Information provision system

Abstract

The goal is to obtain an information provision system that is suitable for reducing the workload for manufacturers and for users to obtain information quickly. [Solution] A system equipped with a computer that returns provided information corresponding to received product information, comprising: a storage unit that stores data based on character information written in design drawing data for multiple products; an information acquisition unit that acquires image data information as product information; an information extraction unit that performs a matching process between each of the data based on character information and the character information that can be read from the image data information to calculate the matching rate, and if one or more drawing data with a matching rate of a rate equal to or higher than the allowable matching rate can be identified, extracts product model information corresponding to each of the identified drawing data; and an information return unit that returns provided information generated by associating the extracted product model information with the matching rate as a response to the product information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing system that returns necessary information to a user by using a dedicated site on a homepage.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, an operator who has received an inquiry by phone from a user makes a response after checking technical materials and making an inquiry to the technical department. However, due to the experience, skills, etc. of each operator, the response contents are not always the same, and the time required for the operator to make a response also varies. Furthermore, when the number of inquiries increases, the addition of operators increases, and there has also been a situation where the response is delayed.

[0003] In recent years, in order to address such problems, there are those that use a so-called chatbot that communicates with a user in an interactive format to make a primary response to an inquiry from the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using a chatbot, individual differences can be eliminated, and a primary response can be made to the user in a shorter time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the prior art has the following problems. When using a chatbot, by referring to a question-and-answer table in which the question content and the answer content are associated and stored in advance, it is possible to eliminate individual differences and quickly make a primary response in response to an inquiry from a user.

[0006] However, from the perspective of a manufacturer of fire extinguishing equipment-related products, the reality is that when users call to inquire about actual products installed on-site, it takes time to identify the model number of the product and provide appropriate information, which places a burden on the operators handling the calls.

[0007] Furthermore, the types of answers users require vary widely, and in many cases, they need not only simple initial responses but also detailed technical information, information about the nature of the malfunction, and information about successor models. Therefore, simply using a chatbot to provide initial responses is insufficient to adequately meet these diverse user requests.

[0008] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an information provision system that is suitable for reducing the workload of manufacturers who respond to user inquiries about actual products, and for users who receive information, in order to expedite the acquisition of necessary information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information provision system relating to this disclosure is an information provision system equipped with a computer that receives product information used to identify product models from external sources using a dedicated site on a homepage and returns provision information corresponding to the received product information. The computer has a storage unit that stores data based on text information written in design drawing data for each of several products; an information acquisition unit that acquires image data information including the imaging results of the product whose product model is to be identified as product information via a dedicated site on a homepage; an information extraction unit that calculates the matching rate by performing a matching process between each of the text-based data stored in the storage unit and the text information that can be read from the image data information acquired as product information by the information acquisition unit, and if one or more drawing data with a matching rate of one or more than a predetermined allowable matching rate can be identified as a result of the matching process, extracts product model information corresponding to each of the one or more identified drawing data; and an information return unit that generates provision information associating the product model information extracted by the information extraction unit with the calculated matching rate and returns the generated provision information as a response to the product information provided from an external source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to obtain an information provision system that is suitable for reducing the workload of manufacturers who respond to user inquiries about actual products, and for users who receive information, in order to quickly obtain the necessary information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the information provision system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of various types of information in the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes performed by the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 4]This figure shows the first to third screens, which are examples of screens displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows the fourth and fifth screens, which are examples of screens displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows the sixth and seventh screens, which are examples of screens displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows the eighth screen, which is an example of a screen displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows the ninth screen, which is an example of a screen displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows screens 10 to 12, which are examples of screens displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows screens 13 to 15, which are examples of screens displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure shows the overall configuration of the information provision system in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of various types of information in the information provision system according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the information provision system of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The information provision system related to this disclosure utilizes a dedicated site on the homepage to receive product information from users and has a system configuration that responds to the user with necessary information, including the product model number. Its technical feature is that it identifies the product model number by utilizing the drawing data from the product design stage.

[0013] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In the information providing system according to Embodiment 1, a terminal device 1 used by a user and a server 100 of a manufacturing company are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network 2.

[0014] When the user wants to obtain information provided by the manufacturer regarding the product, the user can use the terminal device 1 to access the server 100 via the network 2 and use a dedicated site provided on the homepage of the manufacturing company. That is, the user can input the question items as product information using the dedicated site, instead of making inquiries by phone as in the past, and receive the necessary information provision at a desired timing.

[0015] On the other hand, the server 100 receives product information used to identify the product model from an external terminal device 1 via the network 2, and returns the provided information corresponding to the received product information. That is, the manufacturing company will construct a dedicated site on the server 100 where it can basically provide information without the need for an operator to answer by phone for the product information obtained as question items from the user.

[0016] Therefore, a specific system configuration that can return appropriate provided information corresponding to the received product information will be described in detail. The server 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a storage unit 101, an information acquisition unit 102, a model information extraction unit 103, a provided information extraction unit 104, an information return unit 105, and an additional information generation unit 106. Here, the server 100 corresponds to a computer owned by the manufacturing company.

[0017] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of various information in the information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Based on Figure 2, each function of the overall configuration shown in Figure 1 will be described.

[0018] Users making inquiries to manufacturers access a dedicated site on the manufacturer's homepage using terminal device 1. Furthermore, on the dedicated site, users input product information used to identify the product model of the product they are inquiring about. When inputting product information, users can use either text data information, image data information, or both. Details regarding text data information and image data information will be described later using Figures 4 to 10.

[0019] Next, the data stored in the storage unit 101 within the server 100 will be described. In this embodiment 1, the storage unit 101 stores a type identification table and a provision information table.

[0020] The model identification table is a collection of data that associates key information for identifying product models with product model information. Similarly, the provided information table is a collection of data that associates product model information with provided information. To enable the provision of information based on product information obtained from users, the model identification table and the provided information table must be constructed in advance.

[0021] Next, the series of processes performed by the server 100 to provide information corresponding to the product information acquired from the terminal device 1 will be explained based on the processes shown in steps S201 to S206 in Figure 2. In the following explanation, the processes will be described as being performed by each component within the server 100.

[0022] In step S201, the information acquisition unit 102 acquires the product information entered by the user.

[0023] Next, in step S202, the model information extraction unit 103 extracts key information for identifying the product model from the product information acquired by the information acquisition unit 102. Furthermore, if the model information extraction unit 103 has extracted key information, it refers to the model identification table stored in the storage unit 101 and extracts the product model information corresponding to the key information.

[0024] Next, in step S203, if the provided information extraction unit 104 has extracted the product model information, it refers to the provided information table stored in the storage unit 101 and extracts the provided information corresponding to the product model information.

[0025] Next, in step S204, if the information reply unit 105 has extracted the provided information, it replies to the terminal device 1, which is the source of the product information, with the provided information as a response to the product information.

[0026] In step S202 described above, it is conceivable that there may be cases where the product model information cannot be identified because the key information cannot be extracted (hereinafter referred to as the first case), and cases where one product model information cannot be identified as the product model information corresponding to the key information, and multiple product model information is extracted as candidates (hereinafter referred to as the second case).

[0027] If either the first or second case occurs, the additional information generation unit 106 executes step S205 shown in Figure 2. Although the processing of steps S205 and S206 in Figure 2 is described together for the first and second cases, the following will explain each case separately.

[0028] <If the first case occurs> In step S205, if the model information extraction unit 103 is unable to extract key information from the product information acquired by the information acquisition unit 102, the additional information generation unit 106 generates first additional information as a response to the product information, which includes at least one of the following: input guidance information regarding character data information that is effective for acquiring key information to identify the product model, and imaging guidance information regarding image data information.

[0029] Next, in step S206, if the additional information generation unit 106 has generated the first additional information, the information reply unit 105 sends the first additional information back to the terminal device 1, which is the source of the product information, as a response to the product information. As a result, the user can refer to the provided first additional information and resend updated product information that is effective in identifying a single product model.

[0030] <If the second case occurs> In step S205, if the model information extraction unit 103 extracts multiple product model information as candidates corresponding to key information contained in the product information, the additional information generation unit 106 generates second additional information as a response to the product information, which includes at least one of the following: input guidance information regarding character data information effective for identifying one product model information from among the multiple product model information, and imaging guidance information regarding image data information.

[0031] Next, in step S206, if the additional information generation unit 106 has generated the second additional information, the information reply unit 105 sends the second additional information back to the terminal device 1, which is the source of the product information, as a response to the product information. As a result, the user can refer to the provided second additional information and resend the updated product information, which is effective in identifying one product model from among several candidates.

[0032] The functions of the information provision system according to this embodiment 1 have been described above based on Figures 1 and 2. Next, a series of processes performed by the information provision system according to this embodiment 1 will be described using Figures 3 to 10, referring to specific screens displayed on a dedicated website on a homepage.

[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed by the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figures 4 to 10 are diagrams showing example screens displayed when using the information provision system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Below, the series of processes will be explained following the flowchart in Figure 3, with reference to the specific screen examples in Figures 4 to 10.

[0034] In step S301, the user uses terminal device 1 to access a dedicated website on the manufacturer's homepage and enters product information used to identify the product. The product information includes model information indicating the type of product and installation information indicating the product's installation status.

[0035] Specific examples of model information and installation information are shown below. Specific examples of equipment information: Fire alarm receivers, detectors, control panels, valves, tanks, heads, fire hydrants, and others. Specific examples of installation information: Product model, serial number, manufacturing date, building completion date, installation location (name of building, etc.)

[0036] Next, in step S302, the server 100 performs a search process to identify the product based on the received product information. This process in step S302 corresponds to the processes in steps S201 to S203 in Figure 2 above.

[0037] Next, in step S303, the server 100 determines whether, as a result of the search process, it was able to identify one product, multiple candidates, or not identify any products.

[0038] If the server 100 can identify one product in step S303, the process proceeds to step S304. If the server 100 can identify multiple candidates in step S303, the process proceeds to step S305. If the server 100 cannot identify any products in step S303, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0039] If the process proceeds to step S304, the server 100 displays a single identified result as a response to the product information received from the user and provides information. If a single product is identified, various other information can be provided in response to further selections made by the user. These various information provision methods are explained in detail using the first to eighth screens summarized in Figures 4 to 7.

[0040] When the server 100 identifies a single product model corresponding to the product information received from the user, it provides information by displaying either the first or second screen shown in Figure 4. If the identified product model is a current product, the first screen is displayed. On the other hand, if the identified product model is not a current product but has been discontinued, the second screen is displayed, and the user is also provided with information about successor models.

[0041] Furthermore, by including successor model information associated with product model information in the information provided table stored in the storage unit 101, the server 100 can provide users with information regarding successor models.

[0042] Furthermore, while the first or second screen is displayed, the user can transition to the third screen by clicking on the "○○○○ type" section where the specified model is displayed. On the third screen, the user can select and view the desired information from a list of technical documents and drawings corresponding to the specified model. The user can also download the selected documents as needed.

[0043] Furthermore, while the second screen is displayed, the user can transition to the third screen by clicking on the "●●● model" section, which displays the model number identified as the successor model. On the third screen, the user can select and view the desired information from a list of technical documents and drawings corresponding to the identified successor model. The user can also download the selected documents as needed.

[0044] Furthermore, while the third screen is displayed, the user can click on "Frequently Asked Questions about Model Numbers" in the lower right corner to transition to the fourth screen shown in Figure 5, where they can view further information about current or successor models based on their selections. For example, on the fourth screen, the user can select items such as "Error Handling (Malfunctions / Anomalies)," "Installation," "Recovery," and "Other."

[0045] For example, if the user selects "Error Handling (Malfunction / Anomaly)" on the fourth screen, the user will be redirected to the fifth screen shown in Figure 5. Therefore, the user can easily view additional information about the identified product based on a simple selection operation. Furthermore, the contact information for the relevant department is also displayed on the fifth screen, allowing the user to contact the appropriate department directly if necessary.

[0046] Furthermore, while the first or second screen is displayed, the user can click "Related Parts Here" displayed in the lower left corner to transition to the sixth screen shown in Figure 6, where they can view information about related parts based on their selection. Within the sixth screen, the user can click on a desired part from the list of related parts to view technical documents and drawings related to that part. The user can also download selected documents as needed.

[0047] Furthermore, while the sixth screen is displayed, the user can click "Click here if you need parts" in the lower right corner to transition to the seventh screen shown in Figure 6, where they can order related parts. On the seventh screen, the user can select and enter the site location to receive information about the nearest sales office. In particular, the seventh screen displays the contact information of the nearest sales office, allowing the user to immediately order the necessary parts. Additionally, on the sixth screen, a message such as "Click here for necessary tools" may be displayed to show the tools required for replacement, repair, etc., allowing the user to view the necessary tools by clicking on it.

[0048] Furthermore, while the first or second screen is displayed, users can click on "Replacement, Renewal, Malfunction, New Service Here" displayed in the lower right corner to transition to the eighth screen shown in Figure 7, allowing them to easily contact the nearest sales office. On the eighth screen, users can select and enter their site location to receive information about the nearest sales office. In particular, the contact information for the nearest sales office is displayed on the eighth screen, enabling users to immediately make inquiries regarding replacement, renewal, malfunction, or new service to the nearest sales office.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, let's describe the case where we proceed to step S305. If multiple candidates are identified in step S303, the process proceeds to step S305, and the server 100 displays the results of the identification of multiple candidates as a response to the product information received from the user.

[0050] Next, in step S306, the server 100 asks the user whether it is possible to input an image by taking a photograph in order to identify one product from among several candidates. If the user selects that image input is possible, the process proceeds to step S307; if the user selects that image input is not possible, the process proceeds to step S311.

[0051] The ninth screen shown in Figure 8 is an example of a screen display for processing steps S305 and S306. When the server 100 identifies multiple candidate product models corresponding to the product information received from the user, it provides information by displaying the ninth screen. The ninth screen exemplifies a state where three candidates have been identified, and the probability of identifying each is also displayed.

[0052] The server 100 selects candidates with a specific probability equal to or greater than a pre-set threshold. If only one candidate is selected, it displays the first or second screen; if two or more candidates are selected, it displays the ninth screen.

[0053] With the ninth screen displayed, the user can select and click one of the three "○○○○ type (●●%)" options shown as multiple candidates to transition to the third screen in Figure 4 shown earlier, where they can select and view the desired information from the list of technical documents and drawings.

[0054] Furthermore, when the ninth screen is displayed, users can click "Proceed to Photo Judgment" at the bottom to provide additional image information through photography. This allows the system to use the image data to attempt to identify one product from among multiple candidates.

[0055] If "Proceed to Photo Judgment" is clicked on screen 9, it corresponds to proceeding to step S307 in the flowchart of Figure 3. Screens 10 to 12 shown in Figure 9 are specific examples of screens related to photo taking. If "Proceed to Photo Judgment" is clicked on screen 9, the user will proceed to screen 10.

[0056] Screen 10 illustrates a scenario where, after receiving product information from a user specifying "head" as the model information, multiple candidates were identified, and imaging guidance information necessary to identify a single product was provided.

[0057] In other words, on screen 10, the following image data is provided as imaging guidance information, which is useful for identifying one model from among multiple candidates: "head shape photograph," "inspection sticker photograph," "sealing plate photograph," and "overall equipment photograph." If the user clicks on "head shape photograph" while screen 10 is displayed, the screen transitions to screen 11.

[0058] When screen 11 is displayed, imaging guidance information is provided, along with specific imaging examples and a message such as, "Please take a picture of the side of the head from a diagonal angle below, as shown in the image above."

[0059] The user can touch the area where the imaging guidance information is displayed to dismiss this information and then view the imaging status using the camera function of terminal device 1. Furthermore, by clicking the "Shoot" button in the lower right corner, the user can easily collect image data according to the imaging guidance information. After shooting is complete, the screen returns to the previous screen 10.

[0060] If the user returns to screen 10 after taking the "head shape photograph," they can, if possible, easily collect the desired image data for other photographs such as the "inspection sticker photograph," "sealing plate photograph," and "overall equipment photograph" in the same manner as the "head shape photograph," following the imaging guidance information.

[0061] Once the user has finished taking photos of the available parts, they can proceed to screen 12 by clicking "Next" in the lower right corner of screen 10. While screen 10 illustrates the process of taking photos of four parts, the system can also handle taking photos of five or more parts by scrolling the screen.

[0062] Additionally, users can click on a photo they have already taken to enlarge and review it, and retake the photo if necessary.

[0063] The user can perform operations such as scrolling, zooming in, and retaking photos as needed, and once the confirmation process for the photos that can be taken is complete, they can easily send the image information obtained by taking photos to the server 100 by clicking "Send" in the lower right corner of the 12th screen.

[0064] Meanwhile, the server 100, which has received the image information, performs a search process in step S308 to identify the product based on the newly provided image information. This search process in step S308 is similar to the search process in step S302 and corresponds to the processes in steps S201 to S203 in Figure 2.

[0065] Furthermore, if image data is provided as product information, the model information extraction unit 103 will perform image processing in step S202 to extract or identify key information from the image data.

[0066] Next, in step S309, the server 100 determines, based on the image information-based search process performed in step S308, whether it was able to identify one product, multiple candidates, or not be able to identify any products.

[0067] If the server 100 can identify a single product in step S309, the process proceeds to step S304, where, as described above, the server 100 can provide information based on the first to eighth screens.

[0068] On the other hand, if the server 100 identifies multiple candidates in step S309, the process proceeds to step S310. If the server 100 fails to identify any products in step S309, the process proceeds to step S311.

[0069] If the process proceeds to step S310, the server 100 displays a list of multiple candidate product information as a response to the image information received from the user.

[0070] Next, in step S311, the server 100 asks the user whether a response from a manufacturer's representative is needed to identify one product from among multiple candidates, or to identify one product when no products could be identified. If the user selects that a response from the manufacturer's representative is needed, the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the user selects that a response from the manufacturer's representative is not needed, the process ends.

[0071] The 13th to 15th screens shown in Figure 10 are specific examples of screens corresponding to steps S310 to S312. If, in step S309, the server 100 identifies multiple candidates and the process proceeds to step S310, the 13th screen is displayed.

[0072] When server 100 identifies multiple product model candidates corresponding to product information based on image information received from the user, it provides information by displaying screen 13. Screen 13 shows an example where three candidates have been identified, along with the probability of identifying each.

[0073] With the 13th screen displayed, the user can select and click one of the three "○○○○ type (●●%)" options shown as multiple candidates to transition to the 3rd screen in Figure 4 shown earlier, where they can select and view the desired information from the list of technical documents and drawings.

[0074] Furthermore, if the user determines that a response from a manufacturer's representative is necessary to identify one product from among multiple candidates while the 13th screen is displayed, they can enter the required information and send it to the manufacturer.

[0075] Furthermore, if the product cannot be identified using either text data information or image data information, and the process proceeds to step S311, the 14th screen is displayed. In addition, if the user determines that a response from the manufacturer's representative is necessary to identify the product while the 14th screen is displayed, they can enter the required information and send it to the manufacturer, similar to the 13th screen.

[0076] On screens 13 and 14, the information required to receive a response from the manufacturer's representative may include, for example, "Name," "Phone Number," "Email Address," "Installation Location (Building Name, etc.)," ​​and "Date of Installation." Users can enter the required information for each item by clicking on the displayed item.

[0077] Once the user has finished entering the required information, they can easily send it to server 100 by clicking "Submit" in the lower right corner. After the submission operation is completed, screen 15 will be displayed. The user can then finish the process by clicking "Close" in the lower right corner while screen 15 is displayed.

[0078] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, an information provision system can be realized that can provide users with necessary information, including the product model number, in response to product information received from users who wish to make inquiries about actual products using a dedicated site on the homepage.

[0079] In other words, this system can reduce the workload for manufacturers who respond to user inquiries about actual products, and it can also expedite the acquisition of necessary information for users who receive the information.

[0080] The flowchart in Figure 3 illustrates a two-stage search process where, in the first stage, a search is performed based on text data information, and if a single product cannot be identified, a further search is performed in the second stage based on image data information. However, the process is not limited to this. It is also possible to perform a two-stage search where, in the first stage, a search is performed based on image data information, and if a single product cannot be identified, a further search is performed in the second stage based on text data information.

[0081] Embodiment 2. For products that are no longer in production and have been discontinued, there is a risk that sufficient delivery data or captured image data may not be available. However, it is expected that design drawing data will still be available. Therefore, in this second embodiment, we will describe a case in which shape data for identifying the product model is created in advance based on the product drawing data, and the product is identified by matching the image data of the actual product captured by the user with the created shape data.

[0082] Figure 11 shows the overall configuration of the information provision system in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. In the information provision system according to Embodiment 2, the terminal device 1 used by the user and the manufacturer's server 110 are connected to each other via a network 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0083] If a user wishes to obtain information from the manufacturer regarding a product, they can use terminal device 1 to access server 110 via network 2 and utilize a dedicated site provided on the manufacturer's homepage. In other words, instead of asking questions by telephone as before, users can input their questions as product information using the dedicated site and receive the necessary information at their desired time.

[0084] In response, server 110 receives product information via network 2 to identify the product model and returns the corresponding information to the received product information. In other words, the manufacturer will set up a dedicated site on server 110 where they can provide information in response to product information obtained from users as questions, essentially without requiring telephone support from an operator.

[0085] Therefore, we will now describe in detail a specific system configuration that can return appropriate information corresponding to the received product information. Server 110 is configured to include a storage unit 111, an information acquisition unit 112, an image processing unit 113, a provided information extraction unit 114, an information reply unit 115, and a guidance display unit 116. Here, server 110 corresponds to a computer owned by the manufacturer.

[0086] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of various types of information in the information provision system according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Based on Figure 12, each function of the overall configuration shown in Figure 11 will be explained.

[0087] A user making an inquiry to a manufacturer accesses a dedicated site on the manufacturer's homepage using terminal device 1. Furthermore, on the dedicated site, the user inputs product information used to identify the product model of the product they are inquiring about. In this embodiment 2, when inputting product information, the user uses image data information that includes the imaging results of the product whose product model they want to identify.

[0088] Next, the data stored in the storage unit 111 within the server 110 will be described. In this embodiment 2, the storage unit 111 stores a shape data table. The shape data table is a collection of data in which shape data for identifying a product model is associated with product model information corresponding to each of multiple products. Here, the shape data is two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape data that has been pre-generated based on drawing data for each of the multiple products, and includes, for example, product nameplates, markings, castings, inspection seals, etc., overall shape, characteristic part shapes, size balance with component equipment, shape and arrangement of component equipment, arrangement of buttons and circuit boards, circuit board layout, etc.

[0089] Next, the series of processes performed by the server 110 to provide information corresponding to the product information acquired from the terminal device 1 will be explained based on the processes shown in steps S1201 to S1205 in Figure 12. In the following explanation, the processes will be described as being performed by each component within the server 110.

[0090] In step S1201, the guidance display unit 116 provides the user who is scheduled to transmit image data information containing the imaging results of the product with imaging guidance information in advance to obtain image data information that is effective in identifying the product model. Here, "imaging guidance information" is the same as the imaging guidance information described using the 11th screen in the previous embodiment 1. Therefore, the user can easily collect image data in accordance with the imaging guidance information.

[0091] Next, in step S1202, the information acquisition unit 112 acquires product information generated by the user. In this embodiment 2, the product information is generated by the user according to the imaging guidance information and corresponds to image data information that includes the imaging results of the product whose product model is to be identified.

[0092] Next, in step S1203, the image processing unit 113 refers to the shape data table and performs image matching processing between each of the shape data contained in the shape data table and the image data information acquired as product information by the information acquisition unit 112, and calculates the matching rate. The matching rate may be calculated from the number of matches for all shape data for each product contained in the shape data table, or the shape data may be weighted so that the matching rate is higher for parts that have a greater impact on shape identification.

[0093] Next, in step S1204, if the provided information extraction unit 114 has identified one or more shape data with a matching rate equal to or higher than a preset acceptable matching rate as a result of the image matching process by the image processing unit 113, it refers to the shape data table and extracts product model information corresponding to each of the identified one or more shape data.

[0094] Next, in step S1205, the information reply unit 115 generates provided information by associating the product model information extracted by the provided information extraction unit 114 with the calculated matching rate, and sends the provided information back to the terminal device 1, which is the source of the product information, as a response to the product information.

[0095] In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, various types of information related to the identified product model information can be further provided by utilizing a provided information table, which is a collection of data in which product model information and provided information are associated.

[0096] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, an information provision system can be realized that can respond to users who wish to make inquiries about actual products using a dedicated site on a homepage, by providing them with necessary information, including the product model number, in response to product information in the form of image data received from such users.

[0097] In other words, this system can reduce the workload for manufacturers who respond to user inquiries about actual products, and it can also expedite the acquisition of necessary information for users who receive the information.

[0098] In particular, in this second embodiment, the product model can be identified by performing image matching processing between shape data generated in advance based on design drawing data and image data of the actual product captured by the user. As a result, even for actual products that are no longer in production and have been discontinued, the model can be identified based on the design drawing data, and appropriate information can be provided to the user.

[0099] Furthermore, in product identification using drawing data, it is also possible to match data based on textual information such as settings and colors written in the drawing with settings and colors that can be read from image data.

[0100] The information provision systems according to Embodiments 1 and 2 described above are technically characterized in that, instead of implementing dedicated application software on the terminal device 1, they utilize a dedicated website on a homepage to provide various information in response to product information received from the user, as well as selections and settings entered by the user. In other words, the main objective is to provide more comprehensive information quickly while reducing the memory capacity or computational load on the terminal device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Terminal device, 2 Network, 100 Server, 101 Storage unit, 102 Information acquisition unit, 103 Model information extraction unit, 104 Provided information extraction unit, 105 Information reply unit, 106 Additional information generation unit, 110 Server, 111 Storage unit, 112 Information acquisition unit, 113 Image processing unit, 114 Provided information extraction unit, 115 Information reply unit, 116 Guidance display unit.

Claims

1. An information provision system comprising a computer that receives product information used to identify product models from external sources using a dedicated site on a homepage, and returns information corresponding to the received product information, The aforementioned computer, A storage unit that stores data based on textual information written in the design drawings for each of multiple products, An information acquisition unit acquires image data information containing the imaging results of the product whose product model is to be identified, via a dedicated site on the aforementioned homepage, as product information. An information extraction unit calculates the matching rate by performing a matching process between each of the data based on the character information stored in the storage unit and the character information readable from the image data information acquired as product information by the information acquisition unit, and if one or more drawing data with a matching rate equal to or greater than a preset allowable matching rate is identified as a result of the matching process, it extracts product model information corresponding to each of the one or more identified drawing data. The information replies unit generates provided information by associating the product model information extracted by the information extraction unit with the calculated matching rate, and replies the generated provided information as a response to the product information provided from an external source. An information provision system that has [this feature].

2. The computer, on a dedicated site on the homepage, provides a guidance display unit to users who plan to transmit image data information containing product imaging results, in advance with imaging guidance information to obtain image data information that is effective for identifying the product model. The information provision system according to claim 1, further comprising:

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