Data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a data processing apparatus and a program capable of supporting product promotional activity.SOLUTION: A data processing apparatus includes: specifying means for specifying a set of parameters in a multicollinearity relation based on performance data that associates a combination of parameters indicating characteristics of users with a purchase track record of a user group corresponding to the combination, regarding predetermined products; storage control means for storing the combination of parameters specified by the specifying means in a storage unit in association with information that can identify the products; providing means for providing an operation screen that enables designation of the parameters of users to be targets of a promotion related to the products; and notification means for issuing a notification when the combination of parameters designated on the operation screen matches the combination of parameters stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=ll]] Suppliers such as manufacturing companies, advertising agencies, and retailers plan and implement various promotions to promote products. Conventionally, a technique has been proposed for analyzing customer detail data and supplying promotions created from the analysis results to customers.

[0003] By classifying customers based on feature parameters such as hobbies and preferences derived from customer behavior, etc., promotions can be implemented according to the classification results.

[0004] However, when the number of feature parameters increases, the independence of the feature parameters is impaired, and there is a high possibility that the feature parameters have a high correlation with each other. When implementing a promotion for a group of customers including such feature parameters, it becomes difficult to judge the implementation effect of the promotion, such as analyzing the feature parameters that contributed to the sales results.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a data processing apparatus and a program capable of supporting product promotion activities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The data processing device of the embodiment comprises a identification means, a storage control means, a provision means, and a notification means. The identification means identifies a set of parameters that are in a multicollinear relationship based on performance data that associates a combination of parameters representing user characteristics with the purchase history of a predetermined product of the user group corresponding to that combination. The storage control means stores the combination of parameters identified by the identification means in a storage unit in association with information that can identify the product. The provision means provides an operation screen in which the parameters of a user who is the target of a promotion related to the product can be specified. The notification means provides notification when the combination of parameters specified on the operation screen matches a combination of parameters stored in the storage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a promotion support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the promotion support server according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of a user management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of a multi-control table according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the promotion support server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the actual data generated by the second analysis unit of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the target feature setting screen provided by the planning support unit of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a plan confirmation screen provided by the planning support unit of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the promotion support server in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the promotion support server in the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the promotion support server in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a promotion support system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the promotion support system 1 includes a supplier device 10, a recipient device 20, a promotion support server 30, and a store device 40. The supplier device 10, the recipient device 20, and the store device 40 are connected to the promotion support server 30 via a network N such as the Internet. The number of supplier devices 10, recipient devices 20, and store devices 40 connected to the network N is not particularly limited.

[0010] The supplier device 10 is an information processing device operated by a supplier planning a promotion. Examples of suppliers include manufacturers that produce and sell goods, advertising agencies that create advertisements, retail stores, etc. In response to instructions from the supplier, the supplier device 10 transmits promotion information containing the details of the plan to the promotion support server 30.

[0011] Here, promotional information includes at least the product name or identifiable information of the product being promoted (hereinafter also referred to as the promotional product). Furthermore, promotional information may also include the duration of the promotion and the method of implementation.

[0012] The recipient device 20 is a terminal device operated by a user who may be a recipient of the promotion (hereinafter also referred to as the recipient). In this embodiment, the recipient is assumed to be a person whose identifier (hereinafter also referred to as the user ID) that can identify the recipient is registered with the promotion support server 30 through member registration or the like. Here, the user ID is an example of information that can identify the user's parameters.

[0013] The recipient device 20 may be a stationary terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet device, or a smartphone. Furthermore, the recipient device 20 may be a terminal device owned by the recipient themselves, or it may be a terminal device installed in a retail store, restaurant, etc.

[0014] The recipient device 20 stores the user ID of the recipient operating the device. The recipient device 20 also sequentially records the history of the recipient's actions as an action history.

[0015] Furthermore, there are no specific restrictions on the method of acquiring the activity history, and various methods can be employed. For example, the recipient device 20 may store the usage details of external services (e.g., search engines, social networking sites, etc.) accessed through the device as activity history. The recipient device 20 may also record the details of electronic payment transactions made at retail stores, etc., as activity history. In addition, the recipient device 20 may record the purchase history of online shopping services such as e-commerce sites as activity history.

[0016] Furthermore, the recipient device 20 transmits the activity history to the promotion support server 30. However, to identify which recipient's activity history it is, the user ID is attached to the activity history before it is transmitted.

[0017] The promotion support server 30 is an example of a data processing device. The promotion support server 30 collects and analyzes data transmitted from the supplier device 10, the recipient device 20, and the store device 40, and performs processing to support the implementation of promotions based on the analysis results.

[0018] In addition, in this embodiment, an example where the promotion support server 30 is realized by a single server device is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be realized by a plurality of server devices by means of technologies such as cloud computing.

[0019] The store device 40 is an information processing device such as a POS terminal or a store server provided in each store. Under the control of a processor (not shown), the store device 40 executes various processes related to the purchase of products sold in its own store. Specifically, every time a transaction is made, the store device 40 generates purchase information indicating the details of the transaction, such as the breakdown of the products purchased in the transaction. In addition, the store device 40 transmits the generated purchase information to the promotion support server 30. If the user ID of the purchaser is input at the time of the transaction, it is assumed that the user ID is included in the purchase information.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the above-described promotion support server 30 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the promotion support server 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the promotion support server 30 includes a computer configuration such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33.

[0021] The CPU 31 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls each part of the promotion support server 30. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 is a workspace for developing programs and various data.

[0022] In addition, the promotion support server 30 includes a storage unit 34, a display unit 35, an operation unit 36, and a communication unit 第37.

[0023] The storage unit 34 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 34 stores programs that the CPU 31 can execute and various setting information. The storage unit 34 also functions as a storage area for storing various data transmitted from external devices such as the supplier device 10 and the recipient device 20, and as a storage area for storing processing results.

[0024] Furthermore, the storage unit 34 stores a user management table 341 for storing and managing information about recipients. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the user management table 341.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the user management table 341 stores characteristic parameters that indicate the characteristics of the recipient corresponding to the user ID, associated with the user ID. The characteristic parameters include, for example, the recipient's attributes such as gender and age. The characteristic parameters also include preference characteristics that indicate the recipient's hobbies and preferences. Preference characteristics are set as binary values ​​such as "yes" or "no" for multiple items categorized by predetermined indicators, such as health consciousness, love of alcohol, and love of delicacies. It is preferable to have multiple preference characteristic items in order to classify the recipient's preferences in detail. Note that the setting of preference characteristics may be done by the recipient themselves, or it may be set based on the analysis results of the first analysis unit 312, which will be described later.

[0026] Furthermore, the memory unit 34 stores a multicollinearity management table 342 for managing the characteristic parameters of recipients who are in a multicollinear relationship (hereinafter also referred to as multicol) relationship, which is derived based on the promotion results of each product. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the multicollinearity management table 342.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the multicode management table 342 stores multicode features in association with product information. Product information stores information about the product. For example, product information stores the product name, product code, product genre, etc. Multicode features store sets of feature parameters that have a multicode relationship for the product corresponding to the product information.

[0028] Returning to Figure 2, the display unit 35 has a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 35 displays various information under the control of the CPU 31. The operation unit 36 ​​has a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. The operation unit 36 ​​outputs the operation content received from the operator to the CPU 31. The operation unit 36 ​​may also be a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display unit 35.

[0029] The communication unit 37 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The communication unit 37 communicates with external devices such as the supplier device 10, the recipient device 20, and the store device 40 via the network N.

[0030] Next, the functional configuration of the promotion support server 30 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the promotion support server 30.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the promotion support server 30 is functionally configured to include an acquisition unit 311, a first analysis unit 312, a second analysis unit 313, a planning support unit 314, and a distribution unit 315.

[0032] Some or all of the functional configuration of the promotion support server 30 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of a processor (e.g., CPU 31) and a program stored in memory (e.g., ROM 32, storage unit 34). Alternatively, some or all of the functional configuration of the promotion support server 30 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the promotion support server 30.

[0033] The acquisition unit 311 acquires (or collects) various types of data transmitted from external devices such as the supplier device 10, the recipient device 20, and the store device 40 via the communication unit 37. Specifically, the acquisition unit 311 acquires promotional information from each of the supplier devices 10. The acquisition unit 311 also acquires behavioral history from each of the recipient devices 20. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 311 acquires purchase information from each of the store devices 40. The data acquired by the acquisition unit 311 is stored in a storage device, such as the storage unit 34.

[0034] The first analysis unit 312 analyzes the recipient's preference characteristics by analyzing the behavioral history acquired by the acquisition unit 311. Specifically, the first analysis unit 312 uses known techniques such as preference analysis to determine whether there is a tendency or not for each item of preference characteristics registered in the user management table 341, based on the recipient's behavioral content included in the behavioral history. The first analysis unit 312 then stores the result of the tendency determination for each item in the user management table 341, associating it with the user ID of the corresponding recipient.

[0035] The timing of the analysis of preference characteristics by the first analysis unit 312 is not particularly restricted. For example, by storing the behavioral history acquired by the acquisition unit 311 in the storage unit 34, the first analysis unit 312 may perform the above-described processing on the behavioral history acquired during a predetermined period. Alternatively, the first analysis unit 312 may analyze preference characteristics including purchase information acquired by the acquisition unit 311 from the store device 40 (see dashed arrow in the figure).

[0036] The second analysis unit 313 is an example of a locating means, a memory control means, and a generation means. Based on the purchase information acquired by the acquisition unit 311, the second analysis unit 313 analyzes the relationship between the recipient's characteristic parameters and purchase history. Specifically, based on the promotion information to be analyzed, the second analysis unit 313 extracts purchase information that includes promotional products from the purchase information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. For example, if the promotion information specifies a promotion period, the second analysis unit 313 extracts purchase information that includes promotional products from the purchase information acquired during that promotion period.

[0037] Next, the second analysis unit 313 groups recipients with the same combination of characteristic parameters based on the user ID included in each of the extracted purchase information and the user management table 341, and generates performance data by aggregating purchase history for each group. Then, the second analysis unit 313 analyzes the relationship between the characteristic parameters of recipients and their purchase history based on the performance data.

[0038] Now, with reference to Figure 6, the operation of the second analysis unit 313 will be explained. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the actual data generated by the second analysis unit 313.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the performance data Da has a data structure that associates combinations of characteristic parameters that indicate the characteristics of recipients with the purchase history of a predetermined product for the group corresponding to that combination. Specifically, the performance data Da stores the purchase history of a predetermined product (the promotional product being analyzed) associated with each group, which is divided by combinations of gender, age, and various preference characteristics.

[0040] Purchase performance includes, for example, the cumulative number of purchases and the cumulative purchase amount over a specified period. Purchase performance may be the average value for recipients belonging to a group, or the total value for recipients belonging to a group. Furthermore, the specified period for calculating purchase performance is preferably the promotion period for the promotional product. Note that purchase performance is not limited to the cumulative number of purchases or the cumulative purchase amount. In addition, purchase performance of a group of recipients selected randomly (i.e., a group with random characteristic parameters) may be included in the performance data as a reference.

[0041] Incidentally, the more finely the preference features of the feature parameters are classified, the more precisely the preferences of the recipients can be defined. Therefore, by implementing promotions that match the preferences of the recipients, the effectiveness of sales promotions can be increased. However, increasing the number of feature parameters impairs the independence of individual feature parameters, and increases the likelihood of feature parameters having a high correlation with each other, i.e., feature parameters in a multico relationship. When a promotion is implemented for recipients with such multico-related feature parameters, it becomes difficult to judge the effectiveness of the promotion, such as by analyzing which feature parameters contributed to sales performance.

[0042] Therefore, the second analysis unit 313 identifies feature parameters that are in a multicollinear relationship by applying known analytical techniques such as multiple regression analysis and multicollinearity evaluation based on the generated performance data.

[0043] Specifically, the second analysis unit 313 analyzes the correlation between two variables by using a set of characteristic parameters in each group as explanatory variables and purchase history as the dependent variable. The second analysis unit 313 also identifies characteristic parameters that are in a multico relationship by analyzing the correlation between the explanatory variables. Here, the second analysis unit 313 may identify characteristic parameters that are in a multico relationship for some of the explanatory variables (for example, preference characteristics). Once the second analysis unit 313 has identified characteristic parameters that are in a multico relationship, it stores them in the multico management table 342 in association with the product information of the product that was the subject of the analysis.

[0044] For example, in the case of the performance data Da in Figure 6, the second analysis unit 313 identifies that the state of "likes alcohol" being "present" and the state of "likes delicacies" being "present" are in a multicode relationship based on the relationship between the combination of characteristic parameters and the cumulative purchase amount. In this case, the second analysis unit 313 stores the multicode relationship between the "likes alcohol" + "present" state and the "likes delicacies" + "present" state in the multicode management table 342, in association with the product information of the promotional product.

[0045] Returning to Figure 5, the planning support unit 314 is an example of a means of providing and notifying. The planning support unit 314 performs processing to support the implementation of the promotion.

[0046] For example, the planning support unit 314 provides the operator with an operation screen (hereinafter also referred to as the target characteristic setting screen) that allows the operator to set characteristic parameters of the target recipients of a promotion, in response to instructions from the operator who has specified the promotion information. As an example, the planning support unit 314 displays the target characteristic setting screen on the display unit 35.

[0047] Furthermore, the planning support unit 314 provides notification when a combination of feature parameters specified via the target feature setting screen matches a combination of parameters stored in the multi-code management table 342.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an example of a target feature setting screen provided by the planning support unit 314. As shown in Figure 7, the target feature setting screen Ga has six regions Gaa, from feature 1 to feature 6, for defining the feature parameters of the target recipient. Region Gaa further includes a first selection region Gab, a second selection region Gac, and a notification region Gad.

[0049] Here, the first selection area Gab is the area for specifying the characteristic parameters of the target recipient. For example, the first selection area Gab displays selectable attributes and preference features in a drop-down list format. In this case, the operator can specify the characteristic parameters of the target recipient by selecting the desired item from the drop-down list. Figure 7 shows an example where "gender" is selected as Feature 1, "age group" as Feature 2, "health-conscious" as Feature 3, "likes alcohol" as Feature 4, and "likes delicacies" as Feature 5.

[0050] The second selection area, Gac, displays options related to the feature parameter selected in the first selection area, Gab. For example, if "Gender" is selected in the first selection area, Gac will display options such as "Female," "Male," and "Other." Similarly, if "Age Group" is selected in the first selection area, Gac will display options allowing selection of each age group. Furthermore, if a feature parameter such as "Health Consciousness" is selected in the first selection area, Gac will display options allowing selection of "Yes" or "No" for that feature parameter.

[0051] The operator can specify desired feature parameters through the first selection region Gab and the second selection region Gac described above. It is also possible to select multiple options within each of the second selection regions Gac.

[0052] In the notification area Gad, a message is displayed to indicate that the combination of feature parameters selected in the first selection area Gab and the second selection area Gac are in a multico relationship. Specifically, the planning support unit 314 notifies via the notification area Gad if, for a promotional product related to the setting of feature parameters, the combination of feature parameters in a multico relationship stored in the multico management table 342 matches the combination of feature parameters selected in the first selection area Gab and the second selection area Gac.

[0053] Figure 7 shows that the state of "likes alcohol" + "Yes" selected in the first selection area Gab and second selection area Gac of feature 4 and the state of "likes delicacies" + "Yes" selected in the first selection area Gab and second selection area Gac of feature 5 are in a multico relationship. In this case, the planning support unit 314 notifies the operator by displaying feature 4, which is in a multico relationship, in the notification area Gad of feature 5, for example, as shown in Figure 7. This makes it easy for the operator operating the target feature setting screen Ga to understand that the features they have selected include features in a multico relationship.

[0054] Furthermore, the method of indicating a multico relationship is not limited to this. For example, the multico relationship between features 4 and 5 may be indicated by highlighting them, such as by changing the background color of the region Gaa. Alternatively, the option related to the multico relationship in the second selection region Gac (in this example, "Yes") may be highlighted in red or similar to indicate the option. Also, the target feature setting screen is not limited to the example in Figure 7. For example, the number of regions Gaa is not limited to 6, and the screen configuration may be such that it can be increased or decreased according to the operator's actions.

[0055] When the planning support unit 314 receives a confirmation operation from the operator on the target feature setting screen Ga, it generates target information that defines the feature parameters of the target recipient based on the combination of feature parameters selected on the target feature setting screen Ga. The generated target information is stored in the storage unit 34, associated with, for example, corresponding promotion information.

[0056] Furthermore, the planning support unit 314 provides the operator with an operation screen (hereinafter also referred to as the planning confirmation screen) that allows the operator to confirm the target recipient group for a promotion, for example, in response to instructions from the operator who specified the promotion information. As an example, the planning support unit 314 displays the planning confirmation screen on the display unit 35.

[0057] Specifically, the planning support unit 314 displays the plan confirmation screen shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 35 based on the target information associated with the promotion information.

[0058] Figure 8 shows an example of a plan confirmation screen provided by the planning support unit 314. As shown in Figure 8, the plan confirmation screen Gb displays the target information set in the target feature setting screen Ga, along with the lot number. Figure 8 shows an example where eight target information entries for lots 1 to 8 are displayed. Note that the target information for lots 4 and 8 includes the "likes alcohol" and "likes delicacies" feature parameters, which are related by multico as described above.

[0059] Here, it is preferable that the planning support unit 314 also displays information on the planning confirmation screen Gb to notify the feature parameters that are in a multi-co relationship. Specifically, the planning support unit 314, similar to the target feature setting screen Ga, notifies the user if the combination of feature parameters in a multi-co relationship stored in the multi-co management table 342 for the promotional product of the specified promotional information matches the combination of feature parameters defined in the target information.

[0060] In this case, the notification method is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figure 8, notification may be provided by highlighting the area where the feature parameters in a multi-coherent relationship are displayed. Alternatively, for example, the planning support unit 314 may provide notification by highlighting the area of ​​target information (such as lot number) that includes the feature parameters in a multi-coherent relationship.

[0061] Furthermore, the plan confirmation screen Gb includes a checkbox Gba for each target information item, which is used to instruct the system to implement the promotion. By checking the checkbox Gba, the operator can select the target information for which they will implement the promotion. For example, the operator can select target information for which they will implement the promotion while avoiding target information that includes feature parameters in a multi-coherent relationship.

[0062] Furthermore, when an operation is performed to instruct the implementation of a promotion with at least one checkbox Gba checked, the planning support unit 314 sets the checked target information as the target for implementation of the promotion.

[0063] Returning to Figure 5, the distribution unit 315 is an example of an implementation method. The distribution unit 315 executes the promotion based on the target information set for implementation in the planning support unit 314. Specifically, the distribution unit 315 promotes the promotional products specified in the promotion information to recipients who meet the conditions of the target information set for implementation in that promotion.

[0064] There are no specific restrictions on the method of implementing the promotion, and various methods can be employed. For example, the distribution unit 315 may extract recipients who meet the target information criteria from the user management table 341 and distribute commercials for promotional products, discount coupons usable at stores, etc., to the recipient devices 20 of the extracted recipients. The method of implementing the promotion may also be specified in the promotion information.

[0065] When a recipient of a promotion is interested in the promotional product, they purchase it, for example, at a store. The store device 40 generates purchase information, including the user ID of the purchaser (recipient) who purchased the promotional product, at the time of the transaction. The store device 40 transmits the generated purchase information to the promotion support server 30, where the acquisition unit 311 retrieves the purchase information. As a result, the purchase information, including the results of the promotion, is passed on to the second analysis unit 313.

[0066] In this way, the promotion support server 30 assists in selecting recipients who will be targeted for the promotion, and the results of the promotion implemented for the selected recipients can be used again to select recipients.

[0067] The following describes an example of processing performed by the promotion support server 30 of this embodiment.

[0068] First, with reference to Figure 9, the process related to the generation of the multi-co-management table 342 will be explained. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the promotion support server 30. It should be assumed that the characteristic parameters of each recipient have already been stored in the user management table 341. Furthermore, it should be assumed that the promotion of the products specified in the promotion information has been carried out to randomly selected recipients, or to recipients in each group.

[0069] First, the acquisition unit 311 acquires purchase information transmitted from the store device 40 (step S11). The first analysis unit 312 extracts purchase information that includes promotional items from the purchase information acquired by the acquisition unit 311 (step S12). Next, the first analysis unit 312 generates actual purchase data by aggregating purchase records for each group of recipients with the same combination of characteristic parameters, based on the user ID included in each of the extracted purchase information and the user management table 341 (step S13).

[0070] Next, the first analysis unit 312 identifies characteristic parameters that are in a multico relationship by analyzing the performance data (step S14). Then, the first analysis unit 312 associates the multico relationship characteristic parameters identified in step S14 with the product information of the promotional product and stores it in the multico management table 342 (step S15).

[0071] As a result, the multico management table 342 will store the characteristics of recipients who are in a multico relationship with the products that are the target of the promotion.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the process for setting the target recipient group for the promotion will be explained. Here, Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the promotion support server 30. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the characteristic parameters in a multi-co relationship for the products specified in the promotion information are stored in the multi-co management table 342.

[0073] First, when the planning support unit 314 receives an instruction via the operation unit 36, etc., to start setting the characteristic parameters of the recipients who will be targeted for the promotion, it displays the target characteristic setting screen (see Figure 7) on the display unit 35 (step S21).

[0074] Next, the planning support unit 314 determines whether or not it has received an operation to specify feature parameters (step S22). If it does not receive an operation to specify feature parameters (step S22; No), it proceeds to step S25.

[0075] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S22 that the operation to specify feature parameters has been accepted (step S22; Yes), the planning support unit 314 determines, based on the multi-component management table 342, whether or not the specified combination of feature parameters corresponds to a multi-component relationship (step S23). If it does not correspond to a multi-component relationship (step S23; No), the system proceeds to step S25. If the notification in step S24, described later, was previously given, the notification display is cleared and the system proceeds to step S25.

[0076] On the other hand, if a multico relationship is found (step S23; Yes), the planning support unit 314 notifies that a set of feature parameters in a multico relationship exists (step S24), and then proceeds to step S25.

[0077] Next, the planning support unit 314 determines whether or not it has received a confirmation of the setting completion operation (step S25). If it does not receive a confirmation of the setting completion operation (step S25; No), it returns to step S22. If it determines that it has received a confirmation of the setting completion operation (step S25; Yes), the planning support unit 314 generates target information based on the specified set of feature parameters.

[0078] This allows the promotion support server 30 to generate target information that defines the characteristic parameters of recipients who are the target of the promotion. Furthermore, if a multico relationship exists in the combination of characteristic parameters specified by the operator, the promotion support server 30 can notify the operator of its existence.

[0079] Next, with reference to Figure 11, the process related to the implementation of the promotion will be explained. Here, Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the promotion support server 30. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that target information has already been generated for the products specified in the promotion information, specifying the characteristic parameters of the recipients who will be targeted for the promotion.

[0080] First, when the planning support unit 314 receives an operation to instruct the implementation of a promotion via the operation unit 36, etc., the planning support unit 314 displays a plan confirmation screen (see Figure 8) on the display unit 35 based on the target information related to the promotion to be implemented (step S31).

[0081] Furthermore, the planning support unit 314 determines, based on the multico management table 342, whether or not the read target information contains a set of feature parameters in a multico relationship (step S32). If the set of feature parameters in a multico relationship is not included (step S32; No), the unit proceeds to step S34. If the set of feature parameters in a multico relationship is included (step S32; Yes), the planning support unit 314 notifies the corresponding target information (step S33) and proceeds to step S34.

[0082] Next, the planning support unit 314 waits until target information (e.g., lot number) for the promotion to be implemented is selected from the plan confirmation screen (step S34; No → step S36; No). When the planning support unit 314 receives the selection of target information (step S34; Yes), it sets the selected target information as the implementation target (step S35) and proceeds to step S36.

[0083] In step S36, the planning support unit 314 determines whether or not an operation to confirm the target of implementation has been performed (step S36). If the confirmation operation has not been performed (step S36; No), the process returns to step S34.

[0084] Furthermore, if a confirmation operation is performed in step S36 (step S36; Yes), the distribution unit 315 implements the promotion to recipients who meet the conditions of the target information set for the implementation target (step S37), and then terminates the process.

[0085] This allows the promotion support server 30 to have the operator determine the group of recipients to whom the promotion will be implemented, based on the target information. Furthermore, if the target information includes features that have a multico relationship, the promotion support server 30 can notify the operator of their presence.

[0086] As described above, the promotion support server 30 identifies pairs of feature parameters that are in a multi-co relationship based on performance data that associates combinations of feature parameters indicating the characteristics of recipients with the purchase history of the group of recipients corresponding to that combination, and stores them in the multi-co management table 342 in association with the product information of the promotion product. The promotion support server 30 also provides an operation screen (target feature setting screen) on which the feature parameters of recipients who are the target of the promotion related to the promotion product can be specified, and notifies the server when the combination of feature parameters specified on the operation screen matches a combination of multi-co feature parameters.

[0087] In this way, the promotion support server 30 can make the operator aware of the existence of a multico relationship when one exists in a combination of characteristic parameters specified by the operator. Therefore, the promotion support server 30 can prevent recipients with multico relationships in their characteristic parameters from being inadvertently set as promotion targets, and can assist in the selection of target recipients. In addition, this allows the promotion support server 30 to support product promotion activities.

[0088] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each of the devices described above. Therefore, several modifications of the embodiments described above will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0089] (Variation 1) In the embodiment described above, the results of the promotion (performance data) were obtained from purchase information. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and performance data may be obtained from other information.

[0090] For example, the system may be configured to acquire performance data from the behavioral history obtained from the recipient device 20. In this case, the results of the promotion may also be derived using indicators other than purchase performance. For example, the number of searches for the promotional product or the number of posts (mentions) on social media may be derived as the results of the promotion.

[0091] Furthermore, information including the results of promotional activities may be obtained from external research organizations, for example. Examples of research organizations include manufacturers that produce and sell products, advertising agencies that create advertisements, and retailers.

[0092] In this case, the results of the promotion include, for example, information such as the products targeted for promotion (promotional products), the user IDs of recipients who purchased those products, and sales performance. Alternatively, the results of the promotion may also include sales performance for each product purchaser (e.g., lot number) during a predetermined period encompassing the promotion period. There are no specific restrictions on the method of collecting the promotion results; publicly known and publicly available technologies may be used.

[0093] (Modification 2) In the embodiment described above, the second analysis unit 313 identifies feature parameters that are in a multico relationship from the actual data, but it is not limited to this. For example, the second analysis unit 313 may also identify highly independent feature parameters that contribute to the target variable along with the feature parameters that are in a multico relationship, and store them in the multico management table 342.

[0094] In this case, the planning support unit 314 may also be configured to notify the operator by highlighting and displaying feature parameters that contribute to the objective variable on the target feature setting screen and the plan confirmation screen mentioned above. Furthermore, the planning support unit 314 may be configured to automatically set feature parameters that contribute to the objective variable on the target feature setting screen.

[0095] The programs executed in each of the above-described embodiments are provided pre-installed in ROM, storage units, etc. Alternatively, the programs executed in each of the above-described embodiments may be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0096] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Promotion Support System 10 Supplier equipment 20 Recipient device 30 Data Processing Servers 40 Store Equipment 311 Acquisition Department 312 1st Analysis Department 313 Second Analysis Department 314 Planning Support Department 315 Distribution Department 341 User Management Table 342 Multi-control table [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0099] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-79331

Claims

1. A means for identifying sets of parameters that are in a multicollinear relationship, based on performance data that associates combinations of parameters representing user characteristics with the purchase history of a specified product of the user group corresponding to that combination, A storage control means that stores the combination of parameters identified by the aforementioned identification means in a storage unit in association with information that can identify the product, A means for providing an operation screen that allows specifying the parameters of users who are the target of the promotion related to the said product, Notification means that provides notification when the combination of parameters specified on the operation screen matches the combination of parameters stored in the storage unit, A data processing device equipped with the following features.

2. An acquisition means for acquiring purchase information of the said product, which includes information that can identify the parameters of the user who purchased the said product, The acquisition means generates the performance data from the purchase information acquired by the acquisition means, The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The acquisition means acquires purchase information including an identifier that can identify the user, The generation means generates the performance data from the purchase information acquired by the acquisition means, based on user data stored in association with each user's identifier and parameters related to that user. The data processing device according to claim 2.

4. The system further includes means for conducting promotions related to the product for users whose combination of parameters matches that specified on the operation screen, The acquisition means acquires the purchase information related to the promotion carried out by the implementation means. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The notification means highlights and displays the area on the operation screen where the combination of parameters stored in the storage unit is set. The data processing device according to claim 1.

6. The computer of the data processing device A means for identifying sets of parameters that are in a multicollinear relationship, based on performance data that associates combinations of parameters representing user characteristics with the purchase history of a specified product of the user group corresponding to that combination, A storage control means that stores the combination of parameters identified by the aforementioned identification means in a storage unit in association with information that can identify the product, A means for providing an operation screen that allows specifying the parameters of users who are the target of the promotion related to the said product, Notification means that provides notification when the combination of parameters specified on the operation screen matches the combination of parameters stored in the storage unit, A program to make it work.

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