Hair color product sales system and sales method

Abstract

To promote the popularization of hair dye products among consumers who have stopped using hair dye products due to concerns about skin disorders.SOLUTION: A system for selling hair dye products to a plurality of users is provided with an information acquisition unit and a sales discontinuation determination unit. The information acquisition unit acquires skin disorder information, which is information indicating the possibility of skin disorders occurring to the user due to use of a hair dye product. The sales discontinuation determination unit determines whether to discontinue sales of the hair dye product to the user based on the skin disorder information acquired by the information acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sales system for hair color products. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of hair coloring products (oxidative hair dyes) can cause skin disorders such as rashes. The oxidative dye intermediates contained in hair coloring products are known to be capable of causing skin disorders.

[0003] Hair color products that are less likely to cause skin disorders have also been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology relating to a hair color product with a limited content of oxidative dye intermediates, which may be usable by consumers who are allergic to oxidative dye intermediates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 084952 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, for ordinary consumers lacking specialized knowledge, it is difficult to determine which hair coloring products may cause skin damage to them and to what extent, and they may give up using hair coloring products due to concerns about skin damage.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is to promote the spread of hair color products to consumers who have given up on using hair color products due to concerns about skin disorders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a hair color product sales system for multiple users, comprising an information acquisition unit and a sales discontinuation determination unit. The information acquisition unit acquires skin disorder information that indicates the likelihood of a user developing a skin disorder due to use of the hair color product. The sales discontinuation determination unit determines whether to discontinue sales of the hair color product to the user based on the skin disorder information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0008] This configuration provides consumers with peace of mind that hair color products are sold with consideration given to the likelihood of skin disorders occurring in the consumer. This allows for a sales service that makes it easy for consumers who are concerned about skin disorders to purchase hair color products. This makes it possible to promote the spread of hair color products to consumers who have previously given up on using hair color products due to concerns about skin disorders.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information acquisition unit may acquire, as the skin disorder information, a user's response to a question for assessing the likelihood of the user developing a skin disorder due to use of the hair color product. The sales discontinuation determination unit may determine whether to discontinue sales of the hair color product to the user based on the user's response acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0010] This configuration provides users with peace of mind knowing that hair color products are sold based on their own self-assessment of skin problems caused by the use of hair color products, thereby realizing a sales service that makes it easier for consumers who are concerned about skin problems to purchase hair color products.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information acquisition unit may acquire, as the skin disorder information, the results of a patch test of the user on the hair color product. The sales discontinuation determination unit may determine whether to discontinue sales of the hair color product to the user based on the results of the patch test of the user acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0012] With this configuration, because users are required to report the results of patch tests, consumers who are unaware of patch tests or the details of patch tests have the opportunity to learn that patch tests can be used to evaluate the likelihood of skin damage before using a hair color product. This makes it possible to realize a sales service that makes it easy for consumers who have given up on using hair color products because they were unaware that the likelihood of skin damage can be evaluated before using the product to try it.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a payment unit that calculates a payment amount for the hair color product sold to the user. When the sales cancellation determination unit determines that the sale of the hair color product to the user should be canceled, the payment unit may reduce the payment amount for the hair color product.

[0014] With this configuration, if it is determined that the sale of the hair color product should be discontinued, the payment amount is reduced, thereby alleviating the consumer's financial anxiety. In other words, a sales service can be realized that makes it easy for consumers who have given up on using hair color products due to financial concerns to try them out.

[0015] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a result evaluation unit. The information acquisition unit may acquire, as a result of the user's patch test, a captured image of the user's skin a predetermined time after application of the patch test solution. The result evaluation unit may evaluate the result of the user's patch test based on the captured image acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0016] This configuration provides consumers with peace of mind knowing that the results of their patch test will be evaluated by the sales service provider, making it possible to provide a sales service that makes it easy for consumers who are anxious about having to evaluate the results of a patch test themselves to try out hair color products.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information acquisition unit may acquire, as a result of the user's patch test, a captured image of the user's skin together with a color sample showing a reference color, and the result evaluation unit may evaluate the result of the user's patch test based on the captured image color-corrected based on the color of the color sample. This configuration can reduce variations in the evaluation of patch test results due to the imaging environment, such as brightness and the color of the light source.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the result evaluation unit may evaluate the results of the user's patch test based on an image of the area of ​​the user's skin where the test liquid has been applied and an image of the area of ​​the user's skin other than the application area. This configuration can reduce variations in evaluation of patch test results due to differences in skin color among users.

[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information acquisition unit may acquire, as a result of a patch test on the user, a captured image from which a three-dimensional shape of the user's skin can be identified. This configuration makes it possible to evaluate the results of a patch test taking into account not only the color of the skin but also the three-dimensional shape of swelling, bumps, etc.

[0020] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include an information storage unit and an information providing unit. The information storage unit stores the skin disorder information acquired by the information acquiring unit in association with the user. The information providing unit provides the user with reference information that may be helpful for the user's own evaluation of the patch test results. The information acquiring unit may acquire, as the result of the user's patch test, a captured image of the user's skin a predetermined time after application of the patch test liquid. The information providing unit may provide the user with a captured image of a third party that has already been stored in the information storage unit as reference information.

[0021] This configuration allows users to compare their own skin condition with the skin condition captured by a third party, making it easier for users to evaluate patch tests themselves, thereby realizing a sales service that makes it easy for consumers who are anxious about having to evaluate patch test results themselves to try hair color products.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information providing unit may provide the user with, as reference information, an image taken by a third party that is already stored in the information storage unit and that is selected according to the user.

[0023] Whether or not the use of hair color products causes skin problems varies from person to person. Therefore, when using images captured by a third party to evaluate patch test results, it is preferable that the images are captured by a third party whose patch test results tend to be similar to those of the user. With the above configuration, the user is provided with images captured by a third party pre-selected according to the user, which gives the user peace of mind that the patch test results can be more appropriately evaluated. Therefore, a sales service can be realized that makes it easier for consumers who are anxious about having to evaluate patch test results themselves to try hair color products.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information providing unit may provide the user with, as reference information, a captured image of a third party that is already stored in the information storage unit and the third party's usage history of the hair color product corresponding to the captured image of the third party.

[0025] This configuration allows users to evaluate the patch test results while estimating whether the purchased product is suitable for them and the likelihood of symptoms occurring as a result of use. In other words, users can feel more secure knowing that they can more appropriately evaluate the patch test results. Therefore, a sales service can be realized that makes it easier for consumers who are anxious about having to evaluate the patch test results themselves to try hair color products.

[0026] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a type selection unit that selects a type of hair color product to sell to the user based on the skin disorder information acquired by the information acquisition unit. This configuration provides users with peace of mind knowing that a hair color product will be selected based on their own risk of developing skin problems, thereby realizing a sales service that allows users to purchase hair color products with greater peace of mind.

[0027] In one aspect of the present disclosure, hair color products available for sale to users may include hair color products that are substantially free of oxidative dye intermediates. Hair color products that are substantially free of oxidative dye intermediates are thought to be less likely to cause skin disorders when used compared to general hair color products that contain such dye intermediates. With the above-described configuration, a sales service can be realized that makes it easy for users who are highly concerned about skin disorders to try hair color products.

[0028] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for selling a hair color product, executed by a system for selling a hair color product, comprising: acquiring skin disorder information indicating a possibility of a user developing a skin disorder due to use of the hair color product; and determining whether to discontinue selling the hair color product to the user based on the acquired skin disorder information.

[0029] This configuration provides consumers with peace of mind that hair color products are sold with consideration given to the likelihood of skin disorders occurring in the consumer. This allows for a sales service that makes it easy for consumers who are concerned about skin disorders to purchase hair color products. This makes it possible to promote the spread of hair color products to consumers who have previously given up on using hair color products due to concerns about skin disorders. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a hair color product sales system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed by the sales system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed by the sales system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a sales suspension determination process executed by the vending device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user database. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing usage information in a user database. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a product selection process executed by the sales device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a reference information providing process executed by the vending device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a reference information providing screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a refund determination process executed by the vending device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed by the sales system of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an evaluation presentation process executed by the sales device of the second embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of a series of processes executed by a terminal device of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] The sales system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system used in a sales service that sells hair color products. The sales service is provided to multiple users by a vendor, such as a hair color product sales company. The hair color products are oxidative hair dyes, which are a type of permanent hair dye. Hair color products contain oxidative dyes, which undergo oxidative polymerization to develop color, thereby dyeing hair.

[0032] Hair color products generally also contain oxidation dye intermediates. Oxidation dye intermediates are intermediate products obtained during the synthesis of oxidation dyes. Specific examples of oxidation dye intermediates include p-phenylenediamine, p-toluylenediamine (toluene-2,5-diamine), N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylamine, p-aminophenol, o-aminophenol, p-methylaminophenol, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine, 2-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine, o-chloro-p-phenylenediamine, 4-amino-m-cresol, 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole, 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole, and salts thereof.

[0033] It is known that oxidative dye intermediates can cause skin disorders. Specifically, oxidative dye intermediates can cause rash, a type of skin disorder. Rash is dermatitis (contact dermatitis) that occurs due to contact with a causative substance. Rashes are classified into irritant rashes caused by the irritant properties of the causative substance and allergic rashes caused by an allergic reaction to the causative substance. Allergic rashes are further classified into immediate rashes that occur relatively shortly after contact with the causative substance (e.g., several minutes to several tens of minutes), and delayed rashes that occur relatively long periods of time after contact with the causative substance (e.g., several hours to several days). Whether or not a rash occurs as a result of using hair color products varies from person to person, and some people will experience a rash due to the use of hair color products.

[0034] Therefore, in the sales service of this embodiment, not only general hair color products containing oxidative dye intermediates but also hair color products that do not substantially contain oxidative dye intermediates are added to the list of hair color products to be sold to users. Hereinafter, hair color products that contain oxidative dye intermediates will be referred to as intermediate-containing products, and hair color products that do not substantially contain oxidative dye intermediates will be referred to as intermediate-free products. Because intermediate-free products do not substantially contain oxidative dye intermediates, they are thought to be less likely to cause rashes than intermediate-containing products. Note that "substantially not containing oxidative dye intermediates" means that oxidative dye intermediates are not intentionally blended.

[0035] The sales system 1 includes a terminal device 2 and a sales device 3. The terminal device 2 and the sales device 3 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a wide-area communication network 4 such as the Internet. Note that while only one terminal device 2 is shown in FIG. 1, an actual sales system 1 will have multiple terminal devices 2, and each terminal device 2 will communicate with the sales device 3.

[0036] The terminal device 2 is an information terminal used by a user. In this embodiment, the terminal device 2 is a general-purpose smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the user. The terminal device 2 includes a display unit 21, an input unit 22, an imaging unit 23, a terminal storage unit 24, a terminal control unit 25, and a terminal communication unit 26.

[0037] The display unit 21 is a display capable of displaying images. The input unit 22 is a device that accepts various input operations by a user. In this embodiment, the input unit 22 is a touch panel.

[0038] The imaging unit 23 is a camera capable of capturing an image of an object. The terminal storage unit 24 is a storage that stores various types of information. In this embodiment, the terminal storage unit 24 is a flash memory. The terminal storage unit 24 also stores general-purpose application software such as a web browser.

[0039] The terminal control unit 25 is mainly configured with a well-known microcomputer having a CPU 251 and semiconductor memory 252 such as ROM and RAM. The CPU 251 reads software stored in the terminal storage unit 24 into the semiconductor memory 252 and executes processing corresponding to the software, thereby realizing various functions of the terminal control unit 25. When processing is executed by the CPU 251, a method corresponding to the processing is executed. The terminal communication unit 26 is configured to be able to communicate with the vending device 3 via the communication network 4.

[0040] The vending machine 3 is a web server provided by the provider of this vending service. The vending machine 3 includes a server communication unit 31, a server storage unit 32, and a server control unit 33. The server communication unit 31 is configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 2 via the communication network 4.

[0041] The server storage unit 32 is a storage device that stores various types of information. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 32 is a hard disk. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 32 stores various types of information, such as web page information used in the sales service and information on multiple hair color products that are available for selection in the sales service. The web page information is information (e.g., HTML code, images, etc.) that represents the web page displayed in the web browser. The server storage unit 32 also stores various types of software for executing the processes described below.

[0042] The server control unit 33 is mainly configured with a well-known microcomputer having a CPU 331 and semiconductor memory 332 such as ROM and RAM. The CPU 331 reads software stored in the server storage unit 32 into the semiconductor memory 332 and executes processing corresponding to the software, thereby realizing various functions of the server control unit 33. When processing is executed by the CPU 331, a method corresponding to the processing is executed.

[0043] [1-2. Processing] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 9, a description will be given of the processing for providing sales services, which is executed by the terminal control unit 25 (specifically, CPU 251) of the terminal device 2 and the server control unit 33 (specifically, CPU 331) of the vending device 3. Note that Figures 2 and 3 also show actions by users.

[0044] In N101 shown in FIG. 2, the server control unit 33 recruits users of the sales service. In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 sends an e-mail from the server communication unit 31 to target persons whose e-mail addresses the sales service provider has previously acquired, informing them that the sales service provider is recruiting users of the sales service. The e-mail sent from the server communication unit 31 is received by the terminal communication unit 26. Note that the means for recruiting users of the sales service is not limited to e-mail, and may be, for example, a web advertisement targeted at an unspecified number of people, or a letter sent by the sales service provider.

[0045] At N102, a target person who wishes to use the sales service, i.e., a user of the sales service, operates input unit 22 of terminal device 2 to access a dedicated site for the sales service via a web browser. As a result, at N103, terminal control unit 25 transmits a request to use the sales service (hereinafter referred to as a usage request) from terminal communication unit 26 to vending device 3.

[0046] When the usage request is received by the server communication unit 31, at N104 the server control unit 33 transmits first questionnaire screen information from the server communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2. The first questionnaire screen information is web page information showing the first questionnaire screen. On the first questionnaire screen, the user is requested to input identification information, which is information for distinguishing the user from third parties (e.g., other users). In this embodiment, the identification information is a user ID and password. For users who have not yet registered as users, such as those using the sales service for the first time, the user is also requested to input attribute information, which is information indicating the user's attributes. In this embodiment, the attribute information is the user's age and gender.

[0047] Furthermore, on the first questionnaire screen, questions are presented to the user and the user is requested to input answers to the questions. The questions presented on the first questionnaire screen include the following questions (A) to (C).

[0048] (A) Questions to confirm whether you have any allergies to hair color. (B) Questions regarding experience with hair coloring products. (C) Questions to ascertain the level of anxiety regarding the use of hair coloring products.

[0049] The hair color allergy in (A) above refers to an allergic reaction caused by the use of hair color products. In the question (A) above in this embodiment, the following questions (a-1) to (a-4) are asked.

[0050] (a-1) Whether or not a doctor has diagnosed you with hair color allergy. (a-2) Whether or not you have experienced anaphylaxis (general hives, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms of nausea) caused by the use of hair color products. (a-3) Have you experienced any symptoms such as swelling, bumps, or blisters caused by using hair color products? (a-4) Have you experienced recurring and prolonged itching symptoms due to the use of hair color products?

[0051] In the above question (B) of this embodiment, the following questions (b-1) to (b-5) are asked. (b-1) Whether or not you have had experience dyeing your hair, and if so, where you dyed your hair. (b-2) Categories of hair coloring and hair care products currently being used. (b-3) Have you experienced any symptoms such as itching or redness when using hair color products? (b-4) The type of symptoms you experienced when using hair color products, the area where the symptoms appeared, the duration of the symptoms, the frequency of the symptoms, and the time when the symptoms appeared. (b-5) Whether or not you have ever conducted a patch test on a hair color product, and whether or not you experienced any symptoms when conducting the patch test.

[0052] In this embodiment, the following options are presented as possible answers to the question (b-1) above: beauty salon (hair dyeing by a hairdresser), home (hair dyeing using commercially available products), or a combination of both. If the user has dyed their hair multiple times, they are instructed to answer the question about the most recent or recent (last few times) hair dyeing location.

[0053] The hair coloring products in (b-2) above include hair color products as well as bleach (bleaching agents / decoloring agents), hair manicures (semi-permanent hair dyes), color shampoos and color treatments (slow-dyeing hair dyes), temporary hair coloring agents (hair coloring agents), hair dyes using melanin precursors, temporary hair coloring agents with slow-dyeing properties, and colored hair styling agents such as color sprays and color creams. The hair care products in (b-2) above include hair rinses, hair conditioners, and hair treatments. In this embodiment, products included in these hair coloring products and hair care products are presented in a selectable format as answer candidates for the question in (b-2) above.

[0054] In the above question (b-4) of this embodiment, options such as itching, redness, pain, swelling, bumps, and blisters are presented as answer choices for the type of symptoms experienced while using hair color products. Options such as hairline, part of the scalp, entire scalp, part of the face, and entire face are presented as answer choices for the location of the symptoms experienced while using hair color products. Users can select multiple options from the presented options for the type of symptom and the location of the symptoms. The answer for the duration of the symptoms experienced while using hair color products can be selected from a range from while using the hair color product (i.e., while dyeing the hair) to more than one week after dyeing the hair. Options such as almost always, sometimes, and rarely occurred are presented as answer choices for the frequency of the symptoms experienced while using hair color products. The four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) are presented as answer choices for the period of the symptoms experienced while using hair color products.

[0055] In this embodiment, question (C) asks about the degree of concern about skin disorders such as rashes caused by the use of hair color products. Response options for question (C) include "concerned," "can't say," and "not particularly concerned."

[0056] When the first questionnaire screen information is received by the terminal communication unit 26, the terminal control unit 25 displays the first questionnaire screen on the web browser in the next N105. This allows the first questionnaire screen to be recognized by the user.

[0057] In N106, the user inputs identification information on the first questionnaire screen. Specifically, if the user has already been registered, the user inputs the registered identification information. If the user has not yet been registered, the user inputs appropriate identification information and also inputs attribute information. The user also inputs answers to the above questions (A) to (C) presented on the first questionnaire screen.

[0058] When the user has completed entering their response on the first questionnaire screen, at N107, the terminal control unit 25 transmits the user's response entered on the first questionnaire screen (hereinafter referred to as the first questionnaire response) from the terminal communication unit 26 to the sales device 3.

[0059] When the first questionnaire response is received by the server communication unit 31, at N108 the server control unit 33 determines whether to stop selling the hair color product to the user based on the first questionnaire response.

[0060] Here, the sale suspension determination process executed by the server control unit 33 at N108 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] First, in S101, the server control unit 33 acquires the responses to the first questionnaire. Next, in S102, the server control unit 33 determines whether the user has a hair color allergy based on the first questionnaire response acquired in S101. More specifically, the server control unit 33 determines whether the user has a hair color allergy based on the user's response to the question (A) above. For example, if at least one of the questions (a-1) to (a-4) above is answered affirmatively, the server control unit 33 determines that the user has a hair color allergy. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 33 also determines whether the user has a hair color allergy based on the user's response to the question (B) above. For example, if the severity of symptoms, etc., answered to the question (b-3) or (b-4) above is more severe than a predetermined standard level depending on the location of hair dyeing (e.g., whether the hair was dyed at a beauty salon, at home, or a combination of both) and the hair color product used, the server control unit 33 determines that the user has a hair color allergy. For example, if all of the following conditions are met: the number of symptoms experienced while using a hair color product is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard number; the area where the symptoms appear is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard range across the entire head; the duration of the symptoms is equal to or greater than a predetermined period; and the frequency of the symptoms is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency, the server control unit 33 will determine that the user has a hair color allergy. A determination by the server control unit 33 that the user has a hair color allergy corresponds to a high probability that the user has a hair color allergy. Conversely, a determination by the server control unit 33 that the user does not have a hair color allergy corresponds to a low probability that the user has a hair color allergy.

[0062] If it is determined in S102 that the user has a hair color allergy, the server control unit 33 determines in S103 to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user. That is, the server control unit 33 determines to discontinue the provision of the sales service to the user.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 that the user is not allergic to hair color products, the server control unit 33 determines in S104 not to discontinue the sale of hair color products to the user. That is, the server control unit 33 determines to continue providing the sales service to the user. However, this determination not to discontinue the sale of hair color products to the user is provisional, and as will be described later, it may be determined to discontinue the sale of hair color products to the user based on the results of a patch test. When the process of S103 or S104 is completed, the sale suspension determination process is completed.

[0064] 2, if it is determined in N108 that the sale of the hair color product to the user is to be discontinued, the server control unit 33 notifies the user of this and terminates this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sale of the hair color product to the user is not to be discontinued, the server control unit 33 proceeds to the process of N109.

[0065] In N109, the server control unit 33 stores various information based on the responses to the first questionnaire in a user database. The user database is a database prepared in advance in the server storage unit 32 and is used to manage information about registered users. As shown in FIG. 5, the user database stores, for each user ID, a password, attribute information (age and gender in this embodiment), and one or more pieces of usage information in association with each other. As shown in FIG. 6, the usage information is a group of information that is added for each series of uses of the sales service. A series of uses of the sales service refers to the use of the sales service from accessing the dedicated website in N102 to the after-sales follow-up service after using the hair color product, as described below. The usage information includes information based on the responses to the first questionnaire, as well as information about the patch test, as described below, and information obtained during the after-sales follow-up service.

[0066] In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 stores in the user database, as information based on the responses to the first questionnaire, at least the user's applicability to the hair color allergy predisposition based on the response to question (B) above, and the user's level of anxiety regarding the use of hair color products based on the response to question (C) above. In this embodiment, the hair color allergy predisposition refers to people who have never been diagnosed with a hair color allergy by a doctor but who experience only symptoms of itching or redness caused by the use of hair color products. However, in this embodiment, symptoms such as persistent and recurring itching are classified as hair color allergy rather than hair color allergy predisposition. The user's applicability to the hair color allergy predisposition may be expressed in two categories: yes / no, or in three or more categories indicating the possibility of applicability.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 2, at next step N110, the server control unit 33 transmits second questionnaire screen information from the server communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2. The second questionnaire screen information is web page information showing the second questionnaire screen. On the second questionnaire screen, questions regarding the desired finish are presented to the user, and the user is requested to input answers to the questions. The questions regarding the desired finish may ask, for example, the desired color and dyeing method, the areas to be dyed (e.g., the entire hair, the roots, etc.), the acceptable level of damage to the hair, etc.

[0068] When the second questionnaire screen information is received by the terminal communication unit 26, the terminal control unit 25 displays the second questionnaire screen on the web browser at N111, so that the second questionnaire screen is recognized by the user.

[0069] At N112, the user inputs answers to the questions presented on the second questionnaire screen. When the user has completed entering their answers on the second questionnaire screen, at N113, the terminal control unit 25 transmits the user's answers entered on the second questionnaire screen (hereinafter referred to as the second questionnaire answers) from the terminal communication unit 26 to the sales device 3.

[0070] When the second questionnaire response is received by the server communication unit 31, at N114, the server control unit 33 selects a hair color product to sell to the user based on the second questionnaire response and the first questionnaire response described above. In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 selects either a product containing an intermediate or a product not containing an intermediate as the hair color product to sell to the user.

[0071] Here, the product selection process executed by the server control unit 33 at N108 to N114 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0072] First, in S201, the server control unit 33 acquires the responses to the first questionnaire. Then, the server control unit 33 stores various information based on the acquired responses to the first questionnaire in the user database. The processing of S201 corresponds to the processing of N108 to N109 above. As described in N109 above, the server control unit 33 stores in the user database, as information based on the responses to the first questionnaire, at least the user's applicability to the hair color allergy predisposition based on the response to question (B) above, and the user's level of anxiety about using hair color products based on the response to question (C) above.

[0073] Next, in S202, the server control unit 33 acquires the responses to the second questionnaire. Next, in S203, the server control unit 33 determines whether the user is at risk of having a hair color allergy based on the answers to the first questionnaire obtained in S201. More specifically, the server control unit 33 determines whether the user is at risk of having a hair color allergy based on the applicability of the user to the hair color allergy prevalence stored in the user database, i.e., based on the user's answer to question (B) above. For example, if the severity of symptoms, etc., provided in the answers to questions (b-3) or (b-4) above is more severe than a predetermined standard level based on the location of hair dyeing (e.g., salon, home, or a combination) and the hair color product used, the server control unit 33 determines that the user is at risk of having a hair color allergy. The criteria for this determination are set to be milder than the criteria for determining whether the user has a hair color allergy in S102 above. For example, in S203, the requirements listed in S102 above, such as symptoms experienced when using a hair color product, the area where the symptoms appeared, the duration of symptoms, and the frequency of symptoms, can be used. In this case, in S203, the standard values ​​for each requirement are set to be milder than the standard values ​​in S102 above, or the criteria for determining the number of matches relative to the total number of requirements are set lower than the criteria in S102 above. A determination by the server control unit 33 that a user falls into the hair color allergy predisposition group corresponds to a high probability that the user falls into the hair color allergy predisposition group. Conversely, a determination by the server control unit 33 that a user does not fall into the hair color allergy predisposition group corresponds to a low probability that the user falls into the hair color allergy predisposition group. The determination result in S203 is not communicated to the user.

[0074] If it is determined in S203 that the user does not fall into the hair color allergy predisposition group, the server control unit 33 determines in S204 whether the user has a high level of anxiety about using hair color products based on the responses to the first questionnaire obtained in S201. More specifically, the server control unit 33 determines whether the user has a high level of anxiety about using hair color products based on the user's anxiety levels stored in the user database, i.e., based on the user's responses to question (C) above. For example, if options indicating anxiety levels (e.g., "anxious," "can't say," and "not particularly anxious") are presented as possible answers to question (C) above, as described above, the server control unit 33 determines that the user has a high level of anxiety about using hair color products if the anxiety levels indicated by the answer options are higher than a predetermined standard (e.g., if "anxious" is selected).

[0075] If it is determined in S204 that the user's anxiety about using the hair color product is not high (i.e., the anxiety is low), the server control unit 33 selects an intermediate-containing product as the type of hair color product to sell to the user in S205. The server control unit 33 also selects candidate color numbers to recommend to the user based on the responses to the second questionnaire obtained in S102 above.

[0076] On the other hand, if it is determined in S203 that the user is at risk of developing a hair color allergy, or if it is determined in S204 that the user has a high level of anxiety about using hair color products, the server control unit 33 proceeds to the process of S206. Then, in S206, the server control unit 33 selects products that do not contain intermediates as the type of hair color product to sell to the user. Similarly to S205, the server control unit 33 also selects candidate color numbers to recommend to the user. The processes of S202 to S206 correspond to the process of N114 above.

[0077] When the process of S205 or S206 ends, the product selection process ends. In addition, the criteria for selecting each hair color product (in this embodiment, the applicability of the product to the hair color allergy risk group and the degree of anxiety) may be appropriately reviewed based on, for example, information obtained from the after-sales service described below.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 2 , the server control unit 33 then transmits product screen information from the server communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2 at N115. The product screen information is web page information that shows the product screen. On the product screen, the user is presented with a message that the hair color product selected at N114 above is recommended, as well as information about the hair color product selected at N114 above. Hereinafter, the hair color product recommended on the product screen will be referred to as the recommended product. The information about the recommended product includes information such as the name (product name) and color number of the recommended product, as well as an explanation of the features and risks of the recommended product. If an intermediate-containing product is selected at N114, i.e., if the recommended product is an intermediate-containing product, it is explained that because the product contains an oxidative dye intermediate, use of the product may cause skin damage, and that a patch test should be performed before use.

[0079] If a product that does not contain intermediates is selected in N114 above, i.e., if the recommended product is a product that does not contain intermediates, the conditions for selling the recommended product will be explained in addition to the characteristics and risks of the recommended product. If the recommended product is a product that does not contain intermediates, the contents explained on the product screen include the following (d-1) to (d-6).

[0080] (d-1) The product is substantially free of oxidative dye intermediates that may cause skin disorders. (d-2) Although it is slightly inferior to general hair color products containing oxidative dye intermediates (i.e., intermediate-containing products), it has the same level of dyeing power and color retention. (d-3) Although it is thought that skin disorders are less likely to occur compared to products containing intermediates, there are rare cases where skin disorders occur due to a reaction to ingredients other than the oxidative dye intermediates, so it cannot be said with certainty that symptoms will never occur. (d-4) To prevent skin disorders, always perform a patch test before use and report the results. (d-5) If the patch test results show any abnormalities, a refund will be provided. (d-6) If the patch test results show no abnormalities, we would like you to cooperate in confirming your impressions of the product and any symptoms that may have occurred as a result of its use.

[0081] When the product screen information is received by the terminal communication unit 26, the terminal control unit 25 displays the product screen on the web browser at N116, so that the product screen is recognized by the user. The user can carry out the purchase procedure for the recommended product on the product screen. The user specifies the desired color number, etc., when carrying out the purchase procedure. For example, when the user carries out the purchase procedure for the recommended product at N117, at N118 the terminal control unit 25 transmits a request to purchase the recommended product (hereinafter referred to as a purchase request) from the terminal communication unit 26 to the sales device 3. Hereinafter, the recommended product related to the purchase request will be referred to as the purchased product.

[0082] When the purchase request is received by the server communication unit 31, at N119, the server control unit 33 calculates the payment amount in accordance with the purchase request. Specifically, a product price is set in advance for each hair color product. The server control unit 33 calculates the product price of the hair color product related to the purchase request, i.e., the purchased product, as the payment amount. The server control unit 33 then stores the purchase history. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the server control unit 33 stores the purchased product and the payment amount as a purchase history in the user database. In addition, in this embodiment, the server control unit 33 executes billing processing. Although a description of the billing processing will be omitted, once this processing is executed, the user is requested to pay the payment amount. Once the user has completed the payment procedure, the server control unit 33 executes product shipping processing. Although a description of the product shipping processing will also be omitted, once this processing is executed, the purchased product is shipped to the user.

[0083] After receiving a purchased product, the user performs a patch test on the purchased product using N120 (see FIG. 2). A patch test for a hair color product evaluates the likelihood of skin damage resulting from use of the hair color product based on the skin condition a predetermined time after application of the test liquid. The test liquid used in the patch test for a hair color product is a mixture of the first and second agents of the hair color in a specified ratio. The specific patch test method, including the mixing ratio of the first and second agents, is described in the package insert of the hair color product. In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 also sends an email with instructions on how to conduct the patch test together with the delivery of the purchased product. In this patch test, the test liquid is applied to the skin on the inside of the upper arm, and the skin condition is observed twice: 30 minutes and 48 hours after application of the test liquid. The skin condition 30 minutes after application of the test liquid indicates the likelihood of immediate skin damage (e.g., immediate allergic rash) resulting from use of the hair color product. The condition of the skin 48 hours after application of the test solution indicates the possibility of delayed skin disorders (such as delayed allergic rash) caused by the use of hair color products. If symptoms such as itching, redness, pain, swelling, bumps, or blisters appear and make it difficult to continue the patch test, discontinue the patch test at that point, even if it is less than 48 hours after application of the test solution.

[0084] If the purchased product does not contain intermediates, the user is required to report the results of the patch test as described in (d-4) above. The method for reporting the results of the patch test is instructed to the user, for example, by being written on the package or attached document of the product that does not contain intermediates, or by being included in an email that provides instructions on how to conduct the patch test. In this embodiment, the user is instructed to upload an image of the user's skin to a dedicated website of this sales service in order to report the results of the patch test.

[0085] The user is also informed that a captured image that includes a color sample showing a reference color is preferable to an image of the user's skin alone. Although the color of a captured image may vary depending on the imaging environment, such as brightness and the color of the light source, including a color sample makes it possible to correct the color of the entire captured image based on the color of the color sample. The color sample can be identified in the captured image, for example, by its distinctive shape or by being adjacent to a distinctively shaped mark. The color sample is provided to the user, for example, by being printed on the packaging or insert of a hair color product, or by being attached to the hair color product. Furthermore, the user is also informed that a captured image that allows identification of the three-dimensional shape of the user's skin is preferable. If the three-dimensional shape of the skin can be identified from the captured image, it becomes easier to evaluate whether the application of the test liquid has caused symptoms that change the three-dimensional shape of the skin, such as swelling, bumps, or blisters. Captured images from which the three-dimensional shape of the skin can be identified include, for example, multiple still images captured at different angles and videos. Furthermore, if the terminal device 2 is equipped with a lidar capable of measuring depth, captured images captured using the lidar's functions are also included in captured images from which the three-dimensional shape of the skin can be identified. Lidar is also abbreviated as LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.

[0086] The user uses the image capture unit 23 to capture images of their skin (more specifically, the area of ​​the skin including the area where the test liquid was applied) 30 minutes and 48 hours after application of the test liquid. Then, at N121 shown in FIG. 3 , the user accesses the sales service's dedicated website using a web browser and performs the procedure for reporting the patch test results. That is, the user performs the procedure for uploading the captured images of their skin to the dedicated website as the patch test results. As a result, at N122, the patch test results (specifically, the captured images of the user's skin) are uploaded to the dedicated website. That is, the patch test results are reported to the vending device 3 via the terminal communication unit 26. Note that if symptoms such as itching make it difficult to continue the patch test and the patch test is discontinued less than 48 hours after application of the test liquid, the user should capture an image of their skin at the time the patch test is completed and perform the procedure for reporting the presence or absence of abnormalities at N127, which will be described later.

[0087] When the captured image of the user's skin uploaded to the dedicated site is received by the server communication unit 31, the server control unit 33 stores the acquired captured image in the user database at N123.

[0088] Next, at N124, the server control unit 33 selects a captured image corresponding to the user from the captured images of third parties (i.e., other users) already stored in the user database. The captured image corresponding to the user here refers to a captured image of a third party whose patch test results are likely to be similar to those of the user. For example, the server control unit 33 selects, as the captured image corresponding to the user, a captured image of a third party whose attribute information (age and gender in this embodiment) is similar to that of the user. Alternatively, for example, the server control unit 33 selects, as the captured image corresponding to the user, a captured image of a third party whose hair color product used in the patch test is the same as that of the user. Alternatively, for example, the server control unit 33 selects, as the captured image corresponding to the user, a captured image of a third party whose image is highly similar to that of the user. The similarity between images can be calculated by comparing feature quantities, such as color, texture, and shape, extracted from the images. A single captured image of a third party may be selected, but the server control unit 33 in this embodiment selects multiple captured images.

[0089] Next, at N125, the server control unit 33 transmits reference information screen information from the server communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2. The reference information screen information is webpage information showing the reference information screen. The reference information screen provides the user with the captured image of the third party selected at N124 and the third party's usage history of the hair color product corresponding to the captured image of the third party, as reference information that may be helpful in the user's evaluation of the patch test results. The captured image and usage history of the third party are provided to the user in a manner that does not identify the third party's personal information. The provided captured image of the third party is a captured image of the third party's skin when the third party conducted a patch test. Therefore, the third party's usage history of the hair color product corresponding to the captured image of the third party includes, for example, whether the third party dyed their hair using the same hair color product as the patch test after taking the captured image, i.e., after conducting the patch test related to the captured image. Furthermore, the third party's usage history of the hair color product corresponding to the captured image of the third party also includes, for example, whether symptoms such as a rash occurred when dyeing their hair using the same hair color product as the patch test. As will be described later, information regarding whether or not the user has dyed their hair and whether or not symptoms due to hair dyeing have occurred is also acquired from the user and stored in the user database.

[0090] Here, the reference information providing process executed by the server control unit 33 at N123 to N125 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0091] First, in S301, the server control unit 33 acquires a captured image of the user's skin as a result of the patch test.

[0092] Subsequently, in S302, the server control unit 33 stores the captured image of the user acquired in S301 in the user database. The processes of S301 and S302 correspond to the process of N123 described above.

[0093] Next, in S303, the server control unit 33 selects a captured image corresponding to the user from the captured images of third parties already stored in the user database. The processing of S303 corresponds to the processing of N124 above. As described in N124 above, the server control unit 33 selects a captured image of a third party whose patch test results are likely to be similar to those of the user.

[0094] Next, in S304, the server control unit 33 provides the user with the captured image of the third party selected in S303 and the third party's usage history of the hair color product corresponding to the captured image of the third party, as reference information. The processing of S304 corresponds to the processing of N125 above. Specific examples of the third party's usage history here are as listed in N125 above. When the process of S304 ends, the reference information providing process ends.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 3 , when the reference information screen information is received by the device communication unit 26, the terminal control unit 25 displays the reference information screen on a web browser in the next N126. This allows the reference information screen to be recognized by the user. On the reference information screen of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the captured images of the multiple third parties selected in N124 above are displayed, categorized by their usage history of the hair color product. The user can evaluate the results of their own patch test while referring to the captured images of the third parties displayed on the reference information screen.

[0096] In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 selects a captured image of a third party according to the user at N124, and the selected captured image is displayed on the reference information screen at N126, but the selection of the captured image by the server control unit 33 at N124 does not necessarily have to be performed. For example, the reference information screen may be configured so that the user can select or rearrange the captured images of a third party according to conditions set by the user.

[0097] Returning to FIG. 3, at N127, the user accesses the sales service's dedicated website using a web browser and performs the abnormality reporting procedure. The abnormality reporting procedure is a procedure for reporting the presence or absence of abnormalities in the patch test results to the provider of this sales service. In other words, the user reports to the sales service provider whether or not there were any abnormalities in the results of their own patch test. As a result, at N128, terminal control unit 25 reports abnormality information, which is information indicating the presence or absence of abnormalities in the patch test results, to vending device 3 from terminal communication unit 26.

[0098] If the user discontinues the patch test within 48 hours of applying the test solution in step N120, the user must report any abnormalities in the patch test to the sales service provider in step N127. At that time, the user must upload a photo of their skin taken at the time of completing the patch test to the sales service's dedicated website.

[0099] When the abnormality presence / absence information is received by the server communication unit 31, at N129 the server control unit 33 stores in the user database either the fact that the patch test results showed an abnormality or that there was no abnormality, depending on the abnormality presence / absence information. If a captured image of the user's skin is received along with the abnormality presence / absence information, the server control unit 33 also stores the captured image in the user database.

[0100] Furthermore, the server control unit 33 determines whether to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user based on the abnormality presence / absence information. Specifically, if an abnormality is found in the patch test results, the server control unit 33 determines to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user. In this embodiment, since the user has already completed the payment procedure at N119 above, the server control unit 33 cancels the sale of the purchased product by performing the refund procedure as described above in (d-5). The requirements for the refund procedure may include the user returning the purchased product.

[0101] In this embodiment, the payment procedure is performed at N119 before the patch test is performed at N120, but the payment procedure does not have to be performed until a determination is made based on the results of the patch test as to whether to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user. In this case, in this embodiment, the purchased product is shipped to the user when the product shipping process is performed at N119, but for example, items necessary for the patch test (e.g., a dedicated patch test kit, etc.) may be sent to the user first, and the purchased product may be sent to the user after it is determined that the sale of the hair color product to the user will not be discontinued.

[0102] Here, the refund determination process executed by the server control unit 33 at N119 to N130 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] First, in S401, the server control unit 33 acquires a purchase request from a user. Next, in S402, the payment amount is calculated in accordance with the purchase request. The processes of S401 and S402 correspond to the process of N119 above.

[0104] Next, in S403, the server control unit 33 acquires abnormality information, which is information regarding abnormalities in the patch test results. In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 acquires the above-mentioned abnormality presence / absence information as the abnormality information. The processing of S403 corresponds to the processing of N129 above.

[0105] Next, in S404, the server control unit 33 determines whether or not there was an abnormality in the patch test results based on the abnormality information acquired in S403 (i.e., in this embodiment, abnormality presence / absence information). A determination by the server control unit 33 that there was an abnormality in the patch test results corresponds to a high possibility that there was an abnormality in the patch test results. Conversely, a determination by the server control unit 33 that there was no abnormality in the patch test results corresponds to a low possibility that there was an abnormality in the patch test results.

[0106] If it is determined in S404 that the patch test results are abnormal, the server control unit 33 determines to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user and performs a refund procedure in S405. The processing of S404 and S405 corresponds to the processing of N130 described above. In this embodiment, the refund procedure refunds the full amount of the payment calculated in S402 to the user.

[0107] The refund determination process ends when the process of S405 ends. The refund determination process also ends if it is determined in S404 that the patch test results are normal. In other words, in this case, the determination made in N108 above not to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user is maintained, and the payment amount is not refunded.

[0108] Returning to Figure 3, if the user evaluates that the results of their patch test are normal, they can dye their hair using the same hair color product as the patch test, i.e., the purchased product, at N131.

[0109] When dyeing hair, the user accesses the sales service's dedicated website using a web browser on N132 and completes the usage report procedure. The usage report procedure is a procedure for reporting the fact that hair dyeing has been performed to the provider of this sales service.

[0110] When the usage report procedure is performed at N132, the terminal control unit 25 reports to the vending device 3 via the terminal communication unit 26 at N133 that the hair dyeing has been performed.

[0111] When the server communication unit 31 receives the notification that the hair dyeing has been performed, the server control unit 33 transmits follow-up screen information from the server communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2 at N134. The follow-up screen information is webpage information showing the follow-up screen. The follow-up screen asks the user about their satisfaction with the hair color product used for hair dyeing (i.e., the intermediate-free product purchased through the purchase procedure at N117 above), symptoms caused by using the intermediate-free product, etc. Satisfaction with the intermediate-free product includes, for example, satisfaction in comparison with the anxiety level before use, satisfaction with the dyed result after using the intermediate-free product, and satisfaction with the ease of use of the intermediate-free product (e.g., ease of dyeing). The follow-up screen of this embodiment presents options such as satisfied, somewhat satisfied, normal, somewhat dissatisfied, and dissatisfied as answer options for satisfaction with the intermediate-free product. Additionally, as possible answers to the questions about symptoms caused by using products that do not contain intermediates, the presence or absence of symptoms, the type of symptoms, the area where the symptoms appeared, the duration of the symptoms, etc. are presented in a selectable format, as shown in (b-4) above.

[0112] When the after-sales follow-up screen information is received by the terminal communication unit 26, the terminal control unit 25 displays the after-sales follow-up screen on the web browser at N135. This allows the after-sales follow-up screen to be recognized by the user.

[0113] In N136, the user inputs answers to questions presented on the follow-up screen.

[0114] When the user has completed entering their response on the after-sales follow-up screen, at N137, the terminal control unit 25 transmits the user's response entered on the after-sales follow-up screen (hereinafter referred to as the after-sales follow-up response) from the terminal communication unit 26 to the sales device 3.

[0115] When the after-sales response is received by the server communication unit 31, the server control unit 33 registers information obtained from the after-sales response, such as the user's satisfaction level and symptoms caused by product use, in the user database at N138. The various information obtained from the after-sales response can be used when selecting a third-party image at N124 the next time the user uses the sales service. For example, the server control unit 33 selects a third-party image whose after-sales response content is similar to that of the user. Furthermore, based on the various information obtained from the after-sales response, it is also possible to adjust the selection criteria for hair color products to be sold to users at N114. For example, if the statistical value of user satisfaction levels of products that do not contain intermediates is higher than expected, the criteria for selecting products that do not contain intermediates may be adjusted to be more lenient.

[0116] [1-3.Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects are achieved. (1a) Sales system 1 acquires skin disorder information, which indicates the possibility of a user developing a skin disorder due to the use of a hair color product. In this embodiment, the skin disorder information acquired includes the user's responses to the question (A) above to confirm whether or not the user has a hair color allergy, and the question (B) above regarding the user's experience using a hair color product. The results of the user's patch test on the hair color product are also acquired as skin disorder information. Then, based on this information, a determination is made as to whether or not to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user.

[0117] Some consumers give up on using hair coloring products due to concerns about skin irritation caused by their use. Because the likelihood of skin irritation from the use of hair coloring products varies not only between hair coloring products but also between individuals, some consumers may find it difficult to determine which hair coloring products are likely to cause skin irritation and to what extent.

[0118] With the above configuration, consumers can feel reassured that hair color products are sold with consideration given to the possibility of skin disorders occurring in the consumer. This allows for a sales service that makes it easy for consumers who are concerned about skin disorders to purchase hair color products. This makes it possible to promote the spread of hair color products to consumers who have previously given up on using hair color products due to concerns about skin disorders.

[0119] (1b) In particular, in the sales system 1 of this embodiment, skin disorder information is acquired from the user's answers to questions to assess the likelihood of the user developing a skin disorder due to the use of a hair color product (specifically, the user's answers to the question (A) above to confirm whether or not the user has a hair color allergy, and the question (B) above regarding the user's experience using a hair color product). Then, based on the answers, a determination is made as to whether or not to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user.

[0120] Skin disorders caused by hair color products include symptoms that are difficult for anyone other than the person experiencing the condition to understand, such as itching. With the above configuration, a decision is made as to whether to discontinue the sale of hair color products to a user based on the user's subjective responses regarding the skin disorder. In other words, users can feel reassured that the hair color products are being sold based on, for example, past symptoms that only the user himself or herself would have been aware of. This makes it possible to realize a sales service that makes it easier for consumers who are concerned about skin disorders to purchase hair color products.

[0121] (1c) Furthermore, in the sales system 1 of this embodiment, the results of a patch test of the user on the hair color product are also acquired as skin disorder information. Then, based on the results of the patch test, a determination is made as to whether to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user.

[0122] As mentioned above, the possibility of skin damage caused by the use of hair color products can be evaluated by patch testing, but it is thought that some people may give up on using hair color products because they are unaware of this fact.

[0123] According to the above configuration, because users are required to report the results of patch tests, consumers who are not familiar with patch tests or the details of patch tests have the opportunity to learn that they can evaluate the possibility of skin damage by patch testing before using hair color products (i.e., before dyeing their hair). In other words, it is possible to realize a sales service that makes it easy for such consumers to try hair color products.

[0124] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the results of the patch test are required from the user, which prevents the user from using the hair color product because they are unaware of the patch test or because they are aware of it but intentionally skip the patch test. In other words, the patch test estimates the possibility of the user developing skin problems before using the hair color product, which makes it possible to prevent skin problems from occurring due to the use of the hair color product.

[0125] (1d) In sales system 1, the payment amount for the hair color product to be sold to the user is calculated. If it is determined that the sale of the hair color product to the user should be discontinued, the payment amount is reduced. In this embodiment, payment procedures for the purchased product are performed before a determination is made based on the patch test results as to whether the sale of the hair color product to the user should be discontinued. Therefore, if it is determined based on the patch test results that the sale of the hair color product to the user should be discontinued, the reduced amount (in this embodiment, the full payment amount) is refunded to the user.

[0126] As mentioned in (1c) above, the possibility of skin damage caused by the use of hair color products can be evaluated by patch testing. However, some consumers may give up on purchasing hair color products due to financial concerns that if the patch test results are abnormal and they have to abandon the use of the hair color product, the purchase price of the hair color product will be wasted.

[0127] With the above configuration, if it is determined that the sale of a hair color product should be discontinued, for example, if the patch test results are abnormal, the payment amount will be reduced, thereby alleviating the consumer's financial anxiety. In other words, a sales service can be realized that makes it easy for consumers with such concerns to try hair color products.

[0128] (1e) In the sales system 1, as a result of the patch test, captured images of the user's skin are acquired after a predetermined time has elapsed since the application of the patch test liquid (in this embodiment, after 30 minutes and 48 hours). The acquired captured images are stored in a user database. Then, the captured images of a third party that are already stored in the user database are provided to the user as reference information that can be useful for the user's own evaluation of the patch test.

[0129] It is believed that some consumers have given up on using hair color products because they are worried about whether they can properly evaluate the results of patch tests. In fact, in patch tests for hair color products, it can be difficult to evaluate whether redness or other symptoms occur due to the application of the test solution, because the dyes and pigments contained in the products stain the skin.

[0130] According to the above configuration, the user can compare their own skin condition with the skin condition captured by a third party, which reduces the difficulty of the user evaluating the patch test themselves. In other words, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about having to evaluate the patch test results themselves. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sales service that makes it easy for consumers with such anxiety to try hair color products.

[0131] (1f) In particular, in the sales system 1 of this embodiment, a captured image of a third party selected according to the user is provided to the user as reference information. As described above, the captured image according to the user here is an image of a third party whose patch test results are likely to be similar to those of the user.

[0132] As mentioned in (1a) above, whether or not skin damage occurs due to the use of hair color products varies from person to person. Therefore, when using images captured by a third party to evaluate the results of a patch test, it is preferable that the images are captured by a third party whose patch test results tend to be similar to those of the user. For example, a user can select an image captured by a third party whose patch test results tend to be similar to their own from among multiple images captured by third parties, but some users may feel unsure of the criteria for selection.

[0133] With the above configuration, the user is provided with images captured by a third party selected in advance by sales system 1 according to the user, which gives the user peace of mind that the patch test results can be more appropriately evaluated. Therefore, a sales service can be realized that makes it easier for consumers who are anxious about having to evaluate the patch test results themselves to try hair color products.

[0134] (1g) Furthermore, in the sales system 1 of this embodiment, the usage record of a third party for the hair color product corresponding to the third party's captured image is also provided to the user as reference information. This configuration allows users to evaluate the patch test results while estimating whether the purchased product is suitable for them and the likelihood of symptoms occurring as a result of use. In other words, users can feel more secure knowing that they can more appropriately evaluate the patch test results. Therefore, a sales service can be realized that makes it easier for consumers who are anxious about having to evaluate the patch test results themselves to try hair color products.

[0135] (1h) In the sales system 1, the type of hair color product to be sold to the user is selected based on the skin disorder information described above. In this embodiment, the type of hair color product to be sold to the user is selected based on the user's response to the question about their experience using hair color products described in (B) above. In this embodiment, either a product containing an intermediate or a product not containing an intermediate is selected.

[0136] The potential for skin irritation varies among hair color products depending on the type and amount of ingredients. For example, products that do not contain intermediates are thought to be less likely to cause skin irritation than products that do. However, some consumers may not be aware of this difference in the potential for skin irritation among products, or may not be aware that there are hair color products, such as those that do not contain intermediates, that are relatively less likely to cause skin irritation. Furthermore, as mentioned in (1a) and (1f) above, in addition to differences among products, differences in the constitution and other characteristics of individual consumers also affect whether or not skin irritation will occur from the use of hair color products. For this reason, some consumers may find it difficult to determine the potential for skin irritation of each hair color product and the extent to which they should choose.

[0137] With the above configuration, users can feel at ease knowing that a hair color product will be selected based on their own risk of developing skin problems, thereby realizing a sales service that allows users to purchase hair color products with greater peace of mind.

[0138] (1i) In particular, in the sales system 1 of this embodiment, responses to the questions for confirming the user's level of anxiety about using hair color products (C) above are also acquired from the user. Then, the type of hair color product to be sold to the user is selected based not only on the skin disorder information but also on the user's level of anxiety about using hair color products.

[0139] This configuration makes it possible for highly anxious users to select hair color products that are considered less likely to cause skin problems. By communicating their concerns, users can feel reassured that a hair color product less likely to cause skin problems than other hair color products will be selected. This allows for a sales service that makes it easier for users who are concerned about skin problems to purchase hair color products with even greater peace of mind.

[0140] (1j) In the sales system 1, the candidates for hair color products sold to users include products that do not contain intermediates. This configuration makes it possible to select a product that does not contain intermediates, i.e., a hair color product that is considered less likely to cause skin disorders, based on the user's likelihood of developing a skin disorder. For users, the fact that hair color products that are considered less likely to cause skin disorders are included in the candidates can be a reason for them to try the sales service even if they are concerned about skin disorders. In other words, a sales service can be realized that makes it easy for users who are highly concerned about skin disorders to try hair color products.

[0141] In the first embodiment, the processes of S101, S201, S202, and S301 above correspond to an example of a process performed by an information acquisition unit. The processes of S102 and S404 above correspond to an example of a process performed by a sales suspension determination unit. The processes of S203 to S206 above correspond to an example of a process performed by a type selection unit. The process of S302 above corresponds to an example of a process performed by an information storage unit. The processes of S303 to S304 above correspond to an example of a process performed by an information provision unit. The processes of S402 and S405 above correspond to an example of a process performed by a payment unit.

[0142] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1.Configuration] The configuration of the second embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, so differences will be explained below.

[0143] In the second embodiment, a trained model that has learned about the presence or absence of abnormalities in patch test results derived from captured skin images is pre-stored in the server storage unit 32. This trained model is generated by machine learning using a large number of captured images as training data, including captured skin images for cases where the patch test results are evaluated as abnormal and captured skin images for cases where the patch test results are not abnormal. Furthermore, this trained model may be trained including information such as the type and color number of the hair color product used in the patch test, or may be trained separately for the type and color number of the hair color product used in the patch test. By inputting captured images of the user's skin taken a predetermined time after application of the patch test liquid into the trained model, the server control unit 33 can calculate a probability value indicating the possibility that the patch test results related to the captured images are abnormal. Hereinafter, this probability value will be referred to as an abnormality probability value.

[0144] [2-2. Processing] The processing of the second embodiment is basically the same as the processing of the first embodiment, so differences will be explained below.

[0145] 11, in the second embodiment, the processes of N101 to N123 are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, when a captured image of the user's skin is obtained as a result of the patch test in N123 and the captured image is stored in the user database, the server control unit 33 proceeds to the process of N201 instead of the process of N124.

[0146] The server control unit 33 evaluates the results of the patch test based on the captured image of the user's skin in N201. Specifically, the server control unit 33 inputs the captured image of the user's skin into the trained model described above, and calculates an abnormality probability value for the result of the patch test related to the captured image.

[0147] The server control unit 33 may evaluate the results of the patch test based on both the portion of the user's skin where the patch test liquid has been applied (hereinafter referred to as the application portion image) and the portion of the user's skin other than the application portion (hereinafter referred to as the non-application portion image) contained in the captured image of the user's skin. For example, the server control unit 33 may calculate an abnormality probability value using the application portion image and the non-application portion image, and then correct the abnormality probability value calculated using the application portion image with the abnormality probability value calculated using the non-application portion image. Furthermore, for example, the server control unit 33 may calculate the abnormality probability value using a trained model that has trained application portion images and non-application portion images when the patch test results are evaluated as abnormal, and application portion images and non-application portion images when the patch test results are evaluated as normal.

[0148] Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, the user may be informed that a captured image of the user's skin that also includes a color sample showing a reference color is preferable to a captured image of the user's skin alone. For example, when the server control unit 33 acquires a captured image of the user's skin together with a color sample, the server control unit 33 may correct the color of the captured image based on the color of the color sample and evaluate the patch test results for the captured image based on the corrected captured image. In other words, the server control unit 33 may input the corrected captured image into the trained model to calculate the abnormality probability value.

[0149] Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, the user may be informed that a captured image of the user's skin from which the three-dimensional shape of the user's skin can be identified is preferable. For example, when the server control unit 33 acquires a captured image from which the three-dimensional shape of the user's skin can be identified, the server control unit 33 may calculate the abnormality probability value using a trained model that has also trained on the three-dimensional shape.

[0150] In N201, the server control unit 33 stores the evaluation of the patch test results, that is, the calculated abnormality probability value, in the user database.

[0151] Next, at N202, the server control unit 33 transmits evaluation screen information from the server communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2. The evaluation screen information is web page information that shows the evaluation screen. On the evaluation screen, the evaluation of the patch test results by the server control unit 33 is presented to the user. In the present embodiment, the determination result based on the abnormality probability value by the server control unit 33 is presented to the user. The server control unit 33 determines that the patch test results are abnormal if the abnormality probability value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. That is, on the evaluation screen of the present embodiment, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the patch test results is presented to the user as the evaluation of the patch test results by the server control unit 33. Furthermore, if the server control unit 33 determines that the patch test results are abnormal, it determines that the sale of the hair color product to the user will be discontinued. Therefore, if the evaluation screen indicates that the patch test results are abnormal, the user is also informed that a refund procedure will be carried out.

[0152] In this embodiment, the server control unit 33 evaluates the patch test results by presenting the user with two-category judgment results based on the abnormality probability value (i.e., whether the patch test results are abnormal or not), but the user may also be presented with three or more categories of judgment results based on the abnormality probability value (i.e., the possibility of the patch test results being abnormal), or the abnormality probability value itself may be presented to the user.

[0153] When the evaluation screen information is received by the terminal communication unit 26, the terminal control unit 25 displays the evaluation screen on the web browser in N203, so that the evaluation screen is recognized by the user.

[0154] Here, the evaluation presentation process executed by the server control unit 33 at N123 and N201 to N203 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0155] First, in S501, the server control unit 33 acquires a captured image of the user's skin as a result of the patch test. Subsequently, in S502, the server control unit 33 stores the captured image of the user acquired in S501 in the user database. The processes of S501 and S502 correspond to the process of N123 described above.

[0156] Next, in S503, the server control unit 33 evaluates the results of the patch test for the captured image based on the captured image of the user acquired in S501. As described above, the server control unit 33 uses the trained model to calculate an abnormality probability value for the result of the patch test for the captured image. Then, the server control unit 33 stores the calculated abnormality probability value in the user database. The processing of S503 corresponds to the processing of N201 described above.

[0157] Next, in S504, the server control unit 33 presents the evaluation of the patch test results to the user. The processing of S504 corresponds to the processing of N202 and N203 above. As described in N202 and N203 above, in this embodiment, the server control unit 33 presents to the user, as the evaluation of the patch test results, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the patch test results based on the abnormality probability value calculated in S503. When the process of S504 ends, the evaluation presentation process ends.

[0158] 11, if the server control unit 33 determines in N201 that the patch test result is abnormal, it performs a refund procedure in N130. The processing in N130 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0159] Here, we will explain the refund determination process executed by the server control unit 33 at N119 to N123, N201 to N203, and N130. The refund determination process of the second embodiment is basically the same as the refund determination process of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0160] However, in the second embodiment, in S403, the server control unit 33 acquires the abnormality probability value calculated in S503 as the abnormality information, rather than the abnormality presence / absence information. The process of S403 corresponds to the process of N201.

[0161] Then, in the following S404, the server control unit 33 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the patch test result using the abnormality probability value acquired in S403. Specifically, if the abnormality probability value acquired in S403 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the server control unit 33 determines that there is an abnormality in the patch test result.

[0162] If it is determined in S404 that the patch test results are abnormal, the server control unit 33 determines to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user, and performs the refund procedure in S405, as in the first embodiment. The processing of S404 and S405 corresponds to the processing of N130 described above.

[0163] When S405 is completed, the refund determination process ends. The refund determination process also ends if it is determined in S404 that there is no abnormality in the patch test results.

[0164] 11, when the user is notified on the evaluation screen that there are no abnormalities in the patch test results, they can dye their hair using the same hair color product as the one used in the patch test, i.e., the purchased product, at N131. The subsequent processing up to N138 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0165] [2-3. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those (1a) to (1d) and (1h) to (1j) in the first embodiment are achieved, and further, the following effects are achieved.

[0166] (2a) In the second embodiment, the sales system 1 (specifically, the server control unit 33) evaluates the results of the user's patch test based on an image of the user's skin taken a predetermined time after the application of the patch test liquid.

[0167] As mentioned in (1e) above, some consumers may be concerned about having to evaluate the results of a patch test themselves. The above-described configuration provides consumers with peace of mind, knowing that the sales service provider will evaluate the results of their patch test. Therefore, a sales service can be realized that makes it easy for consumers with such concerns to try hair color products.

[0168] (2b) In particular, when the results of a user's patch test are evaluated based on captured images that have been color-corrected based on the color of a color sample, the variability in the evaluation due to the imaging environment, such as brightness and the color of the light source, can be reduced (specifically, the variability in the calculated abnormality probability value).

[0169] (2c) When the results of a user's patch test are evaluated based on the image of the applied area and the image of the non-applied area, it is possible to reduce the variation in evaluation due to differences in the user's skin color. Furthermore, for example, when the image of the applied area and the image of the non-applied area are created from the same captured image, it is also possible to reduce the variation in evaluation due to the imaging environment and the settings of the imaging unit 23.

[0170] (2d) When the results of a user's patch test are evaluated based on captured images that allow identification of the three-dimensional shape of the user's skin, it becomes possible to perform an evaluation that takes into account not only color but also the three-dimensional shape of swelling, bumps, etc. Therefore, the results of a user's patch test can be evaluated more accurately than when the results are based on captured images that make it difficult to identify the three-dimensional shape.

[0171] In the second embodiment, the processes of S101, S201, S202, and S501 above correspond to an example of a process performed by an information acquisition unit. The processes of S102 and S404 above correspond to an example of a process performed by a sales suspension determination unit. The processes of S203 to S206 above correspond to an example of a process performed by a type selection unit. The processes of S402 and S405 above correspond to an example of a process performed by a settlement unit. The process of S503 above corresponds to an example of a process performed by a result evaluation unit.

[0172] 3. Third Embodiment [3-1.Configuration] The configuration of the third embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, so differences will be explained below.

[0173] In the third embodiment, dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated app) for the user to use the sales service is stored in the terminal storage unit 24 of the terminal device 2. The terminal storage unit 24 also stores general-purpose application software (hereinafter referred to as a calendar app) for managing the user's schedule, general-purpose application software (hereinafter referred to as a health management app) for recording the user's biometric information, and the like.

[0174] [3-2. Processing] In the third embodiment, a user can use the sales service by using a dedicated app on the terminal device 2. When the user launches the dedicated app, processing is executed by the terminal control unit 25 (specifically, the CPU 251). The flow of processing executed by the terminal control unit 25 while the dedicated app is running will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0175] First, in S601, the terminal control unit 25 conducts a first questionnaire. Specifically, as in N104 to N107 above, the terminal control unit 25 displays the questions (A) to (C) on the display unit 21 and acquires the user's answers to the questions via the input unit 22. Then, as in N108 above, the terminal control unit 25 determines whether the user has a hair color allergy based on the user's answer to question (A). In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 25 also determines whether the user has a hair color allergy based on the user's answer to question (B). If it is determined that the user has a hair color allergy based on the user's answers to questions (A) and (B) above, the terminal control unit 25 determines to discontinue sale of the hair color product to the user and displays that fact on the display unit 21. Then, the terminal control unit 25 ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is not allergic to hair color based on the user's answers to the questions (A) and (B) above, the terminal control unit 25 determines not to stop selling the hair color product to the user and proceeds to processing S602.

[0176] In S602, the terminal control unit 25 conducts the second questionnaire. Specifically, the terminal control unit 25 displays questions about the desired finish on the display unit 21, as in N110 to N113 above, and acquires the user's answers to the questions via the input unit 22.

[0177] Next, in S603, the terminal control unit 25 selects a hair color product to sell to the user based on the user's responses acquired in S601 and S602, as in N114 above. In the present embodiment, the terminal control unit 25 selects either a product containing an intermediate or a product not containing an intermediate as the hair color product to sell to the user, as in the first embodiment. Then, the terminal control unit 25 displays the selected hair color product as a recommended product on the display unit 21, as in N115 to N116 above. As described in the explanation of the product screen in N115 above, the terminal control unit 25 also displays information about the recommended product on the display unit 21. Details of the information about the recommended product are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0178] While a recommended product is displayed on display unit 21, the user can use input unit 22 to complete the purchase procedure for that hair color product. As in N117 to N118 above, when the user completes the purchase procedure for the recommended product and a purchase request for the recommended product is acquired in S604, terminal control unit 25 proceeds to the processing of S605.

[0179] In S605, terminal control unit 25 calculates the payment amount for the hair color product related to the purchase request (i.e., the purchased product) as in N119 above. Then, terminal control unit 25 displays the calculated payment amount on display unit 21.

[0180] With the payment amount displayed on the display unit 21, the user can use the input unit 22 to carry out payment procedures. When the terminal control unit 25 receives via the input unit 22 information that the payment procedure for the purchased item has been completed, it transmits this information to the sales device 3 from the terminal communication unit 26. When the server communication unit 31 receives information that the payment procedure for the purchased item has been completed, the server control unit 33 stores the purchase history (specifically, the purchased item and the payment amount) in the user database. The server control unit 33 then carries out a shipping process, and the purchased item is shipped to the user.

[0181] After receiving the purchased product, the user performs a patch test on the purchased product, as in the above-mentioned N120. At this time, the user can receive support for the patch test using a dedicated app. The patch test support includes, for example, a lecture on how to perform the patch test, notification of the timing to observe the skin during the patch test, advice on how to photograph the skin for reporting the patch test results, and the provision of reference information for the user to evaluate the patch test results. In this way, the dedicated app supports the user in performing the patch test.

[0182] If the user requests support for the patch test using the dedicated app, the terminal control unit 25 provides a lecture on how to perform the patch test in S606. For example, the terminal control unit 25 displays a video on the display unit 21 showing how to prepare a test solution for the patch test, the steps of the patch test, etc. This video may be stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 24 of the terminal device 2, or may be obtained by communication with the vending device 3. The user can perform the patch test while referring to the video displayed on the display unit 21.

[0183] The terminal control unit 25 also instructs the user via the display unit 21 to report that the patch test has started (in other words, that the test liquid for the patch test has been applied to the skin). In S607, the terminal control unit 25 receives, via the input unit 22, a report that the patch test has started (hereinafter referred to as a start report).

[0184] When 30 minutes have passed since receiving the start report in S607, the terminal control unit 25 performs a primary status check in S608, which is the first status check to check the user's physical condition. Specifically, the terminal control unit 25 displays, for example, a pop-up notification on the display unit 21, asking the user if there are any problems with their physical condition. Note that the primary status check may be performed by means of a method other than a pop-up notification, such as an alarm.

[0185] If a response indicating a health problem is received via input unit 22, terminal control unit 25 determines to stop selling the hair color product to the user. Then, terminal control unit 25 displays on display unit 21 that the patch test should be terminated. In this embodiment, because the user has already completed the payment procedure, terminal control unit 25 proceeds to processing of S614, which will be described later, and transmits to vending device 3 a notice that a refund is required (hereinafter referred to as a refund notification).

[0186] On the other hand, if a response indicating that the user's physical condition is fine is received via input unit 22, terminal control unit 25 determines not to discontinue the sale of the hair color product to the user and proceeds to the processing of S609. Then, in S609, terminal control unit 25 instructs the user via display unit 21 to capture an image of their skin as a report of the current patch test results. With the dedicated app running, the user can capture an image of their own skin using imaging unit 23. At this time, the area on the skin where the test liquid for the patch test should be applied is displayed superimposed on the image captured by imaging unit 23.

[0187] As described in the first embodiment, when capturing an image of the skin, it may be displayed on the display unit 21 that it is preferable to capture an image of the skin together with a color sample rather than the skin alone. In this case, the position and size of the color sample relative to the application area on the skin may be displayed superimposed on the image captured by the imaging unit 23. Furthermore, it may be displayed on the display unit 21 that it is preferable to capture an image in a format that allows the three-dimensional shape of the skin to be identified. In this case, an image that serves as a guide for alignment when capturing multiple still images as captured images that allow the three-dimensional shape to be identified, or a trajectory along which the terminal device 2 should be moved when capturing a video as the captured image, may be displayed superimposed on the image captured by the imaging unit 23.

[0188] When the imaging of the user's skin using imaging unit 23 is completed, terminal control unit 25 instructs the user via display unit 21 to continue the patch test. Terminal control unit 25 also transmits the captured image of the user's skin from terminal communication unit 26 to vending device 3. The transmitted captured image is received by server communication unit 31 and stored in the user database by server control unit 33.

[0189] When 48 hours have passed since receiving the start report in S607, the terminal control unit 25 performs a second status check, which is a second status check to check the user's physical condition, in S610. The method of the second status check is the same as the method of the first status check in S608.

[0190] If a response indicating a health problem is received via input unit 22, terminal control unit 25 determines to stop selling the hair color product to the user, as in S608, and displays a message on display unit 21 indicating that the patch test should be terminated. Terminal control unit 25 then proceeds to the processing of S614, which will be described later, and sends a refund notice to vending device 3.

[0191] On the other hand, if a response indicating that the user's health is fine is received via input unit 22, terminal control unit 25 determines not to stop selling the hair color product to the user, as in S608, and proceeds to the processing of S611. Then, in S611, terminal control unit 25 instructs the user via display unit 21 to take an image of their skin, as in S609. Once the image of the user's skin using imaging unit 23 is completed, terminal control unit 25 transmits the captured image of the user's skin from terminal communication unit 26 to vending device 3. The transmitted captured image is received by server communication unit 31 and stored in the user database by server control unit 33.

[0192] Next, the terminal control unit 25 transmits to the vending device 3 a request to provide reference information for the user to evaluate the results of the patch test (hereinafter referred to as an information request). When the server communication unit 31 receives the information request, the server control unit 33 selects a captured image of a third party appropriate to the user from among the captured images of third parties already stored in the user database, as in N124 above. Then, as in N125 above, the server control unit 33 transmits the captured image of the third party selected appropriate to the user and the third party's usage history for the hair color product corresponding to the captured image of the third party as reference information to the terminal device 2. In S612, the terminal control unit 25 displays the reference information (specifically, the captured image and usage history of the third party) acquired via the device communication unit 26 on the display unit 21, as in N126 above. The user can evaluate the results of their own patch test while referring to the reference information displayed on the display unit 21.

[0193] Furthermore, terminal control unit 25 instructs the user via display unit 21 to report whether or not the patch test results are abnormal. In S613, if a report that the patch test results are abnormal is received via input unit 22, terminal control unit 25 determines to stop selling the hair color product to the user. As described above, in this embodiment, since the user has already completed the payment procedure, terminal control unit 25 then transmits a refund-required notice to vending device 3 in S614. When the refund-required notice is received by server communication unit 31, the server control unit 33 performs the refund procedure, as in N130 above.

[0194] On the other hand, if a report is received in S613 via input unit 22 indicating that the patch test results were normal, terminal control unit 25 determines not to discontinue sales of the hair color product to the user. Then, in S615, terminal control unit 25 provides advice on the timing of hair dyeing. Because the occurrence of skin disorders due to the use of a hair color product is influenced by the user's physical condition, terminal control unit 25 estimates the recommended or unrecommended times for hair dyeing based on information obtained from, for example, a calendar app or a health management app, and displays those times on display unit 21.

[0195] The user can dye their hair using the purchased product as in N131 above, referring to the hair dyeing timing displayed on the display unit 21. Then, the user reports that they have dyed their hair using the input unit 22 as in N132 above.

[0196] When the terminal control unit 25 receives the report that the hair dyeing was performed in S616, it performs after-sales follow-up in S617. Specifically, as in N134 to N137 above, the terminal control unit 25 displays questions on the display unit 21 asking the user about their satisfaction with the hair color product used for hair dyeing and any symptoms caused by using the hair color product, and acquires the user's responses via the input unit 22. The terminal control unit 25 then transmits the acquired user responses from the terminal communication unit 26 to the vending device 3. When the transmitted user responses are received by the server communication unit 31, information obtained from the responses, such as the user's satisfaction and any symptoms caused by using the product, is registered in the user database by the server control unit 33. This information is used in the present sales service in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0197] [3-3. Effects] According to the third embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved, and further, the following effects are achieved.

[0198] (3a) In the third embodiment, a dedicated app supports the implementation of a patch test. Specifically, the terminal control unit 25 provides a lecture on the patch test method, a notification of the timing for observing the skin during the patch test, advice on how to capture skin images for reporting the patch test results, and reference information for the user to evaluate the patch test results.

[0199] It is believed that some consumers are concerned about whether they can properly conduct a patch test themselves. With the above-described configuration, users can receive support for conducting a patch test by using a dedicated app, allowing them to conduct the patch test with greater peace of mind. In other words, a sales service can be realized that makes it easier for consumers who are concerned about conducting a patch test to purchase hair color products with even greater peace of mind.

[0200] (3b) In the third embodiment, advice on the timing of hair dyeing is provided by a dedicated app. Specifically, the terminal control unit 25 presents the user with recommended or unrecommended times for hair dyeing via the display unit 21 based on information obtained from general-purpose application software other than the dedicated app, such as a calendar app or a health management app.

[0201] As mentioned above, whether or not skin problems will occur due to the use of hair color products is influenced by factors such as the user's physical condition. With the above-described configuration, users can feel reassured that they will be informed of the best time to dye their hair when skin problems due to the use of hair color products are less likely to occur. This allows for a sales service that allows users who are concerned about skin problems to purchase hair color products with even greater peace of mind.

[0202] 4. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0203] (4a) In the above embodiment, the types of hair color products sold to users include products containing intermediates and products not containing intermediates. However, the hair color products sold to users do not necessarily include products containing intermediates, and may include, for example, only products not containing intermediates. In other words, the sales service may be a service that sells only products not containing intermediates.

[0204] (4b) If the sales service is premised on selling products that do not contain intermediates, the target audience of the sales service may be limited to those with a high level of concern about skin irritation caused by the use of hair color products. The level of concern about skin irritation caused by the use of hair color products may be estimated by conducting a prior survey of the target audience. By limiting the target audience of the sales service to those with a high level of concern about skin irritation, it becomes easier to provide hair color products that are expected to be less likely to cause skin irritation (i.e., products that do not contain intermediates) to consumers who desire such products.

[0205] (4c) In the above embodiment, the hair color product sold to the user is selected based on the user's eligibility for hair color allergy and the user's level of anxiety regarding the use of the hair color product. Specifically, either a product containing an intermediate or a product not containing an intermediate is selected. However, the requirements for selecting the type of hair color product sold to the user are not limited to the user's eligibility for hair color allergy and the user's level of anxiety. For example, the type of hair color product sold to the user may be selected based solely on the user's eligibility for hair color allergy. Furthermore, because products not containing intermediates have slightly fewer color variations after dyeing compared to products containing intermediates, the type of hair color product sold to the user may be selected, for example, based on a balance between the user's level of anxiety regarding the use of the hair color product and the user's desired color after dyeing.

[0206] Furthermore, for example, if a user is using the sales service for the second or subsequent time, and the user's patch test results and follow-up responses are already stored in the user database, the type of hair color product to be sold to the user during this use of the sales service may be selected based on this information. For example, even if the patch test results indicate no abnormalities, the type of hair color product to be sold to the user during this use of the sales service may be selected based on a classification of the skin's level of reaction to the test solution within the range considered normal for patch test results, based on a corresponding captured image of the user's skin. For such classification, the user's responses during the corresponding follow-up may be used in addition to or instead of the corresponding captured image of the user's skin.

[0207] (4d) In the above embodiment, the hair color products sold to users include both intermediate-containing products and intermediate-free products. However, the hair color products sold to users may be, for example, either intermediate-containing products or intermediate-free products. Furthermore, for example, hair color products may be included that contain a small amount of oxidative dye intermediates compared to general hair color products (i.e., intermediate-containing products). Although such hair color products may be more likely to cause skin disorders when used compared to hair color products that are substantially free of oxidative dye intermediates (i.e., intermediate-free products), they are expected to be less likely to cause such skin disorders compared to general hair color products.

[0208] (4e) In the above embodiment, either a product containing intermediates or a product not containing intermediates is selected as the hair color product to be sold to the user. The selected hair color product is then recommended to the user via display unit 21. At this time, for example, in addition to the selected hair color product, products other than hair color products, such as shampoos and treatments, may be recommended to the user. For example, if a product not containing intermediates is selected, shampoos and treatments that are thought to be less likely to cause skin irritation when used may be recommended to the user. Furthermore, for example, for a user for whom it has been determined that the sale of a hair color product should be discontinued, other products, such as hair manicures and color treatments, that are thought to be less likely to cause skin irritation than the hair color product, may be recommended.

[0209] (4f) In the second embodiment, the server control unit 33 evaluates the results of the patch test based on the captured image of the user's skin. Specifically, the server control unit 33 in the second embodiment evaluates the results of the patch test using two options: presence or absence of abnormality. However, the server control unit 33 may also evaluate the results of the patch test using three options: presence of abnormality, unknown abnormality, and no abnormality. In this case, for example, if the server control unit 33 evaluates the results as unknown abnormality, the server control unit 33 may execute a process to ask a doctor for a diagnosis.

[0210] This configuration allows for more accurate evaluation of patch test results, and also reduces costs compared to having a doctor evaluate all patch test results to improve accuracy of patch test result evaluation.

[0211] (4g) For example, it is also possible to use the evaluation of the patch test results by the server control unit 33 based on the captured image of the user's skin, as in the second embodiment, for diagnosis by a doctor. For example, when a doctor does not examine a patient face-to-face, such as in a remote consultation, the accuracy of the diagnosis may decrease. However, by utilizing the evaluation of the patch test results by the server control unit 33 as described above, it is possible to suppress the decrease in accuracy of the diagnosis.

[0212] (4h) In the above embodiment, two questionnaires (first and second questionnaires) are administered to the user from the time the user starts using the sales service until the time the user selects a hair color product, but the number of questionnaires is not particularly limited. For example, the first and second questionnaires in the above embodiment may be administered together in one session, or may be administered in three or more sessions. For example, as in the above embodiment, when it is determined whether to discontinue the sale of a hair color product to the user based on the user's response to question (A), only question (A) above may be asked of the user first. Also, for example, only some of the questions (A) to (C) above may be asked of the user.

[0213] (4i) In the above embodiment, the user is asked about their level of anxiety about using hair color products, such as skin irritation caused by using hair color products, as the level of anxiety about using hair color products (C). However, the level of anxiety about using hair color products is not limited to the level of anxiety about skin irritation caused by using hair color products, and the user may be asked about the following levels of anxiety, for example:

[0214] · Concerns regarding the functionality of hair color products. For example, concerns about the dyeing, finish, color retention, and degree of color fading prevention when using hair color products, the feel and texture of the hair after dyeing, the degree of dirt on the scalp caused by dyeing, damage to the hair caused by dyeing, and irritation during dyeing.

[0215] Emotional anxiety before using hair color products (i.e., before dyeing hair). For example, anxiety about how others see you with gray hair, anxiety about not understanding how gray hair works, anxiety about not knowing when to dye your hair, anxiety about not knowing the right hair dye for you, anxiety about others seeing you using hair dye, anxiety about others knowing that you are dyeing your hair.

[0216] -Level of emotional anxiety while using hair color products (i.e., dyeing hair). For example, anxiety about dyeing your hair without knowing if you're doing it correctly, anxiety about dyeing your hair without having a clear image of how it will look when it's finished, anxiety that there's too much to think about beforehand and you can't just get started on dyeing your hair, anxiety about the amount of work it will take to clean up after dyeing your hair, etc.

[0217] - Emotional anxiety after using hair color products (i.e., after dyeing hair). For example, worries about not knowing how to deal with gray hair, worries about whether dyeing your hair will be able to completely turn a "-" (minus) into a "0" (zero), worries about whether dyeing your hair will really be able to turn a "0" into a "+" (plus), worries about the youthfulness and beauty of your hair that may be sacrificed by dyeing your hair, worries that dyeing your gray hair will not change your impression at all, worries about the hassle of having to worry about things that are not really the main point, etc.

[0218] (4j) In the above embodiment, sales services are provided to users by terminal device 2 or sales device 3 executing various processes in sales system 1. However, some of the processes executed by terminal device 2 or sales device 3 may be performed by a human. For example, after terminal device 2 or sales device 3 conducts the first and second questionnaires, an operator or other person providing the sales service may select a hair color product to sell to the user based on the user's responses to each questionnaire, as in N114 above. The operator or other person may then explain the recommended hair color product to the user, for example, by telephone, as in N115 to N116 above. Similarly, after the user uses a hair color product, the operator or other person may interview the user about their satisfaction level, symptoms caused by using the product, and the like, as part of after-sales follow-up, as in N134 to N137 above.

[0219] (4k) In the above embodiment, the questionnaire for users is a multiple choice questionnaire, but it may be a free response questionnaire. In the free response questionnaire, for example, a chatbot or an automated telephone response function may be used.

[0220] (4l) In the third embodiment, after the user starts a patch test, a primary condition check and a secondary condition check are performed to check the user's physical condition. If a problem occurs with the user's physical condition as a result of the patch test, it may be advisable for the user to be examined by a doctor such as a dermatologist. Therefore, for example, when the terminal control unit 25 receives a report from the user that the patch test has started (i.e., a start report), the terminal control unit 25 may execute a process to notify the doctor that the user has started the patch test. In this process, the terminal control unit 25 may select, as the doctor to notify, a doctor who is close to the user's current location or a doctor who is knowledgeable about hair color allergies, for example.

[0221] Furthermore, for example, the terminal control unit 25 may instruct the user via the display unit 21 to carry out a patch test by wearing a device capable of measuring biological information such as heart rate and capable of communicating with the terminal device 2. In this case, the terminal control unit 25 may, for example, determine that a problem has occurred in the user's physical condition when the user's biological information reaches an abnormal value, and may execute processing to notify a doctor of this fact.

[0222] With this configuration, if a problem occurs in the user's physical condition as a result of the patch test, the user can be examined by a doctor at an early stage.

[0223] (4m) In the third embodiment, as a lecture on the patch test method, a video showing how to prepare a test solution for the patch test, the procedure for the patch test, etc. is displayed on the display unit 21. Such a video or other video lecture on the method may also be given on the use of hair color products, i.e., hair dyeing.

[0224] For example, after using the hair color product, i.e., after dyeing the hair, the user may be instructed to provide a captured image of the dyed hair. Then, based on the captured image of the dyed hair of the user, a lecture on improving the hair dyeing method may be given.

[0225] (4n) In the third embodiment, advice on when to dye hair is provided by linking the dedicated app with general-purpose application software other than the dedicated app, such as a calendar app or a health management app. In addition to such advice on when to dye hair, information obtained from general-purpose application software other than the dedicated app may also be used. For example, if a rash or other symptoms occur after using a hair color product, the conditions under which the rash or other symptoms occurred may be verified based on the hair dye history obtained from the calendar app or the like.

[0226] (4o) In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, reference information that can be helpful for the user in evaluating the results of the patch test is provided to the user. However, even when a dedicated app is used as in the third embodiment, the results of the patch test may be evaluated in the sales system 1 and the evaluation may be presented to the user as in the second embodiment.

[0227] (4p) In the patch test of the above embodiment, the skin condition is observed twice: 30 minutes and 48 hours after application of the test liquid. However, the timing of observing the skin condition is not limited to 30 minutes and 48 hours after application of the test liquid. For example, the skin condition may also be observed after 48 hours or more. This is because some users may develop symptoms such as a rash after 48 hours or more, for example, 72 hours, after application of the test liquid.

[0228] (4q) In the above embodiment, if a user is determined to have a hair color allergy based on their response to questions (A) or (B) above, it is determined that the sale of the hair color product to the user will be discontinued. A user determined to have a hair color allergy may also have an allergic reaction to ingredients other than those contained in the hair color product. Therefore, for example, in addition to discontinuing the sale of the hair color product to a user determined to have a hair color allergy, the user may be warned that they may also have an allergic reaction to ingredients other than those contained in the hair color product. Furthermore, for example, a user determined to have a hair color allergy may be provided with information about the allergy, may be recommended to undergo a blood test to confirm the allergy, or may be sent a special patch test kit for ingredients other than those contained in the hair color product.

[0229] (4r) In the above embodiment, if a user is determined to have a hair color allergy based on their response to questions (A) or (B) above, it is determined that the sale of hair color products to the user will be discontinued. That is, neither intermediate-containing nor intermediate-free products will be sold to a user determined to have a hair color allergy. However, as mentioned above, intermediate-free products are considered less likely to cause skin damage upon use than general hair color products (i.e., products containing intermediates). Therefore, for example, even if a user has experienced skin damage when using general hair color products, in other words, a user who may be determined to have a hair color allergy, if a doctor has diagnosed the user as being able to use products that do not contain intermediates, the sale of hair color products to the user may not be discontinued, and intermediate-free products may be recommended.

[0230] (4s) In the above embodiment, a general-purpose smartphone and a tablet terminal owned by a user are exemplified as the terminal device 2. Other specific examples of the terminal device 2 include an accessory terminal attached to a general-purpose smartphone or tablet terminal owned by a user, a general-purpose personal computer usable by a user, and an information terminal dedicated to this sales service.

[0231] (4t) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0232] (4u) In addition to the sales system 1 described above, the present disclosure can be realized in various forms, such as the terminal device 2 (specifically, the terminal control unit 25) or the sales device 3 (specifically, the server control unit 33) that constitute the sales system 1, a program for causing a computer to function as the terminal control unit 25 or the server control unit 33, and a medium on which this program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0233] 1...Sales system, 2...Terminal device, 21...Display unit, 22...Input unit, 23...Imaging unit, 24...Terminal memory unit, 25...Terminal control unit, 26...Terminal communication unit, 3...Sales device, 31...Server communication unit, 32...Server memory unit, 33...Server control unit, 4...Communication network.

Claims

1. A hair color product sales system for multiple users, an information acquisition unit that acquires skin disorder information, which is information indicating the possibility of the user developing a skin disorder due to use of a hair color product, and an anxiety level response, which is the user's response to a question to confirm the user's anxiety level regarding use of the hair color product; a sales discontinuation determination unit that determines whether to discontinue sales of a hair color product to the user based on the skin disorder information acquired by the information acquisition unit; a type selection unit that, when the sales discontinuation determination unit determines not to discontinue the sale of hair color products to the user, selects a type of hair color product to sell to the user based on the skin disorder information and the anxiety level response acquired by the information acquisition unit; A sales system that includes:

2. The sales system according to claim 1, the information acquisition unit acquires, as the skin disorder information, an occurrence likelihood response that is the user's response to a question for assessing the possibility of the user developing a skin disorder caused by use of a hair color product; The sales system, wherein the sales discontinuation determination unit determines whether to discontinue sales of a hair color product to the user based on the occurrence likelihood response acquired by the information acquisition unit.

3. The sales system according to claim 1 or 2, the information acquisition unit acquires, as the skin disorder information, a result of a patch test of the user on a hair color product; The sales system, wherein the sales discontinuation determination unit determines whether to discontinue sales of a hair color product to the user based on the results of the patch test of the user acquired by the information acquisition unit.

4. The sales system according to claim 3, a payment unit that calculates a payment amount for the hair color product sold to the user, The settlement unit reduces the settlement amount for the hair color product when the sales cancellation determination unit determines that the sale of the hair color product to the user should be canceled.

5. A sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In this sales system, the candidates for hair color products to be sold to the user include intermediate-free products, which are hair color products that do not substantially contain oxidative dye intermediates.

6. A sales system according to claim 5, The type selection unit selects a product that does not contain the intermediate as the type of hair color product to be sold to the user when the anxiety level based on the anxiety level response is greater than a predetermined standard.

7. A method for selling hair color products executed by a hair color product sales system, comprising: Acquiring skin disorder information that indicates the possibility of a user having a skin disorder caused by use of a hair color product; acquiring an anxiety level response from the user to a question for ascertaining the user's anxiety level regarding use of a hair color product; determining whether to discontinue sales of the hair color product to the user based on the acquired skin disorder information; If it is determined that the sale of hair color products to the user will not be discontinued, selecting a type of hair color product to be sold to the user based on the acquired skin disorder information and the anxiety level response; A method for selling hair color products comprising:

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