Search system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This enables the automatic search for alternative products that are "similar in appearance" and "cheaper." [Solution] When the control unit receives a command to search for a substitute for the target object, it acquires information about the target object. The information about the target object includes an image of the target object and the price of the target object. Based on the information about the target object, the control unit searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the target object and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the target object. The control unit outputs the search results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a search system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can assist a designer in accurately grasping a customer's preference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in the technology for searching for alternatives to reduce costs while maintaining the appearance of the design (so-called Value Engineering).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a search system for searching for alternatives to an object is provided. The search system has one or more control units. When the control unit receives an instruction to search for an alternative to an object, it acquires information on the object. The information on the object includes an image of the object and the price of the object. The control unit searches for an object whose image is similar to the image of the object and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the object as an alternative based on the information on the object. The control unit outputs the search result.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the search system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of information processing related to searching performed by a server device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a quotation screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of information processing related to searching performed by a server device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart (part 3) showing an example of information processing related to searching performed by a server device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing related to updating the estimated price performed by the server device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a quotation screen after a substitute product has been selected and the original product has been replaced with the substitute product. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below (including modified examples; the same applies hereinafter) can be combined with each other.

[0008] <Embodiment 1> 1. System configuration of the search system Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the search system 1000. As shown in Figure 1, the search system 1000 includes a server device 100 and a client device 110 as its system configuration. The server device 100 is an example of a computer. The server device 100 and the client device 110 are connected communicatively via a network 150. The network 150 is either a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), or the Internet, or any combination thereof. The network 150 is configured to allow communication between devices connected to the network 150 via wired and / or wireless connections. The search system 1000 is a system for searching for substitutes for objects. The term "room" does not refer only to a specific physical room (e.g., bedroom, conference room), but more broadly to a specific space that is the subject of design and construction where objects to be placed (furniture, fixtures, home appliances, etc.) are arranged.

[0009] The search system 1000 is a system that provides so-called SaaS (Software as a Service) functionality. The search system 1000 is also an example of an information processing system. The search system 1000 can also be described as a Value Engineering (VE) support system, an estimate creation support system, an alternative product suggestion system, an object selection support system, an interior coordination support system, an office construction support system, or an office layout support system, etc.

[0010] The server device 100 receives a request from the client device 110, for example, "Find a cheaper alternative that looks similar to this product," searches the database, and returns a list of found alternatives to the client device 110. The search system 1000 may consist of one server device or multiple server devices. If the search system 1000 consists of multiple server devices, the functions of server device 100 are provided as a so-called distributed system.

[0011] The client device 110 displays product images and alternative product search buttons on the quotation screen so that the user of the search system 1000 can operate them. When a button is selected, it sends a request to the server device 100 such as "Find a cheaper alternative that looks similar to this product," and displays the alternative product list returned from the server device 100 on the screen. In this specification, a personal computer is used as an example of the client device 110. However, this is not a limitation of this specification. The client device 110 may also be a portable tablet computer, smartphone, etc. The client device 110 can be any device that can display product images and alternative product search buttons on the quotation screen and display the alternative product list returned from the server device 100 on the screen.

[0012] Here, the search system described in the claims may consist of multiple devices or of one device. If the search system described in the claims consists of one device, an example of such device is, for example, a server device 100. If the search system described in the claims consists of multiple devices, examples of multiple devices are, for example, a distributed system that provides the functions of the server device 100, or a server device 100 and a client device 110.

[0013] 2. Hardware Configuration Diagram (1) Hardware configuration of server device 100 Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of server device 100. As shown in Figure 2, the server device 100 includes, as a hardware configuration, a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230.

[0014] The control unit 210 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, which controls the entire server device 100 and executes processing according to the input information, etc.

[0015] The memory unit 220 is any one of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid Sate Drive), or any combination thereof, and stores data used when the program and the control unit 210 execute processing based on the program. Examples of data used when the control unit 210 executes processing based on the program include, for example, master data of the objects to be arranged, search rules data regarding conditions and setting values for executing a search, and the like.

[0016] The master data of the objects to be arranged is the original data of all candidate substitutes (also referred to as VE products) to be searched. The master data of the objects to be arranged includes the information shown below. Identification information (identification ID) for identifying the object to be arranged, image data (or feature quantity data for image search), price data (for example, selling price and purchase price), category information (for example, chair, table), dimension data (width, depth, height, etc.), color data, style (taste) information (for example, modern, European style). The image data is the image file itself. The feature quantity data is a list of numerical values (vector data) representing the features of the image extracted from the image by an image search AI (image recognition model). The selling price refers to the price (retail price) presented to general consumers and clients. The purchase price refers to the price (cost, purchase value) when a design company or the like purchases from a manufacturer or wholesaler. The category information is classification information indicating what kind or type of article the product is. The dimension data is numerical information indicating the physical size of the product. Usually, it is composed of width, depth, height, etc., and is referred to for determining whether it can be arranged in a specific space in a room. The color data is information regarding the color of the product. The style (taste) information is classification information indicating the design style and atmosphere of the product.

[0017] The search rule data is data regarding the conditions and setting values for executing a search. The search rule data includes group category definition rules, color group definition rules, style group definition rules, search parameter setting values, and the like. The group category definition rule is data that defines which categories are regarded as "similar" to which other categories (for example, a rule that treats "system software" and "family restaurant booth" as the same group). The color group definition rule is data that defines which colors are regarded as "similar" to which other colors (for example, a rule that defines a group consisting of multiple color data such as "black", "charcoal gray", and "dark gray", which are practically treated as the same color system). The style group definition rule is data that defines which styles are regarded as "similar" to which other styles (for example, a rule that defines a group consisting of multiple styles such as "modern", "simple modern", and "contemporary", which are practically treated as the same style system). The search parameter setting value is, for example, a setting value such as what percentage (%) the "allowable range" of dimensions should specifically be (e.g., ±20%).

[0018] The storage unit 220 is an example of a storage medium. In the specification, it is described that the data used when the control unit 210 executes processing based on a program is stored in the storage unit 220, but it may be stored in the storage unit of another device that can communicate with the server device 100. That is, the data may be stored in the storage unit of any device as long as the control unit 210 can reference and / or acquire it. By the control unit 210 executing processing based on the program stored in the storage unit 220, the functions of the server device 100 and the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8 described later are realized.

[0019] The communication unit 230 connects the server device 100 to the network 150 and controls communication with other devices.

[0020] The server device 100 may include multiple hardware configurations as shown in Figure 1. For example, the server device 100 may have multiple control units. The same applies to the client device 110 and others shown below.

[0021] (2) Hardware configuration of client device 110 Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the client device 110. As shown in Figure 3, the client device 110 includes, as a hardware configuration, a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, an input unit 330, an output unit 340, and a communication unit 350.

[0022] The control unit 310 is a CPU or the like, which controls the entire client device 110 and executes processing according to the input information, etc.

[0023] The storage unit 320 is one of the following: HDD, ROM, RAM, SSD, etc., or any combination thereof, and stores programs, data used by the control unit 310 when executing processing based on the programs, etc. The storage unit 320 is an example of a storage medium.

[0024] In this specification, the data used by the control unit 310 when executing processing based on the program is described as being stored in the storage unit 320, but it may also be stored in the storage unit of another device that can communicate with the client device 110. The data may be stored in the storage unit of any device as long as the control unit 310 can access and / or retrieve it. The functions of the client device 110 are realized when the control unit 310 executes processing based on the program stored in the storage unit 320.

[0025] The input unit 330 is a device that inputs information to the client device 110 in response to user operations. The input unit 330 receives operation inputs made by the user. The operation inputs are transferred to the control unit 310 via the internal bus 360 as command signals. The control unit 310 can, if necessary, perform predetermined controls and / or calculations based on the transferred command signals. The input unit 330 may be included in the housing of the client device 110 or it may be external. For example, the input unit 330 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the output unit 340. When the input unit 330 is implemented as a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. to the input unit 330. The input unit 330 may be a switch button, mouse, trackpad, keyboard, etc. instead of a touch panel.

[0026] The output unit 340 is, for example, a display unit, which outputs (displays) information as a screen of a graphical user interface (GUI) that can be operated by the user. The output unit 340 may be included in the housing of the client device 110 or it may be externally attached. More specifically, the output unit 340 may be implemented as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or a plasma display. It is preferable that these display devices be used and implemented according to the type of client device 110.

[0027] The communications unit 350 connects the client device 110 to the network 150 and manages communication with other devices.

[0028] 3. Information Processing (1) Overview of the process When the control unit 210 receives a command to search for a substitute for the target object, it acquires information about the target object. This information includes an image of the target object and its price. Based on the information about the target object, the control unit 210 searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the target object and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the target object. The control unit 210 then outputs the search results.

[0029] By performing this process, it becomes possible to automatically search for alternative products that are "similar in appearance" and "cheaper," significantly reducing the workload for users such as designers who construct spaces like rooms, and enabling them to quickly consider cost reductions and make proposals to clients.

[0030] The following specification will use objects placed in a room as an example. The types of objects placed in a room include at least one of the following: sofas, chairs, tables, desks, storage furniture, personal booths, office accessories, interior goods, lighting, garden items, children's furniture, household furniture, kitchen appliances, beds, and fixtures.

[0031] (2) Details of the process Figure 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of information processing related to searching performed by the server device 100. In step S401, the control unit 210 generates an estimate screen in response to a request from the client device 110 to display the estimate screen, transmits it to the client device 110, and displays it on the output unit 340 of the client device 110.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an example of the quotation screen 500. The quotation screen 500 includes an image 510 of the object to be placed in the room (original product) and a graphical user interface component (hereinafter referred to as GUI component) 520 for instructing the search for a substitute for the object to be placed (hereinafter also referred to as a VE product). The quotation screen 500 is an example of a screen and a quotation screen. The quotation screen 500 also includes price information (unit price), quantity, and total amount (amount) based on the object to be placed. As shown in Figure 5, the estimation screen 500 includes images corresponding to the objects to be placed in the room, and GUI components that instruct the user to search for alternatives to the objects. Estimate screen 500 is a screen for estimating the placement of objects to be placed in a room. The estimate screen 500 includes the estimated cost after placing the items to be placed in the room.

[0033] In the example in Figure 5, a chair is shown as an object to be placed in the room for simplicity, but it is not limited to this.

[0034] When GUI component 520 is selected, a pop-up window containing a GUI component into which the desired delivery date can be entered is displayed. The user enters the desired delivery date for the VE product via the GUI component in the pop-up window. Once the user enters the desired delivery date, a search instruction for the VE product is sent from the client device 110 to the server device 100. The search instruction for the VE product includes an identification ID that identifies the object to be placed (original product), the quantity of the object to be placed (original product) included in the quotation screen 500 (quantity to be purchased), and the desired delivery date.

[0035] The process in step S401 is an example of a process in which the control unit 210 controls the display of the screen.

[0036] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4. In step S402, the control unit 210 determines whether the GUI component 520 has been selected by the user and whether a search for VE products has been instructed. If the control unit 210 determines that a search for VE products has been instructed, it proceeds to step S403; if it determines that a search for VE products has not been instructed, it terminates the process (proceeds to the termination step shown in Figure 7, described later, via connector A). When the control unit 210 receives a search instruction for VE products from the client device 110, it determines that a GUI component 520 has been selected by the user's operation and that a search for VE products has been instructed.

[0037] In step S403, the control unit 210 obtains the identification ID, the quantity to be purchased, and the desired delivery date, which are included in the search instruction. The quantity to be purchased and the desired delivery date are examples of information about the object to be placed. The control unit 210 also obtains information about the original product (hereinafter referred to as "original product information") from the master data of the object to be placed stored in a predetermined storage area such as the storage unit 220, based on the identification ID of the original product included in the search instruction. The original product information includes at least the image data (or feature data) of the original product, price data, category information, dimension data, color data, and style information. The original product information is also an example of information about the object to be placed.

[0038] The process in step S403 is an example of the process by which the control unit 210 receives an instruction via a GUI component to search for a substitute for the object to be placed in the room, and then acquires information about the object to be placed.

[0039] In step S404, the control unit 210 selects one candidate replacement from the master data (database) of the object to be placed stored in the storage unit 220. In step S405, the control unit 210 determines whether or not it has searched (checked) all possible replacements. If the control unit 210 has searched all possible replacements included in the master data of the object to be placed, it proceeds to step S415 in Figure 7 via connector B. If it has not searched all possible replacements included in the master data of the object to be placed, it proceeds to step S406.

[0040] In step S406, the control unit 210 compares the image of the original product acquired in step S403 with the image of the alternative product candidate selected in step S404 to determine whether the images are similar. The control unit 210 may, for example, calculate the similarity (distance) between the feature data for image retrieval stored in the memory unit 220 and determine whether the images are similar based on whether it is below a predetermined threshold, or it may input the image data stored in the memory unit 220 into the image retrieval AI and determine whether the images are similar based on the similarity information output from the image retrieval AI. If the control unit 210 determines that the images are similar, it proceeds to step S407; if it determines that the images are not similar, it returns to step S404 and selects one of the next alternative product candidates.

[0041] In step S407, the control unit 210 determines whether the price of the alternative product candidate selected in step S404 is less than or equal to the price of the original product obtained in step S403. If the control unit 210 determines that the price of the alternative product candidate is less than or equal to the price of the original product, it proceeds to step S408. If it determines that the price of the alternative product candidate is not less than or equal to the price of the original product, it returns to step S404 and selects one more alternative product candidate.

[0042] In step S408, the control unit 210 determines whether the category of the replacement candidate selected in step S404 is the same as or similar to the category of the original product obtained in step S403. The control unit 210 determines whether the categories are similar based on the group category definition rules stored in the search rule data of the storage unit 220. For example, if the category of the original product is "system sofa," the control unit 210 determines that "family restaurant booth" is a similar category based on the group category definition rules. If the control unit 210 determines that the category of the replacement candidate is the same as or similar to the category of the original product, it proceeds to step S409. If it determines that the category of the replacement candidate is not the same as or similar to the category of the original product, it returns to step S404 and selects one of the next replacement candidates.

[0043] The processing in steps S406 to S408 is an example of a process in which the control unit 210 searches for a replacement item based on the information of the item to be placed, where the information of the item to be placed includes the category of the item to be placed, the image is similar to the image of the item to be placed, the price is less than or equal to the price of the item to be placed, and the category is the same as or similar to the category of the item to be placed. Furthermore, the process in step S408 is an example of the process in which the control unit 210 searches for a similar object to be placed that belongs to any of the categories included in the group, when the category of the object to be placed belongs to a group that includes multiple categories.

[0044] In step S409, the control unit 210 determines whether the dimensions of the replacement candidate selected in step S404 are within a predetermined tolerance range when compared with the dimensions of the original product obtained in step S403. The control unit 210 determines whether the dimensions are within the tolerance range based on the search parameter setting value (e.g., ±20%) of the storage unit 220. If the dimensions are within the tolerance range, the control unit 210 proceeds to connector D in Figure 6, i.e., step S410. If the dimensions are outside the tolerance range, the control unit 210 returns to step S404 and selects one of the next replacement candidates.

[0045] Steps S406, S407, and S409 are examples of processes in which the information of the object to be placed includes the dimensions of the object to be placed, and the control unit 210 searches for a replacement object based on the information of the object to be placed, such that the image is similar to the image of the object to be placed, the price is less than or equal to the price of the object to be placed, and the dimensions are within an acceptable range compared to the dimensions of the object to be placed.

[0046] Figure 6 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of information processing related to searching performed by the server device 100. In step S410, the control unit 210 determines whether the color of the alternative candidate selected in step S404 is the same as or similar to the color of the original product obtained in step S403. The control unit 210 determines whether the colors are similar based on the color group definition rules stored in the search rule data of the storage unit 220. For example, if the color of the original product is "black", the control unit 210 determines that "charcoal gray" is a similar color based on the color group definition rules. If the control unit 210 determines that the color of the alternative candidate is the same as or similar to the color of the original product, it proceeds to step S411. If it determines that the color of the alternative candidate is not the same as or similar to the color of the original product, it returns to step S404 and selects one of the next alternative candidates.

[0047] In steps S406, S407, and S410, the information of the object to be placed further includes the color of the object to be placed, and the control unit 210 searches for a replacement object based on the information of the object to be placed, where the image is similar to the image of the object to be placed, the price is less than or equal to the price of the object to be placed, and the color is the same as or similar to the color of the object to be placed.

[0048] In step S411, the control unit 210 determines whether the style of the alternative candidate selected in step S404 is identical or similar to the style of the original product obtained in step S403. The control unit 210 determines whether the styles are similar based on the style group definition rules stored in the search rule data of the storage unit 220. For example, if the style of the original product is "modern", the control unit 210 determines that "contemporary" is a similar style based on the style group definition rules. If the control unit 210 determines that the style of the alternative candidate is identical or similar to the style of the original product, it proceeds to step S412. If it determines that the style of the alternative candidate is not identical or similar to the style of the original product, it returns to step S404 and selects one of the next alternative candidates.

[0049] Steps S406, S407, and S411 are examples of processes in which the information of the object to be placed includes the style of the object to be placed, and the control unit 210 searches for a replacement object based on the information of the object to be placed, where the image is similar to the image of the object to be placed, the price is less than or equal to the price of the object to be placed, and the style is the same as or similar to the style of the object to be placed.

[0050] In step S412, the control unit 210 executes an API (Application Programming Interface) call to an external inventory management system, etc., that can communicate with the server device 100, based on the identification ID of the object to be placed for the replacement candidate, in order to obtain the inventory quantity of the replacement candidate. The control unit 210 obtains the inventory quantity of the replacement candidate via the API. The inventory quantity of the replacement candidate is an example of information about the object to be placed. The control unit 210 determines whether the obtained inventory quantity of the replacement candidate is equal to or greater than the quantity to be purchased, as included in the search instruction received from the client device 110. If the control unit 210 determines that the obtained inventory quantity of the replacement candidate is equal to or greater than the quantity to be purchased, it proceeds to step S413. If the control unit 210 determines that the obtained inventory quantity of the replacement candidate is not equal to or greater than the quantity to be purchased, it returns to step S404 and selects one of the next replacement candidates.

[0051] Steps S406, S407, and S412 are examples of processes in which the information on the objects to be placed includes the number of objects to be placed in the room, and the control unit 210 searches for alternative objects based on the information on the objects to be placed, where the image is similar to the image of the object to be placed, the price is less than or equal to the price of the object to be placed, and the number of items in stock is equal to or greater than the number of objects to be placed.

[0052] In step S413, the control unit 210 executes an API call to an external inventory management system or the like that can communicate with the server device 100, based on the identification ID of the object to be placed for the replacement candidate, in order to obtain delivery date information for the replacement candidate. The control unit 210 obtains the delivery date information (delivery possible date or lead time) of the replacement candidate via the API. The delivery date information of the replacement candidate is an example of information about the object to be placed. The control unit 210 determines whether the obtained delivery date information of the replacement candidate (for example, 14 days after ordering) meets the desired delivery date (for example, within 30 days) included in the search instruction received from the client device 110. If the control unit 210 determines that the obtained delivery date information of the replacement candidate meets the desired delivery date, it proceeds to step S414. If the control unit 210 determines that the obtained delivery date information of the replacement candidate does not meet the desired delivery date, it returns to step S404 and selects one of the next replacement candidates.

[0053] Steps S406, S407, and S413 are examples of processes in which the control unit 210 searches for a replacement item based on the information of the item to be placed, where the information of the item to be placed includes the delivery date related to the item to be placed, the price is less than or equal to the price of the item to be placed, and the delivery date can be met.

[0054] In step S414, the control unit 210 temporarily adds the alternative candidate to the alternative list. Then, the control unit 210 returns to step S404, selects the next alternative candidate, and repeats the process described above. The alternative candidates added to the alternative list include the alternative candidate's identification ID, image data, price data, category information, dimension data, color data, style information, inventory quantity, and delivery date information.

[0055] Figure 7 is a flowchart (part 3) showing an example of information processing related to searching performed by the server device 100. In step S415, the control unit 210 sends a list of replacement items (an empty list if there are no matching replacement items) to the client device 110 as a search result. The control unit 310 of the client device 110 displays the received list of replacement items on the screen of the output unit 340.

[0056] Next, using Figure 8, we will explain the process of updating the estimated price when a substitute product is selected on the screen of the client device 110. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing related to updating the estimated price performed by the server device 100. This process is triggered when the user selects a specific substitute product from the substitute product list output in step S415 on the screen of the client device 110 and performs an operation to replace the original product in the estimate with that substitute product.

[0057] In step S801, the control unit 210 receives an instruction from the client device 110 to update the estimate and information on the selected substitute product (in particular, the price of the substitute product).

[0058] In step S802, the control unit 210 recalculates the estimated amount by subtracting the amount of the original product and adding the amount of the replacement product obtained in S801, based on the current estimated amount (total amount in Figure 5, etc.).

[0059] In step S803, the control unit 210 transmits the updated results, including the new estimated amount recalculated in step S802, to the client device 110. The client device 110 receives this update result and updates the total amount displayed on the estimate screen 500. After that, the control unit 210 terminates the processing of the flowchart.

[0060] The process in step S803 is an example of the process in which the control unit 210, if a suitable substitute is obtained as a search result, replaces the estimated amount included in the estimate screen with the amount when the object to be placed is replaced with the substitute and outputs it.

[0061] Figure 9 shows an example of the quotation screen 900 after a substitute product has been selected and the original product has been replaced with the substitute product. In the quotation screen 900, the image of the object to be placed in the room has been replaced with the image of the substitute product 910. The chair in image 910 is similar to the chair in image 510. Also, the unit price of the substitute chair 920 is cheaper than the unit price of the original object to be placed. Therefore, the total amount 930 included in screen 900 is also cheaper than the total amount of the original object to be placed.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, after generating an updated estimate screen, the user of the search system 1000 (e.g., a designer or engineer) presents this estimate screen (or an estimate output from this screen in PDF or other format) to the client (customer, owner). For example, the user can make a specific proposal to the client, such as, "By changing from the original product (Figure 5) to an alternative product (Figure 9) that has a similar image (appearance) and a lower price, it will be possible to reduce costs while maintaining the design concept." If the client approves the estimate including the change to this alternative product, the user proceeds to the formal order process on the system. In this way, the search system 1000 seamlessly supports a series of business processes from design to estimate finalization, including searching for alternative products (S404-S414), automatically updating the estimate amount (S802), quickly proposing to the client, and subsequent approval and ordering, thereby significantly reducing the user's workload.

[0063] As described above, the processing in Embodiment 1 makes it possible to automatically search for alternative products that are "similar in appearance" and "inexpensive," thereby significantly reducing the workload of users such as designers who construct spaces such as rooms, and enabling them to quickly consider cost reductions and make proposals to clients.

[0064] (modified version) A modified example of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0065] In Embodiment 1, the search system 1000 was described as a system that provides so-called SaaS functionality. However, the client device 110 may perform some or all of the functions of the server device 100.

[0066] Embodiment 1 describes an example in which an image 510 of the object to be placed and a GUI component 520 that instructs the user to search for a substitute are displayed on the quotation screen 500. However, the screen on which these are displayed is not limited to the quotation screen 500. For example, it may be a screen for designing a room layout (e.g., a 2D or 3D CAD screen, a layout simulator screen). In that case, the user may select the object to be placed on the design screen and be instructed to search for a substitute. It may also be a catalog list screen for objects to be placed, or a product details screen that displays the detailed specifications of a specific object to be placed.

[0067] Embodiment 1 described an example in which the user enters the desired delivery date via a pop-up window when the GUI component 520 is selected. However, the method of obtaining the desired delivery date is not limited to this. For example, if the search system 1000 manages information on room design or the entire project, it may hold information on the overall project delivery date (e.g., the handover date to the client, or the relocation date in the case of an office). In that case, the control unit 210 may automatically determine the desired delivery date by working backward from the overall project delivery date (e.g., calculating the date one week before the overall delivery date) and use it as a search condition (step S413).

[0068] In Embodiment 1, the flow for searching for alternative products (Figures 4 and 6) was described as a filtering process that sequentially checks the following conditions: image (S406), price (S407), category (S408), dimensions (S409), color (S410), style (S411), stock (S412), and delivery date (S413). However, the search method is not limited to this. For example, the degree of matching of each condition may be scored, and alternative products may be recommended (ranked) in order of the highest total score. As an example, the control unit 210 may calculate a score based on the similarity of the image (e.g., 85% similarity), the rate of price reduction (e.g., 20% cheaper), the difference in dimensions (e.g., 5% difference), etc., and present it to the user.

[0069] Embodiment 1 describes an example in which the similarity of categories (S408), colors (S410), and styles (S411) is determined based on search rule data (group category definition rules, etc.) stored in the storage unit 220. This search rule data may be defined in advance and fixedly, or the control unit 210 may be configured to accept operations from a user (for example, an administrator user) and customize (edit, add, delete) it as appropriate.

[0070] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which inventory quantity (S412) and delivery date information (S413) are obtained by making an API call to an external inventory management system. However, if the search system 1000 itself has inventory management functions and logistics management functions (for example, if the master data of the items to be placed includes inventory quantity and delivery date information), the control unit 210 may obtain this information by referring to an internal database such as the storage unit 220 without going through an external API call.

[0071] Embodiment 1 described an example in which image (S406), price (S407), category (S408), dimensions (S409), color (S410), style (S411), stock (S412), and delivery date (S413) were considered as search conditions, but is not limited to these. For example, "brand information" may be further included in the information of the object to be placed. "Brand information" here refers to information that identifies a specific brand that manufactures or sells the object to be placed (e.g., brand name or brand ID). In that case, the control unit 210 may acquire brand information along with the information of the original product in step S403, and further perform a step in the flowchart (for example, between steps S413 and S414 in Figure 6) to determine whether the brand of the candidate replacement product is the same as or similar to the brand of the original product.

[0072] The determination of whether brands are similar or not may be made based on the "brand group definition rules" stored in the memory unit 220, similar to the categories (S408) and styles (S411) in Embodiment 1. These "brand group definition rules" are data that define multiple brands that can be considered interchangeable in practice or from a design concept perspective as a single group. As the user illustrates, these rules may include rules that define brands that are the same or close in taste (e.g., "Nordic modern" brands, "minimal" brands), price range (e.g., groups of brands belonging to specific price ranges such as high-end, mid-range, and economy), or country of origin (e.g., groups of Italian brands, groups of Japanese brands) as a single group.

[0073] This configuration allows us to meet the needs of users who value a brand's specific worldview, quality, or design tone, while further enhancing the accuracy of maintaining the design concept and reducing costs.

[0074] Furthermore, the search system of Embodiment 1 may be a system used on an e-commerce site (EC site).

[0075] <Note> This embodiment includes the following disclosures.

[0076] (Note 1) A search system for finding substitutes for an object, Having one or more control units, The control unit, Upon receiving a request to search for a substitute for the object, the system obtains information about the object, The information of the object includes an image of the object and the price of the object. Based on the information of the aforementioned object, an object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object is searched for as a substitute. Output the search results. Search system.

[0077] This system automatically searches for alternative products that are "similar in appearance" and "cheaper," significantly reducing the workload for users such as designers and enabling them to quickly consider cost reductions and make proposals to clients.

[0078] (Note 2) The search system described in Appendix 1, The information of the object further includes the category of the object, The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for an object as a substitute whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose category is the same as or similar to the category of the aforementioned object. Search system.

[0079] If the only criterion is that the images (appearance) are similar, then, for example, even if you are looking for a "chair," the search results may include items with similar shapes but different uses, such as a "side table" or a "stool" (which creates noise). As mentioned in Appendix 2, by narrowing the search target by category, it is possible to prevent such mismatches in use, efficiently extract alternatives for the user's intended use (for example, a chair if the user is looking for a chair), and improve search accuracy.

[0080] (Note 3) The search system described in Appendix 2, The control unit, If the category of the object belongs to a group that includes multiple categories, the system searches for objects belonging to any of the categories included in the group that are considered similar objects. Search system.

[0081] In database registration, there are groups of items that, while having different category names, are practically interchangeable. According to Appendix 3, by absorbing such substantial relationships (similarity) between categories using a rule-based approach, it becomes possible to improve the comprehensiveness of searches and present a wider range of suitable alternative candidates, regardless of fluctuations in user category specifications or differences in database registration criteria.

[0082] (Note 4) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, The control unit, Control the screen to display, The screen includes an image corresponding to the object and a graphical user interface component that instructs the user to search for a substitute for the object. When an instruction to search for a substitute for the object is received via the graphical user interface component, information about the object is obtained. Search system.

[0083] According to the search system described in Appendix 4, users can intuitively search for alternatives by visually confirming images of the target object displayed on the screen and using graphical user interface components (buttons, etc.) on the same screen. This improves the usability of the system and enhances user convenience.

[0084] (Note 5) The search system described in Appendix 4, The aforementioned screen is a screen for estimating the value of the object. Search system.

[0085] In the design process, the need for cost reduction becomes most apparent at the stage of calculating and confirming the estimated cost. As noted in Appendix 5, since users can seamlessly begin searching for alternatives (considering cost reduction) on the very screen where they are confirming the estimated cost, it is possible to streamline and expedite the entire business process from design to final estimate.

[0086] (Note 6) The search system described in Appendix 5, The aforementioned quotation screen includes the estimated price of the item, The control unit, If a suitable substitute is found in the search results, the estimated amount included in the estimate screen will be replaced with the amount when the original item is replaced with the substitute and output accordingly. Search system.

[0087] According to Appendix 6, users will be able to instantly understand the cost savings achieved by adopting a substitute product in real time. This eliminates the hassle and potential errors of manually recalculating amounts, supporting quick and accurate decision-making (whether or not to adopt the substitute product).

[0088] (Note 7) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 6, The information of the object further includes the dimensions of the object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, a substitute object is searched for that has an image similar to the image of the aforementioned object, a price less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and dimensions that fall within an acceptable range compared to the dimensions of the aforementioned object. Search system.

[0089] When arranging items in a room, dimensions (physical size) are an extremely important constraint that determines whether or not they can be placed. According to Appendix 7, even if the image and price meet the criteria, items that are physically impossible to place can be excluded from the search results, which significantly improves the efficiency and practicality of the search.

[0090] (Note 8) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 7, The information of the object further includes the color of the object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose color is the same as or similar to the color of the aforementioned object. Search system.

[0091] In interior design, color (color scheme) is a crucial element that determines the overall impression of a space. According to Appendix 8, it is possible to search for alternatives that harmonize with the original product's color and the overall design tone of the space, thus enabling cost reduction while maintaining the quality of the design concept.

[0092] (Note 9) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 8, The information of the object further includes the style of the object, The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for alternative objects whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose style is the same as or similar to the style of the aforementioned object. Search system.

[0093] Styles (tastes) such as "modern" and "Nordic" are just as important as colors in ensuring a sense of unity in a space. According to Appendix 9, adding style (taste) to the search criteria makes it possible to prevent mismatches due to inconsistencies in design concepts and to find appropriate alternatives that maintain the overall design quality of the space.

[0094] (Note 10) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 9, The information of the object further includes the number of the object, The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for alternative items whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose inventory quantity is equal to or greater than the number of the aforementioned object. Search system.

[0095] In particular, projects involving offices and retail stores often require dozens of identical items (e.g., chairs). According to Appendix 10, the search results can display only items for which the required quantity can be secured (procured), improving the practicality of the search and preventing rework during the ordering stage.

[0096] (Note 11) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 10, The information on the aforementioned object further includes the delivery date for the said object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose delivery can be made in time for the deadline. Search system.

[0097] Projects such as office relocations and store openings have strict construction schedules (deadlines). According to Appendix 11, only items that can be delivered within the project schedule can be displayed as search results, thus preventing the impact of delivery delays on the entire project and increasing practical reliability.

[0098] (Note 12) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 11, The information of the object further includes the brand related to the object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose brand is the same as or similar to the brand of the aforementioned object. Search system.

[0099] A brand can be a crucial element in representing the design aesthetic, quality, or specific status of an item. According to Appendix 12, adding similarity in brand image (e.g., brands with similar taste, price range, or country of origin) to search criteria allows for finding cost-effective alternatives without significantly compromising the original brand's atmosphere. This makes it possible to maintain a higher level of quality in the design concept.

[0100] (Note 13) A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 11, The aforementioned object is an object to be placed in a room. Search system.

[0101] (Note 14) The search system described in Appendix 13, The types of objects to be placed include at least one of the following: sofas, chairs, tables, desks, storage furniture, personal booths, office accessories, interior goods, lighting, garden items, children's furniture, household furniture, kitchen appliances, beds, and fixtures. Search system.

[0102] (Note 15)

[0103] A search system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 14, The aforementioned search system is a system used on e-commerce sites. Search system.

[0104] (Note 16) A method of information processing performed by a search system, When a request is received to search for a substitute for an object to be placed in a room, the system obtains information about the object to be placed, The information of the object to be placed includes an image of the object and the price of the object to be placed. Based on the information of the object to be placed, the system searches for an object to be placed whose image is similar to the image of the object to be placed and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the object to be placed, as a substitute. Output the search results. Information processing methods.

[0105] (Note 17) It is a program, Computers, A program to function as a search system as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 13.

[0106] Although embodiments have been described above, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 100: Server device 110: Client device 150: Network 210: Control Unit 220: Storage section 230: Communications Department 1000: Search System

Claims

1. A search system for finding substitutes for an object, Having one or more control units, The control unit, The system controls the system to display the screen for the estimate related to the aforementioned object. The screen includes an image corresponding to the object, a graphical user interface component that instructs the search for a substitute for the object, and an estimated price for the object. When a command to search for a substitute for the object is received via the aforementioned graphical user interface component, information about the object is obtained, The information of the object includes an image of the object and the price of the object. Based on the information of the aforementioned object, an object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object is searched for as a substitute. If a suitable substitute is found in the search results, the estimated amount included in the estimate screen will be replaced with the amount when the original item is replaced with the substitute and output accordingly. Search system.

2. A search system according to claim 1, The information of the object further includes the category of the object, The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for an object as a substitute whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose category is the same as or similar to the category of the aforementioned object. Search system.

3. A search system according to claim 2, The control unit, If the category of the object belongs to a group that includes multiple categories, the system searches for objects belonging to any of the categories included in the group that are considered similar objects. Search system.

4. A search system according to claim 1, The information of the object further includes the dimensions of the object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, a substitute object is searched for that has an image similar to the image of the aforementioned object, a price less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and dimensions that fall within an acceptable range compared to the dimensions of the aforementioned object. Search system.

5. A search system according to claim 1, The information of the object further includes the color of the object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose color is the same as or similar to the color of the aforementioned object. Search system.

6. A search system according to claim 1, The information of the object further includes the style of the object, The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for alternative objects whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose style is the same as or similar to the style of the aforementioned object. Search system.

7. A search system according to claim 1, The information of the object further includes the number of the object, The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for alternative items whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose inventory quantity is equal to or greater than the number of the aforementioned object. Search system.

8. A search system according to claim 1, The information on the aforementioned object further includes the delivery date for the said object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose delivery can be made in time for the deadline. Search system.

9. A search system according to claim 1, The information of the object further includes the brand related to the object. The control unit, Based on the information of the aforementioned object, the system searches for a substitute object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object, whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object, and whose brand is the same as or similar to the brand of the aforementioned object. Search system.

10. A search system according to claim 1, The aforementioned object is an object to be placed in a room. Search system.

11. A search system according to claim 10, The types of objects to be placed include at least one of the following: sofas, chairs, tables, desks, storage furniture, personal booths, office accessories, interior goods, lighting, garden items, children's furniture, household furniture, kitchen appliances, beds, and fixtures. Search system.

12. A search system according to claim 1, The aforementioned search system is a system used on e-commerce sites. Search system.

13. An information processing method performed by a search system for searching for a substitute for an object, The system controls the system to display the screen for the estimate related to the aforementioned object. The screen includes an image corresponding to the object, a graphical user interface component that instructs the search for a substitute for the object, and an estimated price for the object. When a command to search for a substitute for the object is received via the aforementioned graphical user interface component, information about the object is obtained, The information of the object includes an image of the object and the price of the object. Based on the information of the aforementioned object, an object whose image is similar to the image of the aforementioned object and whose price is less than or equal to the price of the aforementioned object is searched for as a substitute. If a suitable substitute is found in the search results, the estimated amount included in the estimate screen will be replaced with the amount when the original item is replaced with the substitute and output accordingly. Information processing methods.

14. It is a program, Computers, A program for functioning as a search system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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