Information processing device and program

Abstract

To easily impress consumers with commodities dealt with in a store without managing the commodities in the store.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus of an embodiment comprises a processor that functions as accumulation means and search means. The accumulation means accumulates information on purchase stores and information on purchased commodities while linking them to each other in an auxiliary storage unit having an anonymized purchase history database functioning as a storage section. The search means searches for stores selling commodities designated from user terminals in the storage unit and transmits store information indicating the stores searched for to the user terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in retail stores, changes to product lineups, or discontinuations and modifications occur frequently. The advertising staff at the store can obtain new product information from manufacturers and wholesalers. The advertising staff then notifies consumers who visit the store of the new product information by posting it in the store or other methods.

[0003] Such in-store announcements only have the effect of promoting sales within the store, targeting consumers who visit the store. Therefore, advertising personnel disseminate new product information on store homepages and social networking services (hereinafter abbreviated as SNS) in order to use the information about new products as an incentive to visit the store. It is important to disseminate such information at the right time.

[0004] In order to know whether you are dealing in new products or trending products, it is necessary to track trends. However, this is very labor-intensive. Therefore, even if new or trending products are in stock, you may not be able to properly promote them. This will result in missing out on sales opportunities for new and trending products.

[0005] It is also difficult for consumers to know which stores sell new or popular products that have been featured on television, in magazines, or on social media, or whether the store they visit carries them. Even if consumers go to a store to purchase a new or popular product, there is no guarantee that the store will have the product, and they may have to search multiple nearby stores to find it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-25997 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a program that can easily promote products handled in a store without the need for management by the store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage unit and a search unit. First acquiring means and first receiving means The storage means stores information of the purchase store and information of the purchased item in a memory unit in association with each other. The search means searches the memory unit for stores selling the item specified by the user terminal, and transmits store information indicating the searched store to the user terminal. The first acquisition means acquires information on the location of the store searched for by the search means. The first reception means receives terminal location information, which is the location of the user terminal, or designated location information, which is a location designated from the user terminal. The search means extracts, based on the terminal location information or the designated location information, stores that are located within a certain distance from the location indicated by the terminal location information or the designated location information from the searched stores, and transmits information on the location of the extracted store and a product purchase history at the extracted store to the user terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information providing system including a search service server as an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the search service server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the history database included in the electronic receipt server in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stored contents of an anonymized purchase history database provided in the search service server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stored contents of a store database provided in the search service server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a condition table provided in the search service server. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor of the search service server shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a search screen on the user terminal appearing in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen on a user terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a ranking screen on a user terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a details screen on a user terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an SNS screen on a user terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a blog screen on a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information providing system including a search service server 1 as an information processing device according to the present embodiment. In addition to the search service server 1, this information providing system includes a user terminal UT, a store registration device REG, an electronic receipt server ERS, an SNS server SNSS, and a blog service server BSS. The search service server 1, the user terminal UT, the store registration device REG, the electronic receipt server ERS, the SNS server SNSS, and the blog service server BSS can transmit and receive data via a communication network NW. Note that in FIG. 1, only two user terminals UT are shown for the sake of simplicity. However, the information providing system may be configured to include two or more user terminals UT. Also, for the same reason, in FIG. 1, only one each of the user terminal UT, the store registration device REG, the SNS server SNSS, and the blog service server BSS are shown. However, the information providing system may be configured to include a plurality of each of them.

[0011] The user terminal UT is an information terminal such as a smartphone, a personal computer, etc. Users of the user terminal UT include various users such as consumers, advertising personnel of a store, and those who transmit information on SNS.

[0012] At least one store registration device REG is installed in each retail store. The store registration device REG is a device that performs registration processing and payment processing of products purchased by consumers, and is, for example, a POS terminal. After completing the payment processing, the store registration device REG can transmit electronic receipt information based on the commercial transaction data to the electronic receipt server ERS via the communication network NW. The electronic receipt information includes information such as the purchase date and time, purchased product, purchased quantity, price, and purchased store, linked to identification information that identifies the electronic receipt member using the electronic receipt system.

[0013] The electronic receipt server ERS is an information processing device that provides an electronic receipt service. The electronic receipt server ERS has various databases including a history database HDB and a store database SDB. The history database HDB stores the received electronic receipt information from the store registration device REG as product purchase history information. In response to an electronic receipt inquiry from an electronic receipt member, the electronic receipt server ERS can extract electronic receipt information for that electronic receipt member stored in this history database HDB. The electronic receipt server ERS transmits the extracted electronic receipt information to a user terminal UT that is registered in advance for that electronic receipt member. In addition, the store database SDB stores information about the store that provides the electronic receipt service, such as location information.

[0014] The SNS server SNSS is an information processing device that provides a social networking service, and the blog service server BSS is an information processing device that provides a weblog service.

[0015] The search service server 1 is an information processing device according to this embodiment that provides a product search service. The search service server 1 searches for a store that sells a product specified by the user terminal UT.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the search service server 1. As shown in FIG. The search service server 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a system transmission path 15. The processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the communication unit 14 are capable of communicating with each other via the system transmission path 15. The processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected by the system transmission path 15 to configure a computer for controlling the user terminal UT.

[0017] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing for realizing various functions of the search service server 1 according to an operating system and information processing programs such as application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). The CPU can execute multiple information processing operations simultaneously by using a multi-core and multi-threaded CPU. The processor 11 may also include multiple CPUs. At least a part of the information processing executed by the processor 11 may be realized in the form of various other hardware circuits, including integrated circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0018] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute information processing in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (read only memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (random access memory).

[0019] The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage unit 13, for example, a storage unit using a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive) can be used. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may also store the above-mentioned information processing program.

[0020] The communication unit 14 is an interface for data communication via the communication network NW. As the communication unit 14, for example, a well-known Internet connection device can be applied.

[0021] The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals between the connected components.

[0022] The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a search program PR, which is one of the information processing programs. The search program PR describes information processing for realizing the functions of the search service server 1.

[0023] Furthermore, a part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 13 is used as an anonymous purchase history database DB1, a store database DB2, and a condition table TB.

[0024] The anonymized purchase history database DB1 is a storage unit that stores information on purchase stores and information on purchased items in association with each other. Specifically, the anonymized purchase history database DB1 accumulates anonymized purchase history information. The anonymized purchase history information is search information that associates purchase stores with purchased items. The anonymized purchase history information can be created from item purchase history information accumulated in the history database HDB of the electronic receipt server ERS.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the history database HDB provided in the electronic receipt server ERS. The history database HDB stores product purchase history information by consumers, with one purchased product in the electronic receipt information being one record. Each record includes an SRID, which is identification information for identifying the electronic receipt member, a purchase date and time, a JAN / CC, which is an identification code for the purchased product, a product classification of the purchased product, a product name of the purchased product, a purchased quantity, a unit price, and a store name of the purchased store. Note that JAN is a JAN code. Also, CC is a unified category code given to fresh products and the like, which do not have a unified JAN code for each region.

[0026] The product purchase history information stored in the history database HDB is information that makes it possible to determine who purchased which product and how many of them. Furthermore, the product purchase history information is information that makes it possible to determine how much each store is selling the same product for. Such information is confidential information to the consumer or store. Confidential information means, for example, purchase information linked to identification information SRID, which is information that identifies the consumer (electronic receipt member) who purchased the product (for example, purchase date and time, JAN / CC which is the identification code of the purchased product, product classification of the purchased product, product name of the purchased product, number of units purchased, unit price, and store name of the purchase store). Furthermore, for example, confidential information to a store means information linked to at least the store name of the store where the purchase was made, the product name, the identification code of the purchased product, and the actual selling price of the product.

[0027] Therefore, the search data used for the search in the search service server 1 is stored in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as anonymized purchase history information with the identification information SRID for identifying the consumer from such secret information deleted. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the anonymized purchase history database DB1 provided in the search service server 1. The anonymized purchase history database DB1 stores anonymized purchase history information having records corresponding to each record in the history database HDB. Each record includes the purchase date and time, the JAN / CC of the purchased product, the product classification of the purchased product, the product name of the purchased product, and the store name of the purchase store. In other words, the anonymized purchase history information is information with the identification information SRID for identifying the individual consumer deleted, and is information that is not linked to information on the purchased product purchased by each individual consumer. In addition, the anonymized purchase history information for a store means information with the actual selling price of the product deleted from the secret information for the store. In other words, the anonymized purchase history information is information with the actual selling price of the product sold by the store not linked to the name of the store selling the product.

[0028] There are two methods for constructing the anonymized purchase history database DB1:

[0029] The first method is to delete the SRID, which is identification information for identifying the electronic receipt member, or the actual selling price of the product in the electronic receipt server ERS. That is, the SRID, which is identification information for identifying the electronic receipt member, or the actual selling price of the product is deleted from the product purchase history information in the electronic receipt server ERS. Then, the electronic receipt server ERS transmits the remaining information to the search service server 1. The search service server 1 registers the received information in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as anonymized purchase history information. Here, the purchase date and time in the product purchase history information is registered in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as the purchase date and time in the anonymized purchase history information. The JAN / CC of the purchased product in the product purchase history information is registered in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as the JAN / CC of the purchased product in the anonymized purchase history information. The product classification and product name of the purchased product in the product purchase history information are registered in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as the product classification and product name of the purchased product, respectively. Then, the store name of the purchase store in the product purchase history information is registered in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as the store name of the purchase store.

[0030] The second method is to delete the SRID, which is identification information for identifying an electronic receipt member, or the actual selling price of the product in the search service server 1. That is, the product purchase history information is sent directly from the electronic receipt server ERS to the search service server 1. The search service server 1 extracts the purchase date and time, the JAN / CC of the purchased product, the product classification of the purchased product, the product name of the purchased product, and the store name of the purchase store from the received product purchase history information. Then, the search service server 1 registers the extracted information in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 as the purchase date and time, the JAN / CC of the purchased product, the product classification of the purchased product, the product name of the purchased product, and the store name of the purchase store in the product purchase history information. In this case, the search service server 1 immediately deletes the received product purchase history information after completing the registration in the anonymized purchase history database DB1. In this way, it is important from the perspective of information security to not leave the product purchase history information in the search service server 1.

[0031] The store database DB2 stores information about stores that use the search service provided by the search service server 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the store database DB2. The store database DB2 stores the store name and location information for each store that uses the search service as one record. The location information may be information related to latitude and longitude on a map. The information stored in the store database DB2 can be acquired from the electronic receipt server ERS, similar to the information stored in the anonymized purchase history database DB1. That is, necessary information can be extracted in the electronic receipt server ERS or in the search service server 1 from the information stored in the store database SDB of the electronic receipt server ERS.

[0032] The condition table TB lists products that are excluded from the search condition of the sales period. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the condition table TB. The condition table TB lists the exclusion conditions as thresholds, linked to the JAN / CC that specifies the products to be excluded. For example, products with a high sales turnover, such as 1.8L bottles of sake or furniture, that is, products that are not frequently purchased, have a low probability of being purchased by consumers within the period specified by the user as a search condition. Therefore, for such products, it is desirable to relax the search condition of the sales period or make it unconditional. The search service server 1 stores such exclusion conditions as the condition table TB.

[0033] Next, the operation of the search service server 1 in the information providing system configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are examples. It is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. For example, in the following description, in order to easily explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, the description of some of the processes is omitted. For example, when some kind of error occurs, a process may be performed to deal with the error, but the description of such a process is omitted.

[0034] In an activated state, the processor 11 of the search service server 1 executes a management program, which is one of the information processing programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. This allows the processor 11 to transmit a management screen (not shown) to a user terminal UT in response to an access from the user terminal UT, and display the management screen on the user terminal UT. The processor 11 then accepts a search request or a ranking display request from the user terminal UT on this management screen, and searches for products or generates rankings in response to the request.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor 11 based on the search program PR for performing such a product search or generating a ranking.

[0036] In ACT1, the processor 11 acquires the anonymized purchase history information from the electronic receipt server ERS via the communication network NW. Here, as described above, the anonymized purchase history information can be acquired by receiving the anonymized purchase history information created by deleting the SRID, which is identification information for identifying the electronic receipt member, or the actual selling price of the product, from the product purchase history information in the electronic receipt server ERS via the communication unit 14. Alternatively, the anonymized purchase history information can be acquired by the processor 11 extracting information other than the SRID, which is identification information for identifying the electronic receipt member, or the actual selling price of the product, from the product purchase history information received from the electronic receipt server ERS via the communication unit 14. In other words, the processor 11 may generate the anonymized purchase history information from the product purchase history information. The processor 11 accumulates the acquired anonymized purchase history information in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 of the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0037] Thereafter, in ACT2, the processor 11 determines whether or not a search request has been received from any of the user terminals UT via the communication unit 14. For example, a search request is sent from the user terminal UT by selecting a "Search" button or the like arranged on a management screen (not shown). The search request can also be sent from the user terminal UT by selecting a "See more" message arranged on a ranking screen (described later).

[0038] If it is determined that a search request has not been received, the processor 11 determines in ACT3 whether or not a ranking display request has been received from any of the user terminals UT via the communication unit 14. For example, the ranking display request is transmitted from the user terminal UT by a selection operation of a "ranking" button or the like arranged on a management screen (not shown).

[0039] If it is determined that a ranking display request has not been received, the processor 11 determines in ACT4 whether or not a condition change request has been received from any of the user terminals UT via the communication unit 14. For example, the condition change request is transmitted from the user terminal UT by selecting a "change conditions" button arranged on a search result screen, which will be described later.

[0040] If it is determined that a condition change request has not been received, the processor 11 determines in ACT5 whether or not a detail request has been received from any of the user terminals UT via the communication unit 14. For example, the detail request is transmitted from the user terminal UT by a selection operation of a product displayed as a search result on a search result screen described later.

[0041] If it is determined that a detail request has not been received, the processor 11 determines in ACT6 whether or not a paste request has been received from any of the user terminals UT via the communication unit 14. For example, the paste request is transmitted from the user terminal UT by selecting an "SNS" button or a "Blog" button arranged on a search result screen or a search details screen, which will be described later.

[0042] If a paste request has not been received, the processor 11 proceeds to the process of ACT1.

[0043] In this manner, the processor 11 updates the accumulated contents of the anonymized purchase history database DB1 by repeatedly acquiring the anonymized purchase history information in ACT1.

[0044] If it is determined in ACT2 that a search request has been received, the processor 11 acquires the user position by the communication unit 14 in ACT7. The user position can be, for example, a terminal position that is the position of the user terminal UT detected and transmitted by the requesting user terminal UT. The user position can also be a designated position that is a position designated by a position designation operation on the user terminal UT. Information on the latitude and longitude on a map indicating the terminal position or the designated position can be transmitted from the user terminal UT.

[0045] Next, in ACT8, the processor 11 determines whether or not a ranking screen, which will be described later, is being displayed on the requesting user terminal UT. For example, the processor 11 determines whether or not the search request in ACT2 corresponds to a selection operation of a "See more" message on the ranking screen. If it is determined that the ranking screen is being displayed, the processor 11 proceeds to the processing of ACT11, which will be described later.

[0046] If it is determined in ACT8 that the ranking screen is not being displayed, the processor 11 transmits a search screen to the requesting user terminal UT via the communication unit 14 in ACT9.

[0047] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a search screen SC1 on the user terminal UT. The search screen SC1 includes a condition input area AR1 and a "Search" button BU1. The condition input area AR1 is an area for inputting search conditions. The "Search" button BU1 is a software key that allows the user to declare that a product search will be performed using the conditions entered in the condition input area AR1.

[0048] The condition input area AR1 includes a category input area AR11, a JAN / CC input area AR12, a product name input area AR13, a manufacturer name input area AR14, a sales region input area AR15, a store name / company name input area AR16, and a period input area AR17.

[0049] The category input area AR11 is an area for inputting the product classification of the product to be searched for. This category input area AR11 allows selection from product classifications prepared in advance. In other words, when the downward triangle in the category input area AR11 is selected, a list of selectable product classifications is displayed, and by selecting one product classification from that list, the product classification is input into the area. The category input area AR11 allows the user to narrow down the product classification of the desired product by selecting a product classification from three levels: major classification, medium classification, and minor classification. For example, the user can narrow down the search to "food" as the major classification, "seasoning" as the medium classification, and "ponzu" as the minor classification. It is not necessary to input all classifications.

[0050] The JAN / CC input area AR12 is an area for inputting the JAN code or category code of the product to be searched for. When the user knows the JAN code or category code, they can directly input that code. The product name input area AR13 is an area for inputting the product name of the product to be searched for. And the manufacturer name input area AR14 is an area for inputting the name of the manufacturer that produces the product to be searched for. In this way, information about the product itself can be input as a search condition.

[0051] The sales region input area AR15 is an area for inputting the region to be searched. Regions such as Kanto and Kyushu, prefectures, cities, towns, and villages can be input. The store name / company name input area AR16 is an area for inputting the name of a store that sells the product to be searched for, or the name of a company that has multiple stores. The period input area AR17 is an area for inputting the period to be searched, such as within one month. In this way, it is possible to input search conditions from a viewpoint other than the product.

[0052] In ACT10, the processor 11 receives, via the communication unit 14, search conditions input on the search screen SC1 from the user terminal UT.

[0053] In ACT11, the processor 11 searches for products matching the received search conditions from among the anonymized purchase history information stored in the anonymized purchase history database DB1. For example, if the product classification "seasoning" is input as a search condition, in the example shown in FIG. 4, products in two records, the first record and the third record, of the anonymized purchase history information are searched for. Also, if the store name / company name "AAA Supermarket" is input as a search condition, in the example shown in FIG. 4, products in two records, the first record and the second record, are searched for. Here, if the product classification "seasoning" and the store name / company name "AAA Supermarket" are input as search conditions, in the example shown in FIG. 4, only the product in the first record that matches the two conditions is searched for.

[0054] In addition, when searching, the processor 11 searches for products based on the purchase date and time in the anonymized purchase history information, referring to the period input as the search condition as well as the exclusion condition described in the condition table TB. For example, even if the period "one month" is input as the search condition, if the exclusion condition "one week" is described in the condition table TB, records for the product whose purchase date and time are within "one week" from the current date and time are searched for. Also, if the exclusion condition "unlimited" is described in the condition table TB, all records for the product are searched for regardless of the purchase date and time. Note that if no period is input as a search condition, the processor 11 can search based on the default period or the condition exclusion period described in the condition table TB.

[0055] The processor 11 temporarily stores the search results in a predetermined memory area of ​​the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. Note that the search results may be stored by copying the records themselves found in the anonymized purchase history database DB1, or may store pointers or the like that identify the found records.

[0056] Next, in ACT12, processor 11 narrows down the search results. Processor 11 narrows down the search results based on the user position acquired in ACT7 and the position information of each store stored in store database DB2. For example, processor 11 extracts stores that are located within 500 m of the user position. Processor 11 then deletes search results that do not include the extracted store from the temporarily stored search results. As a result, only results related to the extracted store remain as the final search results.

[0057] The processor 11 generates a search result screen based on the final search result in ACT 13. Then, the processor 11 transmits the generated search result screen to the user terminal UT via the communication unit 14 in ACT 14. After that, the processor 11 proceeds to the process of ACT 4.

[0058] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen SC2 in the user terminal UT. The search result screen SC2 includes the search results SR and a "change conditions" button BU2. The "change conditions" button BU2 is a software key that allows the user to declare that he or she will change the search conditions and perform a product search.

[0059] Each search result SR has a product image IMG, a product summary description TXT, a local map MAP, an "Attach to SNS" button BU3, and an "Attach to blog" button BU4.

[0060] The product image IMG and product summary description TXT are an image and a summary description of the product based on product information acquired from the manufacturer or wholesaler of the searched product. These may be acquired in advance and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, or may be acquired from a product information site provided by the manufacturer or wholesaler. The neighborhood map MAP is a map showing the user position and the store position. The map information itself may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, or may be acquired from a map providing site. The neighborhood map MAP is a map centered on a user position mark YMK indicating the user position, and a store mark SMK indicating the store where the searched product was purchased by the consumer is placed on this map.

[0061] The "paste SNS" button BU3 is a software key that allows the user to declare that the search result SR is to be pasted on the screen of an SNS. Also, the "paste blog" button BU4 is a software key that allows the user to declare that the search result SR is to be pasted on the screen of a blog.

[0062] When the "Change Conditions" button BU2 on the search result screen SC2 is operated, a condition change request is sent from the user terminal UT. When this is received by the communication unit 14, the processor 11 determines in the above ACT4 that a condition change request has been received. In this case, the processor 11 advances the process to the above ACT9. This allows the search screen SC1 to be displayed again on the user terminal UT, allowing the user to input search conditions.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in ACT3 that a ranking display request has been received, the processor 11 transmits a ranking classification screen to the requesting user terminal UT via the communication unit 14 in ACT15. This ranking classification screen, not shown in particular, is a screen that allows the user to select what kind of ranking to generate. For example, the ranking classification screen allows the user to select ranking classifications such as rapid rise, period, and region. The rapid rise classification can include, for example, a comparison period such as a comparison with the previous day or the previous week, and a ratio such as 150% or more. In addition, the period classification can include, for example, a collection period of sales volume such as a yearly total or a monthly total, and a sales volume within the collection period such as 100 units. The region classification can include sales regions such as regions such as Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu, and prefectures.

[0064] In ACT16, the processor 11 receives the ranking category selected on the ranking category screen from the user terminal UT via the communication unit 14.

[0065] In ACT17, the processor 11 calculates a ranking according to the received ranking category from the anonymized purchase history information stored in the anonymized purchase history database DB1. At this time, the processor 11 can determine whether the product is selected in the area category by referring to the location information of each store stored in the store database DB2.

[0066] In ACT 18, the processor 11 generates a ranking screen based on the generated rankings. Then, in ACT 19, the processor 11 transmits the generated ranking screen to the user terminal UT via the communication unit 14. After that, the processor 11 proceeds to the processing of ACT 4.

[0067] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a ranking screen SC3 in the user terminal UT. The ranking screen SC3 includes a ranking result RR and a "View more" message MES. The "View more" message MES is a software key that allows the user to declare that he or she will perform a product search for the product in the ranking result RR.

[0068] When the "View more" message MES is selected, a search request is sent from the user terminal UT. When the search request is received by the communication unit 14, the processor 11 of the search service server 1 determines in ACT2 that the search request has been received. In this case, the processor 11 determines in ACT8 that the requesting user terminal UT is displaying a ranking screen described later after acquiring the user's location in ACT7. Therefore, the processor 11 proceeds to the process of ACT11 and searches for products in the ranking result RR corresponding to the selected "View more" message MES. In this search, the processor 11 performs the processes of ACT12 to ACT14 using default search conditions for search conditions other than the user's location, thereby allowing the search result screen SC2 to be displayed on the user terminal UT. If the user of the user terminal UT who has viewed the search result screen SC2 wishes to search for products again using search conditions desired by the user instead of the default search conditions, the user operates the "Change conditions" button BU2. As a result, the processor 11 proceeds to the process of ACT4 to ACT9 and allows the search screen SC1 to be displayed on the user terminal UT.

[0069] Also, when a user who has viewed the search result screen SC2 wants to know details about a product displayed as a search result SR, the user performs an operation to select the relevant product. For example, if the user terminal UT is a smartphone, the user double-tap any one of the product image IMG, product summary description TXT, and neighborhood map MAP of the relevant product. Also, if the user terminal UT is a personal computer, the user moves the mouse cursor to any one of the product image IMG, product summary description TXT, and neighborhood map MAP, and double-clicks the mouse button. When such a product selection operation is performed, a details request is transmitted from the user terminal UT. When this details request is received by the communication unit 14, the processor 11 of the search service server 1 determines that the details request has been received in the above ACT5. In this case, the processor 11 generates a details screen for the requested product in ACT20. Then, the processor 11 transmits the generated details screen to the user terminal UT by the communication unit 14 in ACT21. Thereafter, the processor 11 proceeds to the processing of the above ACT1.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a details screen SC4 in the user terminal UT. The details screen SC4 has a product image IMG, a product details description DTX, a detailed map DMP, a store list SPR, a "paste to SNS" button BU3, and a "paste to blog" button BU4. The product details description DTX and the detailed map DMP are more detailed information than the product summary description TXT and the neighborhood map MAP on the search result screen SC2. The detailed map DMP has a user position mark YMK and a store mark SMK arranged in the same way as the neighborhood map MAP. The store list SPR displays store information including the store name and the purchase date of the corresponding product for each store mark SMK in an order. In this store list SPR, for example, stores are displayed in order of distance to the user position. In addition, by sorting by the purchase date of the corresponding product, it is also possible to arrange stores that are more likely to have the corresponding product at the top.

[0071] When the "Paste to SNS" button BU3 or the "Paste to Blog" button BU4 on the search result screen SC2 or the details screen SC4 is selected, a paste request is sent from the user terminal UT. When this paste request is received by the communication unit 14, the processor 11 of the search service server 1 determines that a paste request has been received in ACT6 above. In this case, the processor 11 performs the requested paste process in ACT22. Thereafter, the processor 11 proceeds to the process of ACT1 above.

[0072] When a paste request by selecting the "SNS paste" button BU3 is received, the following process can be performed as the paste process of ACT22. That is, when the paste request corresponds to the "SNS paste" button BU3 on the search result screen SC2, the processor 11 extracts information to be pasted to the SNS application program from the search result SR to which the "SNS paste" button BU3 is added. When the paste request corresponds to the "SNS paste" button BU3 on the details screen SC4, the processor 11 extracts information to be pasted to the SNS application program from the search result SR on the search result screen SC2 that called the details screen SC4. Then, the processor 11 passes the extracted information to the SNS application program. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an SNS screen SC5 in the user terminal UT. As shown in the figure, the passed information is pasted as paste information PI1 on the SNS screen SC5.

[0073] Furthermore, when a paste request is received by selecting the "paste blog" button BU4, the processor 11, as the paste process of this ACT22, sets the search result SR as the information extraction target, similarly to the case of a paste request corresponding to the "paste SNS" button BU3. Then, the processor 11 copies a URL link for blog pasting from the search result SR to be extracted. The user of the user terminal UT can execute a blog application program and paste the copied URL link into the blog. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a blog screen SC6 in the user terminal UT. As shown in the figure, information indicated by the pasted URL link is pasted as pasted information PI2 onto the blog screen SC6.

[0074] As described above, the search service server 1 as an information processing device of this embodiment includes a processor 11 that functions as a storage means and a search means. The storage means links information about the purchase store with information about the purchased item, and stores the information in an auxiliary storage unit having an anonymized purchase history database that functions as a storage unit. The search means searches the storage unit for stores that sell the item specified by the user terminal UT, and transmits store information indicating the searched store to the user terminal UT.

[0075] Therefore, even if a retail store does not take any special action for sales promotion, the retail store can appeal to consumers who operate the user terminal UT about the fact that the store sells the product, and the effect of attracting customers can be expected. Furthermore, a product purchasing person at a retail store can operate the user terminal UT to know products that are not sold at the store but are selling at other stores, so the risk of missing a sales opportunity for a popular product can be reduced. In addition, consumers can easily know which stores sold new products or popular products that have been featured on television, magazines, SNS, etc., in other words, which stores are likely to currently sell the products, and can obtain the products without the trouble of searching around for the relevant products.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the information processing device of this embodiment, the processor 11 also functions as a first acquisition means for acquiring information on the location of stores searched for by the search means, and as a first receiving means for receiving terminal location information, which is the location of the user terminal UT, or designated location information, which is a location designated from the user terminal UT. Then, based on the terminal location information or the designated location information, the search means extracts stores that are located within a certain distance from the location indicated by the terminal location information or the designated location information from the searched stores, and transmits the location information of the extracted stores to the user terminal UT.

[0077] Therefore, a consumer user can know the location of a store that is likely to sell the desired product near the user's current location or the location he or she is planning to visit. The presence of the desired product in a nearby store motivates the consumer to visit the store. This has the advantage for the retail store, as it increases the opportunities to attract consumers who do not usually visit the store or to attract new consumers who have never visited the store.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the information on the purchasing store and the information on the purchased product stored in the storage unit can be created based on each consumer's product purchase history information, such as electronic receipt information.

[0079] Therefore, product purchase history information can be easily obtained.

[0080] According to the information processing device of this embodiment, the processor 11 also functions as a second acquisition means for acquiring anonymized product purchase history information that has been anonymized by deleting at least personal information from the product purchase history information, and storing the acquired anonymized product purchase history information in the memory unit by a storage means.

[0081] Therefore, since stores are searched for based on anonymized product purchase history information from which information that the consumer wishes to keep secret has been deleted, there is no risk of confidential information being leaked to others.

[0082] In addition, according to the information processing device of this embodiment, the processor 11 as a second acquisition means can function as a generation means that acquires product purchase history information from a management device such as an electronic receipt server ERS that manages the product purchase history information of each consumer and generates anonymized product purchase history information from the acquired product purchase history information, or as a second receiving means that receives anonymized product purchase history information generated by the management device from the product purchase history information.

[0083] Therefore, anonymized product purchase history information can be easily acquired.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the information processing device of this embodiment, the processor 11 as a search unit can further narrow down the searched nearby product sales stores based on the sales date and time of the product.

[0085] Therefore, it is possible to search for products that are unlikely to be purchased by consumers within a short period of time, such as a one-liter bottle of sake.

[0086] In addition, according to the information processing device of this embodiment, the processor 11 as a search means can function as a pasting means that creates pasting information, which is information for pasting on SNS or information for pasting on blogs, from store information indicating a store searched for from the memory unit, and transmits the created pasting information to the user terminal UT.

[0087] This makes it easier to promote your business using social media and blogs.

[0088] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

[0089] For example, when registering anonymized purchase history information in the anonymized purchase history database DB1 in ACT1 above, anonymized purchase history information may be registered only for stores stored in the store database DB2. By doing so, rankings will be limited to a limited number of stores, but it is possible to prevent waste of storage capacity in the auxiliary storage unit 13. This is preferable when a ranking service is not provided.

[0090] In addition, the search program PR may be stored in the main memory 12 instead of in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0091] In addition, instead of repeatedly acquiring anonymized purchase history information by ACT1, the information may be acquired periodically, such as once a day or at intervals of several hours, by a management program not shown, and the accumulated contents of the anonymized purchase history database DB1 may be updated periodically.

[0092] In addition, each function realized by the processor 11 through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0093] Of course, the information processing device of the present invention may be incorporated into an electronic receipt server ERS by providing it with necessary security functions.

[0094] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the claims as originally filed in this application are set forth below. [C1] A storage means for storing information on the purchase store and information on the purchased item in a storage unit in association with each other; a search means for searching the storage unit for a store selling a product specified by a user terminal and transmitting store information indicating the searched store to the user terminal; An information processing device comprising: [C2] A first acquisition means for acquiring information on the location of the store searched for by the search means; A first receiving means for receiving terminal location information that is the location of the user terminal or designated location information that is a location designated by the user terminal; Further comprising: The information processing device described in C1, wherein the search means extracts from the searched stores those stores that are located within a certain distance from the location indicated by the terminal location information or the specified location information based on the terminal location information or the specified location information, and transmits information on the locations of the extracted stores to the user terminal. [C3] The information processing device according to C1 or C2, wherein the information on the purchase store and the information on the purchased product stored in the memory unit are created based on product purchase history information of each consumer. [C4] The information processing device described in C3 further includes a second acquisition means for acquiring anonymized product purchase history information that has been anonymized by deleting at least personal information from the product purchase history information, and storing the acquired anonymized product purchase history information in the memory unit by the storage means. [C5] The second acquisition means includes: A generating means for acquiring the product purchase history information from a management device that manages the product purchase history information of each of the consumers, and generating the anonymized product purchase history information from the acquired product purchase history information; or A second receiving means for receiving the anonymized product purchase history information generated by the management device from the product purchase history information; The information processing device according to C4, comprising: [C6] Computer, A storage means for storing information on the store where the purchase was made and information on the purchased item in a storage unit in association with each other; a search means for searching the storage unit for a store selling a product specified by a user terminal and transmitting store information indicating the searched store to the user terminal; A program to function as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...search service server, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage unit, 14...communication unit, AR1...condition input area, AR11...category input area, AR12...JAN / CC input area, AR13...product name input area, AR14...manufacturer name input area, AR15...sales region input area, AR16...store name / company name input area, AR17...period input area, BSS...blog service server, BU1..."search" button, BU2..."change conditions" button, BU3..."paste SNS" button, BU4..."paste blog" button, DB1...anonymized purchase history database, DB2...store database, DTX...product detailed description, DMP...detailed map, ERS...electronic receipt server, HDB...history database, IMG...product image, MAP...neighborhood map, MES..."see more" message, NW...communication network, PI1,PI2...paste information, PR...search program, REG...store registration device, RR...ranking results, SC1...search screen, SC2...search result screen, SC3...ranking screen, SC4...details screen, SC5...SNS screen, SC6...blog screen, SDB...store database, SMK...store mark, SNSS...SNS server, SPR...store list, SR...search results, TB...condition table, TXT...product summary description, UT...user terminal, YMK...user location mark.

Claims

1. A storage means for storing information on the store where the purchase was made and information on the purchased item in a storage unit in association with each other; a search means for searching the storage unit for a store selling a product specified by a user terminal and transmitting store information indicating the searched store to the user terminal; a first acquisition means for acquiring information on the location of the store searched for by the search means; a first receiving means for receiving terminal location information that is a location of the user terminal or designated location information that is a location designated by the user terminal; Equipped with The search means extracts from the searched stores, based on the terminal location information or the designated location information, stores that are located within a certain distance from the location indicated by the terminal location information or the designated location information, and transmits information on the locations of the extracted stores and the purchase history of the product at the extracted stores to the user terminal.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the purchase store and the information on the purchased goods stored in the storage unit are created based on product purchase history information of each consumer.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring anonymized product purchase history information that has been anonymized by deleting at least personal information and the selling price of the product from the product purchase history information, and storing the acquired anonymized product purchase history information in the memory unit by the storage means.

4. The second acquisition means includes: A generating means for acquiring the product purchase history information from a management device that manages the product purchase history information of each of the consumers, and generating the anonymized product purchase history information from the acquired product purchase history information; or a second receiving means for receiving the anonymized product purchase history information generated by the management device from the product purchase history information; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. Computer, A storage means for storing information on the purchase store and information on the purchased item in a storage unit in association with each other; a search means for searching the storage unit for a store selling a product specified by a user terminal and transmitting store information indicating the searched store to the user terminal; a first acquiring means for acquiring information on the location of the store searched for by the searching means; a first receiving means for receiving terminal location information that is the location of the user terminal or designated location information that is a location designated by the user terminal; Functioning as a The search means is a program that extracts from the searched stores, based on the terminal location information or the designated location information, stores that are located within a certain distance from the location indicated by the terminal location information or the designated location information, and transmits information on the locations of the extracted stores and the purchase history of the product at the extracted store to the user terminal.

Images