Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of increasing the convenience of a user, an information processing method, and an information processing program.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a generation unit and a provision unit. The generation unit generates item catalog information containing information of a reference item, which is an item serving as the reference, and information of a plurality of similar items each of which is similar to the reference item. The provision unit provides the item catalog information generated by the generation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are websites that trade goods and other items using a communication network such as the Internet. On such websites, content including information on a plurality of items is delivered to a user's terminal device and displayed. The user can purchase the item by selecting a desired item from the plurality of items included in the content displayed on the terminal device and carrying out a payment process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-18136 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, for example, when a user is interested in a certain item among multiple items whose information is included in the content, it may not be easy for the user to identify items similar to the item, which poses a problem from the perspective of user convenience.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application includes a generating unit and a providing unit. The generating unit generates product catalog information including information on a reference product that is a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products that are products similar to the reference product. The providing unit provides the product catalog information generated by the generating unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an effect is achieved in that it is possible to improve convenience for users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information table stored in the user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of top content provided to a user by the providing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search result provided to a user by the providing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of product catalog information provided to a user by the providing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing by the processing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. In addition, each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory. In addition, the same parts in each of the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [1. An example of information processing] First, an example of information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment, which is executed by an information processing device 1.

[0011] 1 is an information processing device that cooperates with a terminal device 2 of a user U and provides various types of information to the user U online, and is realized by, for example, one or more servers or cloud systems. Note that, although one terminal device 2 is shown in the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 cooperates with each of a plurality of terminal devices 2 and provides various services online to the user U of each terminal device 2.

[0012] The services provided to the user U by the information processing device 1 include, but are not limited to, e-commerce (e.g., online shopping malls) and hometown tax payment services. For example, the services provided by the information processing device 1 may further include services such as web search and content distribution.

[0013] The information processing device 1 has product information including information on each item sold as a commodity by each store in the online shopping mall and information on items provided by local governments as gifts in return for hometown tax donations, and based on such product information, provides product catalog information including information on multiple items to a user U of the terminal device 2.

[0014] When the information processing device 1 is accessed by the terminal device 2, the information processing device 1 causes the terminal device 2 to display top page content, which is the content of the top page (step S1). For example, the information processing device 1 causes the terminal device 2 to display the top page content by transmitting the top page content to the terminal device 2.

[0015] The top page content includes a search box for inputting search keywords for searching for an item, and a search button for sending a search query including the search keywords input in the search box. The user U operates the terminal device 2 to input the search keywords in the search box and click or tap the search button. As a result, the search query including the search keywords is sent from the terminal device 2 to the information processing device 1.

[0016] When the information processing device 1 receives a search query transmitted from the terminal device 2 (step S2), it searches for information on multiple items corresponding to the search keywords included in the received search query from among the information on multiple items included in the above-mentioned item information (step S3).

[0017] For example, when the information processing device 1 receives a search query including the keyword "beef", it searches for information on multiple items corresponding to the keyword "beef". When the information processing device 1 receives a search query including the keyword "rice", it searches for information on multiple items corresponding to the keyword "rice". The item corresponding to the keyword "beef" is "beef", and the item corresponding to the keyword "rice" is "rice".

[0018] The information processing device 1 searches for multiple items, including, for example, one or more items provided by local governments as gifts in return for hometown tax donations, and one or more items traded on an e-commerce site (e.g., an online shopping mall), as information on multiple items corresponding to a search keyword.

[0019] Next, the information processing device 1 causes the terminal device 2 to display the product search result including information on the multiple products searched for in the process of step S3 (step S4). For example, the information processing device 1 causes the terminal device 2 to display the product search result by transmitting the product search result to the terminal device 2.

[0020] The search result displayed on the terminal device 2 includes, for example, information on the searched multiple items and catalog acquisition information for acquiring item catalog information with one or more of the multiple items as a reference item. The reference item is, for example, a gift in return for hometown tax donations, but may also be a product sold by the store. The item catalog information includes information on the reference item and information on multiple similar items that are each similar to the reference item.

[0021] Each similar article is an article that shares a common name with the reference article. For example, if the reference article is "meat", each similar article is "meat". Also, if the reference article is specified as "wagyu beef" among "meat", each similar article is "beef".

[0022] Also, each similar product may be a product that has the same general product name as the reference product and also has attributes in common with the reference product. For example, if the product is "beef", the product attributes may be the breed (e.g., Wagyu, Angus, etc.), meat quality (e.g., A5 rank, A4 rank, A3 rank, etc.), cut (e.g., loin, rib, thigh, etc.), cooking purpose (e.g., for shabu-shabu, for sukiyaki, for yakiniku, etc.), weight (e.g., 500g, 1kg, etc.), etc.

[0023] Furthermore, if the reference item is "rice," the attributes of the item include type (e.g., white rice, brown rice, pre-rinsed rice, etc.), place of origin (e.g., Akita, Fukuoka, etc.), variety (e.g., Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, Hitomebore, etc.), weight (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, etc.), etc.

[0024] In addition, each similar item may be an item that has a common name in common with the reference item and also has a common basis for provision with the reference item. The types of basis for provision include a first basis for provision, which is profits from the sale of the item, and a second basis for provision, which is a return gift for hometown tax donations.

[0025] For example, if the reference item is a gift in return for a hometown tax donation, each similar item may be an item that has a common name in common with the reference item and is also a gift in return for a hometown tax donation. If each similar item is a gift in return for a hometown tax donation, it may be a gift from the same website that handles hometown tax donations.

[0026] In addition, each similar item may be an item that shares a common name with the reference item and also shares attributes and reasons for providing with the reference item, or the attributes and reasons for providing may differ depending on the attributes of user U.

[0027] In addition, when the search keyword used for the search in the processing of step S3 includes the character string "hometown tax donation," such as "hometown tax donation beef," the information of each item searched for in the processing of step S3 is information on return gifts for hometown tax donations, which have the general name "beef."

[0028] In the search results displayed on the terminal device 2 in step S4, the catalog acquisition information is arranged at a position corresponding to the information on the reference item. In the example of the item catalog information shown in FIG. 1, the catalog acquisition information is arranged below the information on the reference item.

[0029] The catalog acquisition information includes information for identifying the item catalog information, and when the user U operates the terminal device 2 to select the catalog acquisition information by clicking or tapping on it, a catalog transmission request is transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the information processing device 1. Such a catalog transmission request includes information for identifying the item catalog information.

[0030] When the information processing device 1 receives a catalog transmission request transmitted from the terminal device 2 (step S5), it generates item catalog information specified in the received catalog transmission request (step S6) and provides the generated item catalog information to the user U (step S7). The item catalog information is provided to the user U by transmitting the item catalog information to the terminal device 2 and displaying it on the terminal device 2.

[0031] As described above, the product catalog information includes information on a plurality of products, including information on a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products. Therefore, the user U can easily grasp a plurality of similar products that are each similar to the reference product that the user U has focused on, and the information processing device 1 can improve the convenience of the user U.

[0032] The information processing device 1 identifies the item catalog information based on the information for identifying the item catalog information. The catalog transmission request includes, for example, information for identifying a reference item as the information for identifying the item catalog information.

[0033] The information processing device 1 identifies the reference object based on information identifying the reference object, and searches for information on multiple similar objects that are each similar to the identified reference object from among the information on multiple objects included in the above-mentioned object information.

[0034] Then, the information processing device 1 generates item catalog information including information on the searched similar items and information on the reference item. Thereafter, the information processing device 1 transmits the generated item catalog information to the terminal device 2, thereby causing the terminal device 2 to display the item catalog information including information on the searched similar items and information on the reference item.

[0035] The information for identifying the item catalog information may be item catalog identification information that is identification information of the item catalog information. For example, the item catalog identification information is associated with information that identifies information on each item included in the item catalog information in the information processing device 1.

[0036] In this case, the information processing device 1 uses information that identifies information about each item associated with the catalog identification information to acquire information about a plurality of similar items and information about a reference item from information about a plurality of items included in the above-mentioned item information, and generates item catalog information including the acquired information about the plurality of similar items and information about the reference item.

[0037] For example, when the reference item and the multiple similar items are each a return gift for hometown tax donation, the information processing device 1 can set the reference item and each of the multiple similar items as items provided by a local government other than the local government in which the user U to whom the item catalog information is provided has an address. This allows the information processing device 1 to avoid including a return gift that the user U cannot obtain in the item catalog information.

[0038] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can also generate product catalog information so that products provided by a local government where the user U previously had an address are ranked higher than those provided by other local government entities. A higher ranking means, for example, that when information on multiple products is arranged in a matrix in the product catalog information, the higher the row, the higher the ranking, and even within the same row, the further to the left the position.

[0039] When information identifying information about each item included in the item catalog information is associated with the item catalog identification information, the information processing device 1 can exclude gifts provided by the local government where the user U lives from the items to be included in the item catalog information. This allows the information processing device 1 to avoid gifts that the user U cannot obtain being included in the item catalog information.

[0040] The information processing device 1 can also acquire information on a plurality of similar items using different similarity criteria according to the attributes of the user U, and generate item catalog information based on the acquired information on the plurality of similar items. The similarity criteria include, for example, one or more of the attributes of the items and the basis for providing the items.

[0041] For example, if the similarity criterion is an attribute of an item, and the item is "beef," then if user U's attribute is age "teenager," then "weight" is the similarity criterion, and items whose "weight" is equal to or greater than the "weight" of the reference item are similar items; if user U's attribute is age "50s" or older, then "meat quality" is the similarity criterion, and items whose "meat quality" is equal to or greater than the "meat quality" of the reference item are similar items.

[0042] In this way, the information processing device 1 generates product catalog information including information on a reference product, which is a reference product, and information on a plurality of similar products, which are products similar to the reference product, and provides the generated product catalog information to the user U. Therefore, the user U can easily grasp a plurality of similar products, which are products similar to the reference product that the user U has focused on, and the information processing device 1 can increase the convenience for the user U.

[0043] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 searches for a plurality of items in response to the search query, and provides the user U with a search result including information on the searched plurality of items and catalog acquisition information for acquiring item catalog information with one or more of the plurality of items as a reference item. Therefore, the user U can easily grasp a plurality of similar items that are each similar to the reference item that the user U has focused on among the searched plurality of items, and the information processing device 1 can improve the convenience of the user U.

[0044] In the above example, the information processing device 1 generates the item catalog information and displays it on the terminal device 2, but the item catalog information may be displayed by processing mainly performed by the terminal device 2. For example, the information processing device 1 may provide a plurality of pieces of information to the terminal device 2 based on information input from the terminal device 2 via an interface such as an API (Application Programming Interface), and the terminal device 2 may generate and display the item catalog information based on the plurality of pieces of information provided by the information processing device 1. In this case, the terminal device 2 functions as an information processing device together with the information processing device 1.

[0045] The configuration of an information processing system including the information processing device 1 and terminal device 2 that perform such processing will be described in detail below.

[0046] 2. Configuration of the Information Processing System 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment includes an information processing device 1 and a plurality of terminal devices 2.

[0047] The multiple terminal devices 2 are used by different users U. The terminal devices 2 are, for example, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a wearable device. The wearable device is, for example, smart glasses or a smart watch, but is not limited to such examples. The user U is a user who uses a service provided by the information processing device 1 or the like.

[0048] The information processing device 1 and the terminal device 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly via a network N. Note that the information processing system 100 shown in FIG.

[0049] The network N includes, for example, a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet and mobile communication networks such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4th Generation (4G), and 5th Generation (5G: fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0050] The terminal device 2 can connect to the network N via short-range wireless communication such as a mobile communication network, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and communicate with the information processing device 1.

[0051] 3. Configuration of information processing device 1 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a processing unit 12.

[0052] [3.1. Communication unit 10] The communication unit 10 is realized by, for example, a communication module or a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 10 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices. For example, the communication unit 10 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 2 via the network N.

[0053] [3.2. Storage section 11] The storage unit 11 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 11 has a user information storage unit 20 and an item information storage unit 21.

[0054] [3.2.1. User information storage unit 20] The user information storage unit 20 stores various types of information related to the user U. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user information table stored in the user information storage unit 20 according to the embodiment.

[0055] 4, the user information table stored in the user information storage unit 20 includes information items such as "user ID (identifier)," "attribute information," "history information," and "setting information." The "user ID" is an identifier that identifies a user U, and is information assigned to each user U.

[0056] The "attribute information" is attribute information indicating the attributes of the user U associated with the "user ID." The attributes of the user U are, for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, etc. The demographic attributes are demographic attributes, and include a plurality of attribute items such as age, sex, occupation, place of residence, annual income, and family structure.

[0057] Psychographic attributes are psychological attributes, and include, for example, a plurality of attribute items related to lifestyle, values, interests, etc. For example, each of the plurality of attribute items in the psychographic attributes is an object of interest to the user U, such as a car, clothes, travel, games, camping, motorcycle, train, home appliance, or computer.

[0058] "History information" includes item acquisition history information, which is information on user U's item acquisition history via online services provided by information processing device 1, search history information, which is information on user U's search history in online services provided by information processing device 1, browsing history information, which is information on user U's browsing history in online services provided by information processing device 1, and the like.

[0059] The item acquisition history information includes information identifying the item acquired by the user U, information on the date and time of the item acquisition, information on the cost of acquiring the item, information on the place where the item was acquired, etc. "Acquisition" includes acquisition by purchase and acquisition by hometown tax donation. Note that the item purchase history information may include information on the item purchase history of the user U in online services other than the online service provided by the information processing device 1, and may include information on the item purchase history of the user U in physical stores.

[0060] The search history information is, for example, information on search history, and includes, for example, search keywords entered by the user U, information on the date and time when the user U performed the search, and the user ID of the user U who performed the search. The browsing history information is information on the browsing history of items by the user U, and includes information identifying the items viewed by the user U, information on the date and time when the user U viewed the items, and the like.

[0061] The "setting information" is setting information of the user U associated with the "user ID." Note that the information stored in the user information storage unit 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may include various information related to the user U.

[0062] [3.2.2. Article information storage unit 21] The item information storage unit 21 stores item information including information on each item. For example, the item information storage unit 21 includes information such as an item ID, item name (including a general name), item description (for example, description of item attributes), and item image information. The item information may also include item identification code information.

[0063] The goods whose information is included in the goods information storage unit 21 are, for example, products sold by stores in an online shopping mall, gifts in return for hometown tax donations, etc. The gifts in return for hometown tax donations are, for example, gifts from local governments handled by a hometown tax donation intermediary site, which is a site that intermediates hometown tax donations to each of a plurality of local governments.

[0064] The items whose information is contained in the item information storage unit 21 include return gifts from local governments handled by multiple hometown tax payment intermediary sites, but may also include only return gifts from local governments handled by one hometown tax payment intermediary site.

[0065] [3.3. Processing section 12] The processing unit 12 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 2 using the RAM as a working area.

[0066] The processing unit 12 may be partially or entirely realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0067] 3, the processing unit 12 has an acquisition unit 30, a reception unit 31, a search unit 32, a generation unit 33, and a provision unit 34, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the processing unit 12 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0068] [3.3.1. Acquisition part 30] The acquisition unit 30 acquires various pieces of information from an external information processing device, the terminal device 2, or the like via the communication unit 10, and causes the storage unit 11 to store the acquired information.

[0069] For example, the acquisition unit 30 acquires user information, which is information about the user U, from an external information processing device or terminal device 2 via the communication unit 10, and adds the acquired user information to a user information table in the user information storage unit 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 30 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 11. For example, the acquisition unit 30 acquires user information, which is information on the user U, from the user information storage unit 20 or the like. The user information acquired by the acquisition unit 30 includes, for example, a part or all of at least one of the above-mentioned attribute information, history information, and setting information.

[0071] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 30 acquires information related to the item from the item information storage unit 21, etc. The information related to the item acquired by the acquisition unit 30 includes part or all of at least one of information related to the name of the item, information related to the description of the item, and information related to an image of the item.

[0072] [3.3.2. Reception Unit 31] The reception unit 31 receives various requests and information from the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 10. For example, the reception unit 31 receives access from the terminal device 2. For example, the reception unit 31 receives access from the terminal device 2 that includes an address of a top content.

[0073] The reception unit 31 also receives a catalog transmission request from the terminal device 2. The reception unit 31 also receives an item information request from the terminal device 2. The item information request is transmitted from the terminal device 2, for example, when information about an item displayed on the terminal device 2 is selected by the user U operating the terminal device 2. Such an item information request includes information specifying information about the item selected by the user U.

[0074] [3.3.3. Search Unit 32] When a search query is received by the receiving unit 31, the search unit 32 searches for information on multiple items corresponding to the search query received by the receiving unit 31 from information on multiple items stored in the item information storage unit 21.

[0075] For example, when a search query including the keyword "beef" is received by the receiving unit 31, the searching unit 32 searches for information on a plurality of items corresponding to the keyword "beef" from information on a plurality of items stored in the item information storage unit 21. The item corresponding to the keyword "beef" is "beef".

[0076] Furthermore, when a search query including the keyword "rice" is received by the receiving unit 31, the search unit 32 searches for information on a plurality of items corresponding to the keyword "rice" from information on a plurality of items stored in the item information storage unit 21. The item corresponding to the keyword "rice" is "rice."

[0077] For example, when a search query is received by the receiving unit 31, the search unit 32 searches for information on a plurality of items having different provision grounds. For example, the search unit 32 searches for a plurality of items including one or more items provided by a local government as a return gift for hometown tax donations and one or more items traded on an electronic commerce site (for example, an electronic shopping mall) as information on a plurality of items corresponding to the search keyword.

[0078] In addition, for example, when a search query is accepted by the accepting unit 31, the search unit 32 can also search for two or more items provided by local governments as gifts in return for hometown tax donations as information on multiple items corresponding to the search keywords.

[0079] For example, when the search keyword included in the search query accepted by the accepting unit 31 includes the character string "hometown tax donation," such as "hometown tax donation beef," the search unit 32 searches for two or more items provided by local governments as gifts in return for hometown tax donations as information on multiple items corresponding to the search keyword.

[0080] In addition, for example, when a catalog transmission request is received by the receiving unit 31, the search unit 32 identifies a reference item based on information identifying the reference item included in the catalog transmission request, and searches for information on multiple similar items that are each similar to the identified reference item from among the information on multiple items stored in the item information storage unit 21.

[0081] Each similar article is an article that shares a common name with the reference article. For example, if the reference article is "meat", each similar article is "meat". Also, if the reference article is specified as "wagyu beef" among "meat", each similar article is "beef".

[0082] Also, each similar product may be a product that has the same general product name as the reference product and also has attributes in common with the reference product. For example, if the product is "beef", the product attributes may be the breed (e.g., Wagyu, Angus, etc.), meat quality (e.g., A5 rank, A4 rank, A3 rank, etc.), cut (e.g., loin, rib, thigh, etc.), cooking purpose (e.g., for shabu-shabu, for sukiyaki, for yakiniku, etc.), weight (e.g., 500g, 1kg, etc.), etc.

[0083] For example, if the reference item is "beef" and the attributes of the reference item are "wagyu beef," "kalbi," and "for yakiniku," the search unit 32 searches for items with the attributes "wagyu beef," "kalbi," and "for yakiniku" as similar items.

[0084] Furthermore, if the reference item is "rice," the attributes of the item include type (e.g., white rice, brown rice, pre-rinsed rice, etc.), place of origin (e.g., Akita, Fukuoka, etc.), variety (e.g., Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, Hitomebore, etc.), weight (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, etc.), etc.

[0085] For example, if the reference item is "rice" and the attributes of the reference item are "white rice," "Koshihikari rice," and "10 kg," the search unit 32 searches for items with the attributes "white rice," "Koshihikari rice," and "10 kg" as similar items.

[0086] The attributes to be searched for as attributes of similar items are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and may be different depending on the attributes of the user U. For example, when a catalog transmission request is received by the receiving unit 31, the search unit 32 may search for information on multiple similar items using different similarity criteria depending on the attributes of the user U who has sent the search query. The similarity criteria may include, for example, one or more of the attributes of the items and the basis for providing the items.

[0087] For example, if the similarity criterion is an attribute of an item and the item is "beef," then if user U's attribute is age "teens," then "weight" would be the similarity criterion, and items whose "weight" is equal to or greater than the "weight" of the reference item would be similar items; if user U's attribute is age "50s" or older, then "meat quality" would be the similarity criterion, and items whose "meat quality" is equal to or greater than the "meat quality" of the reference item would be similar items.

[0088] In addition, each similar item may be an item that has a common name in common with the reference item and also has a common basis for provision with the reference item. The types of basis for provision include a first basis for provision, which is profits from the sale of the item, and a second basis for provision, which is a return gift for hometown tax donations.

[0089] For example, if the reference item is a gift in return for a hometown tax donation, each similar item may be an item that has a common name in common with the reference item and is also a gift in return for a hometown tax donation. If each similar item is a gift in return for a hometown tax donation, it may be a gift from the same website that handles hometown tax donations.

[0090] In addition, each similar item may be an item that shares a common name with the reference item and also shares attributes and reasons for providing with the reference item, or the attributes and reasons for providing may differ depending on the attributes of user U.

[0091] When the reception unit 31 receives a search query or a catalog transmission request, the search unit 32 can search for more return gifts, for example, the higher the return gift viewing rate, which is the rate at which the return gift is viewed as a hometown tax return gift. The return gift viewing rate is the ratio of the number of views of the return gift to the total number of views of the item, and is calculated for each return gift. The number of views of the return gift is the number of return gifts selected by the user U, which is information on the return gifts included in the search results and item catalog information.

[0092] For example, the gift viewing rate for the item "beef" is the ratio of the total number of selected gift gifts to the total number of selected items among the information on multiple items included in the search results when the search keyword is "beef." Also, the gift viewing rate for the item "beef" may be the ratio of the total number of selected gift gifts to the total number of selected items among the information on multiple items included in the search results when the search keyword is "beef" and the item catalog information included in the search results.

[0093] The gift viewing ratio may be calculated for each attribute of the user U. The attributes of the user U are composed of, for example, one or more attribute items (age, sex, occupation, annual income, family structure, etc.), and each attribute of the user U is, for example, each combination of age, sex, occupation, etc.

[0094] The search unit 32 searches for information on return gifts and products corresponding to the search keywords, with the ratio of return gifts and products corresponding to the return gift viewing ratio corresponding to the attributes of the user U who sent the search query. For example, assume that the return gift viewing ratio is 30%. In this case, the information on multiple items searched for by the search unit 32 is 30% return gift information and 70% product information.

[0095] The search unit 32 can, for example, search for gifts provided by local governments other than the local government in which the user U who sent the search query has an address as a gift in response to the search keyword, and exclude gifts provided by the local government in which the user U who sent the search query has an address from the search results.

[0096] [3.3.4. Generation unit 33] When a catalog transmission request is received by the receiving unit 31, the generating unit 33 generates item catalog information including information on a reference item that is a reference item and information on multiple similar items that are items similar to the reference item. For example, the generating unit 33 generates item catalog information including information on multiple similar items searched for by the searching unit 32 and information on the reference item.

[0097] As described above, each similar item whose information is included in the item catalog information is an item that has a common item name in common with the reference item and also has attributes in common with the reference item, or an item that has a common item name in common with the reference item and also has a common basis for provision with the reference item. As described above, the types of basis for provision include a first basis for provision, which is profit from the sale of the item, and a second basis for provision, which is a return gift for hometown tax donations. Note that each similar item may also be an item that has a common item name in common with the reference item and does not require commonality of attributes or basis for provision.

[0098] Here, it is assumed that the similarity criteria includes a basis for provision and the reference item is a hometown tax return gift. In this case, each similar item is a hometown tax return gift. Also, it is assumed that the search unit 32 searches for return gifts provided by local governments other than the local government in which the user U, the sender of the search query, has an address as a return gift corresponding to the search keyword. In this case, each of the reference item and the multiple similar items is a hometown tax return gift provided by a local government other than the local government in which the user U, to whom the item catalog information is provided, has an address.

[0099] In addition, when the information for identifying the item catalog information is item catalog identification information, which is identification information of the item catalog information, the generation unit 33 uses information for identifying information of each item associated with the catalog identification information to obtain information on a plurality of similar items and information on a reference item from information on a plurality of items stored in the item information storage unit 21, and generates item catalog information including the obtained information on the plurality of similar items and information on the reference item.

[0100] The generating unit 33 can also generate the product catalog information so that products provided by a local government where the user U previously had an address are ranked higher than those provided by other local governments. A higher ranking means, for example, that when information on multiple products is arranged in a matrix in the product catalog information, the higher the row, the higher the ranking, and even in the same row, the further to the left the position.

[0101] [3.3.5.Providing Department 34] The providing unit 34 provides various pieces of information to the user U. The providing unit 34 provides the various pieces of information to the user U by transmitting the various pieces of information to the terminal device 2 and causing the terminal device 2 to display the various pieces of information.

[0102] For example, when the receiving unit 31 receives access from the terminal device 2, the providing unit 34 transmits top page content, which is the content of the top page, to the terminal device 2 that is the access source. As a result, the top page content is displayed on the terminal device 2.

[0103] Furthermore, when a search query is received by the receiving unit 31, the providing unit 34 transmits search results including information on a plurality of items searched for by the searching unit 32 in response to the search query to the terminal device 2 that is the sender of the search query. As a result, the terminal device 2 displays the search results in response to the search query.

[0104] For example, the providing unit 34 provides a search result 50 including information on a plurality of items searched by the search unit 32 and catalog acquisition information 52 for acquiring item catalog information 60 having one or more items among the plurality of items as reference items.

[0105] The information on multiple items searched for by the search unit 32 includes information on multiple items including one or more items provided by local governments as gifts in return for hometown tax donations, and one or more items traded on an e-commerce site (e.g., an online shopping mall).

[0106] The reference item may be, for example, a gift in return for a hometown tax donation, but may also be a product sold by the store. The item catalog information includes information on the reference item and information on a plurality of similar items that are each similar to the reference item.

[0107] Furthermore, when a catalog transmission request is received by the receiving unit 31, the providing unit 34 transmits the item catalog information generated by the generating unit 33 in response to the catalog transmission request to the terminal device 2 that has made the catalog transmission request. As a result, the item catalog information is displayed on the terminal device 2.

[0108] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of top content provided to a user U by the providing unit 34 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The top content 40 shown in Fig. 5 includes a search box 41 for inputting a search keyword for searching for an item, and a search button 42 for transmitting a search query including the search keyword input in the search box 41.

[0109] The user U operates the terminal device 2 to input a search keyword into the search box 41 and click or tap the search button 42, whereby a search query including the search keyword is transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the information processing device 1.

[0110] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a search result provided to a user U by the providing unit 34 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, a search result 50 provided to the user U by the providing unit 34 includes information 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, and 51f of a plurality of items corresponding to a search keyword included in the search query, and catalog acquisition information 52a and 52b.

[0111] Search result 50 shown in Figure 6 is the result of a search when the search keyword included in the search query is "beef," and each of information 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, and 51f of multiple items included in search result 50 is information on items whose general name is "beef."

[0112] Each of the item information 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, and 51f shown in Fig. 6 includes item image information and item description information (e.g., item name, attributes, etc.). In the following, when each of the item information 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, and 51f is referred to without being individually distinguished, they may be referred to as item information 51.

[0113] The catalog acquisition information 52a, 52b is information for acquiring item catalog information with a corresponding item as a reference item, and is arranged at a position corresponding to the information 51 of the item serving as the reference item. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the catalog acquisition information 52a, 52b includes a button operated by the user U, but is not limited to such an example.

[0114] In the example shown in FIG. 6, catalog acquisition information 52a is located below product information 51c, and is information for acquiring product catalog information that uses the product corresponding to product information 51c as a reference product.

[0115] Moreover, the catalog acquisition information 52b is located below the product information 51e, and is information for acquiring product catalog information that uses the product corresponding to the product information 51e as a reference product. In the following, when the catalog acquisition information 52a and 52b are not individually distinguished from each other, they may be referred to as catalog acquisition information 52.

[0116] The user U can select the item information 51 by operating (e.g., clicking or tapping) the terminal device 2. When the item information 51 is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits an item information request including information identifying the item indicated by the selected item information 51 to the information processing device 1.

[0117] When the receiving unit 31 receives a product information request sent from the terminal device 2, the providing unit 34 transmits payment processing content (for example, a tax payment page if the product is a return gift, or a purchase payment page if the product is a merchandise) for performing payment processing to acquire the product identified in the product information request to the terminal device 2 that made the product information request.

[0118] The terminal device 2 displays the payment processing content transmitted from the information processing device 1, and when a payment operation is performed by the user U on the terminal device 2, transmits a payment request to the information processing device 1. When the payment request from the terminal device 2 is accepted by the acceptance unit 31, the information processing device 1 performs payment processing for the item specified in the payment request.

[0119] When the product information request transmitted from the terminal device 2 is received by the receiving unit 31, the providing unit 34 can also transmit product content including detailed information of the product specified in the product information request to the terminal device 2, instead of the payment processing content. In this case, the terminal device 2 displays the product content transmitted from the information processing device 1, and transmits the payment processing content to the terminal device 2 when a specific operation of the terminal device 2 is performed by the user U.

[0120] Furthermore, the user U can select catalog acquisition information 52 by operating (e.g., clicking or tapping) the terminal device 2. When the catalog acquisition information 52 is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits a catalog transmission request corresponding to the selected catalog acquisition information 52 to the information processing device 1.

[0121] When the receiving unit 31 receives a catalog transmission request transmitted from the terminal device 2, the providing unit 34 transmits the item catalog information specified in the catalog transmission request to the terminal device 2 that originated the catalog transmission request.

[0122] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of item catalog information provided to a user U by the providing unit 34 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, item catalog information 60 provided to a user U by the providing unit 34 includes information 61 of a reference item and information 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e of similar items. In the following, when the information 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e of similar items is shown without being individually distinguished, each of the information 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e of similar items may be referred to as information 62 of similar items.

[0123] The user U can select the reference item information 61 by operating (e.g., clicking or tapping) the terminal device 2. When the reference item information 61 is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits an item information request including information identifying the reference item indicated by the selected reference item information 61 to the information processing device 1. As a result, similar to the case of the item information 51, the terminal device 2 displays the payment processing content or item content of the item indicated by the reference item information 61.

[0124] Similarly, the user U can select similar product information 62 by operating (e.g., clicking or tapping) the terminal device 2. When the similar product information 62 is selected by the user U, the terminal device 2 transmits an product information request including information identifying the similar product indicated by the selected similar product information 62 to the information processing device 1. As a result, similar to the case of the product information 51, the terminal device 2 displays payment processing content or product content for the similar product indicated by the similar product information 62.

[0125] 7, information 61 of a reference item is arranged at the top, which allows the user U to distinguish between the item that caught his / her attention and items similar to the item. The providing unit 34 can also highlight (for example, by making the frame thicker or changing the color of the frame) the information 61 of the reference item compared to information 62 of similar items.

[0126] 4. Processing Procedure Next, a procedure of information processing by the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing by the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0127] 8, the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a search query has been received (step S10). If the processing unit 12 determines that the search query has been received (step S10: Yes), the processing unit 12 searches for information on a plurality of items according to the search query (step S11) and provides the search result 50 to the user U who originated the search query (step S12).

[0128] When the processing of step S12 is completed or when it is determined that the search query has not been received (step S10: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether or not a product information request has been received (step S13). When it is determined that a product information request has been received (step S13: Yes), the processing unit 12 provides the payment processing content or the product content to the user U who has requested the product information (step S14).

[0129] When the process of step S14 is completed, or when it is determined that a product information request has not been received (step S13: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether a catalog transmission request has been received (step S15).

[0130] When the processing unit 12 determines that the catalog transmission request has been received (step S15: Yes), it searches for information on multiple similar items corresponding to the catalog transmission request (step S16) and generates item catalog information 60 including information on the reference item and information on the multiple similar items (step S17).Then, the processing unit 12 provides the item catalog information 60 generated in the process of step S17 to the user U who made the catalog transmission request (step S18).

[0131] When the process of step S18 is completed or when it is determined that the catalog transmission request has not been received (step S15: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether or not the operation end timing has arrived (step S19). The processing unit 12 determines that the operation end timing has arrived when, for example, the power supply of the information processing device 1 is turned off.

[0132] If the processing unit 12 determines that the operation end time has not arrived (step S19: No), it transitions to step S10, and if the processing unit 12 determines that the operation end time has arrived (step S19: Yes), it terminates the processing shown in FIG. 8.

[0133] 5. Modifications The item catalog information provided by the providing unit 34 includes, for example, information 61 of a reference item, information 62 of multiple similar items, and a configuration file (for example, an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file), but is not limited to such examples.

[0134] For example, based on information input from the terminal device 2 via an interface such as an API, the information 61 of the reference item and the information 62 of a plurality of similar items can be provided to the terminal device 2 as item catalog information. In this case, the terminal device 2 arranges and displays the information 61 of the reference item and the information 62 of a plurality of similar items in a predetermined format, for example, using a dedicated application installed on the terminal device 2.

[0135] Furthermore, the above-mentioned similarity criteria may be similarity criteria according to user U's history information instead of or in addition to the attributes of user U.

[0136] In addition, the search unit 32 can identify areas where user U frequently searches based on the user U's historical information, and prioritize similar items as return gifts provided by local governments in the areas where user U frequently searches.

[0137] In addition, based on user U's historical information, such as user U's behavioral history (e.g., past location information), areas that user U has visited in the past can be identified, and gifts provided by local governments in areas that user U has visited in the past can be given priority over gifts provided by local governments in areas that user U has not visited, and these gifts can be treated as similar items.

[0138] [6. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 1 according to the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 80 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 80 that realizes the functions of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The computer 80 has a CPU 81, a RAM 82, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 84, a communication interface (I / F) 85, an input / output interface (I / F) 86, and a media interface (I / F) 87.

[0139] The CPU 81 operates and controls each part based on a program stored in the ROM 83 or the HDD 84. The ROM 83 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 81 when the computer 80 is started up, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 80.

[0140] The HDD 84 stores programs executed by the CPU 81, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 85 receives data from other devices via the network N (see FIG. 2) and sends it to the CPU 81, and transmits data generated by the CPU 81 to other devices via the network N.

[0141] The CPU 81 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 86. The CPU 81 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 86. The CPU 81 also outputs data generated via the input / output interface 86 to the output devices.

[0142] The media interface 87 reads a program or data stored in a recording medium 88 and provides it to the CPU 81 via the RAM 82. The CPU 81 loads the program from the recording medium 88 onto the RAM 82 via the media interface 87 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 88 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0143] For example, when the computer 80 functions as the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 81 of the computer 80 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 82 to realize the function of the processing unit 12. In addition, the HDD 84 stores data in the storage unit 11. The CPU 81 of the computer 80 reads and executes these programs from a recording medium 88, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via the network N.

[0144] [7. Other] In addition, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0145] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0146] For example, the above-mentioned information processing device 1 may be realized by a terminal device and a server computer, or may be realized by multiple server computers. Also, depending on the functions, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API or network computing.

[0147] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0148] 8. Effects As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment includes the generation unit 33 and the provision unit 34. The generation unit 33 generates item catalog information 60 including information 61 of a reference item that is a reference item, and information 62 of a plurality of similar items that are items similar to the reference item. The provision unit 34 provides the item catalog information 60 generated by the generation unit 33. Therefore, the user U can easily grasp a plurality of similar items that are items similar to the reference item that the user U has focused on, and the information processing device 1 can improve the convenience of the user U.

[0149] The information processing device 1 also includes a reception unit 31 that receives a search query, and a search unit 32 that searches for multiple items according to the search query received by the reception unit 31, and the provision unit 34 provides a search result 50 including information 51 of the multiple items searched for by the search unit 32 and catalog acquisition information 52 for acquiring item catalog information 60 in which one or more items among the multiple items are reference items. Therefore, the user U can easily grasp multiple similar items that are each similar to the reference item that the user U has focused on among the multiple searched items, and the information processing device 1 can increase the convenience for the user U.

[0150] In addition, each of the multiple similar items is an item that has a common item name in common with the reference item. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience for the user U.

[0151] In addition, each of the multiple similar items is an item that has a common item name in common with the reference item and also has attributes in common with the reference item. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience for the user U.

[0152] In addition, each of the multiple similar items is an item that has a common item name in common with the reference item and also has a common basis for providing with the reference item. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0153] In addition, the types of the provision grounds include a first provision ground, which is profit from the sale of goods, and a second provision ground, which is a return gift for hometown tax donation. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0154] In addition, when the basis for providing the reference item is the second basis for providing, each of the reference item and the multiple similar items is an item provided by a local government as a return gift for hometown tax donation. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0155] Furthermore, each of the reference item and the multiple similar items is an item provided by a local government other than the local government in which the user U has an address and to which the item catalog information 60 is provided. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience for the user U.

[0156] In addition, the search unit 32 searches for two or more items including one or more items provided by a local government as a return gift for hometown tax donations and one or more items traded on an electronic commerce site as a plurality of items. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0157] In addition, the search unit 32 searches for two or more items provided by a local government as a return gift for hometown tax donations as a plurality of items. This allows the information processing device 1 to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0158] The above describes the embodiment of the present application in detail based on the drawings, but this is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

[0159] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, an acquisition section can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. Information processing device 2 Terminal Equipment 10. Communications Department 11 Storage section 12 Processing section 20 User information storage unit 21 Article information storage section 30 Acquisition Department 31 Reception 32 Search section 33 Generation part 34 Providing Department 100 Information Processing Systems N Network

Claims

1. a generating unit that generates product catalog information including information on a reference product that is a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products that are products similar to the reference product; a providing unit that provides the product catalog information generated by the generating unit, Each of the plurality of similar articles comprises: An article that has the same general name as the reference article and also has the same basis for provision as the reference article.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. A generating unit that generates product catalog information including information on a reference product that is a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products that are each similar to the reference product; a providing unit that provides the product catalog information generated by the generating unit, The reference article and each of the plurality of similar articles are The product catalog information is a gift in return for hometown tax donations provided by a local government other than the local government in which the user has an address.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

3. A reception unit that receives a search query; a search unit that searches for a plurality of items in response to the search query received by the reception unit, The providing unit is A search result including information on the plurality of items searched for by the search unit and catalog acquisition information for acquiring the item catalog information with one or more items among the plurality of items as the reference item is provided.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

4. The types of the basis for providing the information are as follows: The first provision basis is the profit from the sale of goods, and the second provision basis is a return gift for hometown tax donations.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

5. The search unit is Two or more items including one or more items provided by a local government as a return gift for hometown tax donations and one or more items traded on an electronic commerce site are searched for as the plurality of items.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The search unit is Search for two or more items provided by a local government as a return gift for hometown tax donations as the multiple items.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

7. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: A generating step of generating product catalog information including information on a reference product that is a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products that are products similar to the reference product; providing the product catalog information generated by the generating step; Each of the plurality of similar articles comprises: An article that has the same general name as the reference article and also has the same basis for provision as the reference article.

23. An information processing method comprising:

8. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: A generating step of generating product catalog information including information on a reference product that is a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products that are products similar to the reference product; providing the product catalog information generated by the generating step; The reference article and each of the plurality of similar articles are The product catalog information is a gift in return for hometown tax donations provided by a local government other than the local government in which the user has an address.

23. An information processing method comprising:

9. A generation step of generating product catalog information including information on a reference product that is a reference product and information on a plurality of similar products that are products similar to the reference product; a providing step of providing the product catalog information generated by the generating step; Each of the plurality of similar articles comprises: An article that has the same general name as the reference article and also has the same basis for provision as the reference article.

23. An information processing program comprising:

10. A generation step of generating product catalog information including information on a reference product, which is a reference product, and information on a plurality of similar products, which are products similar to the reference product; a providing step of providing the product catalog information generated by the generating step; The reference article and each of the plurality of similar articles are The product catalog information is a gift in return for hometown tax donations provided by a local government other than the local government in which the user has an address.

23. An information processing program comprising:

Images