Product proposal system, product proposal method, and computer program

Abstract

This invention provides an item suggestion system, an item suggestion method, and a computer program that introduce inexpensive items that can be used as substitutes for other purposes, as well as methods for such substitutions. [Solution] The product suggestion system collects usage methods from users who use inexpensive products for various purposes, using images and videos. The collected usage methods are compiled into a database, and the top screen of the website, which allows users to search by intended use, has two search windows: one for searching for the intended use of an item and another for searching for uses other than the intended use. Users can enter different search keywords for each intended use, and the system extracts items associated with those keywords, thereby providing information on how to use the items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for proposing articles using the search function of a personal computer and an article proposal system by a computer program

Background Art

[0002] Some inexpensive articles sold in stores may only be understood by some people in terms of their usage purpose, or there may be articles that are used for purposes other than their original usage purpose. Moreover, in the case of inexpensive articles, they may also be used as substitutes and have various usage methods

[0003] By using the search function of a personal computer to search for a single inexpensive article by usage purpose, various usage methods of the inexpensive article can be proposed. For this purpose, it is necessary to solicit and announce from users who use the inexpensive article the usage method for the original usage purpose, the usage method other than the usage purpose, and the usage method for alternative usage by combining two articles

[0004] Therefore, when soliciting usage methods of articles, large companies selling inexpensive articles sell the articles in stores. So, they announce in the store and solicit submissions on the website, accumulate the usage methods of the collected articles by usage purpose, and create a database. When searching for articles by usage purpose, two search windows are provided to search a single article in a compound eye manner, so that the same article can be searched with different keywords according to usage purpose, and articles associated with the keywords can be extracted from the accumulated database

[0005] Specific articles are assumed to be inexpensive articles of large companies, and it is possible to search for articles by usage purpose from a large number of article groups. However, since articles have usage for the original usage purpose, usage other than as a substitute, and alternative usage by combining two articles, an article proposal system is constructed that can search a single article in a compound eye manner from two directions using the search function of a personal computer

[0006] The idea for a business model that solicits and publishes the use of inexpensive items for their intended purpose, as well as for purposes other than their intended purpose, and for alternative uses by combining two items, came about when I designed a drum can bath with legs. While looking for a storage cover for it, I found that a tire storage cover made by stacking four small car tires was the perfect size for storing the drum can. This made me think that there might be other uses for inexpensive items that haven't been discovered yet, and that there might be others who have thought of and are using such alternative uses.

[0007] Furthermore, while inexpensive business supplies are certainly useful, the reality is that most people don't know how to use them. Therefore, the idea of ​​making their usage clearer and easier for the general public to understand was one of the reasons I came up with this business model.

[0008] The system involves users using their computer's search function to extract items using keywords, and then clicking on the extracted items to learn how to use them. Points are awarded to those who post instructions on how to use the items. This business model is only possible because the inexpensive items used, even though they are inexpensive, are of high quality and their quality is guaranteed. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] For the elderly and women, for example, if there is a water leak in the plumbing, they may not know that sealing tape is used to fix it, that replacing the sealing tape can stop the leak, or how to replace it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This invention solicits submissions from contributors, through images and videos, of how to use an item for its intended purpose, as well as alternative uses for the item, including combinations of items for different purposes. The system then uses this information to solve problems.

[0011] The present invention provides an article suggestion system that suggests target articles according to the purpose of use requested by the user, and is characterized by comprising: a storage means for storing target article information, in which article identification information that identifies a target article is associated with purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use of the target article; a request purpose information acquisition means for acquiring request purpose information, which is purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use requested by the user; an article extraction means for extracting article identification information according to the request purpose of use information by referring to the target article information; and a suggestion information generation means for generating suggestion information indicating the article identification information extracted by the article extraction means.

[0012] The storage means of the article suggestion system of the present invention is characterized in that, in the article information of a target article, the article identification information of a certain target article is associated with the primary purpose of use information, which is information indicating the original purpose of use intended by the manufacturer of the target article, and the non-primary purpose of use information, which is information indicating a method of use other than the original purpose of use.

[0013] The present invention relates to a method for suggesting articles, which is performed by an article suggestion system that suggests articles according to a user's desired purpose of use, and is characterized by comprising the steps of: storing article information, which associates article identification information that identifies an article with article purpose information indicating the purpose of use of the article; acquiring desired purpose information, which is article purpose information indicating the purpose of use requested by the user; extracting article identification information according to the desired purpose information by referring to the article information; and generating suggestion information that indicates the extracted article identification information in the article extraction means.

[0014] The computer program of the present invention is characterized in that it functions as an item suggestion system that suggests target items according to the purpose of use requested by the user, comprising: a storage means for storing target item information, in which item identification information that identifies a target item is associated with purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use of the target item; a requested purpose of use information acquisition means for acquiring requested purpose of use information, which is purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use requested by the user; an item extraction means for extracting item identification information according to the requested purpose of use information by referring to the target item information; and a suggestion information generation means for generating suggestion information indicating the item identification information extracted by the item extraction means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In this invention, by utilizing the search function of a personal computer, it is expected that the versatility of inexpensive goods will be developed, and the diversification of their use will improve the convenience of daily life. Furthermore, by promoting understanding and use of the goods, it will also lead to increased sales of inexpensive goods. In this way, by soliciting various uses of inexpensive goods from contributors and publishing these uses, users will learn that inexpensive goods can be used for other purposes, and the cost-effectiveness of the inexpensive goods themselves will increase.

[0016] The system works by having users click on items extracted using the computer's search function to learn how to use them, and points are awarded to those who post information on how to use the items. By creating a database of these collected item usage methods and ranking items based on the number of accesses to items extracted using keywords searched by users, the system aims to improve the posting motivation of contributors and lead to the development of new items. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a simplified diagram of an embodiment in which items are searched and extracted using keyword search in an item suggestion system. [Figure 2] This is an example of the layout of a PC's home screen and search flow. [Figure 3] This is an example of combining two inexpensive products with different intended uses to achieve entirely different applications. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] This invention involves creating a website on the internet that introduces both the intended use and alternative uses of inexpensive goods. By enabling users to learn about the use of inexpensive goods as substitutes, the versatility of inexpensive goods will increase, leading to a diversification of their uses and ultimately improving the convenience of daily life.

[0019] To achieve this, we will need to collect information on how to use a large number of inexpensive items on a server, accumulate the data, and create a database.

[0020] Then, when users search for inexpensive items by purpose using this accumulated database of usage methods, two search windows will be provided: one for searching for the intended use of the inexpensive item, and another for searching for uses other than the intended use, such as using substitutes, or for alternative uses by combining two items.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, by providing two search windows—one for searching for items that are used for their intended purpose using inexpensive materials, and another for searching for items that are used for purposes other than their intended purpose or for different uses by combining items—it becomes possible to search and extract the same item from both directions using different keywords depending on the intended use. This means viewing a single item from multiple perspectives depending on its intended use.

[0022] And for that purpose, the method of use will be solicited from contributors through image and video submissions. As a mechanism for getting contributors to submit, since there are stores for selling major low-cost products, by holding announcements at each store and recruitment events such as item development awards within the site, a large number of submissions of usage methods will be solicited from users.

[0023] Furthermore, by creating a mechanism where points are given to the contributor who submitted the usage method when a user clicks on an item extracted by keyword search to know the usage method of the item, it becomes possible to obtain benefits such as this.

[0024] Also, by ranking the number of accesses from users to the usage methods of items published in the submitted images and videos, a mechanism is created where rewards and bonuses (points) are added to the top-ranked submitters, and a large number of submissions will be solicited.

[0025] Furthermore, for contributors who have already published the usage method of item usage purposes on YouTube, by offering a higher profit rate than YouTube to recruit participation in the site, it is considered that the number of usage method data can be increased.

[0026] Also, by creating a mechanism to add benefits such as doubling the points given to contributors who submitted usage methods other than the intended use compared to the usage methods of the intended use, submissions of uses other than the intended use, which is the backbone of this business model, will be solicited.

[0027] At the same time, for the items in the submitted usage method images and videos, as the versatility of the items increases and the usage methods as substitutes increase, users will come to know that the items are used in ways completely divorced from their original intended use, and the promotion of use as a substitute for the item will spread, leading to an increase in sales.

[0028] The purpose of this invention is based on the belief that even if there are many inexpensive items, they cannot truly be considered inexpensive unless their intended use is understood and the user can effectively utilize them.

[0029] However, for the elderly and women, even minor maintenance or parts replacement around the house using these inexpensive items can be a source of anxiety.

[0030] Therefore, we believe it is necessary to create a system where these inexpensive items can be used for their intended purpose, for purposes other than their intended purpose, and for alternative uses resulting from combining two inexpensive items, by soliciting and publishing images and videos of how these inexpensive items are used and how they are utilized. This will allow them to become cost-effective inexpensive items not only for those who "know and can do" them, but also for those who "don't know and can't do" them.

[0031] Therefore, to achieve this, we believe it is necessary to provide information that will improve the convenience of daily life by developing the versatility of inexpensive goods, through the diversification of how goods can be used, by publishing information on both the intended use of inexpensive goods and other uses, as well as alternative uses resulting from combining two items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 101 Search the database for items associated with keywords by entering keywords into one of two search windows, each designed for a specific purpose. Extracting items used for their intended purpose from 102 keywords Extracting items used for purposes other than their intended use from 103 keywords 104. Click to learn how to use the items extracted by the search. 105. Publicly disclose the intended use of the product through images and videos. 106. Publicly disclose images and videos of how items are used for purposes other than their intended use or for alternative uses. 107 Points were awarded to the poster when a user clicked on an item to learn how to use it.

[0033] 201 Search window on the PC's top screen for searching for the intended use of an item. 202 Search window on the PC's top screen for searching for ways to use items other than their intended purpose. 203 Examples of search keywords for searching for the intended use of an item. 204 Search keyword examples for searching for use of goods for purposes other than their intended use and for alternative uses. 205 Examples of extracting the same item from different keywords 206 Points are awarded to the poster when a user clicks on an item to learn how to use it. 207. Publicizing the intended use of the product through images and videos. 208. Publicizing the use of items for purposes other than their intended use and for alternative uses through images and videos.

[0034] 301 A scene of cutting logs with a chainsaw in its current state. 302 Baked wood table-type flower stand with different intended use 303 Anti-slip sheets with different intended uses By combining an inexpensive wooden table-type flower stand with a non-slip mat placed under a cushion, it becomes possible to use it as a cutting stand when cutting logs with a chainsaw. By combining these two inexpensive items in this way, the log is elevated on the stand to make it easier to cut, and the non-slip mat on top prevents the log from sliding, allowing for safer work as the log, supported by one foot, does not move. This is an example of how inexpensive items with different intended uses can be combined to be used for entirely different purposes.

Claims

1. An item suggestion system that suggests target items according to the purpose of use requested by a user, comprising: a storage means for storing target item information, in which item identification information that identifies a target item is associated with purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use of the target item; a request purpose of use acquisition means for acquiring request purpose of use information, which is purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use requested by the user; an item extraction means for extracting item identification information according to the request purpose of use information by referring to the target item information; and a suggestion information generation means for generating suggestion information indicating the item identification information extracted by the item extraction means.

2. The item suggestion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage means associates, in the item information of a certain item, with the item identification information of that item, which is associated with the intended use information that indicates the intended use intended by the manufacturer of the item, and the non-intended use information that indicates a method of use other than the intended use.

3. A method for an item suggestion system that suggests target items according to the purpose of use requested by a user, comprising the steps of: storing target item information, in which item identification information that identifies a target item is associated with purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use of the target item; acquiring requested purpose of use information, which is purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use requested by the user; extracting item identification information according to the requested purpose of use information by referring to the target item information; and generating suggestion information indicating the extracted item identification information in the item extraction means.

4. A computer program that enables an item suggestion system to suggest items according to the purpose of use requested by a user to function as follows: a storage means for storing item information, which associates item identification information that identifies an item with purpose of use information that indicates the purpose of use of the item; a requested purpose of use information acquisition means for acquiring requested purpose of use information, which is purpose of use information that indicates the purpose of use requested by the user; an item extraction means for extracting item identification information according to the requested purpose of use information by referring to the item information; and a suggestion information generation means for generating suggestion information that indicates the item identification information extracted by the item extraction means.

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