Product and service management method based on tokenization and sharing of customized information and analysis function

Abstract

To provide a customized information providing device, an information processing terminal for a user, and a server that enhance convenience by allowing improvement in usability and reusability of customized information and, when using a token, allowing an element to be changed or added on the basis of customized contents defined in the token.SOLUTION: A method performed by a server device includes defining a series of selected contents of customized products / services and the like by using a database, converting the selected contents into data called "symbol information" unique to them, reading the selected contents defined in the database by the symbol information in response to an order for the products / services and inserting the selected contents into contents of the order, recording the use of the symbol information in the database at each order stage, and performing trend investigation by analyzing the symbol information recorded at each order stage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a series of customized products and services that can be selected based on product combinations and options. In particular, the present invention relates to a technical field that stores the complex selection elements of customization content by consumers and businesses in a database and converts them into unique symbolic information (data called "tokens"), thereby providing the ability to use the tokens to make the same order. Furthermore, by analyzing token usage, it is possible to conduct trend surveys to measure the popularity of customization and research consumer behavior. Furthermore, tokens can be set with expiration dates, number of uses, and scope of use, which can realize management and marketing benefits for customized products and services. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a technical field that provides a mechanism that allows other consumers and businesses to order the same products and services by sharing tokens. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for individualization and customization of products and services, and consumers and businesses want to select products and services that suit their preferences and needs. To meet this demand, a range of customized products and services are being offered, with options and product combinations available.

[0003] However, with customized products and services, when consumers or businesses reorder the customization details they have selected at a later date, they have to go through the trouble of re-entering and re-selecting the details, and if other consumers or businesses request the same customization, they will also have to re-enter the same customization details.

[0004] Furthermore, efficient and accurate analysis is required for research into the popularity of customizations and consumer behavior. Meanwhile, when handling various information including consumer selections, due to its nature, the information may contain personal information such as personal preferences and other order information, making protection and privacy considerations important. For this reason, in patent application 2005-259038 and other publications, purchasing histories are prevented from being read by others. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2005-259038 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems related to a series of customized products and services. In conventional customized products and services, when a recipient such as a consumer or business places the same order again, they have to select all the customization details again, which is time-consuming and troublesome. In addition, it is not easy to research the popularity of customizations and consumer behavior.

[0007] When using customized products and services, there is a need to be able to see how others have customized the products, etc., but in patent application 2005-259038 and other publications, purchase histories are made inaccessible to third parties, preventing such use. Furthermore, it would be good to utilize the uniqueness of selection based on the customization of products and services after excluding the consumer's private information, so that multiple recipients can be provided with the same product or service content, but such a mechanism is lacking.

[0008] Furthermore, restrictions on the provision of customized products based on certain conditions and the control over sharing of the customized content were insufficient, making it impossible to achieve the desired level of control and limitation. The present invention aims to solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A series of selections for customized products and services are defined using a database, and the data is converted into unique symbolic information (data called "tokens"). Furthermore, when ordering this product or service, the selection details defined in the database can be read from this token and inserted into the order details.

[0010] In addition, the use of tokens at each order stage is recorded in a database, and trend research is performed by analyzing the recorded tokens at each order stage.

[0011] In this invention, customized products and services refer to, for example, the selection of ingredients for blending tea, coffee, herbal tea, etc., the provision of recipes for combining cooking ingredients, the customization of automobiles (combining colors and parts), etc. They can be seen in various aspects of daily life, such as combining destinations to visit on a trip, combining interior designs of buildings, and combining furniture and fixtures.

[0012] In other words, the present invention is applicable to businesses that provide or act as an intermediary for the above-mentioned products and services to consumers and businesses, and is applicable to businesses that provide customized products and services that have multiple customization elements and whose attributes and options can be selected selectively, or that can be provided as a single product or service by selecting multiple materials and selecting the quantity and properties as needed.

[0013] The present invention provides a customization information providing device comprising: a database in which a plurality of pieces of selection target information with different properties are registered; a means for encoding the customization information into one piece of symbolic information (token) when the customization information is a combination of any selection target information selected from the plurality of selection target information registered in the database; and an output means for outputting the symbolic information generated by the encoding means.

[0014] Here, we provide a means for realizing a function in which the content defining the complex selection elements (information to be selected) of the customization content is registered in a database, a single token (symbolic information) representing the information network (a specific group of information to be selected) is generated, and the token is distributed to the recipient of the product or service, who can use it to receive the product or service using the selection elements defined in the token.

[0015] The generated token may be a numeric number, a character string, a two-dimensional barcode, or a design, but its form is not limited as long as it contains unique, specific information. When receiving a product or service using the selection elements defined in the token, the token (symbol information) is entered into the input section of the token's usage environment, and a saved information network is read from the token to extract multiple defined customization elements (selection target information). The token user can receive the product or service using the customization elements. When extracting multiple customization elements, the user can select and use only some of the defined customization elements. New customization elements can also be added or edited during use. It is also possible to disable element selection, and a means for implementing the function is provided that makes it possible to prevent new customization elements from being added or edited.

[0016] The user information processing terminal used by the person (user) receiving the goods and services has the following configuration.

[0017] A user information processing terminal that can access a server comprising: a database in which multiple pieces of selection target information with different properties are registered; and means for encoding, when a combination of any selection target information selected from the multiple selection target information registered in the database is used as customization information, the customization information into a single piece of symbolic information; and a symbolic information input unit that inputs, when the combination of multiple selection target information is used as customization information, the coded customization information; a customization information acquisition unit that acquires, from the database of the server, the customization information linked to the symbolic information entered in the symbolic information input unit; and a display unit that displays the acquired customization information. Such a user information processing terminal is a so-called smartphone, but may also be a PC terminal installed in a store or the like that offers the product or service.

[0018] When a user uses this device, they may register information that identifies them, such as their address, name, or phone number, and this personal information may be linked to the customization information and processed. This allows the user to retrieve and reuse customization information for products or services they have used in the past.

[0019] On the other hand, if this information is accessed or made available to a third party, personal information may be leaked. In this way, when the customizing information includes personal information of the user, the customized information providing device should preferably be provided with a personal information separating means for separating the personal information from the selection target information.

[0020] In other words, the generated token has the selective uniqueness of its customization elements, and has the ability to separate and delete information that is considered personal information or that is deemed unnecessary for any reason in the use of the token from the defined information. Furthermore, the separated information can be related to an attribute information network linked to the information network based on the token, and the separated attribute information network can be accessed through the token. Furthermore, since the attribute information network is considered to be a separate information network from the information network held by the token, there are no restrictions on how information can be updated regarding the management of information on the attribute information network, and information can be updated at any time.

[0021] Providers of customized products and services install information processing terminals for providing selection targets in the stores where they offer them. These terminals connect to the server via the Internet and obtain the customized information that users want to use, and at that time, the terminals issue the tokens.

[0022] In other words, the information processing terminal for selection object provision is an information processing terminal connected to a server having a database in which multiple pieces of selection object information of different properties are registered, and is installed at a selection object provision center that is in a state where it can provide selection objects specified by the multiple pieces of selection object information, and is equipped with a symbol information presentation means that selects any customization information from the multiple pieces of customization information registered in the database and outputs and presents symbol information that is coded from the selected customization information, and is installed in a store or the like by a provider of goods or services.

[0023] When a user receives a customized product or service at a store, a token generated from existing customization information (customization details selected by the recipient) by another user is instantly issued, and the recipient can receive it on a display device installed in the store. The display device installed in the store (information processing terminal for selected target provision) is a means by which the token can be distributed to the recipient, and the means are not limited. Possible methods include printing using a printer installed in the store, or sending via electromagnetic data to a receiving medium held by a non-provider. The store refers to the environment where the recipient can receive the product or service, and the location is not limited.

[0024] For users who do not have a smartphone, the functions of the user information processing terminal may also be provided in this selection object providing information processing terminal.

[0025] In the present invention, the generated token can be shared with a third party (recipient B) other than recipient A. Recipient B who has the shared token can use the token to receive the same product or service customized by recipient A, who is the original sharer.

[0026] In addition, in the present invention, it is advisable to limit conditions such as the number of times a token can be used and its expiration date in advance. In addition, conditions such as restrictions on shareable relationships can be imposed. This allows customized products and services to be published through tokens in a limited manner.

[0027] The number of times a token is used is obtained by recording and measuring the number of times the token is used when a product or service is provided, and the expiration date and time at the time of provision are used, and both are realized by comparing them with pre-defined restriction conditions. To assign conditions such as restrictions on shareable relationships, this is realized by determining whether the use by the token user meets the pre-defined restriction conditions at the time of use based on the attribute information network linked to the token.

[0028] More specifically, the server is provided with a database in which multiple pieces of selection target information with different properties are registered, and when customized information is a combination of information of any selection target information selected from the multiple pieces of selection target information registered in this database, a coding means for encoding this customized information into one piece of symbolic information, a symbolic information transmitting means for transmitting the symbolic information coded by the coding means to the information processing terminal for providing selection targets, and a transmitting means for transmitting customized information corresponding to the symbolic information received from the information processing terminal for providing selection targets when an information usage request including the symbolic information received from the information processing terminal for providing selection targets is received from the information processing terminal for users, and a usage condition setting means for setting the usage conditions of the symbolic information to be used in response to a request from the information processing terminal for users, so that when an information usage request is received from the information processing terminal for users, if the usage conditions set by the usage condition setting means are not met, the transmission of customized information corresponding to the symbolic information from the information processing terminal for users is refused.

[0029] Such a server realizes the above-mentioned customized information providing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] In this invention, a series of selection details for customized products and services are stored in a database, and that information is generated as a unique token, thereby converting complex customization details into a specific and simple format, and using that token when placing an order to retrieve information, thereby increasing the usability and reusability of the customization information.Furthermore, when using the token, elements can be changed or added based on the customization details defined in the token, thereby increasing convenience.

[0031] Tokens can be managed efficiently if certain restrictions are imposed on their use, such as the number of times and expiration date. Furthermore, when consumers or businesses order customized products or services, their selections can be instantly converted into tokens and provided, allowing them to use the tokens the next time they place the same order.

[0032] It is assumed that the token can be shared by the recipient with others, who can then use it. The information defined in the token does not include personal preferences or personal information that can identify individuals, so it can be shared safely.

[0033] Furthermore, by saving this token for each order and performing statistical analysis across multiple orders, it will be possible to investigate sales trends for customized products based on token usage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for receiving customized products and services using a server as a customized information providing device, the functions of a user information processing terminal, and a selection object providing information processing terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for separating personal information. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the issuance of symbol information at the selection object providing information processing terminal or the user information processing terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for sharing symbol information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for restricting the use of symbol information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the statistical processing program in FIG. 1, and is a system configuration diagram showing information processing for statistically processing the usage status of users. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing information processing for statistically processing the usage status of users. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the issuance of symbol information in the information processing terminal for providing a selection object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The overall configuration of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, and an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] A server is installed on the cloud side of the Internet, and the server is equipped with a database having a selection target information master, a symbol information master, and a symbol information usage history master, a symbol information generation means configured by a symbol information generation program, a symbol information transmission means configured by a symbol information transmission program, a personal information data separation means configured by a personal information data separation program, a usage request response means configured by a usage request response program, and a statistical processing means configured by a statistical processing program. This server is provided with an output means for outputting symbolic information via the Internet. This means is installed in the information processing terminal for providing selection items installed in the store. In addition, the information processing terminal for users who use the symbolic information can connect to the server via the Internet and output the symbolic information.

[0037] In this system, first, any data is selected from the selection target information master in the database on the server device, and customized information is created by adding any attributes such as quantity, and this information is then entered into the symbol information generation program (symbol information generation means).

[0038] The symbol information generation program hashes the given customization information or generates a random hash or the like and returns it as symbol information (token).

[0039] When conditions for use such as an expiration date or number of times the symbol information is valid are assigned, the conditions for use are stored in the symbol information master along with the customization information.

[0040] When this symbol information is passed to a symbol information transmission program (symbol information transmission means), symbol information converted into visual data such as character strings is generated and transmitted.

[0041] The symbolic information converted into visual data is sent to a symbolic information output device via a network and output by printing or displaying on a screen.

[0042] When placing an order using the symbolic information output by the symbolic information output device, the symbolic information is input as visual data by the user information processing terminal or the selection object providing information processing terminal.

[0043] The input symbol information is sent to the server device via the network. The corresponding information is searched for in the symbol information master database in the server device. Based on the usage conditions data of the searched symbol information, the usage request response program (usage request response means) responds as to whether or not the symbol information can be used. If the symbol information cannot be used, information indicating that the symbol information cannot be used is sent to the information processing terminal, and if the symbol information can be used, customization information is obtained.

[0044] If the symbol information becomes available in the previous stage, the corresponding information linked to the symbol information is also queried from the selection target information master, symbol information usage history master, and attribute information network, and combined to obtain corresponding data for the symbol information.

[0045] By passing the comparison data of the acquired symbol information to a personal information data separation program (personal information data separation means), it is possible to mask information such as personal information that is inappropriate when acquiring customization information, and output only the necessary comparison data.

[0046] The comparison data thus obtained is sent to the user's information processing terminal or the selection object providing information processing terminal. This target information can be saved as the order details as is, or it can be saved as the order details after further customization.

[0047] When the order details are saved, they are sent over the network and input to a personal information data separation program (personal information data separation means) on the server device. The personal information data separation program separates the order information and stores it in the appropriate master on the database.

[0048] The statistical processing program (statistical processing means) in the server device performs statistical analysis on the interconnected information with various masters linked to symbolic information, and is composed of programs for analyzing the number of orders for each customization and customization trends. This statistical processing program (statistical processing means) aggregates and calculates data such as the number of symbolic information uses and shares recorded in the symbolic information usage history master in the database, and also combines the customization information in the symbolic information master with information in various masters in the attribute information network to generate analytical code that transparently performs analytical processing. The execution results of the analytical code executed in the database are obtained and output to HTML, etc.

[0049] The following explanation will be given assuming that a token is issued as symbolic information. The overall process is shown in the flowchart in Figure 2. Individual processes are shown in the flowcharts in Figures 3 to 6 and 8.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, a token is issued by selecting customization, saving the selection in a database, and then issuing unique data representing that data. When a user uses the token, they can choose to place an order using the customization defined in the token as is, or by making changes to the customization before placing an order. When making changes to the customization, the changed customization is saved in the database, and unique data representing that data is issued as a token. Finally, the order is provided based on the customization obtained in this way.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, when a token is issued, personal information and data not defined in the token can be separated based on the data obtained when the order was placed. Only the data defined in the token is stored in the database as a necessary information network, and other information is stored as an attribute information network. Since the attribute information network is separate data, there are no restrictions on its content. However, because the relationship between both types of data is maintained by a relation, when trying to obtain attribute information linked to a token, the information can be indexed from one another.

[0052] In Figure 4, when a user places an order, they can select the customization details, save the customization details in a database, and issue a token. There are various ways to receive the token, including printing it on paper or sending it as electromagnetic data.

[0053] In Figure 5, tokens can be shared. A token provided to oneself can be shared by notifying a third party. When a third party places an order using a shared token, the functions obtained by using the token are the same as those of the person who was provided with the token, and the third party can also make changes based on the customization contents defined in the token and place an order.

[0054] In Figure 6, when defining token usage restrictions, the restrictions are defined in advance and saved in the database. When using a token, the defined restrictions are read, and then the information defined in the token and the attribute information network related to the information defined in the token are read, and it is determined whether the specifications for the token user currently satisfy the defined restrictions at the time of use. Orders can only be placed using the token if it is determined that the token is usable.

[0055] Referring to Figure 8, in order to perform analysis based on token usage history, the details of actions taken when a token is issued or used are saved in advance as history in a database. When performing analysis, the token usage history is read from the database, and at the same time, the data defined for each token and the attribute information network linked to each token are obtained as relations. From the token usage history, it is possible to analyze the number of times a token was used and when it was used, and from the token usage history and the attribute information network linked to the token, it is possible to analyze the number of times a token was used by each customer and the number of times a token was shared among customers. [Example]

[0056] The following is an example of the present invention.

[0057] In the customization information providing device, a provider of a customizable product creates a customization combination, registers the combination in a database, and obtains a unique token. For example, when offering a blend of herbal tea, various herb combinations are envisioned, and countless tokens are prepared for each combination. The token generated here is a form of text information, such as "ABAB1212." The customization information providing device can be installed on a web server or on a server installed in the store's local environment.

[0058] A consumer visits a store and uses a selection object providing information processing terminal to select a customizable product.

[0059] When ordering, you can choose one of the tokens prepared by the product provider, but you can also customize it from scratch to suit your preferences. In this case, you will choose to use the token prepared by the product provider.

[0060] The consumer notifies the product provider's server of the token "ABAB1212" from the information processing terminal for providing the selection object, or using the user's information processing terminal. When the product provider's server receives the token "ABAB1212" in its system, it obtains the customization details defined for that token. This allows the necessary information to be read instantly from the database, without having to enter the customization details from scratch. If the user's information processing terminal is a smartphone owned by the consumer, it is provided at the store. The token can be read and used. This allows the consumer to select an order that is exactly the same as the defined customization, or to change some of the customizations on the spot and place an order. In this example, the consumer selects an order that is exactly the same as the defined customization. The product provider can smoothly provide the product based on the information read from the token.

[0061] The consumer's usage history of the token "ABAB1212" is stored in a database along with order information. If the consumer does not have a smartphone, they can use the selection object provision information processing terminal located in the store to send the token "ABAB1212" to the server. In other words, the selection object provision information processing terminal also functions as a user information processing terminal.

[0062] At a later date, the consumer visits the store and selects a customizable product. When placing an order, they can choose one of the tokens prepared by the product provider in advance, or they can customize the product from scratch to suit their preferences. In this case, they choose to customize the product from scratch.

[0063] Consumers can select product options and combinations of elements to suit their preferences, including color, shape, type, properties, quantity, and materials, and then order customized products by combining these options.

[0064] The provider of the product registers the details of the product in the database in the process of providing the product. Once registered in the database, the information representing the complete set of customization details is converted into a unique token, which is then notified to the consumer, for example, when the order is completed. In this example, the token is a form of text information, and its content is assumed to be "ABCD1234." The history of issuing the token "ABCD1234" is saved in the database along with the order information.

[0065] The consumer visits the store again at a later date and wishes to place the same order as last time. They notify the product provider of the token "ABCD1234" that was provided earlier. The product provider enters the token "ABCD1234" into the system, resulting in the same product details as the previous customization. This allows the necessary information to be read instantly from the database without having to enter the customization details from scratch. The consumer can choose to place the exact same order as last time, or they can change some of the customizations on the spot and place an order, but in this case they will choose to place the exact same order as last time. Product providers can smoothly provide products based on the information read from the token.

[0066] The consumer's use of the token "ABCD1234" is stored in a database along with the order information.

[0067] Later, the consumer is satisfied with the customized product and tells the friend the token "ABCD1234." The friend visits the store and notifies the product provider of the token "ABCD1234." The product provider enters the token "ABCD1234" into the system, resulting in the same product contents as the previous customization. The friend can choose to order the exact same product as last time, or can change some of the customizations on the spot and place an order, but in this case, they choose to change some of the customizations and place an order.

[0068] My friend ordered a product with a larger "quantity" setting, which is one of the customization elements. This allowed me to order a product with some of the customization information defined in the token, while still changing some of the details. My friend used the token "ABCD1234," and the history of the customizations he made to it was saved in the database along with the order information.

[0069] The newly customized items created through this order are saved in a database, and a token "EFGH5678" is issued. The history of issuing the token "EFGH5678" is saved in the database along with the order information. This token can be used to order the same customized item again, or to share with other acquaintances.

[0070] Data analysis of orders at these points in time yields the following results. The token "ABAB1212" is a token defined by the product provider, and there has been one order with customized content using this token in the past. There have been two orders with customized content using the token "ABCD1234," and both were placed by the person who received the token. This token has also been shared once, and one of those orders was a re-customized order based on the content of this token. There has also been one order with customized content using the token "EFGH5678," and that was placed by the person who received the token. The token has also been shared once by consumers, and zero times by acquaintances. Such analysis results are performed more broadly and from multiple perspectives, and more information can be obtained by combining tokens with customer and order attribute information, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] The present invention relates to a series of customized products and services, and in particular provides a function for storing multiple selection factors of customization content made by consumers in a database, converting the multiple selection factors into a single token, and enabling the same order to be placed using that token. Furthermore, by analyzing the usage of shared tokens, it is possible to conduct trend surveys to measure the popularity of customizations and research consumer behavior based on the token sharing status. Furthermore, tokens can be set with expiration dates, number of uses, and scope of use. This allows for customized products and services that are created through combinations to be limited, providing benefits in terms of management of customized products and services as well as marketing.

[0072] The present invention is expected to be usefully applied in the following industrial fields. Retail and hospitality industries, including providers of customized products and services · Information technology industry providing database management and analysis systems Companies that analyze consumer behavior and conduct marketing activities

[0073] The present invention provides the following advantages: 1. By storing customized product and service order information in a database and using the token to enable the same order, it provides a convenient purchasing experience for consumers and businesses. 2. By analyzing the usage of shared tokens, it is possible to conduct trend surveys to measure the popularity of customizations and research consumer behavior. 3. Tokens can be configured with expiration dates, number of uses, and scope of use, which can provide management and marketing benefits even for customized products and services that are combined. 4. In the retail and service industries, when providing customized products and services, inventory management can be planned by specifying the number of uses and expiration date of tokens when accepting orders. 5. By setting exclusiveness for customized products and services, you can provide special services to consumers who meet certain conditions or run limited-time campaigns, which can be a useful tool for purchasing marketing. 6. Analysis of token usage can be used to improve marketing strategies and products and services.

[0074] As described above, this invention is expected to contribute to improving consumer convenience and developing marketing strategies in industries that provide customized products and services. Furthermore, in the information technology industry, where database management and statistical analysis are performed, the implementation of this invention will enable the provision of new business models and services.

Claims

1. a database in which multiple pieces of selection information of different natures are registered; The customization information providing device is characterized by comprising: means for encoding the customization information into one piece of symbol information when the combination information of any selection object information selected from a plurality of selection object information registered in the database is used as customization information; and output means for outputting the symbol information generated by the encoding means.

2. A user information processing terminal capable of accessing a server having a database in which multiple pieces of selection target information with different properties are registered, and a means for encoding, when a combination of arbitrary selection target information selected from the multiple pieces of selection target information registered in the database is used as customization information, the customization information processing terminal having a symbol information input unit for inputting, when the combination of multiple pieces of selection target information is used as customization information, the symbol information obtained by encoding the customization information, a customization information acquisition means for acquiring, from the database of the server, the customization information linked to the symbol information inputted by the symbol information input unit, and a display means for displaying the acquired customization information.

3. 3. The information processing terminal according to claim 2, further comprising: a selection object information designation means for designating a part of selection object information from a group of selection object information constituting the customizing information displayed on said display means; and a customizing information update means for selecting selection object information other than the group of selection object information in said customizing information from a plurality of pieces of selection object information registered in said database, combining the selection object information designated by said selection object information designation means with the customizing information to generate new customizing information.

4. 2. The customized information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising a personal information separating means for separating, when the customized information includes personal information of a user, the personal information from the selection target information.

5. The information processing terminal for selection object provision is an information processing terminal connected to a server having a database in which a plurality of selection object information of different properties is registered, and is installed at a selection object provision center that is in a state where it can provide selection objects specified by the plurality of selection object information, and is equipped with a symbol information presentation means that selects any customization information from the plurality of customization information registered in the database and outputs and presents symbol information that is coded from the selected customization information.

6. The system comprises: a database in which a plurality of pieces of selection object information having different properties are registered; encoding means for encoding the customization information into one piece of symbol information when a combination of arbitrary pieces of selection object information selected from the plurality of pieces of selection object information registered in the database is used as customization information; symbol information transmitting means for transmitting the symbol information encoded by the encoding means to a selection object providing information processing terminal; transmitting means for transmitting, when an information use request including the symbol information received from the selection object providing information processing terminal is received from the user information processing terminal, customization information corresponding to the symbol information; and use condition setting means for setting use conditions for the symbol information used in response to the request from the user information processing terminal, When receiving an information use request from the user's information processing terminal, the server rejects transmission of customization information corresponding to the symbol information from the user's information processing terminal if the use conditions set by the use condition setting means are not met.

7. The server according to claim 6, further comprising a statistical processing means for recording information usage requests from user information processing terminals and conducting surveys on the popularity of selected items and consumer behavior based on the symbol information usage history, such as the number of times the symbol information has been used, the period of use, and the sharing status.

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