Information processing system

Abstract

To facilitate referring to customer feedback on products.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes an identification information obtaining unit, an inquiry identifying unit, a feedback receiving unit, and an output control unit. The identification information obtaining unit obtains, at a store, product identification information that identifies a product upon operation to a terminal device by a customer. The inquiry identifying unit identifies an inquiry for product feedback in accordance with a product category. The feedback receiving unit accepts, as feedback, a reply to the identified inquiry. The output control unit outputs the accepted feedback.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is scan shopping in which a customer registers products while shopping using a terminal device.

[0003] Also, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that a product is scanned in a store by a customer's operation, an evaluation of the scanned product is performed, and a coupon is received according to the evaluation amount.

[0004] Also, for example, Patent Document 2 describes displaying a selection screen for each of the price of a product, the ease of use of the product, and the cost performance of the product, such as good, ordinary, and bad, in order to receive an evaluation of the product.

[0005] Also, for example, Patent Document 3 describes scanning a product in a store and displaying evaluation points such as an evaluation when the same product was purchased in the past and an evaluation of another person's product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] For example, when a customer evaluates a product, there may be a case where the customer wants to refer to the evaluation later.

[0008] One example of the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing system that can facilitate the referencing of customer evaluations of products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An information processing system in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an identification information acquisition means for acquiring product identification information that identifies a product by a customer's operation on a terminal device in a store; a question identification means for identifying a question relating to the evaluation of the product according to the product category; an evaluation acceptance means for receiving the answers to the identified questions as the evaluation; and an output control means for outputting the received evaluation.

[0010] An information processing method in one aspect of this disclosure acquires product identification information that identifies a product through customer operation on a terminal device in a store, identifies a question regarding the evaluation of the product according to the product category, receives the answer to the identified question as the evaluation, and outputs the received evaluation.

[0011] A program in one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to obtain product identification information that identifies a product through customer operation on a terminal device in a store, to identify questions relating to the evaluation of the product according to the product category, to receive the answers to the identified questions as the evaluation, and to output the received evaluation.

[0012] The program may be stored on a non-temporary storage medium that is readable by the computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This disclosure makes it easier to refer to customer evaluations of products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the information processing system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reading a product code. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing Example 1 of a screen for receiving an evaluation. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing Example 2 of a screen for receiving an evaluation. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing system regarding registration of an evaluation. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying an evaluation. ) [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing system regarding Output Example 1 of an evaluation. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying an evaluation for similar products. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing system regarding Output Example 2 of an evaluation. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the server. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing system regarding registration of possessions. [Figure 18] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a discount amount. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart showing an example of server operation according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 21] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer device hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the information processing system, information processing method, program, and non-temporary recording medium for recording the program according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosed technology.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) First, the basic functions of the information processing system in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system according to Embodiment 1. The information processing system 1 comprises an identification information acquisition unit 111, a question identification unit 112, an evaluation reception unit 113, and an output control unit 114.

[0017] The identification information acquisition unit 111 acquires product identification information that identifies a product based on the customer's operation of a terminal device in a store. Here, product identification information is capable of identifying a product. For example, product identification information may include the product name (hereinafter abbreviated as product name), an identifier that identifies the product, and image data of the product. The identifier that identifies the product may be a product code such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, an EAN (European Article Number) code, or a UPC (Universal Product Code).

[0018] Furthermore, the type of store is not particularly limited. For example, the store could be a supermarket, supercenter, convenience store, mass retailer, home improvement store, drugstore, or apparel store, or it could be a small, independent shop such as a bakery or delicatessen.

[0019] The question identification unit 112 identifies questions regarding product evaluation according to the product category identified by the product identification information. A product category is a classification of a product. For example, a product category is a classification when a product is divided by its use or type. For example, a product category may be a classification that divides products by use, such as clothing, food, and miscellaneous goods. Alternatively, a product category may be a classification that further divides products by type, such as confectionery, meat, and vegetables. Product evaluation may also include opinions on the product. Product evaluation is performed, for example, by the customer. The questions are designed to elicit product evaluations from customers. The questions can be predetermined according to the product category.

[0020] The evaluation reception unit 113 accepts responses to specified questions as evaluations. Accepting an evaluation means accepting information representing the evaluation (e.g., an evaluation value). The method of acceptance by the evaluation reception unit 113 is not particularly limited. The evaluation reception unit 113 may accept input to an input device, for example. The evaluation reception unit 113 may accept input to an input field. For example, the input device may be provided on a terminal device. The timing of when the evaluation reception unit 113 accepts evaluations is not particularly limited. For example, the evaluation reception unit 113 may accept evaluations before the customer purchases the product.

[0021] The output control unit 114 outputs the received evaluation. Outputting the evaluation means outputting information representing the evaluation (for example, an evaluation value). The output method by the output control unit 114 is not particularly limited. The output control unit 114 may, for example, display the evaluation on a display device. The output control unit 114 may, for example, output the evaluation as sound through a speaker. Furthermore, the timing at which the output control unit 114 outputs the evaluation is not particularly limited. For example, the output control unit 114 may output the evaluation before the customer purchases the product. For example, the output control unit 114 may output the evaluation after the customer has left the store. Also, for example, the output control unit 114 may output the evaluation at a time specified by the customer. This allows, for example, the customer to check the evaluation at any time at home.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The identification information acquisition unit 111 acquires product identification information (step S101). Next, the question identification unit 112 identifies a question regarding product evaluation according to the product category (step S102). Next, the evaluation reception unit 113 accepts the evaluation as an answer to the question (step S103). Next, the output control unit 114 outputs the received evaluation (step S104). The information processing system 1 then terminates its operation.

[0023] As described above, in Embodiment 1, when product identification information is acquired in a store, the information processing system 1 identifies questions regarding product evaluations according to the product category, and accepts the customer's answers to the questions as evaluations before the customer purchases the product. The information processing system 1 outputs the evaluations. This allows customers to later refer to their evaluations of products they actually examined in the store. Here, examining a product in a store means that the customer looks at, wears, touches, holds, and smells the product. Therefore, it is possible to easily refer to the customer's evaluation of the product.

[0024] For example, if a customer provides feedback before purchasing a product, they can then refer to the feedback they received at the store while shopping on an e-commerce site or similar platform.

[0025] Embodiment 1 is not limited to the example described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, each functional unit may be implemented by a single device. For example, each functional unit may be implemented by a single server. In this case, the server's identification information acquisition unit 111 may acquire product identification information, for example, via a terminal device that can be operated by the customer. Also, the server's evaluation reception unit 113 may receive evaluations, for example, via a terminal device that can be operated by the customer. Furthermore, the output control unit 114 may output evaluations to the terminal device. Alternatively, each functional unit may be implemented by multiple devices.

[0026] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 2 is based on the functions described in Embodiment 1 and will describe examples of receiving answers by allowing the customer to select from candidate answers to a question, and examples of displaying evaluations. Furthermore, Embodiment 2 will describe examples of displaying evaluations for similar products, etc. To the extent that the description of Embodiment 2 does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above descriptions will be omitted.

[0027] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to Embodiment 2. The information processing system 2 according to Embodiment 2 consists of, for example, a terminal device 20 and a server 21. For example, the terminal device 20 and the server 21 are connected via a communication network 22.

[0028] Terminal device 20 is a device capable of acquiring product identification information. Terminal device 20 acquires product identification information through customer operation. Terminal device 20 may be either a smartphone or a tablet device. Terminal device 20 may also be a device attached to a mobile device such as a shopping cart. Terminal device 20 may have a specific application program for use in stores pre-installed. Furthermore, the specific application program may have a function for evaluation reference.

[0029] Furthermore, the server 21 may be connected to multiple terminal devices 20. For example, the terminal device 20 used in the store to acquire product identification information and the terminal device 20 that outputs the evaluation may be different or the same. To be more specific about the case where they are different, for example, the terminal device 20 used in the store may be a terminal device 20 for the store, and the terminal device 20 that outputs the evaluation may be a customer's terminal device 20. In this embodiment 2, an example in which one terminal device 20 is used will be given for explanation.

[0030] Furthermore, Server 21 manages various databases, such as a product database that stores product information.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. The terminal device 20 includes an acquisition unit 201, a receiving unit 202, an output unit 203, and a product receiving unit 204. The data used for processing in each unit and the results of processing in each unit may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) or the like. The storage unit (not shown) may be provided in the terminal device 20 or in a device different from the terminal device 20.

[0032] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server 21 according to Embodiment 2. The server 21 includes an identification information acquisition unit 211, a question identification unit 212, an evaluation reception unit 213, an output control unit 214, an evaluation identification unit 215, and a similar product identification unit 216. In Embodiment 2, an evaluation identification unit 215 and a similar product identification unit 216 are newly added compared to Embodiment 1. The identification information acquisition unit 211 has the functions of the identification information acquisition unit 111 described in Embodiment 1. The evaluation reception unit 213 may have the functions of the evaluation reception unit 113 described in Embodiment 1. The question identification unit 212 has the functions of the question identification unit 112 described in Embodiment 1. The output control unit 214 has the functions of the output control unit 114 described in Embodiment 1.

[0033] Furthermore, server 21 includes a product database 2111, a question database 2112, and an evaluation database 2113. For example, each database may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Also, data used for processing in each unit and the results of processing in each unit may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Note that the storage unit not shown may be provided in server 21 or in a device different from server 21.

[0034] Product DB2111 stores information about products handled by a store or affiliated stores including that store. Product information is information that represents a product. Product DB2111 stores product information according to product identification information. As mentioned above, product identification information is not particularly limited to product codes, product names, and image data. Depending on the method of obtaining product identification information, which will be described later, the product identification information used may differ. Also, for example, if a product code is used as product identification information, the product name and image data are information that can identify a product, but they may also be used as product information. Specifically, Product DB2111 stores product information according to product codes, for example. For example, Product DB2111 stores product codes, product names, product categories, product prices, and product characteristics in association with each other. More specifically, Product DB2111 has fields for product codes, product names, product categories, product prices, product characteristics, and product images. Then, in Product DB2111, for example, information is set in each field, and it is registered as one record.

[0035] Here, the product category is a classification of the product and is not particularly limited. As explained in Embodiment 1, for example, the product category is a classification when the product is divided according to its use or type. For example, the product category may be a classification of products divided by use, such as clothing, food, and miscellaneous goods. Alternatively, the product category may be a classification further divided by type, such as confectionery, meat, and vegetables. The product price is, for example, the base price of the product. The base price is the price used as the basis for calculating the tax-inclusive price, subtotal, and total amount. Hereafter, the base price will also be called the tax-exclusive price. The price after adding consumption tax to the tax-exclusive price will be called the tax-inclusive price. The product features are other features besides the product name, product classification, and product price and are not particularly limited. The product features may differ depending on the product. For example, if the product is a shirt, the product features may be length, size, material, country of origin, etc. For example, if the product is food, the product features may be expiration date and allergy information. The product image may be any image that represents the product and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, product DB2111 may include not only product images but also product videos. In addition, product DB2111 may store information indicating the location where product prices, product features, and product images are stored, instead of the product price, product features, and product images themselves.

[0036] Question DB2112 stores questions by product category. Specifically, for example, Question DB2112 stores questions in association with product categories. The questions stored in Question DB2112 are information that represents a question. Furthermore, Question DB2112 may store questions in association with product categories, question identification information (e.g., question ID), and the questions themselves. As mentioned above, product categories may be broad product classifications or sub-product classifications. The questions relate to product evaluations. Evaluation here may be a subjective evaluation by the customer, such as whether the product is good or bad. Questions are defined for each product category. Questions may be questions that customers can answer intuitively. First, let's explain some examples of questions when the category is a broad classification. If the category is food, the questions may be about taste, smell, price, etc. If the category is cosmetics, the questions may be about smell, texture, price, etc. If the category is clothing, the questions may be about texture, size, design, price, etc. Furthermore, if the category is home appliances, the question may also be about size, design, price, etc.

[0037] This section explains examples of questions when a category is subdivided. For example, in the field of clothing, categories may be subdivided into categories such as shirts, bags, and shoes. If the category is shirts, the questions will concern design, sizing, etc. If the category is bags, the questions will concern design, sizing, weight, etc. If the category is shoes, the questions will concern design, sizing, etc.

[0038] The category-specific questions described above are merely examples and are not necessarily limited to this category.

[0039] Furthermore, the Question DB2112 may store questions and candidate answers for each product category. Candidate answers are subjective responses from the customer to the question. For example, for a question about the quality of a product, candidate answers might be "good" or "bad." More specifically, for example, if the question is about design preference, candidate answers might be "Like," "Dislike," "Don't like it very much," "Good," or "Bad." Also, for example, if the question is about size, candidate answers might be "Small," "Just right," or "Large." In this way, candidate answers may be those that the customer can intuitively select.

[0040] Furthermore, the possible answers to a question may be expressed numerically. For example, the possible answers to whether a design is to one's liking may be expressed numerically in stages.

[0041] The above-described possible answers to the questions are merely examples and are not necessarily limited to those provided.

[0042] The evaluation database 2113 stores customer evaluations of products for each customer. Specifically, for example, the evaluation database 2113 stores customer identification information, product identification information, questions, and customer evaluations of products in association. The customer identification information is not particularly limited and only needs to be able to uniquely identify the customer. For example, the customer identification information may be a customer ID (Identifier). Here, for example, the customer ID is assigned to customers who use the aforementioned specific application program. Alternatively, the customer ID may be a membership ID, such as a point card number.

[0043] As mentioned above, product identification information is not limited to a specific type, and could be, for example, a product code. The ratings stored in the rating DB2113 are information representing ratings. The information representing ratings may be an actual rating, such as "Like," or it may be rating identification information, such as a rating ID, and is not particularly limited. Similarly, the questions stored are information representing questions. The information representing questions may be an actual question, such as "Preference," or it may be question identification information, such as a question ID, and is not particularly limited.

[0044] Furthermore, the evaluation database 2113 may store the date and time the evaluation was performed, associating it with the evaluation itself. This makes it possible to identify when each product was evaluated.

[0045] Next, we will describe in detail each functional unit of the terminal device 20 and each functional unit of the server 21.

[0046] (Example of evaluation registration) First, let's explain an example of registering customer reviews for a product.

[0047] The identification information acquisition unit 211 of the server 21 acquires product identification information based on customer operations on the terminal device 20. Here, we describe an example in which the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires product identification information via the acquisition unit 201 of the terminal device 20. The acquisition unit 201 of the terminal device 20 acquires product identification information. Here, the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 201 can be any information that can uniquely identify a product. The method of acquiring product identification information by the acquisition unit 201 is not particularly limited. If the product identification information is a product code, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire the product code by reading the product code attached to the product using an imaging device. The product code may be represented by, for example, a one-dimensional code (barcode), a two-dimensional code, etc. Thus, the product identification information may be image data representing an image of a barcode representing a product code. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire image data representing an image of a product code or a barcode from a storage unit (not shown).

[0048] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire product identification information by reading a tag to which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​has been attached via a reader. When using RFID, the reader is an RFID reader. Note that the acquisition unit 201 may acquire product identification information not only through RFID, but also through a reader via short-range wireless communication or other means.

[0049] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire product identification information by selecting product identification information from the results of the product search. For example, the method of product search is not particularly limited. Product searches may be performed using text. Product searches may be performed using images. More specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire product identification information by selecting a product from the displayed product images through customer operation.

[0050] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 201 may accept input of product codes represented by numbers or letters via an input device or input / output device. An example of an input / output device is a touch panel display, and an example of an input device is a keyboard capable of inputting numbers and letters.

[0051] In this second embodiment, we will explain an example in which the acquisition unit 201 acquires a product code by reading a barcode representing the product code via an imaging device. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may activate the imaging device via a specific application program and have the imaging device read the barcode.

[0052] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reading a product code. The output unit 203 displays screen d001, which includes a frame indicating the barcode reading position. The acquisition unit 201 captures an image of the barcode that is captured within the frame, for example, by a customer's operation. The acquisition unit 201 then acquires the product code represented by the captured barcode. The acquisition unit 201 sends the acquired product code to the server 21.

[0053] For example, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires product identification information by receiving the product code transmitted from the terminal device 20.

[0054] Next, the question identification unit 212 identifies questions related to product evaluations corresponding to the product category represented by the product identification information. The question identification unit 212 identifies the product category corresponding to the acquired product code from the product database 2111. The question identification unit 212 may also identify the product name, product characteristics, and product price corresponding to the product code from the product database 2111. Then, the question identification unit 212 identifies questions corresponding to the identified category from the question database 2112. The number of questions identified is not particularly limited. The number of questions may be predetermined, such as a set number. For example, the number of questions may be determined for each category. Also, the number of questions may change dynamically. For example, the number of questions may change according to customer specifications, or it may change depending on the function and type of the terminal device 20.

[0055] Furthermore, if candidate answers to a question are stored in the question DB 2112, the question identification unit 212 may identify the question and the candidate answers to the question. The output control unit 214 transmits each identified piece of information to the terminal device 20 so that the terminal device 20 can output each piece of identified information. The output unit 203 of the terminal device 20 displays each piece of received information on a display device. This display device may be provided in the terminal device 20 or connected to the terminal device 20. The connection method is not particularly limited, such as wired or wireless. In the following description, output devices such as display devices may be provided in the terminal device 20 or connected to the terminal device 20. Specifically, for example, the output unit 203 generates screen information to be displayed on the display device based on each piece of received information, and displays the screen on the display device based on the generated screen information. As will be described later in Modification 1, the output unit 203 may generate screen information, or the output control unit 214 may generate screen information and transmit it to the terminal device 20, and the output unit 203 may display the screen on the display device based on the received screen information.

[0056] The receiving unit 202 of the terminal device 20 accepts the answer to the question identified by the question identification unit 212 as an evaluation. If there are candidate answers, the receiving unit 202 of the terminal device 20 accepts at least one of the candidate answers as an evaluation.

[0057] Here, we will explain an example where the product codes for the T-shirt and the bag are read, and ratings for the T-shirt and the bag are received. Here, we will explain an example where the categories of the T-shirt and the bag are different, and therefore the questions for the T-shirt and the questions for the bag are different. Using Figures 7 and 8, we will explain an example of receiving answers to each question.

[0058] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing example screen 1 for receiving evaluations. Figure 7 illustrates an example of receiving evaluations for a T-shirt. The output unit 203 displays, for example, screen d002. For example, screen d002 includes questions corresponding to the T-shirt category. Specifically, for example, screen d002 includes a question about whether the T-shirt is liked and a question about the T-shirt's fit. The question about whether it is liked is called the preference question. The question about the fit is called the size question. Screen d002 may also include candidate answers to the questions. The candidate answers may be displayed as buttons that the customer can tap.

[0059] The answer options for the preference question are "Like" and "Dislike". In the example in Figure 7, the option "Like" is selected. The answer options for the size question are "Small", "Just Right", and "Large". In the example in Figure 7, the option "Just Right" is selected. If there are no answer options, screen d002 may include an input field. For example, screen d002 may include an input field for "Other". "Other" could be the customer's opinion of the product.

[0060] Screen d002 includes, for example, a "Confirm" button. When the Confirm button is tapped, the reception unit 202 accepts the answers to each question as evaluations. In the example in Figure 7, the reception unit 202 accepts the option "Like" for the preference question as a product evaluation. The reception unit 202 also accepts the option "Just Right" for the size question as a product evaluation. For example, the reception unit 202 accepts input to the input fields as evaluations.

[0061] For example, the reception unit 202 accepts inputs to the input fields as evaluations.

[0062] Furthermore, screen d002 may also include product information. In the example in Figure 7, screen d002 includes product information such as image, product name, size, and price.

[0063] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing example screen 2 for receiving evaluations. Figure 8 illustrates an example of receiving evaluations for a bag. The output unit 203 displays, for example, screen d003. For example, screen d003 includes questions corresponding to the bag's category. Specifically, for example, screen d003 includes a question about preferences and a question about the bag's weight. The question about weight is called the weight question. Screen d003 may also include candidate answers to the questions. The candidate answers may be displayed as buttons that the customer can tap.

[0064] The answer options for the preference question are "Like" and "Dislike". In the example in Figure 8, the option "Like" is tapped. The answer options for the weight question are "Light", "Normal", and "Heavy". In the example in Figure 8, the option "Normal" is selected. If there are no answer options, screen d003 may include an input field. For example, screen d003 may include an input field for "Other". "Other" could be the customer's opinion of the product.

[0065] Screen d003 includes, for example, a "Confirm" button. When the Confirm button is tapped, the reception unit 202 accepts the answers to each question as evaluations. In the example in Figure 8, the reception unit 202 accepts the candidate "Like" for the preference question as an evaluation of the product. The reception unit 202 also accepts the candidate "Normal" for the weight question as an evaluation of the product. For example, the reception unit 202 accepts input to the input fields as evaluations.

[0066] Furthermore, similar to the example in Figure 7, screen d003 shown in Figure 8 may also include product information. In the example in Figure 8, screen d003 includes product information such as image, product name, size, and price.

[0067] Similar to the example in Figure 7, if there are no candidate answers, screen d003 may include an input field. For example, screen d003 may include an input field for entering an answer to "Other". For example, the reception unit 202 accepts the input to the input field as an evaluation.

[0068] Next, the receiving unit 202 transmits the received evaluation to the server 21, for example. The evaluation receiving unit 213 of the server 21 then accepts the evaluation, for example, by receiving the evaluation from the terminal device 20. In other words, the evaluation receiving unit 213 accepts the evaluation via the terminal device 20.

[0069] The evaluation reception unit 213 registers the received evaluations. Registering an evaluation means registering information that indicates the evaluation. Specifically, for example, the evaluation reception unit 213 registers the product identification information and the received evaluation in association. More specifically, the evaluation reception unit 213 registers the customer ID, product code, and evaluation in association with each other in the evaluation database 2113. Furthermore, for example, the evaluation reception unit 213 may register the customer ID, product code, evaluation, and other registrable information in association with each other in the evaluation database 2113. Specifically, for example, the evaluation reception unit 213 registers the customer ID, product code, question, and evaluation in association with each other in the evaluation database 2113. As explained in the evaluation database 2113, the evaluation reception unit 213 may also register the customer ID, question ID, and evaluation ID (candidate identification information such as a candidate ID that identifies candidate evaluations) in association with each other.

[0070] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system 2 for registering evaluations. The acquisition unit 201 of the terminal device 20 acquires the product code (step S201). In step S201, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the product code, for example, by reading the product's barcode. The acquisition unit 201 transmits the acquired product code to the server 21 (step S202).

[0071] The identification information acquisition unit 211 of the server 21 acquires the product code by receiving it. Next, the question identification unit 212 identifies the question based on the product category indicated by the product code (step S203). In step S203, for example, the question identification unit 212 identifies the category associated with the product code from the product DB 2111. Then, in step S203, the question identification unit 212 identifies the question associated with the product category from the question DB 2112. Here, in step S203, the question identification unit 212 may also identify product information that includes the category associated with the product code from the product DB 2111. Next, the output control unit 214 transmits the identified question (step S204). As a result, the output control unit 214 outputs the identified question. Also, in step S204, if the question identification unit 212 identifies information other than the question, it transmits both the question and the information other than the question.

[0072] When the output unit 203 receives a question, it displays the question (step S205). In step S205, if the output unit 203 receives both a question and information other than a question, it may display both the question and the information other than a question.

[0073] The reception unit 202 accepts the answers to the questions as product evaluations (step S206). The reception unit 202 transmits the received evaluations (step S207). The evaluation reception unit 213 of the server 21 accepts the evaluations upon receiving them. The evaluation reception unit 213 of the server 21 then registers the evaluations in association with the product codes (step S208). With this, the information processing system 2 completes its operations related to evaluation registration.

[0074] (Example of evaluation output 1) Next, an example of evaluation output will be described. The output control unit 214 outputs an evaluation of the product. The output control unit 214 may also cause the terminal device 20 to display the evaluation. The method of outputting the evaluation by the terminal device 20 is not particularly limited. Specifically, the output unit 203 of the terminal device 20 displays the evaluation of the product on the display device based on the output of the output control unit 214. The display method by the output unit 203 is not particularly limited.

[0075] Furthermore, the output control unit 214 may output the received evaluation when it receives an output instruction from a customer regarding their evaluation of the product. For example, the method of receiving the output instruction and the output instruction itself are not particularly limited. The output instruction may also be when the customer starts a specific application program on the terminal device 20.

[0076] Here, we will explain an example in which a customer outputs an evaluation for a product they have specified. We will explain using an example in which the product is specified via the product receiving unit 204 of the terminal device 20. The product receiving unit 204 receives, for example, an instruction from the customer to output an evaluation for a product. The method by which the product receiving unit 204 receives the output instruction is not particularly limited. Specifically, for example, the product receiving unit 204 may accept the specification of a product through an operation by the customer. The timing at which the product receiving unit 204 accepts the specification of a product is not particularly limited. For example, a customer may want to check a product they have actually checked in a store again after leaving the store. For example, a customer has not yet purchased a product. Therefore, the customer may want to check the product again at home or elsewhere. The product receiving unit 204 then accepts the specification of the product the customer wants to check. The specified product is, for example, a product for which an evaluation has been registered, and accepting the specification of a product is equivalent to accepting an instruction to output an evaluation. The product receiving unit 204 may, for example, accept the specification of a product from products registered on an e-commerce site. The product receiving unit 204 then sends product identification information to the server 21 to identify the received product. Here, we will explain using the product code as an example of product identification information.

[0077] When the output control unit 214 receives an output instruction, it outputs the evaluation. Here, we will explain using an example in which the output control unit 214 displays the evaluation identified by the evaluation identification unit 215 on the terminal device 20. Specifically, the evaluation identification unit 215 receives an output instruction by receiving the product code from the terminal device 20. The evaluation identification unit 215 identifies the evaluation associated with the customer ID and product code from the evaluation DB 2113. The evaluation identification unit 215 may also identify the questions and evaluations. Taking the T-shirt example shown in Figure 7, the evaluation identification unit 215 identifies the preference question and evaluation ("Like") and the size question and evaluation "Just right". The evaluation identification unit 215 also identifies other questions and evaluations. Furthermore, the evaluation identification unit 215 may identify product information corresponding to the product code from the product DB 2111.

[0078] The output control unit 214 transmits each piece of information identified by the evaluation identification unit 215 to the terminal device 20.

[0079] The output unit 203 of the terminal device 20 receives each of the identified pieces of information. The output unit 203 then causes each of the identified pieces of information to be displayed on the display device. Specifically, the output unit 203 displays, for example, a screen containing each of the identified pieces of information. In this way, the output control unit 214 can display each piece of information on the terminal device 20. A specific example will be explained using Figure 10.

[0080] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of displaying evaluations. Figure 10 shows an example of displaying the evaluations received for the T-shirt shown in Figure 7. The output unit 203 displays screen d004, which contains the received information. Screen d004 includes evaluations for each question. Screen d004 also includes product information such as product name, size, and price.

[0081] Furthermore, screen d004 may include information other than the specified information. In the example in Figure 10, screen d004 may include a "Add to Cart" button. When the "Add to Cart" button is tapped, for example, product registration is performed. Existing technologies may be used for product registration, and there are no particular limitations. Also, the other information is not limited to the "Add to Cart" button.

[0082] Next, we will explain an example of outputting evaluations for multiple products. Note that the product reception unit 204 may accept specifications for multiple products. Note that the processing by the question identification unit 212 is the same as in the previous example, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0083] The output control unit 214 outputs the evaluations for each of the multiple products in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined order may be the order in which the evaluations were performed. The order in which the evaluations were performed means in order of the most recent date of evaluation, or in order of the oldest date of evaluation. Alternatively, the predetermined order may be the order of the product categories. The order of categories means, for example, the order of categories with higher priority, where each category has been assigned a priority level in advance. Alternatively, the predetermined order may be the order of prices. The order of prices means in order of the highest price, or in order of the lowest price. Alternatively, for example, if the location of the products within the store can be identified, the predetermined order may be the order of the sales floor. The order of sales floors may be the order of sales floors with higher priority, where each sales floor has been assigned a priority level in advance. The location of the products within the store may be the customer's location when obtaining the product code. Alternatively, it may be the location on the shelf where the products are displayed within the store.

[0084] Specifically, the output control unit 214 transmits information regarding a predetermined order and the evaluation of each of the multiple products. The output unit 203 displays the evaluation of each of the multiple products on the display device in the predetermined order. For example, the output unit 203 may display a screen (not shown) that includes a "Next" button or the like.

[0085] Furthermore, the display method is not particularly limited. For example, when the "Next button" is tapped, the output unit 203 may switch screens (not shown) to display a screen (not shown) containing the evaluation of the next product. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 203 may display a single screen (not shown) containing the evaluations of each product arranged in a predetermined order. When the output unit 203 receives a scroll signal, it may display the screen (not shown) in a way that scrolls it.

[0086] Furthermore, the product reception unit 204 may not only accept individual requests for the specification of products to display ratings, but may also accept output instructions to output registered ratings. In addition, the product reception unit 204 may accept output instructions to output registered ratings that were received within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined period may be within the past two weeks from the present. Alternatively, the predetermined period may be a specific day such as today or the day before yesterday.

[0087] (Example of operation of Output Example 1) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the information processing system 2 related to the evaluation output example 1. The product reception unit 204 accepts the specification of a product (step S211). The product reception unit 204 transmits a product code that can identify the specified product (step S212). The evaluation identification unit 215 of the server 21 accepts the product specification by receiving the product code.

[0088] The evaluation identification unit 215 identifies the evaluation corresponding to the product represented by the product code from the evaluation DB 2113 (step S213). The output control unit 214 transmits the identified evaluation (step S214). Then, the output unit 203 displays the evaluation upon receiving it (step S215).

[0089] (Example of evaluation output 2) Next, we will explain an example of outputting the reviews received for products similar to the product. Products similar to the product are called similar products. Similar products are products that have at least some of the same characteristics as the specified product.

[0090] The evaluation identification unit 215 identifies the evaluations received for similar products that have similar characteristics to the product specified by the customer. The output control unit 214 then outputs the evaluations for similar products that are similar to the specified product.

[0091] Here, we will explain in detail using an example in which the product receiving unit 204 accepts the designation of a product, similar to the evaluation output example 1. The receiving process by the product receiving unit 204 may be the same as in the evaluation output example 1, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. The similar product identification unit 216 identifies similar products that are similar to the designated product, for example. Product characteristics are not particularly limited and may include, for example, the product category, product price, product weight, product size, product dimensions, product place of origin, product raw materials, etc. Also, product characteristics may differ depending on the product category. Furthermore, product characteristics may also be the product category. For example, if the category is a subcategory, products belonging to the same category are likely to be similar.

[0092] More specifically, for example, when the similar product identification unit 216 receives a product code representing a product specified by the product reception unit 204, it identifies similar products that are similar to the product represented by the product code. For example, the similar product identification unit 216 identifies product information associated with the product code from the product database 2111. The product information identified by the similar product identification unit 216 is information that represents the characteristics of the product.

[0093] Furthermore, the similar product identification unit 216 may determine the degree of similarity between a specified product and other products based on multiple characteristics. The similar product identification unit 216 may also identify products with a high degree of similarity as similar products.

[0094] Furthermore, the similar product identification unit 216 may determine the degree of similarity between products by matching them from product images. The similar product identification unit 216 may then identify products with a high degree of similarity to a specified product as similar products.

[0095] The evaluation identification unit 215 identifies the evaluation for the received product and the evaluation for identified similar products from the evaluation database 2113. The output control unit 214 transmits each identified evaluation to the terminal device 20.

[0096] When the output unit 203 receives an evaluation, it displays the evaluation. In this way, the output control unit 214 can output the evaluation.

[0097] The above example describes a case where evaluations are output for both the received product and similar products, but the example is not limited to outputting evaluations for both. For example, the similar product identification unit 216 may identify similar products if there are no evaluations for the specified product. Furthermore, the evaluation identification unit 215 may identify information for both the specified product and information for similar products. The evaluation identification unit 215 transmits each identified piece of information to the terminal device 20. When the output unit 203 receives each piece of information identified by the evaluation identification unit 215, it displays each piece of information, including evaluations for similar products.

[0098] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying ratings for similar products. The output unit 203 displays screen d005, which includes information on the specified product, information on similar products, and ratings for similar products. In Figure 12, the information on the specified product includes image data, product name, size, and price. In Figure 12, the information on similar products includes image data. Note that the product information and similar product information are not limited to the example in Figure 12. For example, screen d005 may include information on the specified product followed by information on similar products.

[0099] (Example of operation in Output Example 2) Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the information processing system 2 related to the evaluation output example 2. The product reception unit 204 accepts the specification of a product (step S221). The product reception unit 204 transmits a product code that can identify the specified product (step S222).

[0100] The similar product identification unit 216 identifies products similar to the product represented by the product code (step S223). The evaluation identification unit 215 then identifies the evaluation for the product represented by the product code and the evaluation for similar products from the evaluation DB 2113 (step S224). The output control unit 214 transmits the identified evaluations (step S225). The output unit 203 then displays each evaluation upon receiving it (step S226). The information processing system 2 then terminates processing.

[0101] In the second embodiment described above, when the information processing system 2 receives an instruction from the customer to output an evaluation of the product, it outputs the received evaluation. This allows the information processing system 2 to output the evaluation at the timing desired by the customer.

[0102] Furthermore, when the information processing system 2 receives evaluations for each of multiple products, it outputs the evaluations for each of the multiple products in a predetermined order. For example, the information processing system 2 outputs the evaluations for each of the multiple products in the order in which the evaluations were received. This allows the information processing system 2 to output each evaluation in a way that is easy for the customer to understand.

[0103] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 outputs the evaluations received for similar products that have similar characteristics to the specified product. For example, the information processing system 2 may display information about the specified product, information about similar products, and evaluations of similar products. This allows the information processing system 2 to enable customers to browse products they wish to purchase while checking their own evaluations of similar products.

[0104] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 3 describes an example in which, when a product is purchased, the purchased product is registered as a possession. Here, possession refers to the customer's property. To the extent that the description of Embodiment 3 does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted. Although not shown in the drawings, the information processing system according to Embodiment 3 consists of a terminal device and a server, similar to Embodiment 2. Here, the information processing system according to Embodiment 3 will be referred to as Information Processing System 2, similar to Embodiment 2.

[0105] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device according to Embodiment 3. The terminal device 30 includes an acquisition unit 301, a reception unit 302, an output unit 303, a product reception unit 304, and a personal belongings acquisition unit 305. The data used for processing each unit and the results of processing each unit may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) or the like. The storage unit (not shown) may be provided in the terminal device 30 or in a device different from the terminal device 30.

[0106] In Embodiment 3, a new item acquisition unit 305 is added. The acquisition unit 301, the receiving unit 302, the output unit 303, and the product receiving unit 304 have the same functions as the acquisition unit 201, the receiving unit 202, the output unit 203, and the product receiving unit 204 described in Embodiment 2, respectively. A detailed explanation of the acquisition unit 301, the receiving unit 302, the output unit 303, and the product receiving unit 304 is omitted.

[0107] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server 31 according to Embodiment 3. The server 31 includes an identification information acquisition unit 311, a question identification unit 312, an evaluation reception unit 313, an output control unit 314, an evaluation identification unit 315, a similar product identification unit 316, and a possession registration unit 317.

[0108] In Embodiment 3, a new item registration unit 317 is added. The identification information acquisition unit 311, the question identification unit 312, the evaluation reception unit 313, the output control unit 314, the evaluation identification unit 315, and the similar product identification unit 316 each have the functions of the identification information acquisition unit 211, the question identification unit 212, the evaluation reception unit 213, the output control unit 214, the evaluation identification unit 215, and the similar product identification unit 216 described in Embodiment 2, respectively. Detailed explanations of the identification information acquisition unit 311, the question identification unit 312, the evaluation reception unit 313, the output control unit 314, the evaluation identification unit 315, and the similar product identification unit 316 are omitted.

[0109] Furthermore, server 31 includes a product database 3111, a question database 3112, an evaluation database 3113, and an inventory database 3114. In Embodiment 3, an inventory database 3114 is newly added. The product database 3111, the question database 3112, and the evaluation database 3113 may be the same as the product database 2111, the question database 2112, and the evaluation database 2113 described in Embodiment 2, respectively. Detailed descriptions of the product database 3111, the question database 3112, and the evaluation database 3113 are omitted.

[0110] For example, each DB may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Also, the data used for processing in each unit and the results of processing in each unit may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Note that the storage unit not shown may be provided in the server 31 or in a device different from the server 31.

[0111] Furthermore, some of the multiple databases may be implemented as a single database. Also, each database may be further divided into multiple databases. Thus, the implementation method for each database is not particularly limited.

[0112] The possessions database 3114 stores information about each customer's possessions. Possessions include items that the customer has purchased in the past and items that the customer has received as gifts in the past. There are no particular limitations on where the customer possesses their possessions.

[0113] Specifically, for example, the possessions database 3114 stores customer identification information, product identification information, and customer ratings of products in association. The customer identification information is not particularly limited and only needs to be able to uniquely identify the customer. For example, the customer identification information may be a customer ID (Identifier). Here, for example, the customer ID is assigned to customers who use the application program. Alternatively, the customer ID may be a membership ID, such as a point card number.

[0114] As mentioned above, product identification information is not limited to product codes, product names, or image data. The ratings stored in the rating DB3113 are information representing ratings. The information representing ratings may be actual ratings such as "Like," or it may be information that identifies the rating (e.g., an ID), and is not particularly limited. Similarly, the questions stored are information representing questions. The information representing questions may be actual questions such as "Preference," or it may be information that identifies the question (e.g., an ID), and is not particularly limited.

[0115] Furthermore, the possessions database 3114 may store the date and time the evaluation was performed and the date and time the item was purchased, associating them with the item identification information.

[0116] (Register your items after purchase) The item registration unit 317, for example, registers the item as a customer's possession along with the received evaluation when the item for which an evaluation has been received is purchased. Specifically, for example, the item registration unit 317 associates the customer ID, the item identification information, and the evaluation received before purchase and registers them in the item database 3114. Note that when an item is registered as a possession, the evaluation for that item may be deleted from the evaluation database 3113.

[0117] Furthermore, the reception unit 302 may accept a new product review after the customer has purchased the product. Here, the reception unit 302 may accept reports, opinions, etc., instead of a review. In other words, the reception unit 302 may accept reviews such as reviews, reports, and opinions. The review here is not particularly limited. For example, the review may be an answer to a question corresponding to the product category described in Embodiments 1 and 2. In this case, the question identification unit 312 identifies a question corresponding to the product category. The output unit 303 then displays the question. The reception unit 302 accepts the review as an answer to the question. The reception unit 302 then sends the received review to the server 31.

[0118] The evaluation reception unit 313 accepts evaluations upon receiving them. The possession registration unit 317 then registers the product identification information as the possession identification information, along with the evaluations received before and after the purchase of the product. Specifically, for example, the possession registration unit 317 associates the customer ID, product identification information, evaluations received before purchase, and evaluations received after purchase and registers them in the possession DB 3114.

[0119] In this way, by registering both pre-purchase and post-purchase reviews, it becomes possible to compare a customer's pre-purchase and post-purchase reviews for the same product. This can be used to verify changes in the customer's feelings before and after purchasing the product. The timing of accepting reviews after purchase is not particularly limited; any time after purchase is acceptable.

[0120] Furthermore, if a customer's possession is identified as a similar product, the evaluation identification unit 315 identifies each evaluation for the identified similar product from the possession database 3114. The output control unit 314 then transmits each identified evaluation to the terminal device 30. This allows the customer to refer to evaluations they have received in the past for similar products, even for products they have already purchased.

[0121] (Example of registration process) Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of server 31. The inventory registration unit 317 determines whether the item has been purchased (step S301). If the item has not been purchased (step S301: No), the inventory registration unit 317 returns to step S301. If the item has been purchased (step S301: Yes), the inventory registration unit 317 registers the item as an item in the owner's possession along with the evaluation received before the purchase (step S302). The information processing system 2 according to Embodiment 3 then terminates its operation.

[0122] Although not shown in the diagram, the reception unit 302 may accept reviews of the product after purchase. The timing of accepting reviews is not particularly limited. For example, the reception unit 302 may accept new reviews before step S302. The reception unit 302 then sends the reviews to the server 31. The review reception unit 313 accepts the reviews upon receiving them. Then, in step S302, the inventory registration unit 317 registers the product as an inventory item along with the reviews received before purchase and the reviews received after purchase.

[0123] (Register other items in your possessions) This section explains an example of registering other items purchased at other stores as belongings.

[0124] The identification information acquisition unit 311 acquires product identification information to identify another product. The possession acquisition unit 305 For example, another product may be, for example, a product purchased by the customer at another store or a product received from someone else.

[0125] Here, we will explain an example in which the identification information acquisition unit 111 acquires product identification information for another product via the possession acquisition unit 305 of the terminal device 30.

[0126] The item retrieval unit 305 acquires identification information to identify another product. The product identification information acquired here is not particularly limited. If the product is not registered in the product database 3111, the product identification information may be image data of the product taken by the customer, or a product name entered by the customer. The item retrieval unit 305 transmits the product identification information to identify another product to the server 31. The identification information acquisition unit 311 acquires product identification information to identify another product by receiving the product identification information.

[0127] The reception unit 302 accepts evaluations of other products purchased by the customer. Here, the reception unit 302 may accept reports, opinions, etc., instead of evaluations. In other words, the reception unit 302 may accept reviews such as evaluations, reports, and opinions. The evaluations here are not particularly limited. For example, the evaluation may be an evaluation as an answer to the questions described in Embodiments 1 and 2. In this case, the question identification unit 312 identifies a question corresponding to the product category. The output unit 303 then displays the question. The reception unit 302 accepts the evaluation as an answer to the question. For example, if the product is not registered in the product DB 3111, the possession acquisition unit 305 may acquire the product category along with the product identification information. This allows the question identification unit 312 to identify a question corresponding to the category.

[0128] The reception unit 302 sends the received evaluation to the server 31. The evaluation reception unit 313 then accepts the evaluation upon receiving it.

[0129] The item registration unit 317 registers another item as an item along with the received evaluation. Specifically, for example, the item registration unit 317 associates the customer ID, item identification information, and received evaluation and registers them in the item database 3114.

[0130] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing system for registering personal belongings. The personal belongings acquisition unit 305 acquires product identification information to identify the product (step S311). The reception unit 302 accepts the evaluation (step S312). The reception unit 302 then transmits the product identification information and the evaluation to the server 31 (step S313). The identification information acquisition unit 311 of the server 31 acquires the product identification information by receiving it. The evaluation reception unit 313 of the server 31 accepts the evaluation by receiving it. The personal belongings registration unit 317 of the server 31 registers the product identification information and the evaluation in the personal belongings DB 3114 (step S314). The information processing system 2 according to Embodiment 3 then terminates its operation.

[0131] In Embodiment 3, when a product is purchased, the information processing system 2 registers the product as a possession along with its evaluation. This allows the information processing system 2 to utilize the received evaluation even after the purchase. For example, evaluations received before purchase may be used as reviews.

[0132] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 may accept further evaluations after the product has been purchased. By registering both pre-purchase and post-purchase evaluations in this way, the system may be used to verify the pre-purchase and post-purchase evaluations of the same product for a given customer.

[0133] (Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 4 describes an example in which a discount is given at the time of purchase if the product is tried out before purchase. In particular, an example in which a discount is given at the time of purchase if the product is tried out after payment is made. To the extent that the description of Embodiment 4 does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0134] Although not shown in the figures, the information processing system according to Embodiment 4 consists of a terminal device and a server, similar to Embodiments 2 and 3. Here, the information processing system according to Embodiment 4 will be referred to as Information Processing System 2, similar to Embodiment 2, and the terminal device will be referred to as Terminal Device 30, similar to Embodiment 3. The functional parts of Terminal Device 30 may be the same as those in Embodiment 3, so we will describe them using the functional parts of Embodiment 3.

[0135] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server according to Embodiment 4. The server 41 includes an identification information acquisition unit 411, a question identification unit 412, an evaluation reception unit 413, an output control unit 414, an evaluation identification unit 415, a similar product identification unit 416, a possession registration unit 417, a trial detection unit 418, and a calculation unit 419.

[0136] In Embodiment 4, a trial detection unit 418 and a calculation unit 419 are newly added compared to Embodiment 3. The identification information acquisition unit 411, the question identification unit 412, the evaluation reception unit 413, the output control unit 414, the evaluation identification unit 415, the similar product identification unit 416, and the possession registration unit 417 have the functions of the identification information acquisition unit 311, the question identification unit 312, the evaluation reception unit 313, the output control unit 314, the evaluation identification unit 315, the similar product identification unit 316, and the possession registration unit 317, respectively, as described in Embodiment 3. Detailed explanations of the identification information acquisition unit 411, the question identification unit 412, the evaluation reception unit 413, the output control unit 414, the evaluation identification unit 415, the similar product identification unit 416, and the possession registration unit 417 are omitted.

[0137] Furthermore, server 41 includes a product database 4111, a question database 4112, an evaluation database 4113, and an inventory database 4114. The product database 4111, the question database 4112, the evaluation database 4113, and the inventory database 4114 are the same as the product database 3111, the question database 3112, the evaluation database 3113, and the inventory database 3114 described in Embodiment 3, respectively. A detailed explanation of the product database 4111, the question database 4112, and the inventory database 4114 is omitted.

[0138] In addition, the evaluation DB4113 may store, for each customer, at least one of the following pieces of information regarding product trials: trial frequency, trial duration, and cumulative payment amount.

[0139] For example, each DB may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Also, the data used for processing in each unit and the results of processing in each unit may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Note that the storage unit not shown may be provided in the server 41 or in a device different from the server 41.

[0140] The trial detection unit 418 detects when a customer tries out a product. For example, the trial detection unit 418 detects when a customer tries out a product using a member number at a store's POS (Point of Sale System) register. For example, the trial detection unit 418 may also detect payment for product trials at a store's POS register. When the trial detection unit 418 detects payment for product trials, it may update the cumulative payment amount for product trials stored in the evaluation DB 4113. Furthermore, when the trial detection unit 418 detects payment for product trials, it may update the trial frequency stored in the evaluation DB 4113.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, the trial detection unit 418 may measure the trial time when it detects payment for the trial of a product. Alternatively, for example, the trial detection unit 418 may measure the trial time by recording the time the customer enters the paid booth using their membership number and the time they leave the paid booth. The trial detection unit 418 may also update the cumulative trial time stored in the evaluation DB 4113.

[0142] The calculation unit 419 calculates a discount amount or discount rate relative to the price of a product based on the frequency or cumulative trial time a customer has tried the product in the store. The frequency and cumulative trial time may be, for example, the frequency and cumulative trial time when the customer has paid for the product. For example, the calculation unit 419 calculates the discount amount or discount rate such that the higher the frequency of trial, the greater the discount amount or discount rate. Alternatively, for example, the calculation unit 419 calculates the discount amount or discount rate such that the longer the cumulative trial time, the greater the discount amount or discount rate. The discount amount or discount rate may have a predetermined upper limit.

[0143] Specifically, for example, a calculation formula for calculating a discount amount or discount rate based on the trial frequency or cumulative trial time may be predetermined. The calculation unit 419 may then calculate the discount amount or discount rate using the calculation formula based on the trial frequency or cumulative trial time.

[0144] Furthermore, the calculation unit 419 calculates the discount amount or discount rate relative to the price of the product based on the cumulative amount paid by the customer for trying out the product at the store. For example, the calculation unit 419 calculates the discount amount or discount rate such that the higher the cumulative amount paid, the greater the discount amount or discount rate. As mentioned above, the discount amount or discount rate may have a predetermined upper limit.

[0145] The timing of the calculation of the discount amount or discount rate by the calculation unit 419 may be when the product is registered for purchase, immediately before settlement after the product registration is completed, or when the trial frequency, cumulative trial time, or cumulative payment amount is updated. Since existing technology can be used for the product registration process, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the output control unit 414 transmits various information to the terminal device 20 for display on the terminal device 20. An example of when the discount amount is displayed when product identification information is registered is explained using Figure 19.

[0146] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the discount amount is displayed. When product identification information is registered, the output unit 303 displays screen d005, which includes the calculated discount amount. Screen d005 may also include, as an example, the price of the product excluding tax and the total price of the product including tax, in addition to the discount amount.

[0147] Furthermore, the server 41 may include a coupon generation unit (not shown) for generating coupons. When the generation unit (not shown) receives a coupon issuance instruction, it may generate a coupon for the calculated discount amount or discount rate.

[0148] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 41 according to Embodiment 4. Here, we will explain an example in which the discount amount is calculated when the trial frequency is updated. The trial detection unit 418 determines whether the product has been tried out (step S401). If the product has not been tried out (step S401: No), the trial detection unit 418 returns to step S401.

[0149] If the product has been tried (Step S401: Yes), the trial detection unit 418 updates the trial frequency (Step S402). The calculation unit 419 calculates the discount amount based on the trial frequency (Step S403). The information processing system 2 terminates its operation.

[0150] In Embodiment 4, the information processing system 2 calculates a discount amount or discount rate on the price of a product based on the frequency or cumulative trial time a customer has used the product in the store. Furthermore, the information processing system 2 calculates a discount amount or discount rate on the price of a product based on the cumulative amount paid by the customer for trying out the product in the store. This allows the information processing system 2 to offer a discount at the time of purchase if the customer has paid for and tried out the product. Note that the frequency of trial use, trial time, and cumulative payment amount are examples only; the discount amount and discount rate can be calculated based on the time and money spent by the customer to try out the product, and are not particularly limited.

[0151] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not limited to the examples given and can be modified in various ways. Also, the configuration of the information processing system in each embodiment is not particularly limited. The information processing system may be implemented by a single device, or by different devices for each function or database. The information processing system may be composed of a combination of servers such as a core server, a database server, a PLU (Price Look Up) server, a POS (Point of Sales) server, and an application server. The server that manages various databases may function as a database server, for example. The server that outputs information to terminal devices may be at least one of an application server, a POS server, or a core server. Each server receives information used for its assigned processing, for example, via a communication network. However, the names of the servers constituting the information processing system are not limited to these. Also, the information processing system may be composed of some of these servers.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, a single terminal device may be equipped with the server functional components described in each embodiment.

[0153] The combination of each embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, in embodiments 1 to 4, the information processing system may be configured to include each functional unit and a portion of the information.

[0154] For example, the information processing system 2 according to Embodiment 3 may be configured without a function to identify similar products and output evaluations for similar products as described in Embodiment 2 (e.g., a similar product identification unit 316). Also, for example, the information processing system 2 according to Embodiment 4 may be configured without a function to register personal belongings as described in Embodiment 3 (e.g., a personal belongings registration unit 417, a personal belongings database 4114, etc.).

[0155] In each embodiment, each database may include some of the aforementioned information. Furthermore, each database may include information other than that described above. Also, some of the multiple databases may be implemented in a single database. For example, the evaluation database 3113 and the possessions database 3114 may be implemented in a single database (e.g., a personal database). Furthermore, each database may be divided into multiple databases in more detail. Thus, the implementation method for each database is not particularly limited.

[0156] Furthermore, while each button on each screen is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button, the type of button is not particularly limited. Also, the position, color, and size of each item such as buttons, input fields, and display fields on each screen are not particularly limited. Buttons, information display fields, input fields, etc., which are not shown, may be added to each screen. Also, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0157] Next, modifications of each embodiment will be described. Note that functional parts common to each embodiment will be described using the reference numerals from Embodiment 2.

[0158] [Example 1] In each embodiment, for example, the output control unit 214 of the server 21 transmits various information to be displayed on the terminal device 20 to the terminal device 20, and the output unit 203 of the terminal device 20 generates information for each screen to be displayed on the display device of the terminal device 20 based on the received information, and displays the screen on the display device based on the generated information. For example, the output control unit 214 of the server 21 may generate information for the screen to be displayed on the display device of the terminal device 20 and transmit it to the terminal device 20. In such a case, the output unit 203 of the terminal device 20 displays the screen on the display device based on the received screen information.

[0159] [Differentiation 2] The output control unit 214 of the server 21 has described an example of displaying evaluations, but the output method is not limited to this. For example, the output control unit 214 may cause the terminal device 20 to output the evaluations as audio. For example, the output control unit 214 may control the terminal device 20 to output a combination of displaying each piece of information and outputting each piece of information as audio. Also, for example, if there are multiple evaluations, the output unit 203 may output at least some of the evaluations as audio and display at least some of the evaluations on the display device. The evaluations output as audio and the evaluations displayed may or may not overlap.

[0160] Alternatively, the output control unit 214 may transmit various information to be output as audio to the terminal device 20, and the output unit 203 may generate information for audio output based on the received information and output audio based on the generated information. Or, the output control unit 214 may generate information for audio output based on various information to be output as audio and transmit the generated information to the terminal device 20. Then, the output unit 203 may output audio based on the received information.

[0161] [Difference 3] For example, the reception unit 202 transmits the received evaluation to the server 21. The evaluation reception unit 213 of the server 21 accepts the evaluation, for example, by receiving the evaluation from the terminal device 20. Here, the reception unit 202 may also transmit an evaluation ID to the server 21. The evaluation reception unit 213 may accept the evaluation by receiving the evaluation ID.

[0162] Furthermore, an example was described in which the evaluation identification unit 215 identifies an evaluation from the evaluation database 2113 and transmits the identified evaluation to the terminal device 20. Here, the evaluation identification unit 215 may identify an evaluation from the evaluation database 2113 and transmit the evaluation ID of the identified evaluation to the terminal device 20. In this way, in each embodiment, the server 21 and the terminal device 20 may send and receive various IDs as identification information to identify evaluations, questions, etc., instead of evaluations, questions, etc. Similarly, identification information may also be sent and received for other data.

[0163] [Differentiation Example 4] As mentioned above, for example, the evaluation DB 3113 and the possession DB 3114 may be implemented by a single DB (for example, a personal DB). For example, the personal DB may have, for each customer, product identification information, an evaluation of the product, a flag indicating whether it is a possession, etc. For example, before purchasing a product, the flag indicating whether it is a possession is set to a value indicating that it is not a possession. Then, when a product is purchased, the possession registration unit 317 may set the flag indicating whether it is a possession to a value indicating that it is a possession.

[0164] This concludes the description of each embodiment and each modified example. Note that each embodiment and the modified examples described therein may be used in combination.

[0165] (Computer device) Next, we will describe hardware configuration examples when each of the devices described in each embodiment, such as terminal devices 20, 30, 40 and servers 21, 31, 41, is implemented using a computer device. Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer device hardware configuration. For example, some or all of the devices described in each embodiment, such as terminal devices 20, 30, 40 and servers 21, 31, 41, can also be implemented using any combination of a computer device 50 and a program, as shown in Figure 21.

[0166] The computer device 50 includes, for example, a processor 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a storage device 504, a communication interface 505, and an input / output interface 506. Each component is connected via a bus 507.

[0167] The processor 501 controls the entire computer device 50. Examples of processors 501 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). There may be multiple processors 501. The computer device 50 includes memory units such as ROM 502, RAM 503, and a storage device 504. Examples of storage devices 504 include semiconductor memory such as flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, the storage device 504 stores OS (Operating System) programs, application programs, and programs related to each embodiment. Alternatively, ROM 502 stores application programs and programs related to each embodiment. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the processor 501.

[0168] The processor 501 also loads programs stored in the storage device 504, ROM 502, etc. Then, the processor 501 executes each process coded in the program. The processor 501 may also download various programs via the communication network 52. Furthermore, the processor 501 functions as part or all of the computer device 50. The processor 501 may also execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0169] The communication interface 505 is connected to a communication network 52, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired communication line. This allows the computer device 50 to connect to external devices and computers via the communication network 52. The communication interface 505 manages the interface between the communication network 52 and the internal workings of the computer device 50. Furthermore, the communication interface 505 controls the input and output of data from external devices and computers.

[0170] Furthermore, the input / output interface 506 is connected to at least one of the input device, output device, and input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, and microphones. Examples of output devices include display devices, lighting devices, and speakers that output sound. Examples of input / output devices include touch panel displays. The input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer device 50 or may be external.

[0171] The hardware configuration of the computer device 50 is an example. The computer device 50 may have some of the components shown in Figure 21. The computer device 50 may have components other than those shown in Figure 21. For example, the computer device 50 may have a drive device. The processor 501 may read programs and data stored on a recording medium mounted on the drive device or the like into the RAM 503. Examples of non-temporary tangible recording media include optical discs, flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, as mentioned above, for example, the computer device 50 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer device 50 may have output devices such as a display. Furthermore, the computer device 50 may have input devices, output devices, and input / output devices, respectively.

[0172] The computer device 50 may have an imaging device capable of reading barcodes, etc. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the computer device 50 may have a reader for short-range wireless communication, etc.

[0173] The computer device 50 may have various sensors not shown in the diagram. The type of sensor is not particularly limited. Examples of sensors include acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, magnetic sensors, GPS (Global Positioning System), and other sensors. Other examples of sensors include fingerprint sensors, LiDAR (Light, Detection and Ranging), proximity sensors, and ambient light sensors.

[0174] This concludes the explanation of the hardware configuration of each device. Furthermore, there are various variations in how each device can be implemented. For example, an information processing system may be implemented by any combination of different computers and programs for each component. Alternatively, the multiple components of each device may be implemented by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0175] Furthermore, some or all of the components of the information processing system may be implemented using application-specific circuits. Alternatively, some or all of the information processing system may be implemented using general-purpose circuits, including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the information processing system may be implemented using a combination of application-specific circuits and general-purpose circuits. These circuits may also be a single integrated circuit, or they may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. These multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0176] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of each device are implemented by multiple computers or circuits, these computers or circuits may be centrally located or distributed.

[0177] The information processing methods described in each embodiment are implemented by execution by terminal devices or servers. Alternatively, the information processing methods are implemented by computers such as terminal devices or servers executing pre-prepared programs. The programs described in each embodiment are recorded on computer-readable recording media such as HDDs, SSDs, flexible disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB memory sticks. The programs are then executed by being read from the recording media by a computer. Furthermore, the programs may be distributed via a communication network.

[0178] Each component of the information processing system in the embodiments described above may be implemented in hardware, such as a computer device. Alternatively, each component may be implemented in a computer device or firmware based on program control.

[0179] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described herein, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The structure and details of each present disclosure may include embodiments that apply various modifications that can be grasped by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include embodiments that combine or substitute the matters described herein as appropriate. For example, matters described using a particular embodiment may be applied to other embodiments to the extent that they do not cause a contradiction. For example, although multiple operations are described sequentially in the form of a flowchart, the order in which they are described 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 to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0180] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows. However, some or all of the above embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0181] (Note 1) An identification information acquisition means that acquires product identification information to identify products through customer operations on a terminal device in a store, A question identification means for identifying questions relating to the evaluation of the said product according to the category of the said product, An evaluation receiving means that receives the answers to the identified questions as the evaluation, Output control means for outputting the received evaluation, An information processing system equipped with the following features. (Note 2) When the output control means receives an output instruction from the customer for the evaluation of the product, it outputs the received evaluation. The information processing system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) When the output control means receives evaluations for each of the multiple products, it outputs the evaluations for each of the multiple products in the order in which the evaluations were received. An information processing system as described in Appendix 2, comprising: (Note 4) When the output control means receives an evaluation for each of the multiple products, it outputs the evaluation for each of the multiple products in the order of the prices of each of the multiple products. An information processing system as described in Appendix 2, comprising: (Note 5) An evaluation identification means for identifying the evaluation received for similar products that have similar characteristics to the product specified by the customer's operation, Equipped with, The output control means outputs the evaluation for the similar product. An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4. (Note 6) When the aforementioned product for which the aforementioned evaluation has been received is purchased, a means for registering the aforementioned product as personal belongings along with the received evaluation, An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, comprising the features described therein. (Note 7) The evaluation receiving means further receives an evaluation of the product after the customer has purchased the product. The aforementioned item registration means registers the item as the customer's item, along with the evaluation received before the customer purchased the item and the evaluation received after the customer purchased the item. The information processing system described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The identification information acquisition means acquires product identification information that identifies another product purchased by the customer, The evaluation receiving means receives evaluations for other products, The personal item registration means registers the other item as a personal item, along with the evaluation of the other item. The information processing system described in Appendix 6 or 7. (Note 9) A calculation means for calculating a discount amount or discount rate on the price of the product based on the frequency or cumulative trial time of the customer trying out the product at the store, An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, comprising: (Note 10) A calculation means for calculating a discount amount or discount rate on the price of the product based on the cumulative amount paid by the customer for trying out the product at the store, An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, comprising: (Note 11) In stores, product identification information is obtained through customer operations on terminal devices, Identify questions regarding the evaluation of the aforementioned products according to the category of the aforementioned products, The answers to the identified questions will be accepted as the evaluation. Output the received evaluation. Information processing methods. (Note 12) On the computer, In stores, product identification information is obtained through customer operations on terminal devices, Identify questions regarding the evaluation of the aforementioned products according to the category of the aforementioned products, The answers to the identified questions will be accepted as the evaluation. Output the received evaluation. A program that executes a process. (Note 13) On the computer, In stores, product identification information is obtained through customer operations on terminal devices, Identify questions regarding the evaluation of the aforementioned products according to the category of the aforementioned products, The answers to the identified questions will be accepted as the evaluation. Output the received evaluation. A non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium that stores programs that execute processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1,2 Information Processing Systems 20,30 Terminal devices Servers 21, 31, 41 22,52 Communication Networks 50 Computer devices 201,301 Acquisition Department 202,302 Reception Department 203,303 Output section 204,304 Product Reception Department 111,211,311,411 Identification Information Acquisition Unit 112,212,312,412 Question specific part 113,213,313,413 Evaluation Reception Department 114,214,314,414 Output control unit 215,315,415 Evaluation and Identification Department 216,316,416 Similar product identification department 306 Personal belongings acquisition department 317,417 Personal belongings registration department 418 Trial detection unit 419 Calculation Department 501 Processor 502 ROM 503 RAM 504 Storage device 505 Communication Interface 506 Input / Output Interface 507 Bus d001 screen d002 screen d003 screen d004 screen d005 Screen 2111,3111,4111 Product DB 2112,3112,4112 Question Database 2113,3113,4113 Evaluation DB 3114,4114 Inventory Database

Claims

1. An identification information acquisition means that acquires product identification information to identify products through customer operations on a terminal device in a store, A question identification means for identifying questions relating to the evaluation of the said product according to the category of the said product, An evaluation receiving means that receives the answers to the identified questions as the evaluation, Output control means for outputting the received evaluation, When a trial of the product is detected using a customer identification number in the store's POS (Point of Sale) register, a trial detection means updates a database that stores the frequency with which each customer tries the product. A calculation means that, by referring to the database, calculates the discount amount or discount rate on the price of the product based on the frequency with which the customer tried the product at the store, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. An identification information acquisition means that acquires product identification information to identify products through customer operations on a terminal device in a store, A question identification means for identifying questions relating to the evaluation of the said product according to the category of the said product, An evaluation receiving means that receives the answers to the identified questions as the evaluation, Output control means for outputting the received evaluation, When payment for a trial of the product is detected in the POS register of the store using a number that identifies the customer, a trial detection means updates a database that stores the cumulative amount paid for the trial of the product for each customer. A calculation means that, by referring to the database, calculates a discount amount or discount rate on the price of the product based on the cumulative amount paid by the customer for trying out the product at the store, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

3. When the output control means receives an output instruction from the customer for the evaluation of the product, it outputs the received evaluation. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the output control means receives evaluations for each of the multiple products, it outputs the evaluations for each of the multiple products in the order in which the evaluations were received. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. When the output control means receives an evaluation for each of the multiple products, it outputs the evaluation for each of the multiple products in the order of the prices of each of the multiple products. The information processing system according to claim 3.

6. An evaluation identification means for identifying the evaluation received for similar products that have similar characteristics to the product specified by the customer's operation, Equipped with, The output control means outputs the evaluation for the similar product. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When the aforementioned product for which the aforementioned evaluation has been received is purchased, a means for registering the aforementioned product as personal belongings along with the received evaluation, An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

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