Recommended methods, apparatus, programs, and systems

Abstract

Based on the subject's experience, we recommend a fragrance that is suitable for that subject. [Solution] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for recommending a fragrance to a subject, comprising: acquiring the characteristics of the subject's fragrance experience; determining which of a plurality of clusters the subject belongs to based on the characteristics of the subject's fragrance experience; acquiring information on either the scene or item in which the subject uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject uses the fragrance; and recommending a fragrance to the subject based on the determined cluster and the acquired information.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a recommendation method, apparatus, program, and system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are many products having scents such as perfumes and cosmetics. It is said that a person's scent preference is formed by what that person has experienced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it has not been clear what kind of experience affects what kind of scent preference of the person who has had that experience.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to recommend a scent suitable for a target person based on the experience of the target person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for recommending a scent to a target person, including: obtaining characteristics of the target person's scent experience; determining, based on the characteristics of the target person's scent experience, to which of a plurality of clusters the target person belongs; obtaining any one of information on a scene or item in which the target person uses a scent and the purpose for which the target person uses a scent; and recommending a scent to the target person based on the determined cluster and the obtained information.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a fragrance suitable for the subject can be recommended based on the subject's experience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is the result of an analysis of the correlation between fragrance preferences and experiences with scents related to one embodiment of the present invention, and the scene, item, and purpose. [Figure 2] This is the result of an analysis of the correlation between fragrance experience and fragrance preference related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the relationship between differences in scent experience and scent preference related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the relationship between differences in scent experience and scent preference related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the fragrance preferences by factor of fragrance experience related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the factor loadings of Recommendation Factor 1 and Recommendation Factor 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the factor loadings of recommendation factor 3 and recommendation factor 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the factor scores for Recommendation Factor 1 and Recommendation Factor 2 related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the factor scores for recommendation factor 3 and recommendation factor 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the factors of aroma experience by cluster related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the fragrance preferences by cluster related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is an example of the correspondence between information about a fragrance according to one embodiment of the present invention, information about the scene or item in which the fragrance is used, and information about the purpose for which the fragrance is used. [Figure 13]An example of the correspondence relationship among fragrance information, information on the scene or item where the fragrance is used, and information on the purpose of using the fragrance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] An example of the correspondence relationship among fragrance information, information on the scene or item where the fragrance is used, and information on the purpose of using the fragrance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] An example of the correspondence relationship among fragrance information, information on the scene or item where the fragrance is used, and information on the purpose of using the fragrance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] An example of the overall configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A functional block diagram of a recommendation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] A functional block diagram of a recommendation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A flowchart of a process for recommending a fragrance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] A flowchart of a process for recommending a scene / item and purpose for using a fragrance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] A hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal, server, and recommendation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0010] <Explanation of Terms> · "Fragrance" may be any fragrance (it may also be called a smell or an odor), and it may be a pleasant fragrance or an unpleasant fragrance.

[0011] [Overview] The present invention will now be outlined. In one embodiment of the present invention, based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, it is determined which of several clusters the subject belongs to, and then a scent suitable for the scene, item, and purpose the subject wishes to use is recommended. In another embodiment of the present invention, based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, it is determined which of several clusters the subject belongs to, and then a scene, item, and purpose suitable for using a scent the subject prefers is recommended.

[0012] First, I will explain Surveys 1 and 2, which showed that multiple individuals can be clustered based on the characteristics of their scent experience, and that their preferences for what kind of scents to use in what situations, items, or for what purposes differ among these clusters.

[0013] <Survey 1> The subjects (500 men and women aged 20-50) answered questions about their experience with fragrances, their preferences for fragrances (favorite scents), the situations or items in which they use fragrances, and the purpose of using fragrances.

[0014] [Scent experience] Participants were asked to select their answers from a set of options for each of the following factors (6 factors, 12 questions). The options were: "Never (score: 1)", "Rarely (score: 2)", "Rarely (score: 3)", "Sometimes (score: 4)", "Often (score: 5)", "Almost always (score: 6)", and "Always (score: 7)".

[0015] Factor 1: Experience related to the smell of food (smells emanating from food, etc.) • I can smell the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. Peel the fruit and smell it. Factor 2: Experiences related to scent and memory (smell, memory, awareness, etc.) • You notice the changing seasons by the smells of the town. • A scent brings back memories of the past. Factor 3: Your experiences with your own scent (your own smell) I sometimes smell my own clothes. • Check your own scent to make sure there are no unpleasant odors. Factor 4: Experience with the scent of cosmetics or daily necessities (scent of cosmetics or daily necessities) • You can smell the scent of freshly laundered clothes. • In the bathroom, you can smell the scent of soap and hair care products. Factor 5: Experiences related to negative food smells (negative judgments about food) • Likes and dislikes are determined by the smell of food. • Loss of appetite when encountering an unpleasant smell Factor 6: Experience with the scent of unknown foods (judgment of unknown foods) • If you're unfamiliar with a dish, smell it before eating it. • Smell the food before eating it.

[0016] [Fragrance preferences] Participants were asked to rate the following fragrances on a 7-point scale. • Soap scent • A friendly scent • An elegant and calming fragrance • Refreshing scent • Gentle fragrance • A clean and refreshing scent • A scent with medicinal properties • Natural plant scent • Essential oil fragrance • A sweet scent like a dessert • Fruity scent • Rich fragrance • Sexy scent

[0017] [Scene Items] Participants were asked to rate the following scenes and items on a 7-point scale. ·bedroom Rooms and spaces • Relaxation time Bath time Clothing and linens ·hair care ·skin care ·work • Sports • Yoga

[0018] [the purpose] Participants were asked to rate the following objectives on a 7-point scale. • To change your mood • To refresh • Relax • Being surrounded by your favorite scent • Creating an impression • To cover up body odor

[0019] Figure 1 shows the results of an analysis of the correlation between fragrance preferences and experiences with scents related to one embodiment of the present invention, as well as the scene, item, and purpose.

[0020] The numbers at the top of the table in Figure 1 represent the correlation coefficient between the preference for each fragrance in each row and the scene or item / purpose in each column. In other words, a higher correlation coefficient indicates a stronger relationship between fragrance preference and the scene or item / purpose.

[0021] The numbers at the bottom of the table in Figure 1 represent the correlation coefficient between the experience factor in each row and the scene or item and purpose in each column. In other words, a higher correlation coefficient indicates a stronger relationship between the experience factor and the scene or item and purpose.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the results of an analysis of the correlation between fragrance experience and fragrance preference according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each value represents the correlation coefficient between the experience factor in each row and the fragrance preference in each column. In other words, a higher correlation coefficient indicates a stronger relationship between the experience factor and the fragrance preference.

[0023] We divided participants into groups based on their experience factor scores (average factor score of 3 or less / average factor score of 3.5 or higher) and then tallied the differences in scores for scene / item, purpose, and fragrance preference.

[0024] The study found that individuals with more experience related to Factor 1 (experience with food scents) placed importance on scents for bath time, clothing / linens, sports / yoga, and relaxation, and preferred natural plant scents and essential oil scents.

[0025] The study found that those with more experience related to Factor 2 (experiences concerning scent and memory) placed importance on scents for bedrooms, bath time, clothing and linens, rooms and spaces, sports and yoga, creating impressions, and mood changes, and preferred natural plant scents.

[0026] The study found that those with more experience with Factor 3 (personal scent-related experiences) prioritize scents for bedrooms, bath time, clothing and linens, rooms and spaces, creating an impression, changing moods, covering body odor, and being surrounded by their favorite scents, and that they prefer the scents of essential oils.

[0027] The study found that those with more experience with Factor 4 (experience with the scents of cosmetics or daily necessities) place importance on scents for bedrooms, bath time, clothing and linens, rooms and spaces, hair care, skin care, creating an impression, changing moods, relaxing, refreshing, and being surrounded by their favorite scents. They also prefer scents such as soap, gentle, rich, essential oils, and clean scents.

[0028] No significant difference was observed when participants had a high level of experience with Factor 5 (experiences related to negative food smells).

[0029] The study found that individuals with more experience with Factor 6 (experience with the scents of unfamiliar foods) tend to prioritize creating impressions, value scents for sports and yoga, and prefer rich fragrances.

[0030] Thus, it was found that preferences (what kind of scents people prefer to use in what situations, on what items, or for what purpose) differ depending on the experiences they have had. In particular, natural plant scents, essential oil scents, soap scents, clean scents, and rich scents were found to be particularly prone to differences in preferences depending on various experiences. Furthermore, it was found that the higher the experience score (i.e., the more experience people had), the higher their scent preferences were.

[0031] <Survey 2> The subjects (120 women, aged 20-50) responded to questions about their experiences with the same scents as in Survey 1, their preferences (favorite scents) for the following scents a-j, the situations in which they use the same scents or the items on which they use the scents as in Survey 1, and the purposes for which they use the same scents as in Survey 1.

[0032] Here, we will explain scents a through j. From Study 1, it was found that natural plant scents, essential oil scents, soap scents, clean scents, and rich scents tend to elicit different preferences depending on various experiences, so the following scents a through j were used. In Study 2, the subjects actually smelled scents a through j.

[0033] Scent a is as follows: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Fruity, Floral

[0034] Scent b has the following characteristics: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Citrus, Floral

[0035] Scent c is as follows: Type: Essential oil • Fragrance notes: Citrus, Citrus

[0036] Scent d is as follows: Type: Essential oil • Fragrance notes: Herbal, Herbal

[0037] Scent e is as follows: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Woody, Citrus

[0038] Scent f is as follows: Type: Essential oil • Fragrance notes: Herbal, Herbal

[0039] Fragrance g has the following characteristics: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Fruity, Fruity

[0040] Scent h is as follows: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Floral, Chypre

[0041] Scent i is as follows: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Floral, Floral

[0042] The scent j is as follows: Type: Blended fragrance • Fragrance notes: Green, Floral

[0043] The analysis was conducted by dividing participants into high and low score groups based on the scores of six factors related to their scent experience. • 75.0 percent of respondents had a high average for Factor 1, while 25.0 percent had a low average for Factor 1. • 50.0 percent of participants had a high average for Factor 2, while 50.0 percent had a low average for Factor 2. • 59.2 percent of respondents had a high average for Factor 3, while 40.8 percent had a low average for Factor 3. • 50.0 percent of participants had a high average for Factor 4, while 50.0 percent had a low average for Factor 4. • 61.7 percent of respondents had a high average for Factor 5, while 38.3 percent had a low average for Factor 5. • 55.0 percent of respondents had a high average for Factor 6, while 45.0 percent had a low average for Factor 6.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates the relationship between differences in scent experience and scent preference in one embodiment of the present invention. It shows the difference in preference between high and low scores on six factors of scent experience for 10 different scents (scents a to j).

[0045] The more experience with scents (i.e., the higher the score), the more preferred certain scents were. For example, a high score on factor 4 led to a preference for scent a. A high score on factor 6 led to a preference for scent c.

[0046] The more experience with scents one has (i.e., the higher their score), the less they tend to like certain scents. For example, a high score on factor 4 meant that scents d and f were not preferred. A high score on factor 6 meant that scents h and j were not preferred.

[0047] Overall, the study suggested that people with more experience with fragrances tend to prefer them, but that their preferred fragrances are influenced by their experience.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between differences in scent experience and scent preference in one embodiment of the present invention. It shows the preferences of a group with a high total scent experience score and a group with a low total scent experience score for 10 different scents (scents a to j). The group with a high total score has a higher scent preference than the group with a low total score.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the fragrance preference by fragrance experience factor according to one embodiment of the present invention. The characteristics of points 1 to 3 were observed.

[0050] [Point of focus 1] The group with a high score on Factor 2 (experience related to scent and memory) has a strong preference for a wide range of fragrances, consciously prefers rich scents, and uses a variety of fragrances to relax.

[0051] [Point of focus 2] The group with a high score on Factor 4 (experience with the fragrance of cosmetics or daily necessities) has a clear preference for fragrances, high sensitivity and awareness, and particularly prefers and uses soap-like and cosmetic-like fragrances.

[0052] [Point of focus 3] The group with a high score on Factor 6 (experience with the scent of unfamiliar foods) prefers the scents of familiar foods and dislikes cosmetic fragrances. Although they are not particularly conscious of scents in their daily lives, their scent preferences are clear.

[0053] Thus, we were able to demonstrate that preferences (what kind of scents people prefer to use in what situations, items, or for what purposes) differ depending on the experiences they have had. In particular, essential oil scents and natural plant scents were associated with factors 2 and 6, soap scents were associated with factor 4, and rich scents were associated with factor 6, confirming that there were scents that showed differences in preference based on the characteristics of the experience. Furthermore, there were scents that were more preferred with higher experience scores, and scents that were less preferred with higher experience scores (for scent d, higher scores were associated with lower preference across the five factors). Differences in scent experiences also affect how scents are perceived. Therefore, it can be considered that even with the same scent, the information that can be conveyed differs depending on the target audience.

[0054] Figure 6 shows the factor loadings of Recommendation Factor 1 and Recommendation Factor 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 shows the factor loadings of recommendation factor 3 and recommendation factor 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Recommendation factor 1 is the niche scent of everyday life. Recommendation factor 2 is the scent of cosmetics. Recommendation factor 3 is the scent of food. Factor analysis was performed using the factor scores of experience factors 1-6 to identify recommendation factors 1-3.

[0057] The factor loadings for Recommendation Factor 1 are as follows: Fragrance experience factor 1:0.379 Fragrance experience factor 2: 0.618 Fragrance experience factor 3: 0.661 Factor 4 of the scent experience: 0.278 Fragrance experience factor 5:0.725 Fragrance experience factor 6: 0.728 The contribution rate is 34.93 percent.

[0058] The factor loadings for Recommendation Factor 2 are as follows: Fragrance experience factor 1:0.448 Fragrance experience factor 2: 0.132 Fragrance experience factor 3: 0.480 Factor 4 of the scent experience: 0.845 Fragrance experience factor 5: 0.276 Fragrance experience factor 6: 0.244 The contribution rate is 21.63 percent.

[0059] The factor loadings for Recommendation Factor 3 are as follows: Fragrance experience factor 1:0.741 Fragrance experience factor 2: 0.432 Fragrance experience factor 3: 0.199 Factor 4 of the scent experience: 0.275 Fragrance experience factor 5: 0.269 Fragrance experience factor 6: 0.212 The contribution rate is 16.14 percent.

[0060] Figure 8 shows the factor scores for recommendation factor 1 and recommendation factor 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, multiple subjects were able to be clustered into clusters A to D.

[0061] Figure 9 shows the factor scores for recommendation factor 3 and recommendation factor 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, multiple subjects were able to be clustered into clusters A to D.

[0062] Figure 10 shows the factors of scent experience by cluster according to one embodiment of the present invention. Cluster A had Factor 1 and Factor 4 at levels of 5 or higher. Additionally, they possessed abundant general experience. Cluster B had only Factor 1 at a level of 5 or higher. Additionally, only food experience was abundant in Cluster B. Cluster C had all factors at 3 or less. Furthermore, they had limited experience with fragrances. Cluster D had all factors rated 5 or higher. They also had extensive experience with fragrances.

[0063] Figure 11 shows the fragrance preferences by cluster according to one embodiment of the present invention. Cluster A had factors 1 and 4 at 5 or higher. Additionally, scents a and j were preferred. Cluster B had only factor 1 at a level of 5 or higher. Additionally, aromas c and f were preferred. Cluster C had all factors at 3 or less. Additionally, aroma g was preferred. Cluster D had all factors rated 5 or higher. Additionally, scents c and h were preferred.

[0064] In this way, four clusters were identified through the experience of scents, and the scent preferences of each cluster were clarified.

[0065] Figures 12 to 15 show an example of the correspondence between fragrance information, information about the scene or item in which the fragrance is used, and information about the purpose for which the fragrance is used (stored in the recommended information storage unit 106, which will be described later), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 12 shows the case of cluster A as described above, Figure 13 shows the case of cluster B as described above, Figure 14 shows the case of cluster C as described above, and Figure 15 shows the case of cluster D as described above. In this way, for each cluster, it is possible to create information on the preferences for which scents are used in which scenes, items, or purposes (i.e., information on scents suitable for scenes, items, and purposes that members of that cluster would like to use, or information on scenes, items, and purposes that are suitable for using scents that members of that cluster like).

[0067] Thus, from <Survey 1> and <Survey 2>, it was found that multiple individuals could be clustered based on the characteristics of their fragrance experience. Furthermore, it was found that preferences for what kind of fragrance to use in what kind of scene, item, or purpose differed among the clusters. Below, we will explain the recommended fragrances, the scenes / items in which to use the fragrances, and the recommended purposes.

[0068] <Example of overall structure> Figure 16 shows an example of the overall configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] [Configuration Example 1] Recommended system 1 includes a user terminal 11 and a server 12. The user terminal 11 and the server 12 can send and receive data from each other.

[0070] In Configuration Example 1, the user terminal 11 displays information about scents suitable for the scenes, items, and purposes that the target person 20 wants to use, as determined by the server 12, or information about scenes, items, and purposes that are suitable for using scents that the target person 20 likes.

[0071] <<User Terminal>> User terminal 11 is a device operated by the target person 20. For example, user terminal 11 may be a personal computer, tablet device, smartphone, etc.

[0072] <<Server>> Server 12 is a server that can connect to one or more user terminals 11. It consists of one or more computers.

[0073] [Configuration Example 2] In Configuration Example 2, the recommended device 10 determines and displays information about scents suitable for the scenes, items, and purposes that the subject 20 wants to use, or information about scenes, items, and purposes suitable for using scents that the subject 20 likes.

[0074] <<Recommended Equipment>> Recommended device 10 is a terminal operated by the subject 20. For example, recommended device 10 may be a personal computer, tablet device, smartphone, etc.

[0075] [Scent experience] This section explains "scent experiences." A "scent experience" can be any experience related to any scent (sometimes referred to as an action or event). A "scent experience" can be either a past experience or a present experience. For example, a "scent experience" can include at least one of the following: an experience related to the scent of food, an experience related to scent and memory, an experience related to one's own scent, an experience related to the scent of cosmetics or daily necessities, an experience related to the negative scent of food, or an experience related to the scent of an unknown food.

[0076] [Situations in which fragrance is used] This section explains "scenes in which fragrances are used." "Scenes in which fragrances are used" refers to the situations in which fragrances are used (for example, the place where the fragrance is used, the time when the fragrance is used, the actions taken when using the fragrance, the objects used when using the fragrance, etc.). For example, "scenes in which fragrances are used" include bedrooms, bath time, clothing and linens, rooms and spaces, work, sports and yoga, relaxation time, hair care, skin care, etc.

[0077] [Items that use fragrance] This section explains "items that use fragrance." "Items that use fragrance" are objects that have a scent. For example, "items that use fragrance" include items used in the bedroom, items used during bath time, clothing and linens, items used in rooms and spaces, items used while working, items used during sports and yoga, items used during relaxation time, items used for hair care, items used for skin care, etc.

[0078] [Purpose of using fragrance] Let's explain the "purpose of using fragrance." The "purpose of using fragrance" is the value you seek from the fragrance (for example, what state you want to be in by smelling the fragrance). For example, the "purpose of using fragrance" may be to change your mood, refresh yourself, relax, be surrounded by your favorite scent, create an impression, or cover up body odor.

[0079] <Function Block> The functional configuration of Recommended System 1 will be explained below with reference to Figure 17, and the functional configuration of Recommended Device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 18.

[0080] Figure 17 is a functional block diagram of the recommended system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] <<Server>> Server 12 may include an experience characteristic acquisition unit 101, an information acquisition unit 102, a decision unit 103, a recommendation unit 104, a cluster information storage unit 105, and a recommendation information storage unit 106. By executing a program, Server 12 can function as the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101, the information acquisition unit 102, the decision unit 103, and the recommendation unit 104.

[0082] [When recommending fragrance] This section explains how to recommend fragrances that are suitable for the situations, items, and purposes in which the target audience may want to use them.

[0083] The experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience. Specifically, the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience by receiving them from the user terminal 11. For example, the characteristics of scent experience are at least one degree of experience with the following: experience with the scent of food, experience with scent and memory, experience with one's own scent, experience with the scent of cosmetics or daily necessities, experience with the scent of negative food, and experience with the scent of unknown food (for example, "never (score: 1)", "rarely (score: 2)", "occasionally (score: 3)", "sometimes (score: 4)", "often (score: 5)", "almost always (score: 6)", "always (score: 7)").

[0084] The information acquisition unit 102 acquires either the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject 20 uses the fragrance. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 102 acquires either the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, by receiving it from the user terminal 11.

[0085] The determination unit 103 determines which of the multiple clusters the subject 20 belongs to, based on the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience acquired by the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101. Specifically, the determination unit 103 determines which of the multiple clusters the subject 20 belongs to by referring to the correspondence between scent experience characteristics and clusters stored in the cluster information storage unit 105.

[0086] The recommendation unit 104 recommends a fragrance to the target person 20 based on the cluster determined by the judgment unit 103 and the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 102 (i.e., information on either the scene or item in which the target person 20 uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the target person 20 uses the fragrance). Specifically, the recommendation unit 104 refers to the information stored in the recommendation information storage unit 106, which describes the preferences of individuals belonging to each cluster regarding what kinds of fragrances they use in what scenes or items, or for what purposes, and determines the fragrance information to recommend to the target person 20 and transmits it to the user terminal 11.

[0087] The cluster information storage unit 105 stores the correspondence between the characteristics of the scent experience and the clusters (i.e., information on which cluster a person with what characteristics of scent experience belongs to). The number of clusters is, for example, four, but is not limited to this.

[0088] The recommendation information storage unit 106 stores information (for example, a database like those shown in Figures 12 to 15) about the preferences of individuals belonging to each cluster regarding what scents they use in what situations, with what items, or for what purposes.

[0089] [When recommending a scene, item, or purpose] This section explains when it is appropriate to recommend suitable situations, items, and purposes for using fragrances that the target audience prefers.

[0090] The experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience. Specifically, the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience by receiving them from the user terminal 11. For example, the characteristics of scent experience are at least one degree of experience with the following: experience with the scent of food, experience with scent and memory, experience with one's own scent, experience with the scent of cosmetics or daily necessities, experience with the scent of negative food, and experience with the scent of unknown food (for example, "never (score: 1)", "rarely (score: 2)", "occasionally (score: 3)", "sometimes (score: 4)", "often (score: 5)", "almost always (score: 6)", "always (score: 7)").

[0091] The information acquisition unit 102 acquires information about the scents preferred by the subject 20. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 102 acquires information about the scents preferred by the subject 20 by receiving it from the user terminal 11.

[0092] The determination unit 103 determines which of the multiple clusters the subject 20 belongs to, based on the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience acquired by the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101. Specifically, the determination unit 103 determines which of the multiple clusters the subject 20 belongs to by referring to the correspondence between scent experience characteristics and clusters stored in the cluster information storage unit 105.

[0093] The recommendation unit 104 recommends scenes or items in which the subject 20 can use the scent they like, or the purpose for which the subject 20 can use the scent they like, based on the cluster determined by the judgment unit 103 and the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 102 (i.e., information on the scents the subject 20 likes). Specifically, the recommendation unit 104 refers to the information stored in the recommendation information storage unit 106, which describes the preferences of individuals belonging to each cluster regarding what scents they use in what scenes, items, or for what purposes, and determines information on scenes or items in which the subject 20 can use the scent they like, or information on the purpose for which the subject 20 can use the scent they like, and transmits it to the user terminal 11.

[0094] The cluster information storage unit 105 stores the correspondence between the characteristics of the scent experience and the clusters (i.e., information on which cluster a person with what characteristics of scent experience belongs to). The number of clusters is, for example, four, but is not limited to this.

[0095] The recommendation information storage unit 106 stores information (for example, a database like those shown in Figures 12 to 15) about the preferences of individuals belonging to each cluster regarding what scents they use in what situations, with what items, or for what purposes.

[0096] <<User Terminal>> The user terminal 11 may include a reception unit 201, a transmission unit 202, a receiving unit 203, and a display unit 204. By executing a program, the user terminal 11 can function as the reception unit 201, transmission unit 202, receiving unit 203, and display unit 204.

[0097] [When recommending fragrance] This section explains how to recommend fragrances that are suitable for the situations, items, and purposes in which the target audience may want to use them.

[0098] The reception unit 201 receives input regarding the characteristics of the subject's 20's fragrance experience, and either the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject 20 uses fragrance.

[0099] The transmitting unit 202 transmits to the server 12 information that the receiving unit 201 has received, which includes the characteristics of the subject's fragrant experience, the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, and the purpose for which the subject 20 uses the fragrance.

[0100] The receiving unit 203 receives information about fragrances recommended for the subject 20 from the server 12.

[0101] The display unit 204 displays the fragrance information recommended for the subject 20, which has been received by the receiving unit 203, on the user terminal 11.

[0102] [When recommending a scene, item, or purpose] This section explains when it is appropriate to recommend suitable situations, items, and purposes for using fragrances that the target audience prefers.

[0103] Reception unit 201 receives input regarding the characteristics of each subject's (20) scent experience and the scents they prefer.

[0104] The transmitting unit 202 transmits to the server 12 the information received by the receiving unit 201 regarding the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience and the scents that the subject 20 prefers.

[0105] The receiving unit 203 receives information from the server 12 about the scenes or items in which the subject 20 uses their preferred scent, or the purpose for which the subject 20 uses their preferred scent.

[0106] The display unit 204 displays on the user terminal 11 information received by the receiving unit 203 regarding the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses a fragrance he likes, or the purpose for which the subject 20 uses a fragrance he likes.

[0107] <<Recommended Equipment>> Figure 18 is a functional block diagram of a recommendation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The recommendation device 10 may include an experience characteristic acquisition unit 101, an information acquisition unit 102, a decision unit 103, a recommendation unit 104, a cluster information storage unit 105, and a recommendation information storage unit 106. By executing a program, the recommendation device 10 can function as the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101, the information acquisition unit 102, the decision unit 103, and the recommendation unit 104. The differences between each of these and Figure 17 will be mainly explained below.

[0108] The experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject's 20 scent experience, which are input into the recommendation device 10.

[0109] The information acquisition unit 102 acquires either the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, the purpose for which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, or information about the fragrance that the subject 20 prefers, which has been input to the recommendation device 10.

[0110] The determination unit 103 is the same as the determination unit 103 of the server 12, which was described with reference to Figure 17, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0111] The recommendation unit 104, similar to the recommendation unit 104 of the server 12 described with reference to Figure 17, recommends fragrances to the subject 20, or recommends scenes or items in which the subject 20 would like to use a fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject 20 would like to use a fragrance. Specifically, the recommendation unit 104 determines information about fragrances to recommend to the subject 20, information about scenes or items in which the subject 20 would like to use a fragrance, or information about the purpose for which the subject 20 would like to use a fragrance, and displays it on the recommendation device 10.

[0112] The cluster information storage unit 105 is the same as the cluster information storage unit 105 of server 12 described with reference to Figure 17, so its description will be omitted.

[0113] The recommended information storage unit 106 is the same as the recommended information storage unit 106 of server 12, as explained with reference to Figure 17, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0114] <Method> The following explains how to recommend fragrances suitable for the scenes, items, and purposes that the target audience wants to use, referring to Figure 19, and how to recommend fragrances suitable for the scenes, items, and purposes that the target audience prefers, referring to Figure 20.

[0115] Figure 19 is a flowchart of the fragrance recommendation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In step 101 (S101), the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience. For example, the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires information on the presence or absence or frequency of one or more experiences.

[0117] In step 102 (S102), the determination unit 103 determines which of the multiple clusters the subject 20 belongs to, based on the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience obtained in S101.

[0118] In step 103 (S103), the information acquisition unit 102 acquires information on either the scene or item in which the subject 20 will use the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject 20 will use the fragrance. For example, the subject 20 selects one or more scenes, items, or purposes from among several scenes, items, or purposes.

[0119] In step 104 (S104), the recommendation unit 104 recommends one or more fragrances to the subject 20 based on the cluster determined in S102 and the information acquired in S103 (i.e., information on either the scene or item in which the subject 20 uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject 20 uses the fragrance). The recommendation unit 104 may also recommend cosmetics or other products that have the fragrance recommended to the subject 20.

[0120] Figure 20 is a flowchart of the process for recommending scenes, items, and purposes for using fragrance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] In step 201 (S201), the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience. For example, the experience characteristic acquisition unit 101 acquires information on the presence or absence or frequency of one or more experiences.

[0122] In step 202 (S202), the determination unit 103 determines which of the multiple clusters the subject 20 belongs to, based on the characteristics of the subject 20's scent experience acquired in S201.

[0123] In step 203 (S203), the information acquisition unit 102 acquires information about the scents preferred by the subject 20. For example, the subject 20 selects one or more scents from among several scents.

[0124] In step 204 (S204), the recommendation unit 104 recommends scenes or items for using the scent preferred by the subject 20, or the purpose for using the scent preferred by the subject 20, based on the cluster determined in S202 and the information acquired in S203 (i.e., information on the scent preferred by the subject 20). The recommendation unit 104 may also recommend cosmetics or other products that correspond to the scenes or items for using the scent preferred by the subject 20, or the purpose for using the scent preferred by the subject 20.

[0125] <Other Embodiments> The present invention may be used in the development of fragrance products. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the characteristics of the fragrance experiences of multiple individuals who are the target of the fragrance to be developed are obtained. Next, based on the characteristics of each individual's fragrance experience, it is determined which of the multiple clusters each individual belongs to. Then, based on the cluster to which the largest number of individuals belong, the scene or item in which the fragrance will be used, or the purpose for which the fragrance will be used, the fragrance to be developed is determined.

[0126] <Effects> Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, based on the subject's experience with fragrances, it is possible to recommend a fragrance suitable for the scene, item, and purpose that the subject wishes to use. Furthermore, based on the subject's experience with fragrances, it is possible to recommend a fragrance suitable for the scene, item, and purpose that the subject prefers.

[0127] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 21 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal 11, a server 12, and a recommendation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 11, server 12, and recommendation device 10 may include a control unit 1001, a main memory unit 1002, an auxiliary memory unit 1003, an input unit 1004, an output unit 1005, and an interface unit 1006. Each of these will be described below.

[0128] The control unit 1001 is a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.) that executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 1003.

[0129] The main memory unit 1002 includes non-volatile memory (ROM (Read Only Memory)) and volatile memory (RAM (Random Access Memory)). The ROM stores various programs, data, etc., necessary for the control unit 1001 to execute various programs installed in the auxiliary memory unit 1003. The RAM provides a work area that is expanded when the various programs installed in the auxiliary memory unit 1003 are executed by the control unit 1001.

[0130] The auxiliary storage unit 1003 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and information used when various programs are executed.

[0131] The input unit 1004 is an input device that allows operators of the user terminal 11, server 12, and recommendation device 10 to input various instructions to the user terminal 11, server 12, and recommendation device 10.

[0132] The output unit 1005 is an output device that outputs the internal status of the user terminal 11, server 12, and recommended device 10.

[0133] The interface unit 1006 is a communication device for connecting to a network and communicating with other devices.

[0134] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1. Recommended System 11 User terminals 12 servers 10 Recommended devices 20 Target Persons 101 Experience Trait Acquisition Department 102 Information acquisition department 103 Judgment Department 104 Recommended section 105 Cluster Information Storage Unit 106 Recommended Information Storage Unit 201 Reception Department 202 Transmitter 203 Receiving Unit 204 Display section 1001 Control Unit 1002 Main memory 1003 Auxiliary storage unit 1004 Input section 1005 Output section 1006 Interface section

Claims

1. A method of recommending fragrances to the target audience, To acquire the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, Based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, it is determined which of the multiple clusters the subject belongs to, To obtain information on either the scene or item in which the subject uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject uses the fragrance, Based on the cluster determined above and the information obtained above, the fragrance will be recommended to the subject. A method that includes this.

2. A method of recommending to the target audience the situations or items in which fragrances should be used, or the purpose for which fragrances should be used. To acquire the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, Based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, it is determined which of the multiple clusters the subject belongs to, To obtain information on the scents preferred by the aforementioned subject, Based on the clusters identified and the acquired information, recommend scenes or items where the subject would like to use a fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject would like to use that fragrance. A method that includes this.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each person belonging to one of the plurality of clusters has a characteristic preference for fragrances corresponding to each cluster.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of clusters are clustered based on the characteristics of experience regarding niche scents of life and scents of cosmetics.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of clusters are clustered based on the characteristics of experience regarding the smell of food and the smell of cosmetics.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned scent experience includes experiences relating to the scent of food, experiences relating to scent and memory, experiences relating to one's own scent, experiences relating to the scent of cosmetics or daily necessities, experiences relating to the negative scent of food, and experiences relating to the scent of unknown food.

7. A device that recommends fragrances to the target audience, An experience characteristic acquisition unit that acquires the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, A determination unit that determines which of the multiple clusters the subject belongs to based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, An information acquisition unit that acquires information on either the scene or item in which the subject uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject uses the fragrance. Based on the cluster determined above, and the information obtained above, a recommendation unit recommends a fragrance to the subject. A device equipped with.

8. A device that recommends fragrances to the target audience, To acquire the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, Based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, it is determined which of the multiple clusters the subject belongs to, To obtain information on either the scene or item in which the subject uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject uses the fragrance, Based on the cluster determined above and the information obtained above, the fragrance will be recommended to the subject. A program to execute.

9. A system including a server and user terminals, The aforementioned server, An experience characteristic acquisition unit that acquires the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, A determination unit that determines which of the multiple clusters the subject belongs to based on the characteristics of the subject's scent experience, An information acquisition unit that acquires information on either the scene or item in which the subject uses the fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject uses the fragrance. The system comprises the cluster determined above and a recommendation unit that recommends a fragrance to the subject based on the acquired information, The aforementioned user terminal is A reception unit that receives input of either the characteristics of the subject's fragrance experience, the scene or item in which the subject uses fragrance, or the purpose for which the subject uses fragrance. A transmission unit that receives the aforementioned input and transmits to the server information regarding the characteristics of the subject's fragrance experience, the scene or item in which the subject uses the fragrance, and the purpose for which the subject uses the fragrance. A receiving unit that receives information on fragrances recommended for the aforementioned target person from the server, The display unit that receives the information on the fragrance recommended for the subject and A system equipped with this feature.

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