Information output method, information output device, and program

Abstract

In this information output method, a computer acquires first information relating to a first device installed in a facility used by a user, acquires second information relating to multiple second devices installed outside of the facility, determines, on the basis of the first information and the second information, one or more recommended devices from the multiple second devices to replace the aforementioned first device, and outputs recommendation information for recommending to the user the aforementioned one or more recommended devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technology for recommending devices to users.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known technology for notifying a user's terminal of information related to the vicinity of the user's current location. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses extracting a plurality of pieces of information related to the peripheral position of a terminal device and generating display data for displaying the plurality of pieces of information related to the peripheral position of the terminal device on the terminal device.

[0003] However, in Patent Document 1, selecting an external group of available devices based on the devices used by the user and providing information for recommending the group of devices is not considered. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not possible to recommend a group of devices installed outside the facility that can replace the devices installed in the facility used by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object is to present an information output method, an information output device, and a program that can recommend a group of devices installed outside a facility that can replace the devices installed in the facility used by a user.

[0006] An information output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer acquiring first information relating to a first device installed in a facility used by a user, acquiring second information relating to a plurality of second devices installed outside the facility, determining one or more recommended devices from among the plurality of second devices that can replace the first device based on the first and second information, and outputting recommendation information recommending the one or more recommended devices to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the equipment recommendation system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the first database. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the second database. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the information stored in a log database. [Figure 5] An example of a server configuration is shown in the block diagram. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the information stored in a server's memory. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process for creating a list of candidate devices. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the recommendation information output process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Background leading to this disclosure) As mentioned above, technologies for notifying a user's terminal of information about their current location have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for extracting multiple pieces of information about the surrounding location of a terminal device and generating display data that displays these multiple pieces of information about the surrounding location of the terminal device on the terminal device.

[0009] However, Patent Document 1 does not consider selecting a group of available external devices based on the devices used by the user and providing information recommending such a group of devices. Therefore, even if the technology in Patent Document 1 can display information about a group of devices installed in facilities surrounding the facility used by the user, it is difficult to recommend a group of devices from among those that can replace the equipment installed in the facility used by the user.

[0010] In particular, equipment such as toilets and bathtubs, which are difficult for users to install themselves and have a long service life, tend to be used for extended periods, making it difficult to generate interest in new products from users. If new products that can replace such equipment and are installed outside the facilities used by the user can be recommended, it is expected that users will try out the new products and become interested in replacing their equipment.

[0011] Therefore, the inventors have diligently studied technologies for recommending to users a group of devices installed outside the facility that can replace the equipment installed inside the facility they use, and have arrived at the following embodiments of this disclosure.

[0012] An information output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer acquiring first information relating to a first device installed in a facility used by a user, acquiring second information relating to a plurality of second devices installed outside the facility, determining one or more recommended devices from among the plurality of second devices that can replace the first device based on the first and second information, and outputting recommendation information recommending the one or more recommended devices to the user.

[0013] According to this configuration, based on first information concerning a first device installed in a facility used by the user and second information concerning a plurality of second devices installed outside the facility, one or more recommended devices that can replace the first device can be appropriately determined from among the plurality of second devices. Then, by outputting recommendation information recommending the one or more recommended devices to the user, the system can recommend the one or more recommended devices installed outside the facility to the user who has referred to the recommendation information.

[0014] In the above-described information output method, the first information includes the manufacturing date and time, usage period and lifespan of the first device, and the second information includes the manufacturing date and time of each of the plurality of second devices. In determining the one or more recommended devices, if the ratio of the usage period of the first device to the lifespan of the first device is greater than a predetermined ratio, one or more of the plurality of second devices whose manufacturing date and time are newer than the manufacturing date and time of the first device may be determined as the one or more recommended devices.

[0015] According to this configuration, if the ratio of the usage period of the first device to its lifespan is greater than a predetermined ratio, recommendation information is output recommending one or more second devices whose manufacturing date is newer than that of the first device. Therefore, when the first device is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is possible to recommend to the user newer devices from among multiple devices installed outside the facility used by the user.

[0016] In the above-described information output method, the first information includes the set of functions of the first device, and the second information includes the set of functions of each of the plurality of second devices. In determining the one or more recommended devices, one or more second devices from the plurality of second devices that have functions not possessed by the first device may be determined as the one or more recommended devices.

[0017] According to this configuration, recommendation information for recommending one or more second devices having functions that the first device does not have is output. Therefore, among a plurality of devices installed outside the facility used by the user, a device having a function that the first device does not have can be recommended to the user.

[0018] In the above information output method, the first information includes the function group that the first device has, the second information includes the function group that each of the plurality of second devices has and one or more predetermined characteristic functions that each of the plurality of second devices has, and in the determination of the one or more recommended devices, one or more second devices among the plurality of second devices that do not have the functions of the first device and have functions included in the one or more characteristic functions may be determined as the one or more recommended devices.

[0019] According to this configuration, recommendation information for recommending one or more second devices that do not have the functions of the first device and have a predetermined characteristic function is output. Therefore, among a plurality of devices installed outside the facility used by the user, a device having a characteristic function that the first device does not have can be recommended to the user.

[0020] In the above information output method, the first information includes the function group that the first device has and the attributes of each of one or more users using the facility, the second information includes the function group that each of the plurality of second devices has and a beneficial function group that is a predetermined function group beneficial to the attributes of each of the one or more users that each of the plurality of second devices has, and in the determination of the one or more recommended devices, at least one second device among the one or more second devices that has a function included in the beneficial function group beneficial to the attributes of each of the one or more users may be determined as the one or more recommended devices.

[0021] According to this configuration, recommendation information for recommending at least one second device having a predetermined function beneficial to the respective attributes of one or more users who use the facilities used by the users among one or more second devices having functions that the first device does not have is output. For this reason, one or more second devices having functions that the first device does not have can be limited to at least one second device having a function beneficial to the respective attributes of the one or more users and recommended to the users.

[0022] In the above information output method, in the determination of the one or more recommended devices, information indicating a rule set based on the first information and the second information may be acquired, and the one or more recommended devices may be determined from the plurality of second devices according to the rule.

[0023] According to this configuration, recommendation information for recommending one or more recommended devices determined according to a rule set based on the first information and the second information from among the plurality of second devices is output. For this reason, among the plurality of devices installed outside the facilities used by the users, a device conforming to the rule set based on the first information and the second information can be recommended to the users.

[0024] In the above information output method, in the determination of the one or more recommended devices, setting of a rule based on the first information and the second information by the user may be received, and the one or more recommended devices may be determined from the plurality of second devices according to the rule.

[0025] According to this configuration, recommendation information for recommending one or more recommended devices determined from among the plurality of second devices according to a rule based on the first information and the second information set by the user is output. For this reason, among the plurality of devices installed outside the facilities used by the users, a device conforming to the rule set by the user himself / herself based on the first information and the second information can be recommended to the users.

[0026] In the above-described information output method, when outputting recommendation information, if it is detected that the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of at least one of the one or more recommendation devices, information recommending the at least one recommendation device may be output as the recommendation information.

[0027] In this configuration, when it is detected that the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of at least one of the recommended devices, recommendation information recommending that at least one recommended device is output. Therefore, when the user approaches the at least one recommended device, that at least one recommended device can be recommended to the user. This improves the likelihood that the user will use a recommended device located nearby.

[0028] In the above-described information output method, the output of the recommendation information may further involve obtaining information indicating the location of a predetermined group of facilities that encourage equipment replacement, and when it is detected that the user's current location is within a predetermined first distance from at least one of the facilities in the group, the recommendation information may also include information recommending at least one of the recommended equipment that is installed within a predetermined second distance from at least one of the facilities.

[0029] According to this configuration, when it is detected that the user's current location is within a first distance from at least one of a predetermined group of facilities that encourage equipment replacement, recommendation information is output recommending at least one recommended device from among one or more recommended devices that is installed within a second distance from the aforementioned at least one facility.

[0030] Therefore, when a user approaches at least one facility that encourages equipment replacement, at least one recommended piece of equipment installed near that facility can be recommended to the user from among one or more recommended pieces of equipment. This increases the likelihood that the user will try out the recommended equipment located nearby. As a result, the likelihood that the user will consider replacing their equipment can be increased.

[0031] In the above-described information output method, the output of the recommendation information may further involve obtaining history information showing the user's history of using the first device, and further, by referring to the history information, outputting the recommendation information when it is detected that the frequency of the user's use of the first device in the most recent first period has changed by a predetermined frequency or more compared to the second period prior to the first period.

[0032] According to this configuration, when it is detected that the frequency of use of the first device by the user in the most recent first period has changed by a predetermined frequency or more compared to the second period prior to the first period, recommendation information recommending one or more recommended devices is output. Therefore, when the frequency of use of the first device changes significantly, it is possible to recommend one or more recommended devices installed outside the facility to the user. This can increase the likelihood that the user will consider replacing the first device.

[0033] In the above-described information output method, the output of the recommendation information may further involve receiving a notification indicating that the user has requested information from an external device regarding at least one of the one or more recommended devices, and further, upon receiving the notification, information recommending the at least one recommended device may be output as the recommendation information.

[0034] In this configuration, when a notification is received indicating that a user has requested information about at least one recommended device from an external device, recommendation information recommending that at least one recommended device is output. Therefore, when a user requests information about at least one recommended device from an external device, recommendation information recommending that at least one recommended device can be recommended to the user.

[0035] In the above-described information output method, the output of the recommendation information may further involve periodically acquiring price information indicating the prices of one or more recommended devices, and when at least one of the one or more recommended devices is detected whose price indicated by the price information has been reduced by a predetermined percentage or more compared to the price indicated by the previously acquired price information, information recommending the at least one recommended device may be output as the recommendation information.

[0036] According to this configuration, when at least one recommended device whose price has been reduced by a predetermined percentage or more compared to the previous price is detected, recommendation information recommending that at least one recommended device is output. Therefore, when the price of the at least one recommended device is significantly reduced, that at least one recommended device can be recommended to the user. This can incentivize the user to purchase the at least one recommended device whose price has decreased.

[0037] In the above-described information output method, the recommendation information may also be output periodically.

[0038] This configuration allows for the periodic recommendation of one or more recommended devices to the user. This increases the likelihood that the user will consider replacing their first device.

[0039] In the above-described information output method, the output of the recommendation information may further accept input of information requesting the output of the recommendation information from the user, and when such information requesting the output of the recommendation information is received, the recommendation information may be output.

[0040] According to this configuration, when the system receives input from a user requesting the output of recommendation information, recommendation information recommending one or more devices is output. Therefore, users can input information requesting the output of recommendation information at their desired time and immediately receive the recommendation information.

[0041] In the above-described information output method, when outputting the recommendation information, information indicating a predetermined set of recommended functions possessed by each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information may be acquired, and information recommending the set of recommended functions may be output together with the recommendation information.

[0042] In this configuration, along with the recommendation information, information recommending a predetermined set of recommended functions possessed by each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information is output. Therefore, it is possible to motivate users to use the recommended set of functions possessed by each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information.

[0043] In the above-described information output method, when outputting the recommendation information, information indicating related product groups associated with each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information may be acquired, and information recommending the related product groups may be output along with the recommendation information.

[0044] With this configuration, along with the recommendation information, information indicating related product groups associated with each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information is output. Therefore, it is possible to recommend not only the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information, but also the related product groups associated with each of those recommended equipment groups to the user.

[0045] In the above-described information output method, the first information includes the usage period of the first device, the second information includes the installation location of each of the plurality of second devices, and further, movement history information showing the history of the user's current location and log information showing the operating status of each of the plurality of second devices may be acquired. Furthermore, by referring to the first information, the second information, the movement history information and the log information, information regarding at least one of the user's use and purchase of each of the recommended devices recommended by the output recommendation information may be stored.

[0046] In this configuration, information regarding at least one of the user's use and purchase of the recommended equipment group recommended by the output recommendation information is stored. Therefore, by referring to the stored information, it is possible to understand the information regarding at least one of the user's use and purchase of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information. This makes it possible to understand the impact that the recommendation of equipment by the recommendation information has on at least one of the user's use and purchase of equipment.

[0047] In the above information output method, the first information includes the usage period of the first device, the second information includes the installation location and purchase information of each of the plurality of second devices, and further, movement history information showing the history of the user's current location and log information showing the operating status of each of the plurality of second devices are acquired. Furthermore, by referring to the first information, the second information, the movement history information and the log information, when it is detected that the user has used any of the recommended devices from the recommended device group recommended by the output recommendation information, information regarding the purchase of any of the recommended devices is output.

[0048] In this configuration, when the system detects that a user has used any of the recommended devices from the group of recommended devices recommended by the outputted recommendation information, information regarding the purchase of that recommended device is output. Therefore, users who have used any of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information can quickly access information regarding the purchase of that recommended device. This can increase the user's willingness to purchase that recommended device.

[0049] An information output device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires first information relating to a first device installed in a facility used by a user; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information relating to a plurality of second devices installed outside the facility; a determination unit that determines one or more recommended devices from the plurality of second devices that can replace the first device based on the first information and the second information; and an output unit that outputs recommendation information recommending the one or more recommended devices to the user.

[0050] This configuration provides the same effects and benefits as the information output method described above.

[0051] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for operating a computer, which operates the computer as: a first acquisition unit that acquires first information relating to a first device installed in a facility used by a user; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information relating to a plurality of second devices installed outside the facility; a determination unit that determines one or more recommended devices from the plurality of second devices that can replace the first device based on the first and second information; and an output unit that outputs recommendation information recommending the one or more recommended devices to the user.

[0052] This configuration provides the same effects and benefits as the information output method described above.

[0053] This disclosure can also be implemented as a system operated by such a program. Furthermore, it goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed via computer-readable, non-temporary recording media such as CD-ROMs or via communication networks such as the Internet.

[0054] The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, data structures, steps, and step sequences shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept are described as optional components. In addition, the contents of each embodiment can be combined.

[0055] (Embodiment) The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the equipment recommendation system 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The equipment recommendation system 1 comprises at least one piece of equipment 20 and a sensor 21 installed in a facility 2 used by a user, a user terminal 30, a first database (hereinafter referred to as the first DB) 41, a second database (hereinafter referred to as the second DB) 42, a log database (hereinafter referred to as the log DB) 43, a web server 50 (an example of an external device), and a server 10 (an example of an information output device).

[0056] The device 20, sensor 21, user terminal 30, first DB 41, second DB 42, log DB 43, web server 50, and server 10 are connected to each other via a communication network 90 so that they can communicate with one another. The communication network 90 is, for example, a public communication line such as the Internet.

[0057] Device 20 and sensor 21 may be connected to communicate with other devices 20, other sensors 21, and user terminals 30 via a local network within facility 2. Facility 2 is, for example, a residence. A residence may be an apartment building or a detached house. Alternatively, facility 2 may be an office. If facility 2 is a residence, the user of device 20 is a resident. If facility 2 is an office, the user of device 20 is an office user. Hereafter, residents and users of facility 2 will be referred to as users.

[0058] The equipment 20 includes electronic devices installed in facilities 2 such as toilets, baths, and electronic locks, which are difficult for users to replace themselves and have a long service life (e.g., 10 years, 5 years, etc.). The equipment 20 periodically sends log information indicating its operating status to the server 10. The server 10 stores the log information obtained from the equipment 20 in the log DB 43.

[0059] The log information transmitted by device 20 includes the date and time the log information was transmitted, the identification information of device 20 (hereinafter referred to as device ID), and the operating status of device 20. The operating status of device 20 includes an idle state where device 20 is waiting to be operated, a state where device 20 is in use, and a state where device 20 is malfunctioning.

[0060] In the following, we will assume that equipment 20 is a toilet and describe an example in which one piece of equipment 20 (toilet) is installed in facility 2 used by a specific user.

[0061] Sensor 21 periodically detects information about the space in which it is installed. Sensor 21 periodically transmits sensor information, including the detected information (hereinafter referred to as "detection information"), to server 10. Server 10 stores the sensor information obtained from sensor 21 in log DB 43. The sensor information transmitted by sensor 21 includes the detection information, the date and time the detection information was detected (hereinafter referred to as "detection date and time"), and the identification information of sensor 21 (hereinafter referred to as "sensor ID").

[0062] Sensor 21 includes a surveillance camera and a motion sensor, etc. The surveillance camera captures an image of the space in which it is installed and transmits sensor information that includes the image data of the captured image as detection information. The motion sensor detects whether or not a person is present in the space in which it is installed. If the motion sensor detects the presence of a person in the space, it transmits sensor information that includes information indicating the location of the person as detection information.

[0063] User terminal 30 is an information and communication terminal such as a laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet used by users of facility 2.

[0064] The user terminal 30 is equipped with a liquid crystal display for displaying various text information and images, a speaker for outputting sound indicated by various audio data, and operating devices such as a touch panel and hard keys for performing various operations on the user terminal 30, such as inputting information. The user terminal 30 is also equipped with a GPS sensor for detecting the location of the user terminal 30, and a communication circuit for communicating with external devices such as the server 10 via the communication network 90.

[0065] When the user terminal 30 receives text information and image data sent to the destination for notifying the user of the user terminal 30, the communication circuit displays the image indicated by the text information and image data on the liquid crystal display. Furthermore, when the user terminal 30 receives audio data sent to the destination for notifying the user of the user terminal 30, the communication circuit outputs the audio indicated by the audio data to the speaker.

[0066] Furthermore, the user terminal 30 periodically transmits information regarding the user's current location (hereinafter referred to as "movement history information") to the server 10. The movement history information includes the user's identification information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") of the user terminal 30, the current date and time when the GPS sensor detected the location of the user terminal 30, and the user's current location. The user's current location is the location of the user terminal 30 detected by the GPS sensor.

[0067] The first DB41 is composed of one or more storage devices, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The first DB41 stores information (hereinafter referred to as the first information) about the equipment 20 installed in the facility 2 used by the user.

[0068] Figure 2 shows an example of the first information stored in the first DB 41. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first information stored in the first DB 41 includes user information 411 for each of one or more users of facility 2 used by the user, equipment management information 412 for managing equipment 20, and specification information 413 indicating the specifications of equipment 20. The first information further includes matching information 414 for identifying each of the one or more users of facility 2 used by the user.

[0069] User information 411 includes identification information of facility 2 used by the user (hereinafter referred to as facility ID), user IDs for one or more users of facility 2, attribute information indicating the attributes of the user corresponding to that user ID, and destination information indicating the destination when information is notified to the user corresponding to that user ID. Attribute information includes the user's gender and age, etc. Destination information includes the IP address of the user terminal 30 used by the user, etc.

[0070] The equipment management information 412 includes the facility ID of facility 2 where the equipment 20 is installed, the equipment ID, model number information indicating the model number of the equipment 20, installation location information indicating the location where the equipment 20 is installed, and usage period information indicating the usage period of the equipment 20. The equipment management information 412 further includes purchase price information indicating the purchase price of the equipment 20, and installation price information indicating the cost required to install the equipment 20 in facility 2, etc.

[0071] The usage period for equipment 20 is the period from the date and time when equipment 20 was put into use to the present. The usage period information may, for example, only show the date and time when equipment 20 was put into use. In this case, the period from the date and time when equipment 20 was put into use, as indicated by the usage period information, to the present will be the usage period for equipment 20. The date and time when equipment 20 was put into use may also be the date and time when equipment 20 was installed in facility 2.

[0072] Specification information 413 includes model number information, manufacturing date and time information indicating the date and time the device 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information was manufactured, function group information indicating the function group possessed by the device 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information, and lifespan information indicating the lifespan of the device 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information.

[0073] Furthermore, function groups include, for example, foam washing functions and automatic toilet seat opening / closing functions. However, they are not limited to these; function groups may also include individual functions of the same type with different capabilities (for example, semi-automatic foam washing functions, fully automatic foam washing functions, etc.). The same applies to the function groups described in the following explanation.

[0074] The matching information 414 includes the user ID and matching data for each of the one or more users of facility 2 used by the user. The matching data is data used to match with sensor information for purposes such as recognizing each of the one or more users. Specifically, the matching data includes various types of data that indicate the user's characteristics, such as image data showing an image of the user's face or entire body and audio data showing the user's voice.

[0075] The second DB42 is composed of one or more storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs. The second DB42 stores information (hereinafter referred to as the second information) about equipment 20 installed outside the facility 2 used by the user. The area outside the facility 2 used by the user includes, for example, public facilities such as public institutions, commercial facilities, parks, model rooms, and vacant hotel rooms. It should also be noted that the area outside the facility 2 used by the user may include facilities 2 used by individuals, such as residences.

[0076] Figure 3 shows an example of the second information stored in the second DB 42. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the second information stored in the second DB 42 includes equipment management information 421 for managing the equipment 20 and specification information 422 indicating the specifications of the equipment 20. The second information further includes characteristic function information 423 indicating characteristic functions of the equipment 20, useful function information 424 indicating useful functions of the equipment 20, and related product information 425 regarding related products related to the equipment 20.

[0077] The equipment management information 421, like the equipment management information 412 included in the first information, includes the facility ID, equipment ID, model number information, installation location information, and usage period information, purchase price information, installation price information, etc., of the external facility 2 where the equipment 20 is installed.

[0078] Specification information 422 includes, like specification information 413 included in the first information, model number information, manufacturing date and time information, function group information, and lifespan information, etc.

[0079] The characteristic function information 423 includes model number information and characteristic function group information indicating a predetermined characteristic set of functions within the set of functions possessed by the device 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information. The characteristic function group includes, for example, functions that have been significantly improved compared to the past and newly added functions.

[0080] The useful function information 424 includes model number information, attribute information, and useful function group information. The useful function group information is information that indicates a set of useful functions that are beneficial to a user with the attribute indicated by the attribute information, among the function groups possessed by the device 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information. For example, useful function information 424 that includes attribute information indicating that the user is elderly will include useful function group information that indicates a set of functions that are beneficial to an elderly user.

[0081] Related product information 425 includes model number information, identification information for related products of the equipment 20 with the model number indicated by the model number information (hereinafter referred to as related product ID), and the URL of a website where information about the related product is posted. For example, if equipment 20 is a toilet, related products include toilet cleaning tools and detergents, as well as air fresheners, etc.

[0082] The log DB 43 is composed of one or more storage devices such as an HDD and an SSD. Figure 4 shows an example of the information stored in the log DB 43. The log DB 43 stores log information 431 received from the device 20, sensor information 432 received from the sensor 21, and movement history information 433 received from the user terminal 30, all of which are stored by the server 10.

[0083] As described above, log information 431 includes the device ID, the date and time of transmission of log information 431, and the operating status of device 20. Sensor information 432 includes the sensor ID, the date and time of detection, and detection information. Movement history information 433 includes the user ID, the current date and time, and the user's current location.

[0084] The web server 50 is comprised of a single server device or a cloud server. The web server 50 returns a web page to an external device in response to a request from that external device via the communication network 90. ​​For example, the web server 50 returns a web page corresponding to the URL specified by the external device to that external device. The web server 50 also searches for web pages containing a search key specified by the external device and returns the corresponding web page to the external device.

[0085] Server 10 is comprised of a single server device or a cloud server. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of Server 10. Server 10 includes a communication circuit 120, a processor 100 (an example of a computer), and memory 110.

[0086] The communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit that supports a communication method using a communication network 90 such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and connects the server 10 to the communication network 90. ​​The communication circuit 120 outputs various information received from external devices via the communication network 90 to the processor 100. Under the control of the processor 100, the communication circuit 120 transmits various information via the communication network 90 to external devices connected to the communication network 90.

[0087] The processor 100 is composed of, for example, a CPU. The processor 100 controls the server 10. As shown in the solid rectangle in Figure 5, the processor 100 functions as a first acquisition unit 101, a second acquisition unit 102, a determination unit 103, and an output unit 104. The first acquisition unit 101 to the output unit 104 may be realized by the processor 100 executing a predetermined program, or they may be composed of dedicated hardware circuits.

[0088] The first acquisition unit 101 acquires first information from the first DB 41 regarding the equipment 20 installed in the facility 2 used by the user. Hereafter, the equipment 20 installed in the facility 2 used by the user will be referred to as the first equipment 20.

[0089] The second acquisition unit 102 acquires second information from the second DB 42 regarding multiple devices 20 installed outside the facility 2 used by the user. Hereafter, the devices 20 installed outside the facility 2 used by the user will be referred to as the second devices 20.

[0090] Based on the first and second information, the decision unit 103 determines one or more recommended devices from among a plurality of second devices 20 that can replace the first device 20. Recommended devices that can replace the first device 20 refer to second devices 20 that can be installed in the facility 2 where the first device 20 is installed, in place of the first device 20.

[0091] The output unit 104 outputs recommendation information recommending one or more recommended devices to the user.

[0092] The memory 110 is composed of non-volatile rewritable semiconductor memory such as flash memory, an HDD, an SSD, etc. Figure 6 shows an example of the information stored in the memory 110 of the server 10. The memory 110 stores a candidate device list 111 and recommendation history information 112, etc.

[0093] The candidate device list 111 contains information about one or more recommended devices determined by the decision unit 103. Specifically, the candidate device list 111 includes the user ID, identification information of one or more recommended devices determined by the decision unit 103 (hereinafter referred to as the recommended device ID group), etc.

[0094] Recommendation history information 112 is information regarding the history of outputting recommendation information. Specifically, recommendation history information 112 includes the user ID, destination information, recommendation date and time information indicating the date and time the recommendation information was output (hereinafter referred to as recommendation date and time), and the recommendation information itself.

[0095] (Candidate equipment list creation process) Next, we will describe the process of creating a candidate device list that is executed by server 10. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of the process of creating a candidate device list. The process of creating a candidate device list is executed periodically, for example, once a day.

[0096] When the candidate equipment list creation process is started, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires first information (Figure 2) about the first equipment 20 from the first DB 41 (step S11). Next, the second acquisition unit 102 acquires second information (Figure 3) about multiple second equipment 20 from the second DB 42 (step S12). Next, the decision unit 103 creates a candidate equipment list 111 (Figure 6) based on the first information acquired in step S11 and the second information acquired in step S12 (step S13).

[0097] For example, in step S13, if the equipment 20 installed in the facility 2 used by the user is nearing the end of its lifespan, the decision unit 103 determines one or more second pieces of equipment 20 that are newly manufactured than the first piece of equipment 20 as one or more recommended pieces of equipment that can replace the first piece of equipment 20.

[0098] Specifically, the decision unit 103 refers to the equipment management information 412 and specification information 413 included in the first information, and refers to the equipment management information 421 and specification information 422 included in the second information. The decision unit 103 then calculates the ratio of the usage period (e.g., 8 years) of the first equipment 20 to the lifespan of the first equipment 20 (e.g., 10 years) (= lifespan / usage period). If the decision unit 103 determines that the first equipment 20 is nearing the end of its lifespan (e.g., 0.8) is greater than a predetermined ratio (e.g., 0.7), the decision unit 103 determines that one or more second equipment 20s from among the multiple second equipment 20s have a manufacturing date (e.g., September 15, 2021) that is newer than the manufacturing date of the first equipment 20 (e.g., August 1, 2021), and selects one or more recommended equipment.

[0099] The decision unit 103 then creates a candidate device list 111 (Figure 6) which includes the user ID and identification information (group of recommended device IDs) of one or more recommended devices, and stores the candidate device list 111 in the memory 110.

[0100] (Recommendation information output processing) Next, we will describe the recommendation information output process performed by server 10. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the recommendation information output process. The recommendation information output process is started at any time after the candidate device list creation process has been performed at least once.

[0101] When the recommendation information output process starts, the output unit 104 waits until a predetermined timing for outputting the recommendation information (NO in step S21). When the predetermined timing arrives (YES in step S21), the output unit 104 generates recommendation information recommending one or more recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111 to the user (step S22). Next, the output unit 104 outputs the recommendation information created in step S22 (step S23). After that, the process from step S21 onwards is repeated.

[0102] For example, in step S21, the output unit 104 determines that a predetermined timing has been reached when it detects that the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of at least one of the recommended devices indicated in the candidate device list 111.

[0103] Specifically, in step S21, the output unit 104 obtains movement history information 433 (Figure 4) from the log DB 43, which includes the most recent current date and time, as movement history information 433 indicating the user's current location.

[0104] The output unit 104 refers to the movement history information 433 and the equipment management information 421 (Figure 3) included in the second information obtained in the most recent candidate equipment list creation process. The output unit 104 then determines whether there is at least one second equipment 20 among the one or more second equipment 20 determined as recommended equipment indicated by the recommended equipment ID group in the candidate equipment list 111 (Figure 6) whose installation location is within a predetermined distance from the user's current location.

[0105] If the output unit 104 determines that at least one second device 20 exists, it detects that the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of at least one of the recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111. In this case, the output unit 104 determines that a predetermined timing has been reached and, in step S22 (Figure 8), generates recommendation information recommending at least one second device 20.

[0106] Recommendation information may include, for example, text information, image data, and / or audio data that encourages users to try out the equipment recommended by the recommendation information. However, recommendation information is not limited to this and may also include, for example, text information, image data, and / or audio data that guide users to purchase the equipment recommended by the recommendation information.

[0107] However, the method by which the output unit 104 detects whether the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of at least one recommended device is not limited to this.

[0108] For example, suppose that among the one or more second devices 20 determined as recommended devices indicated by the recommended device ID group in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6), there exists a second device 20 equipped with a wireless communication circuit capable of short-range wireless communication with an external device within a predetermined distance. Also, suppose that the user terminal 30 is equipped with a similar wireless communication circuit. Furthermore, suppose that the user carrying the user terminal 30 approaches within short-range wireless communication range of the second device 20, and detects that the user terminal 30 and the second device 20 have become capable of short-range wireless communication with each other.

[0109] In this case, the user terminal 30 or the second device 20 may transmit the device ID of the second device 20 to the server 10 along with information indicating that an external device has approached (hereinafter referred to as proximity information).

[0110] Accordingly, in step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may determine whether the device ID received along with the proximity information is included in the recommended device ID group of the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6) when proximity information is received by the communication circuit 120. If the output unit 104 determines that the device ID is included in the recommended device ID group, it may detect that the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of the recommended device indicated by the device ID, and determine that a predetermined timing has been reached.

[0111] In this case, in step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 can create recommendation information recommending the second device 20, indicated by the device ID received along with the proximity information, as a recommended device included in one or more recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111.

[0112] In step S23 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 refers to the first information (Figure 2) obtained in the most recent candidate device list creation process and sends the recommendation information generated in step S22 (Figure 8) to the destination indicated by the destination information included in the user information 411. The output unit 104 also generates the user ID, destination information indicating the recipient of the recommendation information, the recommendation date and time when the recommendation information was output, and recommendation history information 112 (Figure 6) including the recommendation information, and stores them in the memory 110.

[0113] The user terminal 30 that receives the recommendation information displays the text information and image data contained in the recommendation information on its own liquid crystal display, and outputs the audio data contained in the recommendation information to its own speaker.

[0114] According to the configuration of this embodiment, based on first information (Figure 2) regarding a first device 20 installed in a facility 2 used by a user and second information (Figure 3) regarding a plurality of second devices 20 installed outside the facility 2, one or more recommended devices that can replace the first device 20 can be appropriately determined from among the plurality of second devices 20. Then, by outputting recommendation information recommending the one or more recommended devices to the user, the one or more recommended devices installed outside the facility 2 can be recommended to the user who has referred to the recommendation information.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, if the ratio of the usage period of the first device 20 to the lifespan of the first device 20 is greater than a predetermined ratio, recommendation information is output recommending one or more second devices 20 whose manufacturing date and time are newer than the manufacturing date and time of the first device 20. Therefore, when the first device 20 is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is possible to recommend to the user a newer device 20 from among multiple devices 20 installed outside the facility 2 used by the user.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, when it is detected that the user's current location is within a predetermined distance from the installation location of at least one of the recommended devices, recommendation information recommending that at least one recommended device is output. Therefore, when the user approaches the at least one recommended device, that at least one recommended device can be recommended to the user. This improves the likelihood that the user will utilize the recommended device 20 located nearby.

[0117] (modified version) This disclosure may be modified in the following ways.

[0118] (1) In step S13 (Figure 7), the decision unit 103 may refer to the first information (Figure 2) and second information (Figure 3) obtained in steps S11 and S12 (Figure 7) and decide to include one or more recommended devices in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6) by at least one of the methods shown in (1-1) to (1-5) below.

[0119] (1-1) The decision unit 103 may determine one or more second devices 20 from among a plurality of second devices 20 that have functions not possessed by the first device 20 as the one or more recommended devices.

[0120] Specifically, the decision unit 103 refers to the equipment management information 412 and specification information 413 included in the first information (Figure 2) to understand the set of functions that the first equipment 20 has. Then, the decision unit 103 refers to the equipment management information 421 and specification information 422 included in the second information (Figure 3) to determine one or more second equipment 20s from among the multiple second equipment 20s that have functions that the first equipment 20 does not have, as the one or more recommended equipment.

[0121] According to method (1-1), a second device 20 having functions not present in the first device 20 can be recommended to the user. This can increase the user's level of interest in the second device 20.

[0122] (1-2) The decision unit 103 may determine one or more second devices 20 from among a plurality of second devices 20 that the first device 20 does not have and that have predetermined characteristic functions as the one or more recommended devices.

[0123] Specifically, the decision unit 103 refers to the device management information 412 and specification information 413 included in the first information (Figure 2) to determine the set of functions that the first device 20 has. Then, the decision unit 103 refers to the device management information 421, specification information 422 and characteristic function information 423 included in the second information (Figure 3) to determine one or more second devices 20 from among the multiple second devices 20 that have functions that the first device 20 does not have and that are included in the characteristic function set information, as the one or more recommended devices.

[0124] According to method (1-2), a second device 20 having distinctive functions that the first device 20 lacks can be recommended to the user. This can further increase the user's interest in the second device 20.

[0125] (1-3) The decision unit 103 may also decide that, from among the one or more second devices 20 that have been determined as one or more recommended devices by the above embodiment, the method described in (1-1) or (1-2), at least one second device 20 that has a function included in a group of beneficial functions that are beneficial to the respective attributes of one or more users of the facility 2 used by the user is one or more recommended devices.

[0126] Specifically, the decision unit 103 refers to the device management information 421 and specification information 422 included in the second information (Figure 3) to determine the set of functions that each of the one or more second devices 20 determined as one or more recommended devices by the above embodiment, the method described in (1-1) or (1-2) above, possesses. The decision unit 103 refers to the user information 411 included in the first information (Figure 2) and the useful function information 424 included in the second information (Figure 3) to determine the set of useful functions that are beneficial to the respective attributes of one or more users.

[0127] Then, the determination unit 103 determines, among the one or more second devices 20 determined as one or more recommended devices by the above embodiment, (1-1) or (1-2) above, at least one second device 20 having a function included in the identified beneficial function group, as the one or more recommended devices.

[0128] According to method (1-3), one or more recommended devices determined by method (1-1) or (1-2) above can be recommended to the user by limiting them to those that have functions beneficial to each of the attributes of the one or more users. This makes it possible to further increase the user's level of interest in the recommended second device 20.

[0129] (1-4) The decision unit 103 may acquire information indicating rules set based on the first information (Figure 2) and the second information (Figure 3), and determine one or more recommended devices from among the multiple second devices 20 according to the rules.

[0130] Specifically, the information indicating the aforementioned rule is set by the manufacturer of the second device 20 and is pre-stored in memory 110 or the second DB 42, etc. For example, suppose market research reveals that users of the first device 20 having function A tend to use the second device 20 having function B. In this case, a rule can be set to determine that the first device 20 has function A by referring to the first information (Figure 2), and then refer to the second information (Figure 3) to select one or more second devices 20 having function B as one or more recommended devices. The information indicating this rule can then be pre-stored in memory 110 or the second DB 42, etc.

[0131] In this case, the decision unit 103 obtains information indicating the rule from the memory 110 or the second DB 42, etc., and, according to the rule, refers to the equipment management information 412 and specification information 413 included in the first information (Figure 2) to determine whether the first equipment 20 has function A. If the first equipment 20 has function A, the decision unit 103 refers to the equipment management information 421 and specification information 422 included in the second information (Figure 3) to determine one or more second equipment 20 having function B as one or more recommended equipment.

[0132] According to method (1-4), the rules for determining the second device 20 to recommend to the user can be flexibly set in advance based on the first information (Figure 2) and the second information (Figure 3).

[0133] (1-5) The decision unit 103 may accept rule settings from the user based on the first information (Figure 2) and the second information (Figure 3), and, similar to (1-4), determine one or more recommended devices from among the multiple second devices 20 according to the accepted rules.

[0134] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows. Suppose a user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 30 to set information indicating a rule based on the first information (Figure 2) and the second information (Figure 3). In this case, the user terminal 30 sends information requesting the setting of the rule (hereinafter referred to as setting request information) to the server 10 along with the information indicating the rule set by the user. The predetermined operation may be an operation in which the user selects and sets one rule from among several rules set by the manufacturer of the second device 20, or it may be an operation in which the user arbitrarily edits and sets information indicating a rule based on the first information and the second information.

[0135] Then, when the communication circuit 120 receives setting request information, the determination unit 103 accepts the setting of the rule by acquiring information indicating the rule that the communication circuit 120 received along with the setting request information.

[0136] According to method (1-5), a second device 20 that follows rules set by the user based on the first information (Figure 2) and the second information (Figure 3) can be recommended to the user. This makes it possible to further increase the user's level of interest in the recommended second device 20.

[0137] (2) In step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may further determine when it is time to output the recommendation information in the manner shown in (2-1) to (2-6) below.

[0138] (2-1) The output unit 104 may acquire information indicating the location of a group of facilities that encourage replacement of the equipment 20, and may determine that a predetermined time has arrived when it detects that the user's current location is within a predetermined first distance from at least one of the facilities 2 in the group of facilities. The facilities 2 that encourage replacement of the equipment 20 include, for example, consumer electronics stores, model rooms, and housing exhibitions where new products of the equipment 20 are on display.

[0139] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows: The output unit 104 requests the web server 50 to send information indicating the location of a group of facilities that will prompt the replacement of the equipment 20. In response to this request, the output unit 104 obtains the information indicating the location of the group of facilities that is returned by the web server 50. The output unit 104 obtains the movement history information 433 (Figure 4), which includes the most recent current date and time, from the log DB 43 as movement history information 433 indicating the user's current location.

[0140] The output unit 104 then refers to the acquired movement history information 433 and information indicating the location of the group of facilities to detect whether the user's current location is within a predetermined first distance from at least one facility 2 of the group of facilities that encourages the replacement of the equipment 20.

[0141] In step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 refers to the equipment management information 421 (Figure 3) included in the second information obtained in the most recent candidate equipment list creation process. The output unit 104 then generates recommendation information recommending at least one second equipment 20 that is installed within a predetermined second distance from at least one facility 2, out of the one or more second equipment 20 set as recommended equipment indicated in the candidate equipment list 111. The output unit 104 then outputs this recommendation information in step S23 (Figure 8).

[0142] According to this configuration, when a user approaches at least one facility 2 that encourages the replacement of equipment 20, at least one recommended device from the candidate equipment list 111 (Figure 6) that is installed near that facility 2 can be recommended to the user. This increases the likelihood that the user will try out the recommended device located nearby. As a result, the likelihood that the user will consider replacing the first equipment 20 can be increased.

[0143] (2-2) In step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may acquire history information showing the history of the user's use of the first device 20. The output unit 104 may then refer to this history information and determine that a predetermined timing has been reached when it detects that the frequency of the user's use of the first device 20 in the most recent first period has changed by a predetermined frequency or more compared to the second period prior to the first period.

[0144] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows. The output unit 104 acquires log information 431 and movement history information 433 (Figure 4) from the log DB 43 as the history information. The output unit 104 refers to the log information 431 and movement history information 433 and the equipment management information 421 (Figure 3) included in the second information acquired in the past candidate equipment list creation process to determine the operating status of the first equipment 20 at the time the user is at the installation location of the first equipment 20. If the operating status indicates that the equipment 20 is in use, the output unit 104 determines that the user is using the first equipment 20 at that time.

[0145] The output unit 104 calculates the number of times the user used the first device 20 in the most recent first period (for example, one month) and the number of times the user used the first device 20 in the second period prior to the first period (for example, one month). The output unit 104 then determines that a predetermined timing has been reached when it detects that the number of times the user used the first device 20 in the most recent first period has changed by a predetermined number or more compared to the second period prior to the first period.

[0146] The output unit 104 may also calculate the average number of times the user uses the first device 20 per day during the most recent first period and the second period prior to the first period. Furthermore, the output unit 104 may determine that a predetermined timing has been reached when it detects that the average number of times the user uses the first device 20 per day during the most recent first period has changed by a predetermined value or more compared to the second period prior to the first period.

[0147] According to this configuration, for example, when the frequency of use of the first device 20 changes significantly due to an increase in the number of users at facility 2 used by the user, or a change in the user's lifestyle, one or more recommended devices installed outside facility 2 can be recommended to the user. This can increase the likelihood that the user will consider replacing the first device 20.

[0148] (2-3) In step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may receive a notification indicating that the user has requested information about at least one of the recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6) from an external device such as the web server 50. The output unit 104 may then determine that a predetermined timing has been reached when it receives the notification.

[0149] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows. Suppose the web server 50, in response to a request from the user terminal 30, returns a web page to the user terminal 30 containing information about one or more of the multiple second devices 20. In this case, the web server 50 sends to the server 10 the device IDs of one or more of the second devices 20 included in the returned web page, along with information indicating that the request has been met (hereinafter referred to as response information).

[0150] When the communication circuit 120 receives response information, the output unit 104 obtains the device IDs of one or more second devices 20 that the communication circuit 120 received along with the response information. If at least one of the obtained device IDs of the one or more second devices 20 is included in the recommended device ID group of the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6), the output unit 104 accepts the notification and determines that the predetermined timing has arrived.

[0151] In step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 generates recommendation information recommending at least one second device 20 indicated by at least one device ID included in the recommended device ID group of candidate device list 111 (Figure 6), and outputs the recommendation information in step S23 (Figure 8).

[0152] According to this configuration, when a user requests information from the web server 50 about at least one recommended device included in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6), the web server 50 can recommend recommendation information to the user that recommends that at least one recommended device.

[0153] Furthermore, in step S22 (Figure 8) of this configuration, the output unit 104 may also include information in the recommendation information indicating that the user has previously used any of the at least one second device group 20 recommended by the recommendation information.

[0154] Specifically, the output unit 104 can refer to the second information stored in the second DB 42 (Figure 3) and the log information 431 and movement history information 433 stored in the log DB 43 (Figure 4). The output unit 104 can then determine whether each device 20 has been used by the user based on whether the operating status of each device 20 is in use at the time the user is present at the installation location of each device 20 included in at least one of the second devices 20.

[0155] (2-4) In step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may periodically acquire price information indicating the prices of one or more recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6). The output unit 104 may then determine that a predetermined timing has been reached when it detects at least one recommended device from the candidate device list 111 whose price information indicates a price reduction of a predetermined percentage or more compared to the price information obtained previously.

[0156] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows: The output unit 104 periodically requests the web server 50 to send price information indicating the prices of one or more recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6). The output unit 104 obtains the price information returned from the web server 50 in response to this request. The output unit 104 determines that a predetermined time has arrived when it detects at least one recommended device among the one or more recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111 whose price indicated by the obtained price information has been reduced by a predetermined percentage or more compared to the price indicated by the previously obtained price information.

[0157] In step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 generates recommendation information recommending at least one recommended device that has been reduced by a predetermined percentage or more, and outputs this recommendation information in step S23 (Figure 8).

[0158] According to this configuration, when the price of at least one of the recommended devices shown in the candidate device list 111 (Figure 6) is significantly reduced, that at least one recommended device can be recommended to the user. This makes it possible to incentivize the user to purchase the at least one recommended device whose price has decreased.

[0159] (2-5) In step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may determine that a predetermined timing has been reached periodically, such as once a year.

[0160] This configuration allows for the periodic recommendation of one or more recommended devices to the user. This increases the likelihood that the user will consider replacing the first device 20.

[0161] Furthermore, in step S22 (Figure 8) of this configuration, the output unit 104 may limit the number of recommended devices to be recommended in the recommendation information to a predetermined upper limit or less.

[0162] (2-6) In step S21 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may accept input of information requesting the output of recommendation information by the user (hereinafter referred to as output request information). The output unit 104 may then determine that a predetermined timing has been reached when it receives the output request information.

[0163] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows: When a predetermined operation is performed by the user to input output request information, the user terminal 30 transmits the output request information to the server 10. When the communication circuit 120 receives the output request information, the output unit 104 accepts the output request information and determines that the predetermined timing has arrived.

[0164] With this configuration, the user can perform a predetermined operation on the user terminal 30 to input output request information at the intended timing and immediately obtain the recommended information.

[0165] Furthermore, the output request information may include information regarding the upper limit of the number of recommended devices to be recommended and the recommendation order in the recommendation information. Accordingly, in step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may limit the number of recommended devices to be recommended by the recommendation information to less than or equal to the upper limit, according to the upper limit and recommendation order included in the output request information, and include information in the recommendation information indicating the order in which each of the recommended devices will be displayed or announced audibly. In this case, the user terminal 30 that receives the recommendation information output in step S23 (Figure 8) may display or output audible information recommending each of the recommended devices in the order indicated by the recommendation information.

[0166] (3) As shown in (3-1) to (3-2) below, in step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may acquire information to be output together with the recommendation information (hereinafter referred to as recommendation-related information), and in step S23 (Figure 8), the recommendation-related information may be output together with the recommendation information.

[0167] (3-1) In step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may, after generating the recommendation information, acquire as recommendation-related information information information that indicates a predetermined set of recommended functions possessed by each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information.

[0168] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows. After generating recommendation information in the manner shown in the above embodiment and the modified examples in (2-1) to (2-6), the output unit 104 refers to the device management information 421 and feature function information 423 included in the second information (Figure 3). The output unit 104 then acquires information indicating a predetermined set of feature functions that each of the recommended device groups recommended by the recommendation information possesses, as information indicating a predetermined set of recommended functions that each of the recommended device groups possesses, and uses this as recommendation-related information.

[0169] Furthermore, the output unit 104 may refer to user information 411 included in the first information (Figure 2) and useful function information 424 included in the second information (Figure 3). The output unit 104 may also acquire information indicating a set of useful functions that are beneficial to the attributes of one or more users of the facility 2 used by the user, which are possessed by each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information, as information indicating a predetermined set of recommended functions possessed by each of the recommended equipment groups, and use this as recommendation-related information.

[0170] Alternatively, similar to the characteristic function information 423 (Figure 3), recommendation function information, which includes model number information and information indicating a predetermined set of functions (hereinafter referred to as the recommendation function set) to be executed when the device 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information is recommended, may be stored in the second DB 42 in advance. The recommendation function set may include, for example, a function to light up or blink a predetermined LED of the device 20.

[0171] Accordingly, in step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may, after generating recommendation information in the manner shown in the above embodiment and the modified examples (2-1) to (2-6), refer to the device management information 421 and recommendation function information included in the second information (Figure 3). The output unit 104 may then acquire information indicating the recommendation function group that each of the recommended device groups recommended by the recommendation information possesses, as information indicating a predetermined recommended function group that each of the recommended device groups possesses, and use this as recommendation-related information.

[0172] In step S23 of this configuration (Figure 8), the output unit 104 transmits the recommendation information along with the recommendation-related information to the destination indicated by the destination information included in the user information 411 (Figure 2). The output unit 104 may also transmit control commands to each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information, instructing them to execute the recommended group of functions indicated by the recommendation-related information.

[0173] In this configuration, along with the recommendation information, information recommending a predetermined set of recommended functions possessed by each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information is output. Therefore, it is possible to motivate users to use the recommended set of functions possessed by each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information.

[0174] (3-2) In step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may, after generating the recommendation information, acquire as recommendation-related information information information that indicates related product groups associated with each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information.

[0175] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows. The output unit 104 generates recommendation information using the method shown in the above embodiment and the modified examples in (2-1) to (2-6), and then refers to the equipment management information 421 and related product information 425 included in the second information (Figure 3). The output unit 104 then acquires the related product information 425 associated with each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information, as information indicating the related product groups associated with each of the recommended equipment groups, and uses this as recommendation-related information.

[0176] In step S23 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 sends the recommendation information along with the recommendation-related information to the destination indicated by the destination information included in the user information 411 (Figure 2).

[0177] In this configuration, along with the recommendation information, related product information 425 associated with each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information is output. Therefore, it is possible to recommend not only the recommended equipment groups recommended by the recommendation information, but also the related product groups associated with each of those recommended equipment groups to the user.

[0178] (4) As shown in the dashed rectangle in Figure 5, the processor 100 may further function as a management unit 105 that stores information regarding at least one of the use and purchase by each user of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information output by the output unit 104.

[0179] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows: The management unit 105 periodically performs the following processing: The management unit 105 refers to the recommendation history information 112 stored in memory 110 (Figure 6), the first information stored in the first DB 41 (Figure 2), the second information stored in the second DB 42 (Figure 3), and the log information 431 and movement history information 433 (Figure 4) stored in log DB 43.

[0180] The management unit 105 then grasps the operating status of the recommended equipment group at the time the user is present at the installation location of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information, after the recommendation date and time the recommendation information was output. If the operating status of any of the recommended equipment in the recommended equipment group indicates that it is in use, the management unit 105 determines that the user is using any of the recommended equipment recommended by the recommendation information. In this way, the management unit 105 grasps the number of times each user has used the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information output by the output unit 104. The management unit 105 then stores the recommended equipment usage information, which associates the user ID, the equipment ID and number of uses of the recommended equipment used by the user, and the recommendation information that recommends the recommended equipment, in the memory 110 as information regarding the user's use of the recommended equipment.

[0181] Furthermore, if a device 20 with the same model number as the first device 20 is included in the group of recommended devices recommended by recommendation information output before the usage period of the first device 20, the management unit 105 determines that the user has purchased the device 20 with the same model number as the first device 20, as recommended by the recommendation information. In this case, the management unit 105 stores recommended device purchase information in the memory 110 as information related to the user's purchase of the device 20 with the same model number as the first device 20, as it associates the user ID, the device ID of the device 20 with the same model number as the first device 20, and the recommendation information.

[0182] Furthermore, the management unit 105 may choose not to store recommended equipment usage information or recommended equipment purchase information in the memory 110.

[0183] With this configuration, by referring to at least one of the recommended equipment usage information and recommended equipment purchase information stored in memory 110, it is possible to obtain information regarding at least one of the usage and purchase of each user of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information. This makes it possible to understand the impact that the recommendation of recommended equipment by the recommendation information has on at least one of the user's usage and purchase of equipment 20.

[0184] As a result, for example, the manufacturer of the recommended equipment can pay a rebate to the management company of facility 2 where the recommended equipment is installed, based on the number of times the recommended equipment is used by the user or the number of recommended equipment units purchased.

[0185] (5) As shown in the dashed rectangle in Figure 5, the processor 100 may further function as a sales promotion unit 106 that outputs information regarding the purchase of any of the recommended devices when it detects that a user has used any of the recommended devices from the group of recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information output by the output unit 104.

[0186] This configuration can be implemented, for example, as follows. The specification information 422 (Figure 4) stored in the second DB 42 further includes purchase-related information regarding the purchase of the equipment 20 of the model number indicated by the model number information. The purchase-related information is, for example, a URL indicating a web page that lists how to purchase equipment 20 or a URL indicating a web page where the purchase operation for equipment 20 can be performed.

[0187] The sales promotion unit 106 periodically performs the following processing: The sales promotion unit 106 refers to the recommendation history information 112 stored in memory 110 (Figure 6), the first information stored in the first DB 41 (Figure 2), the second information stored in the second DB 42 (Figure 3), and the log information 431 and movement history information 433 (Figure 4) stored in log DB 43.

[0188] The sales promotion unit 106 then determines the operating status of the recommended equipment group at the time the user is present at the installation location of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information, after the recommendation date and time the recommendation information was output. If the operating status of any of the recommended equipment in the recommended equipment group indicates that it is in use, the sales promotion unit 106 detects that the user is using that recommended equipment. In this case, the sales promotion unit 106 outputs information regarding the purchase of that recommended equipment in the same manner as in step S23 (Figure 8).

[0189] This configuration allows users who have used any of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information to quickly access information about purchasing that recommended device. This can increase the user's willingness to purchase that recommended device.

[0190] (6) In step S22 (Figure 8), the output unit 104 may refer to the equipment management information 421 included in the second information (Figure 3) and include in the recommendation information the installation locations of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information and map information showing a map of the area including the installation locations of the recommended equipment group. For example, the output unit 104 may request an external device such as a web server 50 to transmit the map information and obtain the map information returned from the external device in response.

[0191] In this case, the user terminal 30 that receives the recommendation information output in step S23 (Figure 8) may display the map indicated by the map information included in the recommendation information, and display predetermined marks on the map at the installation locations of the recommended equipment group recommended by the recommendation information.

[0192] (7) In the above embodiments and modified examples, the output unit 104 may use the sensor information 432 stored in the log DB 43 (Figure 4) and the matching information 414 included in the first information (Figure 3) to determine the time when a particular user is present at the installation locations of the first equipment 20 and the second equipment 20.

[0193] Specifically, the first information (Figure 2) and the second information (Figure 3) each store not only equipment management information 412 (Figure 2) and equipment management information 421 (Figure 3) related to the equipment 20 installed in facility 2, but also equipment management information 412 and equipment management information 421 related to the sensor 21 installed in facility 2.

[0194] The output unit 104 obtains sensor information 432 and movement history information 433 from the log DB 43 (Figure 4), and refers to the equipment management information 412 and verification information 414 included in the first information (Figure 2), the equipment management information 421 included in the second information (Figure 3), and the obtained sensor information 432 and movement history information 433. The output unit 104 then determines that a user identified based on the detection information detected by the sensor 21 installed within a predetermined distance from the first equipment 20 and the verification information 414 was present at the installation location of the first equipment 20 at the detection date and time of the said detection information.

[0195] Similarly, the output unit 104 determines that a user identified based on the detection information detected by the sensor 21 installed within a predetermined distance from the second device 20 and the matching information 414 is present at the installation location of the second device 20 at the detection date and time of the said detection information.

[0196] (8) The data structures of the first DB41, second DB42, log DB43 and memory 110 described above are merely examples, and different data structures may be used. For example, the processor 100 may refer to the specification information 422 contained in the second information (Figure 3) stored in the second DB42 instead of the specification information 413 contained in the first information (Figure 2) stored in the first DB41. Furthermore, the first information (Figure 2) stored in the first DB41 may not contain the specification information 413. [Industrial applicability]

[0197] This disclosure is useful in encouraging the replacement of long-lasting equipment such as toilets and bathtubs, which are difficult for users to install themselves, because it allows for the recommendation of externally installed equipment to users as a replacement for equipment installed within the facility they use.

Claims

1. Computers Obtain first information regarding first equipment installed in a facility used by the user, Second information is obtained regarding a plurality of second devices installed outside the aforementioned facility, The second information includes installation location information indicating the location where each of the plurality of second devices is installed outside the facility, Based on the first and second information, a plurality of candidate devices that can replace the first device are determined from among the plurality of second devices. Location information indicating the user's location is obtained, Based on the location information and the installation location information, at least one of the candidate devices included in the plurality of candidate devices, which is installed at a predetermined distance from the user's current location, is selected as one or more recommended devices. The system outputs recommendation information, which recommends one or more of the aforementioned recommended devices to the user, to a terminal that notifies the user of the recommendation information. Information output method.

2. The first information includes the manufacturing date of the first device, The second information includes the manufacturing dates of each of the plurality of second devices. In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, Of the aforementioned plurality of second devices, a plurality of second devices whose manufacturing date is newer than the manufacturing date of the first device are selected as the plurality of candidate devices. The information output method according to claim 1.

3. The first information further includes the service period and lifespan of the first device, In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, If the ratio of the service period of the first device to the lifespan of the first device is greater than a predetermined ratio, then among the plurality of second devices, a plurality of second devices whose manufacturing date is newer than the manufacturing date of the first device are selected as the plurality of candidate devices. The information output method according to claim 2.

4. The first information includes the set of functions of the first device, The second information includes the set of functions that each of the plurality of second devices has, In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, From among the plurality of second devices, a plurality of second devices having functions that the first device does not have are selected as the plurality of candidate devices. The information output method according to claim 1.

5. The first information includes the set of functions of the first device, The second information includes a set of functions possessed by each of the plurality of second devices and one or more predetermined characteristic functions possessed by each of the plurality of second devices. In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, From among the plurality of second devices, a plurality of second devices having functions that the first device does not have and that are included in the one or more characteristic functions are selected as the plurality of candidate devices. The information output method according to claim 1.

6. The first information includes the set of functions of the first device and the attributes of one or more users who use the facility. The second information includes a set of functions possessed by each of the plurality of second devices, and a set of beneficial functions which are predetermined sets of functions that are beneficial to the attributes of each of the one or more users possessed by each of the plurality of second devices. In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, From among the one or more second devices, a plurality of second devices having functions included in the beneficial function group that are beneficial to each of the attributes of the one or more users are selected as the plurality of candidate devices. The information output method according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, Information indicating the rules set based on the first and second information is obtained, In accordance with the aforementioned rules, the plurality of candidate devices are selected from the plurality of second devices. The information output method according to claim 1.

8. In determining the aforementioned multiple candidate devices, The user sets rules based on the first and second information, In accordance with the aforementioned rules, the plurality of candidate devices are selected from the plurality of second devices. The information output method according to claim 1.

9. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, the user acquires history information indicating the history of using the first device, Furthermore, by referring to the history information, when it is detected that the frequency of use of the first device by the user in the most recent first period has changed by a predetermined frequency or more compared to the second period prior to the first period, the recommendation information is output. The information output method according to claim 1.

10. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, the computer receives response information indicating that the user has requested information about at least one of the recommended devices from the terminal to an external device. Furthermore, when the computer receives the response information, it outputs information recommending at least one recommended device to the terminal as the recommendation information. The information output method according to claim 1.

11. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, price information showing the prices of one or more of the aforementioned recommended devices is obtained periodically. Furthermore, when at least one of the recommended devices is detected whose price, as indicated by the price information, has been reduced by a predetermined percentage or more compared to the price indicated by the previously acquired price information, information recommending that at least one recommended device is output as the recommendation information. The information output method according to claim 1.

12. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, the recommendation information is output periodically. The information output method according to claim 1.

13. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, the computer accepts input via the terminal of information requesting the output of the recommendation information by the user, Furthermore, when the computer receives information requesting the output of the recommendation information, it outputs the recommendation information to the terminal. The information output method according to claim 1.

14. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, information is obtained indicating the set of functions that each of the recommended devices recommended by the recommendation information possesses. Furthermore, along with the aforementioned recommendation information, information recommending the aforementioned set of functions to be recommended is output. The information output method according to claim 1.

15. In the output of the aforementioned recommendation information, Furthermore, information is obtained indicating related product groups associated with each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the aforementioned recommendation information. Furthermore, along with the aforementioned recommendation information, information recommending the aforementioned related product group is output. The information output method according to claim 1.

16. The first information includes the period of use of the first equipment, The second information includes the installation location of each of the plurality of second devices, Furthermore, the system acquires movement history information indicating the user's current location history and log information indicating the operating status of each of the multiple second devices. Furthermore, by referring to the first information, the second information, the movement history information, and the log information, the system stores information regarding at least one of the user's use and purchase of each of the recommended equipment groups recommended by the output recommendation information. The information output method according to claim 1.

17. The first information includes the period of use of the first equipment, The second information includes information regarding the installation location and purchase of each of the plurality of second devices. Furthermore, the system acquires movement history information indicating the user's current location history and log information indicating the operating status of each of the multiple second devices. Furthermore, by referring to the first information, the second information, the movement history information, and the log information, when it is detected that the user has used any of the recommended devices from the group of recommended devices recommended by the outputted recommendation information, information regarding the purchase of any of the recommended devices is output. The information output method according to claim 1.

18. comprising a processor, The aforementioned processor, Obtain first information regarding first equipment installed in a facility used by the user, Second information is obtained regarding a plurality of second devices installed outside the aforementioned facility, The second information includes installation location information indicating the location where each of the plurality of second devices is installed outside the facility, Based on the first and second information, a plurality of candidate devices that can replace the first device are determined from among the plurality of second devices. Location information indicating the user's location is obtained, Based on the location information and the installation location information, at least one of the candidate devices included in the plurality of candidate devices, which is installed at a predetermined distance from the user's current location, is selected as one or more recommended devices. The system outputs recommendation information, which recommends one or more of the aforementioned recommended devices to the user, to a terminal that notifies the user of the recommendation information. Information output device.

19. A program that makes a computer work, The aforementioned computer, Obtain first information regarding first equipment installed in a facility used by the user, Second information is obtained regarding a plurality of second devices installed outside the aforementioned facility, The second information includes installation location information indicating the location where each of the plurality of second devices is installed outside the facility, Based on the first and second information, a plurality of candidate devices that can replace the first device are determined from among the plurality of second devices. Location information indicating the user's location is obtained, Based on the location information and the installation location information, at least one of the candidate devices included in the plurality of candidate devices, which is installed at a predetermined distance from the user's current location, is selected as one or more recommended devices. The system outputs recommendation information, which recommends one or more of the aforementioned recommended devices to the user, to a terminal that notifies the user of the recommendation information. A program that makes it work in that way.

20. A computer, Obtain first information regarding first equipment installed in a facility used by the user, Second information is obtained regarding a plurality of second devices installed outside the aforementioned facility, Based on the first and second information, a plurality of candidate devices that can replace the first device are determined from among the plurality of second devices. Location information indicating the user's location is obtained, We obtain information indicating the location of a designated group of facilities that encourage equipment replacement. Based on the location information and the information indicating the location of the predetermined group of facilities, when it is detected that the user's current location is within a predetermined first distance from at least one of the facilities in the group, one or more recommended devices are selected from the plurality of candidate devices that are installed within a predetermined second distance from at least one of the facilities. The system outputs recommendation information, which recommends one or more of the aforementioned recommended devices to the user, to a terminal that notifies the user of the recommendation information. Information output method.

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