Computer system, method for controlling provision of recommended information, and program

Abstract

To provide information indicating a recommended date to purchase an item for a target user who wears the item.SOLUTION: A server system 1100 comprises: an estimation unit 217 that, by using first target user measurement information related to a wearing part where an item is worn, and a wearing size of the first target user who wears the item, estimates a first purchase recommended date that is a recommended date to purchase the item related to a first recommended size larger than the wearing size; and a recommendation control unit 219 that executes recommended date presentation control based on the first purchase recommended date as display control to be displayed on a terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system or the like that displays recommended information on items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies have been proposed for providing information about clothing that corresponds to changes in the wearer's body shape. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that provides information for deciding whether to purchase children's clothing. Specifically, the technology in Patent Document 1 stores in advance the allowable sizes that can be worn by children's clothing, and predicts the limit date and time when the user (child user) will no longer be able to wear the children's clothing based on the allowable sizes and the growth pattern of the user wearing the clothing. This allows the user to consider purchasing children's clothing after understanding the period during which the children's clothing can be worn. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-265077 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 only presents the user with a wearable period until the child user can no longer wear the children's clothing, but does not present a specific time when a purchase of a size that the child user will be able to wear after that is recommended. Also, while clothing has been described as a wearable item, similar issues exist for wearable items other than clothing, such as shoes and hats.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that can present information indicating a recommended purchase date for an item to a target user who wears the item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first invention for solving the above problem is a computer system that controls the display of recommended information for items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device, and includes an estimation unit that uses measurement information of a first target user related to the wearing part where the item is worn and the wearing size of the first target user wearing the item to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item related to a first recommended size that is larger than the wearing size, and a recommendation control unit that executes recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date as display control to be displayed on the terminal device.

[0007] According to the first invention, a first recommended purchase date for recommending the purchase of an item of a first recommended size larger than the size worn by a first target user can be estimated, and display control for displaying the first recommended purchase date on a terminal device can be performed, whereby a size larger than the size worn by the first target user is set as the first recommended size, and information indicating the recommended purchase date can be presented.

[0008] A second invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the estimation unit estimates a first recommended size comfort period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first recommended size comfortably based on the measurement information and the wearing size of the first target user, and estimates the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first recommended purchase date can be estimated from the first recommended size comfortable period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first recommended size comfortably.

[0010] A third invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the estimation unit uses measurement information of a second target user relating to the wearing part where the item is worn and the wearing size of the second target user wearing the item to estimate a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item relating to a second recommended size larger than the wearing size, and the recommendation control unit executes the recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date and the second recommended purchase date.

[0011] According to the third invention, a second recommended purchase date for recommending the purchase of an item of a second recommended size larger than the second target user's wearing size can be estimated, and a recommended date presentation control based on the second recommended purchase date can be performed as a display control for displaying the second recommended purchase date on a terminal device.

[0012] In addition, a fourth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the recommendation control unit performs the recommended date presentation control by displaying on the terminal device a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information of a first target user can be displayed on a terminal device, and a first indicator showing a first recommended purchase date can be displayed on the first predicted change graph. Also, a second predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information of a second target user can be displayed on the terminal device, and a second indicator showing a second recommended purchase date can be displayed on the second predicted change graph.

[0014] A fifth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the recommendation control unit controls the presentation of recommended dates by causing the terminal device to display a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, and a display showing the second recommended purchase date.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information of the first target user can be displayed on the terminal device, and a first indicator showing the first recommended purchase date can be displayed on the first predicted change graph. Also, a display showing the second recommended purchase date can be displayed on the terminal device.

[0016] In addition, a sixth invention is a computer system in the above invention, further comprising an online shopping function unit for selling the item through online shopping using the terminal device as a man-machine interface, and a user data management unit for managing data of registered users in the online shopping and data of the first target user associated with the registered users, wherein the recommendation control unit executes the recommended date presentation control at a predetermined timing of purchase by the registered user.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to control the presentation of recommended dates at the timing of purchases made by registered users in online shopping.

[0018] A seventh invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the estimation unit estimates a first recommended size comfort period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first recommended size comfortably based on the measurement information and the wearing size of the first target user, and estimates the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period, and estimates a second recommended size comfort period during which the second target user is estimated to be able to wear the second recommended size comfortably based on the measurement information and the wearing size of the second target user, and estimates the second recommended purchase date based on the second recommended size comfort period, and the recommendation control unit controls the terminal device to display the first recommended size comfort period and the second recommended size comfort period simultaneously.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first recommended purchase date can be estimated from a first recommended size comfortable period during which a first target user is estimated to be able to comfortably wear a first recommended size. Also, the first recommended purchase date can be estimated from a second recommended size comfortable period during which a second target user is estimated to be able to comfortably wear a second recommended size. Then, the first recommended size comfortable period and the second recommended size comfortable period can be simultaneously displayed on the terminal device.

[0020] An eighth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the recommendation control unit controls the terminal device to associate and display the first recommended size and the first recommended size comfort period, and also controls the terminal device to associate and display the second recommended size and the second recommended size comfort period.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first recommended size and the comfort period for the first recommended size can be displayed on the terminal device in association with each other, and the second recommended size and the comfort period for the second recommended size can be displayed on the terminal device in association with each other.

[0022] A ninth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the recommendation control unit executes the recommended date presentation control by displaying a predetermined calendar display on the terminal device and displaying, on the calendar display, a first identifier indicating that the date corresponding to the first recommended purchase date is the recommended purchase date for the first target user, and a second identifier indicating that the date corresponding to the second recommended purchase date is the recommended purchase date for the second target user.

[0023] According to the ninth invention, a first identifier can be displayed on the calendar on a date corresponding to a first recommended purchase date to indicate that it is a recommended purchase date for a first target user, and a second identifier can be displayed on a date corresponding to a second recommended purchase date to indicate that it is a recommended purchase date for a second target user.

[0024] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a computer system for controlling the display of recommended information on items wearable by a user on a terminal device, the computer system including a first estimation unit that estimates a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by a first target user, using measurement information of a first target user related to a wearing part where the item is worn, and a second estimation unit that estimates a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by a second target user, using measurement information of a second target user related to a wearing part where the item is worn, and a display control unit that controls the display of the first recommended purchase date and and a recommendation control unit that executes recommended date presentation control based on the second recommended purchase date, wherein the recommendation control unit performs the recommended date presentation control by causing the terminal device to display a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

[0025] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a first recommended purchase date of an item for a first target user is estimated, and a second recommended purchase date of an item for a second target user is estimated, and display control for displaying the same on a terminal device can be performed by performing recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date and the second recommended purchase date. The recommended date presentation control can include displaying on the terminal device a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information of the first target user, and displaying a first indicator indicating the first recommended purchase date on the first predicted change graph. Furthermore, the recommended date presentation control can include displaying on the terminal device a second predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information of the second target user, and displaying a second indicator indicating the second recommended purchase date on the second predicted change graph.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an online shopping system comprising a server system that is the computer system of the above-mentioned invention, and the terminal device.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, an online shopping system can be realized that provides the same effects as the above-mentioned aspects.

[0028] In addition, a twelfth invention is a recommended information provision control method for a computer system to execute control for displaying recommended information about items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device, the recommended information provision control method executing the following: using measurement information of a first target user related to the wearing part where the item is worn and the wearing size of the first target user wearing the item, estimating a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item related to a first recommended size that is larger than the wearing size; and performing recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date as display control to be displayed on the terminal device.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a recommended information provision control method that has the same effects as the first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a recommended information provision control method for a computer system to execute control for displaying recommended information of items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device, the method comprising: estimating a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by the first target user, using measurement information of a first target user related to a wearing part where the item is worn; estimating a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by the second target user, using measurement information of a second target user related to a wearing part where the item is worn; and displaying the information on the terminal device by the above method. and performing recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date and the second recommended purchase date, wherein the recommended date presentation control includes displaying on the terminal device a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, a second predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a recommended information provision control method that has the same effects as the tenth aspect of the present invention.

[0032] In addition, a fourteenth invention is a program for causing a terminal device to execute control for displaying recommended information for items that can be worn by a user, the program causing the terminal device to communicate with a server system that uses measurement information of a first target user relating to the wearing part where the item is worn and the wearing size of the first target user wearing the item to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item relating to a first recommended size that is larger than the wearing size, and to perform control for presenting a recommended date based on the first recommended purchase date.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a program that provides the same effects as those of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0034] In addition, a fifteenth invention is a program for causing a terminal device to execute control to display recommended information for items that can be worn by a user, the program communicating with a server system that uses measurement information of a first target user related to the wearing part where the item is worn to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by the first target user, and uses measurement information of a second target user related to the wearing part where the item is worn to estimate a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by the second target user; display control of a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information of the first target user, display control of a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date; display control of a second predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and display control of a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

[0035] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a program that provides the same effects as those of the tenth aspect of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an online shopping system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the association between a registered user ID and a wearer's ID. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of comfort level fluctuation information for an item I1 intended for a wearer U11. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of comfort level fluctuation information for an item I2 for a wearer U11. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of comfort level fluctuation information for an item I3 intended for a wearer U11. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an estimation process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended display screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of user management data. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the server system. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recommendation display screen in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the same parts are given the same reference numerals in the drawings. In the following, shoes (low boots), which are one type of footwear, will be described as an example of an item, but the present invention can be similarly applied to cases where shoes, including boots, are sold as items, and can also be similarly applied to cases where other items such as clothing and hats are sold. [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an online shopping system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the online shopping system 1000 includes a server system 1100 and a terminal device 1500, which are connected to each other via a network 9 so that data communication between them is possible. The online shopping system 1000 provides an online shopping service that sells items that can be worn by users. In the following description, shoes will be used as an example of an item, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the sale of other items.

[0038] The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. That is, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or the Internet, and the communication method may be either wired or wireless.

[0039] The server system 1100 is a computer system including a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140. The main device 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 on which electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0040] This server system 1100 realizes a user management function that registers users and manages data by linking them to accounts, and an online shopping function that provides online shopping services, by having the CPU 1151 and other components perform calculations based on predetermined programs and data. These functions also include providing programs for the terminal device 1500 to realize each function, and various data required to run the programs. A user (registered user) who has completed the registration procedure accesses the server system 1100 with their own terminal device 1500, logs in using the issued registered user ID, and enjoys online shopping.

[0041] Although only one terminal device 1500 is depicted in FIG. 1, in actual system operation, multiple terminal devices 1500 can access the server system 1100 at the same time.

[0042] Furthermore, although the server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be configured to be realized by a plurality of devices. For example, the server system 1100 may be configured to include a plurality of blade servers that share respective functions and are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate data with each other. Furthermore, the location of the hardware that constitutes the server system 1100 does not matter. It may also be configured so that a plurality of independent servers installed in remote locations communicate data with each other via the network 9, and function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

[0043] The terminal device 1500 is a computer system that functions as a man-machine interface, and is connected to the network 9 via a communication base station or the like, and can perform data communication with the server system 1100. The terminal device 1500 shown in FIG. 2 is classified as a so-called smartphone, but it may also be a computer such as a wearable computer such as a smartwatch, a portable game device, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. When multiple electronic devices are organically linked to perform a single function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smartwatch that is communicatively connected to the smartphone, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as a single terminal device 1500.

[0044] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 2, terminal device 1500 includes directional input keys 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from and to a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown) are also provided.

[0045] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, a DSP, etc., various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, a ROM, etc., a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless communication base station connected to the network 9, an interface circuit 1557, etc. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting an image signal captured by the camera 1520, a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542, etc.

[0046] These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected to each other via bus circuits or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of the terminal device in IC memory 1552.

[0047] In this embodiment, the terminal device 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 obtained separately. [detail] 1. User management function In order to realize the user management function, the server system 1100 executes processes related to user registration (user registration process) and processes related to managing data of registered users who have undergone the registration procedure and data of wearers associated with the registered users (data management process).

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the registered user ID of a registered user can be associated with the wearer ID of one or more wearers. A registered user is a user who logs in using a registered user ID and performs online shopping for various items such as shoes. On the other hand, a wearer is a user who wears the shoes purchased by the registered user. The wearer may be the registered user himself / herself, a family member, or a friend. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the wearer is the registered user's child. When a separate registered user registers a child as a wearer, a wearer ID is issued to the wearer. Each wearer ID is associated with and stored as user data (see wearer data 520 in FIG. 16 ) acquired about the wearer in a data acquisition process described later. The user data includes attribute information such as the wearer's age and gender, measurement information of the wearer measured on the wearer's body part (foot in this embodiment) where the item (shoes in this embodiment) is worn, and comfort level variation information generated using the wearer's attribute information, measurement information, etc. As will be described later, comfort level fluctuation information is generated for each user wearing the shoes for each item (in this embodiment, shoes sold through an online shopping service). 2. Online shopping function To realize the online shopping function, the server system 1100 performs a data acquisition process to acquire user data related to a target user. When a registered user logs in, the server system 1100 causes the terminal device 1500 to display product information of an item. Prior to displaying the product information, the server system 1100 executes an estimation process to estimate a recommended purchase date for the item for each wearer associated with the registered user, and a recommendation control process to control the presentation of a recommended date based on the recommended purchase date. 2-1. Data acquisition process In the data acquisition process, the server system 1100 acquires user data from a wearer designated by a registered user as a target user in the terminal device 1500. For example, when the registered user registers a new wearer or when the registered user desires to measure the measurement information of any wearer, the registered user performs an operation to designate the wearer as a target user.

[0049] When the server system 1100 detects a designation operation of a target user, the server system 1100 first acquires attribute information of the target user by accepting an input operation of the terminal device 1500, such as age and gender.

[0050] Next, the server system 1100 acquires measurement information of the target user. The measurement information includes shape data of the wearable body part (the foot in this embodiment) and growth change data of the wearable body part. For example, the measurement information can be acquired by performing measurements using a measurement device capable of measuring foot size. As an example, first, a predetermined mat with numerous dots (markers) for measurement is prepared, and the target user's feet placed on the mat are photographed from multiple directions using the terminal device 1500. Then, a 3D model of the foot is created based on the dots (markers) on the mat from the photographed data, and various data (shape data) related to the shape of the target user's feet, such as the overall shape of the foot, the shape of the instep, the foot size, the foot width, and whether or not the foot is flat, are measured. Note that other methods may be used as long as they can acquire similar data. For example, the target user's feet placed on a flat surface are photographed from multiple directions using the terminal device 1500, and similar data is measured by performing photogrammetry processing based on the photographed data. The measurement process may be performed by the terminal device 1500, or the server system 1100 may acquire the photographed data and then perform the process. The difference in configuration is whether the terminal device 1500 or the server system 1100 is equipped with a measuring means. Alternatively, similar data may be acquired by manually inputting numerical values ​​such as the target user's foot length into the terminal device 1500. In either case, the server system 1100 ultimately acquires the measurement data (measurement results). The server system 1100 then predicts the growth changes of the target user's feet based on the measurement results and the target user's attribute information. For example, the server system 1100 predicts the foot size for each age (e.g., age in months) after the measurement timing, and obtains the predicted size changes for each age as growth change data. The server system 1100 acquires the obtained shape data and growth change data as the target user's measurement information.

[0051] The growth change data may be configured to use data on the average foot size of children of the same sex (average value of foot size by month). Alternatively, data on the growth change of children with a fast growth rate (average value of foot size by month) and data on the growth change of children with a slow growth rate (average value of foot size by month) may be prepared in advance, and data (average value) according to the target user's growth rate may be used as the growth change data. The growth change may be predicted from the measurement results (i.e., actual measurements) by the measuring means, taking into account the example average value. Alternatively, the growth change may be predicted based on information about the target user input by a registered user (e.g., attribute information such as age and gender, height, weight, etc.), or images of the target user's body (here, feet) (e.g., images of the feet taken from various angles), etc.

[0052] After acquiring the measurement information, the server system 1100 generates comfort level fluctuation information for each predetermined item (for example, shoes sold by an online shopping service) based on the item information of the item and the attribute information and measurement information of the target user, which indicates the fluctuation in comfort level over time when the target user wears the item. Note that the configuration is not limited to using both the attribute information and the measurement information of the target user, and a configuration using either one of them is also acceptable.

[0053] The item information includes the item name, category, size range, specification information such as material, dimensions, and weight, and information on purchaser evaluations of the item. When evaluation information is used to generate comfort level variation information, the comfort level variation information is generated by extracting and using information on evaluations of the item made by registered users who have registered children with attribute information and measurement information similar to that of the target user as wearers. Specifically, when generating a graph of comfort levels for each size, as described below, the evaluation information can be used to adjust the shape of the parabola, making the shape steeper or gentler.

[0054] 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams showing examples of comfort level variation information generated for each of items (shoes) I1, I2, and I3, with a target user being a wearer U11 (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, comfort level variation information is generated that expresses the comfort level at each point in time during a predetermined target period (up to 14 months in the example of FIG. 4, etc.) from the measurement timing related to the measurement information of the target user (wearer U11) (i.e., the timing of the previous measurement performed on the wearer U11) as a value ranging from "0 (very bad)" to "100 (very good)." Note that FIG. 4, etc., shows only the portion of the generated comfort level variation information with a comfort level of 50 or higher.

[0055] Focusing on one item, when generating comfort level variation information, for example, the server system 1100 performs the following process for each size according to the size expansion of the item to be generated. That is, first, based on the measurement information of the target user (here, wearing user U11), the time point (estimated best-fit time point) that is expected to be the best fit in terms of size when the target user wears that size is set. Next, the comfort level at the estimated best-fit time point is set to 100, and a parabolic graph with the estimated best-fit time point as its apex is generated as a comfort level graph for that size. At this time, the shape of the parabola of the generated graph (whether the parabola has a gentle slope or a steep slope) is adjusted using item information. The above process is repeated for each size to generate a comfort level graph for each size, thereby obtaining comfort level variation information.

[0056] For example, the example in Fig. 4 shows an example in which comfort level fluctuation information for item I1 is generated, which includes a comfort level graph G1-1 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12cm, a comfort level graph G1-2 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12.5cm, a comfort level graph G1-3 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13cm, and a comfort level graph G1-4 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13.5cm. Similarly, the example in Fig. 5 shows an example in which comfort level fluctuation information for item I2 is generated, which includes a comfort level graph G2-1 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12cm, a comfort level graph G2-2 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12.5cm, a comfort level graph G2-3 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13cm, and a comfort level graph G2-4 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13.5cm. The example in Figure 6 shows an example in which comfort level fluctuation information for item I3 is generated by generating a graph G3-1 of comfort level when the wearer U11 wears a size 12cm, and a graph G3-2 of comfort level when the wearer U11 wears a size 13cm.

[0057] 4 and item I2 in Fig. 5, even if they are the same size, if item I2 is designed to be smaller (for example, if item I2 is made of a material that is less stretchy), item I1 will be able to be worn comfortably for a shorter period of time than item I2. Therefore, when generating a graph of comfort levels for each size, the server system 1100 adjusts the shape of the parabola to be steeper for items that are designed to be tight (for example, item I1).

[0058] Conversely, when comparing items of the same size, if one item is designed to fit larger (for example, if one item is made of a material that stretches easily), that item will be comfortable to wear for a longer period of time than the other item. Therefore, when generating a graph of comfort levels for each size, the server system 1100 adjusts the parabolic shape of items that are designed to fit larger to make them gentler.

[0059] Furthermore, when comparing items, the size increments of one item may be larger than the size increments of the other item. For example, the size of item I3 in Fig. 6 is in 1 cm increments, while the size of item I1 in Fig. 4 and item I2 in Fig. 5 are in 0.5 cm increments. Therefore, when generating a graph of comfort levels for each size, the server system 1100 adjusts the parabolic shape of items with larger size increments so that it is gentler than that of smaller items.

[0060] The measurement information and comfort level fluctuation information are acquired each time a measurement related to the measurement information is performed on the target user, and are updated to the latest information.

[0061] Furthermore, the comfort level variation information may be generated taking into account the target user's preferences regarding wearing items (e.g., preference for larger sizes or slimmer sizes). Specifically, for example, evaluation information on comfort regarding children who have similar preferences to the target user may be extracted from evaluation information included in the item information and used to generate the comfort level variation information. Specifically, when adjusting the shape of the parabola to generate a graph of comfort levels for each size, the evaluation information can be used to make the shape steeper or gentler. 2-2. Estimation process In the estimation process, the server system 1100 estimates a recommended purchase date for an item of a size larger than the worn size based on the measurement information of the target user and the wearing size of the target user who wears the item. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 estimates a recommended purchase date for each item using comfort level fluctuation information generated for each item for the target user from the measurement information of the target user, etc. If multiple wearing users are associated with a registered user, each wearing user is sequentially treated as a target user and estimation is performed for each target user.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the estimation process. FIG. 7 shows a registered user U1 and two wearers U11 and U13 associated with the registered user U1. In the data acquisition process described above, for the wearer U11, comfort level variation information for each item when worn by the wearer U11 is generated (see, for example, the comfort level variation information in FIGS. 4 to 6), and for the wearer U13, comfort level variation information for each item when worn by the wearer U13 is generated. In this embodiment, when the registered user U1 logs in, one wearer (for example, the wearer U11) is set as the first target user, and the other wearer (for example, the wearer U13) is set as the second target user. Then, first, each item is set as an estimation target item, and the following process is repeated for the first target user (here, the wearer U11) to estimate a first recommended purchase date for the wearer U11 for each item.

[0063] For example, in the case where item I4 shown in FIG. 7 is the estimation target item, the server system 1100 (A) determines the current wearing size of the wearer U11 (the size that can be worn comfortably at the present time; hereinafter referred to as the "current size") for the estimation target item (item I4 in this case). The server system 1100 also (B) estimates a size larger than the current size (e.g., one size larger) as a first recommended size, and (C) estimates a comfortable period during which the wearer U11 can comfortably wear item I4 of the first recommended size as a first recommended size comfortable period. The server system 1100 then (D) estimates a first recommended purchase date, which is the recommended purchase date for item I4 for the wearer U11, based on the first recommended size comfortable period. In other words, the first recommended purchase date is the recommended purchase date for the first recommended size estimated as a size one size larger than the current size. In other words, the first recommended size corresponds to the size worn by the wearer U11 recommended to purchase on the first recommended purchase date, and in this embodiment, is set to one size larger than the current size.

[0064] After estimating the first recommended purchase date for each item for the first target user, the same process is then repeated for the second target user (here, the wearer user U13), and the second recommended purchase date for the wearer user U13 is estimated for each item.

[0065] For example, in the case where item I4 shown in FIG. 7 is the estimation target item, the server system 1100 (A) determines the current size of the wearer U13 for the estimation target item (item I4 in this case). The server system 1100 also (B) estimates a second recommended size, for example, one size larger than the current size, and (C) estimates a comfortable period during which the wearer U13 can comfortably wear item I4 of the second recommended size as the second recommended size comfortable period. The server system 1100 then (D) estimates a second recommended purchase date, which is the recommended purchase date for item I4 for the wearer U13, based on the second recommended size comfortable period. That is, the second recommended purchase date is the recommended purchase date for the second recommended size, which is estimated as one size larger than the current size. In other words, the second recommended size corresponds to the size worn by the wearer U13 recommended to purchase on the second recommended purchase date, and in this embodiment, it is one size larger than the current size.

[0066] Next, a specific example of the estimation process will be described using the comfort level fluctuation information of FIG. 4 to estimate the first recommended purchase date for the wearer user U11 for the item I1.

[0067] As described above with reference to FIG. 4 etc., the comfort level fluctuation information is generated when the measurement information of the corresponding user is acquired (when the measurement related to the measurement information is performed), and indicates the comfort level at each point in time during a predetermined period from the measurement timing (the previous measurement timing). Therefore, in the estimation process, the current point in time is used as the reference timing, and the portion of the comfort level fluctuation information after the reference timing is used for estimation. For example, immediately after measurement is performed on the wearer U11, the reference timing is the point T11 (the previous measurement timing) at which the elapsed period in FIG. 4 is 0. On the other hand, if the registered user logs in at point T13, which is five months after the previous measurement timing, the reference timing is the point T13 five months later.

[0068] For example, if the reference time is T11, first, (A) determine the comfort period for the size of the item I1 to which the reference time T11 belongs, thereby determining the current size of the item I1 that the wearer U11 can wear comfortably at the present time. In this embodiment, the comfort period is a period that satisfies a predetermined comfort condition. The comfort condition can be, for example, "the comfort level in the comfort level fluctuation information for the estimation target item is 80 or higher." In FIG. 4, the reference time T11 belongs to the comfort period (up to four months after the reference time T11) for the size (12 cm) corresponding to graph G1-1. Therefore, the current size is determined to be that size (12 cm).

[0069] Here, we have explained an example of determining the current size from comfort level fluctuation information, but if, for example, item I1 has been purchased in the past and the wearer U11 is actually wearing item I1, the purchased size can also be used as the worn size.

[0070] Next, (B) the size one size larger than the current size is the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2, so the first recommended size is estimated to be that size (12.5 cm).

[0071] Next, looking at (C) graph G1-2, the comfort level is 80 or higher in the period from 3.5 months to 7.5 months after the reference timing T11, so this period is estimated to be the first recommended size comfort period.

[0072] Next, (D) the first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the first recommended size comfortable period. For example, the start of the first recommended size comfortable period (T15, 3.5 months after the reference time T11) can be set as the first estimated purchase date. Furthermore, after the point T16 at which graph G1-1 and graph G1-2 intersect, the comfort level of the first recommended size becomes greater than the comfort level of the current size. This intersection point T16 may be set as the first recommended purchase date. Alternatively, a point before the start of the first recommended size comfortable period may be set as the first recommended purchase date. The length of time in the past that the first recommended purchase date should be set as appropriate. For example, it may be set as one month in advance, or 10 days in advance. If set as one month in advance, the first recommended purchase date is estimated as one month prior to the start of the period (2.5 months after the reference time T11).

[0073] Next, when the reference timing is T13, first, (A) since the reference timing T13 belongs to the comfortable period for the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2, the current size is determined as that size (12.5 cm).

[0074] Next, (B) the size one size larger than the current size is the size (13 cm) corresponding to graph G1-3, so the first recommended size is estimated to be that size (13 cm).

[0075] Next, looking at graph G1-3 (C), the comfort level is 80 or higher from two months after the reference timing T13 (seven months after the previous measurement) to six months after (eleven months after the previous measurement), so this period is estimated to be the comfort period for the first recommended size.

[0076] Next, (D) the first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the first recommended size comfortable period. For example, the start of the first recommended size comfortable period (two months after the reference timing T13) may be estimated as the first recommended purchase date, or a predetermined number of days prior to the start of the first recommended size comfortable period may be estimated as the recommended purchase date.

[0077] Note that when the comfort level fluctuation information is referenced in determining the current size in (A), the reference timing may not belong to any size's comfort period. For example, this case occurs when the reference timing is time T2, when the elapsed time is 0, in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the size range for item I2 starts at 12 cm, and at time T2, 12 cm of item I2 is still too large for wearer U11. In such a case, the current size may not be determined in (A), and the size that wearer U11 can first wear (the smallest size; in this case, 12 cm) may be set as the first recommended size in (B).

[0078] Furthermore, the comfort threshold used as a comfort condition is not limited to the example of 80, and may be configured to be set for each registered user. If a registered user wishes to purchase an item that can be worn as long as possible, even if there is a slight difference in size between the target user's feet and the item, the comfort threshold may be set to 70. Furthermore, if the registered user places importance on ease of movement when wearing the item, the comfort threshold may be set higher, for example, to 90 or 95.

[0079] Settings for each registered user, such as whether they prioritize being able to wear the clothing for as long as possible or whether they prioritize ease of movement even if they need to replace it more frequently, can be realized, for example, by accepting input from registered users in advance in a questionnaire.

[0080] Furthermore, the comfort threshold for the comfort condition may be set according to the category of the item. For example, if the category of item I1 is "sports shoes," the comfort threshold may be set to 95, with an emphasis on ease of movement when wearing the shoes.

[0081] Furthermore, the comfort level threshold used as the comfort level condition may be set according to items previously worn by the target user. For example, if the item is replaced (upsized) when the comfort level falls below 90, the comfort level threshold may be set to 90. The comfort level threshold at the time of replacement can be determined by obtaining the date and time when the item was replaced from the registered user's purchase history data 535 (see FIG. 16).

[0082] Furthermore, the comfort level threshold value can be set (that is, the comfort level condition is set) by accepting an input operation of the threshold value from a registered user. 2-3. Recommended control process In the recommendation control process, the server system 1100 performs recommended date presentation control based on the recommended purchase date estimated in the estimation process as display control for display on the terminal device 1500. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 displays product information for an item on the terminal device 1500 of a logged-in registered user in response to an item browsing operation by the registered user. The server system 1100 then performs recommended date presentation control by displaying a display or identifier indicating the estimated recommended purchase date for the user wearing the item. Below, examples (Examples 1 to 5) of recommended date presentation control will be described assuming that registered user U in FIG. 7 has performed a browsing operation for item I4. (Example 1) 8 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 8, the recommendation display screen W5 of this example includes a first display area W51 for a first target user (for example, a wearing user U11) and a second display area W53 for a second target user (for example, a wearing user U13).

[0083] First, the first display area W51 displays a first predicted change graph G51 showing the predicted change in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, the wearing user U11, and a first indicator O511 showing the point on the first predicted change graph G51 corresponding to the first recommended purchase date.

[0084] The first predicted change graph G51 shows a predicted change in the foot size of the wearer U11 since the previous measurement, with age (months) on the horizontal axis and foot size on the vertical axis. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 graphs the growth change data of the wearer U11 (growth change data 529 in FIG. 16 ) generated as measurement information, and displays the first predicted change graph G51 in the first display area W51 of the recommendation display screen W5. The server system 1100 then displays, on the first predicted change graph G51, a first indicator O511 indicating a first recommended purchase date for the item I4 of the wearer U11, as well as an indicator O513 indicating the current time.

[0085] The first display area W51 may also be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and first recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U11. In this case, the first recommended size comfort period may be displayed, for example, by changing the line type or color of the graph portion of the corresponding period on the first predicted change graph G51 compared to the other graph portions. The current size and first recommended size may be displayed, for example, by providing display columns for them within the first display area W51.

[0086] Next, the second display area W53 displays a second predicted change graph G53 showing the predicted change in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, the wearing user U13, and a second indicator O531 showing the point on the second predicted change graph G53 corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

[0087] The second predicted change graph G53 shows the predicted change in the foot size of the wearer U13 since the previous measurement, with the horizontal axis representing age (months) and the vertical axis representing foot size. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 graphs the growth change data of the wearer U13 generated as measurement information and displays it as the second predicted change graph G53 in the second display area W53 of the recommendation display screen W5. The server system 1100 then displays, on the second predicted change graph G53, a second indicator O531 indicating a second recommended purchase date for the item I4 of the wearer U13, as well as an indicator O533 indicating the current time.

[0088] Similarly to the first display area W51, the second display area W53 may also be configured to display the current size, second recommended size, and second recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U13.

[0089] Furthermore, the recommendation display screen (recommended display screen W5 in this case) may be configured to display the next measurement date of the first target user (wearing user U11 in this case) and the next measurement date of the second target user (wearing user U13 in this case). For example, the next scheduled measurement date of the wearing user U11 may be displayed in the first display area W51, and the next scheduled measurement date of the wearing user U13 may be displayed in the second display area W53.

[0090] If measurements related to the measurement information have not been taken for a long period of time for a user wearing the shoes and the measurement information becomes outdated, the comfort level graph indicated by the comfort level variation information will no longer match the actual foot size of the user wearing the shoes, increasing the risk of a decrease in the accuracy of the first recommended size and the second recommended size estimated based on the comfort level variation information. To maintain the estimation accuracy, regular measurements are required for each user wearing the shoes. The next scheduled measurement date is the next measurement date set for each user wearing the shoes to maintain the estimation accuracy. For example, the next scheduled measurement date can be set to a date a predetermined period after the previous measurement of the user wearing the shoes. The predetermined period may be set as appropriate, for example, to three months, six months, or the like.

[0091] Specifically, the next scheduled measurement date for the wearer U11 is displayed, for example, in the first display area W51 as an indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph G51 corresponding to the next scheduled measurement date. Similarly, the next scheduled measurement date for the wearer U13 is displayed, for example, in the second display area W53 as an indicator indicating a point on the second predicted change graph G53 corresponding to the next scheduled measurement date. (Example 2) 9 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. In the recommendation display screen W6 of this example, a first predicted change graph G51 related to the first target user (wearing user U11) and a second predicted change graph G53 related to the second target user (wearing user U13) are displayed with the horizontal axis as a common axis.

[0092] That is, in Fig. 9, (1) in the upper part shows a state in which the horizontal axis is scrolled to the age in months of the wearing user U11, and the first predicted change graph G51 and the first indicator O511 on the first predicted change graph G51, etc. Then, when the horizontal axis is scrolled from the display state shown in (1) in Fig. 9 to the age in months of the wearing user U13, the second predicted change graph G53 and the second indicator O531, etc. are displayed, as shown in (2) in the lower part of Fig. 9.

[0093] Note that the recommendation display screen W6 of this example may also be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and first recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U11 near the display of the first predicted change graph G51, etc. ((1) of FIG. 9). In addition, the current size, second recommended size, second recommended size comfort period, and second recommended purchase date of the item I4 of the wearer U13 may be displayed. It becomes possible to grasp information related to the wearer U13 together without scrolling to the display of (2) of FIG. 9. Similarly, the current size, second recommended size, and second recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U13 may also be displayed near the display of the second predicted change graph G53, etc. ((2) of FIG. 9). In addition, the current size, first recommended size, first recommended size comfort period, and first recommended purchase date of the item I4 of the wearer U11 may be displayed. It becomes possible to grasp information related to the wearer U11 together without scrolling to the display of (1) of FIG. 9.

[0094] Furthermore, when displaying information related to the wearer U11 and information related to the wearer U13, it is desirable to display the two pieces of information in a manner that allows them to be distinguished. For example, they may be displayed in different colors or different font sizes. Furthermore, the display columns may be displayed with different backgrounds or with different frame shapes for the display columns, thereby enabling the information to be distinguished. (Example 3) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed on the terminal device 1500 by the recommended date presentation control of this example. As shown in FIG. 10, the recommendation display screen W7 of this example displays a first predicted change graph G51 and a second predicted change graph G53 as a composite graph with two horizontal axes. In the example of FIG. 10, the first horizontal axis (upper side) represents the age (age in months) of the wearing user U11, and the first predicted change graph G51 and a first indicator O511 on the first predicted change graph G51 are displayed relative to the first horizontal axis. The second horizontal axis (lower side) represents the age (age in months) of the wearing user U13, and the second predicted change graph and a second indicator O531 on the second predicted change graph G53 are displayed relative to the second horizontal axis. The first predicted change graph G51 relative to the first horizontal axis is shown by a dashed line, and the second predicted change graph G53 relative to the second horizontal axis is shown by a dashed line. The vertical axis (foot size) is common.

[0095] In addition, the recommendation display screen W7 in this example may also be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and comfort period for the first recommended size of item I4 for the wearing user U11, or the current size, second recommended size, and comfort period for the second recommended size of item I4 for the wearing user U13. (Example 4) 11 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 11, the recommendation display screen W8 of this example includes a first display area W81 for a first target user (for example, a wearing user U11) and a second display area W83 for a second target user (for example, a wearing user U13).

[0096] The first display area W81 displays a first predicted change graph G51 for the wearing user U11, who is the first target user, with age (months) on the horizontal axis and foot size on the vertical axis, and a first indicator O511 indicating the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) of the item I4 on the first predicted change graph G51. The second display area W83 also displays, for example, a recommended purchase date D8 estimated for the same item I4 for the wearing user U13 (second recommended purchase date).

[0097] In the recommendation display screen W8 of this example, the first display area W81 may also display the current size, first recommended size, and first recommended size comfort period of the item I4 for the wearer U11. Also, the second display area W83 may also display the current size, second recommended size, and second recommended size comfort period of the item I4 for the wearer U13.

[0098] Furthermore, the display target of the first display area W81 (wearing user U11 in the example of FIG. 11) and the display target of the second display area W83 (wearing user U13 in the example of FIG. 11) may be configured to be interchangeable. Specifically, for example, a switching button may be provided within the recommendation display screen W8 to accept a display switching operation by the user. Then, in response to a selection operation of the switching button on the terminal device 1500, the display in the first display area W81 may be changed to display a second predicted change graph related to the wearing user U21 and a second indicator indicating the recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) of the item I4 on the second predicted change graph, and the display in the second display area W83 may be changed to display the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) of the item I4 related to the wearing user U11.

[0099] Furthermore, the second display area W83 is not necessarily displayed, but may be displayed only when a predetermined condition is met. For example, the second display area W83 may be displayed when the recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) estimated for the wearer U13 is within a predetermined period from the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) estimated for the wearer U11. Conversely, the second display area W83 may be displayed when the recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) estimated for the wearer U13 is not within the predetermined period from the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) estimated for the wearer U11. The length of the predetermined period may be set as appropriate. (Example 5) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 12, the recommendation display screen W9 of this example includes a first display area W91 for a first target user (for example, the wearer U11) and a second display area W93 for a second target user (for example, the wearer U13), and is an example of a screen that simultaneously displays a first recommended size comfort period D916 for the wearer U11 and a second recommended size comfort period D936 for the wearer U13.

[0100] Specifically, the first display area W91 displays the current size D911 of the wearer U11, a first recommended purchase date D913, and a first recommended size D915 (the size worn by the wearer U11 recommended to purchase on the first recommended purchase date). The current size D911 is displayed in association with a comfortable period D912 during which the wearer U11 can wear the current size D911 comfortably, and the first recommended size D915 is displayed in association with a first recommended size comfortable period D916 during which the wearer U11 can wear the first recommended size D915 comfortably.

[0101] The second display area W93 displays the current size D931 of the wearer U13, a first recommended purchase date D933, and a second recommended size D935 (the size worn by the wearer U13 recommended to purchase on the second recommended purchase date). The current size D931 is displayed in association with a comfortable period D932 during which the wearer U13 can wear the current size D931 comfortably, and the second recommended size D935 is displayed in association with a second recommended size comfortable period D936 during which the wearer U13 can wear the second recommended size D935 comfortably.

[0102] Next, we will explain examples of recommended display screens (Examples 6 and 7) when a registered user logs in, assuming that the first wearing user associated with the target user is "Taro" and the second wearing user is "Hanako." (Example 6) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed on the terminal device 1500 by the recommended date presentation control of this example. As shown in Fig. 13, the recommendation display screen W10 of this example displays the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date; October 11 in Fig. 13) of the item I4 related to the wearer "Taro" who is the first target user, the recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date; October 31 in Fig. 13) of the item wearer "Hanako" who is the second target user, and the recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date; October 10 in Fig. 13) of the item I5 related to the second target user "Hanako" by displaying a mark (identifier) ​​at the corresponding date on a predetermined calendar display.

[0103] The recommended purchase date for each item to be displayed on the calendar may be set as appropriate. For example, the recommended purchase date may be displayed for shoes sold by an online shopping service that are in stock in the first recommended size. Also, if there is an item that has been purchased in the past, the recommended purchase date for that item may be displayed. Alternatively, if a registered user has registered a category of items that the user likes (for example, "sports shoes"), items in that category may be displayed.

[0104] The calendar display in FIG. 13 may be displayed when a calendar display menu is provided on the recommended display screens exemplified in Examples 1 to 5 and the menu is selected by a registered user. (Example 7) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed on the terminal device 1500 by the recommendation date presentation control of this example. In this example, the timing of adding an item to the cart is set as the timing of purchase, and Fig. 14 shows the recommendation display screen W11 as an example of a shopping cart screen. More specifically, the recommendation display screen W11 displays product information such as size and price for item I4 for wearer "Taro" that has been added to the cart by a registered user, and prompts the user to make a final confirmation of the purchase.

[0105] The recommendation display screen W11 of this example displays the recommended purchase date of a predetermined item (item I4, item I5, etc. in W11) and the recommended size associated with the recommended purchase date for another user wearing the item ("Hanako" in this example). In addition, a purchase button (a button for adding to cart) for each item may be displayed. The item for which the recommended purchase date, etc. is to be displayed can be selected, for example, based on the timing of purchase. Specifically, an item whose recommended purchase date is within a predetermined number of days from the current date (for example, within one month, or within 15 days, etc.) may be selected. Furthermore, if there is no item whose recommended purchase date is within the period, or if there are only a few items, the current size of another user wearing the item ("Hanako" in this example) may also be displayed. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which appropriate settings are made in the same manner as in Example 6. [Function Configuration] 1. Server system Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 15, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 110s, a display unit 120s, a communication unit 130s, a server processing unit 200s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0106] The operation input unit 110s is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, and outputs an operation signal according to the operation input to the server processing unit 200s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108.

[0107] The display unit 120s is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a touch panel, and performs various displays in response to a display signal from the server processing unit 200s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

[0108] The communication unit 130s is realized by a wired or wireless communication device, and connects to the network 9 to communicate with an external device (for example, the terminal device 1500). For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack or control circuit of a wired communication cable, etc. In FIG. 1, the communication unit 130s corresponds to the communication device 1153.

[0109] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between the operation input unit 110s and each unit of the device, including the server storage unit 500s. The server processing unit 200s performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 110s, data received from the terminal device 1500, etc., and controls the overall operation of the server system 1100. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

[0110] The server processing unit 200 s also includes a user management unit 211 , an online shopping function unit 213 , an acquisition unit 215 , an estimation unit 217 , and a recommendation control unit 219 .

[0111] The user management unit 211 executes user registration processing and data management processing to manage data linked to registered user IDs. In this embodiment, the user management unit 211 associates each registered user with the wearer and manages user data such as attribute information, measurement information, and comfort level fluctuation information acquired from time to time about the wearer. Therefore, the user management unit 211 can also be called a user data management unit.

[0112] The online shopping function unit 213 performs processing related to the provision of online shopping services. Registered users can purchase wearable items (in this embodiment, shoes worn by the wearer) by using the online shopping function realized by this processing. In this embodiment, when a registered user logs in, the online shopping function unit 213 displays product information of the items on the terminal device 1500 in accordance with the browsing operation of the registered user.

[0113] The acquisition unit 215 is a functional unit that executes data acquisition processing, and acquires user data of a target user who is a wearer associated with a registered user. To acquire the user data, a separate measurement means is used to measure the part of the body (in this embodiment, the foot) where the item (in this embodiment, shoes) is worn. Then, based on the measurement results from the measurement means, the acquisition unit 215 acquires measurement information including shape data and growth change data of the part of the body (in this embodiment, the foot) where the item is worn, and generates comfort level fluctuation information.

[0114] The estimation unit 217 is a functional unit that executes estimation processing. In this embodiment, when a registered user logs in, the estimation unit 217 estimates a recommended purchase date for each item for each target user, with each target user being a wearer associated with the registered user.

[0115] The recommendation control unit 219 is a functional unit that executes recommendation control processing. In this embodiment, the online shopping function unit 213 causes the terminal device 1500 of the logged-in registered user to display product information of the item. The recommendation control unit 219 controls, for example, the terminal device 1500 to display the recommended purchase date of the item for each target user and present it to the registered user.

[0116] The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the server system 1100 and implementing various functions of the server system 1100, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented by an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

[0117] The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, user management data 510, and item information 540.

[0118] The server program 501 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200 s to function as the user management unit 211 , the online shopping function unit 213 , the acquisition unit 215 , the estimation unit 217 , and the recommendation control unit 219 .

[0119] User management data 510 is prepared for each registered user and stores various management data related to the provision of the online shopping service in association with the registered user ID. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, one user management data 510 includes the registered user's registered user ID 511, registered user name 513, wearer data 520, and purchase history data 535 of items such as shoes purchased by the registered user.

[0120] Wearer data 520 is prepared for each wearer associated with the registered user. In one wearer data 520, a wearer's name 522, attribute information 523, measurement information 525, a measurement date and time (previous measurement timing) 531 related to the measurement information 525, and comfort level fluctuation information 533 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) for each item (shoes in this embodiment) are set in association with a wearer's ID 521. The measurement information 525 includes shape data 527 of the wearing part (foot in this embodiment) and growth change data 529 of the wearing part.

[0121] The item information 540 is prepared for each item and stores various data related to the item. For example, the item information 540 includes various spec information and evaluation information used to generate the comfort level fluctuation information 533 for the item, as well as information to be displayed on the terminal device 1500 as product information such as price, product image, and availability. 2. Terminal Device 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 1500. As shown in FIG. 17, the terminal device 1500 includes an operation input unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a device processing unit 200, and a terminal storage unit 500.

[0122] The operation input unit 110 outputs operation input signals corresponding to various operation inputs made by the user to the device processing unit 200. For example, this can be realized by a keyboard, a mouse, a push switch, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the direction input keys 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

[0123] The display unit 120 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a touch panel, and performs various displays in response to a display signal from the device processing unit 200. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

[0124] The communication unit 130 is realized by a wired or wireless communication device, and connects to the network 9 to communicate with an external device (for example, the server system 1100). It is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553.

[0125] The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between the device and each unit including the operation input unit 110 and the device storage unit 500. The device processing unit 200 performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 110, data received from the server system 1100, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal device 1500. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551.

[0126] The terminal processing unit 200 also includes a client control unit 260. The client control unit 260 performs various controls to cause the terminal device 1500 to function as an MMIF (man-machine interface). The client control unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a display control unit 263.

[0127] The operation signal transmission control unit 261 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 110 .

[0128] The display control unit 263 performs control to display the recommended display screens and the like described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14 on the display unit 120 based on the data received from the server system 1100.

[0129] The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal device 1500 and realizing the functions of the terminal device 1500, data used during execution of the programs, etc. For example, this can be realized by an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In the example of FIG. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550.

[0130] The terminal storage unit 500 also stores a client program 502 (application program) for causing the terminal device 1500 to function as the client control unit 260. [Processing flow] 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the server system 1100. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501.

[0131] In this embodiment, the server processing unit 200s accepts an operation on the terminal device 1500 of the logged-in registered user to instruct acquisition of measurement information. If the operation on the terminal device 1500 is detected (step S1: YES), the acquisition unit 215 executes a data acquisition process to acquire various data including the measurement information for the target user (step S3). Based on the acquired data, the acquisition unit 215 sets or updates the attribute information 523, measurement information 525 (shape data 527 of the wearing part and growth change data 529), and comfort level fluctuation information 533 of the wearer user data 520 (see FIG. 16 ) for the target user.

[0132] Then, when a registered user logs in, the estimation unit 217 executes estimation processing, sequentially treating the wearing users associated with the registered user as target users, and estimates the recommended purchase date of each item for each target user (step S5).

[0133] Furthermore, when the online shopping function unit 213 detects a registered user's operation of browsing product information (step S7: YES), it causes the terminal device 1500 to display product information for the corresponding item (step S9). Then, the recommendation control unit 219 executes recommendation control processing, and causes the terminal device 1500 to display the recommended purchase date estimated for the item for each target user in step S5, thereby performing recommended date presentation control (step S11). For example, as described with reference to FIG. 8 etc., the recommendation control unit 219 performs recommended date presentation control by causing the terminal device 1500 of the registered user to display a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user and a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, and a second predicted change graph showing a predicted change in measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user and a second indicator indicating a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

[0134] Then, in step S13, an end determination is made, and until it is determined that the process has ended (step S13: NO), the process returns to step S1 and the above-described processing is repeated.

[0135] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a registered user logs in, for each wearer associated with the registered user, the recommended purchase date for a size larger than the size worn by the wearer can be estimated, and the estimated recommended purchase date for each wearer can be displayed and presented to the registered user on the terminal device 1500. This makes it possible to present information indicating the recommended purchase date by setting a size larger than the size worn by the wearer who will wear the item as the first recommended size.

[0136] In addition, when presenting the data, for example, a predicted change graph that graphs the growth change data of each wearing user can be displayed on the terminal device 1500 of the registered user, and a point corresponding to the recommended purchase date can be indicated on the predicted change graph. For example, if two wearing users are associated with a registered user, as described with reference to Fig. 8 etc., it is possible to display on the terminal device 1500 a first predicted change graph G51 related to the wearing user U11 who is the first target user and a first indicator O511 indicating the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) of item I4, and a second indicator O531 indicating the second predicted change graph G53 related to the wearing user U13 who is the second target user and a recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) of item I4.

[0137] The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate. [Variation 1] For example, in the above embodiment, the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date or second recommended purchase date) is estimated using a size one size larger than the current size as the recommended size (first recommended size or second recommended size). In contrast, if an item of the recommended size is not purchased even after the recommended purchase date already presented to the registered user has passed, the recommended size may remain unchanged until the comfort level for the recommended size reaches 100, and the recommended purchase date may be set to the date the item was viewed.

[0138] A case where the wearing user U11 is the first target user will be described with reference to the example of Fig. 4. For example, when the reference timing is T11, as described in the above embodiment, the current size is estimated as the size (12 cm) corresponding to graph G1-1, and the first recommended size is estimated as the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2, and the first recommended purchase date is, for example, time T15 at the start of the first recommended size comfort period for the first recommended size (12.5 cm), and is presented to the registered user by displaying a recommendation display screen for item I1, such as in Fig. 8.

[0139] Then, after the presentation, if the registered user performs a browsing operation for item I1 at a point in time after the reference time T15 (for example, time T17), the process branches depending on whether the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 has been purchased by the registered user. That is, if the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 has already been purchased, time T17 is used as the reference time, and the current size is estimated as the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2 and the first recommended size is estimated as the size (13 cm) corresponding to graph G1-3 in the manner described in the above embodiment. The first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the start of the first recommended size comfort period for the first recommended size (13 cm). On the other hand, if the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 has not been purchased, the currently presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) remains the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) until the comfort level for that first recommended size (12.5 cm) reaches 100, and the first recommended purchase date is set to the viewing date. Then, at a point in time (e.g., time T18) after the comfort level reaches 100 without the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 being purchased, time T18 is used as the reference timing, and the current size (12.5 cm) and the first recommended size (13 cm) are estimated in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the start of the first recommended size comfort period for that first recommended size (13 cm). [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which comfort level variation information 533 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) is set for each item (shoes sold through an online shopping service) for each wearer associated with a registered user. Alternatively, comfort level variation information may be generated for one specific item for each wearer, and the generated comfort level variation information may be used as the comfort level variation information for that wearer. In this case, when an item is browsed, the comfort level variation information for the wearer is used to estimate the first recommended size and first comfort period, or the second recommended size and second comfort period for that item. The item for which comfort level variation information is to be generated can be determined, for example, by separately accepting a registration operation for an item that the wearer prefers to wear. [Variation 3] Additionally, a recommended purchase date (hereinafter referred to as a "sub-recommended purchase date") based on the sale period or coupon issue date may be separately set and presented for each of the first target user and the second target user. That is, if a sale is scheduled to be held or a coupon is scheduled to be issued within a predetermined period before or after the first recommended purchase date (for example, a period of one month before or after the first recommended purchase date), these scheduled dates are set as recommended sub-purchase dates for the first recommended purchase date. A recommended sub-purchase date is similarly set for the second recommended purchase date.

[0140] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen when a recommended sub-purchase date is displayed on the recommendation display screen W5 of FIG. 8. In FIG. 19, the same display elements as in FIG. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 19, on the recommendation display screen of this example, an indicator O512 indicating a point on the first predicted change graph G51 corresponding to the sub-recommended purchase date of the first recommended purchase date is displayed in the first display area W51 for the first target user (e.g., wearer user U11). Similarly, an indicator O532 indicating a point on the second predicted change graph G53 corresponding to the sub-recommended purchase date of the second recommended purchase date is displayed in the second display area W53 for the second target user (e.g., wearer user U13). This makes it possible to consider the timing of purchasing an item, taking into account the timing of sales, coupons, etc. [Variation 4] Furthermore, regarding sales, coupons, and the like, the next and subsequent scheduled dates may be displayed on a calendar such as the recommendation display screen W10 in FIG. 13. This can be achieved by displaying a unique mark on each scheduled date. This makes it possible to grasp the scheduled dates for sales, coupons, and the like along with the recommended purchase dates (first recommended purchase date and second recommended purchase date). Furthermore, the display of various scheduled dates may be performed only when a predetermined condition is met. For example, various scheduled dates may be displayed for a user who frequently purchases items during a sale period or a user who frequently uses coupons. Conversely, various scheduled dates may be displayed as a benefit for a user who purchases items regardless of sales or a user who does not use coupons. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1000...Online shopping system 1100...Server system 110s...Operation input section 120s…Display section 130s…Communications Department 200s...Server processing section 211...User Management Department 213...Online Shopping Function Department 215…Acquisition Department 217...Estimation part 219...Recommended control unit 500s...Server storage section 501...Server program 510...User management data 511...Registered user ID 520...User data 521...user ID 523…Attribute information 525…Measurement information 527...Shape data 529…Growth change data 531...Measurement date and time 533...Comfort level fluctuation information 535...Purchase history data 540...Item information 1500...User terminal 110...Operation input unit 120…Display section 130…Communications Department 200...Terminal processing section 260...Client control unit 261...Operation signal transmission control unit 263...Display control unit 500...Device memory section 502...Client program 9. Network

Claims

1. A computer system that performs control for presenting recommended information about items to a user, a recommended date estimation unit that estimates a first recommended purchase date for the first item, which is a recommended purchase date for the first item, on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using a comfort level at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort level being generated based on dimensional size information related to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user related to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear; a recommendation control unit that provides the first recommended purchase date; A computer system comprising:

2. the recommended date estimation unit estimates, based on the physical information of the first target user and the dimensional size information of the first item, a period of comfort level satisfying a predetermined comfort level threshold condition during which it is estimated that the first target user can comfortably wear a first recommended size larger than the dimensional size information of the first item, as a first recommended size comfort period, using the comfort level at each time point, and estimates the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period; 10. The computer system of claim 1.

3. the recommendation control unit provides information based on the first recommended size comfort period.

3. The computer system of claim 2.

4. the recommendation control unit provides information based on an end of the first recommended size comfort period.

4. The computer system of claim 3.

5. the recommendation control unit provides information indicating a date when the first item can be purchased at a low price; 10. The computer system of claim 1.

6. the recommended date estimation unit uses comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the second target user wears the second item, which are generated based on the dimensional size information of the second item, body information of the second target user relating to the part of the body where the second item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the second item that is currently suitable for the second target user to wear, to estimate a second recommended purchase date that is a recommended purchase date for the second item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition; the recommendation control unit provides the second recommended purchase date; 10. The computer system of claim 1.

7. The recommendation control unit a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user; a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date; Provide information to display 10. The computer system of claim 1.

8. The recommendation control unit a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user; a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date; a display indicating the second recommended purchase date; Provide information to display 7. The computer system of claim 6.

9. an online shopping function unit for selling the items through online shopping; a user data management unit that manages data of registered users in the online shopping and data of the first target users associated with the registered users; Further provided with the recommendation control unit executes control to provide the product at a predetermined purchase timing by the registered user.

10. The computer system of claim 1.

10. The recommended date estimation unit using the comfort level at each time point for the first target user, estimating a period during which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort level threshold condition for which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first item comfortably as a first recommended size comfort period, and estimating the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period; using the comfort level at each time point for the second target user, estimating a period during which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort level threshold condition for which the second target user is estimated to be able to wear the second item comfortably as a second recommended size comfort period, and estimating the second recommended purchase date based on the second recommended size comfort period; the recommendation control unit provides information for simultaneously displaying the first recommended size comfort period and the second recommended size comfort period.

7. The computer system of claim 6.

11. the recommendation control unit provides information for displaying the first recommended size and the first recommended size comfort period in association with each other.

3. The computer system of claim 2.

12. the recommendation control unit displays a predetermined calendar display and provides information for displaying, on the calendar display, a first identifier indicating that the recommended purchase date for the first target user is the first recommended purchase date, 10. The computer system of claim 1.

13. A computer system that performs control for presenting recommended information about items to a user, a recommended date estimation unit that estimates a first recommended purchase date for the first item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort levels being generated based on dimensional size information relating to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user relating to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear; a recommendation control unit that executes control to present a recommended purchase date based on the first recommended purchase date; Equipped with The recommendation control unit a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user; a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date; The control for providing information for displaying the recommended date is included in the recommended date presentation control. Computer system.

14. A recommended information provision control method for a computer system to execute control for presenting recommended information about items to a user, comprising: Using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, which are generated based on dimensional size information relating to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user relating to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear, estimating a first recommended purchase date that is a recommended purchase date for the first item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition; providing said first recommended purchase date; Recommendations for implementing information-providing control methods.

15. A recommended information provision control method for a computer system to execute control for presenting recommended information about items to a user, comprising: Estimating a first recommended purchase date for the first item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort levels being generated based on dimensional size information relating to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user relating to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear; performing recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date; Including, The recommended date presentation control includes: a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user; a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date; including controls that provide information for displaying Recommended information provision control method.

16. A program for causing a terminal device to execute control to present recommended information about an item, communicate with a server system that estimates a first recommended purchase date for the first item, which is a recommended purchase date for the first item, on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort levels being generated based on dimensional size information regarding the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user regarding the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear; performing control to display the first recommended purchase date; A program for causing the terminal device to execute the above.

17. A program for causing a terminal device to execute control to present recommended information about an item, communicate with a server system that estimates a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the first item when the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, which comfort level is generated based on dimensional size information regarding the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user regarding the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear; Display control of a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user; Display control of a first indicator that indicates a point on the first predicted change graph that corresponds to the first recommended purchase date; A program for causing the terminal device to execute the above.

Images