Search device, search method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a search device, search method, and program that enable users to easily search for desired products. [Solution] The search device provides a three-dimensional image and identifies the desired portion of the object shown in the three-dimensional image based on a position selected by the user. It then provides region information, which is the name of the region containing the identified desired portion, identifies the item corresponding to the region information selected by the user, and provides a list of items that can be purchased using the identified item. This makes it possible for the user to easily search for the product they want.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a search device, a search method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various devices have been devised to facilitate the search for products, services, and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that can easily find products that match a search request.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there are cases where the user does not know the name of the desired product. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the above information processing device in terms of easily searching for the product desired by the user.

[0005] The present invention solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a search device, a search method, and a program capable of easily searching for a product desired by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The search device according to the first aspect of the present invention a three-dimensional image providing unit that provides a three-dimensional image; a desired part specifying unit that specifies a desired part, which is a part desired by the user, based on a position selected by the user in an object shown by the three-dimensional image; a region information providing unit that provides region information, which is the name of a region including the desired part specified by the desired part specifying unit; A corresponding item identification unit identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from the area information provided by the area information provision unit, An item provisioning unit provides a list of items for which the item identified by the corresponding item identification unit can be purchased, It is equipped with.

[0007] Furthermore, in a search device relating to the above viewpoint, A region highlighting unit that highlights a portion of an object shown in the three-dimensional image, the portion identified by the desired portion identification unit, in a way that allows the user to identify it; You may also want to provide additional equipment.

[0008] Furthermore, in a search device relating to the above viewpoint, The desired portion identification unit first identifies the desired portion based on the first position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image, and then identifies the desired portion based on the second position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. The region highlighting unit performs a first highlighting corresponding to the desired portion based on the first position, and then changes to a second highlighting corresponding to the desired portion based on the second position. You may do so.

[0009] Furthermore, in a search device relating to the above viewpoint, The system further includes an item grouping unit that groups the items identified by the corresponding item identification unit based on the similarity of the items, The item provisioning unit provides, from among the items grouped by the item grouping unit, representative items within each group as the item list. You may do so.

[0010] A search device according to a second aspect of the present invention is: An item identification unit that identifies the item desired by the user, An item grouping unit groups the items identified by the item identification unit based on the similarity of the items, A representative item selection unit selects a representative item from among the items grouped by the item grouping unit, A result list providing unit provides the representative items corresponding to each group grouped by the item grouping unit as a result list, It is equipped with.

[0011] A search method according to a third aspect of the present invention is: A search method using a search device, A three-dimensional image provision step, which provides a three-dimensional image, A desired portion identification step, in which a desired portion is identified based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image, A region information provision step provides region information which is the name of the region containing the desired portion identified in the desired portion identification step, A corresponding item identification step identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from the area information provided in the area information provision step, The item provision step provides a list of items for which the item identified in the corresponding item identification step can be purchased, It is equipped with.

[0012] A program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is: Computers, A three-dimensional image providing unit that provides three-dimensional images. A desired portion identification unit identifies a desired portion, which is the part desired by the user, based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. A region information providing unit that provides region information which is the name of the region including the desired portion identified by the desired portion identification unit. A corresponding item specifying unit that specifies an item corresponding to the area information selected by the user among the area information provided by the area information providing unit. An item providing unit that provides a list of items that can be purchased for the item specified by the corresponding item specifying unit. Function as.

[0013] The above program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. A non-transitory recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of a computer. Here, a non-transitory recording medium refers to a tangible recording medium. Examples of non-transitory recording media include compact discs, flexible discs, hard disks, magneto-optical discs, digital video discs, magnetic tapes, semiconductor memories, etc. Also, a transitory recording medium refers to the transmission medium (propagation signal) itself. Examples of transitory recording media include electrical signals, optical signals, electromagnetic waves, etc. Note that a temporary storage area is an area for temporarily storing data and programs, and is, for example, a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a search device, a search method, and a program that can easily search for products desired by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] ]>It is a diagram showing the relationship between a search device, an information terminal, and a sales server. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of a search device. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of item information. <{ [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of a search request process and a search process. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on an information terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] (Overall structure) A search device, search method, and program relating to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 1, the search device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an information terminal 200 and a sales server 300 via a computer communication network 400 such as the Internet. The search device 100 in this embodiment has the function of easily identifying the name of a product that a user wishes to purchase by specifying the place of use, the part to be installed, or the installation location of the product, and providing a sales page for the product. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, the following explanation will be given using the case where a user purchases car parts as an example.

[0017] The search device 100 is a computer such as a server. The search device 100 has the function of identifying the product desired by the user, who is the user of the information terminal 200, and providing a product page where the product can be purchased. Specifically, the search device 100 identifies the vehicle model specified by the user and provides a three-dimensional image corresponding to that vehicle model. The search device 100 also has the function of identifying the parts corresponding to the location specified by the three-dimensional image as corresponding items and providing the user with a purchase page where the item can be purchased as an item list. In this embodiment, the search device 100 is shown as a separate device from the sales server 300, but the search device 100 may be provided as a functional unit of the sales server 300.

[0018] Information terminal 200 is an information terminal (so-called computer) such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer) used by the user. Information terminal 200 has the function of providing vehicle type information, indicating the type of car on which the purchased parts will be installed, to the search device 100, and requesting the provision of a three-dimensional image corresponding to that vehicle type. Information terminal 200 also has the function of providing the search device 100 with information on a region including a location specified by the user. In addition, information terminal 200 has the function of executing a purchase process, which involves purchasing the desired product (part) from the item list provided by the search device 100 based on the user's operation. The purchase process includes the process of settling the payment for the desired product through communication with the sales server 300.

[0019] The sales server 300 is a computer, such as a server, that sells goods. The sales server 300 has the function of purchasing goods, i.e., making payments, based on requests transmitted through payment processing, which is performed at the information terminal 200.

[0020] (Functional configuration of the search device) Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration of the search device 100 will be described.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the search device 100 includes a storage unit 110, a control unit 120, an input / output unit 130, a communication unit 140, and a system bus (not shown) that connects these to each other.

[0022] The storage unit 110 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM stores the program 111 executed by the control unit 120, various data (not shown) necessary in advance for executing the program 111, the vehicle information DB 112, and item information 113.

[0023] Program 111 is a program that executes the search process described later, and is stored in the storage unit 110 in advance.

[0024] The vehicle information DB112 is a database that stores three-dimensional images (including exterior and interior images) corresponding to each vehicle model, names corresponding to each position (coordinate) in the three-dimensional image, and area information (mounting part information) of the part corresponding to that position. For example, as shown in Figure 5, for the three-dimensional image of a minivan, the vehicle information DB112 associates the specified position (cursor position) shown in the illustration with a name such as "front grille" and the area information corresponding to that front grille. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the specified position (cursor position) in the three-dimensional image of a minivan is associated with multiple names such as "console panel" and the area information corresponding to that "console panel". In this way, the vehicle information DB112 associates three-dimensional images corresponding to each vehicle model with their respective positions and names (including alternative names), as well as the names of mounting parts (minor mounting parts) included in the mounting part (major mounting part) indicated by that position. In other words, as shown in Figure 9, the vehicle information DB112 associates not only the "console panel" indicated by the specified position, but also the name of the "shift lever" located within the area including the specified position, and its area information (mounting part). The area information includes information on both the large and small mounting parts. Note that the vehicle information DB112 may store a three-dimensional image corresponding to the vehicle itself, and the name and area information (mounting part) corresponding to each position in the three-dimensional image corresponding to the vehicle, rather than a three-dimensional image corresponding to the vehicle and the name and area information corresponding to each position in the three-dimensional image. Specifically, the vehicle information DB112 may store a three-dimensional image (including exterior and interior images) of a "minivan," which is a type of vehicle such as "XXX" from company A and "YYY" from company B, and the name corresponding to each position in the three-dimensional image corresponding to the vehicle. Regarding vehicle types, even within the same category of "minivan," there may be multiple variations, such as "Minivan 1" through "Minivan 5."In this embodiment, the vehicle information DB112 is acquired in advance from the sales server 300 via a computer communication network 400 such as the Internet.

[0025] Returning to Figure 2, item information 113 is a list showing information about items (parts) that the user can purchase. In this embodiment, item information 113 is obtained in advance from the sales server 300 via a computer communication network 400 such as the Internet. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, item information 113 in this embodiment includes at least item number information indicating the item number, item information indicating the name of the item, corresponding area information indicating the position in the three-dimensional image, i.e., the mounting part, URL information indicating the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the sales page on the sales server 300, and corresponding vehicle information indicating information about the vehicle models to which the item (part) can be installed. In the example shown in Figure 3, "Item A" in item number 1 indicates that it is a part that can be installed on the "console panel", the corresponding vehicle models are "Minivan 1-5", and the sales page is "http: / / www.XXXXXXXXXX1".

[0026] The control unit 120 shown in Figure 2 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. The control unit 120 operates according to a program 111 stored in the storage unit 110 and executes processing according to the program 111. The control unit 120 includes, as its main functional units provided by the program 111 stored in the storage unit 110, a vehicle information acquisition unit 121, a three-dimensional image provision unit 122, a desired part identification unit 123, a region emphasis unit 124, a region information provision unit 125, a corresponding item identification unit 126, an item grouping unit 127, and an item provision unit 128.

[0027] The vehicle information acquisition unit 121 is a functional unit that acquires vehicle information, which is information about the vehicle that corresponds to the parts desired by the user, from the information terminal 200. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 121 has the function of acquiring vehicle information from the information terminal 200 that corresponds to the vehicle selected by the user through a selection operation on an application launched on the information terminal 200. In this embodiment, when the user presses the vehicle selection button on the information terminal 200, the vehicle information is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the search device 100.

[0028] The three-dimensional image provision unit 122 is a functional unit that provides the information terminal 200 with a three-dimensional image corresponding to the vehicle type indicated by the vehicle type information. Specifically, the three-dimensional image provision unit 122 has the function of obtaining a three-dimensional image of the vehicle type corresponding to the vehicle type information obtained by the vehicle type information acquisition unit 121 from the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110, and providing it to the information terminal 200. The three-dimensional image provided to the information terminal 200 by the three-dimensional image provision unit 122 includes a three-dimensional image of the exterior and a three-dimensional image of the interior (see Figures 5 and 6). Furthermore, the three-dimensional image provided by the three-dimensional image provision unit 122 can have its display portion changed vertically and horizontally based on user operation.

[0029] The desired part identification unit 123 shown in Figure 2 is a functional unit that identifies the desired part, which is the part on which the user wishes to install the part they want to purchase. Specifically, the desired part identification unit 123 has the function of acquiring a location specified by the user as selected location information from the three-dimensional image provided to the information terminal 200 by the function of the three-dimensional image provision unit 122, and identifying the part including the location indicated by the selected location information as the part on which the user wishes to install the part, i.e., the desired part. There may be multiple timings at which the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the desired part, such as the timing when the cursor is superimposed on the three-dimensional image or the timing when the desired location confirmation button is pressed. In this embodiment, the desired part identification unit 123 acquires the desired part at the timing when the cursor is superimposed on the three-dimensional image. That is, when the user superimposes the cursor on the three-dimensional image, information of the corresponding location is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the search device 100 as selected location information. In other words, each time the user moves the cursor, selection information is transmitted, and the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the part indicated by the selection information as the desired part each time. More specifically, the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the desired part (mounting part) corresponding to the location (coordinates) indicated by the selection information, based on the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110.

[0030] The area highlighting unit 124 is a functional unit that highlights the area of ​​the desired part identified by the function of the desired part identification unit 123. Specifically, the area highlighting unit 124 has the function of highlighting the area of ​​the desired part (attachment part) identified by the function of the desired part identification unit 123 as the part that the user wishes to attach. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the area including the indicated specified position (cursor position) as the desired part, and the area highlighting unit 124 highlights the area corresponding to that position. As described above, in this embodiment, selection location information is transmitted each time the user moves the cursor, so the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the desired part corresponding to the location indicated by the selection location information each time. Therefore, the area highlighting unit 124 highlights the area corresponding to the desired part each time the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the desired part. Furthermore, the area highlighting unit 124 also has a function to highlight the area indicated by the selection information, based on the selection information transmitted when a small mounting part included in the area information provided by the area information provision unit 125 (described later) is selected. For example, after information such as "console panel" is provided as area information by the area information provision unit 125 (described later), as shown in the upper part of Figure 10, if the small mounting part of "shift lever" included in the area information is selected on the information terminal 200 side, selection information indicating that the "shift lever" has been selected is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the search device 100. Then, the area highlighting unit 124 highlights the area corresponding to the "shift lever," as shown in the lower part of Figure 10. In other words, the highlighting of the "console panel" is changed to the highlighting of the "shift lever." In this case as well, the desired part to be highlighted can be identified based on the vehicle information DB 112 using the desired part identification unit 123.

[0031] The area information provision unit 125 is a functional unit that provides the names of the mounting parts included in the area highlighted by the function of the area highlighting unit 124 to the information terminal 200 as area information. Specifically, the area information provision unit 125 has the function of identifying the names of the mounting parts included in the area highlighted by the function of the area highlighting unit 124 based on the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110, and providing the identified names of the mounting parts to the information terminal 200 as area information. For example, if the area highlighting unit 124 performs a highlighting as shown in the lower part of Figure 7, the area information provision unit 125 identifies the names of the mounting parts included in the area corresponding to the highlighting based on the vehicle information DB 112, and provides the identified names of the mounting parts to the information terminal 200 as area information, as shown in the upper part of Figure 9. Note that the illustrated example shows an example in which the names of multiple mounting parts are included in the area information, but this is just one example, and the area information may also include the name of a single mounting part.

[0032] The corresponding item identification unit 126 is a functional unit that identifies items corresponding to the mounting part selected by the user from among the names of mounting parts included in the area information provided by the function of the area information provision unit 125. Specifically, it obtains the names of mounting parts included in the area information provided by the function of the area information provision unit 125, selected by the user, as selection information from the information terminal 200. The corresponding item identification unit 126 then assumes that the part indicated by the selection information is the mounting part of the part desired by the user, and identifies the item corresponding to that mounting part based on the item information 113 stored in the storage unit 110. For example, if the user's vehicle type is "minivan 1" and the mounting part indicated by the selection information is "console panel", the corresponding item identification unit 126 identifies "item A" to "item D" corresponding to items 1 to 4 in the item information 113 shown in Figure 3 as corresponding items.

[0033] The item grouping unit 127 is a functional unit that groups items identified by the function of the corresponding item identification unit 126. Specifically, the item grouping unit 127 is a functional unit that groups multiple items identified by the function of the corresponding item identification unit 126 into similar groups. For example, the corresponding item identification unit 126 groups multiple items identified by the function of the corresponding item identification unit 126 into items with high similarity based on the similarity of the product images of those items. The grouping can be performed using any method, such as principal component analysis or clustering.

[0034] The item provision unit 128 is a functional unit that provides the user with an item list summarizing the representative items of each group of items that have been grouped by the function of the item grouping unit 127. Specifically, the item provision unit 128 has the function of extracting the best-selling item from among the items belonging to each group that has been grouped by the function of the item grouping unit 127 as a representative item, and providing the user with an item list by sending the list of extracted items to the information terminal 200. To determine which items are best-selling items, for example, information such as the number of sales, i.e., information for calculating best-selling items, can be obtained from the sales server 300.

[0035] The input / output unit 130 shown in Figure 2 consists of a keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, liquid crystal display, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc., and is a device for inputting and outputting various types of data.

[0036] The communication unit 140 is a device that allows the search device 100 to communicate with other information terminals, such as the information terminal 200 and the sales server 300, via the computer communication network 400. The above describes the configuration of the search device 100.

[0037] (operation) Next, the operation of the search device 100 and the information terminal 200 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the search request processing in the information terminal 200 and the search processing in the search device 100. When the search request processing and search processing in this embodiment are performed, the parts corresponding to the installation location that the user wishes to install are identified, and an item list is provided as a purchase page where the parts can be purchased. First, the search request processing shown in Figure 4 is started based on the user's operation on the application, who is the user of the information terminal 200. In this example, the following explanation will be based on the case where the vehicle type that the user wishes to install the parts on is "Minivan 1".

[0038] When the search request process is initiated, the information terminal 200 first makes a search request through an operation on the application by the user (step S11). Specifically, in the process of step S11, the information terminal 200 makes a search request when the user selects a vehicle type and presses a search request button, and transmits the vehicle type information to the search device 100.

[0039] On the search device 100 side, based on the receipt of vehicle information, the search process is initiated. Once the search process is initiated, the control unit 120 identifies the vehicle type using the function of the vehicle information acquisition unit 121 (step S12). Specifically, in the process of step S12, the vehicle information acquisition unit 121 identifies the vehicle type indicated by the received vehicle information as the vehicle type for which the user wishes to have parts installed.

[0040] After executing the process in step S12, the control unit 120 provides a three-dimensional image using the functions of the three-dimensional image providing unit 122 (step S13). Specifically, in the process of step S13, the three-dimensional image providing unit 122 obtains a three-dimensional image corresponding to the vehicle type identified in the process of step S12 from the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110 and provides it to the information terminal 200, which is the source of the vehicle type information. The three-dimensional image provided to the information terminal 200 by the three-dimensional image providing unit 122 includes a three-dimensional image of the exterior and a three-dimensional image of the interior. As a result, the information terminal 200 displays three-dimensional images of the exterior and interior of the vehicle type (minivan 1) for which the user wishes to install the parts, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0041] Returning to Figure 4, on the information terminal 200, the user operates the information terminal 200 to select the desired mounting location for a part from the exterior or interior image displayed in the three-dimensional image (step S14). Specifically, as shown in the upper part of Figure 7, the desired location is selected by the user moving the cursor to the mounting location of the part to be installed. Once the desired location is selected, in the process of step S14, the position information of the selected location in the three-dimensional image is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the search device 100 as selected location information. Figure 7 shows an example in which a three-dimensional image of the interior of "Minivan 1" desired by the user is displayed, and the upper part shows an example in which the console panel portion is selected. Therefore, in this case, selected location information indicating that the console panel portion in the three-dimensional image of the interior has been selected is transmitted to the search device 100. The selected location information may be the coordinates of the selected location in the three-dimensional image. Furthermore, as described above, when a user places the cursor over a three-dimensional image, information about the overlapping area (coordinates in the three-dimensional image) is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the search device 100 as selected area information.

[0042] Returning to Figure 4, on the search device 100 side, upon receiving the selection location information, the control unit 120, using the function of the desired location identification unit 123, acquires the desired location corresponding to the installation location of the part the user wishes to purchase, based on the location indicated by the selection location information (step S15). Specifically, in the process of step S15, the desired location identification unit 123 acquires the desired location corresponding to the acquired selection location information from the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110. For example, in the process of step S14, if selection location information indicating that the console panel portion of the three-dimensional image of the interior has been selected is transmitted to the search device 100, as shown in the upper part of Figure 7, then in the process of step S15, the desired location identification unit 123 identifies the area of ​​the console panel, which is the desired location (installation location) corresponding to the location (coordinates) indicated by the selection location information, based on the area information of the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, selection location information is transmitted each time the user moves the cursor. Therefore, the process in step S15 is executed each time selection information is transmitted, and the desired portion identification unit 123 identifies the portion indicated by the selection information as the desired portion.

[0043] After executing the process of step S15 shown in Figure 4, the control unit 120 uses the function of the area emphasis unit 124 to emphasize the area corresponding to the desired part identified in the process of step S15 (step S16). Specifically, in the process of step S16, the area emphasis unit 124 emphasizes the area corresponding to the desired part identified in the process of step S15 as the part that the user wishes to install. For example, in the process of step S14, if selection location information indicating that the console panel part of the three-dimensional image of the interior has been selected is transmitted to the search device 100, as shown in the upper part of Figure 7, then in the process of step S15, the desired part identification unit 123 identifies the area of ​​the console panel, which is the desired part (installation part) corresponding to the location (coordinates) indicated by the selection location information, based on the area information of the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110. Then, in the process of step S16, the area emphasis unit 124 emphasizes the area of ​​the console panel, as shown in the lower part of Figure 7. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, selection information is transmitted each time the user moves the cursor. Therefore, once the area highlighting unit 124 has highlighted the area of ​​the console panel as shown in the upper part of Figure 8 during the processing of step S16, if selection information indicating the shift lever is transmitted again, the area highlighting unit 124 will execute the processing of step S16 again and highlight the area of ​​the shift lever as shown in the lower part of Figure 8.

[0044] After executing the process shown in step S16 in Figure 4, the control unit 120, using the function of the area information provision unit 125, provides the name of the mounting part included in the area highlighted in step S16 as area information to the information terminal 200 (step S17). Specifically, in the process of step S17, the area information provision unit 125 identifies the name of the mounting part included in the area highlighted in step S16 based on the vehicle information DB 112 stored in the storage unit 110, and provides the identified name of the mounting part as area information to the information terminal 200. For example, if the highlighting shown in the lower part of Figure 7 is performed by the process of step S16, in the process of step S17, the area information provision unit 125 identifies the name of the mounting part included in the area corresponding to the highlighting based on the vehicle information DB 112, and provides the identified name of the mounting part as area information to the information terminal 200, as shown in the upper part of Figure 9.

[0045] Returning to Figure 4, when the information terminal 200 receives area information, a display similar to the one shown in the upper part of Figure 9 is shown. The name of the mounting area for the part desired by the user is then selected as the part to be purchased (step S18). Specifically, the user of the information terminal 200 selects the appropriate name from the names of each mounting area displayed on the information terminal 200 as area information, as shown in the lower part of Figure 9. As a result, in the process of step S18, the information terminal 200 transmits the selection information corresponding to that name to the search device 100. In the illustrated example, "console panel" is selected as the part to be purchased, and the selection information corresponding to "console panel" is transmitted to the search device 100. In contrast to this, for example, if area information as shown in the upper part of Figure 10 is displayed on the information terminal 200 in the process of step S17, even if the cursor is positioned on the shift lever in an area smaller than the console panel, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10, the selection information is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the search device 100. In this case, steps S15 and S16 shown in Figure 4 are executed again, and the area corresponding to the shift lever indicated by the selection information is highlighted, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10.

[0046] Returning to Figure 4, upon receiving the selection information, the control unit 120 of the search device 100 uses the function of the corresponding item identification unit 126 to identify the item corresponding to the mounting portion indicated by the selection information (step S19). Specifically, in the process of step S19, the corresponding item identification unit 126 assumes that the portion indicated by the selection information transmitted in the process of step S18 is the mounting portion of a part desired by the user, and identifies the item (part) corresponding to that mounting portion based on the item information 113 stored in the storage unit 110. For example, if the user's vehicle type is "minivan 1" and the mounting portion indicated by the selection information is a "console panel" as shown in the lower part of Figure 9, in the process of step S19, the corresponding item identification unit 126 identifies "item A" to "item D" corresponding to items 1 to 4 in the item information 113 shown in Figure 3 as the corresponding items.

[0047] After executing the process shown in step S19 in Figure 4, the control unit 120 groups the items identified in step S19 using the function of the item grouping unit 127 (step S20). Specifically, in the process of step S20, the item grouping unit 127 groups the multiple items identified in step S19 into groups of items with high similarity based on the similarity of the product images of those items. For example, if the items identified in step S19 are "item A" to "item D", the item grouping unit 127 groups "item B", which has a high similarity to "item A", into the same group, and groups the items into three groups: the group to which "item A" and "item B" belong, the group to which "item C" belongs, and the group to which "item D" belongs. In this example, "item C" and "item D" each have low similarity, and both also have low similarity to "item A".

[0048] After executing the process in step S20, the control unit 120, using the function of the item provision unit 128, provides the information terminal 200 with an item list summarizing the representative items of each group of items grouped in the process of step S20 (step S21), and terminates the search process. Specifically, in the process of step S21, the item provision unit 128 extracts (selects) the best-selling item as a representative item from among the items belonging to each group grouped in the process of step S20, based on information such as the number of sales received from the sales server 300, and provides the user with an item list by sending a list of the extracted items (result list) to the information terminal 200. For example, in the process of step S21, the item provision unit 128 sends an item list as shown in Figure 11 to the information terminal 200. As shown in the figure, the item list includes a product image showing the image of the item and product description information showing the details of the item for each item, and each can be purchased based on the user's operation. That is, although not shown in the figure, the product description information for each item displayed in the item list also includes a purchase button. Furthermore, information such as price and quantity purchased is also included. In other words, the item list can be considered a product purchase page. In the illustrated example, "Item A" is the representative item in the group to which "Item A" and "Item B" belong, and "Item C" and "Item D" are the representative items in the group to which "Item C" and "Item D" belong, respectively.

[0049] Once the item list is provided through the process in step S21 of Figure 4, the information terminal 200 displays the information as shown in Figure 11. Then, when the user performs a purchase operation, the information terminal 200 performs the purchase process shown in Figure 4 (step S22) and terminates the search request process. Specifically, in the process of step S22, the information terminal 200 sends a purchase request to the sales server 300 based on the user's purchase operation, and settles the payment for the items corresponding to the purchase request through communication with the sales server 300. This allows the user to purchase the desired parts (items).

[0050] The above describes the operation of the search device 100 and the information terminal 200. As described above, the search device 100 in this embodiment allows the user to specify the mounting location of the desired part based on a three-dimensional image, thereby providing the user with the name of the mounting location and the corresponding item. Furthermore, even if the user does not know the name of the product they want, they can easily find the product. Therefore, the user can easily search for the product they want.

[0051] (modified version) Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the search device 100 and information terminal 200 according to the above embodiments do not have to have all of the technical features shown above, and may have some of the configurations described in the above embodiments so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. Also, at least some of the following modifications may be combined.

[0052] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which, in the process of step S13 shown in Figure 4, three-dimensional images relating to the exterior and interior corresponding to the vehicle type indicated by the vehicle type information transmitted from the information terminal 200 are provided. The three-dimensional images provided by the process of step S13 can be enlarged or reduced based on user operation. For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 12, when a three-dimensional image relating to the interior is provided by the process of step S13, if the user selects the plus button, it will be enlarged as shown in the lower part of Figure 12. On the other hand, for example, in the display state shown in the lower part of Figure 12, if the user selects the minus button, it will be reduced as shown in the upper part of Figure 12. This makes it easy for the user to find the mounting part of the part they want.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the example of a user purchasing car parts was used, but this is just one example. The search device 100 can be applied not only to searching for car parts, but also to searching for items for DIY (Do It Yourself) projects and other home improvement activities. For example, when adding a new item to a room, the search device 100 provides a three-dimensional image of the room, and the user can easily find the desired item by selecting the installation location.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the process of step S17 is executed after the process of step S16 shown in Figure 4, that is, an example in which area information is provided after highlighting, but this is just one example. The execution order of the processes of step S16 and step S17 may be reversed. Also, when providing area information by the process of step S17, highlighting may be performed at the same time.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which, in the process of step S20 shown in Figure 4, the items identified in the process of step S19 are grouped according to the similarity of the product images of those items. However, this is just one example. Grouping in the process of step S20 is not required.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the process of step S21 shown in Figure 4, the best-selling item is extracted as a representative item, and a list of the extracted items is sent to the information terminal 200. However, in addition to this, for example, when a user selects a representative item, a sublist containing the items belonging to that group may be expanded. In other words, by selecting a representative item, all items within that group may be made viewable.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operation of the search process in the search device 100 was explained using the three-dimensional images of the interior shown in Figures 7 to 10 as an example, but the same applies when a three-dimensional image of the exterior is displayed. That is, even when a user desires a part to be attached to the exterior of a car, they can simply select the desired location for attaching the part, just as in the case of the interior.

[0058] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows an example where, after the name of the mounting portion of the part desired by the user is selected as the part to be purchased through the process in step S18 shown in Figure 4, the processes from step S19 onwards are executed. However, this is just one example. Separately, for example, when providing area information in the process in step S17, the items corresponding to the area information (name of the mounting portion) may be identified and an item list may be provided. That is, the process in step S18 may be omitted, and the processes from step S19 onwards may be executed as processes within the process in step S17, and the item list may be provided along with the area information (name of the mounting portion) in the process in step S17. In this case, the item list may be provided on a separate page from the area information, or the items corresponding to each mounting portion indicated by the area information may be displayed under the name of each mounting portion. Also, when providing each item corresponding to the area information as a search result without executing the process in step S18, for example, if mounting portion A is narrower than mounting portion B, the items corresponding to mounting portion A may be displayed with priority over the items corresponding to mounting portion B, and so on, the items may be displayed with priority depending on the inclusion relationship of the mounting portions.

[0059] Furthermore, the search device 100 and information terminal 200 according to the above embodiment can be implemented using a regular computer, without requiring dedicated equipment. For example, the search device 100 that performs the above-mentioned processing may be configured by installing a program for performing any of the above-mentioned actions from a recording medium to the computer. Alternatively, a single search device 100 and information terminal 200 may be configured by multiple computers working together.

[0060] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned functions are realized through a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and the application, or through collaboration between the OS and the application, then only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the medium.

[0061] Furthermore, it is possible to superimpose a program onto a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the program could be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the communication network and distributed via the network. These programs could then be launched and executed under the control of the operating system, similar to other application programs, thereby enabling the execution of the aforementioned processes.

[0062] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0063] (Note 1) A three-dimensional image providing unit that provides three-dimensional images, A desired portion identification unit identifies a desired portion, which is the part desired by the user, based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. A region information providing unit provides region information which is the name of the region including the desired portion identified by the desired portion identification unit, A corresponding item identification unit identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from the area information provided by the area information provision unit, An item provisioning unit provides a list of items for which the item identified by the corresponding item identification unit can be purchased, A search device characterized by comprising the following features.

[0064] (Note 2) A region highlighting unit that highlights a portion of an object shown in the three-dimensional image, the portion identified by the desired portion identification unit, in a way that allows the user to identify it; The search device described in Appendix 1, further characterized by being equipped with the following features.

[0065] (Note 3) The desired portion identification unit first identifies the desired portion based on the first position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image, and then identifies the desired portion based on the second position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. The region highlighting unit performs a first highlighting corresponding to the desired portion based on the first position, and then changes to a second highlighting corresponding to the desired portion based on the second position. The search device described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0066] (Note 4) The system further includes an item grouping unit that groups the items identified by the corresponding item identification unit based on the similarity of the items, The item provisioning unit provides, from among the items grouped by the item grouping unit, representative items within each group as the item list. A search device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

[0067] (Note 5) An item identification unit that identifies the item desired by the user, An item grouping unit groups the items identified by the item identification unit based on the similarity of the items, A representative item selection unit selects a representative item from among the items grouped by the item grouping unit, A result list providing unit provides the representative items corresponding to each group grouped by the item grouping unit as a result list, A search device equipped with the following features.

[0068] (Note 6) A search method using a search device, A three-dimensional image provision step, which provides a three-dimensional image, A desired portion identification step, in which a desired portion is identified based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image, A region information provision step provides region information which is the name of the region containing the desired portion identified in the desired portion identification step, A corresponding item identification step identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from the area information provided in the area information provision step, The item provision step provides a list of items for which the item identified in the corresponding item identification step can be purchased, A search method that includes the following features.

[0069] (Note 7) Computers, A three-dimensional image providing unit that provides three-dimensional images. A desired portion identification unit identifies a desired portion, which is the part desired by the user, based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. A region information providing unit that provides region information which is the name of the region including the desired portion identified by the desired portion identification unit. A corresponding item identification unit identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from among the area information provided by the area information providing unit. An item provisioning unit that provides a list of items for which the item identified by the corresponding item identification unit can be purchased. A program that makes it function as such.

[0070] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of the disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0071] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a search device, search method, and program that enable users to easily search for desired products. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 100 Search devices 110 Storage section 111 Programs 112 Car information DB 113 Item Information 120 Control Unit 121 Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 122 3D image provision department 123 Desired part specification part 124 Area emphasis part 125 Area Information Provision Department 126 Compatible Item Identification Section 127 Item Grouping Section 128 Item Supply Department 130 Input / output section 140 Communications Department 200 Information Terminals 300 sales servers 400 Computer communication network

Claims

1. A three-dimensional image providing unit that provides three-dimensional images, A desired portion identification unit identifies a desired portion, which is the part desired by the user, based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. A region information providing unit provides region information which is the name of the region including the desired portion identified by the desired portion identification unit, A corresponding item identification unit identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from the area information provided by the area information provision unit, An item provisioning unit provides a list of items for which the item identified by the corresponding item identification unit can be purchased, A search device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. A region highlighting unit that highlights a portion of an object shown in the three-dimensional image, which has been identified by the desired portion identification unit, in a way that allows the user to identify it. The search device according to claim 1, further comprising the features described above.

3. The desired portion identification unit first identifies the desired portion based on the first position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image, and then identifies the desired portion based on the second position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. The region highlighting unit performs a first highlighting corresponding to the desired portion based on the first position, and then changes to a second highlighting corresponding to the desired portion based on the second position. The search device according to feature 2.

4. The system further includes an item grouping unit that groups the items identified by the corresponding item identification unit based on the similarity of the items, The item provisioning unit provides, from among the items grouped by the item grouping unit, representative items within each group as the item list. A search device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An item identification unit that identifies the item desired by the user, An item grouping unit groups the items identified by the item identification unit based on the similarity of the items, A representative item selection unit selects a representative item from among the items grouped by the item grouping unit, A result list providing unit provides the representative items corresponding to each group grouped by the item grouping unit as a result list, A search device equipped with the following features.

6. A search method using a search device, A three-dimensional image provision step, which provides a three-dimensional image, A desired portion identification step, in which a desired portion is identified based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image, A region information provision step provides region information which is the name of the region containing the desired portion identified in the desired portion identification step, A corresponding item identification step identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from the area information provided in the area information provision step, The item provision step provides a list of items for which the item identified in the corresponding item identification step can be purchased, A search method that includes the following features.

7. Computers, A three-dimensional image providing unit that provides three-dimensional images. A desired portion identification unit identifies a desired portion, which is the part desired by the user, based on a position selected by the user in the object shown in the three-dimensional image. A region information providing unit that provides region information which is the name of the region including the desired portion identified by the desired portion identification unit. A corresponding item identification unit identifies an item that corresponds to the area information selected by the user from among the area information provided by the area information providing unit. An item provisioning unit that provides a list of items for which the item identified by the corresponding item identification unit can be purchased. A program that makes it function as such.

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