Shopping support system, shopping support method, and program

Abstract

To provide a shopping support system capable of facilitating shopping.SOLUTION: A shopping support system comprises a search unit, a selection unit, a route identification unit, and an output control unit. The search unit searches for a recipe. The selection unit selects a commodity whose route in a store is to be output among commodities included in the searched recipe on the basis of information for the commodity which a customer desires to purchase. The route identification unit identifies a route from a prescribed position to the selected commodity. The output control unit outputs the identified route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shopping support system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Customers may search for recipes on the Internet or elsewhere.

[0003] There is also a technology for displaying a shopping route for shopping at a store. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for creating a shopping route to lead a customer based on a shopping list, store layout, and product information. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a technology for displaying ingredients needed for cooking on a display, and when a guide button is pressed, displaying a route from the current location to the selected ingredients needed for cooking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-003860 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-288297 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Customers may shop with a recipe in mind, and products can be difficult to find in stores.

[0006] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a shopping support system that facilitates shopping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A shopping support system in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a search means for searching for recipes, a selection means for selecting a product from the searched recipe based on information about the product that the customer wishes to purchase, for which a route through the store will be output, a route identification means for identifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product, and an output control means for outputting the identified route.

[0008] A shopping support method in one aspect of the present disclosure searches for a recipe, and based on information about a product that a customer wishes to purchase, selects a product from the searched recipe for which a route within the store is to be output, identifies a route from a specified location to the selected product, and outputs the identified route.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to search for a recipe, and based on information about a product that a customer wishes to purchase, select a product from the searched recipe for which a route within the store will be output, identify a route from a specified location to the selected product, and output the identified route.

[0010] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, shopping can be made easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a shopping support system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the shopping support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connection between a shopping support system and a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a shopping support system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying searched recipes and ingredients included in the recipes. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying searched recipes and ingredients included in the recipes. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a route display. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a product acquired by a customer is excluded from a route. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying related products. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the shopping support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a similar recipe. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a shopping support system, a shopping support method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The disclosed technology is not limited to these embodiments.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) In the first embodiment, basic functions of a shopping support system will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shopping support system according to the first embodiment. The shopping support system 10 includes a search unit 101, a selection unit 102, a route identification unit 103, and an output control unit 104.

[0015] Here, the store is a store that sells food ingredients, such as a supermarket or supercenter.

[0016] The search unit 101 searches for a recipe. The recipe may be a recipe for a menu specified by a customer's operation, or may be a recipe for a predetermined menu, and is not particularly limited. The search system for searching for recipes may be included in the shopping support system 10, or may be connected to the shopping support system 10 via a communication network or the like, and is not particularly limited. If the search system is connected to the shopping support system 10 via a communication network or the like, the search unit 101 may search for a recipe using the search system.

[0017] The selection unit 102 selects a product from among the products included in the searched recipes, for which a route through the store is to be displayed, based on information about the product the customer wishes to purchase. The information about the product the customer wishes to purchase may be information about a product included in the searched recipe other than a product owned by the customer. The product owned by the customer may be a product in the customer's pantry or a product in the customer's home. The customer's pantry may be a refrigerator, pantry, or other device capable of storing food, and is not particularly limited. In the following explanation, a refrigerator will be used as an example of the customer's pantry.

[0018] The route identification unit 103 identifies a route from a predetermined location to the selected product. The predetermined location is the starting point of the route. The predetermined location may be a fixed location or the customer's location. The fixed location may be, for example, the entrance to the store or the location of the terminal device that outputs the route, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, as customers move around the store, their locations change dynamically. The customer's location may be identified by an imaging device installed in the store, or may be the location of the customer's terminal device identified by the radio wave intensity of wireless communication between the customer's terminal device and a communication device using short-range wireless communication. Specifically, for example, the route identification unit 103 identifies a route from the predetermined location to the selected product based on layout information of the store. The layout information includes information about the aisles in the store, pre-defined product location information, etc.

[0019] The output control unit 104 outputs the route. The route may be output by displaying it on a display device or by audio output from an audio output device, and is not particularly limited. In the following explanation, an example in which the route is displayed on a display device will be described. Here, the terminal device equipped with the display device may be a terminal device carried by a customer, or may be a terminal device fixedly installed in a store.

[0020] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the shopping support system 10 according to the first embodiment. The search unit 101 searches for a recipe (step S101). Next, the selection unit 102 selects a product for which a route through the store is to be displayed from among the products included in the searched recipe, based on information about the product that the customer wishes to purchase (step S102).

[0021] Next, the route specifying unit 103 specifies a route from the predetermined position to the selected product (step S103). The output control unit 104 outputs the route (step S104), and the process ends.

[0022] As described above, in the first embodiment, the shopping support system 10 selects a product for which a route in a store is to be displayed from among the products included in the searched recipes based on information about the product that the customer wishes to purchase, and specifies a route from a predetermined location to the selected product. The shopping support system 10 then outputs the route. This facilitates shopping and reduces the effort required for shopping, such as deciding on a recipe. For example, it makes it easier to find products in a store that take the recipe into consideration. Furthermore, shopping along the route can shorten the time required for shopping.

[0023] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, examples of products that a customer wishes to purchase from among the products included in a recipe will be described in more detail. In addition, the second embodiment will be described with an example in which a route is displayed on the display device of the customer's terminal device. Below, explanations of content that overlaps with the above explanation will be omitted to the extent that the explanation of the second embodiment is not unclear.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between a shopping support system and a terminal device. The shopping support system 20 is connected to a terminal device 21 via a communication network NT. The terminal device 21 is, for example, a device that can be operated by a customer and carried by the customer. The type of terminal device 21 is not particularly limited, and may be a smartphone, a tablet device, a dedicated device for a store, or the like. The terminal device 21 is assumed to have an application program for shopping at the store pre-installed, for example. The terminal device 21 exchanges various types of information with the shopping support system 20 via the application program.

[0025] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a shopping support system 20 according to the second embodiment. The shopping support system 20 includes a search unit 201, a selection unit 202, a route identification unit 203, an output control unit 204, an excluded product acceptance unit 205, an acquisition unit 206, a related product identification unit 207, and a product designation unit 208. The excluded product acceptance unit 205, the acquisition unit 206, and the product designation unit 208 are added to the shopping support system 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] The search unit 201 has the search unit 101 according to the first embodiment as a basic function. The selection unit 202 has the selection unit 102 according to the first embodiment as a basic function. The path determination unit 203 has the path determination unit 103 according to the first embodiment as a basic function. The output control unit 204 has the output control unit 104 according to the first embodiment as a basic function.

[0027] The shopping support system 20 includes a product DB 2001, a registration list DB 2002, and a customer DB 2003. The product DB 2001 stores product information for each product. For example, the product DB 2001 stores product identification information for identifying a product in association with product information. The product identification information may be any information that can uniquely identify a product, such as a product code. The product information may include, but is not limited to, the product name, product price, product inventory, product classification, information indicating whether the product is a new product, information indicating whether the product is a sale item, and product identification information for interchangeable products. The product classification may be any information that can identify the relationship between products. The product classification may be broad, such as sales areas for vegetables, meat, confectionery, frozen foods, fresh foods, and seasonings. The product classification may also be broad, such as potato chips and curry roux. The product classification may also include both broad and narrow classifications.

[0028] The registration list DB2002 is a list of product registrations for each customer. For example, the registration list DB2002 stores the latest list for each customer for which payment has not yet been completed. For example, the list stores, for each customer, customer identification information that identifies the customer, product identification information for the products the customer plans to purchase, and purchase quantity information, in association with each other. The customer identification information may be, for example, a customer's name, customer's telephone number, customer's email address, or the like, as long as it can uniquely identify the customer. For example, before starting to register products for a new customer, customer identification information such as a customer ID (identifier) ​​may be assigned to the customer. Note that if there is a member ID such as a point card number or membership number, the member ID may be used as the customer identification information.

[0029] The customer DB 2003 stores information about each customer, which may include a list of ingredients in the customer's refrigerator.

[0030] The search unit 201 searches for recipes for dishes. The dishes are specified by the customer. As a method for specifying a dish, for example, the terminal device 21 may accept the specification of the dish through an operation by the customer. Then, the terminal device 21 transmits the name of the accepted dish, etc. Then, the search unit 201 searches for a recipe for the specified dish.

[0031] Next, the selection unit 202 selects a product from among the products included in the searched recipes, based on the information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase, for which a route through the store is to be displayed. Here, the product included in the searched recipe is a product that corresponds to an ingredient included in the searched recipe. For example, a product that corresponds to an ingredient is a product that corresponds to an ingredient among products sold in the store. Furthermore, the product that corresponds to an ingredient may be a product that is estimated to be purchased by the customer based on the customer's purchase history, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the information on the product that the customer wishes to purchase may be information on a product included in the searched recipe other than the product that the customer owns. An example in which the product that the customer owns is a product included in the list of ingredients in the refrigerator and an example in which the product is specified by the customer will be described.

[0033] <Example of excluding items from the list of ingredients in the refrigerator> Here, for example, the acquisition unit 206 acquires a list of products in the customer's refrigerator. In this case, the products that the customer wishes to purchase are products included in the recipe but not included in the acquired list. The acquisition unit 206 may acquire the list from an application program that manages ingredients in the refrigerator and store it in the customer DB 2003 or the like. Note that the list of products in the customer's refrigerator may be created by detection using a sensor such as an imaging device installed in the refrigerator. Then, the selection unit 202 selects products included in the searched recipe but not included in the acquired list as products for which a route through the store is to be output.

[0034] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying searched recipes and ingredients contained in the recipes. In Fig. 5, the screen displayed on terminal device 21 includes a search field, a display field for searched recipes and ingredients contained in the recipes, and a "Show store route" button.

[0035] The name of the dish specified by the customer, "curry," is entered in the search field. The terminal device 21 transmits the name of the dish to the shopping support system 20. The search unit 201 then searches for the specified dish. The output control unit 204 causes the terminal device 21 to display the searched recipe and the ingredients contained in the recipe.

[0036] The "Display store route" button is a button that triggers output of the store route.

[0037] Although not shown, information indicating that the ingredient is included in the list of ingredients in the refrigerator may be displayed on the screen.

[0038] <Examples of exclusions for products designated by the customer> Next, an example will be described in which a product owned by a customer is specified by the customer's operation. In this case, the product that the customer wishes to purchase is a product included in the recipe other than the accepted product.

[0039] For example, the excluded product receiving unit 205 receives designation of products that are owned by the customer from among the products included in the recipe.

[0040] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of searched recipes and ingredients included in the recipes. In Fig. 6, the screen displayed on terminal device 21 includes a search field, a display field for searched recipes and ingredients included in the recipes, a "Show store route" button, and an "Exclude" button for each ingredient. Note that, since everything except the "Exclude" button is the same as the example in Fig. 5, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0041] The "Exclude" button is a button for excluding products corresponding to each ingredient from the display of the route. For example, the excluded product receiving unit 205 accepts the product of the ingredient for which the "Exclude" button has been tapped as a product owned by the customer. In the example of FIG. 6, the "Exclude" button corresponding to "carrot" has been tapped.

[0042] The selection unit 202 selects products other than the specified product from among the products included in the searched recipes as products for which a route through the store is to be output. In the example of Fig. 6, the selection unit 202 selects products other than "carrots" from among the products included in the searched recipes.

[0043] <Route display example> Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the route identification unit 203 identifies a route from a predetermined location that passes through the selected product. As explained in the first embodiment, the predetermined location may be the customer's location or a fixed location. In the following explanation, the predetermined location will be explained by taking the location of the customer's terminal device 21 as an example.

[0044] The route identified by the route identification unit 203 may also be a route from a predetermined location to the payment device via the selected product.

[0045] Furthermore, as a method for the route specifying unit 203 to specify a route, the route specifying unit 203 may specify a route based on layout information, as described in the first embodiment.

[0046] The route identification unit 203 may also identify a route that passes through the selected products in a predetermined order of sales areas. Examples of the order of sales areas include an order in which frozen foods are listed last, or an order in which sales areas farthest from the payment device are listed first. Alternatively, the order of sales areas may be a counterclockwise or clockwise order in the store.

[0047] Furthermore, the route specifying unit 203 may specify a route that gives priority to products with low stock among the selected products.

[0048] Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the timing at which the route identification unit 203 identifies the route. This timing may be when the "Display store route" button shown in Figures 5 and 6 is tapped, or when a new product is selected by the selection unit 202.

[0049] The output control unit 204 outputs the identified route to the terminal device 21. The timing at which the output control unit 204 outputs the route to the terminal device 21 may be the timing at which the "Display store route" button shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is tapped, or may be the timing at which a new route is identified by the route identification unit 203.

[0050] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a route display. The output control unit 204 displays the route on the display device of the customer's terminal device 21. In Fig. 7, the route is from the entrance, passing through the selected product, to the checkout device. On the screen, marks indicating the products are added to the route. 7, a triangular mark indicates a selected product. Although not shown, this mark may also display product information such as the product name and price.

[0051] Also, on the screen, marks indicating predetermined positions are added to the route. In Fig. 7, an X mark indicates the predetermined position. Also, in Fig. 7, the end position of the route is the settlement device.

[0052] The screen also includes an "End" button for ending the display on the screen. When the "End" button is tapped, the output control unit 204 ends the display of the route.

[0053] <Examples of excluded products> If the customer has purchased a product at a store, the route may be a route that excludes the purchased product. Products purchased by a customer at a store are also referred to as purchased products.

[0054] Therefore, the excluded product receiving unit 205 receives the designation of products that the customer has acquired at the store from among the products included in the recipe. Here, the customer acquiring a product at the store means, for example, the customer picking up a product displayed and putting it in a shopping basket or shopping cart. Furthermore, the timing at which the excluded product receiving unit 205 receives the designation of an acquired product is not particularly limited. Note that, similar to the example of receiving a held product, the excluded product receiving unit 205 may receive the designation of an acquired product before the route is output. The example of receiving the designation of an acquired product before the route is output may be the same as the example of receiving the designation of a held product, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that, when a route is repeatedly identified and output, the excluded product receiving unit 205 may receive the acquired product after the route is output.

[0055] The selection unit 202 selects products other than the already acquired products from the products included in the recipe. The route identification unit 203 identifies a route from a predetermined position that passes through the selected products.

[0056] Furthermore, when a route is repeatedly output, the selection unit 202 selects, for example, products other than the newly specified product from among the products selected in the previous route output.

[0057] The route specifying unit 203 specifies a route from a predetermined location that passes through the selected product, and the output control unit 204 outputs the route.

[0058] An example of accepting already acquired products will be described with reference to the drawings, taking an example in which a route is repeatedly output.

[0059] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of excluding a product acquired by a customer from a route. In FIG. 8, the excluded product receiving unit 205 receives the designation of a product acquired by the customer, for example, by tapping a mark indicating the product on a screen displaying the initially identified route. For example, suppose that the customer acquires the product "potatoes" at a store. In this case, the excluded product receiving unit 205 receives the designation of the product "potatoes" through the customer's operation on the terminal device 21. Then, the selection unit 202 selects products other than the designated product "potatoes" from the products selected in the previous route output.

[0060] Then, the route specifying unit 203 specifies the route from the location of the customer's terminal device 21 to the selected product.

[0061] When a new route is identified, the output control unit 204 displays the newly identified route on the display device of the terminal device 21. In Fig. 8, the number of marks indicating products shown on the newly identified route has decreased. In other words, the number of selected products has decreased.

[0062] 8, the screen also includes an "End" button for ending the display of the screen. When the "End" button is tapped, the output control unit 204 ends the display of the route.

[0063] <Examples of excluded registered products> There is also scan shopping, in which a customer registers products via the terminal device 21 while shopping. In such cases, the registration list is a list of products registered by the customer at the store. Since products registered on the registration list are products that the customer purchased at the store, there are cases in which the customer wants to exclude the products from the route.

[0064] The acquisition unit 206 acquires the registration list. For example, the acquisition unit 206 may acquire the registration list when a change occurs in the registration list.

[0065] Then, the selection unit 202 selects products other than the registered products from among the products included in the recipe. The selection unit 202 selects products other than the products included in the registration list from among the products included in the recipe.

[0066] When a route is repeatedly output, the selection unit 202 selects, for example, products selected in the previous route output, excluding the newly registered product. The route identification unit 203 identifies a route from a predetermined location that passes through the selected product. Then, the output control unit 204 outputs the route.

[0067] An example will be described in which the terminal device 21 that performs scan shopping and the terminal device 21 that outputs the route are the same. The screen for registering products and the screen that displays the registration list may have a button that can be switched to a screen for searching recipes, for example. Here, the screen for registering products is a screen for reading product identification information, etc. This screen is also called a reading screen. The screen that displays the registration list is a screen that displays the names, prices, total amounts, etc. of the products included in the registration list. This screen is also called a list display screen.

[0068] The screens showing the search results for recipes as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 may have buttons that can be switched to a reading screen or a list display screen.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the reading screen or list display screen may be provided with a button that can switch to a route display screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 or FIG.

[0070] The route display screen may also include a button that can switch to at least one of the reading screen and the list display screen.

[0071] When various buttons are tapped on the terminal device 21, the output control unit 204 switches between various screens.

[0072] <Display related products> For example, a store clerk may want to recommend new products, special sale products, etc. Therefore, the output control unit 204 outputs products related to the products included in the recipe in association with the route.

[0073] Specifically, for example, the related product identification unit 207 identifies products related to the products included in the recipe based on the product DB 2001. As products related to the products included in the recipe, the related product identification unit 207 identifies products that have the same classification as the products included in the recipe in the product DB 2001. Furthermore, the related product identification unit 207 may identify predetermined products such as new products or sale products from products with the same classification based on the product DB 2001. Furthermore, the related product identification unit 207 may identify products that are related to the products included in the recipe and that are on the route.

[0074] Then, the output control unit 204 outputs the identified product in association with the route.

[0075] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying related products. In Fig. 9, the screen displayed on the terminal device 21 includes information indicating that the products are related to the route. In Fig. 9, new products for the product "curry roux" are displayed as related products. This allows customers to find new products and sale items related to the products included in the recipe while shopping in a short amount of time.

[0076] Furthermore, the output control unit 204 may output products related to the product selected by the selection unit 202 in association with the route. Note that the method by which the related product identification unit 207 identifies products related to the selected product is as described above.

[0077] 9, the screen also includes an "End" button for ending the display of the screen. When the "End" button is tapped, the output control unit 204 ends the display of the route.

[0078] <Example of accepting product specifications> The product specification unit 208 accepts specification of products to be included in a recipe. For example, the products are ingredients that a customer wants to include in a recipe. Therefore, the products may be products that the customer wants to purchase, or products that the customer owns. The search unit 201 searches for recipes that include the specified products. This makes it possible to find recipes from products that the customer wants to purchase or products that the customer owns.

[0079] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the shopping support system 20 according to the second embodiment. Here, an example will be described in which a user searches for a recipe and displays a route before starting shopping, and updates the route multiple times while shopping.

[0080] The search unit 201 searches for a recipe (step S201). The acquisition unit 206 acquires a list of refrigerators (step S202). The excluded product acceptance unit 205 accepts the designation of a stocked product (step S203).

[0081] Next, the selection unit 202 selects a product for which a route is to be output from among the products included in the recipe (step S204). In step S204, for example, when a route is to be displayed first, the selection unit 202 selects a product from among the products included in the recipe other than the products in the list of owned products and refrigerators.

[0082] Next, the route identification unit 203 identifies a route that passes through the selected product (step S205). The related product identification unit 207 identifies related products that are related to the selected product (step S206). In step S206, the related product identification unit 207 identifies products that are related to the selected product, such as sale items and new products, as related products based on the product DB 2001.

[0083] The output control unit 204 displays the identified route (step S207). In step S207, the output control unit 204 displays related products in association with the identified route.

[0084] Next, the shopping support system 20 determines whether the product has been acquired or registered (step S208). In step S208, the excluded product receiving unit 205 may determine whether the product has been acquired, or the acquisition unit 206 may determine whether the product has been registered.

[0085] In step S208, if scan shopping is performed, the acquisition unit 206 determines whether the registration list has been updated. If the registration list has been updated, the acquisition unit 206 determines that the product has been registered. Then, the acquisition unit 206 acquires the registration list.

[0086] In step S208, the excluded product receiving unit 205 determines whether a product has been acquired by the customer. When the excluded product receiving unit 205 receives a designation of the acquired product, it determines that the product has been acquired by the customer.

[0087] If the product has been acquired or registered (step S208: Yes), the process returns to step S204. In this case, in step S204, the selection unit 202 selects a product other than the acquired product from among the products selected in the previous route display. Alternatively, the selection unit 202 selects a product other than the registered product from among the products selected in the previous route display.

[0088] If the product has not been acquired or if the product has not been registered (step S208: No), the output control unit 204 determines whether to end the display of the route (step S209). In step S209, the output control unit 204 determines that the display of the route should be ended when the "End" button is tapped on the screen shown in Fig. 7, the screen shown in Fig. 8, the screen shown in Fig. 9, or the like.

[0089] If it is determined that the route display should be ended (step S209: Yes), the shopping support system 20 ends the process. If it is determined that the route display should not be ended (step S209: No), the shopping support system 20 returns to step S208.

[0090] As described above, in the second embodiment, the shopping support system 20 selects a product from among the products included in the searched recipes based on the information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase, for which a route in the store is to be output, and outputs the route to the selected product. This facilitates shopping. It also reduces the effort required for shopping, such as deciding on a recipe. For example, it makes it easier to find a product in a store that takes the recipe into consideration. Furthermore, by shopping along the route, it is possible to shorten the time required for shopping.

[0091] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 accepts the designation of products that the customer owns from among the products included in the recipe, and selects products other than the accepted products from among the products included in the recipe. Since a route is displayed excluding products that do not need to be shown, and a route to products that the customer is likely to want to purchase is displayed, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to shop.

[0092] The shopping support system 20 selects products from the recipe that are not included in the customer's food storage list, and outputs a route to the selected products. The route is displayed excluding products that do not need to be shown, and a route to products that the customer is likely to want to purchase is displayed, which reduces the time it takes to shop.

[0093] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 accepts the designation of products that the customer has purchased at the store from among the products included in the recipe, and selects products other than the accepted products. Products that do not need to be introduced are excluded from the displayed route, and a route to products that the customer is likely to want to purchase is displayed, thereby reducing the time required for shopping.

[0094] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 selects products other than registered products from among the products included in the recipe. Products that do not need to be introduced are excluded from the displayed route, and a route to products that the customer is likely to want to acquire is displayed, thereby reducing the time required for shopping.

[0095] The route is a route from a predetermined location to the checkout device via the selected product. This allows for guidance from product pickup to checkout, thereby shortening the time required for shopping.

[0096] The shopping support system 20 also outputs sale items and new products related to the items included in the recipe, linking them to the route. This allows the store to promote other products while introducing the product, thereby improving sales.

[0097] The shopping support system 20 also accepts the designation of a product and searches for recipes that include the designated product.

[0098] This concludes the description of each embodiment. Each embodiment may be modified. Modifications will now be described.

[0099] <Variation 1> The selection unit 202 may select a product for which a route is to be output from among the products included in the recipe, depending on the product's classification. That is, the information about the product that the customer wishes to purchase may be information about the product's classification. For example, once seasonings are purchased, they are likely not purchased frequently. On the other hand, for example, fresh food is likely to be purchased depending on the dish. For this reason, there is a high possibility that a customer will own seasonings, but a low possibility that a customer will own fresh food. Therefore, for example, if the classification is fresh food, the selection unit 202 selects the product as the product for which a route is to be output. On the other hand, if the classification of the product is seasonings, the selection unit 202 does not select the product as the product for which a route is to be output.

[0100] <Variation 2> Furthermore, the selection unit 202 may select a product for which a route is to be output from among the products included in the recipe based on the past purchase history. A product that the customer wishes to purchase may be estimated from the past purchase history. For example, a product that has not been purchased in the past purchase history is a product that the customer wishes to purchase, and the selection unit 202 selects this product as a product for which a route is to be output.

[0101] <Variation 3> Even if a customer already owns a product, they may purchase it if it is on sale. Therefore, the selection unit 202 selects products on sale from among the products included in the recipe based on the product DB 2001.

[0102] Alternatively, for example, the output control unit 204 may output information indicating that the recipe is a special sale item in the recipe search results.

[0103] <Variation 4> When a product that can be substituted for the selected product is on sale, the route identification unit 203 identifies a route that passes through the substitutable product instead of the selected product. Specifically, for example, when the price of the substitutable product is lower than the price of the selected product by a predetermined amount or more, the route identification unit 203 identifies a route that passes through the substitutable product instead of the selected product. The price of each product is identified by the product DB 2001. Substitutable products may be identified by product identification information of the substitutable products registered in advance in the product DB 2001. Alternatively, when product classifications are defined in detail, substitutable products may be identified by the product classifications registered in advance in the product DB 2001. The output control unit 204 then outputs the identified route.

[0104] Alternatively, when a product that can be substituted for the selected route is on sale, the route identification unit 203 may identify a route that passes through the substituted product and a route that passes through the selected product. Then, the output control unit 204 outputs the identified multiple routes. Note that the output control unit 204 outputs the identified routes in an identifiable manner. For example, the output control unit 204 may output the price, such as a cheap route and a expensive route.

[0105] <Variation 5> The output control unit 204 may recommend recipes similar to the searched recipe. The search method for similar recipes is not particularly limited as long as existing technology is used. For example, the similar recipe may be a recipe that includes a sale item. For example, the similar recipe may be a recipe whose total price of the items is lower than that of the searched recipe.

[0106] The selection unit 202 then selects a product for which a route in the store is to be output from the products included in the selected recipe among the recipes similar to the searched recipe. The selection of the recipe may be performed by the customer operating the terminal device 21.

[0107] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a similar recipe. The screen in FIG. 11 includes a "View Similar Recipes" button that allows a user to refer to similar recipes, in addition to the screen shown in FIG. 5. For example, when the "View Similar Recipes" button is tapped, the output control unit 204 may cause similar recipes to be displayed on the terminal device. Also, for example, when the "View Similar Recipes" button is tapped, the selection unit 202 selects a product for which a route is to be output from the products included in the similar recipes.

[0108] <Variation 6> Some products may be displayed in multiple different locations. For example, a health drink may be displayed in both the health food section and the beverage section. In such a case, the route identification unit 203 identifies a route including a location where the distance is shortest among multiple different locations. Alternatively, if the number of products displayed at each of multiple locations can be identified, the route identification unit 203 identifies a route including a location where the number of products displayed is large.

[0109] Furthermore, the route identification unit 203 may identify a route for each of a plurality of locations. In such a case, if the number of products on display can be identified for each of the plurality of locations, the output control unit 204 may output the number of products on display at each location along with the route.

[0110] This concludes the description of each embodiment and modification. Note that each embodiment and modification may be used in combination. For example, in each embodiment, the shopping support system may be configured to include each functional unit and part of the information.

[0111] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, the configuration of the shopping support system in each embodiment is not particularly limited. The shopping support system may be realized by a single device, such as a single terminal device or a single server. Alternatively, the shopping support system may be realized by different devices for different functions or data. For example, the shopping support system may be made up of multiple servers.

[0112] Furthermore, between the shopping support systems described in the respective embodiments and other devices, the subject of transmission and reception may be the information itself or an identifier representing the information, and is not particularly limited.

[0113] In each embodiment, each piece of information may include part of the information described above. Also, each piece of information may include information other than the information described above. Each piece of information may be divided into more detailed tables or pieces of information. In this way, the method for realizing each piece of information is not particularly limited.

[0114] Furthermore, each screen displayed on the terminal device is an example and is not particularly limited. Buttons, lists, check boxes, information display fields, input fields, etc. (not shown) may be added to each screen. Furthermore, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0115] In addition, for example, in each embodiment, the process of generating screen information to be displayed on the terminal device may be performed by an output control unit of the shopping support system, or this process may be performed by the terminal device.

[0116] (Example of computer hardware configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration in which each device, such as the shopping support system and terminal device described in each embodiment, is implemented by a computer will be described. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. For example, some or all of each device can be implemented using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in Fig. 12.

[0117] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a read-only memory (ROM) 802, a random access memory (RAM) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0118] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. Examples of the processor 801 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The computer 80 has a storage unit including a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804. Examples of the storage device 804 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0119] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0120] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0121] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of output devices include a display device, a lighting device, and a speaker that outputs audio. Examples of input / output devices include a touch panel display. Note that the input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0122] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 12. The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 12. For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored in a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0123] The computer 80 may have various sensors (not shown). The type of sensor is not particularly limited. Examples of the sensor include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, etc. Examples of the sensor include a fingerprint sensor, a LiDAR (Light, Detection and Ranging), a proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor.

[0124] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0125] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. Furthermore, the multiple integrated circuits may be configured by being connected via a bus or the like.

[0126] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0127] The shopping support method described in each embodiment is realized by being executed by a shopping support system. Furthermore, for example, the shopping support method is realized by a computer such as a server or a terminal device executing a prepared program. The program described in each embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magnetic optical disk, or USB memory. The program is then read from the recording medium and executed by the computer. Furthermore, the program may be distributed via a communications network NT.

[0128] The functions of each component of the shopping support system in each embodiment described above may be realized by hardware, such as a computer, or may be realized by a computer or firmware under program control.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of the descriptions does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0130] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0131] (Appendix 1) A search tool for searching recipes; a selection means for selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; a route specifying means for specifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; an output control means for outputting the identified route; A shopping support system comprising: (Appendix 2) An excluded product receiving means for receiving a designation of a product owned by the customer from among the products included in the recipe. Equipped with the selection means selects a product other than the received product from among the products included in the recipe; A shopping support system as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) obtaining means for obtaining a list of items in said customer's pantry; Equipped with the selection means selects, from the products included in the recipe, products other than the products included in the acquired list; A shopping support system as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 4) an excluded product receiving means for receiving a designation of a product that the customer has purchased at the store from among the products included in the recipe; Equipped with the selection means selects a product other than the received product from among the products included in the recipe; A shopping support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) the selection means selects a product other than a registered product from among the products included in the recipe; A shopping support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 6) the route specifying means specifies a route that passes through a substitutable product when the selected product has a substitutable product and the price of the substitutable product is lower than the price of the selected product by a predetermined price or more; A shopping support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) the output control means outputs the route via the fungible product and the route via the selected product. A shopping support system as described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) the route is a route from a predetermined location to a checkout device via the selected product; A shopping support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) the output control means causes a product related to the product included in the recipe to be output in association with the route; A shopping support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) a product designation means for accepting designation of products to be included in the recipe; Equipped with The search means searches for the recipes that include the specified product. A shopping support system according to any one of appendices 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) Search for recipes and Selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; Identifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; outputting the identified route; How to support shopping. (Appendix 12) On the computer, Search for recipes and Selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; Identifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; outputting the identified route; A program that executes a process. (Appendix 13) On the computer, Search for recipes and Selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; Identifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; outputting the identified route; A non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer that records a program for executing processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10,20 Shopping Support System 21 Terminal equipment 80 Computer 101,201 Search Department 102,202 Selection section 103,203 Route Identification Unit 104,204 Output control section 205 Excluded Products Reception Department 206 Acquisition Department 207 Related Product Identification Department 208 Product specification department 801 processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication Interface 806 Input / Output Interface 807 Bus 2001 Product DB 2002 Registration List DB 2003 Customer DB NT Communications Network

Claims

1. A search tool for searching recipes; a selection means for selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; a route specifying means for specifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; an output control means for outputting the identified route; Equipped with the route specifying means specifies a route that passes through a substitutable product when the selected product has a substitutable product and the price of the substitutable product is lower than the price of the selected product by a predetermined price or more; Shopping support system.

2. an excluded product receiving means for receiving a designation of a product owned by the customer from among the products included in the recipe; Equipped with the selection means selects a product other than the received product from among the products included in the recipe; The shopping support system according to claim 1 .

3. obtaining means for obtaining a list of items in said customer's pantry; Equipped with the selection means selects, from the products included in the recipe, products other than the products included in the acquired list; The shopping support system according to claim 1 .

4. an excluded product receiving means for receiving a designation of a product that the customer has purchased at the store from among the products included in the recipe; Equipped with the selection means selects a product other than the received product from among the products included in the recipe; 4. The shopping support system according to claim 1.

5. the selection means selects a product other than a registered product from among the products included in the recipe; 4. The shopping support system according to claim 1.

6. the route is a route from a predetermined location to a checkout device via the selected product; 6. The shopping support system according to claim 1.

7. the output control means causes a product related to the product included in the recipe to be output in association with the route; 7. The shopping support system according to claim 1.

8. A computer comprising: Search for recipes and Selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; Identifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; outputting the identified route; Execute the process, In the process of identifying the route, if there is a substitutable product for the selected product and the price of the substitutable product is lower than the price of the selected product by a predetermined price or more, the route that passes through the substitutable product is identified. How to support shopping.

9. On the computer, Search for recipes and Selecting a product for which a route in the store is to be output from among the products included in the searched recipe based on information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase; Identifying a route from a predetermined location to the selected product; outputting the identified route; Execute the process, In the process of identifying the route, if there is a substitutable product for the selected product and the price of the substitutable product is lower than the price of the selected product by a predetermined price or more, the route that passes through the substitutable product is identified. program.

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