Information processing server, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing server configured to output timely recommendation information for selected target persons.SOLUTION: An information processing server includes an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The input unit inputs commodity management information related to commodities for sale, primary information including browsing history or purchase history associated with user identification information, and secondary information including registered commodity information associated with the user identification information. The processing unit acquires primary recommendation information for recommending a commodity based on the commodity management information and the primary information, and acquires secondary recommendation information for recommending a commodity based on the commodity management information, the primary information, and the secondary information. The output unit outputs the primary recommendation information to a commodity registration terminal or an external display device, and outputs the secondary recommendation information to the commodity registration terminal when the registered product information is registered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing server, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, supermarkets and other retail stores have increasingly introduced POS (Point of Sales) systems. For example, a POS system includes a POS server, a product registration terminal, and a payment terminal. Known product registration terminals operated by store customers include smartphone-type POS (Point of Sales) terminals and cart-integrated POS terminals. A product code is printed on each product, and the product registration terminal reads the product code when it is held over a reading window and registers the read product code in the POS server. A payment device settles the price of the product based on the product code registered in the POS server.

[0003] Retail store operators want their customers to enjoy shopping and purchase many products, so in-store displays show recommendations for specific products, and store servers send out recommendations for specific products through retail store applications. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-99869 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned recommendation information is not information targeted to a specific target audience, but is uniform information aimed at an unspecified number of people, and therefore is less effective, and improvements are desired.

[0006] Furthermore, customers tend to purchase the same products as always without recalling recipes registered in their browsing history, etc. Even if the products that businesses want to sell match the products that customers potentially need, in-store displays or store servers cannot recommend such products in a timely manner.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing server, an information processing system, and a program that output timely recommendation information targeted at a narrowed down target audience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing server according to an embodiment includes an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The input unit inputs product management information about available products, primary information including a browsing history or purchase history associated with user identification information, and secondary information including registered product information associated with the user identification information. The processing unit acquires primary recommendation information recommending products based on the product management information and the primary information, and acquires secondary recommendation information recommending products based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information. The output unit outputs the primary recommendation information to a product registration terminal or an external display device, and outputs the secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal in accordance with the timing at which the registered product information is registered. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a self-service product registration system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product record. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation record. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the POS server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the product registration terminal as seen from the front side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the product registration terminal as seen from the rear side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state before the product registration terminal is attached to the shopping basket. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the product registration terminal is attached to a shopping basket. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the product registration terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a user communication terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of the self-service product registration system that executes the recommendation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the POS server that executes the recommendation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process for generating primary recommendation information according to the embodiment, and a process for generating secondary recommendation information and an example of updating the process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [composition] A self-service product registration system, which is an example of an information processing system, will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a self-service product registration system 1 according to an embodiment. The self-service product registration system 1 includes a plurality of product registration terminals 10, a plurality of payment terminals 20, a POS (Point Of Sales) server 30, a user communication terminal 40, and a store display device 60, all of which are connected for free two-way communication via a communication network 70. For example, each store may have a plurality of product registration terminals 10, a plurality of payment terminals 20, and a plurality of store display devices 60.

[0011] The communication network 70 is typically a wireless local area network (LAN). The communication network 70 may also be a mobile communication network, a mobile phone communication network, or the like. The POS server 30 and the multiple payment terminals 20 may be connected via a communication network different from the communication network 70.

[0012] Product registration terminal 10 is a portable wireless communication terminal equipped with a battery as a power source. Product registration terminal 10 is lent to customers who visit a store where self-service product registration system 1 is installed, along with a shopping basket. A customer who becomes a user of product registration terminal 10 attaches product registration terminal 10 to the shopping basket, and then walks around the sales floor where products are displayed, either holding the shopping basket in their hand or with the shopping basket in a shopping cart. When the customer finds a product they wish to purchase, a so-called purchase product, they place the product into the shopping basket.

[0013] The product registration terminal 10 uses an imaging unit to capture an image of the purchased product that is placed in the shopping basket. When the purchased product is captured by the imaging unit, the purchased product is identified from the image (an image of the appearance of the purchased product or an image of the product code attached to the purchased product), and the price of the purchased product and other information are displayed on the display unit of the product registration terminal 10. The total amount of the transaction is also displayed.

[0014] The payment terminal 20 is a terminal for settling commercial transactions with customers who use the product registration terminal 10. The payment terminal 20 is installed in a checkout area that is separate from the sales floor. After customers have finished shopping in the sales floor, they move to the checkout area. The customers then settle the commercial transaction by operating the payment terminal 20 themselves to make the payment. Payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, etc. The payment terminal 20 may be compatible with any one of the payment methods described above. The payment terminal 20 may be operated by a store clerk rather than by a customer. Such a payment terminal 20 may also be called an accounting machine, POS terminal, settlement machine, etc.

[0015] The POS server 30, which is an example of an information processing server, is a server computer installed in the backroom of a store. The POS server 30 provides a service that compiles data on commercial transactions settled at the payment terminal 20 and manages store sales, product inventory, etc. The commercial transaction data is a product purchase history for each user, and includes the user ID, information on the purchased product, the date and time of payment, etc.

[0016] The POS server 30 includes databases such as a product database 331 and a recommendation database 332. The product database 331 is product management information related to the products handled, and is a collection of product records 3311 (see FIG. 2) generated for each product sold in the sales floor. The recommendation database 332 is a collection of recommendation records 3321 (see FIG. 3) generated for each piece of recommendation information. The recommendation information is advertising information that recommends to customers products that are likely to attract their interest. The recommendation information is advertised to customers, for example, by being displayed on a store display device installed in the sales floor or on a product registration terminal 10 lent to users while they are shopping.

[0017] Note that a recommendation server different from the POS server 30 may have the recommendation database 332, and the recommendation server may cooperate with the POS server 30 to provide part or all of the recommendation database 332 to the POS server 30. Also, the recommendation server may have a recommendation database 332 for each store, cooperate with the POS server 30 for each store, and provide part or all of the recommendation database 332 of a specific store to the POS server 30 of the specific store.

[0018] The POS server 30 and the user communication terminal 40 are connected to an external server 2 via a communication network 3, which may include a mobile communication network or a mobile phone communication network. The user communication terminal 40 is a wearable terminal or a smartphone, and stores a user ID (identification information). The user communication terminal 40 receives various information via the communication network 3 using a social networking service (SNS) or the like, and displays the received information. The user can view the received information displayed on the user communication terminal. The user communication terminal 40 associates the displayed received information with the user ID and registers it as a viewing history. The external server 2 receives the user ID transmitted from the user communication terminal 40, provides the requested various information, and registers the provided information associated with the user ID as a viewing history.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the product record 3311. As shown in the figure, the product record 3311 includes data such as a product code, product name, regular price, discount price, discount conditions, product image, bulk sale code, number of items sold, product position data, and recommendation priority.

[0020] A product code is a unique code assigned to each product to identify each product individually. A product name is the item name of the product (hereinafter referred to as the product) identified by the product code in the same record. A regular price is the regular sales price of the product. A discounted price is the discounted sale price of the product. Discount conditions are the conditions for selling the product at a discount. For example, if the product is a limited-time sale product, the discount conditions are data indicating the time period for the limited-time sale. A product image is an image that represents the product. A product image may be an image of the entire product, or an image that shows part of the product. A product image is sufficient as long as it allows a customer who sees the image to identify the product.

[0021] A bulk sale code is a unique code assigned to each condition of a bulk sale discount, which applies when two or more items are purchased. For example, if product A and product B are purchased together, a bulk sale discount condition would be that 10 yen will be discounted from the total price of the two items. Product records for products that qualify for bulk sale discounts contain a bulk sale code that is uniquely assigned to the bulk sale discount condition to which the product belongs. Product records for products that are not eligible for bulk sale discounts do not contain a bulk sale code. Alternatively, a NULL value is entered as the bulk sale code.

[0022] The settlement score is the number of items of merchandise required to satisfy the conditions for the bulk sale discount. As mentioned above, if the condition is that if product A and product B are purchased together, a 10 yen discount will be applied to the total price of the two items, then the settlement score for the product records 3311 of product A and product B will be entered as "2." Incidentally, the settlement score for product records of products that are not eligible for the bulk sale discount is "0."

[0023] Product position data is data that indicates the position within the sales floor where the product is displayed. For example, the product position data is data that represents the values ​​on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis from an arbitrary point on the floor of the sales floor as the origin (0,0,0) of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system to the position where the product is being sold, expressed as three-dimensional coordinates (X,Y,Z).

[0024] The recommendation priority includes a store code and a priority level. For example, the priority level is P1 (not recommended) or P2 (recommended). When a business operator wants to recommend a specific product that is among the top or bottom in sales at a specific store, when a business operator wants to recommend a specific product that is highly or least popular at a specific store, or when a business operator wants to recommend a specific product that is currently trending at a specific store, the recommendation priority of the product code of the specific product includes the store code of the specific store and a priority level P2. The POS server 30 outputs recommendation information about the specific product at the specific store based on the recommendation priority.

[0025] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recommendation record 3321. As shown in the figure, the recommendation record 3321 includes data such as a recommendation code, a signage terminal ID, product location data, and recommendation information itself. The recommendation code and recommendation information itself are required, while the signage terminal ID and product location data are optional.

[0026] The recommendation code is a unique code assigned to each piece of recommendation information in order to individually identify each type of recommendation information. The signage terminal ID is identification information for the store display device 60 or the like that displays the recommendation information.

[0027] The product location data is data that indicates the location within the sales floor where the product recommended by the recommendation information is displayed.

[0028] The recommendation information body is content that advertises the product recommended by the recommendation information, and is created by appropriately combining, for example, still images, videos, text, audio, and the like.

[0029] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. The POS server 30 stores multiple transaction files 333. The transaction file 333 is a data file that is created each time a customer becomes a user of the product registration terminal 10. The transaction file 333 is an area for storing sales data of each purchased product identified via the product registration terminal 10 as data (purchase history) related to commercial transactions with the customer who is the user of that product registration terminal 10. The data related to commercial transactions includes the user ID, purchase date and time, product code, product name, price, discount amount, etc. of each purchased product. The total amount of the commercial transaction calculated based on the price, discount amount, etc. of each purchased product is also included in the data related to commercial transactions.

[0030] Furthermore, the transaction file 333 may include an in-store behavior history. The in-store behavior history includes the locations where the user stopped and the times when the user stopped. The POS server 30 receives location information detected by the location detection unit 14 of the product registration terminal 10 lent to the user, and detects the in-store behavior history based on the location information. Note that the POS server 30 may manage the in-store behavior history in association with the user ID transmitted from the product registration terminal 10 separately from the transaction file 333.

[0031] The POS server 30 is equipped with an image recognition engine 314. The image recognition engine 314 captures an image captured by the image capture unit of the product registration terminal 10 and uses AI technology to recognize the product depicted in the image. Specifically, the image recognition engine 314 analyzes the color, shape, and other characteristics of the product depicted in the image and recognizes the product based on these characteristics. Furthermore, if a product barcode is depicted in the image, the image recognition engine 314 recognizes the product by analyzing the barcode. If two or more products are depicted in the image, the image recognition engine 314 can recognize each of the products.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the POS server 30 according to the embodiment. 4, the POS server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication interface 35, and a system bus 16. The system bus 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, etc. Each unit is connected via the system bus 16.

[0033] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0034] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. This type of data may also be stored in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage device 33, for example, well-known storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) are used singly or in combination. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store application programs.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 33 also stores a product database 331, a recommendation database 332, and a transaction file 333. The transaction file 333 is a purchase history, and is a file that indicates who purchased what product, when, and what kind of product.

[0037] The auxiliary storage device 33 also stores a store map for each store. The store map includes the installation positions of the antennas of the antenna devices and the installation positions of the store display devices. Multiple antenna devices are set up within the store to identify the location of the product registration terminal 10. Each antenna device stores an assigned antenna ID. An antenna ID is assigned to the installation position of the antenna on the store map, and a store display device ID is assigned to the store display device on the store map. The antenna of the antenna device receives the user ID transmitted from the product registration terminal 10 and transmits the stored antenna ID, the received user ID, and the received radio wave intensity to the POS server 30. The POS server 30 receives the antenna ID, user ID, and radio wave intensity from one or more antenna devices. The processor 31 identifies the location of the product registration terminal 10 and the store display devices within a predetermined area from the product registration terminal 10 based on the store map, antenna ID, user ID, and radio wave intensity.

[0038] The clock 34 functions as a time information source. The processor 31 obtains the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 34.

[0039] The communication interface 35 is an interface for performing data communication with an external device in accordance with a communication protocol. For example, a product code output from the product registration terminal 10 is imported into the auxiliary storage device 33 via the communication interface 35 and registered therein.

[0040] Next, the processor 31 will be described. The processor 31 includes an input unit 311, a processing unit 312, an output unit 313, and an image recognition engine 314. The processor 31 executes a program stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33, and realizes the function of each unit.

[0041] The input unit 311 inputs primary information including preference information associated with the user ID and secondary information including product information registered based on information transmitted from the product registration terminal 10 that stores the user ID via the communication interface 35. The primary information and secondary information will be described in detail later.

[0042] The processing unit 312 generates predetermined primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, primary information, and in-store behavior history, or selects predetermined primary recommendation information from multiple candidates. The processing unit 312 also generates predetermined secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, primary information, secondary information, and in-store behavior history, or selects predetermined secondary recommendation information from multiple candidates. Note that these multiple candidates are generated and stored in advance.

[0043] The output unit 313 outputs the primary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 or an external display device such as the store display device 60, and outputs the secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 in accordance with the timing of registration of the product information.

[0044] Next, the product registration terminal 10 will be described. Fig. 5 is a plan view of product registration terminal 10 as seen from the front side, and Fig. 6 is a plan view of product registration terminal 10 as seen from the back side. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, product registration terminal 10 has a long, rod-shaped first housing 101 and a hemispherical second housing 102. Product registration terminal 10 forms a flat surface 103 along the longitudinal direction of first housing 101. Second housing 102 is provided contiguous to one end of first housing 101 so that flat surface 103 and a substantially circular flat surface 104 of second housing 102 are flush with each other. Product registration terminal 10 with this external configuration has a stick-like shape and can therefore be referred to as a stick terminal, a rod-shaped terminal, or the like.

[0045] In this specification, the surface where planes 103 and 104 are continuous is called the front surface of product registration terminal 10. The arc-shaped surface opposite to the front surface is called the back surface. Furthermore, the surface between the front surface and the back surface, which is approximately perpendicular to the front surface, is called the side surface.

[0046] Product registration terminal 10 has first display unit 105 and second display unit 106 on the front side. Specifically, product registration terminal 10 has long first display unit 105 on flat surface 103 of first housing 101, and approximately circular second display unit 106 on flat surface 104 of second housing 102. First display unit 105 divides the display area into two in the longitudinal direction. The display area near the end opposite second display unit 106 is designated first area 1051, and the remaining display area is designated second area 1052.

[0047] The product registration terminal 10 has an imaging unit 107 on one side of the first housing 101. The imaging unit 107 is an acquisition unit that acquires an image of the appearance of the purchased product to be registered or an image of the product code attached to the purchased product. The imaging unit 107 captures an image of the purchased product that the customer, who is the user of the product registration terminal 10, puts into the shopping basket.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the state before the product registration terminal 10 is attached to the shopping basket 50, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the state after the product registration terminal 10 is attached to the shopping basket 50. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the product registration terminal 10 can be detachably attached to a shopping basket 50 that is provided in a store and is designed specifically for product registration terminals. The shopping basket 50 has a substantially rectangular opening 51 at its top end for inserting and removing purchased products, and four edges 52, 53, 54, and 55 surrounding the opening 51. The product registration terminal 10 is attached to any of the four edges 52, 53, 54, and 55 with the front facing up when in use.

[0049] 7 and 8, the shopping basket 50 has an attachment portion 56 for attaching the product registration terminal 10 to one of the four edges 52, 53, 54, and 55, which is the narrower edge 52. The attachment portion 56 has a shape that supports the back surface of the product registration terminal 10. As shown in the figures, the product registration terminal 10 is attached to the attachment portion 56 by placing the product registration terminal 10 on the attachment portion 56 from the back side so that the product registration terminal 10 matches the shape of the attachment portion 56.

[0050] When the product registration terminal 10 is attached to the attachment portion 56, the first display portion 105 of the first housing 101 and the second display portion 106 of the second housing 102 face upward. Therefore, a customer using the shopping basket 50 can check the information displayed on the first display portion 105 and the second display portion 106 by looking at the product registration terminal 10 from above. In addition, the imaging portion 107 provided on one side of the first housing 101 faces the edge portion 54 opposite the edge portion 52. As a result, the imaging portion 107 has an imaging area that covers substantially the entire opening 51. The imaging portion 107 can capture images of purchased items that the customer has inserted into the shopping basket 50 through the opening 51, or returned items that the customer has removed from the shopping basket 50.

[0051] 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of product registration terminal 10. Product registration terminal 10 includes computer 108 for controlling first display unit 105, second display unit 106, and imaging unit 107. Computer 108 includes processor 11, memory 12, wireless unit 13, position detection unit 14, and system transmission path 15. Product registration terminal 10 configures computer 108 by connecting processor 11 with memory 12, wireless unit 13, and position detection unit 14 via system transmission path 15. System transmission path 15 is a transmission path including an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc.

[0052] Product registration terminal 10 connects first display unit 105, second display unit 106, and imaging unit 107 to system transmission path 15 via a signal input / output circuit (not shown). First display unit 105 has a strip-shaped liquid crystal panel arranged on flat surface 103 of first housing 101. First display unit 105 displays a one-line text image on the liquid crystal panel under the control of computer 108.

[0053] Second display unit 106 has a circular liquid crystal panel disposed on flat surface 104 of second housing 102. Second display unit 106 also has a touch sensor disposed on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel. That is, second display unit 106 functions as a touch panel. Second display unit 106 displays an image on the liquid crystal panel under the control of computer 108, and when the touch sensor detects a touch operation on the display surface, it outputs a detection signal to computer 108.

[0054] The image capturing unit 107 includes a camera such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) camera, etc. The image capturing unit 107 outputs frame images captured by the camera to the computer .

[0055] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer 108. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the product registration terminal 10 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0056] The memory 12 corresponds to the main memory of the computer 108. The memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The nonvolatile memory area of ​​the memory 12 stores an operating system and application programs. The volatile memory area of ​​the memory 12 stores data and the like required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part. For example, the nonvolatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0057] The wireless unit 13 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the POS server 30 via the communication network 70. The wireless unit 13 includes a transmission circuit for transmitting a data signal to the POS server 30 using a predetermined wireless communication method, and a reception circuit for receiving a data signal from the POS server 30. The wireless unit 13 transmits the user ID received from the user communication terminal 40 and the product images acquired by the imaging unit 107 to the POS server 30, and receives primary recommendation information or secondary recommendation information from the POS server 30. The wireless unit 13 is also a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the user communication terminal, and receives the user ID from the user communication terminal 40 and the browsing history associated with the user ID.

[0058] The position detection unit 14 is a circuit for detecting the position of the product registration terminal 10 or for collecting information necessary for the POS server 30 to detect the position of the product registration terminal 10. The position detection unit 14 includes various sensors necessary for position detection. Examples of the sensors include a gyro sensor, a digital compass, and an acceleration sensor. Based on sensor signals, the position detection unit 14 detects the current position and orientation of the product registration terminal 10 as it moves within the sales floor. Alternatively, the product registration terminal 10 transmits sensor signals to the POS server 30.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a user communication terminal 40 according to the embodiment. 10, the user communication terminal 40 is a wearable terminal or a smartphone. The user communication terminal 40 includes a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a clock 44, a communication interface 45, and a user interface 46.

[0060] The processor 41 controls each unit to realize various functions in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0061] The main memory 42 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 42 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 42 stores data required for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each component in the volatile memory area. This type of data may also be stored in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 42 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 41 as needed.

[0062] The auxiliary storage device 43 stores data generated by the processing of the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store application programs. The auxiliary storage device 43 also stores a user ID and a browsing history associated with the user ID.

[0063] The clock 44 functions as a time information source. The processor 41 obtains the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 44.

[0064] The communication interface 45 is an interface for performing data communication with an external device in accordance with a communication protocol. For example, the communication interface 45 communicates with the product registration terminal 10 and also with the external server 2.

[0065] The user interface 46 accepts various inputs and outputs results according to the inputs.

[0066] The user communication terminal 40 may be a wireless tag using RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​technology, which has a simpler configuration.

[0067] For example, the user communication terminal 40 receives various information via the Internet using SNS and registers the received information as a browsing history. The user communication terminal 40 may also register a specific browsing history as a bookmark. The user communication terminal 40 registers preference information such as a browsing history associated with a user ID. The browsing history includes the browsing date and time and location information (e.g., a uniform resource locator).

[0068] The user communication terminal 40 may transmit the browsing history associated with the user ID to the external server 2. In this case, the external server 2 stores the browsing history associated with the user ID and provides the browsing history associated with the user ID to the POS server 30.

[0069] [Operation] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of the self-service product registration system 1 that executes the recommendation process according to the embodiment. First, the user's daily activities will be described. A user can view various information using the user communication terminal 40 that the user owns. The user communication terminal 40 accesses SNS etc. via the Internet, receives various information from SNS etc., and outputs (displays) the received information (ACT11).

[0070] That is, the user can view various information on the SNS via the user communication terminal 40. For example, the user can view recipes using ingredients that interest the user. The user can also view restaurants or menus that interest the user. The user communication terminal 40 receives various information from the SNS or the like, stores the output (displayed) information as a viewing history, and registers the viewing history associated with the user ID (ACT12). This case in which the user communication terminal 40 registers the viewing history is referred to as a terminal registration type.

[0071] Alternatively, the user communication terminal 40 may transmit the browsing history associated with the user ID to an external server 2 (ACT13). The external server 2 receives the browsing history associated with the user ID and registers the browsing history associated with the user ID (ACT14). The external server 2 also transmits the browsing history associated with the user ID to the POS server 30 (ACT15).

[0072] The POS server 30 receives the browsing history associated with the user ID and registers the browsing history associated with the user ID (ACT24). This case in which the server registers the browsing history is called a server registration type. In the server registration type, the user communication terminal 40 does not need to store the browsing history.

[0073] Next, the behavior of the user when entering the store and the registration process accompanying the user behavior will be described. The user enters the store carrying the user communication terminal 40. In the terminal registration type, a product registration terminal 10 prepared in a store communicates with a user communication terminal 40 carried by a user, and receives a browsing history associated with a user ID from the user communication terminal 40 (ST21). The product registration terminal 10 registers (stores) the user ID (ACT22) and also registers the browsing history associated with the user ID. Furthermore, the product registration terminal 10 transmits the browsing history associated with the user ID to the POS server 30 (ACT23). The POS server 30 receives the browsing history associated with the user ID and registers the browsing history associated with the user ID (ACT24). Furthermore, the POS server 30 sets a transaction file 333 associated with the received user ID.

[0074] In the server registration type, the product registration terminal 10 prepared in the store communicates with the user communication terminal 40 carried by the user and receives the user ID from the user communication terminal 40 (ST21). The product registration terminal 10 registers (stores) the user ID (ACT22). Furthermore, the product registration terminal 10 transmits the user ID to the POS server 30 (ACT23). The POS server 30 receives the user ID. Since the browsing history associated with the user ID is registered in the auxiliary storage device 33, the POS server 30 identifies the browsing history associated with the received user ID. Furthermore, the POS server 30 sets a transaction file 333 associated with the received user ID.

[0075] Next, a description will be given of the user's behavior after entering the store and before registering a product, and the recommendation process associated with the user's behavior. For example, the processor 31 of the POS server 30 determines that the primary recommendation conditions are met when the user ID transmitted from the product registration terminal 10 is registered (ACT31), and the input unit 311 inputs primary information including preference information associated with the user ID. The preference information includes browsing history and purchase history associated with the user ID. The processing unit 312 acquires primary recommendation information by generating or selecting primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information and the primary information (ACT32).

[0076] The output unit 313 outputs the generated or selected primary recommendation information to the specified store display device 60 (ACT33). The store display device 60 receives the primary recommendation information and displays the primary recommendation information (ACT34). Alternatively, the output unit 313 may output the generated or selected primary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10. The product registration terminal 10 receives the primary recommendation information and displays the primary recommendation information.

[0077] Additionally, multiple antennas are installed in the store to communicate with the product registration terminal 10, and the product registration terminal 10 transmits the user ID to the antennas. The antennas receive the user ID transmitted from the product registration terminal 10, and transmit the antenna ID, user ID, and received radio wave intensity to the POS server 30.

[0078] The POS server 30 identifies the location of the product registration terminal 10 in which the user ID is registered, based on a store map in which an antenna ID is assigned to the antenna installation position of the antenna device, the antenna ID transmitted from the antenna, the user ID, and the received radio wave intensity. The POS server 30 determines that the primary recommendation conditions are met when the location information of the product registration terminal 10 satisfies the conditions (ACT31). For example, a predetermined store display device 60 is registered in a predetermined area of ​​the store map. The predetermined area is an area where the display of the store display device 60 is visible, and determines that the primary recommendation conditions are met when the location information of the product registration terminal 10 is included in the predetermined area. The input unit 311 inputs primary information including preference information associated with the user ID. The processing unit 312 acquires primary recommendation information by generating or selecting primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, primary information, and in-store behavior history (ACT32).

[0079] The output unit 313 outputs the generated or selected primary recommendation information to the store display device 60 registered in a predetermined area of ​​the store map (ACT33). The store display device 60 receives the primary recommendation information and displays the primary recommendation information (ACT34). Alternatively, the output unit 313 may output the generated or selected primary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10. The product registration terminal 10 receives the primary recommendation information and displays the primary recommendation information.

[0080] Next, the behavior of the user when registering a product after entering the store and the recommendation process associated with the user's behavior will be described. A user enjoys shopping while walking around the store carrying the product registration terminal 10. When the user picks up a desired product, the user holds the product over the imaging unit 107 of the product registration terminal 10 and places the product in the shopping basket. The imaging unit 107 takes an image of the product or an image of the product including the product code (ACT41).

[0081] Furthermore, the communication interface 45 transmits the user ID and the image of the product to the POS server 30. The communication interface 35 of the POS server 30 receives the user ID and the image of the product. The image recognition engine 314 detects product information (product record 3311) corresponding to the image of the product. The processor 31 registers the product information in the transaction file 333 associated with the received user ID, and determines that the secondary recommendation conditions are met at the time the product information is registered (ACT43).

[0082] The input unit 311 inputs secondary information including registered product information registered in the transaction file 333 based on information (product images, etc.) transmitted from the product registration terminal 10 that stores the user ID. The processing unit 312 acquires secondary recommendation information by generating or selecting secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, primary information, and secondary information (ACT44). The output unit 313 outputs the generated or selected secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 (ACT45). The product registration terminal 10 receives the secondary recommendation information and displays the secondary recommendation information (ACT46). Alternatively, the processing unit 312 may generate or select secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, primary information, secondary information, and in-store behavior history.

[0083] For example, the second display unit 106 of the product registration terminal 10 displays the product name or image of the recommended product as the secondary recommendation information. The second display unit 106 has a touch sensor, and when the displayed secondary recommendation information is touched, it displays a display for guiding the direction in which the recommended product is displayed.

[0084] For example, the position detection unit 14 of the product registration terminal 10 detects the current position, and the wireless unit 13 of the product registration terminal 10 transmits the current position to the POS server 30. Furthermore, the wireless unit 13 notifies the POS server 30 that the secondary recommendation information has been touched. The POS server 30 receives the current position and acquires product position data of the touched recommended product from the product database 331. The POS server 30 detects the direction in which the recommended product is displayed based on the current position of the product registration terminal 10 and the product position data, and transmits the detected information to the product registration terminal 10. The wireless unit 13 of the product registration terminal 10 receives the information transmitted from the POS server 30, and the second display unit 106 of the product registration terminal 10 displays information to guide the user in the direction in which the recommended product is displayed. Furthermore, the second display unit 106 corrects the direction in which the recommended product is displayed according to the orientation of the product registration terminal 10 detected by the position detection unit 14 and displays the corrected direction.

[0085] In addition, when the second display unit 106 of the product registration terminal 10 outputs primary recommendation information, the POS server 30 may transmit information indicating the direction in which the recommended products are displayed to the product registration terminal 10 in the same manner as described above, and the second display unit 106 may display information to guide the user in the direction in which the recommended products are displayed.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the POS server 30 that executes the recommendation process according to this embodiment.

[0087] 12, the processor 31 determines that the primary recommendation conditions are met based on the registration of the user ID transmitted from the product registration terminal 10 (ACT51, YES), and the input unit 311 inputs primary information including preference information associated with the user ID (ACT52). The preference information includes at least a browsing history and a purchase history. The processing unit 312 acquires primary recommendation information by generating or selecting primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information and the primary information (ACT53).

[0088] The output unit 313 outputs the generated or selected primary recommendation information to the specified store display device 60 (ACT54). The store display device 60 receives the primary recommendation information and displays the primary recommendation information. Alternatively, the output unit 313 may output the generated or selected primary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10. The product registration terminal 10 receives the primary recommendation information and displays the primary recommendation information.

[0089] Next, the processor 31 determines that the secondary recommendation conditions are met based on the product information being registered in the transaction file 333 associated with the received user ID (ACT55, YES), and the input unit 311 inputs secondary information including the registered product information registered in the transaction file 333 based on information (product images, etc.) sent from the product registration terminal 10 that stores the user ID (ACT56).

[0090] The processing unit 312 generates or selects secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information (ACT 57). The output unit 313 outputs the generated or selected secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 (ACT 58).

[0091] If registration by the product registration terminal 10 is continued (ACT59, NO), and the processor 31 again determines that the secondary recommendation conditions are met, the input unit 311 inputs the secondary information (ACT56), and the processing unit 312 generates or selects secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, primary information, and secondary information (ACT57), and updates the previous secondary recommendation information to the current secondary recommendation information. The output unit 313 outputs the current secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 (ACT58). The product registration terminal 10 updates the previous secondary recommendation information to the current secondary recommendation information and displays it.

[0092] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process for generating primary recommendation information according to the embodiment, and a process for generating secondary recommendation information and an example of updating the process. For example, the processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 generates or selects primary recommendation information R11 that recommends a product based on product management information included in the product database 331 and primary information associated with the user ID. The primary information includes a browsing history and a purchase history associated with the user ID. For example, if the product management information includes product A and the browsing history or purchase history includes related information a related to product A, the processing unit 312 generates or selects primary recommendation information R11 that recommends product A based on the related information a. The processing unit 312 may also estimate the inventory status (such as whether or not there is stock or an expiration date) from the purchase history (including product A), and generate or select primary recommendation information R11 that recommends product A that is out of stock or whose expiration date is approaching, based on the estimated inventory status.

[0093] Furthermore, the processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 generates or selects secondary recommendation information R21 based on product management information included in the product database 331, primary information associated with the user ID, and secondary information associated with the user ID. The secondary information includes registered product information associated with the user ID. For example, if the registered product information includes product A, the processing unit 312 generates or selects secondary recommendation information R21 that recommends product B based on related information a and product A. Note that the registered product information may include not only product information of actually registered products, but also product information of products whose registration has been cancelled.

[0094] The processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 may generate or select secondary recommendation information R21 based on the product management information, primary information, secondary information, recommendation history, and in-store behavior history. The in-store behavior history is the locations where the user stopped and the times at which the user stopped. The POS server 30 receives location information detected by the location detection unit 14 of the product registration terminal 10 and detects the in-store behavior history based on the location information.

[0095] Furthermore, the processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 generates or selects secondary recommendation information R22 based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information, and updates the secondary recommendation information R21 to the secondary recommendation information R22. For example, if the registered product information includes products A and B, the processing unit 312 generates or selects secondary recommendation information R22 that recommends product C based on related information a and products A and B.

[0096] The processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 may generate or select the secondary recommendation information R22 based on the product management information, the primary information, the secondary information, the recommendation history, and the in-store behavior history.

[0097] Furthermore, if a product D different from the recommended product C is registered, new recommendation information may be generated based on the registration of the non-recommended product D. For example, the processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 generates or selects secondary recommendation information R23 based on the product management information, primary information, and secondary information, and then updates the secondary recommendation information R22 to the secondary recommendation information R23 if a product D different from the recommended product C is registered. For example, if the registered product information includes products A, B, and D (products A and B are recommended products, and product D is not recommended), the processing unit 312 generates or selects secondary recommendation information R23 that recommends product E based on the related information a and products A, B, and D.

[0098] The processing unit 312 of the POS server 30 may generate or select the secondary recommendation information R23 based on the product management information, the primary information, the secondary information, the recommendation history, and the in-store behavior history.

[0099] The self-service product registration system 1 according to this embodiment will be summarized below. The POS server 30 constituting the self-service product registration system 1 inputs, via a processor 31, primary information including product management information on handled products, browsing history or purchase history associated with user identification information, and secondary information including registered product information associated with the user identification information. Furthermore, the POS server 30, via the processor 31, generates or selects primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information and the primary information, and generates or selects secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information. Furthermore, the POS server 30, via the processor 31, outputs the primary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 or the store display device 60, and outputs the secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal 10 in accordance with the timing at which the registered product information is registered.

[0100] Furthermore, the POS server 30 may generate or select primary recommendation information based on the product management information, the primary information, and the in-store behavior history using the processor 31. Furthermore, the POS server 30 may generate or select primary recommendation information based on the product management information, the primary information, the secondary information, and the in-store behavior history using the processor 31. The in-store behavior history includes the locations where the user stopped and the times when the user stopped.

[0101] By including the browsing history and bookmarks of an SNS as the primary information, for example, when a user enters a store, it is possible to provide in-store products as primary recommendation information taking into account preferences obtained from the browsing history and bookmarks. For example, it is possible to generate or select primary recommendation information based on bookmark preferences being higher than preferences in the browsing history. Furthermore, by including the purchase history as the primary information, it is possible to provide in-store products as primary recommendation information taking into account preferences obtained from the browsing history when a user enters a store. Since the primary recommendation information is generated or selected based on the history, it contributes to recommending potentially necessary products. Note that the timing of providing the primary recommendation information is not limited to when the user enters the store, and it may be performed at any time.

[0102] Furthermore, by including registered product information as secondary information, it is possible to provide, for example, secondary recommendation information on products in the store that take into account preferences obtained from the registered product information included in the primary information and secondary information, depending on the timing at which the product to be purchased is registered.

[0103] Furthermore, by utilizing the recommendation priority included in the product record of a product for which a business wishes to promote sales, the business can provide the product for which sales are to be promoted as primary recommendation information or secondary recommendation information. For example, if a business wishes to recommend a specific product that is among the top or bottom in sales at a specific store, a specific product that is highly or less popular at a specific store, or a specific product that is currently trending at a specific store, the recommendation priority of the product code of the specific product includes the store code of the specific store and a priority level P2. The POS server 30 generates or selects primary recommendation information or secondary recommendation information for a specific product at a specific store based on the recommendation priority.

[0104] The POS server 30 of this embodiment generates, selects, and outputs recommendation information by gradually changing the way in which product management information, primary information, secondary information, and in-store behavior history are combined. For example, the POS server 30 generates, selects, and outputs recommendation information by gradually changing the way in which information such as products with or without browsing history, products with or without purchase history, products that are in or out of the shopping cart, and products that the business wants to sell (discounted products) is combined. This makes it possible to sequentially provide timely recommendation information targeted to a narrowed down audience, which entertains users and contributes to promoting product sales.

[0105] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in each electronic device constituting a self-service product registration system, which is an example of an information processing system, or may be transferred in a state not stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be any medium, such as an optical disk or memory card, that can store a program and is readable by a computer, and its form is not important. The electronic device downloads the program transferred (provided) via a network and installs it in its memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it in its memory.

[0106] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Self-registration system 2...External server 3. Communication network 10...Product registration terminal 11...Processor 12...Memory 13...Radio section 14...Position detection unit 15...System transmission line 16...System bus 20...Payment terminal 30...POS server 31...Processor 32...Main memory 33...Auxiliary storage device 34...Clock 35...Communication interface 40...User communication terminal 41...Processor 42...Main memory 43...Auxiliary storage device 44...Clock 45...Communication interface 46...User Interface 50...Shopping basket 51...Opening 52, 53, 54, 55...Edge 56...Mounting part 60...Store display device 70...Communication Network 101...1st cabinet 102...Second cabinet 103, 104...plane 105...1st display section 106...Second display section 107...imaging unit 108...Computer 311...input section 312... Processing section 313...Output section 314...Image recognition engine 331...Product database 332...Recommendation database 333...Transaction File 1051...Area 1 1052...Area 2 3311...Product Record 3321...Recommended Records

Claims

1. an input unit for inputting primary information including product management information on handled products, browsing history or purchase history associated with user identification information, and secondary information including registered product information associated with the user identification information; a processing unit that acquires primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information and the primary information, and acquires secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information; an output unit that outputs the primary recommendation information to a product registration terminal or an external display device, and outputs the secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal in accordance with a timing at which the registered product information is registered; An information processing server comprising:

2. The information processing server of claim 1 , wherein the input unit inputs the registered product information registered based on information transmitted from the product registration terminal that stores the user identification information.

3. The information processing server according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the primary recommendation information to the external display device in response to a timing when the location information of the product registration terminal satisfies a condition.

4. An information processing system including an information processing server and a product registration terminal, The information processing server an input unit for inputting primary information including product management information on handled products, browsing history or purchase history associated with user identification information, and secondary information including registered product information associated with the user identification information; a processing unit that acquires primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information and the primary information, and acquires secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information; an output unit that outputs the primary recommendation information to a product registration terminal or an external display device, and outputs the secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal in accordance with a timing at which the registered product information is registered; Equipped with The product registration terminal a storage unit that stores the user identification information; an acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a product to be registered; a communication unit that transmits the user identification information and an image of the product to be registered to the information processing server and receives the primary recommendation information or the secondary recommendation information from the information processing server; a display unit that displays the primary recommendation information or the secondary recommendation information; An information processing system comprising:

5. the product registration terminal includes a location detection unit that detects a current location; The product management information includes product position data indicating a position where the product is displayed, The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the display unit displays a guide indicating a direction in which the product recommended by the primary recommendation information or the secondary recommendation information is displayed, based on the current location and the product location data.

6. On the computer, Inputting primary information including product management information on handled products, browsing history or purchase history associated with user identification information, and secondary information including registered product information associated with the user identification information; acquiring primary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information and the primary information, and acquiring secondary recommendation information that recommends products based on the product management information, the primary information, and the secondary information; A program for executing the steps of: outputting the primary recommendation information to a product registration terminal or an external display device; and outputting the secondary recommendation information to the product registration terminal according to the timing at which the registered product information is registered.

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