Shopping support system, shopping support method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate shopping of a customer.SOLUTION: A shopping support system includes an acquisition unit, a consumption pattern specifying unit, a commodity decision unit, and an output control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a purchase history of a customer. The consumption pattern specifying unit specifies a consumption pattern of the customer on the basis of the purchase history. The commodity decision unit decides, as a recommended commodity, a commodity which is a food material according to the specified consumption pattern. The output control unit recommends the decided recommended commodity to the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a shopping support system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Customers may shop after setting a budget. For example, Patent Document 1 describes proposing a menu based on a target value of food expenses and proposing a menu for each family unit. Also, for example, Patent Document 1 describes managing history information related to a user and determining and proposing a menu suitable for the user's lifestyle pattern and preferences by machine learning. Further, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a technique for identifying a user's preferences according to the user's attributes and proposing ingredients and recipes that match the user's preferences.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, shopping can be time-consuming for customers. For example, it takes time for customers to decide which ingredients to purchase.

[0005] An example of the object of this disclosure is to provide a shopping support system and the like that facilitate shopping by customers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A shopping support system in one aspect of this disclosure includes acquisition means for acquiring a customer's purchase history, consumption trend identification means for identifying the customer's consumption trends based on the purchase history, product determination means for determining recommended products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends, and output control means for recommending the determined recommended products to the customer.

[0007] A shopping support method in one aspect of this disclosure involves acquiring a customer's purchase history, identifying the customer's consumption trends based on the acquired purchase history, determining recommended products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends, and recommending the determined food ingredients to the customer.

[0008] A program in one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquire a customer's purchase history, identify the customer's consumption trends based on the acquired purchase history, determine a food product that corresponds to the identified consumption trend as a recommended product, and recommend the determined food product to the customer.

[0009] The program may be stored on a non-temporary storage medium that is readable by the computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure makes it possible to make shopping easier for customers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the shopping support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the shopping support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connecting the shopping support system with other devices. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a shopping support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of accepting budget input and selection of a specified period. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example where recommended product information and recommended menu information are displayed on a customer's terminal device. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example where a post containing recommended menus is displayed on a customer's terminal device's display. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the shopping support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows another example of operation of the shopping support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the shopping support system, shopping support method, program, and non-temporary recording medium for recording the program according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are not intended to limit the technology of the disclosure.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) First, the basic functions of the shopping support system will be described in Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the shopping support system according to Embodiment 1. The shopping support system 10 includes an acquisition unit 101, a consumption trend identification unit 102, a product determination unit 103, and an output control unit 104.

[0014] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the purchase history of customers. For example, the purchase history of customers stores information about the products purchased by the customers. The purchase history of customers stores the quantity of the products purchased by the customers. Here, the products are food items. The food items may be ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and meats, or processed products obtained by processing the ingredients. The information about the products may be, for example, the information of the products or the product identification information for identifying the products. For example, the product identification information is not particularly limited as long as it can uniquely identify the product. For example, the information of the products can be specified by the product identification information.

[0015] The information of the products may be included in the purchase history in association with the product identification information, or may be stored in a database or the like managed by the product identification information. For example, the information of the products includes the name of the products, the price of the products, the place of origin of the products, the cultivation method of the products, the raw materials of the products, the processing method of the products, the cooking method of the products, the expiration date or consumption period of the products, the material information of the products, and the like.

[0016] For example, the place of origin of the products may be the place of origin of each ingredient included in the products. The place of origin may be, for example, the country of origin such as made in Japan, made in the United States, or made in Mexico, or may be a local place of origin within each country such as made in Chiba Prefecture or made in Kumamoto Prefecture.

[0017] For example, the production method of the products may be the cultivation method of the food ingredients that are the products or each ingredient included in the products. For example, it is assumed that the products are vegetables or fruits. For example, the cultivation method includes various cultivation methods such as organic cultivation, special cultivation, and greenhouse cultivation, and may be a more detailed cultivation method. Also, the production method of the products may be the production method of fish or meat. The production method of fish includes aquaculture, natural, and the like. The production method of meat includes breeding methods classified by the type of feed, breeding methods classified by the breeding place, and the like. In the following description, the cultivation method will be taken as an example to explain the production method.

[0018] For example, the raw materials of a product are the individual ingredients contained in the product. For example, the processing method of a product may be handmade, processed using factory machinery, or processed using methods appropriate for various religions. The cooking method of a product may be cooking methods such as using a microwave, boiling water, or stir-frying.

[0019] Product ingredient information refers to the specific ingredients and similar substances contained in the product. These specific ingredients are generally those that can cause allergies. Product ingredient information is an example of allergy information. Allergy information may consist of only a portion of the ingredient information, such as ingredient names.

[0020] Furthermore, product information may include price range rankings within similar products displayed in the store. Ranking information may include, for example, rank, or price range classifications such as high-price range, medium-price range, and low-price range. Product classifications may include broad categories such as meat, vegetables, sweets, and seasonings, or subcategories such as snacks within sweets or curry roux within seasonings.

[0021] Specifically, as a method by which the acquisition unit 101 acquires purchase history, for example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the purchase history of the target customer from a database that stores purchase history for each customer. Alternatively, as another acquisition method, for example, the acquisition unit 101 may accept input of the target customer's purchase history via a terminal device or the like.

[0022] The consumer trend identification unit 102 identifies the customer's consumer trends based on their purchase history. The product determination unit 103 then determines recommended products based on the identified consumer trends. Here, recommended products are at least one of the following: products that are food ingredients themselves, and products that contain food ingredients. Specifically, for example, the product determination unit 103 determines a product that is a food ingredient corresponding to the identified consumer trend as a recommended product. Here, a product that is a food ingredient corresponding to the consumer trend includes products that are food ingredients themselves corresponding to the consumer trend, and products that contain food ingredients corresponding to the consumer trend.

[0023] For example, a consumption trend could be the origin of the ingredients used in the products a customer purchases. Or, for example, a consumption trend could be the cultivation method of the ingredients used in the products purchased. Or, for example, a consumption trend could be the price range of the products a customer purchases. A consumption trend could be the material information of the products purchased. Material information could be, for example, allergy information. Thus, a consumption trend is a trend that can be identified from the information contained in the purchase history, and is not particularly limited.

[0024] Here, we will explain using the example where the consumption trend is the tendency of the origin of ingredients used in the products purchased by the customer. The consumption trend identification unit 102 identifies the origin of the products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period based on the purchase history. For example, if the customer has purchased more than a predetermined number or a predetermined percentage of ingredients from the identified origin, the consumption trend identification unit 102 identifies that the customer has a tendency to purchase from a specific origin. For example, if the consumption trend is the tendency of the origin of ingredients, the product determination unit 103 determines products containing ingredients from the identified origin as recommended products based on the trend of that origin. For example, if the consumption trend is the tendency of the origin of ingredients, the product determination unit 103 determines products containing ingredients from xxx as recommended products from among multiple products.

[0025] Next, let's consider an example where the consumer trend is the cultivation method of the ingredients used in the purchased products. The consumer trend identification unit 102 identifies the cultivation method of the products or the ingredients contained in the products that the customer has purchased within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history. The consumer trend identification unit 102 then identifies that the customer has a tendency to purchase ingredients grown using the identified cultivation method if they have purchased more than a predetermined number or a predetermined percentage of ingredients grown using that method. The product determination unit 103 then determines products containing ingredients grown using that cultivation method as recommended products, based on the identified cultivation method trend.

[0026] Next, we will explain using the example of a case where the consumption trend is the price range trend of the products purchased by the customer. The consumption trend identification unit 102 identifies the price range within similar products for products purchased within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history. More specifically, for example, the consumption trend identification unit 102 aggregates the number or percentage of products in each price range for products purchased by the customer, based on the purchase history, and identifies the most frequent price range as the price range trend for products. This identifies the price range of recommended ingredients. For example, a customer may purchase meat in the low price range, but seasonings in the high price range, and so on, showing that the price range trend differs depending on the product category. For this reason, the price range may be determined for each product category. The product determination unit 103 determines products in the identified price range as recommended products based on the identified price range trend and ranking information. For example, if the consumption trend identifies a tendency to purchase a certain ingredient for 200 to 400 yen, the product determination unit 103 determines that products in the 200 to 400 yen price range are recommended products.

[0027] Next, we will explain using the example of a case where the consumption trend is a trend in the material information of purchased products. Material information includes, for example, allergy information. Recommended products are determined based on the material information of food purchased within a predetermined period. The consumption trend identification unit 102 determines whether products containing a specific ingredient have been purchased. There may be multiple specific ingredients. If it is determined that products containing a specific ingredient have not been purchased, the consumption trend identification unit 102 identifies that there is a tendency not to purchase products containing that specific ingredient. Then, the product determination unit 103 determines products containing ingredients other than the specific ingredient or products that do not contain the specific ingredient as recommended products.

[0028] Multiple consumption trends may be identified. For example, the origin may be xxx, the cultivation method may be organic, and the price range may be between 200 yen and 400 yen. For example, the product determination unit 103 may determine a product that is an ingredient corresponding to multiple consumption trends as a recommended product.

[0029] The output control unit 104 recommends the determined recommended products to the customer. Specifically, as a method of recommendation, for example, the output control unit 104 may notify the customer of the determined recommended products by electronic message or email. Alternatively, as another method of recommendation, for example, the output control unit 104 may have the output device output information about the recommended products. The information about the recommended products to be output is not particularly limited and may include the name of the recommended product, an image of the recommended product, and the display location of the recommended product in the store. Note that the display location may be the location on a map of the store.

[0030] The output device may be a display device or an audio output device, and is not particularly limited. For example, if the output device is a display device, the output control unit 104 may cause the display device to display information about recommended products. If the output device is an audio output device, the output control unit 104 may cause the audio output device to output information about recommended products as audio. The output device may also be, for example, equipped in a portable terminal device or installed in a store. As mentioned above, the terminal device may be, for example, a customer's terminal device.

[0031] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the shopping support system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The acquisition unit 101 acquires the customer's purchase history (step S101). The consumption trend identification unit 102 identifies the customer's consumption trend based on the purchase history (step S102).

[0032] Then, the product selection unit 103 determines recommended products according to the identified consumer trends (step S103). Finally, the output control unit 104 recommends the determined recommended products to the customer (step S104).

[0033] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the shopping support system 10 identifies the customer's consumption trends based on their purchase history and recommends products to the customer that correspond to those trends. This allows the customer to check the recommended products and make purchases. Therefore, it is possible to make shopping easier for consumers.

[0034] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 2 will also describe an example of determining a menu in addition to the recommended products. Furthermore, Embodiment 2 will describe an example of determining a recommended menu and recommended products that do not exceed the budget. To the extent that the description of Embodiment 2 does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0035] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection between the shopping support system and other devices. For example, the shopping support system 20 is connected to terminal devices 21, etc., via the communication network NT. In Figure 3, the number of terminal devices 21 is not particularly limited. The type of terminal device 21 is not particularly limited, such as a smartphone, a tablet device, or a PC (Personal Computer). For example, an application program that notifies the user of recommended products or recommended menus may be pre-installed on the terminal device 21. The terminal device 21 may be a customer's terminal device or a store's terminal device. In the following example, the case where the terminal device 21 is a customer's terminal device will be used as an example.

[0036] In Figure 3, for example, the shopping support system 20 is connected to a web 22 via a communication network NT. Here, web 22 is the web 22 to be analyzed. For example, web 22 to be analyzed is an internet service. An internet service to be analyzed is, for example, a service that allows images to be posted. For example, services that allow images to be posted include Social Networking Services (SNS), blogs, homepages, and e-commerce (Electronic Commerce) sites. An SNS is a community site where people can build relationships online. For example, images can be posted on an SNS. For example, web 22 to be analyzed may be an internet service used by a customer. Or, for example, web 22 to be analyzed may be an internet service specified by the customer. Or, web 22 to be analyzed may be an internet service specified by the store. Thus, web 22 to be analyzed is not particularly limited.

[0037] In Figure 3, one communication network NT is shown as an example for the sake of simplicity, but the shopping support system 20 may be connected by different communication networks NT for each device, and is not particularly limited.

[0038] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the shopping support system 20 according to Embodiment 2. The shopping support system 20 includes an acquisition unit 201, a consumption trend identification unit 202, a product determination unit 203, an output control unit 204, a preference identification unit 205, a menu determination unit 206, a reception unit 207, and a budget estimation unit 208.

[0039] The shopping support system 10 according to Embodiment 2 has the following additions compared to the shopping support system 20 according to Embodiment 1: a preference identification unit 205, a menu determination unit 206, a reception unit 207, and a budget estimation unit 208. The acquisition unit 201 has the functions of the acquisition unit 101 according to Embodiment 1 as its basic function. The consumption trend identification unit 202 has the functions of the consumption trend identification unit 102 according to Embodiment 1 as its basic function. The product determination unit 203 has the functions of the product determination unit 103 according to Embodiment 1 as its basic function. The output control unit 204 has the functions of the output control unit 104 according to Embodiment 1 as its basic function.

[0040] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 includes a purchase history database 2001, a customer database 2002, and a product database 2003.

[0041] The Purchase History DB2001 stores information about the products purchased by each customer. For example, the Purchase History DB2001 stores customer identification information to identify the customer, product identification information to identify the products purchased by the customer for each transaction, and the date and time of the transaction, in association with each other.

[0042] Customer DB2002 stores customer information, for example. For example, Customer DB2002 stores customer identification information and customer information in association. Customer identification information only needs to uniquely identify a customer and is not particularly limited to customer identification numbers, customer names, customer email addresses, customer membership numbers, customer telephone numbers, etc. Customer information includes, for example, customer attribute information, customer contact information, and the value of points the customer holds. For example, customer attribute information is at least one of the following: customer age, gender, family structure, place of residence, occupation, place of origin, and religion. Contact information is not particularly limited to customer email addresses, customer telephone numbers, etc.

[0043] Product DB2003 stores product information for each product. Product DB2003 stores product identification information in association with product information. As explained in Embodiment 1, product information includes, for example, the product name, product price, product origin, product raw materials, product processing method, product cooking method, product best-before or expiration date, product material information, and product classification.

[0044] Next, we will explain each functional part.

[0045] The acquisition unit 201 acquires the purchase history of the target customer. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the purchase history of the target customer from the purchase history DB 2001.

[0046] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 201 acquires attribute information of the target customer. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires attribute information of the target customer from the customer database 2002.

[0047] Next, let's discuss the budget. Customers set a budget when shopping. However, it is difficult for customers to make appropriate purchases within their budget. Therefore, the shopping support system 20 recommends ingredients and menus that do not exceed the budget. The budget can be obtained through customer interaction or estimated from purchase history.

[0048] <Example of accepting a budget> The reception unit 207 accepts budgets. The budgets accepted are budgets for a specified period. A budget for a specified period may be a monthly budget, a weekly budget, a daily budget, a budget for several meals, etc. The reception unit 207 may also accept a specified period. For example, the reception unit 207 may accept the budget and the specified period through customer operation via the terminal device 21. Here, an example of accepting budget input and selection of a specified period will be explained using Figure 5.

[0049] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of accepting budget input and selection of a predetermined period. For example, the output control unit 204 displays a screen on the display device of the terminal device 21 that allows for budget input and selection of a predetermined period. Multiple periods are displayed on the screen as a drop-down list. The screen also allows the user to select any of the multiple periods. In Figure 5, "1 day" is selected as the predetermined period.

[0050] The screen also displays an input field where you can enter a budget. In Figure 5, "1000 yen" is entered in the input field.

[0051] Additionally, a "Confirm" button is displayed on the screen. When the "Confirm" button is pressed, the reception unit 207 accepts the period selected from the multiple periods in the drop-down list and the budget entered in the input field. Specifically, when the "Confirm" button is pressed, the terminal device 21 sends the selected period and the budget entered in the input field to the shopping support system 20. The reception unit 207 then accepts these by receiving the selected period and the budget entered in the input field. In Figure 5, the reception unit 207 accepts "1 day" as the predetermined period and "1000 yen" as the budget.

[0052] <Example of budget estimation> Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, the budget estimation unit 208 estimates the budget based on the purchase history. The budget estimation unit 208 may, for example, calculate the total purchase amount for a predetermined period as the budget based on the purchase history. The predetermined period is the same as in the example where the budget is accepted and may be specified by the customer. Alternatively, for example, the budget estimation unit 208 may calculate the total purchase amount for each predetermined period based on the purchase history and calculate the statistics of each calculated total purchase amount as the budget. Statistics are statistical values ​​such as the mean, median, and mode.

[0053] <Examples of identifying consumption trends> The consumer trend identification unit 202 identifies the customer's consumer trends based on the acquired purchase history. For example, the consumer trends are not particularly limited, but are trends that can be identified from the information included in the purchase history, as described in Embodiment 1.

[0054] <Examples of specifying the direction of the cuisine> The preference identification method identifies the direction of the cuisine based on the acquired attribute information. Here, the direction of the cuisine refers to the direction of the cuisine that represents the customer's preferences or principles, for example. For example, the direction of the cuisine may be fatty dishes, meat dishes, vegetable dishes, healthy dishes, low-carbohydrate dishes, spicy dishes, etc. Alternatively, the direction of the cuisine may be a culinary field such as Japanese cuisine, Chinese cuisine, or French cuisine.

[0055] Specifically, as a method for determining the direction of the cuisine, for example, the preference identification unit 205 identifies the direction of the cuisine according to the age included in the customer's attribute information. For example, the direction of the cuisine may be set for each age group on the table, and the preference identification unit 205 can then identify the direction of the cuisine according to the age obtained from the table. For example, if the age is in their 20s, the direction of the cuisine may be fatty dishes. If the age is in their 80s, the direction of the cuisine may be low in salt.

[0056] Alternatively, as another method for determining the direction of the cuisine, the preference identification unit 205 can identify the direction of the cuisine according to the gender included in the attribute information. For example, if the direction of the cuisine is determined separately for each gender on a table, the preference identification unit 205 can identify the direction of the cuisine according to the gender obtained from the table.

[0057] Alternatively, as another method for determining the direction of the cuisine, for example, the preference identification unit 205 may identify the direction of the cuisine according to the family structure included in the attribute information. The direction of the cuisine may be defined on the table or elsewhere according to the family structure. Family structure may be single, living as a couple, with children, living with elderly people, etc., and there are no particular limitations on how family structure is expressed. For example, if the family structure includes teenage children, the direction of the cuisine may be greasy dishes. If the family structure includes elderly people, the direction of the cuisine may be low in salt.

[0058] <Examples of recommended products and menus> For example, the product selection unit 203 determines a product that is an ingredient corresponding to a specified consumption trend as a recommended product. The method by which the product selection unit 203 determines the recommended product is as described in Embodiment 1. The product selection unit 203 also determines the recommended products for a predetermined period so as not to exceed the budget for that period. Based on the product database 2003, the product selection unit 203 determines the recommended products so that the total price of the recommended products for the predetermined period does not exceed the budget for that period.

[0059] The menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu. The menu determination unit 206 also determines a recommended menu for a predetermined period so as not to exceed the budget for that period. The menu for the predetermined period may be a menu for the number of meals within the predetermined period. The number of meals here may be a fixed value, such as the sum of two meals (breakfast and dinner) and the number of days, or three meals (breakfast and lunch) and the number of days, or it may be a specified number, and is not particularly limited. In addition, multiple recommended menus may be specified for each meal. Therefore, there may be cases where multiple recommended menus are specified.

[0060] As a method for determining recommended menus, the menu determination unit 206 determines recommended menus based on the identified direction of the dishes. For example, the menu determination unit 206 determines recommended products that match the direction of the dishes. For example, if the direction of the dishes is low in salt, the menu determination unit 206 will determine a low-salt menu as the recommended menu.

[0061] Alternatively, as another method for determining a recommended menu, the menu determination unit 206 may determine a recommended menu by analyzing the web 22 based on customer attribute information. As mentioned above, the web 22 to be analyzed is not particularly limited, but we will explain using social media as an example of the web 22 to be analyzed. Specifically, for example, the menu determination unit 206 may determine a recommended menu from the menus included in social media posts by analyzing social media based on customer attribute information. Here, for example, the menu determination unit 206 may analyze social media posts over a specified period, such as recent posts. This allows for the analysis of posts that reflect recent trends.

[0062] More specifically, for example, the menu determination unit 206 analyzes social media based on customer attribute information to determine a recommended menu from the menus included in posts by users with similar attributes to the customer on social media. For example, as a process for identifying menus from social media posts, the menu determination unit 206 may identify the menus included in posts by identifying posts that contain menu-related terms as hashtags, such as "menu," "how to make dinner," or "lunch." For example, the menu determination unit 206 may identify posts that include cooking instructions and then identify the menus included in those identified posts. Then, the menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu from the menus posted by users with similar attribute information.

[0063] Alternatively, as another method for determining a recommended menu, for example, the menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu from the menus on the web 22 by analyzing the web 22 based on the identified direction of cooking. As mentioned above, the web 22 to be analyzed is not particularly limited, but we will explain using social media as an example of the web 22 to be analyzed. Specifically, for example, by analyzing social media based on the direction of cooking, a recommended menu is determined from the menus included in posts on social media. The process of identifying menus from social media posts is as described above. More specifically, for example, the menu determination unit 206 identifies menus on social media that match the direction of cooking by analyzing social media. Then, the menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu from the menus that match the direction of cooking.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, the menu determination unit 206 may determine a recommended menu based on the level of attention given to posts, from at least one of the menus posted by posters with similar customer attribute information and menus that match the direction of the cuisine.

[0065] Here, the level of attention a post receives is represented by the number of expressions of empathy or favor towards the post, the number of views the post receives, the number of followers the poster has, the number of times the post has been saved, and the number of times the post has been screenshotted. Here, expressions of empathy or favor are represented by the number of times a button indicating such expressions of empathy or favor, implemented on the social networking service, is pressed. The number of expressions of empathy or favor is represented by the number of times this button is pressed. In this disclosure, expressions of empathy or favor are also referred to as "likes," and the number of expressions of empathy or favor is also referred to as the number of "likes." For example, a higher number of "likes," views, followers the poster has, saves, and screenshots suggests a higher level of attention.

[0066] Specifically, for example, the menu determination unit 206 determines posts included in posts whose attention level is above a predetermined level as recommended menus. The predetermined attention level can be predetermined. For example, let's take the case where the attention level is the number of "likes". The menu determination unit 206 determines if the number of "likes" on a post is above a predetermined number,

[0067] Alternatively, for example, the menu determination unit 206 may determine a recommended menu based on the number of posts from at least one of the following: menus posted by users with similar attribute information, and menus that match the direction of the cuisine. Similar attribute information means that the attribute information may be identical, or it may be within a range that can be considered identical. Specifically, for example, the menu determination unit 206 may determine a recommended menu from at least one of the following: menus posted by users with similar attribute information, and menus that match the direction of the cuisine, if the number of posts is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0068] Here, the order of the processes for determining ingredients and menus is not particularly limited. For example, the menu determination unit 206 may determine a recommended menu that includes the recommended ingredients after the product determination unit 203 has determined the recommended ingredients. Alternatively, for example, the product determination unit 203 may determine the ingredients included in the recommended menu as recommended ingredients after the menu determination unit 206 has determined the recommended menu.

[0069] <Recommended menu and ingredients> The output control unit 204 recommends the determined recommended menu and ingredients to the customer. As described in Embodiment 1, as a method of recommendation, for example, the output control unit 204 may notify the customer of the determined ingredients and recommended menu by electronic message or email. Also, as described in Embodiment 1, as another method of recommendation, for example, the output control unit 204 may cause the output device to output information on recommended products and recommended menus. The information on recommended products is as described in Embodiment 1. The information on recommended menus includes, for example, the name of the recommended menu, an image of the recommended menu, instructions on how to make the recommended menu, the calories consumed in the recommended menu, and information on the ingredients used in the recommended menu. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 transmits the information on recommended products and recommended menus to the output device. The terminal device 21 then obtains the information on recommended products and recommended menus from the shopping support system 20 and displays a screen containing the information on recommended products and recommended menus. Here, using Figure 6, we will explain an example in which the output control unit 204 displays a screen containing information on recommended products and recommended menus on the display device of the terminal device 21.

[0070] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example where recommended product information and recommended menu information are displayed on the customer's terminal device 21. For example, the customer's terminal device 21 acquires recommended product information and recommended menu information and displays a screen containing the recommended product information and recommended menu information on the display device.

[0071] In Figure 6, the screen displays information about the recommended product, including the product name "xx carrots," origin "xxx," cultivation method "organic," and price "110 yen." The screen also displays information about the recommended menu, including the menu name "vegetable curry."

[0072] The screen also includes a "How to Make" button. When the "How to Make" button is pressed, the output control unit 204 displays the recommended menu's instructions as recommended menu information on the display device of the terminal device 21. The customer's terminal device 21 then displays a screen on its display device that includes the recommended menu's instructions as recommended menu information.

[0073] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4, if the menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu by analyzing the web 22, the output control unit 204 may output posts containing the recommended menu as recommended menu information. Here, using Figure 7, we will explain an example in which the output control unit 204 displays posts containing the recommended menu as recommended menu information on the display device of the customer's terminal device 21.

[0074] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example where a post containing recommended menus is displayed on the display device of a customer's terminal device 21. For example, the customer's terminal device 21 acquires information on recommended products and recommended menus, and displays a screen containing the information on recommended products and recommended menus on the display device.

[0075] In Figure 7, the screen displays information about the recommended menu, including the menu name "Vegetable Curry" and social media posts that include the recommended menu.

[0076] In Figure 7, the information on recommended products is the same as in Figure 6, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, if there are multiple posts containing recommended menus, the output control unit 204 may output at least some of the multiple posts as recommended menu information. For example, the output control unit 204 may output selected posts from multiple posts as recommended menu information. As a method for selecting posts from multiple posts, for example, the output control unit 204 may output posts selected from multiple posts based on their popularity as recommended menu information. More specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 may output the post with the highest popularity from multiple posts as recommended menu information.

[0078] Furthermore, if multiple recommended menus are available, the output control unit 204 may recommend the multiple recommended menus in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined order may be based on the level of attention given to each menu. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 may recommend the multiple recommended menus in order of highest attention given to each menu.

[0079] The predetermined order may be based on the number of posts. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 may recommend multiple recommended menus in order of the number of posts.

[0080] The predetermined order may be based on the number of ingredients. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 may recommend multiple recommended menus in order of the number of ingredients, from most to least. Alternatively, for example, specifically, the output control unit 204 may recommend multiple recommended menus in order of the number of ingredients, from least to most.

[0081] The predetermined order may be based on the total price of the ingredients used. The price of each item is included in the item database 2003, as mentioned above. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 may recommend multiple recommended menus in descending order of total price. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 204 may recommend multiple recommended menus in descending order of total price.

[0082] <We accept feedback> For example, the reception unit 207 may receive a value from the customer for evaluating the recommended menu. The evaluation may be an evaluation of the taste of the recommended menu, but is not particularly limited. The method of expressing the evaluation value is not particularly limited. The evaluation value may be expressed numerically or in a non-numerical way. For example, the evaluation value may be "like" or "dislike".

[0083] Then, when the menu selection unit 206 determines a new recommended menu, it prioritizes menus with good evaluations and selects them as recommended menus. Alternatively, for example, the menu selection unit 206 may choose not to include menus with poor evaluations as recommended menus.

[0084] (flowchart) Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the shopping support system 20 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 8 illustrates an example in which a recommended menu is determined based on the direction of cooking, and then recommended products are determined based on consumption trends. Figure 8 also illustrates an example in which a budget is accepted.

[0085] First, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the customer's purchase history and customer attribute information (step S201). In step S201, for example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the customer's purchase history from the purchase history DB 2001. In step S201, for example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the customer's purchase history from the customer DB 2002.

[0086] The reception unit 207 accepts the customer's budget for a predetermined period through the customer's operation via the customer's terminal device 21 (step S202). The consumption trend identification unit 202 identifies the customer's consumption trends (step S203). The preference identification unit 205 identifies the direction of the cuisine (step S204).

[0087] The menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu based on the direction of the cuisine (step S205). Next, the product determination unit 203 determines recommended products that will be included in the determined recommended product based on consumption trends (step S206).

[0088] The output control unit 204 recommends a recommended menu and recommended products (step S207). Then, the shopping support system 20 completes the series of processes.

[0089] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the shopping support system 20 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9 illustrates an example in which recommended products are determined based on consumption trends, and then a recommended menu is determined based on the direction of cooking. Furthermore, Figure 9 illustrates an example in which a budget is estimated and an evaluation value is accepted.

[0090] First, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the customer's purchase history and customer attribute information (step S211). Step S211 is the same as step S201 explained in Figure 8.

[0091] The budget estimation unit 208 estimates the customer's budget for a predetermined period based on their purchase history (step S212). The consumption trend identification unit 202 identifies the customer's consumption trends (step S213). The preference identification unit 205 identifies the direction of the cuisine (step S214).

[0092] The menu determination unit 206 determines a recommended menu based on the direction of the cuisine (step S215). Next, the product determination unit 203 determines recommended products that will be included in the determined recommended product based on consumption trends (step S216).

[0093] The output control unit 204 recommends a recommended menu and recommended products (step S217). Then, the reception unit 207 receives the evaluation value of the recommended menu (step S218), and the shopping support system 20 returns to step S211. As a result, when determining a new recommended menu, as started in step S211, the menu determination unit 206 can determine a new recommended menu based on the evaluation value.

[0094] In Figure 9, the flowchart may be terminated or started as appropriate.

[0095] In Figures 8 and 9, the order of each step can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the operation examples shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 may be combined as appropriate.

[0096] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the shopping support system 20 identifies the customer's consumption trends based on their purchase history and recommends products to the customer that correspond to those trends. This allows the customer to check the recommended products and make purchases. Therefore, it is possible to make shopping easier for the customer.

[0097] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 identifies the trend in the origin of ingredients included in products purchased by the customer within a specified period, based on their purchase history, as a consumption trend. This allows the system to recommend products that are suitable for the origin trends of products the customer has purchased in the past. Therefore, it can further simplify the shopping process for customers.

[0098] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 identifies trends in the material information of products purchased within a predetermined period as consumption trends, based on the purchase history. This allows the system to recommend products that are suitable for the material information trends of products the customer has purchased in the past. Therefore, it can further simplify the shopping process for customers.

[0099] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 identifies trends in the cultivation methods of ingredients included in products purchased within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as a consumption trend. This allows the system to recommend products that are suitable for the cultivation methods of products the customer has purchased in the past. Therefore, it can further simplify the shopping process for customers.

[0100] The shopping support system 20 identifies price range trends for products of the same type as those purchased within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history. This allows the system to recommend products that are in line with the price range of products the customer has previously purchased. Therefore, it can further simplify the shopping process for customers.

[0101] For example, deciding which ingredients to buy while staying within budget can be time-consuming. Therefore, the shopping support system 20 determines recommended products based on identified consumption trends to ensure the budget is not exceeded. The shopping support system 20 can also accept a budget statement or estimate it from purchase history. This reduces the effort involved in shopping.

[0102] For example, customers may find it time-consuming to decide which menu to prepare. The shopping support system 20 determines a recommended menu and selects recommended ingredients to include in that menu, based on consumer trends. The shopping support system 20 then recommends the recommended menu and the selected recommended ingredients. This eliminates the effort required to decide on a menu while making shopping easier.

[0103] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 determines a recommended menu that includes the selected recommended products. The shopping support system 20 then recommends the recommended menu and the selected recommended products. This makes shopping easier while saving the user the trouble of deciding on a menu.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the shopping support system 20 may identify the customer's cooking preferences based on their attribute information and determine a recommended menu based on those preferences. This allows for the recommendation of menus that better suit the customer's tastes and reduces the customer's effort.

[0105] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 analyzes the web 22 based on customer attribute information to determine recommended menus from menus posted by users with similar attribute information on the web 22. This allows the system to recommend menus that are trending on the web 22 and are suitable for the customer.

[0106] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 analyzes the web 22 based on customer attribute information to determine recommended menus from the submitted menus that match the direction of cooking. This allows the system to recommend menus that are trendy, such as those found on the web 22, and that are suitable for the customer.

[0107] Furthermore, the shopping support system 20 receives customer ratings for recommended products and determines new recommended products based on the received ratings. This allows for the recommendation of menus that are better suited to the customer. For example, it can recommend menus that the customer prefers.

[0108] This concludes the description of each embodiment. Each embodiment may be used in a modified form. Modifications are described below.

[0109] <Example 1> In Embodiment 2, an example is given in which the acquisition unit 201 acquires customer attribute information, but customer attribute information may be estimated from purchase history. For example, an attribute information estimation unit (not shown) estimates customer attribute information based on purchase history. For example, the attribute information estimation unit may estimate at least one of family structure, gender, and age from the budget estimated based on purchase history. A correspondence between the budget and at least one of family structure, gender, and age may be created in advance in a table. The attribute information estimation unit may then identify the family structure, gender, and age corresponding to the estimated budget from the table.

[0110] Alternatively, for example, the attribute information estimation unit may estimate at least one of the family structure, gender, and age based on the quantity of each food item purchased, which is identified from the purchase history. A table may be created in advance showing the correspondence between the quantity of food item and at least one of the family structure, gender, and age. The attribute information estimation unit may then identify the family structure, gender, and age corresponding to the quantity of food item from the table.

[0111] <Modification 2> In Embodiment 2, an example was described in which the reception unit 207 receives evaluation values ​​for recommended menus, and the menu determination unit 206 uses these evaluation values ​​when determining a new recommended menu. For example, the reception unit 207 may also receive evaluation values ​​for recommended products. The product determination unit 203 may then use the received evaluation values ​​to determine a new recommended product.

[0112] Specifically, for example, the reception unit 207 receives evaluation values ​​for recommended products through customer operations via the customer's terminal device 21. The evaluation may be an evaluation of the taste of the recommended product, an evaluation of the price of the recommended product, or an evaluation of the appearance of the recommended product, and is not particularly limited. The format in which the evaluation values ​​for recommended products are expressed may be determined by the evaluation, and is not particularly limited. Then, for example, the product determination unit 203 decides to prioritize products with good evaluations from the received evaluations to become new recommended products. For example, the product determination unit 203 may also determine new recommended products by excluding products with poor evaluations from the received evaluations.

[0113] If the evaluation is an evaluation of the price of the recommended product, and the consumption trend is a trend in the price range of similar products purchased within a predetermined period, the consumption trend identification unit 202 may identify the price range trend based on the purchase history and evaluation. For example, if the evaluation of the price of the recommended product is "high," the consumption trend identification unit 202 may identify a price range lower than the price of the recommended product as the price range of similar products. This makes it possible to recommend products in the price range preferred by the customer.

[0114] This concludes the explanation of the modified examples. Each embodiment and each modified example may be used in combination as appropriate. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the shopping support system may be configured to include each functional unit and some of the information. For example, the shopping support system 20 may be configured to include an acquisition unit 201, a consumption trend identification unit 202, a product determination unit 203, an output control unit 204, a preference identification unit 205, a menu determination unit 206, and a budget estimation unit 208. Alternatively, for example, the shopping support system 20 may be configured to include an acquisition unit 201, a consumption trend identification unit 202, a product determination unit 203, an output control unit 204, a preference identification unit 205, a menu determination unit 206, and a reception unit 207.

[0115] Furthermore, the forms of implementation and variations are not limited to the examples described above and can be modified in various ways. Also, the configuration of the shopping support system in each embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the shopping support system may be implemented by a single device (e.g., a shopping support device), such as a single terminal device or a single server. Alternatively, the shopping support system in each embodiment may be implemented by different devices for different functions or data. For example, the shopping support system may consist of multiple servers.

[0116] In each embodiment, each piece of information and each database may include a portion of the aforementioned information. Furthermore, each piece of information and each database may include information other than that described above. Each piece of information and each database may be further divided into multiple databases or multiple pieces of information. Thus, the method of implementing each piece of information and each database is not particularly limited.

[0117] Furthermore, each screen is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Buttons, lists, checkboxes, information display fields, input fields, etc., not shown in the illustrations may be added to each screen. Also, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, in each embodiment, the process of generating screen information to be displayed on the terminal device may be performed by the output control unit of the shopping support system. Alternatively, this process may be performed by the terminal device.

[0119] (Example of computer hardware configuration) Next, we will describe hardware configuration examples when each device, such as the shopping support systems 10 and 20 and the terminal device 21 described in each embodiment, is implemented using a computer. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of computer hardware configuration. For example, some or all of each device can be implemented using any combination of computer 80 and program, as shown in Figure 10.

[0120] Computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 804. Computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. Each component is connected, for example, via a bus 807. The number of components is not particularly limited, and each component may be one or more.

[0121] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. The processor 801 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The computer 80 has memory units such as ROM 802, RAM 803, and a storage device 804. The storage device 804 may include, for example, semiconductor memory such as flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, the storage device 804 stores OS (Operating System) programs, application programs, and programs related to each embodiment. Alternatively, ROM 802 stores application programs and programs related to each embodiment. The RAM 803 is used as the work area for the processor 801.

[0122] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the memory device 804, ROM 802, etc. Then, the processor 801 executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. Furthermore, the processor 801 functions as part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may also execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0123] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. This allows the computer 80 to connect to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication network NT. The communication interface 805 manages the interface between the communication network NT and the internal workings of the computer 80. Furthermore, the communication interface 805 controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0124] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of the input device, output device, and input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, and microphones. Examples of output devices include display devices, lighting devices, and speakers that output sound. Examples of input / output devices include touch panel displays. The input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0125] The hardware configuration of computer 80 is an example. Computer 80 may have some of the components shown in Figure 10. Computer 80 may have components other than those shown in Figure 10. For example, computer 80 may have a drive device. The processor 801 may read programs and data stored on a recording medium attached to the drive device into RAM 803. Examples of non-temporary tangible recording media include optical discs, flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, as mentioned above, computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. Computer 80 may have output devices such as a display. Furthermore, computer 80 may have input devices, output devices, and input / output devices, respectively.

[0126] Furthermore, the computer 80 may have various sensors (not shown). The type of sensor is not particularly limited. Also, the computer 80 may be equipped with an imaging device capable of capturing images or videos.

[0127] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. Furthermore, there are various variations in how each device can be implemented. For example, each device may be implemented by any combination of different computers and programs for each component. Alternatively, the multiple components of each device may be implemented by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0128] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by application-specific circuits. Alternatively, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose circuits, including processors such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of application-specific circuits and general-purpose circuits. These circuits may also be a single integrated circuit, or they may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. These multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0129] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of each device are implemented by multiple computers or circuits, these computers or circuits may be centrally located or distributed.

[0130] The shopping support methods described in each embodiment are implemented by a shopping support system. Alternatively, for example, the shopping support method can be implemented by a computer, such as a server or terminal device, executing a pre-prepared program. The programs described in each embodiment are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. The program is then executed by a computer reading it from the recording medium. Furthermore, the program may be distributed via a communication network NT.

[0131] Each component of the shopping support system in the embodiments described above may be implemented in hardware, such as a computer. Alternatively, each component may be implemented using a computer or firmware based on program control.

[0132] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described herein, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The structure and details of each present disclosure may include embodiments that apply various modifications that can be grasped by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include embodiments that combine or substitute the matters described herein as appropriate. For example, matters described using a particular embodiment may be applied to other embodiments to the extent that they do not cause a contradiction. For example, although multiple operations are described sequentially in the form of a flowchart, the order in which they are described does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0133] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows. However, some or all of the above embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0134] (Note 1) Means for obtaining customer purchase history, A means for identifying the customer's consumption trends based on the purchase history, A product determination means for determining a product that is a food ingredient corresponding to the identified consumption trend as a recommended product, Output control means for recommending the determined recommended product to the customer, A shopping support system equipped with [features / equipment]. (Note 2) The consumption trend identification means identifies the trend of the origin of ingredients included in products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumption trend. The shopping support system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The consumption trend identification means identifies the trend in material information of products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumption trend. The shopping support system described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) The consumption trend identification means identifies the trend in the production methods of ingredients included in products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumption trend. The shopping support system described in Appendix 1. (Note 5) The consumer trend identification means identifies the price range trend of products of the same type as the products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumer trend. The shopping support system described in Appendix 1. (Note 6) A means of receiving budget applications, Equipped with, The product determination means determines the recommended product according to the identified consumption trend so as not to exceed the accepted budget. A shopping support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) A budget estimation means for estimating the budget based on the aforementioned purchase history, Equipped with, The product determination means determines the recommended product according to the identified consumption trend so as not to exceed the estimated budget. A shopping support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 8) A means of determining recommended menus, Equipped with, The product determination means determines a product that is an ingredient included in the determined recommended menu and corresponds to the consumption trend as the recommended product. The output control means recommends the recommended menu and the determined recommended products. A shopping support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 9) A preference identification means for identifying the direction of the customer's cuisine based on the customer's attribute information, Equipped with, The acquisition means acquires the customer's attribute information, The preference identification means identifies the direction of the dish based on the acquired attribute information, The menu determination means determines the recommended menu based on the direction of the dishes. The shopping support system described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the identified direction of the dishes, and determines the menu that corresponds to the direction of the dishes from among the menus on the web as the recommended menu. The shopping support system described in Appendix 9. (Note 11) The acquisition means acquires the customer's attribute information, The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the customer's attribute information and determines the recommended menu from the menus included in posts on the web made by posters with similar attributes to the customer. The shopping support system described in Appendix 8. (Note 12) Receiving means for receiving evaluation values ​​for the aforementioned recommended menu Equipped with, The menu determination means determines new recommended products based on the evaluation values. The shopping support system described in Appendix 8. (Note 13) Menu determination means for determining a recommended menu that includes the recommended product determined by the product determination means, A shopping support system equipped with one of the features described in Appendix 1 to 5. (Note 14) A preference identification means for identifying the direction of the customer's cuisine based on the customer's attribute information, Equipped with, The acquisition means acquires the customer's attribute information, The aforementioned preference identification means identifies the direction of the cuisine based on the acquired attribute information, The menu determination means determines the recommended menu based on the direction of the dishes. The shopping support system described in Appendix 13. (Note 15) The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the identified direction of the dishes, and determines the menu that corresponds to the direction of the dishes from among the menus on the web as the recommended menu. The shopping support system described in Appendix 14. (Note 16) The acquisition means acquires the customer's attribute information, The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the customer's attribute information and determines the recommended menu from the menus included in posts on the web made by posters with similar attributes to the customer. The shopping support system described in Appendix 13. (Note 17) We retrieve the customer's purchase history, Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends are selected as recommended products. The selected ingredients are recommended to the customer. Shopping assistance methods. (Note 18) On the computer, We retrieve the customer's purchase history, Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends are selected as recommended products. The selected ingredients are recommended to the customer. A program that executes a process. (Note 19) On the computer, Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends are selected as recommended products. The selected ingredients are recommended to the customer. A non-temporary recording medium readable by the computer, which records a program that executes a process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 10,20 Shopping support system 21 Terminal device 22 Web 101,201 Acquisition Department 102,202 Consumption trend identification department 103,203 Product Determination Department 104,204 Output control unit 205 Preference-Specific Section 206 Menu Planning Department 207 Reception Department 208 Budget Estimation Department 2001 Purchase History Database 2002 Customer DB 2003 Product DB 80 Computers 801 Processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication Interface 806 Input / Output Interface 807 Bus NT communication network

Claims

1. Means for obtaining customer purchase history, A means for identifying the customer's consumption trends based on the purchase history, A product determination means for determining a product that is a food ingredient corresponding to the identified consumption trend as a recommended product, Output control means for recommending the determined recommended product to the customer, A menu determination means for determining a recommended menu that includes the recommended product determined by the product determination means, Equipped with, The acquisition means further acquires the customer's attribute information, The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the customer's attribute information and determines the recommended menu from the menus included in posts made by posters with similar attributes to the customer on the web. Shopping support system.

2. Means for obtaining customer purchase history, A means for identifying the customer's consumption trends based on the purchase history, A menu decision-making method for determining recommended menus, A product determination means for determining a product as a recommended product that is an ingredient included in the determined recommended menu and is an ingredient that corresponds to the specified consumption trend, Output control means for recommending the aforementioned recommended menu and the determined recommended products to the customer, Equipped with, The acquisition means further acquires the customer's attribute information, The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the customer's attribute information and determines the recommended menu from the menus included in posts made by posters with similar attributes to the customer on the web. Shopping support system.

3. The consumption trend identification means identifies the trend in the origin of ingredients included in products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumption trend. The shopping support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The consumption trend identification means identifies the trend in material information of products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumption trend. The shopping support system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The consumption trend identification means identifies the trend in the production methods of ingredients included in products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumption trend. The shopping support system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The consumer trend identification means identifies the price range trend of products of the same type as the products purchased by the customer within a predetermined period, based on the purchase history, as the consumer trend. The shopping support system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A means of receiving budget applications, Equipped with, The aforementioned product selection means determines the recommended product so as not to exceed the accepted budget. The shopping support system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A budget estimation means for estimating the budget based on the aforementioned purchase history, Equipped with, The product determination means determines the recommended product so as not to exceed the estimated budget. The shopping support system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A preference identification means for identifying the direction of the customer's cuisine based on the customer's attribute information, Equipped with, The acquisition means acquires the customer's attribute information, The preference identification means identifies the direction of the dish based on the acquired attribute information, The menu determination means determines the recommended menu based on the direction of the dishes. The shopping support system according to claim 2.

10. The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the identified direction of the dishes and determines the menu that corresponds to the direction of the dishes from among the menus on the web as the recommended menu. The shopping support system according to claim 9.

11. Receiving means for receiving evaluation values ​​for the aforementioned recommended menu Equipped with, The menu determination means also determines a new recommended menu based on the evaluation value. The shopping support system according to claim 2.

12. A preference identification means for identifying the direction of the customer's cuisine based on the customer's attribute information, Equipped with, The acquisition means acquires the customer's attribute information, The aforementioned preference identification means identifies the direction of the cuisine based on the acquired attribute information, The menu determination means determines the recommended menu based on the direction of the dishes. The shopping support system according to claim 1.

13. The menu determination means analyzes the web based on the identified direction of the dishes and determines the menu that corresponds to the direction of the dishes from among the menus on the web as the recommended menu. The shopping support system according to claim 12.

14. A computer, The customer's purchase history and the customer's attribute information are obtained. Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends are selected as recommended products. The determined recommended product is recommended to the customer. Based on the customer attribute information obtained, the web is analyzed to determine a recommended menu that includes the selected recommended product from the menus included in posts by posters with similar attributes to the customer on the web. Shopping assistance methods.

15. A computer, The customer's purchase history and the customer's attribute information are obtained. Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Based on the customer attribute information obtained, the web is analyzed to determine recommended menus from the menus included in posts by posters with similar attributes to the customer on the web. Products that are ingredients included in the determined recommended menu and that correspond to the identified consumption trends are designated as recommended products. The determined recommended product is recommended to the customer. Shopping assistance methods.

16. On the computer, The customer's purchase history and the customer's attribute information are obtained. Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Products that are food ingredients corresponding to the identified consumption trends are selected as recommended products. The determined recommended product is recommended to the customer. Based on the customer attribute information obtained, the web is analyzed to determine a recommended menu that includes the selected recommended product from the menus included in posts by posters with similar attributes to the customer on the web. A program that executes a process.

17. On the computer, The customer's purchase history and the customer's attribute information are obtained. Based on the acquired purchase history, the customer's consumption trends are identified. Based on the customer attribute information obtained, the web is analyzed to determine recommended menus from the menus included in posts by posters with similar attributes to the customer on the web. Products that are ingredients included in the determined recommended menu and that correspond to the identified consumption trends are designated as recommended products. The determined recommended product is recommended to the customer. A program that executes a process.

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