System

Abstract

A system is provided.SOLUTION: A system comprising: means for registering a product whose expiration date is approaching at a store; means for monitoring the expiration date of the registered product in real time and discounting the product whose expiration date is approaching; means for notifying a user of discount information; means for the user to search for, reserve, and pay for the discounted product; means for collecting and analyzing purchase data of customers; and means for performing marketing based on purchase patterns of the customers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a persona chatbot control method performed by at least one processor, the method including the steps of receiving a user utterance, adding the user utterance to a prompt including an instruction sentence related to a description of the chatbot character, encoding the prompt, and inputting the encoded prompt into a language model to generate a chatbot utterance in response to the user utterance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-180282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The disposal of food approaching its expiration date has become a major problem for retailers such as convenience stores and supermarkets. This not only results in a loss of cost price, placing an economic burden, but also creates a social problem known as food waste. Furthermore, consumers are also troubled by rising prices and feeling the pressure on food budgets. In this situation, there is a need for a method to efficiently manage and appropriately sell products approaching their expiration date, thereby reducing waste and providing consumers with affordable food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a system in which stores register products approaching their expiration dates and AI monitors those expiration dates in real time. This system includes a means for automatically setting appropriate discount prices for products approaching their expiration dates and notifying users. It also provides an interface that allows users to search for discounted products and reserve and pay for them, making it easy for consumers to purchase inexpensive products. Furthermore, by collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data, it is possible to conduct marketing tailored to individual customer preferences. This system allows stores to reduce waste and allows consumers to purchase products more economically.

[0006] "Stores" refers to retailers such as convenience stores and supermarkets that handle, register, and sell products approaching their expiration date.

[0007] "Product" refers to food, beverages, etc. that have a expiration date and are sold to consumers.

[0008] "Expiration date" is date and time information that indicates the last day that a product such as food or beverage can be safely consumed.

[0009] A "discount" refers to a percentage or dollar amount reduction from the original selling price.

[0010] "User" refers to a consumer who uses the Application to search for, reserve and purchase Products.

[0011] "AI" refers to a system that uses artificial intelligence technology to monitor product expiration dates in real time and make discount decisions.

[0012] An "interface" refers to an input means such as a screen or form that allows users and systems to exchange information with each other.

[0013] A "database" refers to an information system for storing and managing product information, user purchasing data, etc.

[0014] "Purchase data" refers to information about products a user has previously purchased and their purchase history.

[0015] "Marketing" refers to advertising and sales promotion activities to increase users' purchasing desire based on collected and analyzed purchasing data.

[0016] "Notification" refers to the means by which the system notifies users of discount information and other important information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a smart device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and smart glasses according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a headset-type terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a robot according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 shows an emotion map onto which multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 10] 1 shows an emotion map onto which multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the data processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the data processing system in Application Example 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the data processing system according to the second embodiment when an emotion engine is combined. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the data processing system in Application Example 2 when an emotion engine is combined. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An example of an embodiment of a system according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0020] In the following embodiments, a coded processor (hereinafter simply referred to as a "processor") may be a single arithmetic device or a combination of multiple arithmetic devices. Furthermore, a processor may be a single type of arithmetic device or a combination of multiple types of arithmetic devices. Examples of arithmetic devices include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GPGPU (General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Units), and an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit).

[0021] In the following embodiments, a coded RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory in which information is temporarily stored and is used as a working memory by a processor.

[0022] In the following embodiments, the coded storage is one or more non-volatile storage devices that store various programs, various parameters, etc. Examples of non-volatile storage devices include flash memory (SSD (Solid State Drive)), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks), and magnetic tapes.

[0023] In the following embodiments, a communication I / F (Interface) with a symbol is an interface including a communication processor, an antenna, etc. The communication I / F controls communication between multiple computers. Examples of communication standards applied to the communication I / F include wireless communication standards including 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0024] In the following embodiments, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0025] [First embodiment]

[0026] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] 1, a data processing system 10 includes a data processing device 12 and a smart device 14. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0028] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0029] The smart device 14 includes a computer 36, a reception device 38, an output device 40, a camera 42, and a communication I / F 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The reception device 38, the output device 40, and the camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0030] The reception device 38 includes a touch panel 38A, a microphone 38B, and the like, and receives user input. The touch panel 38A detects contact with an indicator (for example, a pen or a finger) to receive user input by the touch of the indicator. The microphone 38B detects the user's voice to receive user input by voice. The control unit 46A transmits data indicating the user input received by the touch panel 38A and the microphone 38B to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the data indicating the user input.

[0031] The output device 40 includes a display 40A and a speaker 40B, and presents data to the user 20 by outputting the data in a form of expression that the user 20 can perceive (for example, audio and / or text). The display 40A displays visible information such as text and images in accordance with instructions from the processor 46. The speaker 40B outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46. The camera 42 is a compact digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0032] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 control the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart device 14.

[0034] 2, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific processing program 56 is stored in the storage 32. The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific process is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0035] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0036] In the smart device 14, the processor 46 performs the reception output process. The storage 50 stores a reception output program 60. The reception output program 60 is used in conjunction with the specific processing program 56 by the data processing system 10. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0037] Next, a description will be given of the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0038] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time and discounts the products, benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail the mode for implementing the present invention.

[0040] Product Registration

[0041] server:

[0042] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[0043] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[0044] Examples:

[0045] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[0046] Discount Management

[0047] server:

[0048] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[0049] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date and set a new price.

[0050] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[0051] Examples:

[0052] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[0053] Product search and reservation

[0054] User:

[0055] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[0056] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[0057] server:

[0058] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[0059] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[0060] Examples:

[0061] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[0062] Payment and receipt

[0063] User:

[0064] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[0065] server:

[0066] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[0067] Examples:

[0068] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0069] Customer data analysis

[0070] server:

[0071] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[0072] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0073] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[0074] Examples:

[0075] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[0076] Through the above process, the system based on the present invention improves the efficiency of managing and selling products that are approaching their expiration date, allowing users to purchase products economically and stores to reduce waste.

[0077] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0078] Product Registration

[0079] Step 1:

[0080] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[0081] Step 2:

[0082] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[0083] Step 3:

[0084] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[0085] Step 4:

[0086] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[0087] Step 5:

[0088] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[0089] Discount Management

[0090] Step 1:

[0091] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[0092] Step 2:

[0093] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[0094] Step 3:

[0095] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[0096] Step 4:

[0097] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[0098] Product search and reservation

[0099] Step 1:

[0100] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[0101] Step 2:

[0102] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and sends it to the device.

[0103] Step 3:

[0104] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[0105] Step 4:

[0106] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[0107] Step 5:

[0108] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[0109] Step 6:

[0110] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[0111] Payment and receipt

[0112] Step 1:

[0113] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[0114] Step 2:

[0115] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[0116] Step 3:

[0117] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[0118] Step 4:

[0119] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[0120] Customer data analysis

[0121] Step 1:

[0122] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[0123] Step 2:

[0124] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0125] Step 3:

[0126] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[0127] Step 4:

[0128] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[0129] Example 1

[0130] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0131] Retail stores are required to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration dates and reduce waste. However, conventional systems require a lot of effort to monitor and discount products approaching their expiration dates, making it difficult to respond quickly and appropriately. It is also difficult for users to easily find discounted products, which does not stimulate purchasing motivation. As a result, many expired products are discarded, resulting in significant losses for stores. Furthermore, efficient marketing is not carried out, making it difficult to provide users with appropriate product information and campaigns.

[0132] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0133] In this invention, the server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for searching for nearby stores based on the user's location information and generating a list of discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, and means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns. This allows stores to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration date, and enables users to obtain information on discounted products and purchase them at the appropriate time.

[0134] A "store" is an entity that registers products that are nearing their expiration date and sells those products.

[0135] "Product" refers to an item sold in a retail store that has a expiration date.

[0136] "Best before date" is the date by which a product can be consumed while still maintaining its quality.

[0137] The "means for registration" is a function that provides an interface for stores to input and save product information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[0138] The "monitoring means" is a function that checks the expiration dates of registered products in real time and automatically detects products whose expiration date is approaching.

[0139] "Means for discounting" is a function for calculating an appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and setting a new price.

[0140] "Means of notification" refers to a function that notifies users of updated discount information via the app or other communication means.

[0141] A "user" is someone who uses the app or system to search for and purchase discounted products.

[0142] "Means to search" is a function that allows users to open the app, send their current location information, and search for discounted products at nearby stores.

[0143] "Means to make a reservation" is a function that allows users to select the product they want to purchase from a list of discounted products and make a reservation.

[0144] "Payment method" refers to the function that allows users to make prepayments or payments at stores through the app.

[0145] "Purchase data" refers to historical information about products purchased by a user, including information such as product name, quantity, price, and purchase date and time.

[0146] "Means of analysis" refers to a function that uses purchasing data to analyze users' purchasing patterns and preferences and develop marketing strategies based on that.

[0147] "Marketing means" refers to a function that suggests campaigns and recommended products suitable for users based on analyzed data.

[0148] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0149] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products that are approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors and discounts the expiration date in real time, notifying users, benefiting both consumers and stores.

[0150] Hardware and software used

[0151] The system uses the following hardware and software:

[0152] Server: The database and AI model are located here.

[0153] Terminal: Used by store staff and users.

[0154] Application: A device that allows users to search for products, make reservations, and make payments.

[0155] Database: Stores product information, user location information, and purchase data.

[0156] AI model: Monitors product expiration dates, calculates discount rates, and analyzes purchasing data.

[0157] Product Registration

[0158] server:

[0159] It provides an interface for stores to register products. When a store clerk enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, and quantity, the server receives the information sent and stores it in a database. For example, if a store clerk registers 500ml of milk with a price of 200 yen, an expiration date of 3 days, and a quantity of 50, the server stores this information in the database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[0160] Discount Management

[0161] server:

[0162] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products, sets a new price, and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml item of milk has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. It notifies the user of this information.

[0163] Product search and reservation

[0164] User:

[0165] Users open the app, send their current location, search for discounted items at nearby stores, select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items, and click the reserve button.

[0166] server:

[0167] The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted products based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user's reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, when a user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, the information is saved on the server and notified to the store.

[0168] Payment and receipt

[0169] User:

[0170] Users visit the designated store to pick up their reserved items, choosing to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[0171] server:

[0172] The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen for pre-paid payment in the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0173] Customer data analysis

[0174] server:

[0175] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to the user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A frequently purchases dairy products such as "milk," "yogurt," and "cheese," and this information can be used to notify users of discount coupons and new product information for specific dairy products.

[0176] Example prompts for generative AI models

[0177] "Use AI to generate a list of products that are close to expiry date and calculate the optimal discount rate."

[0178] "Please suggest a marketing campaign suitable for User B based on their past purchasing data."

[0179] This prompt allows the AI ​​to perform specific actions and have the results reflected throughout the system.

[0180] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0181] Step 1:

[0182] Terminal: The store clerk opens the product registration screen and enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, quantity, etc. The data entered is the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiration date "3 days later", and quantity "50".

[0183] Server: Receives the entered data and saves it in the database. It is saved in the database as a new record.

[0184] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity information

[0185] Output: Product records stored in the database

[0186] Specific behavior:

[0187] The store staff opens the product registration screen on the terminal.

[0188] Enter the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiry date "3 days later", and quantity "50", then press the send button.

[0189] The server receives the product information and stores it in a database.

[0190] Step 2:

[0191] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans the database and automatically detects products with an approaching expiration date. The AI ​​calculates the expiration date of the products and determines which products have an upcoming expiration date. For example, it detects "500ml of milk" whose expiration date is one day away.

[0192] Input: All product information in the database

[0193] Output: A list of products with an upcoming expiration date

[0194] Specific behavior:

[0195] AI scans the database and retrieves product information.

[0196] Check the expiration date of each product and make a list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[0197] Step 3:

[0198] Server: Calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price. For example, for a 500ml bottle of milk whose expiration date is one day away, a 20% discount is applied and the price is updated to 160 yen.

[0199] Input: List of products with an approaching expiration date

[0200] Output: A list of new discounted prices

[0201] Specific behavior:

[0202] AI categorizes products with approaching expiration dates into categories.

[0203] Calculate the discount rate for each item and set the new price.

[0204] Step 4:

[0205] Server: Notify the user of the updated discount information. Generate a notification message with a list of discounted items and send it to the user via the app's push notification function.

[0206] Input: List of new discounted prices

[0207] Output: A message to inform the user

[0208] Specific behavior:

[0209] Format the updated pricing information into your app's notification message.

[0210] Use the app's push notification feature to send notifications to users.

[0211] Step 5:

[0212] User: The user opens the app and sends their current location. The app then sends the location to the server to search for discounted products in nearby stores.

[0213] Input: User's location

[0214] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[0215] Specific behavior:

[0216] The user opens the app and allows location sharing.

[0217] The app sends the location information to the server.

[0218] Step 6:

[0219] Server: Generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user.

[0220] Input: User's location

[0221] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[0222] Specific behavior:

[0223] The server receives the user's location information and searches for stores within the specified range.

[0224] A list of discounted products in the area is generated and presented to the user.

[0225] Step 7:

[0226] User: The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server.

[0227] Input: User-selected product information

[0228] Output: Save reservation information to database

[0229] Specific behavior:

[0230] The user selects "500ml of milk" from the list of discounted items in the app.

[0231] Click the Reservation button to send the reservation information to the server.

[0232] Step 8:

[0233] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. The server saves this reservation information in a database and sends the reservation information to the target store in real time.

[0234] Input: User's reservation information

[0235] Output: Save reservation information in the database and notify the store

[0236] Specific behavior:

[0237] The server receives the reservation information and stores it in a database.

[0238] Notify the target store of reservation information.

[0239] Step 9:

[0240] User: The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[0241] Input: Advance payment information or in-store payment information

[0242] Output: Transaction completion status

[0243] Specific behavior:

[0244] If the user chooses to prepay in the app, they enter their credit card information.

[0245] Present the prepayment confirmation screen to the store staff.

[0246] Step 10:

[0247] Server: Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[0248] Input: Payment information

[0249] Output: Transaction status update and notification to the store

[0250] Specific behavior:

[0251] The server receives the payment information and stores it in a database.

[0252] Update the transaction status to "Completed" and notify the store.

[0253] (Application example 1)

[0254] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0255] In conventional retail stores, the management and sale of products approaching their expiration dates was inefficient, resulting in a high level of waste. Information about discounted products was also not promptly delivered to consumers, resulting in missed sales opportunities. Furthermore, there were few ways for consumers to easily search for discounted products available at nearby stores. A system that could solve these problems and achieve more effective and efficient inventory management and sales promotion was needed.

[0256] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0257] In this invention, the server includes means for stores to register products approaching their expiration dates, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration dates, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, and means for searching for and offering discounted products at nearby stores based on user location information. This enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration dates, reduces waste, and enables consumers to purchase products economically.

[0258] A "store" is a commercial facility such as a retail store that sells products.

[0259] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or product can be safely consumed.

[0260] "Product registration means" refers to an interface or method by which a store can register products that are approaching their expiration date in the system.

[0261] "Real-time monitoring" refers to constantly checking product expiration dates and taking the necessary steps immediately.

[0262] A "discount method" is a function or algorithm for discounting the price of products that are approaching their expiration date.

[0263] "Notification means" refers to the functions and methods by which the system notifies users of discount information.

[0264] "User" means a consumer who uses the system.

[0265] "Search means" is a function that allows users to search for discounted products within the system.

[0266] "Reservation means" is a function that allows users to reserve discounted products.

[0267] "Payment method" is a function that processes payments to purchase products selected by the user.

[0268] "Purchase Data" refers to information about products purchased by users through the system.

[0269] "Analysis means" refers to a method for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying user purchasing patterns.

[0270] "Marketing tools" are functions for promoting and proposing products to users based on analyzed data.

[0271] "Location information" is information that indicates the user's current location.

[0272] "Provision means" is a function that searches for discounted products at nearby stores based on the user's location information and provides that information.

[0273] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores. This system allows stores to register product information, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time, appropriately discounts the product, and notifies users, thereby benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention.

[0274] Hardware and software configuration

[0275] Hardware:

[0276] Server: A computer system for managing and analyzing product data

[0277] Smartphones: Mobile devices used by customers and store associates

[0278] software:

[0279] Programming language: Python

[0280] Database: MySQL

[0281] AI engine: TensorFlow

[0282] Program Overview

[0283] The server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, and means for searching for and providing discounted products in nearby stores based on user location information.

[0284] Specific examples of processing

[0285] 1. Product Registration

[0286] The server provides an interface where store staff can input product names, prices, expiration dates, and quantities using their smartphones. The product information is then stored in a database, and AI begins monitoring.

[0287] Example: A store clerk registers "Milk 500ml" for 200 yen, with a use-by date of 3 days and a quantity of 50.

[0288] 2. Discount Management

[0289] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. For those products, it sets an appropriate discount rate and calculates a new price.

[0290] Example: A 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date in one day is discounted by 20% to 160 yen, and the user is notified.

[0291] 3. Product search and reservation

[0292] Users can open the app on their smartphones, send their current location information, search for discounted products at nearby stores, and reserve the products they like.

[0293] Example: A user searches for discount information on "500ml of milk" based on their location information and clicks the reservation button.

[0294] 4. Payment and Receipt

[0295] The user visits the store and picks up the reserved item. The server allows the user to choose to pay in advance or at the store.

[0296] Example: A user picks up a product at a store and shows the prepayment confirmation screen on the app to the store clerk.

[0297] 5. Customer Data Analysis

[0298] The server collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. An AI engine analyzes the data and identifies user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0299] Example: From User A's purchasing data, identify the products that he or she frequently purchases, and use that information to notify him or her of discounts and new product information.

[0300] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0301] "Identify patterns of frequently purchased products from past purchase data and recommend products to users the next time they make a purchase."

[0302] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[0303] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0304] Step 1: Product Registration

[0305] The server provides an interface for the store staff to input product information (product name, price, expiration date, and quantity).

[0306] Specific behavior:

[0307] Store staff enter product information using a smartphone.

[0308] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity

[0309] Output: Product information is saved in the database.

[0310] Data processing: Accept product information and store it in a database.

[0311] Step 2: Real-time monitoring of expiration dates

[0312] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[0313] Specific behavior:

[0314] The AI ​​engine periodically scans all products in the database.

[0315] Input: All product information in the database

[0316] Output: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[0317] Data calculation: Detects and lists products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[0318] Step 3: Discount calculation and setup

[0319] The server's AI engine automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for detected products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price.

[0320] Specific behavior:

[0321] The AI ​​engine calculates the discount rate and sets the new price.

[0322] Input: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[0323] Output: New price of the item with the discount applied

[0324] Data calculation: Calculating discount rates and setting new prices

[0325] Step 4: Notification of discount information

[0326] The server notifies the user of the discount information.

[0327] Specific behavior:

[0328] The server sends discount information to the user's terminal.

[0329] Input: New price information for the item with the discount applied

[0330] Output: Notification sent to user device

[0331] Data processing: generating and sending notification messages to users

[0332] Step 5: Product Search

[0333] Users use their smartphones to send their current location and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[0334] Specific behavior:

[0335] A user submits a search request within the app.

[0336] Input: User's location

[0337] Output: List of discounted items in nearby stores

[0338] Data calculation: Search and list discounted products in nearby stores based on location information.

[0339] Step 6: Product reservation

[0340] Users select the product they like and click the reservation button to reserve the product.

[0341] Specific behavior:

[0342] The user makes a booking within the app.

[0343] Input: User ID, Product ID

[0344] Output: The reservation information is saved in the database and notified to the store.

[0345] Data processing: Save the user's reservation information and notify the store.

[0346] Step 7: Prepayment

[0347] Users can choose to pay in advance through the app or pay in-store.

[0348] Specific behavior:

[0349] The user selects a payment method and makes the payment.

[0350] Input: User's payment information

[0351] Output: The transaction status is updated and payment completion information is saved.

[0352] Data calculations: payment processing and transaction status updates

[0353] Step 8: Analyze customer data

[0354] The server collects purchasing data, and an AI engine analyzes the data to identify users' purchasing patterns.

[0355] Specific behavior:

[0356] The server analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns.

[0357] Input: Collected purchasing data

[0358] Output: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[0359] Data crunching: analyzing purchasing data and identifying patterns

[0360] Step 9: Implement a marketing campaign

[0361] The server then executes marketing campaigns suited to individual users based on the analysis results.

[0362] Specific behavior:

[0363] The server generates campaign content and notifies the user.

[0364] Input: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[0365] Output: Individual marketing campaign information

[0366] Data calculation: Campaign content generation and notification

[0367] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[0368] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59 and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0369] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0370] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Hereinafter, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[0371] Product Registration

[0372] server:

[0373] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[0374] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[0375] Examples:

[0376] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[0377] Discount Management

[0378] server:

[0379] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[0380] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date.

[0381] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[0382] Examples:

[0383] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[0384] Product search and reservation

[0385] User:

[0386] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[0387] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[0388] server:

[0389] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[0390] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[0391] Examples:

[0392] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[0393] Payment and receipt

[0394] User:

[0395] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[0396] server:

[0397] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[0398] Examples:

[0399] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0400] Customer data analysis

[0401] server:

[0402] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[0403] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0404] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[0405] Examples:

[0406] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[0407] Incorporating an emotion engine

[0408] User:

[0409] While using the app, the camera and microphone collect the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[0410] Device:

[0411] The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine to analyze the user's emotions.

[0412] server:

[0413] Marketing messages to users are tailored based on emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[0414] Examples:

[0415] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[0416] Through the above process, the system based on this invention not only improves the efficiency of managing and selling products approaching their expiration date, but also, by utilizing an emotion engine, improves the user experience and enables marketing tailored to individual needs.

[0417] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0418] Product Registration

[0419] Step 1:

[0420] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[0421] Step 2:

[0422] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[0423] Step 3:

[0424] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[0425] Step 4:

[0426] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[0427] Step 5:

[0428] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[0429] Discount Management

[0430] Step 1:

[0431] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[0432] Step 2:

[0433] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[0434] Step 3:

[0435] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[0436] Step 4:

[0437] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[0438] Product search and reservation

[0439] Step 1:

[0440] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[0441] Step 2:

[0442] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and provides it to the user.

[0443] Step 3:

[0444] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[0445] Step 4:

[0446] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[0447] Step 5:

[0448] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[0449] Step 6:

[0450] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[0451] Payment and receipt

[0452] Step 1:

[0453] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[0454] Step 2:

[0455] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[0456] Step 3:

[0457] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[0458] Step 4:

[0459] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[0460] Customer data analysis

[0461] Step 1:

[0462] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[0463] Step 2:

[0464] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0465] Step 3:

[0466] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[0467] Step 4:

[0468] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[0469] Incorporating an emotion engine

[0470] Step 1:

[0471] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[0472] Step 2:

[0473] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine and the user's emotions are analyzed.

[0474] Step 3:

[0475] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[0476] Step 4:

[0477] Server: Notifies users of tailored marketing messages and product recommendations.

[0478] Example 2

[0479] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0480] In conventional retail store systems, it has been difficult to effectively manage products approaching their expiration date while simultaneously improving the user experience. In particular, there is a need for automatic discounts on products approaching their expiration date and for marketing optimization based on users' purchasing trends. Furthermore, there has been no system that utilizes users' real-time emotional data to deliver appropriate marketing messages.

[0481] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, a means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on user location information, and a means for analyzing user emotion data and adjusting marketing messages based on the user's emotions. This enables efficient management and sales of products whose expiration dates are approaching and an improved user experience.

[0482] The "means for stores to register products approaching their expiration date" refers to an interface and processing functions that allow store staff to input product information that is approaching its expiration date and register it in the system.

[0483] The "means of monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products with an approaching expiration date" refers to AI and scripts that allow the server to monitor product information in real time based on a database, automatically detect products with an approaching expiration date, and set appropriate discounts.

[0484] "Means for notifying users of discount information" refers to a communication function for sending users updated discount information via push notifications or email notifications.

[0485] "Means for users to search, reserve, and pay for discounted products" refers to the interface and processing functions that allow users to use the application to search for discounted products, reserve selected products, and make advance payments if necessary.

[0486] "Means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data" refers to a database and AI analysis function that collects and analyzes users' purchasing history data to identify purchasing patterns and trends.

[0487] "Means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns" refers to a function for setting up and notifying marketing campaigns appropriate for individual users based on collected and analyzed customer data.

[0488] "Means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on the user's location information" is a processing function that uses location information obtained from the user's terminal to generate information about nearby stores and a list of discounted products based on that location and provides them to the user.

[0489] "Means for analyzing user emotional data and adjusting marketing messages based on emotions" refers to a processing function that acquires facial expressions and voice data of users while using the app and analyzes them with an emotion analysis engine to provide marketing messages that correspond to the user's emotional state.

[0490] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Specific embodiments of this system are described below.

[0491] Product Registration

[0492] Server: Provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. The entered product information is sent to the server, which stores it in a database (e.g., MySQL). The AI ​​uses this information to monitor products.

[0493] Examples:

[0494] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[0495] Discount Management

[0496] Server: Regularly scans the database and automatically detects products with approaching expiration dates. AI monitors the expiration dates of each product in real time and automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with approaching expiration dates. New discount information is notified to users via push notifications.

[0497] Examples:

[0498] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date the next day, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is notified to the user via a push notification.

[0499] Product search and reservation

[0500] User: Opens the app and sends location information. The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items at those stores based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list within the app and clicks the reserve button.

[0501] Examples:

[0502] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, and this information is stored on the server and notified to the store.

[0503] Payment and receipt

[0504] User: Visits the designated store and picks up the reserved item. Chooses to pay in advance through the app or pay at the store.

[0505] Server: Receives payment information and updates the transaction status. The store is notified when the payment is complete.

[0506] Examples:

[0507] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0508] Customer data analysis

[0509] Server: Collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. AI analyzes the purchase data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, it generates marketing campaigns and product recommendations tailored to individual users.

[0510] Examples:

[0511] Past purchasing data is used to identify users' tendency to frequently purchase certain products, and this information is used to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[0512] Incorporating an emotion engine

[0513] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[0514] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to an emotion engine (e.g., emotion analysis API) to analyze the user's emotions.

[0515] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[0516] Examples:

[0517] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[0518] These processes not only streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, but also utilize an emotion engine to improve the user experience and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[0519] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0520] Product Registration

[0521] Step 1:

[0522] Input: The store staff inputs product information (product name, price, expiration date, quantity).

[0523] Operation: A store employee enters product information into the app's input form and clicks the "Register" button.

[0524] Output: The entered product information is sent to the server.

[0525] Step 2:

[0526] Input: The product information entered.

[0527] Operation: The server analyzes the received product information and saves it in a database.

[0528] Output: Product information is saved in a database (e.g. MySQL).

[0529] Step 3:

[0530] Input: Saved product information.

[0531] Operation: The server's AI retrieves product information and sets up monitoring. For example, it periodically checks expiration dates using a scheduled task.

[0532] Output: AI product monitoring setup is complete.

[0533] Discount Management

[0534] Step 1:

[0535] Input: All product information in the database.

[0536] How it works: A server-based AI scans the database periodically each day to identify products that are nearing their expiration date. For example, a Python script is set up as a Cron job.

[0537] Output: A list of products with an approaching expiration date is generated.

[0538] Step 2:

[0539] Input: A list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[0540] How it works: The AI ​​calculates the appropriate discount rate. For example, if the expiration date of a product is one day away, it sets a 20% discount.

[0541] Output: The calculated discount percentage is updated as the new price.

[0542] Step 3:

[0543] Input: Updated discount information.

[0544] How it works: The server notifies the user of the discount using a push notification system (e.g., Firebase Cloud Messaging).

[0545] Output: The user is notified of the discount.

[0546] Product search and reservation

[0547] Step 1:

[0548] Input: The user's location.

[0549] How it works: The user opens the app and allows location data to be sent. The current location is obtained through the device's GPS sensor and sent to the server.

[0550] Output: The location information sent to the server.

[0551] Step 2:

[0552] Input: The user's location.

[0553] How it works: The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items based on the user's location, and provides it to the user. The Geo-location API is used.

[0554] Output: The store and product list provided to the user.

[0555] Step 3:

[0556] Input: Reservation information for the product selected by the user.

[0557] How it works: A user selects an item in the app and clicks the "Reserve" button.

[0558] Output: The user's reservation information is sent to the server.

[0559] Step 4:

[0560] Input: User's booking information.

[0561] How it works: The server saves reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. Firebase Cloud Messaging is used as the notification system.

[0562] Output: Reservation information stored in the database and notification to the store.

[0563] Payment and receipt

[0564] Step 1:

[0565] Input: User's payment selection.

[0566] How it works: The user chooses whether to pay in advance or in-store. If they choose to pay in advance, they enter their credit card information.

[0567] Output: Payment information is sent to the server.

[0568] Step 2:

[0569] Input: User's payment information.

[0570] How it works: Your server receives payment information and processes it through a payment gateway (e.g., Stripe API).

[0571] Output: The result of the payment process is updated.

[0572] Step 3:

[0573] Input: Information for which payment has been completed.

[0574] How it works: The user visits the designated store and shows the reservation confirmation screen. The store staff hands over the product.

[0575] Output: Item received.

[0576] Step 4:

[0577] Input: Confirmation of receipt of goods.

[0578] Action: The server updates the transaction status and saves it to the database.

[0579] Output: Transaction status updates stored in the database.

[0580] Customer data analysis

[0581] Step 1:

[0582] Input: All purchasing data.

[0583] How it works: The server collects customer purchase history data and stores it in a database.

[0584] Output: Purchasing data stored in a database.

[0585] Step 2:

[0586] Input: Saved purchasing data.

[0587] How it works: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user buying patterns and preferences, for example using K-means clustering and collaborative filtering algorithms.

[0588] Output: Purchasing patterns identified as a result of the analysis.

[0589] Step 3:

[0590] Input: Analysis results of purchasing patterns.

[0591] How it works: The server sets up marketing campaigns tailored to individual users.

[0592] Output: The configured marketing campaign.

[0593] Step 4:

[0594] Input: Marketing campaign information.

[0595] How it works: The server uses a push notification system to notify individual users of recommended products.

[0596] Output: Recommended product information notified to the user.

[0597] Incorporating an emotion engine

[0598] Step 1:

[0599] Input: User's facial and voice data.

[0600] How it works: While the user is using the app, the device's camera and microphone capture facial and voice data and send it to the emotion engine in real time, for example, using the Emotion API.

[0601] Output: Facial and voice data sent to the emotion engine.

[0602] Step 2:

[0603] Input: The acquired emotion data.

[0604] How it works: The emotion engine performs analysis to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "interested" or "delighted").

[0605] Output: Parsed emotional state.

[0606] Step 3:

[0607] Input: Parsed emotional state.

[0608] How it works: The server tailors marketing messages to users based on their emotional state. For example, if a user shows interest in a particular product, it instantly notifies them of deals on that product.

[0609] Output: Tailored marketing messages.

[0610] (Application example 2)

[0611] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0612] Conventional retail store inventory management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and selling products approaching their expiration dates. Furthermore, because marketing was not tailored to individual user needs, it was difficult to improve consumer satisfaction and purchasing motivation. In particular, there is a need for a method to efficiently inform consumers of products approaching their expiration date and to offer appropriate discounts in a timely manner. Furthermore, because marketing messages were not tailored based on user emotions, there were limitations to improving the user experience.

[0613] The identification processing by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, a means for recognizing user emotions, and a means for adjusting marketing messages based on user emotion data. This makes it possible to efficiently manage and sell products whose expiration dates are approaching, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[0614] A "store" is a physical location for offering consumer goods.

[0615] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or other product can be safely consumed.

[0616] The "means for registering products" is an interface for entering product information (such as name, price, expiration date, and quantity) into the system and storing it in the database.

[0617] "Means for monitoring expiration dates in real time" refers to a system for continuously checking product expiration dates and identifying products whose expiration dates are approaching.

[0618] The "discounting means" is a system that automatically lowers the prices of products that are close to their expiration date and updates discount information.

[0619] "Means of notifying discount information" refers to the method of informing users of discounted product information, such as by notification or email.

[0620] "Means for searching for products" refers to the functionality that allows consumers to use the system to search for discounted products.

[0621] "Means to reserve" is a function that allows consumers to temporarily reserve discounted products they have found in order to purchase them.

[0622] "Payment means" refers to a function that allows a consumer to complete payment for a product that they have reserved.

[0623] "Means for collecting purchasing data" refers to a system for collecting consumer purchasing information and storing it in a database.

[0624] "Means for analyzing purchasing data" refers to a system for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying consumer purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0625] "Marketing means" refers to methods for implementing promotions and sales strategies appropriate for consumers based on the analyzed data.

[0626] The "means for recognizing emotions" is a system that uses a camera and microphone to analyze emotions from the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[0627] "Means for adjusting marketing messages based on emotional data" refers to a method for optimizing the content and timing of marketing messages based on the results of user emotional analysis.

[0628] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with a user emotion engine. Each of the main functions of this system will be explained below.

[0629] Product Registration

[0630] server:

[0631] It provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. This information is sent to the server and stored in a database. Specifically, if a store staff member enters "500ml of milk, price 200 yen, expiration date in 3 days, quantity 50," this information is saved and monitoring is set up in the AI.

[0632] Discount Management

[0633] server:

[0634] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml bottle of milk has one day left until its expiration date and sets a 20% discount. This results in a new price of 160 yen, and the user is notified of this information.

[0635] Product search and reservation

[0636] User:

[0637] The user opens the smartphone app, transmits their current location information, and searches for discounted items at nearby stores. They select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items and click the reserve button. The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, if a user reserves "500ml of milk" using the app, this information is saved in the server and notified to the store.

[0638] Payment and receipt

[0639] User:

[0640] The user visits the designated store to pick up the reserved item. They can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store. The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen of their prepayment on the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0641] Customer data analysis

[0642] server:

[0643] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to each individual user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A tends to frequently purchase a particular product, and that information can be used to notify users of discounts and new product information.

[0644] Incorporating an emotion engine

[0645] User:

[0646] While using the app, the camera and microphone capture the user's facial expressions and voice data. The device then sends the captured data to an emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The server then tailors marketing messages to the user based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine. For example, if the camera captures a user's facial expression while they are looking at information about a specific product in the app, and the emotion engine recognizes their "interest," it will instantly notify them of special offers and coupons related to that product.

[0647] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0648] While users are browsing products they are interested in, the camera captures their facial expressions and analyzes their emotions, and based on those emotions, the system notifies them of special offers and coupons in real time.

[0649] This system will streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[0650] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0651] Step 1:

[0652] Product Registration

[0653] The server provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. This input information is sent to the server and saved in a database. Inputs include the product name "Milk 500ml," price "200 yen," expiration date "3 days later," and quantity "50," and the output is the product information correctly saved in the database.

[0654] Step 2:

[0655] Expiration date monitoring and discount calculation

[0656] The server uses AI to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. It automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for the detected products and saves the updated discount information in the database. The input is all product information in the database, and the output is updated information on products with discounts applied (e.g., the price of 500ml of milk is changed to 160 yen).

[0657] Step 3:

[0658] Notification of discount information

[0659] The server notifies the user of discounted product information within the app. The input is discounted product information, and the output is a pop-up notification of the discount information on the user's smartphone. For example, a notification will appear on the user's smartphone saying, "500ml of milk has been discounted to 160 yen."

[0660] Step 4:

[0661] Product search and reservation

[0662] The user opens the smartphone app, transmits their current location information, and searches for discounted items at nearby stores. The input is the user's current location information, and the output is a list of nearby stores and their discounted items. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server, and the target store is notified.

[0663] Step 5:

[0664] Payment and receipt

[0665] The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store. The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed. The input is the user's payment information, and the output is a record in the database indicating that the transaction has been completed.

[0666] Step 6:

[0667] Customer data collection and analysis

[0668] The server collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database. The AI ​​analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. The input is each user's purchasing data, and the output is the analysis results (user's purchasing patterns and preferences). Based on this analysis result, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to each individual user are generated.

[0669] Step 7:

[0670] Incorporating an emotion engine

[0671] While a user is using the app, the camera and microphone capture the user's facial and voice data. The device then sends the captured data to an emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The input is the user's facial and voice data, and the output is emotion analysis results (e.g., interest, joy, surprise, etc.). The server adjusts marketing messages to the user in real time based on the emotion analysis results. For example, if a user's facial expression is captured with the camera while looking at information about a specific product in the app, and the emotion engine recognizes "interest," the user will be instantly notified of special offers and coupons related to that product.

[0672] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0673] While users are browsing products they are interested in, the camera captures their facial expressions and analyzes their emotions, and based on those emotions, the system notifies them of special offers and coupons in real time.

[0674] These processing steps streamline the management and sale of products approaching their expiration date, while improving the user experience and enabling more personalized marketing.

[0675] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the smart device 14. In the smart device 14, the control unit 46A causes the output device 40 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 38B acquires audio indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits audio data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 38B to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[0676] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0677] In the above embodiment, an example in which the specific process is performed by the data processing device 12 has been given, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific process may be performed by the smart device 14.

[0678] [Second embodiment]

[0679] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0680] 3, the data processing system 210 includes the data processing device 12 and smart glasses 214. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0681] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0682] The smart glasses 214 include a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, and a communication I / F 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, and the camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0683] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46.

[0684] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the field of vision of a typical healthy person).

[0685] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is carried out in a secure state.

[0686] Fig. 4 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart glasses 214. As shown in Fig. 4, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[0687] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0688] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0689] In the smart glasses 214, the reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0690] Next, a description will be given of the identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0691] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0692] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time and discounts the products, benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail the mode for implementing the present invention.

[0693] Product Registration

[0694] server:

[0695] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[0696] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[0697] Examples:

[0698] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[0699] Discount Management

[0700] server:

[0701] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[0702] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date and set a new price.

[0703] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[0704] Examples:

[0705] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[0706] Product search and reservation

[0707] User:

[0708] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[0709] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[0710] server:

[0711] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[0712] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[0713] Examples:

[0714] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[0715] Payment and receipt

[0716] User:

[0717] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[0718] server:

[0719] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[0720] Examples:

[0721] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0722] Customer data analysis

[0723] server:

[0724] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[0725] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0726] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[0727] Examples:

[0728] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[0729] Through the above process, the system based on the present invention improves the efficiency of managing and selling products that are approaching their expiration date, allowing users to purchase products economically and stores to reduce waste.

[0730] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0731] Product Registration

[0732] Step 1:

[0733] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[0734] Step 2:

[0735] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[0736] Step 3:

[0737] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[0738] Step 4:

[0739] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[0740] Step 5:

[0741] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[0742] Discount Management

[0743] Step 1:

[0744] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[0745] Step 2:

[0746] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[0747] Step 3:

[0748] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[0749] Step 4:

[0750] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[0751] Product search and reservation

[0752] Step 1:

[0753] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[0754] Step 2:

[0755] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and sends it to the device.

[0756] Step 3:

[0757] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[0758] Step 4:

[0759] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[0760] Step 5:

[0761] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[0762] Step 6:

[0763] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[0764] Payment and receipt

[0765] Step 1:

[0766] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[0767] Step 2:

[0768] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[0769] Step 3:

[0770] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[0771] Step 4:

[0772] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[0773] Customer data analysis

[0774] Step 1:

[0775] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[0776] Step 2:

[0777] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0778] Step 3:

[0779] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[0780] Step 4:

[0781] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[0782] Example 1

[0783] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0784] Retail stores are required to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration dates and reduce waste. However, conventional systems require a lot of effort to monitor and discount products approaching their expiration dates, making it difficult to respond quickly and appropriately. It is also difficult for users to easily find discounted products, which does not stimulate purchasing motivation. As a result, many expired products are discarded, resulting in significant losses for stores. Furthermore, efficient marketing is not carried out, making it difficult to provide users with appropriate product information and campaigns.

[0785] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0786] In this invention, the server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for searching for nearby stores based on the user's location information and generating a list of discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, and means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns. This allows stores to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration date, and enables users to obtain information on discounted products and purchase them at the appropriate time.

[0787] A "store" is an entity that registers products that are nearing their expiration date and sells those products.

[0788] "Product" refers to an item sold in a retail store that has a expiration date.

[0789] "Best before date" is the date by which a product can be consumed while still maintaining its quality.

[0790] The "means for registration" is a function that provides an interface for stores to input and save product information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[0791] The "monitoring means" is a function that checks the expiration dates of registered products in real time and automatically detects products whose expiration date is approaching.

[0792] "Means for discounting" is a function for calculating an appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and setting a new price.

[0793] "Means of notification" refers to a function that notifies users of updated discount information via the app or other communication means.

[0794] A "user" is someone who uses the app or system to search for and purchase discounted products.

[0795] "Means to search" is a function that allows users to open the app, send their current location information, and search for discounted products at nearby stores.

[0796] "Means to make a reservation" is a function that allows users to select the product they want to purchase from a list of discounted products and make a reservation.

[0797] "Payment method" refers to the function that allows users to make prepayments or payments at stores through the app.

[0798] "Purchase data" refers to historical information about products purchased by a user, including information such as product name, quantity, price, and purchase date and time.

[0799] "Means of analysis" refers to a function that uses purchasing data to analyze users' purchasing patterns and preferences and develop marketing strategies based on that.

[0800] "Marketing means" refers to a function that suggests campaigns and recommended products suitable for users based on analyzed data.

[0801] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0802] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products that are approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors and discounts the expiration date in real time, notifying users, benefiting both consumers and stores.

[0803] Hardware and software used

[0804] The system uses the following hardware and software:

[0805] Server: The database and AI model are located here.

[0806] Terminal: Used by store staff and users.

[0807] Application: A device that allows users to search for products, make reservations, and make payments.

[0808] Database: Stores product information, user location information, and purchase data.

[0809] AI model: Monitors product expiration dates, calculates discount rates, and analyzes purchasing data.

[0810] Product Registration

[0811] server:

[0812] It provides an interface for stores to register products. When a store clerk enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, and quantity, the server receives the information sent and stores it in a database. For example, if a store clerk registers 500ml of milk with a price of 200 yen, an expiration date of 3 days, and a quantity of 50, the server stores this information in the database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[0813] Discount Management

[0814] server:

[0815] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products, sets a new price, and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml item of milk has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. It notifies the user of this information.

[0816] Product search and reservation

[0817] User:

[0818] Users open the app, send their current location, search for discounted items at nearby stores, select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items, and click the reserve button.

[0819] server:

[0820] The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted products based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user's reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, when a user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, the information is saved on the server and notified to the store.

[0821] Payment and receipt

[0822] User:

[0823] Users visit the designated store to pick up their reserved items, choosing to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[0824] server:

[0825] The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen for pre-paid payment in the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[0826] Customer data analysis

[0827] server:

[0828] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to the user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A frequently purchases dairy products such as "milk," "yogurt," and "cheese," and this information can be used to notify users of discount coupons and new product information for specific dairy products.

[0829] Example prompts for generative AI models

[0830] "Use AI to generate a list of products that are close to expiry date and calculate the optimal discount rate."

[0831] "Please suggest a marketing campaign suitable for User B based on their past purchasing data."

[0832] This prompt allows the AI ​​to perform specific actions and have the results reflected throughout the system.

[0833] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0834] Step 1:

[0835] Terminal: The store clerk opens the product registration screen and enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, quantity, etc. The data entered is the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiration date "3 days later", and quantity "50".

[0836] Server: Receives the entered data and saves it in the database. It is saved in the database as a new record.

[0837] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity information

[0838] Output: Product records stored in the database

[0839] Specific behavior:

[0840] The store staff opens the product registration screen on the terminal.

[0841] Enter the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiry date "3 days later", and quantity "50", then press the send button.

[0842] The server receives the product information and stores it in a database.

[0843] Step 2:

[0844] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans the database and automatically detects products with an approaching expiration date. The AI ​​calculates the expiration date of the products and determines which products have an upcoming expiration date. For example, it detects "500ml of milk" whose expiration date is one day away.

[0845] Input: All product information in the database

[0846] Output: A list of products with an upcoming expiration date

[0847] Specific behavior:

[0848] AI scans the database and retrieves product information.

[0849] Check the expiration date of each product and make a list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[0850] Step 3:

[0851] Server: Calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price. For example, for a 500ml bottle of milk whose expiration date is one day away, a 20% discount is applied and the price is updated to 160 yen.

[0852] Input: List of products with an approaching expiration date

[0853] Output: A list of new discounted prices

[0854] Specific behavior:

[0855] AI categorizes products with approaching expiration dates into categories.

[0856] Calculate the discount rate for each item and set the new price.

[0857] Step 4:

[0858] Server: Notify the user of the updated discount information. Generate a notification message with a list of discounted items and send it to the user via the app's push notification function.

[0859] Input: List of new discounted prices

[0860] Output: A message to inform the user

[0861] Specific behavior:

[0862] Format the updated pricing information into your app's notification message.

[0863] Use the app's push notification feature to send notifications to users.

[0864] Step 5:

[0865] User: The user opens the app and sends their current location. The app then sends the location to the server to search for discounted products in nearby stores.

[0866] Input: User's location

[0867] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[0868] Specific behavior:

[0869] The user opens the app and allows location sharing.

[0870] The app sends the location information to the server.

[0871] Step 6:

[0872] Server: Generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user.

[0873] Input: User's location

[0874] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[0875] Specific behavior:

[0876] The server receives the user's location information and searches for stores within the specified range.

[0877] A list of discounted products in the area is generated and presented to the user.

[0878] Step 7:

[0879] User: The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server.

[0880] Input: User-selected product information

[0881] Output: Save reservation information to database

[0882] Specific behavior:

[0883] The user selects "500ml of milk" from the list of discounted items in the app.

[0884] Click the Reservation button to send the reservation information to the server.

[0885] Step 8:

[0886] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. The server saves this reservation information in a database and sends the reservation information to the target store in real time.

[0887] Input: User's reservation information

[0888] Output: Save reservation information in the database and notify the store

[0889] Specific behavior:

[0890] The server receives the reservation information and stores it in a database.

[0891] Notify the target store of reservation information.

[0892] Step 9:

[0893] User: The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[0894] Input: Advance payment information or in-store payment information

[0895] Output: Transaction completion status

[0896] Specific behavior:

[0897] If the user chooses to prepay in the app, they enter their credit card information.

[0898] Present the prepayment confirmation screen to the store staff.

[0899] Step 10:

[0900] Server: Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[0901] Input: Payment information

[0902] Output: Transaction status update and notification to the store

[0903] Specific behavior:

[0904] The server receives the payment information and stores it in a database.

[0905] Update the transaction status to "Completed" and notify the store.

[0906] (Application example 1)

[0907] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0908] In conventional retail stores, the management and sale of products approaching their expiration dates was inefficient, resulting in a high level of waste. Information about discounted products was also not promptly delivered to consumers, resulting in missed sales opportunities. Furthermore, there were few ways for consumers to easily search for discounted products available at nearby stores. A system that could solve these problems and achieve more effective and efficient inventory management and sales promotion was needed.

[0909] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0910] In this invention, the server includes means for stores to register products approaching their expiration dates, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration dates, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, and means for searching for and offering discounted products at nearby stores based on user location information. This enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration dates, reduces waste, and enables consumers to purchase products economically.

[0911] A "store" is a commercial facility such as a retail store that sells products.

[0912] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or product can be safely consumed.

[0913] "Product registration means" refers to an interface or method by which a store can register products that are approaching their expiration date in the system.

[0914] "Real-time monitoring" refers to constantly checking product expiration dates and taking the necessary steps immediately.

[0915] A "discount method" is a function or algorithm for discounting the price of products that are approaching their expiration date.

[0916] "Notification means" refers to the functions and methods by which the system notifies users of discount information.

[0917] "User" means a consumer who uses the system.

[0918] "Search means" is a function that allows users to search for discounted products within the system.

[0919] "Reservation means" is a function that allows users to reserve discounted products.

[0920] "Payment method" is a function that processes payments to purchase products selected by the user.

[0921] "Purchase Data" refers to information about products purchased by users through the system.

[0922] "Analysis means" refers to a method for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying user purchasing patterns.

[0923] "Marketing tools" are functions for promoting and proposing products to users based on analyzed data.

[0924] "Location information" is information that indicates the user's current location.

[0925] "Provision means" is a function that searches for discounted products at nearby stores based on the user's location information and provides that information.

[0926] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores. This system allows stores to register product information, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time, appropriately discounts the product, and notifies users, thereby benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention.

[0927] Hardware and software configuration

[0928] Hardware:

[0929] Server: A computer system for managing and analyzing product data

[0930] Smartphones: Mobile devices used by customers and store associates

[0931] software:

[0932] Programming language: Python

[0933] Database: MySQL

[0934] AI engine: TensorFlow

[0935] Program Overview

[0936] The server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, and means for searching for and providing discounted products in nearby stores based on user location information.

[0937] Specific examples of processing

[0938] 1. Product Registration

[0939] The server provides an interface where store staff can input product names, prices, expiration dates, and quantities using their smartphones. The product information is then stored in a database, and AI begins monitoring.

[0940] Example: A store clerk registers "Milk 500ml" for 200 yen, with a use-by date of 3 days and a quantity of 50.

[0941] 2. Discount Management

[0942] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. For those products, it sets an appropriate discount rate and calculates a new price.

[0943] Example: A 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date in one day is discounted by 20% to 160 yen, and the user is notified.

[0944] 3. Product search and reservation

[0945] Users can open the app on their smartphones, send their current location information, search for discounted products at nearby stores, and reserve the products they like.

[0946] Example: A user searches for discount information on "500ml of milk" based on their location information and clicks the reservation button.

[0947] 4. Payment and Receipt

[0948] The user visits the store and picks up the reserved item. The server allows the user to choose to pay in advance or at the store.

[0949] Example: A user picks up a product at a store and shows the prepayment confirmation screen on the app to the store clerk.

[0950] 5. Customer Data Analysis

[0951] The server collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. An AI engine analyzes the data and identifies user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[0952] Example: From User A's purchasing data, identify the products that he or she frequently purchases, and use that information to notify him or her of discounts and new product information.

[0953] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0954] "Identify patterns of frequently purchased products from past purchase data and recommend products to users the next time they make a purchase."

[0955] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[0956] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0957] Step 1: Product Registration

[0958] The server provides an interface for the store staff to input product information (product name, price, expiration date, and quantity).

[0959] Specific behavior:

[0960] Store staff enter product information using a smartphone.

[0961] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity

[0962] Output: Product information is saved in the database.

[0963] Data processing: Accept product information and store it in a database.

[0964] Step 2: Real-time monitoring of expiration dates

[0965] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[0966] Specific behavior:

[0967] The AI ​​engine periodically scans all products in the database.

[0968] Input: All product information in the database

[0969] Output: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[0970] Data calculation: Detects and lists products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[0971] Step 3: Discount calculation and setup

[0972] The server's AI engine automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for detected products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price.

[0973] Specific behavior:

[0974] The AI ​​engine calculates the discount rate and sets the new price.

[0975] Input: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[0976] Output: New price of the item with the discount applied

[0977] Data calculation: Calculating discount rates and setting new prices

[0978] Step 4: Notification of discount information

[0979] The server notifies the user of the discount information.

[0980] Specific behavior:

[0981] The server sends discount information to the user's terminal.

[0982] Input: New price information for the item with the discount applied

[0983] Output: Notification sent to user device

[0984] Data processing: generating and sending notification messages to users

[0985] Step 5: Product Search

[0986] Users use their smartphones to send their current location and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[0987] Specific behavior:

[0988] A user submits a search request within the app.

[0989] Input: User's location

[0990] Output: List of discounted items in nearby stores

[0991] Data calculation: Search and list discounted products in nearby stores based on location information.

[0992] Step 6: Product reservation

[0993] Users select the product they like and click the reservation button to reserve the product.

[0994] Specific behavior:

[0995] The user makes a booking within the app.

[0996] Input: User ID, Product ID

[0997] Output: The reservation information is saved in the database and notified to the store.

[0998] Data processing: Save the user's reservation information and notify the store.

[0999] Step 7: Prepayment

[1000] Users can choose to pay in advance through the app or pay in-store.

[1001] Specific behavior:

[1002] The user selects a payment method and makes the payment.

[1003] Input: User's payment information

[1004] Output: The transaction status is updated and payment completion information is saved.

[1005] Data calculations: payment processing and transaction status updates

[1006] Step 8: Analyze customer data

[1007] The server collects purchasing data, and an AI engine analyzes the data to identify users' purchasing patterns.

[1008] Specific behavior:

[1009] The server analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns.

[1010] Input: Collected purchasing data

[1011] Output: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[1012] Data crunching: analyzing purchasing data and identifying patterns

[1013] Step 9: Implement a marketing campaign

[1014] The server then executes marketing campaigns suited to individual users based on the analysis results.

[1015] Specific behavior:

[1016] The server generates campaign content and notifies the user.

[1017] Input: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[1018] Output: Individual marketing campaign information

[1019] Data calculation: Campaign content generation and notification

[1020] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[1021] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[1022] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1023] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Hereinafter, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[1024] Product Registration

[1025] server:

[1026] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[1027] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[1028] Examples:

[1029] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[1030] Discount Management

[1031] server:

[1032] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[1033] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date.

[1034] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[1035] Examples:

[1036] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[1037] Product search and reservation

[1038] User:

[1039] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[1040] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[1041] server:

[1042] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[1043] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[1044] Examples:

[1045] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[1046] Payment and receipt

[1047] User:

[1048] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[1049] server:

[1050] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[1051] Examples:

[1052] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1053] Customer data analysis

[1054] server:

[1055] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[1056] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1057] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[1058] Examples:

[1059] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[1060] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1061] User:

[1062] While using the app, the camera and microphone collect the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[1063] Device:

[1064] The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine to analyze the user's emotions.

[1065] server:

[1066] Marketing messages to users are tailored based on emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[1067] Examples:

[1068] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[1069] Through the above process, the system based on this invention not only improves the efficiency of managing and selling products approaching their expiration date, but also, by utilizing an emotion engine, improves the user experience and enables marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1070] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1071] Product Registration

[1072] Step 1:

[1073] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[1074] Step 2:

[1075] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[1076] Step 3:

[1077] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[1078] Step 4:

[1079] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[1080] Step 5:

[1081] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[1082] Discount Management

[1083] Step 1:

[1084] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[1085] Step 2:

[1086] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[1087] Step 3:

[1088] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[1089] Step 4:

[1090] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[1091] Product search and reservation

[1092] Step 1:

[1093] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[1094] Step 2:

[1095] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and provides it to the user.

[1096] Step 3:

[1097] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[1098] Step 4:

[1099] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[1100] Step 5:

[1101] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[1102] Step 6:

[1103] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[1104] Payment and receipt

[1105] Step 1:

[1106] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[1107] Step 2:

[1108] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[1109] Step 3:

[1110] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[1111] Step 4:

[1112] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[1113] Customer data analysis

[1114] Step 1:

[1115] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[1116] Step 2:

[1117] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1118] Step 3:

[1119] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[1120] Step 4:

[1121] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[1122] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1123] Step 1:

[1124] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[1125] Step 2:

[1126] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine and the user's emotions are analyzed.

[1127] Step 3:

[1128] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[1129] Step 4:

[1130] Server: Notifies users of tailored marketing messages and product recommendations.

[1131] Example 2

[1132] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1133] In conventional retail store systems, it has been difficult to effectively manage products approaching their expiration date while simultaneously improving the user experience. In particular, there is a need for automatic discounts on products approaching their expiration date and for marketing optimization based on users' purchasing trends. Furthermore, there has been no system that utilizes users' real-time emotional data to deliver appropriate marketing messages.

[1134] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, a means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on user location information, and a means for analyzing user emotion data and adjusting marketing messages based on the user's emotions. This enables efficient management and sales of products whose expiration dates are approaching and an improved user experience.

[1135] The "means for stores to register products approaching their expiration date" refers to an interface and processing functions that allow store staff to input product information that is approaching its expiration date and register it in the system.

[1136] The "means of monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products with an approaching expiration date" refers to AI and scripts that allow the server to monitor product information in real time based on a database, automatically detect products with an approaching expiration date, and set appropriate discounts.

[1137] "Means for notifying users of discount information" refers to a communication function for sending users updated discount information via push notifications or email notifications.

[1138] "Means for users to search, reserve, and pay for discounted products" refers to the interface and processing functions that allow users to use the application to search for discounted products, reserve selected products, and make advance payments if necessary.

[1139] "Means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data" refers to a database and AI analysis function that collects and analyzes users' purchasing history data to identify purchasing patterns and trends.

[1140] "Means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns" refers to a function for setting up and notifying marketing campaigns appropriate for individual users based on collected and analyzed customer data.

[1141] "Means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on the user's location information" is a processing function that uses location information obtained from the user's terminal to generate information about nearby stores and a list of discounted products based on that location and provides them to the user.

[1142] "Means for analyzing user emotional data and adjusting marketing messages based on emotions" refers to a processing function that acquires facial expressions and voice data of users while using the app and analyzes them with an emotion analysis engine to provide marketing messages that correspond to the user's emotional state.

[1143] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Specific embodiments of this system are described below.

[1144] Product Registration

[1145] Server: Provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. The entered product information is sent to the server, which stores it in a database (e.g., MySQL). The AI ​​uses this information to monitor products.

[1146] Examples:

[1147] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[1148] Discount Management

[1149] Server: Regularly scans the database and automatically detects products with approaching expiration dates. AI monitors the expiration dates of each product in real time and automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with approaching expiration dates. New discount information is notified to users via push notifications.

[1150] Examples:

[1151] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date the next day, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is notified to the user via a push notification.

[1152] Product search and reservation

[1153] User: Opens the app and sends location information. The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items at those stores based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list within the app and clicks the reserve button.

[1154] Examples:

[1155] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, and this information is stored on the server and notified to the store.

[1156] Payment and receipt

[1157] User: Visits the designated store and picks up the reserved item. Chooses to pay in advance through the app or pay at the store.

[1158] Server: Receives payment information and updates the transaction status. The store is notified when the payment is complete.

[1159] Examples:

[1160] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1161] Customer data analysis

[1162] Server: Collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. AI analyzes the purchase data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, it generates marketing campaigns and product recommendations tailored to individual users.

[1163] Examples:

[1164] Past purchasing data is used to identify users' tendency to frequently purchase certain products, and this information is used to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[1165] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1166] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[1167] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to an emotion engine (e.g., emotion analysis API) to analyze the user's emotions.

[1168] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[1169] Examples:

[1170] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[1171] These processes not only streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, but also utilize an emotion engine to improve the user experience and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1172] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1173] Product Registration

[1174] Step 1:

[1175] Input: The store staff inputs product information (product name, price, expiration date, quantity).

[1176] Operation: A store employee enters product information into the app's input form and clicks the "Register" button.

[1177] Output: The entered product information is sent to the server.

[1178] Step 2:

[1179] Input: The product information entered.

[1180] Operation: The server analyzes the received product information and saves it in a database.

[1181] Output: Product information is saved in a database (e.g. MySQL).

[1182] Step 3:

[1183] Input: Saved product information.

[1184] Operation: The server's AI retrieves product information and sets up monitoring. For example, it periodically checks expiration dates using a scheduled task.

[1185] Output: AI product monitoring setup is complete.

[1186] Discount Management

[1187] Step 1:

[1188] Input: All product information in the database.

[1189] How it works: A server-based AI scans the database periodically each day to identify products that are nearing their expiration date. For example, a Python script is set up as a Cron job.

[1190] Output: A list of products with an approaching expiration date is generated.

[1191] Step 2:

[1192] Input: A list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[1193] How it works: The AI ​​calculates the appropriate discount rate. For example, if the expiration date of a product is one day away, it sets a 20% discount.

[1194] Output: The calculated discount percentage is updated as the new price.

[1195] Step 3:

[1196] Input: Updated discount information.

[1197] How it works: The server notifies the user of the discount using a push notification system (e.g., Firebase Cloud Messaging).

[1198] Output: The user is notified of the discount.

[1199] Product search and reservation

[1200] Step 1:

[1201] Input: The user's location.

[1202] How it works: The user opens the app and allows location data to be sent. The current location is obtained through the device's GPS sensor and sent to the server.

[1203] Output: The location information sent to the server.

[1204] Step 2:

[1205] Input: The user's location.

[1206] How it works: The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items based on the user's location, and provides it to the user. The Geo-location API is used.

[1207] Output: The store and product list provided to the user.

[1208] Step 3:

[1209] Input: Reservation information for the product selected by the user.

[1210] How it works: A user selects an item in the app and clicks the "Reserve" button.

[1211] Output: The user's reservation information is sent to the server.

[1212] Step 4:

[1213] Input: User's booking information.

[1214] How it works: The server saves reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. Firebase Cloud Messaging is used as the notification system.

[1215] Output: Reservation information stored in the database and notification to the store.

[1216] Payment and receipt

[1217] Step 1:

[1218] Input: User's payment selection.

[1219] How it works: The user chooses whether to pay in advance or in-store. If they choose to pay in advance, they enter their credit card information.

[1220] Output: Payment information is sent to the server.

[1221] Step 2:

[1222] Input: User's payment information.

[1223] How it works: Your server receives payment information and processes it through a payment gateway (e.g., Stripe API).

[1224] Output: The result of the payment process is updated.

[1225] Step 3:

[1226] Input: Information for which payment has been completed.

[1227] How it works: The user visits the designated store and shows the reservation confirmation screen. The store staff hands over the product.

[1228] Output: Item received.

[1229] Step 4:

[1230] Input: Confirmation of receipt of goods.

[1231] Action: The server updates the transaction status and saves it to the database.

[1232] Output: Transaction status updates stored in the database.

[1233] Customer data analysis

[1234] Step 1:

[1235] Input: All purchasing data.

[1236] How it works: The server collects customer purchase history data and stores it in a database.

[1237] Output: Purchasing data stored in a database.

[1238] Step 2:

[1239] Input: Saved purchasing data.

[1240] How it works: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user buying patterns and preferences, for example using K-means clustering and collaborative filtering algorithms.

[1241] Output: Purchasing patterns identified as a result of the analysis.

[1242] Step 3:

[1243] Input: Analysis results of purchasing patterns.

[1244] How it works: The server sets up marketing campaigns tailored to individual users.

[1245] Output: The configured marketing campaign.

[1246] Step 4:

[1247] Input: Marketing campaign information.

[1248] How it works: The server uses a push notification system to notify individual users of recommended products.

[1249] Output: Recommended product information notified to the user.

[1250] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1251] Step 1:

[1252] Input: User's facial and voice data.

[1253] How it works: While the user is using the app, the device's camera and microphone capture facial and voice data and send it to the emotion engine in real time, for example, using the Emotion API.

[1254] Output: Facial and voice data sent to the emotion engine.

[1255] Step 2:

[1256] Input: The acquired emotion data.

[1257] How it works: The emotion engine performs analysis to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "interested" or "delighted").

[1258] Output: Parsed emotional state.

[1259] Step 3:

[1260] Input: Parsed emotional state.

[1261] How it works: The server tailors marketing messages to users based on their emotional state. For example, if a user shows interest in a particular product, it instantly notifies them of deals on that product.

[1262] Output: Tailored marketing messages.

[1263] (Application example 2)

[1264] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1265] Conventional retail store inventory management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and selling products approaching their expiration dates. Furthermore, because marketing was not tailored to individual user needs, it was difficult to improve consumer satisfaction and purchasing motivation. In particular, there is a need for a method to efficiently inform consumers of products approaching their expiration date and to offer appropriate discounts in a timely manner. Furthermore, because marketing messages were not tailored based on user emotions, there were limitations to improving the user experience.

[1266] The identification processing by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, a means for recognizing user emotions, and a means for adjusting marketing messages based on user emotion data. This makes it possible to efficiently manage and sell products whose expiration dates are approaching, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1267] A "store" is a physical location for offering consumer goods.

[1268] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or other product can be safely consumed.

[1269] The "means for registering products" is an interface for entering product information (such as name, price, expiration date, and quantity) into the system and storing it in the database.

[1270] "Means for monitoring expiration dates in real time" refers to a system for continuously checking product expiration dates and identifying products whose expiration dates are approaching.

[1271] The "discounting means" is a system that automatically lowers the prices of products that are close to their expiration date and updates discount information.

[1272] "Means of notifying discount information" refers to the method of informing users of discounted product information, such as by notification or email.

[1273] "Means for searching for products" refers to the functionality that allows consumers to use the system to search for discounted products.

[1274] "Means to reserve" is a function that allows consumers to temporarily reserve discounted products they have found in order to purchase them.

[1275] "Payment means" refers to a function that allows a consumer to complete payment for a product that they have reserved.

[1276] "Means for collecting purchasing data" refers to a system for collecting consumer purchasing information and storing it in a database.

[1277] "Means for analyzing purchasing data" refers to a system for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying consumer purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1278] "Marketing means" refers to methods for implementing promotions and sales strategies appropriate for consumers based on the analyzed data.

[1279] The "means for recognizing emotions" is a system that uses a camera and microphone to analyze emotions from the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[1280] "Means for adjusting marketing messages based on emotional data" refers to a method for optimizing the content and timing of marketing messages based on the results of user emotional analysis.

[1281] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with a user emotion engine. Each of the main functions of this system will be explained below.

[1282] Product Registration

[1283] server:

[1284] It provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. This information is sent to the server and stored in a database. Specifically, if a store staff member enters "500ml of milk, price 200 yen, expiration date in 3 days, quantity 50," this information is saved and monitoring is set up in the AI.

[1285] Discount Management

[1286] server:

[1287] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml bottle of milk has one day left until its expiration date and sets a 20% discount. This results in a new price of 160 yen, and the user is notified of this information.

[1288] Product search and reservation

[1289] User:

[1290] The user opens the smartphone app, transmits their current location information, and searches for discounted items at nearby stores. They select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items and click the reserve button. The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, if a user reserves "500ml of milk" using the app, this information is saved in the server and notified to the store.

[1291] Payment and receipt

[1292] User:

[1293] The user visits the designated store to pick up the reserved item. They can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store. The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen of their prepayment on the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1294] Customer data analysis

[1295] server:

[1296] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to each individual user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A tends to frequently purchase a particular product, and that information can be used to notify users of discounts and new product information.

[1297] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1298] User:

[1299] While using the app, the camera and microphone capture the user's facial expressions and voice data. The device then sends the captured data to an emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The server then tailors marketing messages to the user based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine. For example, if the camera captures a user's facial expression while they are looking at information about a specific product in the app, and the emotion engine recognizes their "interest," it will instantly notify them of special offers and coupons related to that product.

[1300] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1301] While users are browsing products they are interested in, the camera captures their facial expressions and analyzes their emotions, and based on those emotions, the system notifies them of special offers and coupons in real time.

[1302] This system will streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1303] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1304] Step 1:

[1305] Product Registration

[1306] The server provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. This input information is sent to the server and saved in a database. Inputs include the product name "Milk 500ml," price "200 yen," expiration date "3 days later," and quantity "50," and the output is the product information correctly saved in the database.

[1307] Step 2:

[1308] Expiration date monitoring and discount calculation

[1309] The server uses AI to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. It automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for the detected products and saves the updated discount information in the database. The input is all product information in the database, and the output is updated information on products with discounts applied (e.g., the price of 500ml of milk is changed to 160 yen).

[1310] Step 3:

[1311] Notification of discount information

[1312] The server notifies the user of discounted product information within the app. The input is discounted product information, and the output is a pop-up notification of the discount information on the user's smartphone. For example, a notification will appear on the user's smartphone saying, "500ml of milk has been discounted to 160 yen."

[1313] Step 4:

[1314] Product search and reservation

[1315] The user opens the smartphone app, transmits their current location information, and searches for discounted items at nearby stores. The input is the user's current location information, and the output is a list of nearby stores and their discounted items. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server, and the target store is notified.

[1316] Step 5:

[1317] Payment and receipt

[1318] The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store. The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed. The input is the user's payment information, and the output is a record in the database indicating that the transaction has been completed.

[1319] Step 6:

[1320] Customer data collection and analysis

[1321] The server collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database. The AI ​​analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. The input is each user's purchasing data, and the output is the analysis results (user's purchasing patterns and preferences). Based on this analysis result, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to each individual user are generated.

[1322] Step 7:

[1323] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1324] While a user is using the app, the camera and microphone capture the user's facial and voice data. The device then sends the captured data to an emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The input is the user's facial and voice data, and the output is emotion analysis results (e.g., interest, joy, surprise, etc.). The server adjusts marketing messages to the user in real time based on the emotion analysis results. For example, if a user's facial expression is captured with the camera while looking at information about a specific product in the app, and the emotion engine recognizes "interest," the user will be instantly notified of special offers and coupons related to that product.

[1325] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1326] While users are browsing products they are interested in, the camera captures their facial expressions and analyzes their emotions, and based on those emotions, the system notifies them of special offers and coupons in real time.

[1327] These processing steps streamline the management and sale of products approaching their expiration date, while improving the user experience and enabling more personalized marketing.

[1328] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the smart glasses 214. In the smart glasses 214, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires audio indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits audio data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[1329] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[1330] In the above embodiment, an example in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12 has been given, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the smart glasses 214.

[1331] [Third embodiment]

[1332] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[1333] 5, the data processing system 310 includes the data processing device 12 and a headset type terminal 314. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[1334] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[1335] The headset type terminal 314 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication I / F 44, and a display 343. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, the camera 42, and the display 343 are also connected to the bus 52.

[1336] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46.

[1337] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the field of vision of a typical healthy person).

[1338] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is carried out in a secure state.

[1339] Fig. 6 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the headset type terminal 314. As shown in Fig. 6, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[1340] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[1341] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[1342] In the headset type terminal 314, a reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[1343] Next, a description will be given of the identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[1344] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1345] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time and discounts the products, benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail the mode for implementing the present invention.

[1346] Product Registration

[1347] server:

[1348] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[1349] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[1350] Examples:

[1351] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[1352] Discount Management

[1353] server:

[1354] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[1355] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date and set a new price.

[1356] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[1357] Examples:

[1358] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[1359] Product search and reservation

[1360] User:

[1361] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[1362] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[1363] server:

[1364] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[1365] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[1366] Examples:

[1367] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[1368] Payment and receipt

[1369] User:

[1370] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[1371] server:

[1372] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[1373] Examples:

[1374] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1375] Customer data analysis

[1376] server:

[1377] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[1378] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1379] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[1380] Examples:

[1381] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[1382] Through the above process, the system based on the present invention improves the efficiency of managing and selling products that are approaching their expiration date, allowing users to purchase products economically and stores to reduce waste.

[1383] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1384] Product Registration

[1385] Step 1:

[1386] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[1387] Step 2:

[1388] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[1389] Step 3:

[1390] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[1391] Step 4:

[1392] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[1393] Step 5:

[1394] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[1395] Discount Management

[1396] Step 1:

[1397] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[1398] Step 2:

[1399] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[1400] Step 3:

[1401] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[1402] Step 4:

[1403] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[1404] Product search and reservation

[1405] Step 1:

[1406] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[1407] Step 2:

[1408] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and sends it to the device.

[1409] Step 3:

[1410] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[1411] Step 4:

[1412] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[1413] Step 5:

[1414] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[1415] Step 6:

[1416] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[1417] Payment and receipt

[1418] Step 1:

[1419] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[1420] Step 2:

[1421] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[1422] Step 3:

[1423] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[1424] Step 4:

[1425] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[1426] Customer data analysis

[1427] Step 1:

[1428] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[1429] Step 2:

[1430] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1431] Step 3:

[1432] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[1433] Step 4:

[1434] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[1435] Example 1

[1436] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1437] Retail stores are required to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration dates and reduce waste. However, conventional systems require a lot of effort to monitor and discount products approaching their expiration dates, making it difficult to respond quickly and appropriately. It is also difficult for users to easily find discounted products, which does not stimulate purchasing motivation. As a result, many expired products are discarded, resulting in significant losses for stores. Furthermore, efficient marketing is not carried out, making it difficult to provide users with appropriate product information and campaigns.

[1438] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[1439] In this invention, the server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for searching for nearby stores based on the user's location information and generating a list of discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, and means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns. This allows stores to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration date, and enables users to obtain information on discounted products and purchase them at the appropriate time.

[1440] A "store" is an entity that registers products that are nearing their expiration date and sells those products.

[1441] "Product" refers to an item sold in a retail store that has a expiration date.

[1442] "Best before date" is the date by which a product can be consumed while still maintaining its quality.

[1443] The "means for registration" is a function that provides an interface for stores to input and save product information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[1444] The "monitoring means" is a function that checks the expiration dates of registered products in real time and automatically detects products whose expiration date is approaching.

[1445] "Means for discounting" is a function for calculating an appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and setting a new price.

[1446] "Means of notification" refers to a function that notifies users of updated discount information via the app or other communication means.

[1447] A "user" is someone who uses the app or system to search for and purchase discounted products.

[1448] "Means to search" is a function that allows users to open the app, send their current location information, and search for discounted products at nearby stores.

[1449] "Means to make a reservation" is a function that allows users to select the product they want to purchase from a list of discounted products and make a reservation.

[1450] "Payment method" refers to the function that allows users to make prepayments or payments at stores through the app.

[1451] "Purchase data" refers to historical information about products purchased by a user, including information such as product name, quantity, price, and purchase date and time.

[1452] "Means of analysis" refers to a function that uses purchasing data to analyze users' purchasing patterns and preferences and develop marketing strategies based on that.

[1453] "Marketing means" refers to a function that suggests campaigns and recommended products suitable for users based on analyzed data.

[1454] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1455] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products that are approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors and discounts the expiration date in real time, notifying users, benefiting both consumers and stores.

[1456] Hardware and software used

[1457] The system uses the following hardware and software:

[1458] Server: The database and AI model are located here.

[1459] Terminal: Used by store staff and users.

[1460] Application: A device that allows users to search for products, make reservations, and make payments.

[1461] Database: Stores product information, user location information, and purchase data.

[1462] AI model: Monitors product expiration dates, calculates discount rates, and analyzes purchasing data.

[1463] Product Registration

[1464] server:

[1465] It provides an interface for stores to register products. When a store clerk enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, and quantity, the server receives the information sent and stores it in a database. For example, if a store clerk registers 500ml of milk with a price of 200 yen, an expiration date of 3 days, and a quantity of 50, the server stores this information in the database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[1466] Discount Management

[1467] server:

[1468] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products, sets a new price, and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml item of milk has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. It notifies the user of this information.

[1469] Product search and reservation

[1470] User:

[1471] Users open the app, send their current location, search for discounted items at nearby stores, select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items, and click the reserve button.

[1472] server:

[1473] The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted products based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user's reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, when a user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, the information is saved on the server and notified to the store.

[1474] Payment and receipt

[1475] User:

[1476] Users visit the designated store to pick up their reserved items, choosing to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[1477] server:

[1478] The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen for pre-paid payment in the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1479] Customer data analysis

[1480] server:

[1481] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to the user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A frequently purchases dairy products such as "milk," "yogurt," and "cheese," and this information can be used to notify users of discount coupons and new product information for specific dairy products.

[1482] Example prompts for generative AI models

[1483] "Use AI to generate a list of products that are close to expiry date and calculate the optimal discount rate."

[1484] "Please suggest a marketing campaign suitable for User B based on their past purchasing data."

[1485] This prompt allows the AI ​​to perform specific actions and have the results reflected throughout the system.

[1486] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1487] Step 1:

[1488] Terminal: The store clerk opens the product registration screen and enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, quantity, etc. The data entered is the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiration date "3 days later", and quantity "50".

[1489] Server: Receives the entered data and saves it in the database. It is saved in the database as a new record.

[1490] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity information

[1491] Output: Product records stored in the database

[1492] Specific behavior:

[1493] The store staff opens the product registration screen on the terminal.

[1494] Enter the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiry date "3 days later", and quantity "50", then press the send button.

[1495] The server receives the product information and stores it in a database.

[1496] Step 2:

[1497] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans the database and automatically detects products with an approaching expiration date. The AI ​​calculates the expiration date of the products and determines which products have an upcoming expiration date. For example, it detects "500ml of milk" whose expiration date is one day away.

[1498] Input: All product information in the database

[1499] Output: A list of products with an upcoming expiration date

[1500] Specific behavior:

[1501] AI scans the database and retrieves product information.

[1502] Check the expiration date of each product and make a list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[1503] Step 3:

[1504] Server: Calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price. For example, for a 500ml bottle of milk whose expiration date is one day away, a 20% discount is applied and the price is updated to 160 yen.

[1505] Input: List of products with an approaching expiration date

[1506] Output: A list of new discounted prices

[1507] Specific behavior:

[1508] AI categorizes products with approaching expiration dates into categories.

[1509] Calculate the discount rate for each item and set the new price.

[1510] Step 4:

[1511] Server: Notify the user of the updated discount information. Generate a notification message with a list of discounted items and send it to the user via the app's push notification function.

[1512] Input: List of new discounted prices

[1513] Output: A message to inform the user

[1514] Specific behavior:

[1515] Format the updated pricing information into your app's notification message.

[1516] Use the app's push notification feature to send notifications to users.

[1517] Step 5:

[1518] User: The user opens the app and sends their current location. The app then sends the location to the server to search for discounted products in nearby stores.

[1519] Input: User's location

[1520] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[1521] Specific behavior:

[1522] The user opens the app and allows location sharing.

[1523] The app sends the location information to the server.

[1524] Step 6:

[1525] Server: Generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user.

[1526] Input: User's location

[1527] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[1528] Specific behavior:

[1529] The server receives the user's location information and searches for stores within the specified range.

[1530] A list of discounted products in the area is generated and presented to the user.

[1531] Step 7:

[1532] User: The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server.

[1533] Input: User-selected product information

[1534] Output: Save reservation information to database

[1535] Specific behavior:

[1536] The user selects "500ml of milk" from the list of discounted items in the app.

[1537] Click the Reservation button to send the reservation information to the server.

[1538] Step 8:

[1539] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. The server saves this reservation information in a database and sends the reservation information to the target store in real time.

[1540] Input: User's reservation information

[1541] Output: Save reservation information in the database and notify the store

[1542] Specific behavior:

[1543] The server receives the reservation information and stores it in a database.

[1544] Notify the target store of reservation information.

[1545] Step 9:

[1546] User: The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[1547] Input: Advance payment information or in-store payment information

[1548] Output: Transaction completion status

[1549] Specific behavior:

[1550] If the user chooses to prepay in the app, they enter their credit card information.

[1551] Present the prepayment confirmation screen to the store staff.

[1552] Step 10:

[1553] Server: Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[1554] Input: Payment information

[1555] Output: Transaction status update and notification to the store

[1556] Specific behavior:

[1557] The server receives the payment information and stores it in a database.

[1558] Update the transaction status to "Completed" and notify the store.

[1559] (Application example 1)

[1560] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1561] In conventional retail stores, the management and sale of products approaching their expiration dates was inefficient, resulting in a high level of waste. Information about discounted products was also not promptly delivered to consumers, resulting in missed sales opportunities. Furthermore, there were few ways for consumers to easily search for discounted products available at nearby stores. A system that could solve these problems and achieve more effective and efficient inventory management and sales promotion was needed.

[1562] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[1563] In this invention, the server includes means for stores to register products approaching their expiration dates, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration dates, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, and means for searching for and offering discounted products at nearby stores based on user location information. This enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration dates, reduces waste, and enables consumers to purchase products economically.

[1564] A "store" is a commercial facility such as a retail store that sells products.

[1565] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or product can be safely consumed.

[1566] "Product registration means" refers to an interface or method by which a store can register products that are approaching their expiration date in the system.

[1567] "Real-time monitoring" refers to constantly checking product expiration dates and taking the necessary steps immediately.

[1568] A "discount method" is a function or algorithm for discounting the price of products that are approaching their expiration date.

[1569] "Notification means" refers to the functions and methods by which the system notifies users of discount information.

[1570] "User" means a consumer who uses the system.

[1571] "Search means" is a function that allows users to search for discounted products within the system.

[1572] "Reservation means" is a function that allows users to reserve discounted products.

[1573] "Payment method" is a function that processes payments to purchase products selected by the user.

[1574] "Purchase Data" refers to information about products purchased by users through the system.

[1575] "Analysis means" refers to a method for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying user purchasing patterns.

[1576] "Marketing tools" are functions for promoting and proposing products to users based on analyzed data.

[1577] "Location information" is information that indicates the user's current location.

[1578] "Provision means" is a function that searches for discounted products at nearby stores based on the user's location information and provides that information.

[1579] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores. This system allows stores to register product information, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time, appropriately discounts the product, and notifies users, thereby benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention.

[1580] Hardware and software configuration

[1581] Hardware:

[1582] Server: A computer system for managing and analyzing product data

[1583] Smartphones: Mobile devices used by customers and store associates

[1584] software:

[1585] Programming language: Python

[1586] Database: MySQL

[1587] AI engine: TensorFlow

[1588] Program Overview

[1589] The server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, and means for searching for and providing discounted products in nearby stores based on user location information.

[1590] Specific examples of processing

[1591] 1. Product Registration

[1592] The server provides an interface where store staff can input product names, prices, expiration dates, and quantities using their smartphones. The product information is then stored in a database, and AI begins monitoring.

[1593] Example: A store clerk registers "Milk 500ml" for 200 yen, with a use-by date of 3 days and a quantity of 50.

[1594] 2. Discount Management

[1595] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. For those products, it sets an appropriate discount rate and calculates a new price.

[1596] Example: A 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date in one day is discounted by 20% to 160 yen, and the user is notified.

[1597] 3. Product search and reservation

[1598] Users can open the app on their smartphones, send their current location information, search for discounted products at nearby stores, and reserve the products they like.

[1599] Example: A user searches for discount information on "500ml of milk" based on their location information and clicks the reservation button.

[1600] 4. Payment and Receipt

[1601] The user visits the store and picks up the reserved item. The server allows the user to choose to pay in advance or at the store.

[1602] Example: A user picks up a product at a store and shows the prepayment confirmation screen on the app to the store clerk.

[1603] 5. Customer Data Analysis

[1604] The server collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. An AI engine analyzes the data and identifies user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1605] Example: From User A's purchasing data, identify the products that he or she frequently purchases, and use that information to notify him or her of discounts and new product information.

[1606] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1607] "Identify patterns of frequently purchased products from past purchase data and recommend products to users the next time they make a purchase."

[1608] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[1609] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1610] Step 1: Product Registration

[1611] The server provides an interface for the store staff to input product information (product name, price, expiration date, and quantity).

[1612] Specific behavior:

[1613] Store staff enter product information using a smartphone.

[1614] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity

[1615] Output: Product information is saved in the database.

[1616] Data processing: Accept product information and store it in a database.

[1617] Step 2: Real-time monitoring of expiration dates

[1618] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[1619] Specific behavior:

[1620] The AI ​​engine periodically scans all products in the database.

[1621] Input: All product information in the database

[1622] Output: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[1623] Data calculation: Detects and lists products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[1624] Step 3: Discount calculation and setup

[1625] The server's AI engine automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for detected products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price.

[1626] Specific behavior:

[1627] The AI ​​engine calculates the discount rate and sets the new price.

[1628] Input: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[1629] Output: New price of the item with the discount applied

[1630] Data calculation: Calculating discount rates and setting new prices

[1631] Step 4: Notification of discount information

[1632] The server notifies the user of the discount information.

[1633] Specific behavior:

[1634] The server sends discount information to the user's terminal.

[1635] Input: New price information for the item with the discount applied

[1636] Output: Notification sent to user device

[1637] Data processing: generating and sending notification messages to users

[1638] Step 5: Product Search

[1639] Users use their smartphones to send their current location and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[1640] Specific behavior:

[1641] A user submits a search request within the app.

[1642] Input: User's location

[1643] Output: List of discounted items in nearby stores

[1644] Data calculation: Search and list discounted products in nearby stores based on location information.

[1645] Step 6: Product reservation

[1646] Users select the product they like and click the reservation button to reserve the product.

[1647] Specific behavior:

[1648] The user makes a booking within the app.

[1649] Input: User ID, Product ID

[1650] Output: The reservation information is saved in the database and notified to the store.

[1651] Data processing: Save the user's reservation information and notify the store.

[1652] Step 7: Prepayment

[1653] Users can choose to pay in advance through the app or pay in-store.

[1654] Specific behavior:

[1655] The user selects a payment method and makes the payment.

[1656] Input: User's payment information

[1657] Output: The transaction status is updated and payment completion information is saved.

[1658] Data calculations: payment processing and transaction status updates

[1659] Step 8: Analyze customer data

[1660] The server collects purchasing data, and an AI engine analyzes the data to identify users' purchasing patterns.

[1661] Specific behavior:

[1662] The server analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns.

[1663] Input: Collected purchasing data

[1664] Output: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[1665] Data crunching: analyzing purchasing data and identifying patterns

[1666] Step 9: Implement a marketing campaign

[1667] The server then executes marketing campaigns suited to individual users based on the analysis results.

[1668] Specific behavior:

[1669] The server generates campaign content and notifies the user.

[1670] Input: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[1671] Output: Individual marketing campaign information

[1672] Data calculation: Campaign content generation and notification

[1673] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[1674] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[1675] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1676] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Hereinafter, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[1677] Product Registration

[1678] server:

[1679] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[1680] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[1681] Examples:

[1682] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[1683] Discount Management

[1684] server:

[1685] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[1686] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date.

[1687] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[1688] Examples:

[1689] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[1690] Product search and reservation

[1691] User:

[1692] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[1693] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[1694] server:

[1695] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[1696] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[1697] Examples:

[1698] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[1699] Payment and receipt

[1700] User:

[1701] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[1702] server:

[1703] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[1704] Examples:

[1705] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1706] Customer data analysis

[1707] server:

[1708] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[1709] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1710] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[1711] Examples:

[1712] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[1713] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1714] User:

[1715] While using the app, the camera and microphone collect the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[1716] Device:

[1717] The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine to analyze the user's emotions.

[1718] server:

[1719] Marketing messages to users are tailored based on emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[1720] Examples:

[1721] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[1722] Through the above process, the system based on this invention not only improves the efficiency of managing and selling products approaching their expiration date, but also, by utilizing an emotion engine, improves the user experience and enables marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1723] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1724] Product Registration

[1725] Step 1:

[1726] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[1727] Step 2:

[1728] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[1729] Step 3:

[1730] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[1731] Step 4:

[1732] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[1733] Step 5:

[1734] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[1735] Discount Management

[1736] Step 1:

[1737] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[1738] Step 2:

[1739] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[1740] Step 3:

[1741] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[1742] Step 4:

[1743] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[1744] Product search and reservation

[1745] Step 1:

[1746] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[1747] Step 2:

[1748] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and provides it to the user.

[1749] Step 3:

[1750] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[1751] Step 4:

[1752] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[1753] Step 5:

[1754] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[1755] Step 6:

[1756] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[1757] Payment and receipt

[1758] Step 1:

[1759] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[1760] Step 2:

[1761] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[1762] Step 3:

[1763] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[1764] Step 4:

[1765] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[1766] Customer data analysis

[1767] Step 1:

[1768] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[1769] Step 2:

[1770] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1771] Step 3:

[1772] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[1773] Step 4:

[1774] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[1775] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1776] Step 1:

[1777] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[1778] Step 2:

[1779] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine and the user's emotions are analyzed.

[1780] Step 3:

[1781] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[1782] Step 4:

[1783] Server: Notifies users of tailored marketing messages and product recommendations.

[1784] Example 2

[1785] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1786] In conventional retail store systems, it has been difficult to effectively manage products approaching their expiration date while simultaneously improving the user experience. In particular, there is a need for automatic discounts on products approaching their expiration date and for marketing optimization based on users' purchasing trends. Furthermore, there has been no system that utilizes users' real-time emotional data to deliver appropriate marketing messages.

[1787] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, a means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on user location information, and a means for analyzing user emotion data and adjusting marketing messages based on the user's emotions. This enables efficient management and sales of products whose expiration dates are approaching and an improved user experience.

[1788] The "means for stores to register products approaching their expiration date" refers to an interface and processing functions that allow store staff to input product information that is approaching its expiration date and register it in the system.

[1789] The "means of monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products with an approaching expiration date" refers to AI and scripts that allow the server to monitor product information in real time based on a database, automatically detect products with an approaching expiration date, and set appropriate discounts.

[1790] "Means for notifying users of discount information" refers to a communication function for sending users updated discount information via push notifications or email notifications.

[1791] "Means for users to search, reserve, and pay for discounted products" refers to the interface and processing functions that allow users to use the application to search for discounted products, reserve selected products, and make advance payments if necessary.

[1792] "Means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data" refers to a database and AI analysis function that collects and analyzes users' purchasing history data to identify purchasing patterns and trends.

[1793] "Means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns" refers to a function for setting up and notifying marketing campaigns appropriate for individual users based on collected and analyzed customer data.

[1794] "Means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on the user's location information" is a processing function that uses location information obtained from the user's terminal to generate information about nearby stores and a list of discounted products based on that location and provides them to the user.

[1795] "Means for analyzing user emotional data and adjusting marketing messages based on emotions" refers to a processing function that acquires facial expressions and voice data of users while using the app and analyzes them with an emotion analysis engine to provide marketing messages that correspond to the user's emotional state.

[1796] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Specific embodiments of this system are described below.

[1797] Product Registration

[1798] Server: Provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. The entered product information is sent to the server, which stores it in a database (e.g., MySQL). The AI ​​uses this information to monitor products.

[1799] Examples:

[1800] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[1801] Discount Management

[1802] Server: Regularly scans the database and automatically detects products with approaching expiration dates. AI monitors the expiration dates of each product in real time and automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with approaching expiration dates. New discount information is notified to users via push notifications.

[1803] Examples:

[1804] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date the next day, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is notified to the user via a push notification.

[1805] Product search and reservation

[1806] User: Opens the app and sends location information. The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items at those stores based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list within the app and clicks the reserve button.

[1807] Examples:

[1808] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, and this information is stored on the server and notified to the store.

[1809] Payment and receipt

[1810] User: Visits the designated store and picks up the reserved item. Chooses to pay in advance through the app or pay at the store.

[1811] Server: Receives payment information and updates the transaction status. The store is notified when the payment is complete.

[1812] Examples:

[1813] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1814] Customer data analysis

[1815] Server: Collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. AI analyzes the purchase data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, it generates marketing campaigns and product recommendations tailored to individual users.

[1816] Examples:

[1817] Past purchasing data is used to identify users' tendency to frequently purchase certain products, and this information is used to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[1818] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1819] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[1820] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to an emotion engine (e.g., emotion analysis API) to analyze the user's emotions.

[1821] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[1822] Examples:

[1823] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[1824] These processes not only streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, but also utilize an emotion engine to improve the user experience and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1825] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1826] Product Registration

[1827] Step 1:

[1828] Input: The store staff inputs product information (product name, price, expiration date, quantity).

[1829] Operation: A store employee enters product information into the app's input form and clicks the "Register" button.

[1830] Output: The entered product information is sent to the server.

[1831] Step 2:

[1832] Input: The product information entered.

[1833] Operation: The server analyzes the received product information and saves it in a database.

[1834] Output: Product information is saved in a database (e.g. MySQL).

[1835] Step 3:

[1836] Input: Saved product information.

[1837] Operation: The server's AI retrieves product information and sets up monitoring. For example, it periodically checks expiration dates using a scheduled task.

[1838] Output: AI product monitoring setup is complete.

[1839] Discount Management

[1840] Step 1:

[1841] Input: All product information in the database.

[1842] How it works: A server-based AI scans the database periodically each day to identify products that are nearing their expiration date. For example, a Python script is set up as a Cron job.

[1843] Output: A list of products with an approaching expiration date is generated.

[1844] Step 2:

[1845] Input: A list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[1846] How it works: The AI ​​calculates the appropriate discount rate. For example, if the expiration date of a product is one day away, it sets a 20% discount.

[1847] Output: The calculated discount percentage is updated as the new price.

[1848] Step 3:

[1849] Input: Updated discount information.

[1850] How it works: The server notifies the user of the discount using a push notification system (e.g., Firebase Cloud Messaging).

[1851] Output: The user is notified of the discount.

[1852] Product search and reservation

[1853] Step 1:

[1854] Input: The user's location.

[1855] How it works: The user opens the app and allows location data to be sent. The current location is obtained through the device's GPS sensor and sent to the server.

[1856] Output: The location information sent to the server.

[1857] Step 2:

[1858] Input: The user's location.

[1859] How it works: The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items based on the user's location, and provides it to the user. The Geo-location API is used.

[1860] Output: The store and product list provided to the user.

[1861] Step 3:

[1862] Input: Reservation information for the product selected by the user.

[1863] How it works: A user selects an item in the app and clicks the "Reserve" button.

[1864] Output: The user's reservation information is sent to the server.

[1865] Step 4:

[1866] Input: User's booking information.

[1867] How it works: The server saves reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. Firebase Cloud Messaging is used as the notification system.

[1868] Output: Reservation information stored in the database and notification to the store.

[1869] Payment and receipt

[1870] Step 1:

[1871] Input: User's payment selection.

[1872] How it works: The user chooses whether to pay in advance or in-store. If they choose to pay in advance, they enter their credit card information.

[1873] Output: Payment information is sent to the server.

[1874] Step 2:

[1875] Input: User's payment information.

[1876] How it works: Your server receives payment information and processes it through a payment gateway (e.g., Stripe API).

[1877] Output: The result of the payment process is updated.

[1878] Step 3:

[1879] Input: Information for which payment has been completed.

[1880] How it works: The user visits the designated store and shows the reservation confirmation screen. The store staff hands over the product.

[1881] Output: Item received.

[1882] Step 4:

[1883] Input: Confirmation of receipt of goods.

[1884] Action: The server updates the transaction status and saves it to the database.

[1885] Output: Transaction status updates stored in the database.

[1886] Customer data analysis

[1887] Step 1:

[1888] Input: All purchasing data.

[1889] How it works: The server collects customer purchase history data and stores it in a database.

[1890] Output: Purchasing data stored in a database.

[1891] Step 2:

[1892] Input: Saved purchasing data.

[1893] How it works: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user buying patterns and preferences, for example using K-means clustering and collaborative filtering algorithms.

[1894] Output: Purchasing patterns identified as a result of the analysis.

[1895] Step 3:

[1896] Input: Analysis results of purchasing patterns.

[1897] How it works: The server sets up marketing campaigns tailored to individual users.

[1898] Output: The configured marketing campaign.

[1899] Step 4:

[1900] Input: Marketing campaign information.

[1901] How it works: The server uses a push notification system to notify individual users of recommended products.

[1902] Output: Recommended product information notified to the user.

[1903] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1904] Step 1:

[1905] Input: User's facial and voice data.

[1906] How it works: While the user is using the app, the device's camera and microphone capture facial and voice data and send it to the emotion engine in real time, for example, using the Emotion API.

[1907] Output: Facial and voice data sent to the emotion engine.

[1908] Step 2:

[1909] Input: The acquired emotion data.

[1910] How it works: The emotion engine performs analysis to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "interested" or "delighted").

[1911] Output: Parsed emotional state.

[1912] Step 3:

[1913] Input: Parsed emotional state.

[1914] How it works: The server tailors marketing messages to users based on their emotional state. For example, if a user shows interest in a particular product, it instantly notifies them of deals on that product.

[1915] Output: Tailored marketing messages.

[1916] (Application example 2)

[1917] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1918] Conventional retail store inventory management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and selling products approaching their expiration dates. Furthermore, because marketing was not tailored to individual user needs, it was difficult to improve consumer satisfaction and purchasing motivation. In particular, there is a need for a method to efficiently inform consumers of products approaching their expiration date and to offer appropriate discounts in a timely manner. Furthermore, because marketing messages were not tailored based on user emotions, there were limitations to improving the user experience.

[1919] The identification processing by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, a means for recognizing user emotions, and a means for adjusting marketing messages based on user emotion data. This makes it possible to efficiently manage and sell products whose expiration dates are approaching, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1920] A "store" is a physical location for offering consumer goods.

[1921] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or other product can be safely consumed.

[1922] The "means for registering products" is an interface for entering product information (such as name, price, expiration date, and quantity) into the system and storing it in the database.

[1923] "Means for monitoring expiration dates in real time" refers to a system for continuously checking product expiration dates and identifying products whose expiration dates are approaching.

[1924] The "discounting means" is a system that automatically lowers the prices of products that are close to their expiration date and updates discount information.

[1925] "Means of notifying discount information" refers to the method of informing users of discounted product information, such as by notification or email.

[1926] "Means for searching for products" refers to the functionality that allows consumers to use the system to search for discounted products.

[1927] "Means to reserve" is a function that allows consumers to temporarily reserve discounted products they have found in order to purchase them.

[1928] "Payment means" refers to a function that allows a consumer to complete payment for a product that they have reserved.

[1929] "Means for collecting purchasing data" refers to a system for collecting consumer purchasing information and storing it in a database.

[1930] "Means for analyzing purchasing data" refers to a system for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying consumer purchasing patterns and preferences.

[1931] "Marketing means" refers to methods for implementing promotions and sales strategies appropriate for consumers based on the analyzed data.

[1932] The "means for recognizing emotions" is a system that uses a camera and microphone to analyze emotions from the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[1933] "Means for adjusting marketing messages based on emotional data" refers to a method for optimizing the content and timing of marketing messages based on the results of user emotional analysis.

[1934] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with a user emotion engine. Each of the main functions of this system will be explained below.

[1935] Product Registration

[1936] server:

[1937] It provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. This information is sent to the server and stored in a database. Specifically, if a store staff member enters "500ml of milk, price 200 yen, expiration date in 3 days, quantity 50," this information is saved and monitoring is set up in the AI.

[1938] Discount Management

[1939] server:

[1940] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml bottle of milk has one day left until its expiration date and sets a 20% discount. This results in a new price of 160 yen, and the user is notified of this information.

[1941] Product search and reservation

[1942] User:

[1943] The user opens the smartphone app, transmits their current location information, and searches for discounted items at nearby stores. They select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items and click the reserve button. The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, if a user reserves "500ml of milk" using the app, this information is saved in the server and notified to the store.

[1944] Payment and receipt

[1945] User:

[1946] The user visits the designated store to pick up the reserved item. They can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store. The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen of their prepayment on the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[1947] Customer data analysis

[1948] server:

[1949] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to each individual user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A tends to frequently purchase a particular product, and that information can be used to notify users of discounts and new product information.

[1950] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1951] User:

[1952] While using the app, the camera and microphone capture the user's facial expressions and voice data. The device then sends the captured data to an emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The server then tailors marketing messages to the user based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine. For example, if the camera captures a user's facial expression while they are looking at information about a specific product in the app, and the emotion engine recognizes their "interest," it will instantly notify them of special offers and coupons related to that product.

[1953] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1954] While users are browsing products they are interested in, the camera captures their facial expressions and analyzes their emotions, and based on those emotions, the system notifies them of special offers and coupons in real time.

[1955] This system will streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[1956] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1957] Step 1:

[1958] Product Registration

[1959] The server provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. This input information is sent to the server and saved in a database. Inputs include the product name "Milk 500ml," price "200 yen," expiration date "3 days later," and quantity "50," and the output is the product information correctly saved in the database.

[1960] Step 2:

[1961] Expiration date monitoring and discount calculation

[1962] The server uses AI to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. It automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for the detected products and saves the updated discount information in the database. The input is all product information in the database, and the output is updated information on products with discounts applied (e.g., the price of 500ml of milk is changed to 160 yen).

[1963] Step 3:

[1964] Notification of discount information

[1965] The server notifies the user of discounted product information within the app. The input is discounted product information, and the output is a pop-up notification of the discount information on the user's smartphone. For example, a notification will appear on the user's smartphone saying, "500ml of milk has been discounted to 160 yen."

[1966] Step 4:

[1967] Product search and reservation

[1968] The user opens the smartphone app, transmits their current location information, and searches for discounted items at nearby stores. The input is the user's current location information, and the output is a list of nearby stores and their discounted items. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server, and the target store is notified.

[1969] Step 5:

[1970] Payment and receipt

[1971] The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store. The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed. The input is the user's payment information, and the output is a record in the database indicating that the transaction has been completed.

[1972] Step 6:

[1973] Customer data collection and analysis

[1974] The server collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database. The AI ​​analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. The input is each user's purchasing data, and the output is the analysis results (user's purchasing patterns and preferences). Based on this analysis result, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to each individual user are generated.

[1975] Step 7:

[1976] Incorporating an emotion engine

[1977] While a user is using the app, the camera and microphone capture the user's facial and voice data. The device then sends the captured data to an emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The input is the user's facial and voice data, and the output is emotion analysis results (e.g., interest, joy, surprise, etc.). The server adjusts marketing messages to the user in real time based on the emotion analysis results. For example, if a user's facial expression is captured with the camera while looking at information about a specific product in the app, and the emotion engine recognizes "interest," the user will be instantly notified of special offers and coupons related to that product.

[1978] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1979] While users are browsing products they are interested in, the camera captures their facial expressions and analyzes their emotions, and based on those emotions, the system notifies them of special offers and coupons in real time.

[1980] These processing steps streamline the management and sale of products approaching their expiration date, while improving the user experience and enabling more personalized marketing.

[1981] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the headset type terminal 314. In the headset type terminal 314, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 and the display 343 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires audio indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits audio data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[1982] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[1983] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the headset type terminal 314.

[1984] [Fourth embodiment]

[1985] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[1986] 7, a data processing system 410 includes a data processing device 12 and a robot 414. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[1987] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[1988] The robot 414 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication I / F 44, and a control target 443. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, the camera 42, and the control target 443 are also connected to the bus 52.

[1989] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46.

[1990] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the field of vision of a typical healthy person).

[1991] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is carried out in a secure state.

[1992] The control object 443 includes a display device, LEDs in the eyes, and motors for driving the arms, hands, and feet. The posture and gestures of the robot 414 are controlled by controlling the motors of the arms, hands, and feet. Some of the emotions of the robot 414 can be expressed by controlling these motors. In addition, the facial expressions of the robot 414 can also be expressed by controlling the light emission state of the LEDs in the eyes of the robot 414.

[1993] Fig. 8 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the robot 414. As shown in Fig. 8, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[1994] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[1995] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[1996] In the robot 414, the processor 46 performs the reception output process. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[1997] Next, a description will be given of the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1998] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1999] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time and discounts the products, benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail the mode for implementing the present invention.

[2000] Product Registration

[2001] server:

[2002] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[2003] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[2004] Examples:

[2005] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[2006] Discount Management

[2007] server:

[2008] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[2009] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date and set a new price.

[2010] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[2011] Examples:

[2012] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[2013] Product search and reservation

[2014] User:

[2015] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[2016] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[2017] server:

[2018] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[2019] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[2020] Examples:

[2021] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[2022] Payment and receipt

[2023] User:

[2024] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[2025] server:

[2026] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[2027] Examples:

[2028] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[2029] Customer data analysis

[2030] server:

[2031] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[2032] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[2033] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[2034] Examples:

[2035] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[2036] Through the above process, the system based on the present invention improves the efficiency of managing and selling products that are approaching their expiration date, allowing users to purchase products economically and stores to reduce waste.

[2037] The processing flow will be explained below.

[2038] Product Registration

[2039] Step 1:

[2040] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[2041] Step 2:

[2042] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[2043] Step 3:

[2044] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[2045] Step 4:

[2046] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[2047] Step 5:

[2048] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[2049] Discount Management

[2050] Step 1:

[2051] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[2052] Step 2:

[2053] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[2054] Step 3:

[2055] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[2056] Step 4:

[2057] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[2058] Product search and reservation

[2059] Step 1:

[2060] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[2061] Step 2:

[2062] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and sends it to the device.

[2063] Step 3:

[2064] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[2065] Step 4:

[2066] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[2067] Step 5:

[2068] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[2069] Step 6:

[2070] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[2071] Payment and receipt

[2072] Step 1:

[2073] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[2074] Step 2:

[2075] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[2076] Step 3:

[2077] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[2078] Step 4:

[2079] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[2080] Customer data analysis

[2081] Step 1:

[2082] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[2083] Step 2:

[2084] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[2085] Step 3:

[2086] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[2087] Step 4:

[2088] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[2089] Example 1

[2090] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[2091] Retail stores are required to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration dates and reduce waste. However, conventional systems require a lot of effort to monitor and discount products approaching their expiration dates, making it difficult to respond quickly and appropriately. It is also difficult for users to easily find discounted products, which does not stimulate purchasing motivation. As a result, many expired products are discarded, resulting in significant losses for stores. Furthermore, efficient marketing is not carried out, making it difficult to provide users with appropriate product information and campaigns.

[2092] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[2093] In this invention, the server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for searching for nearby stores based on the user's location information and generating a list of discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, and means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns. This allows stores to efficiently manage products approaching their expiration date, and enables users to obtain information on discounted products and purchase them at the appropriate time.

[2094] A "store" is an entity that registers products that are nearing their expiration date and sells those products.

[2095] "Product" refers to an item sold in a retail store that has a expiration date.

[2096] "Best before date" is the date by which a product can be consumed while still maintaining its quality.

[2097] The "means for registration" is a function that provides an interface for stores to input and save product information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[2098] The "monitoring means" is a function that checks the expiration dates of registered products in real time and automatically detects products whose expiration date is approaching.

[2099] "Means for discounting" is a function for calculating an appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and setting a new price.

[2100] "Means of notification" refers to a function that notifies users of updated discount information via the app or other communication means.

[2101] A "user" is someone who uses the app or system to search for and purchase discounted products.

[2102] "Means to search" is a function that allows users to open the app, send their current location information, and search for discounted products at nearby stores.

[2103] "Means to make a reservation" is a function that allows users to select the product they want to purchase from a list of discounted products and make a reservation.

[2104] "Payment method" refers to the function that allows users to make prepayments or payments at stores through the app.

[2105] "Purchase data" refers to historical information about products purchased by a user, including information such as product name, quantity, price, and purchase date and time.

[2106] "Means of analysis" refers to a function that uses purchasing data to analyze users' purchasing patterns and preferences and develop marketing strategies based on that.

[2107] "Marketing means" refers to a function that suggests campaigns and recommended products suitable for users based on analyzed data.

[2108] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[2109] This invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores. This system allows stores to register products that are approaching their expiration date, and AI monitors and discounts the expiration date in real time, notifying users, benefiting both consumers and stores.

[2110] Hardware and software used

[2111] The system uses the following hardware and software:

[2112] Server: The database and AI model are located here.

[2113] Terminal: Used by store staff and users.

[2114] Application: A device that allows users to search for products, make reservations, and make payments.

[2115] Database: Stores product information, user location information, and purchase data.

[2116] AI model: Monitors product expiration dates, calculates discount rates, and analyzes purchasing data.

[2117] Product Registration

[2118] server:

[2119] It provides an interface for stores to register products. When a store clerk enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, and quantity, the server receives the information sent and stores it in a database. For example, if a store clerk registers 500ml of milk with a price of 200 yen, an expiration date of 3 days, and a quantity of 50, the server stores this information in the database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[2120] Discount Management

[2121] server:

[2122] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are close to their expiration date. It calculates the appropriate discount rate for these products, sets a new price, and notifies the user of the updated discount information within the app. For example, the AI ​​detects that a 500ml item of milk has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. It notifies the user of this information.

[2123] Product search and reservation

[2124] User:

[2125] Users open the app, send their current location, search for discounted items at nearby stores, select the item they want to purchase from the list of discounted items, and click the reserve button.

[2126] server:

[2127] The server generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted products based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user's reservation information is saved in a database and notified to the store. For example, when a user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, the information is saved on the server and notified to the store.

[2128] Payment and receipt

[2129] User:

[2130] Users visit the designated store to pick up their reserved items, choosing to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[2131] server:

[2132] The server receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store. For example, when a user visits a store and shows the confirmation screen for pre-paid payment in the app, the server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[2133] Customer data analysis

[2134] server:

[2135] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database. AI analyzes the purchasing data to identify the user's purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and recommended products tailored to the user are generated. For example, past purchasing data can be used to identify that User A frequently purchases dairy products such as "milk," "yogurt," and "cheese," and this information can be used to notify users of discount coupons and new product information for specific dairy products.

[2136] Example prompts for generative AI models

[2137] "Use AI to generate a list of products that are close to expiry date and calculate the optimal discount rate."

[2138] "Please suggest a marketing campaign suitable for User B based on their past purchasing data."

[2139] This prompt allows the AI ​​to perform specific actions and have the results reflected throughout the system.

[2140] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[2141] Step 1:

[2142] Terminal: The store clerk opens the product registration screen and enters information such as the product name, price, expiration date, quantity, etc. The data entered is the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiration date "3 days later", and quantity "50".

[2143] Server: Receives the entered data and saves it in the database. It is saved in the database as a new record.

[2144] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity information

[2145] Output: Product records stored in the database

[2146] Specific behavior:

[2147] The store staff opens the product registration screen on the terminal.

[2148] Enter the product name "Milk 500ml", price "200 yen", expiry date "3 days later", and quantity "50", then press the send button.

[2149] The server receives the product information and stores it in a database.

[2150] Step 2:

[2151] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans the database and automatically detects products with an approaching expiration date. The AI ​​calculates the expiration date of the products and determines which products have an upcoming expiration date. For example, it detects "500ml of milk" whose expiration date is one day away.

[2152] Input: All product information in the database

[2153] Output: A list of products with an upcoming expiration date

[2154] Specific behavior:

[2155] AI scans the database and retrieves product information.

[2156] Check the expiration date of each product and make a list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[2157] Step 3:

[2158] Server: Calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price. For example, for a 500ml bottle of milk whose expiration date is one day away, a 20% discount is applied and the price is updated to 160 yen.

[2159] Input: List of products with an approaching expiration date

[2160] Output: A list of new discounted prices

[2161] Specific behavior:

[2162] AI categorizes products with approaching expiration dates into categories.

[2163] Calculate the discount rate for each item and set the new price.

[2164] Step 4:

[2165] Server: Notify the user of the updated discount information. Generate a notification message with a list of discounted items and send it to the user via the app's push notification function.

[2166] Input: List of new discounted prices

[2167] Output: A message to inform the user

[2168] Specific behavior:

[2169] Format the updated pricing information into your app's notification message.

[2170] Use the app's push notification feature to send notifications to users.

[2171] Step 5:

[2172] User: The user opens the app and sends their current location. The app then sends the location to the server to search for discounted products in nearby stores.

[2173] Input: User's location

[2174] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[2175] Specific behavior:

[2176] The user opens the app and allows location sharing.

[2177] The app sends the location information to the server.

[2178] Step 6:

[2179] Server: Generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items based on the user's location information and provides it to the user.

[2180] Input: User's location

[2181] Output: List of nearby stores and discounted items

[2182] Specific behavior:

[2183] The server receives the user's location information and searches for stores within the specified range.

[2184] A list of discounted products in the area is generated and presented to the user.

[2185] Step 7:

[2186] User: The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list and clicks the reservation button. The reservation information is sent to the server.

[2187] Input: User-selected product information

[2188] Output: Save reservation information to database

[2189] Specific behavior:

[2190] The user selects "500ml of milk" from the list of discounted items in the app.

[2191] Click the Reservation button to send the reservation information to the server.

[2192] Step 8:

[2193] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. The server saves this reservation information in a database and sends the reservation information to the target store in real time.

[2194] Input: User's reservation information

[2195] Output: Save reservation information in the database and notify the store

[2196] Specific behavior:

[2197] The server receives the reservation information and stores it in a database.

[2198] Notify the target store of reservation information.

[2199] Step 9:

[2200] User: The user visits the designated store and picks up the reserved product. They can choose to pay in advance or at the store through the app.

[2201] Input: Advance payment information or in-store payment information

[2202] Output: Transaction completion status

[2203] Specific behavior:

[2204] If the user chooses to prepay in the app, they enter their credit card information.

[2205] Present the prepayment confirmation screen to the store staff.

[2206] Step 10:

[2207] Server: Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[2208] Input: Payment information

[2209] Output: Transaction status update and notification to the store

[2210] Specific behavior:

[2211] The server receives the payment information and stores it in a database.

[2212] Update the transaction status to "Completed" and notify the store.

[2213] (Application example 1)

[2214] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[2215] In conventional retail stores, the management and sale of products approaching their expiration dates was inefficient, resulting in a high level of waste. Information about discounted products was also not promptly delivered to consumers, resulting in missed sales opportunities. Furthermore, there were few ways for consumers to easily search for discounted products available at nearby stores. A system that could solve these problems and achieve more effective and efficient inventory management and sales promotion was needed.

[2216] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[2217] In this invention, the server includes means for stores to register products approaching their expiration dates, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products approaching their expiration dates, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, and means for searching for and offering discounted products at nearby stores based on user location information. This enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration dates, reduces waste, and enables consumers to purchase products economically.

[2218] A "store" is a commercial facility such as a retail store that sells products.

[2219] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or product can be safely consumed.

[2220] "Product registration means" refers to an interface or method by which a store can register products that are approaching their expiration date in the system.

[2221] "Real-time monitoring" refers to constantly checking product expiration dates and taking the necessary steps immediately.

[2222] A "discount method" is a function or algorithm for discounting the price of products that are approaching their expiration date.

[2223] "Notification means" refers to the functions and methods by which the system notifies users of discount information.

[2224] "User" means a consumer who uses the system.

[2225] "Search means" is a function that allows users to search for discounted products within the system.

[2226] "Reservation means" is a function that allows users to reserve discounted products.

[2227] "Payment method" is a function that processes payments to purchase products selected by the user.

[2228] "Purchase Data" refers to information about products purchased by users through the system.

[2229] "Analysis means" refers to a method for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying user purchasing patterns.

[2230] "Marketing tools" are functions for promoting and proposing products to users based on analyzed data.

[2231] "Location information" is information that indicates the user's current location.

[2232] "Provision means" is a function that searches for discounted products at nearby stores based on the user's location information and provides that information.

[2233] The present invention is a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in physical stores. This system allows stores to register product information, and AI monitors the expiration date in real time, appropriately discounts the product, and notifies users, thereby benefiting both consumers and stores. The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention.

[2234] Hardware and software configuration

[2235] Hardware:

[2236] Server: A computer system for managing and analyzing product data

[2237] Smartphones: Mobile devices used by customers and store associates

[2238] software:

[2239] Programming language: Python

[2240] Database: MySQL

[2241] AI engine: TensorFlow

[2242] Program Overview

[2243] The server includes means for a store to register products approaching their expiration date, means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products approaching their expiration date, means for notifying users of discount information, means for users to search for, reserve and pay for discounted products, means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, and means for searching for and providing discounted products in nearby stores based on user location information.

[2244] Specific examples of processing

[2245] 1. Product Registration

[2246] The server provides an interface where store staff can input product names, prices, expiration dates, and quantities using their smartphones. The product information is then stored in a database, and AI begins monitoring.

[2247] Example: A store clerk registers "Milk 500ml" for 200 yen, with a use-by date of 3 days and a quantity of 50.

[2248] 2. Discount Management

[2249] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products that are nearing their expiration date. For those products, it sets an appropriate discount rate and calculates a new price.

[2250] Example: A 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date in one day is discounted by 20% to 160 yen, and the user is notified.

[2251] 3. Product search and reservation

[2252] Users can open the app on their smartphones, send their current location information, search for discounted products at nearby stores, and reserve the products they like.

[2253] Example: A user searches for discount information on "500ml of milk" based on their location information and clicks the reservation button.

[2254] 4. Payment and Receipt

[2255] The user visits the store and picks up the reserved item. The server allows the user to choose to pay in advance or at the store.

[2256] Example: A user picks up a product at a store and shows the prepayment confirmation screen on the app to the store clerk.

[2257] 5. Customer Data Analysis

[2258] The server collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. An AI engine analyzes the data and identifies user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[2259] Example: From User A's purchasing data, identify the products that he or she frequently purchases, and use that information to notify him or her of discounts and new product information.

[2260] Prompt Sentence Examples

[2261] "Identify patterns of frequently purchased products from past purchase data and recommend products to users the next time they make a purchase."

[2262] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[2263] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[2264] Step 1: Product Registration

[2265] The server provides an interface for the store staff to input product information (product name, price, expiration date, and quantity).

[2266] Specific behavior:

[2267] Store staff enter product information using a smartphone.

[2268] Input: Product name, price, expiration date, quantity

[2269] Output: Product information is saved in the database.

[2270] Data processing: Accept product information and store it in a database.

[2271] Step 2: Real-time monitoring of expiration dates

[2272] The server uses an AI engine to periodically scan the database and automatically detect products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[2273] Specific behavior:

[2274] The AI ​​engine periodically scans all products in the database.

[2275] Input: All product information in the database

[2276] Output: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[2277] Data calculation: Detects and lists products whose expiration date falls within a specified period.

[2278] Step 3: Discount calculation and setup

[2279] The server's AI engine automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for detected products with an approaching expiration date and sets a new price.

[2280] Specific behavior:

[2281] The AI ​​engine calculates the discount rate and sets the new price.

[2282] Input: A list of products that are close to expiry date

[2283] Output: New price of the item with the discount applied

[2284] Data calculation: Calculating discount rates and setting new prices

[2285] Step 4: Notification of discount information

[2286] The server notifies the user of the discount information.

[2287] Specific behavior:

[2288] The server sends discount information to the user's terminal.

[2289] Input: New price information for the item with the discount applied

[2290] Output: Notification sent to user device

[2291] Data processing: generating and sending notification messages to users

[2292] Step 5: Product Search

[2293] Users use their smartphones to send their current location and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[2294] Specific behavior:

[2295] A user submits a search request within the app.

[2296] Input: User's location

[2297] Output: List of discounted items in nearby stores

[2298] Data calculation: Search and list discounted products in nearby stores based on location information.

[2299] Step 6: Product reservation

[2300] Users select the product they like and click the reservation button to reserve the product.

[2301] Specific behavior:

[2302] The user makes a booking within the app.

[2303] Input: User ID, Product ID

[2304] Output: The reservation information is saved in the database and notified to the store.

[2305] Data processing: Save the user's reservation information and notify the store.

[2306] Step 7: Prepayment

[2307] Users can choose to pay in advance through the app or pay in-store.

[2308] Specific behavior:

[2309] The user selects a payment method and makes the payment.

[2310] Input: User's payment information

[2311] Output: The transaction status is updated and payment completion information is saved.

[2312] Data calculations: payment processing and transaction status updates

[2313] Step 8: Analyze customer data

[2314] The server collects purchasing data, and an AI engine analyzes the data to identify users' purchasing patterns.

[2315] Specific behavior:

[2316] The server analyzes the purchasing data and identifies the user's purchasing patterns.

[2317] Input: Collected purchasing data

[2318] Output: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[2319] Data crunching: analyzing purchasing data and identifying patterns

[2320] Step 9: Implement a marketing campaign

[2321] The server then executes marketing campaigns suited to individual users based on the analysis results.

[2322] Specific behavior:

[2323] The server generates campaign content and notifies the user.

[2324] Input: Purchasing pattern analysis results

[2325] Output: Individual marketing campaign information

[2326] Data calculation: Campaign content generation and notification

[2327] This will enable efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, reducing waste and enabling consumers to purchase products more economically.

[2328] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[2329] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[2330] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Hereinafter, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[2331] Product Registration

[2332] server:

[2333] It provides an interface for stores to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

[2334] The sent product information is received and stored in a database, and the AI ​​uses this information to monitor the products.

[2335] Examples:

[2336] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[2337] Discount Management

[2338] server:

[2339] AI periodically scans the database and automatically detects products that are nearing their expiration date.

[2340] To automatically calculate an appropriate discount rate for products approaching their expiration date.

[2341] Notify users of updated discount information within the app.

[2342] Examples:

[2343] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk that has one day left until its expiration date, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is then notified to the user.

[2344] Product search and reservation

[2345] User:

[2346] Open the app, submit your current location, and search for discounted items in nearby stores.

[2347] Select the item you want to purchase from the discounted item list and click the Reserve button.

[2348] server:

[2349] Based on the user's location, a list of nearby stores and their discounted products is generated and provided to the user.

[2350] The user's reservation information is stored in a database and notified to the applicable store.

[2351] Examples:

[2352] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app. This information is saved on the server and sent to the store.

[2353] Payment and receipt

[2354] User:

[2355] Visit the designated store and pick up your reserved items. You can choose to pay in advance through the app or at the store.

[2356] server:

[2357] Receives the user's payment information, updates the transaction status, and notifies the store that the payment has been completed.

[2358] Examples:

[2359] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[2360] Customer data analysis

[2361] server:

[2362] All purchasing data is collected and stored in a database.

[2363] AI analyzes purchasing data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences.

[2364] Based on the analysis results, marketing campaigns and product recommendations are generated that are suited to individual users.

[2365] Examples:

[2366] From past purchasing data, we can identify a tendency for user A to frequently purchase certain products, and use that information to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[2367] Incorporating an emotion engine

[2368] User:

[2369] While using the app, the camera and microphone collect the user's facial expressions and voice data.

[2370] Device:

[2371] The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine to analyze the user's emotions.

[2372] server:

[2373] Marketing messages to users are tailored based on emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[2374] Examples:

[2375] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[2376] Through the above process, the system based on this invention not only improves the efficiency of managing and selling products approaching their expiration date, but also, by utilizing an emotion engine, improves the user experience and enables marketing tailored to individual needs.

[2377] The processing flow will be explained below.

[2378] Product Registration

[2379] Step 1:

[2380] Terminal: The store associate opens the application and accesses the product registration form.

[2381] Step 2:

[2382] Terminal: Enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity into the form.

[2383] Step 3:

[2384] On your device: Check the information you entered and click the Send button.

[2385] Step 4:

[2386] Server: Receives the sent product information and stores it in a database.

[2387] Step 5:

[2388] Server: Passes saved product information to AI and sets up real-time monitoring.

[2389] Discount Management

[2390] Step 1:

[2391] Server: The AI ​​periodically scans all products in the database and detects those nearing their expiration date.

[2392] Step 2:

[2393] Server: Automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with an approaching expiration date.

[2394] Step 3:

[2395] Server: Update the product information with the new discounted price and save it to the database.

[2396] Step 4:

[2397] Server: Notify the user of discounted product information within the app.

[2398] Product search and reservation

[2399] Step 1:

[2400] User: Opens the app and sends current location information.

[2401] Step 2:

[2402] Server: Based on the user's current location, it generates a list of nearby stores and their discounted items and provides it to the user.

[2403] Step 3:

[2404] Terminal: Show the user a list of discounted products.

[2405] Step 4:

[2406] User: Select the product you want to purchase and click the Reserve button.

[2407] Step 5:

[2408] Terminal: Sends reservation information to the server.

[2409] Step 6:

[2410] Server: Saves the user's reservation information in a database and notifies the relevant store.

[2411] Payment and receipt

[2412] Step 1:

[2413] User: Visit the designated store to purchase the reserved item.

[2414] Step 2:

[2415] User: Show the confirmation screen of the prepayment made in the app or pay directly at the store.

[2416] Step 3:

[2417] Server: Receives user payment information and updates transaction status.

[2418] Step 4:

[2419] Server: Notifies the store of the payment completion information.

[2420] Customer data analysis

[2421] Step 1:

[2422] Server: Collects all purchasing data and stores it in a database.

[2423] Step 2:

[2424] Server: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user purchasing patterns and preferences.

[2425] Step 3:

[2426] Server: Based on the analysis results, generate marketing campaigns and recommended products suitable for individual users.

[2427] Step 4:

[2428] Server: Notifies the user of the generated marketing information.

[2429] Incorporating an emotion engine

[2430] Step 1:

[2431] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[2432] Step 2:

[2433] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to the emotion engine and the user's emotions are analyzed.

[2434] Step 3:

[2435] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[2436] Step 4:

[2437] Server: Notifies users of tailored marketing messages and product recommendations.

[2438] Example 2

[2439] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[2440] In conventional retail store systems, it has been difficult to effectively manage products approaching their expiration date while simultaneously improving the user experience. In particular, there is a need for automatic discounts on products approaching their expiration date and for marketing optimization based on users' purchasing trends. Furthermore, there has been no system that utilizes users' real-time emotional data to deliver appropriate marketing messages.

[2441] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchase patterns, a means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on user location information, and a means for analyzing user emotion data and adjusting marketing messages based on the user's emotions. This enables efficient management and sales of products whose expiration dates are approaching and an improved user experience.

[2442] The "means for stores to register products approaching their expiration date" refers to an interface and processing functions that allow store staff to input product information that is approaching its expiration date and register it in the system.

[2443] The "means of monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and discounting products with an approaching expiration date" refers to AI and scripts that allow the server to monitor product information in real time based on a database, automatically detect products with an approaching expiration date, and set appropriate discounts.

[2444] "Means for notifying users of discount information" refers to a communication function for sending users updated discount information via push notifications or email notifications.

[2445] "Means for users to search, reserve, and pay for discounted products" refers to the interface and processing functions that allow users to use the application to search for discounted products, reserve selected products, and make advance payments if necessary.

[2446] "Means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data" refers to a database and AI analysis function that collects and analyzes users' purchasing history data to identify purchasing patterns and trends.

[2447] "Means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns" refers to a function for setting up and notifying marketing campaigns appropriate for individual users based on collected and analyzed customer data.

[2448] "Means for generating a product list of nearby stores based on the user's location information" is a processing function that uses location information obtained from the user's terminal to generate information about nearby stores and a list of discounted products based on that location and provides them to the user.

[2449] "Means for analyzing user emotional data and adjusting marketing messages based on emotions" refers to a processing function that acquires facial expressions and voice data of users while using the app and analyzes them with an emotion analysis engine to provide marketing messages that correspond to the user's emotional state.

[2450] The present invention provides a system that enables efficient management and sales of products approaching their expiration date in retail stores, and further improves the user experience by combining it with an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions. Specific embodiments of this system are described below.

[2451] Product Registration

[2452] Server: Provides an interface for store staff to register products. Store staff can enter information such as product name, price, expiration date, and quantity. The entered product information is sent to the server, which stores it in a database (e.g., MySQL). The AI ​​uses this information to monitor products.

[2453] Examples:

[2454] A store clerk registers 500ml of milk. The price is 200 yen, the expiration date is three days later, and the quantity is 50. The server stores this information in a database and sets up monitoring in the AI.

[2455] Discount Management

[2456] Server: Regularly scans the database and automatically detects products with approaching expiration dates. AI monitors the expiration dates of each product in real time and automatically calculates the appropriate discount rate for products with approaching expiration dates. New discount information is notified to users via push notifications.

[2457] Examples:

[2458] The AI ​​detects a 500ml bottle of milk with a use-by date the next day, sets a 20% discount, and sets the new price at 160 yen. This information is notified to the user via a push notification.

[2459] Product search and reservation

[2460] User: Opens the app and sends location information. The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items at those stores based on the user's location information and provides it to the user. The user selects the item they want to purchase from the discounted item list within the app and clicks the reserve button.

[2461] Examples:

[2462] A user reserves 500ml of milk through the app, and this information is stored on the server and notified to the store.

[2463] Payment and receipt

[2464] User: Visits the designated store and picks up the reserved item. Chooses to pay in advance through the app or pay at the store.

[2465] Server: Receives payment information and updates the transaction status. The store is notified when the payment is complete.

[2466] Examples:

[2467] The user visits the store and shows the confirmation screen of the payment made in advance through the app. The server updates the payment information and records that the transaction has been completed.

[2468] Customer data analysis

[2469] Server: Collects all purchase data and stores it in a database. AI analyzes the purchase data to identify users' purchasing patterns and preferences. Based on the analysis results, it generates marketing campaigns and product recommendations tailored to individual users.

[2470] Examples:

[2471] Past purchasing data is used to identify users' tendency to frequently purchase certain products, and this information is used to notify them of discounts and new product information.

[2472] Incorporating an emotion engine

[2473] User: While using the app, facial expressions and voice data are collected through the camera and microphone.

[2474] Terminal: The acquired data is sent to an emotion engine (e.g., emotion analysis API) to analyze the user's emotions.

[2475] Server: Tailors marketing messages to users based on the emotional data analyzed by the emotion engine.

[2476] Examples:

[2477] While a user is looking at information about a specific product in the app, the camera captures their facial expressions, and if the emotion engine recognizes "interest," it instantly notifies them of deals and coupons related to that product.

[2478] These processes not only streamline the management and sales of products approaching their expiration date, but also utilize an emotion engine to improve the user experience and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[2479] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[2480] Product Registration

[2481] Step 1:

[2482] Input: The store staff inputs product information (product name, price, expiration date, quantity).

[2483] Operation: A store employee enters product information into the app's input form and clicks the "Register" button.

[2484] Output: The entered product information is sent to the server.

[2485] Step 2:

[2486] Input: The product information entered.

[2487] Operation: The server analyzes the received product information and saves it in a database.

[2488] Output: Product information is saved in a database (e.g. MySQL).

[2489] Step 3:

[2490] Input: Saved product information.

[2491] Operation: The server's AI retrieves product information and sets up monitoring. For example, it periodically checks expiration dates using a scheduled task.

[2492] Output: AI product monitoring setup is complete.

[2493] Discount Management

[2494] Step 1:

[2495] Input: All product information in the database.

[2496] How it works: A server-based AI scans the database periodically each day to identify products that are nearing their expiration date. For example, a Python script is set up as a Cron job.

[2497] Output: A list of products with an approaching expiration date is generated.

[2498] Step 2:

[2499] Input: A list of products that are close to their expiration date.

[2500] How it works: The AI ​​calculates the appropriate discount rate. For example, if the expiration date of a product is one day away, it sets a 20% discount.

[2501] Output: The calculated discount percentage is updated as the new price.

[2502] Step 3:

[2503] Input: Updated discount information.

[2504] How it works: The server notifies the user of the discount using a push notification system (e.g., Firebase Cloud Messaging).

[2505] Output: The user is notified of the discount.

[2506] Product search and reservation

[2507] Step 1:

[2508] Input: The user's location.

[2509] How it works: The user opens the app and allows location data to be sent. The current location is obtained through the device's GPS sensor and sent to the server.

[2510] Output: The location information sent to the server.

[2511] Step 2:

[2512] Input: The user's location.

[2513] How it works: The server generates a list of nearby stores and discounted items based on the user's location, and provides it to the user. The Geo-location API is used.

[2514] Output: The store and product list provided to the user.

[2515] Step 3:

[2516] Input: Reservation information for the product selected by the user.

[2517] How it works: A user selects an item in the app and clicks the "Reserve" button.

[2518] Output: The user's reservation information is sent to the server.

[2519] Step 4:

[2520] Input: User's booking information.

[2521] How it works: The server saves reservation information in a database and notifies the target store. Firebase Cloud Messaging is used as the notification system.

[2522] Output: Reservation information stored in the database and notification to the store.

[2523] Payment and receipt

[2524] Step 1:

[2525] Input: User's payment selection.

[2526] How it works: The user chooses whether to pay in advance or in-store. If they choose to pay in advance, they enter their credit card information.

[2527] Output: Payment information is sent to the server.

[2528] Step 2:

[2529] Input: User's payment information.

[2530] How it works: Your server receives payment information and processes it through a payment gateway (e.g., Stripe API).

[2531] Output: The result of the payment process is updated.

[2532] Step 3:

[2533] Input: Information for which payment has been completed.

[2534] How it works: The user visits the designated store and shows the reservation confirmation screen. The store staff hands over the product.

[2535] Output: Item received.

[2536] Step 4:

[2537] Input: Confirmation of receipt of goods.

[2538] Action: The server updates the transaction status and saves it to the database.

[2539] Output: Transaction status updates stored in the database.

[2540] Customer data analysis

[2541] Step 1:

[2542] Input: All purchasing data.

[2543] How it works: The server collects customer purchase history data and stores it in a database.

[2544] Output: Purchasing data stored in a database.

[2545] Step 2:

[2546] Input: Saved purchasing data.

[2547] How it works: AI analyzes purchasing data to identify user buying patterns and preferences, for example using K-means clustering and collaborative filtering algorithms.

[2548] Output: Purchasing patterns identified as a result of the analysis.

[2549] Step 3:

[2550] Input: Analysis results of purchasing patterns.

[2551] How it works: The server sets up marketing campaigns tailored to individual users.

[2552] Output: The configured marketing campaign.

[2553] Step 4:

[2554] Input: Marketing campaign information.

[2555] How it works: The server uses a push notification system to notify individual users of recommended products.

[2556] Output: Recommended product information notified to the user.

[2557] Incorporating an emotion engine

[2558] Step 1:

[2559] Input: User's facial and voice data.

[2560] How it works: While the user is using the app, the device's camera and microphone capture facial and voice data and send it to the emotion engine in real time, for example, using the Emotion API.

[2561] Output: Facial and voice data sent to the emotion engine.

[2562] Step 2:

[2563] Input: The acquired emotion data.

[2564] How it works: The emotion engine performs analysis to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "interested" or "delighted").

[2565] Output: Parsed emotional state.

[2566] Step 3:

[2567] Input: Parsed emotional state.

[2568] How it works: The server tailors marketing messages to users based on their emotional state. For example, if a user shows interest in a particular product, it instantly notifies them of deals on that product.

[2569] Output: Tailored marketing messages.

[2570] (Application example 2)

[2571] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[2572] Conventional retail store inventory management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and selling products approaching their expiration dates. Furthermore, because marketing was not tailored to individual user needs, it was difficult to improve consumer satisfaction and purchasing motivation. In particular, there is a need for a method to efficiently inform consumers of products approaching their expiration date and to offer appropriate discounts in a timely manner. Furthermore, because marketing messages were not tailored based on user emotions, there were limitations to improving the user experience.

[2573] The identification processing by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes a means for a store to register products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products whose expiration dates are approaching, a means for notifying users of discount information, a means for users to search for, reserve, and pay for discounted products, a means for collecting and analyzing customer purchasing data, a means for conducting marketing based on customer purchasing patterns, a means for recognizing user emotions, and a means for adjusting marketing messages based on user emotion data. This makes it possible to efficiently manage and sell products whose expiration dates are approaching, improve the user experience, and enable marketing tailored to individual needs.

[2574] A "store" is a physical location for offering consumer goods.

[2575] A "use by" date is the date by which a food or other product can be safely consumed.

[2576] The "means for registering products" is an interface for entering product information (such as name, price, expiration date, and quantity) into the system and storing it in the database.

[2577] "Means for monitoring expiration dates in real time" refers to a system for continuously checking product expiration dates and identifying products whose expiration dates are approaching.

[2578] The "discounting means" is a system that automatically lowers the prices of products that are close to their expiration date and updates discount information.

[2579] "Means of notifying discount information" refers to the method of informing users of discounted product information, such as by notification or email.

[2580] "Means for searching for products" refers to the functionality that allows consumers to use the system to search for discounted products.

[2581] "Means to reserve" is a function that allows consumers to temporarily reserve discounted products they have found in order to purchase them.

[2582] "Payment means" refers to a function that allows a consumer to complete payment for a product that they have reserved.

[2583] "Means for collecting purchasing data" refers to a system for collecting consumer purchasing information and storing it in a database.

[2584] "Means for analyzing purchasing data" refers to a system for analyzing collected purchasing data and identifying consumer purchasing patterns and preferences.

[2585] "Marketing means" refers to methods for implementing promotions and sal...

Claims

1. A way for stores to register products that are approaching their expiration date, A method for monitoring the expiration dates of registered products in real time and offering discounts on products with an approaching expiration date; a means for notifying users of discount information; A way for users to search, reserve and pay for discounted products; A means for collecting and analyzing customer purchase data; A means of marketing based on customer purchasing patterns; A system including:

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for registering the product includes an interface for inputting the product name, price, expiration date, and quantity.

3. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring means automatically detects products whose expiration dates are within a specified period and sets an appropriate discount rate.

Images