Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device and an information processing program that can support the suggestion of appropriate alternative products. [Solution] The information processing device comprises an acquisition unit, a substitute product determination unit, and a notification unit. The acquisition unit acquires information on products that cannot be purchased from the products included in the user's order. The substitute product determination unit determines candidate substitute products for the products that cannot be purchased based on the user's history information. The notification unit notifies the user of the information on the candidate substitute products.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, online grocery shopping services, where customers order goods via the internet and receive them at their homes at their preferred time, have become increasingly popular. These services have proposed systems that allow customers to change their order if the ordered items are out of stock or otherwise unavailable. These systems would then offer alternative products to the customer, enabling them to modify their order.

[0003] However, with traditional services, products that do not match the customer's preferences may be selected as substitutes, which can lead to a decrease in sales.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a sales support system that can help propose alternative products that match the customer's preferences. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-103381 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can support the suggestion of appropriate alternative products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a substitute product determination processing unit, and a notification processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires information on products that cannot be purchased from the products included in the user's order. The substitute product determination processing unit determines substitute candidate products for the products that cannot be purchased based on the user's history information. The notification processing unit notifies the user of the information on the substitute candidate products.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sales business support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of server 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of product information according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of orderer information according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of order information according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of order content information according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of substitute product determination history information according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of purchase history information according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a shopping proxy processing procedure by the sales business support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a substitute product determination processing procedure by the sales business support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a modification example of a substitute product determination processing procedure by the sales business support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the second alternative product determination process by the server according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. (Configuration Example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sales business support system 100 according to the embodiment. The sales business support system 100 includes a server 1, an orderer terminal 2, an agent terminal 3, and a deliverer terminal 4. The server 1, the orderer terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the deliverer terminal 4 are communicably connected to each other via a network. For example, the network is composed of one or more of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network. Note that the sales business support system 100 may refer to a system including two devices, namely, the server 1 and at least one of the orderer terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the deliverer terminal 4.

[0010] The server 1 is a device that collects data and processes the collected data. The server 1 is communicably connected to the orderer terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the deliverer terminal 4 via a network. The server 1 receives various data from the orderer terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the deliverer terminal 4, and outputs various data to the orderer terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the deliverer terminal 4. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. A configuration example of the server 1 will be described later.

[0011] Server 1 provides a shopping proxy service. The shopping proxy service, for example, receives an order for a product from a customer via the orderer terminal 2 and assigns the picking of the product according to the order to a shopping proxy. A shopping proxy is also simply called a proxy. Picking is also called picking operation. The shopping proxy performs the picking operation for the products included in the assigned order. The shopping proxy performs the picking operation for at least one order. The shopping proxy, for example, completes the picking operation within a predetermined delivery time frame. When the picking operation by the shopping proxy is completed, the shopping proxy service requests the delivery person to deliver the product. The delivery person delivers the product for the assigned order.

[0012] Server 1 provides a shopping proxy service, for example, based on a shopping proxy program. When a product included in an order is out of stock by the shopping proxy, Server 1 proposes alternative products to the customer. Server 1 performs an alternative product determination process, for example, based on an alternative product proposal program.

[0013] The orderer terminal 2 is a device capable of communicating with other devices. The orderer terminal 2 is, for example, a device used by a customer who uses the shopping proxy service. The customer, for example, operates the orderer terminal 2 to place an order for a product. For example, the customer logs in to the shopping proxy service provided by Server 1 and places an order for a product according to the order image displayed on the display device of the orderer terminal 2. The customer places an order for a product by inputting information such as the product, delivery location, delivery date and time, etc. The orderer terminal 2 is a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The customer may be read as an orderer, an order placer, a consumer, a user, or a person. The orderer terminal 2 is an example of an information processing terminal. The customer is an example of a user of the orderer terminal 2. The sales business support system 100 includes at least one orderer terminal 2.

[0014] The agent terminal 3 is a device capable of communicating with other devices. The agent terminal 3 is, for example, a device used by an agent who performs picking work, such as picking up goods at a store in accordance with a customer's order. For example, the agent performs picking work based on an assignment image displayed on the display device of the agent terminal 3. For example, the agent terminal 3 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. The agent may be read as picking person, picker, worker, employee, store clerk, staff member, user, or person. The agent is an example of a user of the agent terminal 3. The sales business support system 100 includes at least one agent terminal 3.

[0015] The delivery terminal 4 is a device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. The delivery terminal 4 is, for example, a device used by a delivery person. The delivery terminal 4 obtains delivery assignment information from, for example, the server 1. The delivery person performs delivery work based on an assignment image or the like showing the delivery assignment information displayed on the display device of the delivery terminal 4. For example, the delivery terminal 4 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. The term "delivery person" may be replaced with "delivery company," "user," or "person." The delivery person is an example of a user of the delivery terminal 4. The sales support system 100 includes at least one delivery terminal 4.

[0016] This section describes an example configuration for Server 1. Server 1 is a device that includes a processing circuit 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14. Each component of Server 1 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Figure 1, the interface is labeled "I / F".

[0017] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of server 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. For example, the processing circuit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processing circuit 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processing circuit 11 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that causes the processing circuit 11 of server 1 to implement the various parts described later. The processing circuit 11 performs various operations by executing the program loaded into the main memory 12.

[0018] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of server 1. Main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 12, the operating system or programs are stored. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 11. For example, main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, main memory 12 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. Main memory 12 stores programs.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned program.

[0020] The auxiliary memory device 13 includes a program memory area 130 and a data memory area 131. The program memory area 130 stores a shopping agency program 1300 and an alternative product proposal program 1301. The shopping agency program 1300 is a program for receiving an order from an orderer and allocating the order to an agent and a deliverer. The alternative product proposal program 1301 is a program for proposing an alternative product when the product included in the order from the orderer is out of stock or cannot be sold for some reason.

[0021] The data memory area 131 stores product information 1310, orderer information 1311, order information 1312, order content information 1313, purchase history information 1315, and alternative product decision history information 1314.

[0022] The product information 1310 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the product information 1310 according to the embodiment. The product information 1310 includes product information of products handled by the sales business support system 100. The product information includes product feature information indicating the features of the product. The product feature information is, for example, information such as the type, brand, volume, and price of the product. The product information 1310 includes a product information record for each product. The product information record includes information such as a product ID, product name, type, brand, volume, and price. The product ID is unique identification information assigned to each product for individually identifying the product. The product name indicates the product name set for each product. The type indicates the type of the product. The type may be the item or classification of the product. The type may be any information that can identify the product. The brand indicates the seller, manufacturer, or maker of the product, etc. The volume indicates the capacity or size of the product. The price is the price per product.

[0023] Product information 1310 may include a product label. The product label indicates the attributes or characteristics of the product. The product label may also contain information indicating product characteristics based on consumer preferences, such as health, beauty, and cost-effectiveness. For example, "health" indicates that the product is favored by health-conscious consumers. "Beauty" indicates that the product is favored by beauty-conscious consumers. "Cost-effectiveness" indicates that the product is favored by consumers who prefer products with high cost-effectiveness. The product label may also contain information indicating product characteristics based on consumer attributes, such as children, pets, women, and men. For example, "children" indicates that the product is for children. "Pets" indicates that the product is related to pets. "Women" indicates that the product is favored by women. "Men" indicates that the product is favored by men. Product labels may be arbitrarily set by businesses or sellers. The data for product information 1310 may be saved or updated each time product information is registered by a business or seller.

[0024] The client information 1311 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the client information 1311 according to the embodiment. Orderer Information 1311 is data about the orderer. Orderer data refers to data registered by the orderer based on the orderer's user registration. Orderer Information 1311 includes orderer characteristic information that shows the orderer's characteristics. Orderer characteristic information includes attribute information that shows the orderer's attributes, and preference information that shows the orderer's preferences, etc. Orderer attributes include age and gender, etc. Orderer attributes may also include information such as the orderer's family structure. Orderer Information 1311 includes orderer information records for each orderer. Orderer information records include information such as orderer ID, orderer name, gender, age, and label. The orderer ID is unique identification information assigned to each orderer to identify each orderer individually. The orderer name is the orderer's name or company name. The label is information that classifies the orderer. The label is, for example, information that shows the orderer's preferences. The orderer's preferences show preferences or interests regarding the products to be purchased. Labels may include information indicating the customer's preferences, such as health, beauty, or cost-effectiveness. For example, "health" indicates a health-conscious consumer. "Beauty" indicates a beauty-conscious consumer. "Cost-effectiveness" indicates a consumer who prefers products with high cost-effectiveness. Labels may also include information indicating the customer's interests, such as children, pets, women, or men. For example, "children" indicates a consumer interested in products for children. "Pets" indicates a consumer interested in pet-related products. Labels are not limited to those mentioned above, and may include any information indicating the customer's characteristics, such as their shopping tendencies, hobbies, or preferences. Labels are information registered in advance by the customer. The customer information 1311 data may be saved or updated each time the customer registers a user via the customer terminal 2.

[0025] In the example in Figure 4, the customer with customer ID "P001" has a customer name of "XXX", is male, and is 30 years old. The label "Cost Performance" indicates that the customer with customer ID "P001" is a consumer who tends to prefer products with high cost performance.

[0026] Order information 1312 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of order information 1312 according to the embodiment. Order information 1312 is data related to each order. One order is also called one transaction. Order information 1312 includes an order information record for each order. The order information record includes information such as order ID, order time, customer ID, and agent ID. The order ID is a unique identifier assigned to each order to identify each order individually. The order time indicates the time the order was received. The customer ID indicates the customer ID of the person who placed the order. The agent ID is a unique identifier assigned to each agent to identify each agent individually. The agent ID indicates the person in charge of picking the goods included in each order. Order information 1312 may also include information on the delivery time and delivery location. The data in order information 1312 may be saved or updated each time server 1 receives an order registration completion instruction from customer terminal 2. The data in order information 1312 may be saved or updated each time an agent assignment is determined.

[0027] In the example in Figure 5, for order ID "O0001", the orderer is orderer ID "P001", and the agent is agent agent ID "U001".

[0028] Order information 1313 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of order details information 1313 according to the embodiment. Order details information 1313 is data about the products included in each order. Order details information 1313 includes detailed order information for each order. Order details information 1313 includes an order details information record for each order. The order details information record includes information such as order ID, product ID, product name, and quantity. Order details information 1313 can be registered or updated each time an order registration completion instruction is received from the ordering terminal 2.

[0029] Figure 6 shows that order ID "O0001" includes one unit of "Milk A" with product ID "G0001" and two units of "Bread C" with product ID "G0009".

[0030] The substitute product decision history information 1314 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 illustrates the data structure of the alternative product decision history information 1314 according to the embodiment. The Alternative Product Decision History Information 1314 is data that shows the history of alternative products. The history of alternative products is data that shows the history of alternative products decided for unpurchasable products ordered by the customer. The history of alternative products is data that shows the combination of unpurchasable products and alternative products. The history of alternative products is data that shows the selection of combinations of unpurchasable products and alternative products for each customer. The data of Alternative Product Decision History Information 1314 is an example of history information. Alternative Product Decision History Information 1314 includes alternative product decision history information records for each ordered product. The alternative product decision history information record includes information such as the ordered product ID, alternative product ID, occurrence count, and customer ID. The ordered product ID indicates the product ID of the product ordered by the customer. The ordered product is also called the ordered product. The alternative product ID indicates the ID of the product decided as an alternative product. The alternative product is the product that the customer purchased in place of the ordered product. In one example, the alternative product indicates the alternative product decided by Server 1 in place of the ordered product when the ordered product is out of stock or otherwise unsellable. In another example, the substitute product refers to a substitute product designated by the customer when the ordered product is unavailable due to being out of stock or other reasons. The occurrence count indicates the number of times the combination of ordered product and substitute product has appeared. For example, each time substitute product B is determined for ordered product A, the occurrence count of the combination of ordered product A and substitute product B is incremented by 1. In this case, the occurrence count for the combination of ordered product ID for ordered product A and substitute product ID for substitute product B is incremented. The customer ID indicates the customer ID of the customer who selected the combination of ordered product and substitute product. For example, for an order by customer ID "P001", if substitute product B is determined for ordered product A, "P001" is recorded as the customer ID for the combination of ordered product ID for ordered product A and substitute product ID for substitute product B. The data in the substitute product determination history information 1314 can be registered or updated each time a substitute product determination completion instruction is received from the agent terminal 3.

[0031] Figure 7 shows that for an order with customer ID "P001", product with substitute product ID "G0002" was determined as a substitute product for product with order product ID "G0001". It also shows that the number of times (occurrence count) that product with substitute product ID "G0002" was determined as a substitute product for product with order product ID "G0001" for an order with customer ID "P001" is "1".

[0032] Purchase history information 1315 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the purchase history information 1315 according to the embodiment. Purchase history information 1315 is data that shows the purchase history of the person placing the order. The data in purchase history information 1315 is an example of history information. Purchase history information 1315 is data that shows the purchase history of each person placing the order. Purchase history information 1315 includes purchase history information records. Purchase history information records include information such as the person placing the order ID, purchased product ID, and number of purchases. The purchased product ID indicates the product ID of the product purchased by the person placing the order. The purchased product is also called the purchased product. For example, if person placing the order X purchases ordered product A ("G0001"), the purchased product is product A ("G0001"). If person placing the order X purchases alternative product B ("G0002") for ordered product A ("G0001"), the purchased product is product B ("G0002"). The number of purchases indicates the cumulative number of times or cumulative number of items that the person placing the order has purchased the purchased product. The purchase count indicates the cumulative number of times a product has been purchased in multiple orders. For example, if customer X purchases one unit of product A, the purchase count for product A is "1". If customer X purchases one unit of product B in two separate orders, the purchase count for product B is "2". The purchase count indicates the history of the number of times or units of a product has been purchased by each customer. The purchase count may be interpreted as the number of units purchased. The data in the purchase history information 1315 can be registered or updated each time an instruction to complete the determination of a replacement product is received from the agent terminal 3.

[0033] Figure 8 shows that for customer ID "P001", the number of purchased items with purchase ID "G0002" is "1". For customer ID "P001", the number of purchased items with purchase ID "G0101" is "3".

[0034] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 1. The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that enable the server 1 to communicate with other devices via a network, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0035] Note that the hardware configuration of Server 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. Server 1 may, as appropriate, omit or change the above-mentioned components and add new components.

[0036] The various components implemented in the processing circuit 11 described above will now be explained. The processing circuit 11 implements the proxy processing unit 110, the acquisition unit 111, the substitute product determination processing unit 112, the notification processing unit 113, the payment processing unit 114, and the delivery processing unit 115. Each part implemented in the processing circuit 11 can also be called a function. Each part implemented in the processing circuit 11 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processing circuit 11 and the main memory 12. The processing circuit 11 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0037] The proxy processing unit 110 performs the shopping proxy processing based on the shopping proxy program 1300. The proxy processing unit 110 receives an order registration completion instruction from the ordering terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The order registration completion instruction may include order information. The proxy processing unit 110 may receive the order registration completion instruction and the order information separately. The order information includes product information for the items included in the order. The proxy processing unit 110 may receive a payment completion notification from the ordering terminal 2. The proxy processing unit 110 may also receive the order information in response to receiving the payment completion notification. The proxy processing unit 110 registers the order information. The proxy processing unit 110 updates the order information 1312 and the order details information 1313 based on the order information. The proxy processing unit 110 selects a proxy based on the order information. The proxy processing unit 110 outputs the order information to the selected proxy's proxy terminal 3. The proxy processing unit 110 may obtain work completion information from the proxy terminal 3 via the communication interface 14. The work completion information may be a notification indicating that the picking of goods has been completed. Based on the work completion information, the proxy processing unit 110 may save the work status of the picking work to the auxiliary storage device 13. After the delivery process, the proxy processing unit 110 may obtain a report of goods receipt from the ordering terminal 2. The proxy processing unit 110 may obtain information such as service evaluation from the ordering terminal 2. In the following description, "obtain" may be read as "receive". In the following description, "output" may be read as "transmit".

[0038] The acquisition unit 111 acquires unpurchasable information from the agent terminal 3 via the communication interface 14. Unpurchasable information indicates that a product cannot be purchased due to reasons such as being out of stock. Unpurchasable information includes product information for products that cannot be purchased. Unpurchasable products indicate products that cannot be purchased from the products included in the order. Unpurchasable products are also called non-purchasable items. Unpurchasable products correspond to products that cannot be sold. Non-saleable products indicate that a product cannot be sold due to reasons such as being out of stock. Non-saleable products are also called non-purchasable items. Unpurchasable information may also include information about the customer who placed the order that includes products that cannot be purchased.

[0039] The alternative product determination processing unit 112 performs alternative product determination processing based on the alternative product suggestion program 1301. The alternative product determination processing is the process of suggesting alternative candidate products to the customer as alternatives to products that cannot be purchased. An alternative candidate product is a product that is a candidate for an alternative product. An alternative candidate product may be one product or multiple products. An alternative candidate product is a product that is suggested from the server 1 to the ordering terminal 2 (ordering customer) as an alternative product candidate. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 determines the alternative candidate product based on the history information. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 may also determine the alternative candidate product based on the product information.

[0040] In one example, the alternative product determination processing unit 112 determines alternative candidate products based on the purchase history information 1315 and alternative product decision history information 1314 of the ordering party. In another example, the alternative product determination processing unit 112 determines alternative candidate products based on the purchase history information 1315 and alternative product decision history information 1314 of an ordering party other than the ordering party. For example, the alternative product determination processing unit 112 may determine alternative candidate products based on the purchase history information 1315 and alternative product decision history information 1314 of a similar ordering party belonging to an ordering party group similar to the ordering party.

[0041] The alternative product determination processing unit 112 may determine alternative candidate products based on the product information of the product that cannot be purchased. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 may also determine alternative candidate products based on the product information of the product that cannot be purchased and the product information of other products.

[0042] The alternative product determination processing unit 112 may determine alternative candidate products based on the similarity between the unavailable product and other products. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 may determine the product with the highest similarity to the unavailable product as an alternative candidate product. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 may determine multiple products with high similarity to the unavailable product as alternative candidate products. Similarity includes, for example, similarity calculated based on product feature information.

[0043] The alternative product determination processing unit 112 determines an alternative product based on the customer's operation. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 obtains an alternative product determination completion instruction based on the customer's operation. In one example, the alternative product determination processing unit 112 obtains an alternative product determination completion instruction that permits an alternative candidate product based on the customer's purchase permission operation that permits an alternative candidate product. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 determines the alternative candidate product to be an alternative product based on the alternative product determination completion instruction. In another example, the alternative product determination processing unit 112 obtains an alternative product determination completion instruction that specifies an alternative product based on the customer's alternative product specification operation that specifies an alternative product. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 determines the specified product to be an alternative product based on the alternative product determination completion instruction. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 registers the alternative product. The alternative product determination processing unit 112 updates the purchase history information 1315 and the alternative product determination history information 1314 based on the alternative product determination completion instruction.

[0044] The notification processing unit 113 provides various notifications via the communication interface 14. The notification processing unit 113 also notifies the ordering terminal 2 of information about alternative candidate products via the communication interface 14. In the following description, "notification" may be read as "output" or "transmission".

[0045] The payment processing unit 114 processes the payment for the goods to the store that received the order. The payment processing can be implemented using any payment processing technology. The payment processing unit 114 may also process the payment of fees to agents and delivery personnel.

[0046] The delivery processing unit 115 outputs delivery task information to the delivery terminal 4 via the communication interface 14. The delivery task information includes, for example, order information assigned to the delivery person.

[0047] (Example of operation) This section explains the processing procedure using the sales support system 100. In the following description mainly about Server 1, Server 1 may be read as Processing Circuit 11. Similarly, in the description mainly about the Ordering Party Terminal 2, the Ordering Party Terminal 2 may be read as the Processing Circuit of the Ordering Party Terminal 2. In the description mainly about the Agent Terminal 3, the Agent Terminal 3 may be read as the Processing Circuit of the Agent Terminal 3. In the description mainly about the Delivery Person Terminal 4, the Delivery Person Terminal 4 may be read as the Processing Circuit of the Delivery Person Terminal 4. Note that the processing procedures described below are only examples, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Also, regarding the processing procedures described below, depending on the embodiment, steps can be omitted, replaced, and added as appropriate.

[0048] In the following process, in the shopping proxy service provided by Server 1, it is assumed that the user of the Ordering Party Terminal 2 performs order registration. Server 1 accepts order registration from the user of the Ordering Party Terminal 2 at any time. In response to the completion of order registration by the user of the Ordering Party Terminal 2, the Ordering Party Terminal 2 outputs an order registration completion instruction to Server 1. In response to obtaining the order registration completion instruction, Server 1 stores the order information in the Auxiliary Storage Device 13. Note that Server 1 may also store the order information in the Auxiliary Storage Device 13 in response to the completion of the settlement operation by the user of the Ordering Party Terminal 2. In this case, Server 1 may obtain a settlement completion notification and order information from the Ordering Party Terminal 2.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of shopping proxy processing by the sales business support system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0050] The Processing Circuit 11 of Server 1 obtains order information from the Ordering Party Terminal 2 (ACT1). The processing of ACT1 may be the processing by the Proxy Processing Unit 110 realized by the Processing Circuit 11. In ACT1, for example, the Processing Circuit 11 obtains an order registration completion instruction from the Ordering Party Terminal 2. The Proxy Processing Unit 110 obtains the order registration completion instruction and the order information.

[0051] The processing circuit 11 registers the order information in the data storage area 131 (ACT2). The processing in ACT2 may also be carried out by the proxy processing unit 110 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 11 updates the order information 1312 and the order details information 1313 based on the order information.

[0052] The processing circuit 11 selects an agent to assign the order (ACT3). The processing in ACT3 may also be carried out by the agent processing unit 110 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 11 may select an agent based on information such as the delivery time and delivery location of the order. The processing circuit 11 registers the agent's information. For example, the processing circuit 11 records the agent's agent ID in the order information 1312.

[0053] The processing circuit 11 transmits order information to the selected agent's agent terminal 3 via the communication interface 14 (ACT4). The processing of ACT4 may also be carried out by the agent processing unit 110 implemented by the processing circuit 11.

[0054] The agent terminal 3 obtains order information from server 1. Based on the order information, agent terminal 3 performs picking work (ACT 11). In ACT 11, for example, agent terminal 3 records information indicating the picking status based on the picking work performed by the agent. Agent terminal 3 outputs work completion information to server 1 indicating that the picking work has been completed.

[0055] The processing circuit 11 of server 1 acquires picking work completion information from the agent terminal 3 via the communication interface 14 (ACT5). The processing in ACT5 may also be carried out by the agent processing unit 110 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 11 may update the picking work status in the auxiliary storage device 13 in response to acquiring the work completion information.

[0056] The processing circuit 11 transmits delivery task information to the delivery terminal via the communication interface 14 (ACT6). The processing of ACT6 may also be carried out by the delivery processing unit 115 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT6, for example, the processing circuit 11 selects a delivery person to whom the delivery task will be assigned. The processing circuit 11 may select a delivery person based on information such as the delivery time slot and delivery location of the order. The processing circuit 11 outputs information regarding the delivery task to the delivery terminal 4 of the selected delivery person. The processing circuit 11 may assign the order to multiple delivery persons using any technology.

[0057] The delivery terminal 4 obtains information about the delivery task from the server 1 (ACT21). In ACT21, for example, the delivery terminal 4 records information indicating the delivery status based on the delivery work performed by the delivery person. The delivery terminal 4 outputs work completion information to the server 1, indicating that the delivery work has been completed.

[0058] The processing circuit 11 of server 1 acquires completion information for delivery work from the delivery terminal 4 via the communication interface 14 (ACT7). The processing in ACT7 may also be carried out by the delivery processing unit 115 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT7, for example, the processing circuit 11 may update the status of the delivery work in the auxiliary storage device 13 in response to acquiring the completion information.

[0059] The processing circuit 11 processes the payment for the goods to the store that received the order (ACT8). The processing in ACT8 may also be carried out by the payment processing unit 114 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT8, for example, the processing circuit 11 may perform the payment processing using any technology. After the delivery process, the processing circuit 11 may obtain a report of goods receipt from the ordering terminal 2. The processing circuit 11 may obtain information such as service evaluation from the ordering terminal 2. After the delivery process, the processing circuit 11 may process the payment of fees to the agent and the delivery person. The processing circuit 11 updates the purchase history information 1315.

[0060] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for determining an alternative product by the sales support system 100 according to the embodiment. The following process is what happens when order information is sent to the agent terminal 3 in ACT4 as shown in Figure 9. The following process is an example of specific information processing to determine alternative products when there are products in the order that cannot be purchased. The user of the agent terminal 3 identifies, for example, the products that cannot be purchased from the products included in the order, based on the order information.

[0061] The agent terminal 3 outputs information about items that cannot be purchased to the server 1, for example, based on the agent's actions. The agent's actions include, for example, selecting an item that cannot be purchased on the agent terminal 3. The information about items that cannot be purchased includes the orderer's information and the information about the items that cannot be purchased. The orderer's information includes the orderer's ID. The information about items that cannot be purchased includes the item ID of the item that cannot be purchased.

[0062] The processing circuit 11 of server 1 acquires information on items that cannot be purchased from the proxy terminal 3 via the communication interface 14 (ACT101). The processing of ACT101 may also be carried out by the acquisition unit 111 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT101, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires the customer ID of the customer who placed the order including the unavailable items, and the product ID of the unavailable items, based on the information on items that cannot be purchased.

[0063] The processing circuit 11 obtains the customer's alternative product decision history information (ACT102). The processing in ACT102 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT102, for example, the processing circuit 11 extracts the customer's alternative product decision history information from the alternative product decision history information 1314 based on the customer ID. The processing circuit 11 refers to the customer's alternative product decision history information and obtains the alternative product ID and the number of occurrences for the product indicated by the product ID of the purchasable product. For example, the processing circuit 11 extracts the alternative product decision history information record where the ordered product ID is the product ID of the purchasable product. The case where the product ID of the purchasable product is "G0001" will be explained. The processing circuit 11 extracts the alternative product decision history information record where the ordered product ID is "G0001". The processing circuit 11 extracts the alternative product ID "G0002" and the number of occurrences "1" for the ordered product ID "G0001". Furthermore, if there are multiple alternative products for the ordered product ID "G0001", the processing circuit 11 may extract the alternative product IDs and occurrence counts of multiple alternative products. The processing circuit 11 may also extract the alternative product IDs and occurrence counts of a predetermined number of alternative products from among the alternative products that occur most frequently.

[0064] The processing circuit 11 acquires product information (ACT103). The processing in ACT103 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT103, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires product information for non-purchasable products from product information 1310. The processing circuit 11 extracts product information for non-purchasable products based on the product ID of the non-purchasable product. The processing circuit 11 extracts product characteristic information for non-purchasable products from the product information of non-purchasable products. Product characteristic information for non-purchasable products includes, for example, product type, brand, volume, and price information. The processing circuit 11 acquires product information for alternative products from product information 1310. The processing circuit 11 extracts product information for the product indicated by the alternative product ID, for example, based on the alternative product ID extracted in ACT102. The product indicated by the alternative product ID is also called an alternative candidate product. The processing circuit 11 extracts product characteristic information for the alternative candidate product. Product characteristic information for the alternative candidate product includes, for example, type, brand, volume, and price information.

[0065] The processing circuit 11 obtains the purchase history information of the orderer (ACT 104). The processing in ACT 104 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT 104, for example, the processing circuit 11 extracts the orderer's purchase history information from the purchase history information 1315 based on the orderer ID. The processing circuit 11 refers to the orderer's purchase history information and extracts groups of purchased products of the same type as the ineligible products. For example, the processing circuit 11 extracts products of the same type as the ineligible products extracted from the product information 1310 based on the product ID of the ineligible products. The processing circuit 11 extracts at least one product of the same type as the ineligible products. A group of products containing at least one product of the same type as the ineligible products is defined as the same-type product group. The processing circuit 11 extracts the number of purchases for the products included in the same-type product group from the purchase history information 1315. The processing circuit 11 extracts product characteristic information for products included in the same product group from the product information 1310. Product characteristic information includes, for example, type, brand, volume, and price.

[0066] The processing circuit 11 determines alternative candidate products for the undeliverable product (ACT 105). The processing in ACT 105 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT 105, for example, the processing circuit 11 calculates the similarity to the undeliverable product based on the alternative product ID, the number of occurrences, the number of times products in the same product group have been purchased, and the product characteristic information of products in the same product group.

[0067] The processing circuit 11 calculates the similarity using, for example, a calculation formula that uses cosine similarity. The calculation formula is represented, for example, by formula 1 and formula 2. Here, the product ID of the non-purchasable product is "u", the alternative product ID is "u'", and the number of occurrences of the combination of non-purchasable product ID "u" and alternative product ID "u'" is "α". The group of products of the same type is "V".

[0068]

number

[0069]

number

[0070] In Equation 1, "S(u,v)" represents the similarity between the purchasable product "u" and product "v". If product "v" exists in the alternative product decision history information (v∋u'), then the weight "α" is applied. v Add ".

[0071] In equation 2, "S u " indicates the product with the highest similarity to the non-purchase item "u" within V.

[0072] Here, "u j ", and "v j " indicates the components of vectors u and v. "u" and "v" are vectorized product characteristic information of the customer's same-type product group V and non-purchasable product u. For example, v∋V=[number of purchases, brand, volume, price], v∋V=[v1,v2,v3,v j ], u=[u1,u2,u3,uj Here, "Number of purchases," "Volume," and "Price" are numerical values. "Brand" is a vector obtained by one-hot encoding pre-registered brands. For example, v∋V=[2,[0,0,0,1,0,0],500,200]. Product feature information may also be obtained by normalizing the features.

[0073] The processing circuit 11 determines that the single product with the highest similarity is the substitute candidate product. The processing circuit 11 may also determine that multiple products with high similarity are substitute candidate products. The processing circuit 11 outputs information about the substitute candidate product to the ordering terminal 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0074] The ordering terminal 2 obtains information on alternative candidate products from server 1. Based on the information on alternative candidate products, ordering terminal 2 may display an image representing the alternative candidate product on ordering terminal 2. Ordering terminal 2 displays an image on ordering terminal 2 in which an instruction to complete the decision on the alternative product can be entered. For example, ordering terminal 2 may display a button on ordering terminal 2 in which the ordering party can enter an instruction to complete the decision on the alternative product, which allows the ordering party to accept the alternative candidate product. Ordering terminal 2 may display a button on ordering terminal 2 in which the ordering party can enter an instruction to complete the decision on the alternative product, which allows the ordering party to specify the alternative product. Ordering terminal 2 obtains the instruction to complete the decision on the alternative product based on the ordering party's operation. Ordering terminal 2 outputs the instruction to complete the decision on the alternative product to server 1. If there are multiple alternative candidate products, ordering terminal 2 may display a button on ordering terminal 2 in which an instruction to select an alternative product from the multiple alternative candidate products can be entered. The instruction to select an alternative product is an example of an instruction to complete the decision on the alternative product, which allows the ordering party to accept the alternative candidate product.

[0075] The processing circuit 11 receives an instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product from the ordering terminal 2 via the communication interface 14 (ACT 106). The processing in ACT 106 may also be carried out by the replacement product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT 106, for example, the processing circuit 11 determines whether a replacement candidate product has been approved based on the instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product. If the processing circuit 11 receives an instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product that approves a replacement candidate product, it determines that the replacement candidate product has been approved. If the processing circuit 11 receives an instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product that specifies a replacement product, it determines that the replacement candidate product has not been approved.

[0076] If an alternative product is approved, the process transitions from ACT106 to ACT107. If an alternative product is not approved, the process transitions from ACT106 to ACT108. The rejection of an alternative product corresponds to the specification of an alternative product.

[0077] Based on the approval of the alternative candidate product, the processing circuit 11 registers the alternative candidate product as an alternative product (ACT107). The processing in ACT107 may also be carried out by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT107, for example, the processing circuit 11 records the product information of the alternative candidate product in the alternative product determination history information 1314.

[0078] Based on the fact that an alternative product has been specified, the processing circuit 11 registers the specified product as an alternative product (ACT108). The processing in ACT108 may also be carried out by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT108, for example, the processing circuit 11 records the product information of the specified product in the alternative product determination history information 1314.

[0079] In the example described above, the processing circuit 11 determined alternative candidate products by referring to the ordering party's history information, but it is not limited to this. The processing circuit 11 may also determine alternative candidate products by referring to the history information of other ordering parties. In this case, the processing circuit 11 may obtain the alternative product decision history information of other ordering parties in ACT 102. The processing circuit 11 may also obtain the purchase history information of other ordering parties in ACT 104. In ACT 105, the processing circuit 11 may calculate the similarity to the unpurchasable product based on the alternative product ID, occurrence count, purchase count of products in the same product group, and product characteristic information of products in the same product group extracted from the history information of other ordering parties.

[0080] The processing circuit 11 may determine alternative candidate products based on the ordering party's ordering information. For example, the processing circuit 11 may refer to the ordering party's ordering information and extract ordering party characteristic information. The processing circuit 11 may also determine alternative candidate products based on the product characteristic information of the ineligible product and the ordering party characteristic information. For example, the processing circuit 11 may determine alternative candidate products from among products showing the same label based on the product label of the ineligible product and the ordering party's label.

[0081] The processing circuit 11 extracts information on alternative products from the customer's order history, but is not limited to this. For example, if the customer's order history information does not contain information on alternative products corresponding to the unavailable product, the processing circuit 11 may determine candidate alternative products in ACT 105 based on the product characteristics information of the unavailable product and the product characteristics information of other products. The processing circuit 11 may also calculate similarity based on the product characteristics information of the unavailable product and other products.

[0082] In this example, Server 1 can retrieve information on items that cannot be purchased from the customer's order, determine alternative products for the unavailable items based on the customer's purchase history, and notify the user of the alternative product information. For example, Server 1 can refer to the customer's history of alternative product decisions and determine alternative products based on the information of alternative products the customer has previously selected for unavailable items. Therefore, Server 1 can suggest products that match the customer's preferences based on the customer's past purchase history. This allows Server 1 to support the suggestion of appropriate alternative products. Furthermore, by supporting the suggestion of appropriate alternative products, Server 1 can reduce the probability that the customer will reject alternative products, thereby suppressing the decline in sales.

[0083] Server 1 can identify alternative products that are highly similar to the unavailable product. Therefore, Server 1 can suggest products that are highly similar to the unavailable product and that match the customer's preferences. In this way, Server 1 can support the suggestion of appropriate alternative products.

[0084] Server 1 can calculate similarity based on product feature information that indicates the characteristics of products that cannot be purchased. For example, based on the product features of a product that cannot be purchased, Server 1 can identify alternative candidate products that are similar in type, brand, volume, and price. Therefore, Server 1 can suggest products with a high degree of similarity in product features that match the customer's preferences. In this way, Server 1 can help suggest more appropriate alternative products.

[0085] Server 1 can register alternative products or products different from the alternative products as alternative products based on the instructions of the ordering party. For example, Server 1 decides on an alternative product as an alternative product based on the ordering party's instructions to allow alternative products. Server 1 also decides on an alternative product as an alternative product based on the ordering party's instructions to specify a product other than the alternative product. Therefore, Server 1 can decide on an alternative product or a product different from the alternative product as an alternative product according to the ordering party's selection. This allows Server 1 to support the suggestion of more appropriate alternative products.

[0086] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the procedure for determining alternative products by the sales support system 100 according to the embodiment. The following process is what happens when order information is sent to the agent terminal 3 in ACT4 as shown in Figure 9. The following process is a modified example of specific information processing for determining alternative products when there are products in the order that cannot be purchased. In this example, if the orderer's history information is insufficient, the history information of other orderers is used to determine alternative products. Insufficient orderer history information includes cases where the orderer is a new user and cases where the orderer's history information is incomplete. Insufficient orderer history information includes cases where there is no record of a combination of undeliverable products and alternative products in the alternative product determination history information. In addition, insufficient orderer history information may also include cases where there is no record of the orderer purchasing undeliverable products in the orderer's purchase history information. In the following explanation, insufficient orderer history information will be referred to as "insufficient data". The user of agent terminal 3 identifies, for example, the products that cannot be purchased among the products included in the order, based on the order information.

[0087] The proxy terminal 3 outputs information about items that cannot be purchased to the server 1, for example, based on the proxy's operation. The information about items that cannot be purchased includes the information of the ordering party and information about the items that cannot be purchased. The information of the ordering party includes the ordering party ID. The information about the items that cannot be purchased includes the product ID of the items that cannot be purchased.

[0088] The processing circuit 11 of server 1, similar to ACT101, acquires information on items that cannot be purchased from the agent terminal 3 via the communication interface 14 (ACT201). The processing of ACT201 may also be performed by the acquisition unit 111 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT201, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires the customer ID of the customer who placed the order including the unavailable items, and the product ID of the unavailable items, based on the information on items that cannot be purchased.

[0089] The processing circuit 11, similar to ACT102, acquires the ordering party's alternative product decision history information (ACT202). The processing in ACT202 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT202, for example, the processing circuit 11 extracts the ordering party's alternative product decision history information from the alternative product decision history information 1314 based on the ordering party ID. The processing circuit 11 determines whether there is information on undeliverable products in the ordering party's alternative product decision history information. Information on undeliverable products indicates information on the combination of undeliverable products and their alternative products. For example, if there is no information on the combination of undeliverable products and their alternative products, the processing circuit 11 determines that there is insufficient data. The absence of information on the combination of undeliverable products and their alternative products indicates that the ordering party has no history of purchasing alternative products for undeliverable products in the past. If there is information on the combination of undeliverable products and their alternative products, the processing circuit 11 determines that there is no insufficient data. The absence of insufficient data corresponds to the presence of data. The processing circuit 11 may also determine that there is insufficient data if the ordering party's alternative product decision history information is not recorded. Furthermore, the processing circuit 11 may refer to the purchase history information 1315 and determine that data is insufficient if the purchase history information of the orderer is not recorded. The absence of information on combinations of purchasable items and substitute items is one example of insufficient history information of the orderer.

[0090] If there is no missing data, the process will transition from ACT202 to ACT203. If there is missing data, the process will transition from ACT202 to ACT204.

[0091] The processing circuit 11 performs a first alternative product determination process (ACT203). The process in ACT203 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT203, for example, the processing circuit 11 performs a process to determine an alternative product, similar to ACT102 to ACT105 in Figure 10. The first alternative product determination process is a process to determine an alternative product by the same process as ACT102 to ACT105 in Figure 10.

[0092] If the processing circuit 11 lacks sufficient historical information about the ordering party, it performs a second alternative product determination process (ACT204). The process of ACT204 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. The second alternative product determination process determines an alternative product based on the ordering party information. The second alternative product determination process will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0093] The processing circuit 11 outputs information about alternative candidate products to the ordering terminal 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0094] The ordering terminal 2 obtains information on alternative candidate products from server 1. Based on the information on alternative candidate products, ordering terminal 2 may display an image representing the alternative candidate product on ordering terminal 2. Ordering terminal 2 then displays an image on ordering terminal 2 that allows the user to input an instruction indicating that the alternative product decision is complete.

[0095] The processing circuit 11, similar to ACT106, obtains an instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product from the ordering terminal 2 via the communication interface 14 (ACT205). The processing in ACT205 may also be performed by the replacement product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT205, for example, the processing circuit 11 determines whether a replacement candidate product has been approved based on the instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product. If the processing circuit 11 obtains an instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product that approves a replacement candidate product, it determines that the replacement candidate product has been approved. If the processing circuit 11 obtains an instruction to complete the decision on a replacement product that specifies a replacement product, it determines that the replacement candidate product has not been approved.

[0096] If the alternative product is approved, the process transitions from ACT205 to ACT206. If the alternative product is not approved, the process transitions from ACT205 to ACT207.

[0097] Similar to ACT107, the processing circuit 11 registers the alternative candidate product as an alternative product based on the approval of the alternative candidate product (ACT206). The processing in ACT206 may also be carried out by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT206, for example, the processing circuit 11 records the product information of the alternative candidate product in the alternative product determination history information 1314.

[0098] Similar to ACT108, the processing circuit 11 registers the specified product as a substitute product based on the fact that a substitute product has been specified (ACT207). The processing of ACT207 may also be carried out by the substitute product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT207, for example, the processing circuit 11 records the product information of the specified product in the substitute product determination history information 1314.

[0099] The second substitute product determination process will now be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for determining the second alternative product by the server 1 according to this embodiment.

[0100] The processing circuit 11 acquires customer information (ACT301). The processing in ACT301 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT301, for example, the processing circuit 11 extracts customer characteristic information for all customers from the customer information 1311. The customer characteristic information includes customer ID, gender, age, and label information.

[0101] The processing circuit 11 calculates a group of orderers K similar to the orderer (ACT302). The processing of ACT302 may be the processing by the alternative product determination unit 112 realized by the processing circuit 11. In ACT302, for example, the processing circuit 11 identifies the orderer based on the un-available purchase information. The processing circuit 11 calculates a group of orderers K similar to the orderer based on the orderer feature information of the orderer and the orderer feature information of other orderers. The group of similar orderers is also referred to as a group of similar orderers.

[0102] The processing circuit 11 calculates the orderer group K based on, for example, the calculation formulas shown in Formula 3 and Formula 4. Here, let the orderer be "i" and the other orderers included in the orderer group K be "k".

[0103]

Number

[0104]

Number

[0105] In Formula 3, "S(i,k)" indicates the similarity between the orderer "i" and the orderer "k". In Formula 4, "S i " indicates the other orderer with the highest similarity to the orderer "i" among the orderer group K.

[0106] Here, "i j ", and "k j " indicate the components of the vectors i and k. "i" and "k" are the vectorized orderer feature information of the orderer "i" and the orderer "k". For example, k∋K = [k1, k2, k j , i = [i1, i2, i j , k∋K = [gender, age, label]. Here, for "gender", male is "1" and female is "0". "Label" is a vector obtained by one-hot encoding the pre-registered label. For example, k∋K = [1, 200, [0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0]].

[0107] The processing circuit 11 performs a first alternative product determination process for customers included in the similar customer group (ACT303). The process in ACT303 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT303, for example, the processing circuit 11 performs the first alternative product determination process for all other customers included in the similar customer group, similar to ACT102 to ACT105 in Figure 10.

[0108] The processing circuit 11 determines alternative candidate products based on the historical information of all other customers included in the similar customer group (ACT304). The processing in ACT304 may also be performed by the alternative product determination processing unit 112 implemented by the processing circuit 11. In ACT304, for example, the processing circuit 11 determines the single product with the highest similarity as the alternative candidate product. The processing circuit 11 may also determine multiple products with high similarity as alternative candidate products.

[0109] According to this example, Server 1 can determine similar users to the customer based on the customer's customer characteristics information, and determine alternative products for items that cannot be purchased based on the history information of similar customers. For example, if the customer is a new user or if the customer's history information is insufficient, Server 1 can determine appropriate alternative products based on the history information of other customers similar to the customer. For example, Server 1 can refer to the alternative product decision history information of other customers and determine alternative products based on the information of alternative products for items that other customers have previously selected that they could not purchase. Furthermore, Server 1 can determine similar customers based on the customer's customer characteristics. Therefore, Server 1 can suggest products that match the customer's preferences based on the history information of other customers. In this way, Server 1 can support the suggestion of appropriate alternative products. Moreover, by supporting the suggestion of appropriate alternative products, Server 1 can reduce the probability that the customer will reject alternative products, thereby suppressing the decrease in sales.

[0110] (Other embodiments) An information processing device may be implemented as a single device, such as Server 1, or as multiple devices with distributed functions. In the latter case, the term "information processing device" includes the meaning of an information processing system composed of multiple devices.

[0111] The embodiments described above may be applied to methods performed by the device. The embodiments described above may be applied to a program that can cause the device's computer to perform each function. The embodiments described above may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0112] Each of the one or more circuits that make up a processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs some of the multiple processes. Some of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be contained in a single device, or they may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0113] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0114] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0115] (Note) The above-described embodiments may be represented as follows: (1) An acquisition unit that acquires information on products that cannot be purchased from the products included in the user's order, A replacement product determination processing unit determines alternative candidate products for the product that cannot be purchased based on the user's history information, A notification processing unit that notifies the user of information about the alternative candidate product, An information processing device equipped with the following features. (2) The alternative product determination processing unit determines that products with a high degree of similarity to the products that cannot be purchased are the alternative candidate products. (1) The information processing device described above. (3) The alternative product determination processing unit calculates the similarity score based on the product characteristic information that indicates the characteristics of the product that cannot be purchased. (2) The information processing device described in (2). (4) The alternative product determination processing unit registers the alternative candidate product or a product different from the alternative candidate product as an alternative product based on the user's instructions. (1) The information processing device described above. (5) If the user's history information is insufficient, the alternative product determination processing unit determines a similar user to the user based on the user's ordering characteristics information. Based on the history information of the aforementioned similar users, alternative candidate products for the product that cannot be purchased are determined. (1) The information processing device described above. (6) To the computer, A function to retrieve information about items that cannot be purchased from the items included in the user's order, Based on the user's history information, a function is provided to determine alternative products for the products that cannot be purchased. A function to notify the user of information about the aforementioned alternative candidate product, An information processing program capable of executing [the specified action]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1...Server, 2...Orderer terminal, 3...Proxy terminal, 4...Delivery terminal, 11...Processing circuit, 12...Main memory, 13...Auxiliary storage device, 14...Communication interface, 100...Sales support system, 110...Proxy processing unit, 111...Acquisition unit, 112...Alternative product determination processing unit, 113...Notification processing unit, 114...Payment processing unit, 115...Delivery processing unit, 130...Program storage area, 131...Data storage area, 1300...Shopping proxy program, 1301...Alternative product suggestion program, 1310...Product information, 1311...Orderer information, 1312...Order information, 1313...Order details information, 1314...Alternative product decision history information, 1315...Purchase history information.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that obtains information on items that cannot be purchased from the items included in the user's order, A replacement product determination processing unit determines alternative candidate products for the product that cannot be purchased based on the user's history information, A notification processing unit that notifies the user of information about the alternative candidate product, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The alternative product determination processing unit determines that products with a high degree of similarity to the product that cannot be purchased are candidate alternative products. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The substitute product determination processing unit calculates the similarity score based on product feature information indicating the characteristics of the product that cannot be purchased. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The alternative product determination processing unit registers the alternative candidate product, or a product different from the alternative candidate product, as an alternative product based on the user's instructions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. If the user's history information is insufficient, the alternative product determination processing unit determines similar users based on the user's ordering characteristics information. Based on the history information of the aforementioned similar users, alternative candidate products for the product that cannot be purchased are determined. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, A function to retrieve information about items that cannot be purchased from the items included in the user's order, Based on the user's history information, a function is provided to determine alternative products for the products that cannot be purchased. A function to notify the user of information about the aforementioned alternative candidate product, An information processing program capable of executing [the specified action].

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