted to the target individual at the time of purchase of the target individual or after the purchase of the target individual, instead of before the purchase of the target individual. Therefore, with the user terminal of Modification 4, the user can decide to purchase the target individual with high expectations regarding the characteristics imparted to the target individual, and can enjoy checking the actual characteristics at or after the purchase.

[0107] In addition, in the fourth modification, the timing at which the characteristic is imparted to the target individual is arbitrary. That is, the characteristic can be imparted at the time of manufacture, or the characteristic can be imparted at the point of sale as in the second modification.

[0108] (6) Other modifications The storage device 11 may be connected to the user terminal 10 via a network NW.

[0109] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a "New" mark is added to characteristics of the target individual that are not possessed by the individual that the customer has already purchased for the target product. However, the mark is not limited to the "New" mark, and any display mode can be used as long as the customer can distinguish between characteristics of the target individual that are not possessed by the individual that the customer has already purchased for the target product and characteristics that are not possessed. For example, characteristics of the target individual that are not possessed by the individual that the customer has already purchased for the target product may be highlighted.

[0110] The user terminal 10 may present the customer with the personality information of the purchased individual in addition to the personality information of the target individual. This allows the customer to make a purchase decision by comparing the personality information of the target individual with the personality information of the purchased individual.

[0111] In the present embodiment and the modified example, an example has been shown in which the user terminal 10 directly accesses the customer information management device 30 and the product information management device 40. However, a store terminal 20 or an intermediate device (e.g., a web server) (not shown) may be interposed between the user terminal 10 and the customer information management device 30 or the product information management device 40.

[0112] In the present embodiment and the modified example, an example in which a customer visits a real store has been described, but the store may be provided in a virtual space. When the store is provided in a virtual space, objects in the store (e.g., the store terminal 20, individual products, and structures constituting the store) are replaced with virtual objects, and store clerks are replaced with avatars.

[0113] In the present embodiment and the modified example, an example has been described in which the user terminal 10 functions as an information providing device. However, the store terminal 20 may function as an information providing device, or the user terminal 10 and the store terminal 20 may cooperate to function as an information providing device. In other words, each step of the above information providing process can be executed by either the user terminal 10 or the store terminal 20.

[0114] In the first modification, an example has been described in which the target product and the target individual are identified by referring to the stock information and the information related to the customer. However, the target product may be identified by specifying the customer, and the target individual may be identified by referring to the stock information and the information related to the customer.

[0115] In the second modification, an example has been described in which a personality of a target individual is determined and assigned when information about the target individual is presented. However, the timing at which a personality is actually assigned to the target individual (i.e., the information stored in the database or the information carrier attached to the target individual is rewritten) is not limited to the example of Fig. 11. For example, the store terminal 20 (payment terminal) may assign a personality to the target individual when a customer purchases the target individual.

[0116] In the third modification, an example was described in which purchasing support for new customers is provided when the customer is a new customer. However, when the customer falls into another specific category, purchasing support for the specific category may be provided. For example, by referring to the purchase history information of the customer, it is possible to determine whether the customer is a customer who has been purchasing for a long time, a customer who spends a large amount of money, a customer who purchases frequently, and the like.

[0117] In the fourth modification, some of the information regarding the characteristics given to the target individual may be displayed before the purchase of the target individual. This allows the customer to decide to purchase the target individual with a partial understanding of the characteristics given to the target individual, in anticipation of the hidden characteristics, and to enjoy finding out what the hidden characteristics actually were at the time of purchase or after the purchase. As an example, at least one of the following information may be displayed before the purchase of the target individual. Information regarding some predefined items of personality information Information about some randomly determined items of personality information -Information about the characteristics of the individual that are the same as those of the purchased individual Information indicating at least one match or mismatch between the characteristics assigned to the purchased individual and the characteristics assigned to the target individual (e.g., a "New" mark)

[0118] Information on at least one of the target products and target individuals presented to the customer and information on which individual products the customer subsequently purchased or did not purchase may be collected to analyze the products or personalities that the customer likes / dislikes. Such analysis results are useful as material for product development.

[0119] Depending on the personality given to the target individual, the customer's data regarding the game, application, service, or platform related to the target product may be updated. For example, character data having the same personality as the target individual purchased by the customer may be added to the customer's game data.

[0120] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the modified examples can be combined.

[0121] (7) Additional Notes The matters described in the embodiment and the modified examples are supplemented below.

[0122] (Appendix 1) A means for acquiring information about a customer (S101); a means for presenting to the customer, by referring to at least information about the customer, information about characteristics given to a target individual, which is any one of the target product individuals to which characteristics are individually given so that individual differences occur among the individual products of the same item (S105); An information providing device comprising:

[0123] (Appendix 2) Information about customers includes information about their purchase history, 2. An information providing device as described in appended claim 1.

[0124] (Appendix 3) the means for presenting presents information on the characteristics given to any one of the target products when the customer has purchased the target product; 3. An information providing device as described in appended claim 2.

[0125] (Appendix 4) The presenting means presents information indicating whether or not the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, and if the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, further presents information (MK11, MK12) indicating at least one of a match or a mismatch between the characteristics assigned to the individual item and the characteristics assigned to the target individual item. 3. An information providing device as described in appended claim 2.

[0126] (Appendix 5) The presenting means presents information indicating whether or not the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, and further presents information indicating the characteristics imparted to the individual item if the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, and information indicating the characteristics imparted to the target individual item. 3. An information providing device as described in appended claim 2.

[0127] (Appendix 6) A means for identifying a target individual according to a customer's specification (S103) 6. The information providing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:

[0128] (Appendix 7) The information about the customer includes at least one of the following: the customer's usage history with respect to at least one of games, applications, services, and platforms related to the product, and information about at least one of the customer's preferences and characteristics; 7. An information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0129] (Appendix 8) The presenting means further refers to information regarding inventory of the product and presents to the customer information regarding the characteristics assigned to the target individual. 8. An information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0130] (Appendix 9) A means for identifying one of the products in stock as a target product (S102); A means for identifying one of the identified target product individuals as a target product (S103); 9. The information providing device according to claim 8, further comprising:

[0131] (Appendix 10) Further comprising a means (S111) for determining a characteristic to be imparted to the subject individual; 10. An information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0132] (Appendix 11) The method further includes a means (S112) for imparting the characteristic determined by the determining means to the target individual. 11. The information providing device according to claim 10.

[0133] (Appendix 12) A means for determining whether a customer is a new customer (S121); A means for notifying the customer of the arrival of a new customer when the customer is determined to be a new customer (S122); Further comprising: 12. An information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1: Information provision system 3:Customer information management device 10: User terminal 11:Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input / Output Interface 14: Communication interface 15: Input device 16: Output device 20: Store terminal 30:Customer information management device 40: Product information management device

Claims

1. A means for obtaining information about the customer; a means for presenting to the customer, by referring to at least information about the customer, information about characteristics given to a target individual, which is any one of the target product individuals to which characteristics are individually given so that individual differences occur among the individual products of the same item; An information providing device comprising:

2. The information about the customer includes information about the customer's purchase history.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

3. the presenting means presents information on characteristics imparted to any one of the target products when the customer has purchased the target product; 3. The information providing device according to claim 2.

4. The presenting means presents information indicating whether or not the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, and, if the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, further presents information indicating at least one of a match or a mismatch between a characteristic given to the individual item and a characteristic given to the target individual item.

3. The information providing device according to claim 2.

5. The presenting means presents information indicating whether or not the customer has purchased any of the individual items of the target product, and further presents information indicating characteristics imparted to any of the individual items of the target product if the customer has purchased the individual items of the target product, and information indicating characteristics imparted to the target individual items.

3. The information providing device according to claim 2.

6. A means for identifying the target individual in response to a designation by the customer.

6. The information providing device according to claim 2, further comprising:

7. The information about the customer includes at least one of the following: a usage history of the customer with respect to at least one of a game, an application, a service, and a platform related to the product, and information about at least one of a preference and a personality of the customer; 7. An information providing device according to claim 1.

8. The presenting means further refers to information regarding product inventory and presents to the customer information regarding the characteristics imparted to the target individual.

8. An information providing device according to claim 1.

9. A means for identifying one of the products in stock as the target product; A means for identifying any one of the identified target product individuals as the target individual; The information providing device according to claim 8 , further comprising:

10. Further comprising a means for determining a characteristic to be imparted to the subject.

10. An information providing device according to claim 1.

11. and means for conferring the characteristic determined by the determining means on the subject. The information providing device according to claim 10.

12. A means for determining whether the customer is a new customer; a means for notifying a new customer of the arrival of the new customer when the customer is determined to be a new customer; Further comprising:

12. An information providing device according to claim 1.

13. The computer Obtaining information about customers; By referring to at least information about the customer, presenting to the customer information about characteristics given to a target individual, which is any one of the target product individuals to which characteristics are individually given so that individual differences occur among the individual products of the same item; An information providing method comprising:

14. Computer, Means of obtaining information about customers; A means for presenting to the customer, information on characteristics assigned to a target individual, which is any one of the target product individuals to which characteristics are individually assigned so that individual differences occur among the individual products of the same item, by referring to at least information on the customer. This information program serves as a

15. A means for obtaining information about the customer; a means for presenting to the customer, by referring to at least information about the customer, information about characteristics given to a target individual, which is any one of the target product individuals to which characteristics are individually given so that individual differences occur among the individual products of the same item; An information providing system comprising:

Images