Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This system will enable the acquisition of information regarding the inventory of food and other products without the need for sensors or other devices installed in refrigerators. [Solution] The information processing device 1 includes a storage unit 11 that stores first correspondence information which associates a product identifier with product information including the product category and content volume; a receiving unit 12 that receives and stores second correspondence information which associates a user identifier which identifies a user with POS information related to the products purchased by that user; and an estimation unit 13 that uses the first and second correspondence information to estimate consumption estimates for each user, which are the consumption amounts for each product category during the target period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and the like that perform processing related to POS information.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the presence or absence of inventory such as food has been confirmed by sensors attached to refrigerators (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when confirming the presence or absence of inventory such as food by a sensor, it is necessary to attach the sensor to the refrigerator. In addition, for foods stored outside the refrigerator and daily necessities, information related to the inventory, for example, information necessary for calculating the inventory, cannot be obtained.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least one of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can obtain information related to the inventory of products such as food without using sensors or the like attached to a refrigerator or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information items that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the product category and content volume; a receiving unit that receives and stores one or more second correspondence information items that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with POS information regarding products purchased by the user; and an estimation unit that uses the first and second correspondence information to estimate a consumption estimate, which is the consumption amount for each product category during a target period, for each user. With this configuration, by using the first and second correspondence information, it is possible to estimate the consumption of each product category for each user during the target period. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the consumption estimate for each product category without using sensors attached to refrigerators, etc. By using this consumption estimate, for example, it becomes possible to calculate the inventory estimate for each product category for each user during the target period.

[0007] Furthermore, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include an acquisition unit that uses first and second corresponding information to acquire the purchase quantity for each product category during the target period for each user, and a first calculation unit that calculates an estimated increase or decrease in inventory for each product category during the target period for each user by subtracting the estimated consumption quantity from the purchase quantity. With this configuration, by using the first and second correspondence information, it is possible to calculate the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category during the target period for each user. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category without using sensors attached to refrigerators, etc. Furthermore, it is also possible to grasp the estimated inventory increase / decrease for daily necessities stored outside of refrigerators.

[0008] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the acquisition of purchase quantities by the acquisition unit and the calculation of estimated inventory increases / decreases by the first calculation unit are performed for a plurality of consecutive target periods, and the device further comprises a second calculation unit that calculates the estimated inventory for each product category in the latest target period for each user by adding the estimated inventory for the target period immediately preceding the latest target period to the estimated inventory for the latest target period, and an output unit that outputs the estimated inventory for each product category in the latest target period, wherein the second calculation unit may also calculate the estimated inventory for each product category in the immediately preceding target period for each user. This configuration allows for the calculation of estimated inventory levels for each product category during the most recent period for each user. In this way, theoretical inventory levels can be estimated.

[0009] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores a plurality of third correspondence information that associates one or more user identifiers used by retailers with user identifiers used in the information processing device, and the receiving unit receives one or more second correspondence information from each of the plurality of retailers, and when storing one or more second correspondence information, it may use the third correspondence information to convert the user identifiers used by retailers into user identifiers used in the information processing device. With this configuration, even when receiving second-hand correspondence information from multiple retailers, the same user identifier can be used for the same user.

[0010] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores group information indicating the group to which a user belongs, and processing may be performed on a group basis for users belonging to a group. With this configuration, for example, for two or more users living together, such as family members, even if each user makes a separate purchase, it becomes possible to calculate inventory estimates and other data on a group basis.

[0011] Furthermore, in an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores average price information indicating the average price per unit quantity for each product category, and at least one of the estimation unit and the acquisition unit may use the average price information to determine the content quantity of a product if information on the content quantity is not available. With this configuration, for example, in the case of fresh produce, unlike processed foods, the net weight of the product may not be determined by the first correspondence information. However, even in such cases, the net weight of the product can be determined by using average price information.

[0012] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit also stores hierarchical information indicating the hierarchical relationships of product categories, and the second calculation unit may, for product categories in which the inventory estimate calculated for past target periods has become negative, use the hierarchical information to allocate at least a portion of the inventory increase / decrease estimate to other product categories included in the same higher-level product category as the product category, in order to prevent the inventory estimate for the category from becoming negative. With this configuration, if the inventory estimate for a past period is negative, it is possible to prevent the inventory estimate from becoming negative by appropriately allocating at least a portion of the inventory increase / decrease estimate to a similar product.

[0013] Furthermore, an information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that uses a storage unit which stores two or more first correspondence information that associates a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the product category and content volume, a receiving unit, an estimation unit, an acquisition unit, and a first calculation unit, the method comprising the steps of: the receiving unit receiving and storing one or more second correspondence information that associates a user identifier that identifies a user with POS information relating to products purchased by the user; and the estimation unit using the first and second correspondence information to estimate a consumption estimate, which is the consumption amount for each product category during the target period, for each user.

[0014] Also, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer capable of accessing a storage unit in which two or more pieces of first correspondence information associating a product identifier for identifying a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product are stored, to function as a reception unit that receives and accumulates one or more pieces of second correspondence information associating a user identifier for identifying a user with POS information regarding a product purchased by the user, and an estimation unit that estimates an estimated consumption amount, which is the consumption amount for each category of product during a target period, for each user using the first and second correspondence information.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to an information processing apparatus or the like according to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to estimate an estimated consumption amount, which is the consumption amount for each category of product, without using a sensor attached to a refrigerator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment [Figure 3] Diagram showing an example of first correspondence information in the embodiment [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of second correspondence information in the embodiment [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of calculation of an estimated inventory increase / decrease amount and an estimated inventory amount in the embodiment [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of third correspondence information in the embodiment [Figure 7] Diagram showing an example of group information in the embodiment [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of average price information in the embodiment [Figure 9] Diagram showing an example of hierarchical information in the embodiment [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a computer system in the embodiment [Figure 11]Diagram showing an example of the configuration of the computer system in the same embodiment

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described using embodiments. In the following embodiments, components and steps with the same reference numerals are the same or corresponding, and repeated explanations may be omitted. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment calculates, for each user, an estimated increase / decrease in inventory and an estimated inventory for each category of products during a target period by using POS (Point of Sale) information and product information. The estimated increase / decrease in inventory and the estimated inventory may be, for example, information regarding the inventory of food and daily necessities in the user's home.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, an estimation unit 13, an acquisition unit 14, a first calculation unit 15, a second calculation unit 16, and an output unit 17. The information processing apparatus 1 may be, for example, a server that transmits and receives information via a network with other devices.

[0019] In the storage unit 11, two or more pieces of first correspondence information are stored. The first correspondence information is information that associates a product identifier for identifying a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product. The first correspondence information may be information that associates a product with product information related to the product.

[0020] The product is not particularly limited as long as it is an object to be purchased. For example, it may be a product consumed by a user such as food or daily necessities. In the present embodiment, the case where the product is food will be mainly described. The food may be, for example, processed food or fresh produce such as the "fresh three items". Note that the purchase target from the purchaser's side becomes the sales target from the seller's side. Therefore, the purchase target may be considered as the sales target. The same applies to other targets and information.

[0021] A product category may, for example, be a classification of a product. A product category can be any of the following hierarchical categories: major categories, medium categories, and minor categories. A minor category may be a product name, such as "ABC Beer." A medium category may include multiple minor categories and may be a product classification, such as "Beer." A major category may include multiple medium categories and may be a more comprehensive product classification, such as "Alcoholic Beverages." Typically, one category will contain one or more products.

[0022] If the product category is a product name, for example, that category may include two or more products with different volumes. Specifically, the product category "ABC Beer" may include products such as "ABC Beer in a 350ml can" and "ABC Beer in a 500ml can". Also, if the product category is a product classification, for example, that category may include two or more products manufactured by different manufacturers. Specifically, the product category "Beer" may include products such as "ABC Beer" manufactured by ABC Company and "XYZ Beer" manufactured by XYZ Company. Furthermore, if the product category is a more comprehensive product classification, for example, that category may include products from two or more different classifications (subcategories). Specifically, the product category "Alcoholic Beverages" may include products such as "Beer," "Wine," and "Sake." Strictly speaking, a category should be information indicating a category, but for the sake of explanation, we will simply refer to it as a category. The same applies to information other than categories.

[0023] The net content of a product may be expressed as, for example, the weight, volume, or number of items. For products containing multiple identical items, such as a 6-pack, the net content is calculated by multiplying the net content of a single item by the number of items included in the product. In this case, the net content may be expressed as, for example, (net content of a single item) × (number of items), or the result of that calculation may be shown. Specifically, if a product contains 6 bottles of 350 ml beverage, the net content may be "350 ml × 6" or "2100 ml".

[0024] Furthermore, other information may be stored in the storage unit 11. For example, the second corresponding information, which will be described later, may be stored in the storage unit 11. The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 is not specified. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 via a recording medium, a communication line, an input device, etc. The storage unit 11 is preferably implemented using a non-volatile recording medium, but it may also be implemented using a volatile recording medium. The recording medium may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk.

[0025] Here, the correspondence information that links two pieces of information only needs to be able to identify one of the two pieces of information from the other. Therefore, the correspondence information may be information that includes the two pieces of information as a pair, or it may be information that links the two pieces of information. In this embodiment, the former case will be mainly described.

[0026] The receiving unit 12 receives and stores one or more second correspondence information. The second correspondence information is information that associates a user identifier that identifies a user with POS information related to one or more products purchased by that user. The receiving unit 12 may, for example, store the one or more received second correspondence information in the storage unit 11. This embodiment will mainly describe this case. The second correspondence information may be so-called ID-POS.

[0027] The receiving unit 12 may receive one or more second correspondence information transmitted from, for example, a retailer or another company managing ID-POS. The receiving unit 12 may, as an example, receive second correspondence information from one or more retailers, etc. Strictly speaking, the second correspondence information is transmitted from information processing devices such as servers and terminal devices of retailers, etc., but for the sake of explanation, it will be assumed that it is transmitted from retailers, etc. The same applies to the transmission and reception of information with entities other than retailers, etc.

[0028] The user identifier may be, for example, a member identifier for a user at a retailer, or it may be any other identifier that identifies the user. In the second correspondence information received from two or more retailers, the user identifiers that identify the same user may be the same or different. This embodiment will mainly describe the former case, and the latter case will be described later.

[0029] POS information may include, for example, information about one or more items purchased by a user at a store. Preferably, information about one or more items purchased by a user in a single transaction is included in one POS information entry. Normally, one receipt is issued for each transaction, but for example, information about one or more items included on that receipt may also be included in one POS information entry.

[0030] For example, when a user presents their membership card at a store and purchases goods, a second correspondence information linking the user's membership identifier (user identifier) ​​with POS information (POS information) about the goods purchased by the user may be stored in the store's equipment. This second correspondence information may then be transmitted from the store's equipment to the information processing device 1. The second correspondence information may be stored for a predetermined period, and multiple stored second correspondence information may be transmitted to the information processing device 1 all at once, or each time new second correspondence information is stored, the newly stored second correspondence information may be transmitted to the information processing device 1.

[0031] The information included in POS information is not particularly limited, but for example, POS information may include product identifiers, product names, unit prices, quantities, and subtotals of the amount for one or more items purchased by the user. It may also include information such as the date and time the item was sold, a store identifier that identifies the store where the item was sold, a retailer identifier that identifies the retailer to which the store belongs, and the total amount for one or more items sold. Note that POS information may not include some of this information, or it may include other information. For example, POS information may include the category and quantity of one or more items purchased by the user. The product identifier is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the product, but for example, it may be a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code or other identification code for the product.

[0032] Furthermore, the receiving unit 12 may receive information other than the second correspondence information. For example, it may receive a transmission request from a user. This transmission request may be a transmission request for inventory estimates, as described later. In this case, for example, the transmission request received from the user may include the user's user identifier.

[0033] The receiving unit 12 may receive information from retailers or users via a network such as the Internet. The receiving unit 12 may or may not include a wired or wireless receiving device (e.g., a modem or network card) for receiving information. The receiving unit 12 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver that operates the receiving device.

[0034] The estimation unit 13 uses the first and second correspondence information to estimate the consumption estimate for each user, which is the amount of product consumed per category during the target period. Estimating the consumption estimate for each user may be done as a batch process for estimating the consumption estimate for multiple users, or the consumption estimate for a given user may be done for multiple users at different times. In the latter case, for example, each time a transmission request is received, the consumption estimate may be estimated for the user identified by the user identifier included in that transmission request. In this case as well, the consumption estimate will be estimated for each user. The same applies to other processes performed on a per-user basis. The consumption estimate is information for each user and per product category.

[0035] The target period may be a period of length such as a day, a week, or a month, or it may be a period of any other length. In this embodiment, the case where the target period is one week from Sunday to Saturday will be mainly described. The estimation unit 13 may, for example, estimate the consumption estimate for multiple consecutive target periods, including the most recent target period. The same applies to the acquisition of purchase quantities by the acquisition unit 14, the calculation of inventory increase / decrease estimates by the first calculation unit 15, and the calculation of inventory estimates by the second calculation unit 16, which will be described later. The most recent target period will be described later. Note that, as will be described later, if the same consumption estimate is used for multiple consecutive target periods, the estimation unit 13 may estimate the consumption estimate for only one target period.

[0036] As described later, by using the first and second correspondence information, the purchase quantity for each product category can be obtained for each user over a period of any length. Furthermore, each purchased product can be considered to be consumed by the user. Therefore, the estimation unit 13 may, for example, use the obtained results to calculate the average purchase quantity over a period of length corresponding to the target period, and use that average as the consumption estimate. More specifically, if the purchase quantity of the product category "beer" for a certain user over N weeks has been obtained, the estimation unit 13 may use the average value per week obtained by dividing the purchase quantity of the category "beer" over N weeks by N as the consumption estimate for the category "beer" for that user over a one-week period. N may be any integer greater than or equal to 2. It is preferable that N be a sufficiently large value. Consumption estimates for other categories can be estimated in the same manner. Note that the process of obtaining the purchase quantity for each product category over a period of any length for each user may be performed, for example, by the estimation unit 13 or by the acquisition unit 14.

[0037] For products whose consumption varies depending on the season, such as fruits and vegetables with fixed harvest seasons, seafood with specific peak seasons, and seasonal products like ice cream whose consumption is concentrated in particular seasons, the average purchase amount for each season may be calculated to estimate consumption. "Each season" could be, for example, by month or by the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

[0038] Furthermore, the estimation unit 13 may estimate the consumption estimate for the target period by a method other than calculating the average value. For example, the estimation unit 13 may estimate the consumption estimate for each product category during the target period for each user by using the results of learning from multiple first correspondence information and multiple past second correspondence information using a generation AI or the like.

[0039] The acquisition unit 14 uses the first and second correspondence information to acquire the purchase quantity for each product category during the target period for each user. This target period is assumed to be the same as the target period for which the consumption estimate is estimated. For example, if the consumption estimate is estimated for a one-week target period from Sunday to Saturday, the purchase quantity will also be acquired for the same one-week target period. The same applies to information processed for other target periods. The purchase quantity is information for each user and each product category.

[0040] The acquisition unit 14 can, for example, use POS information and first correspondence information to acquire a pair of the product category and the quantity of contents corresponding to the purchased quantity for each product indicated by the POS information as having been sold to a user, i.e., each product indicated as having been purchased by a user. The pair of product category and quantity of contents corresponding to the purchased quantity may be acquired, for example, as follows. POS information includes, for each purchased product, at least a product identifier that identifies the product and the purchase quantity (i.e., the sales quantity). Therefore, the acquisition unit 14 can identify the product category and quantity of contents associated with the product identifier of that product by the first correspondence information. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 14 can calculate the quantity of contents corresponding to the purchased quantity by multiplying the identified quantity of contents by the purchase quantity of that product, and acquire a pair of the calculated quantity of contents corresponding to the purchased quantity and the identified product category. Therefore, when the acquisition unit 14 acquires the purchase quantity for each product category for a given user during a certain period, it identifies POS information associated with the user's user identifier that includes a date and time within that period, and acquires a pair of the product category and the quantity of contents corresponding to the purchase amount for each product indicated by the identified POS information. The acquisition unit 14 then calculates the total purchase quantity, which is the sum of the quantities of contents corresponding to the purchase amount for each product category, for each acquired pair, thereby acquiring the purchase quantity for each product category for that user during that period. Note that, for example, if the first correspondence information that associates the product identifier and product information contained in the POS information is not stored in the storage unit 11, but the POS information contains the product category and quantity of the product identified by that product identifier, the acquisition unit 14 may use the information contained in the POS information to acquire the purchase quantity corresponding to the product category.

[0041] The acquisition unit 14 can acquire confirmed purchase quantities for past target periods, that is, target periods whose end date is before the current date and time. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 14 can only acquire undetermined, provisional purchase quantities for the current target period, that is, for target periods that include the current date and time. This is because the purchase quantity may change if the user makes new purchases between the current date and time and the end date of the target period. For this reason, purchase quantities for past target periods may be stored in the storage unit 11 for each user, target period, and product category, and used so that the same purchase quantity does not need to be acquired repeatedly. On the other hand, for purchase quantities in the current target period, it is preferable that the latest purchase quantity is calculated each time.

[0042] The first calculation unit 15 calculates an estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category during the target period for each user by subtracting the estimated consumption quantity from the purchase quantity. When calculating the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category for a particular user during a target period, the first calculation unit 15 may repeat the process of calculating the inventory increase / decrease for all product categories by subtracting the user's estimated consumption quantity for that product category during the target period from the user's purchase quantity for that product category during that target period. The target period for which the inventory increase / decrease estimate is calculated may be, for example, the most recent target period. The most recent target period may be, for example, the current target period as described above. This inventory increase / decrease estimate allows us to know, for example, the inventory increase / decrease (flow) for each product category during a particular user's most recent target period. By using this inventory increase / decrease estimate, we can know, for example, whether the purchase quantity for the target period covers the estimated consumption quantity for that period for each product category. Furthermore, if there are product categories where the purchase quantity does not cover the consumption estimate, i.e., product categories where the inventory increase / decrease estimate is negative, then, for example, the purchase quantity and consumption estimate can be balanced by purchasing additional products in that category to the extent that the shortage is occurring. The calculation results from the first calculation unit 15 may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 11.

[0043] The second calculation unit 16 calculates the estimated inventory for each product category in the most recent target period for each user by adding the estimated inventory increase / decrease for the most recent target period to the estimated inventory for the most recent target period. The estimated inventory for each product category in the most recent target period for a given user can also be considered as the theoretical inventory for each product category at the end of that target period for that user. When calculating the inventory estimate for a given user's most recent target period, the second calculation unit 16 may repeat the process of calculating the inventory estimate for the most recent target period by adding the estimated inventory for a product category in the most recent target period for that user to the estimated inventory increase / decrease for that product category in the most recent target period for that user, for all product categories. The estimated inventory increase / decrease for the most recent target period can be the result calculated by the first calculation unit 15. The estimated inventory for the most recent target period can be the result calculated by the second calculation unit 16 for the most recent target period. Therefore, the second calculation unit 16 also calculates, for each user, the estimated inventory quantity for each product category in the period immediately preceding the most recent target period.

[0044] The second calculation unit 16 may calculate inventory estimates for each of a series of consecutive target periods for each user and store the results in the storage unit 11. In this case, the acquisition of purchase quantities by the acquisition unit 14 and the calculation of inventory increase / decrease estimates by the first calculation unit 15 may also be performed for a series of consecutive target periods. Preferably, the series of consecutive target periods include at least the most recent target period and the immediately preceding target period. In this case, inventory estimates for at least the immediately preceding target period have been calculated, and when calculating inventory estimates for the most recent target period, the inventory estimates for the immediately preceding target period can be read from the storage unit 11 and used. As an example, the series of consecutive target periods may consist of two consecutive target periods.

[0045] Furthermore, the consecutive target periods may include the target period preceding the immediately preceding target period, i.e., three or more consecutive target periods. When calculating inventory estimates for each of the consecutive target periods, the first target period, i.e., the oldest target period, may be calculated using the inventory estimate of the immediately preceding target period as 0, or the inventory estimate of the immediately preceding target period may be set as the initial value by the user.

[0046] As an example, each time a target period is completed, that is, each time the current date and time exceeds the end point of a target period, the acquisition unit 14 may acquire the confirmed purchase quantity for each product category during that target period, the estimated inventory increase / decrease, and the estimated inventory, respectively, or the first calculation unit 15 and the second calculation unit 16 may calculate them. Then, for each user, the confirmed estimated inventory for each product category during that target period may be stored in the storage unit 11, and these estimated inventory amounts may be used to calculate the estimated inventory for the next target period.

[0047] The inventory estimates for each product category for a given user during the most recent target period, calculated by the second calculation unit 16, are provisional and change according to the current date and time within that most recent target period. As mentioned above, the inventory estimate is calculated using an inventory increase / decrease estimate calculated using a provisional purchase quantity, rather than a confirmed purchase quantity. Furthermore, the inventory estimate for a product category during the most recent target period may be a negative value. In this case, if the user does not purchase any products after the current date and time within that most recent target period, it will be clear that at the end of that most recent target period, there will be a shortage of the product category corresponding to the negative inventory estimate by an amount equivalent to that negative value. Therefore, for example, a user can prevent shortages of food, daily necessities, etc., by purchasing an amount of products corresponding to that negative inventory estimate. In this way, a negative inventory estimate for the most recent target period can also be used as information indicating a shortage in a product category during that target period.

[0048] The output unit 17 outputs the estimated inventory quantities for each product category for the most recent target period, which were calculated for each user by the second calculation unit 16. The output unit 17 may, for example, output the estimated inventory quantities for all product categories for a given user, or it may output the estimated inventory quantities only for product categories where the estimated inventory quantity is negative. The output unit 17 may, for example, output the estimated inventory quantities for each product category for multiple users at once, or it may output the estimated inventory quantities for each product category for a given user at different times for each user.

[0049] Here, this output may be transmitted via a communication line to a predetermined device, stored on a recording medium, or handed over to another component. For example, if processing is performed for a user identified by the user identifier included in the transmission request in response to the receiving unit 12 receiving a transmission request, the inventory estimate for that user may be transmitted to that user. The destination address may be, for example, the address of the sender of the transmission request. As another example, if the information processing device 1 calculates inventory estimates for all users and provides these inventory estimates to the users on another server, the output unit 17 may transmit the inventory estimates for all users to the server that provides the inventory estimates to the users all at once. The output unit 17 may or may not include an output device (e.g., a communication device). Furthermore, the output unit 17 may be implemented by hardware, or by software such as a driver that drives such devices.

[0050] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 2. (Step S101) The receiving unit 12 determines whether it has received the second correspondence information. If it has received the second correspondence information, it proceeds to step S102; otherwise, it proceeds to step S103.

[0051] (Step S102) The receiving unit 12 stores the received second corresponding information in the storage unit 11. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0052] (Step S103) The second calculation unit 16 determines whether to calculate the inventory estimate. If it decides to calculate the inventory estimate, it proceeds to step S104; otherwise, it returns to step S101. The second calculation unit 16 may, for example, decide to calculate the inventory estimate for the user identified by the user identifier included in the transmission request when the transmission request is received by the receiving unit 12. Alternatively, the second calculation unit 16 may decide to calculate the inventory estimate for all users periodically (for example, at 2 a.m. every day, when the reception of the second response information for the previous day has been completed and the second response information for the current day has not yet been received).

[0053] Here, the processes from steps S104 to S108 below will be performed only for a specific user if the inventory estimate is to be calculated for that user only, and for all users if the inventory estimate is to be calculated for all users. In the following steps, we will explain the case where each process is performed for only one user.

[0054] (Step S104) The estimation unit 13 uses the first and second correspondence information stored in the storage unit 11 to estimate the consumption amount for each product category for a given user during the most recent target period. If the consumption estimate has already been completed for that user, for example, if the estimation result is stored in the storage unit 11, the estimation unit 13 may read the stored consumption estimate from the storage unit 11.

[0055] (Step S105) The acquisition unit 14 uses the first and second correspondence information stored in the storage unit 11 to acquire the purchase quantity for each product category for the latest target period for that user.

[0056] (Step S106) The first calculation unit 15 calculates an estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category for that user, using the estimated consumption and purchase quantity for each product category during the most recent target period.

[0057] (Step S107) The second calculation unit 16 calculates the estimated inventory quantity for each product category for the user in the period immediately preceding the most recent target period. When calculating this inventory estimate, the estimation, acquisition, and calculation of the information necessary for the calculation may be performed in steps S104 to S106, respectively. Also, if the estimated inventory quantity for each product category for the immediately preceding target period for the user is stored in the storage unit 11, the second calculation unit 16 may read the stored inventory estimate from the storage unit 11.

[0058] (Step S108) The second calculation unit 16 calculates the estimated inventory for the most recent period for that user, using the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category in the most recent period and the estimated inventory for each product category in the immediately preceding period.

[0059] (Step S109) The output unit 17 outputs the estimated inventory quantity for each product category for the most recent target period, which was calculated for the user by the second calculation unit 16. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0060] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 2 is just one example, and the order of each step may be changed if similar results can be obtained. Also, in the flowchart in Figure 2, processing may be terminated by power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0061] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using a specific example. In this example, the target period is assumed to be one week, from Sunday to Saturday. Furthermore, in this example, it is assumed that the calculation of inventory estimates, etc., is performed for all of the multiple consecutive target periods. Furthermore, in this example, it is assumed that the calculation of inventory estimates is performed in response to the receipt of a transmission request sent by the user.

[0062] Furthermore, in this specific example, it is assumed that multiple first correspondence information items shown in Figure 3 are stored in the storage unit 11. The first correspondence information items shown in Figure 3 include a product identifier and product information. The product information includes the product name, volume, manufacturer, and category. Note that the manufacturer does not necessarily have to be included in the product information. The first first correspondence information item shown in Figure 3 indicates that the product identified by the product identifier "G001" is named "ABC Beer," has a volume of 350 ml, is manufactured by ABC Corporation, and is categorized as "Beer."

[0063] Furthermore, in this specific example, the information processing device 1 assumes that, each time the current date and time exceeds the end of the target period, for all users, the confirmed purchase quantity, the confirmed inventory increase / decrease estimate, and the confirmed inventory estimate are calculated separately for each product category for that target period, and the confirmed inventory estimates for each product category for all users during that target period are stored in the storage unit 11. In addition, the consumption estimate for each user for each target period is assumed to be estimated in advance by the estimation unit 13 and stored in the storage unit 11.

[0064] First, let's assume that a retailer transmits multiple pieces of second correspondence information. Then, this second correspondence information is received by the receiving unit 12 of the information processing device 1 and stored in the storage unit 11 (steps S101, S102). As a result, let's assume that the multiple pieces of second correspondence information stored in the storage unit 11 are as shown in Figure 4. The second correspondence information shown in Figure 4 includes a user identifier and POS information. The POS information includes the date and time of sale of the product, the store identifier of the store where the product was sold, the total amount of the products sold, the product identifier, product name, unit price of the product, quantity sold (number of units), and subtotal amount of the product for each product sold. The first piece of second correspondence information shown in Figure 4 indicates that a user identified by user identifier "U001" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "user U001") purchased three units of product identified by product identifier "G001" at the store identified by store identifier "S001" on November 2, 2025. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, the product identifier is shown as G001, etc., for ease of explanation, but in reality, the product identifier can be a JAN code.

[0065] Next, let's assume that on November 4, 2025, user U001 operates a smartphone, which is a terminal device, and sends a transmission request to the information processing device 1. Let's assume that the transmission request includes the user identifier "U001". The transmission request is received by the receiving unit 12 of the information processing device 1, and the user identifier "U001" is passed to the second calculation unit 16 via a route not shown. The address of the sender of the transmission request is also passed to the output unit 17 via a route not shown. Upon receiving the user identifier, the second calculation unit 16 decides to calculate an inventory estimate for user U001 and instructs the first calculation unit 15 to calculate the estimated inventory increase / decrease for the latest target period for user U001, i.e., the target period from November 2, 2025 to November 8, 2025 (step S103). Upon receiving these instructions, the first calculation unit 15 instructs the estimation unit 13 to estimate the consumption amount for the most recent target period for user U001, and instructs the acquisition unit 14 to estimate the purchase amount for the most recent target period for user U001.

[0066] Upon receiving instructions from the first calculation unit 15, the estimation unit 13 reads the estimated consumption quantities for each product category for user U001 during the target period from the storage unit 11 and passes them to the first calculation unit 15 (step S104). Also, upon receiving instructions from the first calculation unit 15, the acquisition unit 14 acquires the purchase quantities for each product category for user U001 during the latest target period, i.e., from November 2, 2025 to the present date and time, using the first and second correspondence information stored in the storage unit 11, and passes them to the first calculation unit 15 (step S105).

[0067] Upon receiving the estimated consumption and purchase quantities for each product category for user U001 during the most recent target period, the first calculation unit 15 calculates the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category by subtracting the estimated consumption from the purchase quantity, as shown in Figure 5(a), and passes this calculation to the second calculation unit 16 (step S106).

[0068] Upon receiving the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category for the most recent target period for user U001, the second calculation unit 16 reads the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category for the previous target period for user U001, i.e., from October 26, 2025 to November 1, 2025, stored in the storage unit 11. As shown in Figure 5(b), it calculates the estimated inventory for the most recent target period by adding the estimated inventory increase / decrease for the most recent target period for each product category, and passes this to the output unit 17 (steps S107, S108).

[0069] When the output unit 17 receives the latest inventory estimate for each product category for user U001 during the target period, it sends the inventory estimate for each product category to the address previously received from the receiving unit 12 (step S109). This inventory estimate is received and displayed on user U001's smartphone. By looking at the inventory estimate for each product category, user U001 can then learn things like whether there will be a shortage of beer by the end of the latest target period, November 8, 2025, but enough wine. Therefore, user U001 can easily understand, for example, that they will need to purchase about four additional 350ml cans of beer by the weekend.

[0070] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment can calculate the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category in the most recent target period for each user by using the first and second corresponding information, and can also use this to calculate the estimated inventory for each product category in the most recent target period for each user. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the estimated inventory for each product category without using sensors attached to refrigerators, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to grasp the estimated inventory for daily necessities, etc., that are stored in places other than refrigerators. Then, the user can, for example, use the estimated inventory to purchase products that are in short supply, thereby improving user convenience.

[0071] In this embodiment, as described above, in the second correspondence information received from two or more retailers, different user identifiers may be used for each retailer to identify the same user. In this case, the receiving unit 12 may, for example, convert the user identifier when storing the received second correspondence information. If the user identifier is converted, for example, the storage unit 11 may store a plurality of third correspondence information that associates one or more user identifiers used by the retailer with user identifiers used by the information processing device 1.

[0072] Figure 6 shows an example of multiple third-party correspondence information. The third-party correspondence information shown in Figure 6 may include a first user identifier used in the information processing device 1 and user identifiers of one or more retailers. The retailer's user identifier may include a retailer identifier that identifies the retailer and a second user identifier used by that retailer. Since the same identifier may be used for different users at different retailers, here, the user is uniquely identified by a pair of the retailer identifier and the second user identifier. The second user identifier may be a member identifier of the user at the retailer, as described above. In the third-party correspondence information, it is assumed that the first user identifier that identifies the same user is associated with the retailer's user identifier. For example, the first third-party correspondence information shown in Figure 6 shows that for a user identified by the first user identifier "U001" in the information processing device 1, the retailer identified by the retailer identifier "R001" uses the second user identifier "A001".

[0073] In this case, the receiving unit 12 may, for example, receive one or more second correspondence information from multiple retailers and, when storing the received one or more second correspondence information, use the third correspondence information to convert the user identifier used by the retailer to the user identifier used by the information processing device 1. This conversion may, for example, involve replacing the user identifier used by the retailer with the user identifier used by the information processing device 1. More specifically, when receiving second correspondence information from a retailer, the receiving unit 12 may use the retailer identifier of that retailer and the user identifier included in the second correspondence information as a search key to search for multiple third correspondence information shown in Figure 6, read out the first user identifier included in the hit third correspondence information, and replace the user identifier included in the second correspondence information with the read first user identifier for each received second correspondence information. The retailer identifier may, for example, be included in the second correspondence information, or it may be one that has been transmitted together with the second correspondence information. Furthermore, for example, if the source address of a retailer is associated with a retailer identifier, the receiving unit 12 may use that association to identify the retailer identifier corresponding to the source address of the second correspondence information. In this way, even if second correspondence information is received from multiple retailers, it can be converted to the same user identifier for the same user and stored. Note that here, the case in which the conversion is performed in the information processing device 1 has been described, but this is not required. For example, when a retailer transmits second correspondence information, it may perform a similar conversion of the user identifier before transmitting it.

[0074] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case where processing is performed for each user, this is not required. For example, in cases where multiple users live together, such as a family, and products purchased by one user may also be used by other users, the information processing device 1 may perform each process on a group basis of two or more users. In this case, the storage unit 11 may store one or more group information indicating the group to which the users belong. The group information may include, for example, two or more user identifiers that identify two or more users included in a certain group. As an example, as shown in Figure 7, the group information may be information that associates a group identifier that identifies a group with two or more user identifiers that identify two or more users belonging to that group. Note that Figure 7 shows the case where the group information includes a group identifier for the sake of explanation, but the group information does not necessarily have to include a group identifier.

[0075] In this case, the information processing device 1 may perform each process on a group basis for users belonging to a group. For example, the estimation of consumption estimates, acquisition of purchase quantities, calculation of inventory increase / decrease estimates, and calculation and output of inventory estimates may be performed on a group basis. As an example, when these processes are performed for a certain group, the consumption estimates, etc., may be identified for each user belonging to that group, as described above, and then the sum of the values ​​for each user belonging to that group may be calculated for each product category. In this case, for example, an inventory estimate may be calculated for each user belonging to the group, and the sum of the inventory estimates for each user belonging to that group may be the final inventory estimate corresponding to the group. As another example, the estimation unit 13, acquisition unit 14, first calculation unit 15, and second calculation unit 16 may each identify the consumption estimate, purchase quantity, inventory increase / decrease estimate, and inventory estimate, which are sums of values ​​for each user belonging to the group. In this case, for example, the estimation unit 13 and the acquisition unit 14 may estimate consumption estimates and acquire purchase quantities on a group basis, and the first calculation unit 15 and the second calculation unit 16 may use the results to calculate inventory increase / decrease estimates and inventory estimates on a group basis. In this way, inventory estimates can be grasped on a group basis, such as for a family. In this case, for users belonging to a group, for example, only group-based processing may be performed, or both group-based processing and user-based processing may be performed. In the latter case, for example, the inventory estimates for each user belonging to the group may be output along with the group's inventory estimate.

[0076] Furthermore, this embodiment mainly describes cases where the net weight of each product is included in the product information of the first correspondence information or in the POS information, but this is not always the case. For example, for products such as processed foods, the same product identifier (e.g., source marking JAN) is used by multiple retailers, so the first correspondence information for that product can be prepared in advance. However, for products such as fresh produce, each retailer usually uses its own unique product identifier (e.g., in-store marking JAN), so it is difficult to prepare the first correspondence information for that product in advance. In addition, for products such as fresh produce, the product category and net weight can sometimes be identified from the POS information, but the net weight may not be included in the POS information. Thus, for product categories from which the net weight cannot be obtained from the first and second correspondence information, the net weight may be obtained, for example, using average price information that shows the average price per unit quantity.

[0077] In this case, the storage unit 11 may store average price information indicating the average price per unit quantity for each product category. This average price information indicating the average price per unit quantity may be prepared manually, for example, or acquired automatically. In the latter case, the average price per unit quantity for each product category may be automatically acquired by, for example, searching on online shopping sites or searching on flyers from physical stores, or the average price per unit quantity for each product category may be automatically acquired using POS information including the price, quantity, and category of the product. The automatic acquisition of the average price per unit quantity for each product category may be performed by, for example, the information processing device 1, or the information processing device 1 may receive the results obtained by another device.

[0078] As an example, as shown in Figure 8, the average price information may be information that associates a product category with the average price per unit quantity for that product category. At least one of the estimation unit 13 and the acquisition unit 14 may use the average price information stored in the storage unit 11 to determine the quantity of a product for which there is no quantity information. A product for which there is no quantity information may be a product for which the quantity cannot be determined using the first and second correspondence information. In this case, the estimation unit 13 and the acquisition unit 14 may determine the category of the product for which the quantity cannot be determined, and then determine the quantity using the average price per unit quantity associated with the determined category and the price of the product. More specifically, the quantity may be determined by dividing the price of the product by the average price per unit quantity. For example, if a product in the "beef" category has a price of 1200 yen, the estimation unit 13 and acquisition unit 14 may determine the net weight of the product, which is 200g, by dividing the price of 1200 yen by the average price per unit quantity of 600 yen (yen / 100g) associated with the "beef" product category, as shown in Figure 8.

[0079] Furthermore, this embodiment mainly describes the case in which the inventory estimate for the most recent target period is calculated using the inventory estimate for the immediately preceding target period, i.e., the inventory estimate for a past target period. However, theoretically, it is impossible for the inventory estimate for that past target period (i.e., the finalized inventory estimate) to be a negative value. Therefore, for product categories in which the inventory estimate calculated for a past target period is a negative value, the second calculation unit 16 may allocate at least a portion of the inventory increase / decrease estimate for that past target period to product categories that approximate that product category, in order to prevent the inventory estimate for that category from becoming a negative value. In this way, the finalized inventory estimate for each product category can be prevented from becoming a negative value.

[0080] Another category that is similar to a certain category A may be, for example, a different category from category A that belongs to the same higher-level category as category A. This category may be identified, for example, using hierarchical information that indicates the hierarchical relationship of product categories, which is stored in the memory unit 11. As an example, as shown in Figure 9, the hierarchical information may be information that associates a higher-level category related to a product with two or more lower-level categories that belong to that higher-level category.

[0081] Furthermore, if the estimated inventory quantity for a certain product in category A during a past target period becomes a negative value, the second calculation unit 16 may allocate all of the estimated inventory increase / decrease quantity for that product in category A during that target period to another category, or it may allocate a portion of the estimated inventory increase / decrease quantity to another category. In the latter case, a portion of the estimated inventory increase / decrease quantity may be allocated to product category A so that the estimated inventory quantity for product category A during that target period becomes 0, and the remaining inventory decay quantity may be allocated to another product category that approximates product category A.

[0082] Furthermore, when allocating at least a portion of the estimated inventory change for a certain product category A to another product category, the estimated inventory change may be allocated as is, or a predetermined conversion may be performed at the time of allocation. For example, when allocating "-300(ml)" of the estimated inventory change for category "beer" to category "wine," the estimated inventory change "-300(ml)" may be allocated directly to category "wine," or the estimated inventory change "-125(ml)," obtained by multiplying the estimated inventory change "-300(ml)" by a conversion factor "5 / 12," may be allocated to category "wine." The conversion factor may be based on the ratio of the average alcohol content of beer ("5%") to the average alcohol content of wine ("12%"). The estimated inventory change allocated to category "wine" will be added to the estimated inventory change for category "wine" in the period immediately preceding the past period, along with the estimated inventory change for category "wine" calculated for that past period. For example, the storage unit 11 may store conversion coefficients between two product categories for various combinations of two categories, and the second calculation unit 16 may use these conversion coefficients to convert the estimated inventory increase / decrease.

[0083] In this case, the second calculation unit 16 may, for example, when the estimated inventory quantity for the category "beer" in a past target period for a certain user is a negative value, search for two or more hierarchical information shown in Figure 9 using the category "beer" as a search key, identify a subcategory other than the hit subcategory "beer" that is included in the hit hierarchical information, such as "wine," and allocate at least a portion of the estimated inventory increase / decrease quantity for that target period to the identified subcategory. It is preferable that the inventory estimate quantity for the category to which the inventory increase / decrease quantity is allocated does not become a negative value. Therefore, the second calculation unit 16 may allocate at least a portion of the estimated inventory increase / decrease quantity to a category in which the estimated inventory quantity for that past target period does not become a negative value even after allocating at least a portion of the estimated inventory increase / decrease quantity.

[0084] Here, we have described a case where the hierarchical information shows a hierarchical relationship between two levels of categories, but this is not required. The hierarchical information may also show a hierarchical relationship between three or more levels of categories. For example, the hierarchical information may show a hierarchical relationship between a higher-level category, a middle-level category, and a lower-level category. Furthermore, if at least a portion of the inventory change estimate for a certain lower-level category A cannot be allocated to another lower-level category that is part of the same middle-level category as lower-level category A, that is, if the inventory estimate in the allocated lower-level category becomes a negative value, then at least a portion of the inventory change estimate for lower-level category A may be allocated to another lower-level category that is part of the same higher-level category as lower-level category A.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the estimation unit 13 has mainly described the case where, when estimating the consumption estimate for the latest target period, it estimates the consumption estimate for the entire target period even if the current date and time is in the middle of that latest target period. However, this is not required. When estimating the consumption estimate for the latest target period, the estimation unit 13 may estimate the consumption estimate for the period from the start of the target period to the current date and time. For example, if the length of the period from the start of the target period to the current date and time is half the total length of the target period, the estimation unit 13 may estimate half the consumption estimate corresponding to the total length of the target period as the consumption estimate for the latest target period. In this case, when calculating the inventory estimate for the latest target period, the inventory estimate for each category may be made so as not to be a negative value, similar to the calculation of inventory estimates for past target periods.

[0086] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes a case where the start and end points and length of the target period are predetermined, for example, the user may be allowed to freely determine them. In this case, the information processing device 1 may identify various types of information related to the user for each product category, according to the user's settings.

[0087] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case where an inventory estimate is calculated and output, this is not required. The calculation of the inventory estimate is not required. In this case, for example, the information processing device 1 does not need to be equipped with a second calculation unit 16. Alternatively, the output unit 17 may output, instead of the inventory estimate, the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category during the target period, which is calculated for each user by the first calculation unit 15.

[0088] Furthermore, although this embodiment mainly describes the case in which an estimated inventory increase / decrease is calculated, this is not required. The calculation of the estimated inventory increase / decrease is also not required. In this case, for example, the information processing device 1 does not need to be equipped with a first calculation unit 15 and a second calculation unit 16. In addition, the output unit 17 may output, instead of the estimated inventory, the estimated consumption of each category of parts during the target period, which has been estimated for each user by the estimation unit 13. This outputted consumption estimate may be used, for example, in other devices to calculate the estimated inventory increase / decrease or the estimated inventory, or it may be used for other purposes.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each process or function may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or by distributed processing by multiple devices or multiple systems.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exchange of information between each component may, for example, be performed by outputting information from one component and receiving information from the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically different, or by moving from the processing phase corresponding to one component to the processing phase corresponding to the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically the same.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information received, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, as well as information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used by each component in processing, may be temporarily or for a long period of time stored in a recording medium (not shown), even if not explicitly stated in the above description. The storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). The reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the information used in each component, such as thresholds, addresses, and various setting values ​​used by each component in processing, can be changed by the user, then even if not explicitly stated in the above description, the user may be allowed to change such information as appropriate, or not. If the user can change such information, the change may be implemented, for example, by a receiving unit (not shown) that receives change instructions from the user and a changing unit (not shown) that changes the information in response to those change instructions. The receiving unit (not shown) may receive change instructions from an input device, receive information transmitted via a communication line, or receive information read from a predetermined recording medium.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if two or more components included in the information processing device 1 have a communication device, an input device, etc., the two or more components may have a single physical device, or they may have separate devices.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or, for components that can be implemented by software, they may be implemented by executing a program. For example, each component can be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing the storage unit or recording medium. The software that implements the information processing device 1 in the above embodiment may be a program as described above.

[0095] Furthermore, the functions implemented by the above program do not include any functions that can only be implemented by hardware. For example, functions that can only be implemented by hardware such as modems and interface cards in the receiving unit that receives information, the acquiring unit that obtains information, and the output unit that outputs information are not included in the functions implemented by the above program.

[0096] Furthermore, this program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or by being read from a predetermined recording medium (for example, an optical disc such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disc, or a semiconductor memory). This program may also be used as a program constituting a program product.

[0097] Furthermore, the computer running this program may be a single computer or multiple computers. That is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0098] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a computer that implements the information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment by executing the above program. The above embodiment can be implemented by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon.

[0099] In Figure 10, the computer system 900 includes a computer 901 with a CD-ROM drive 905, a keyboard 902, a mouse 903, and a monitor 904.

[0100] Figure 11 shows the internal configuration of the computer system 900. In Figure 11, the computer 901 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 905, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 911, a ROM 912 for storing programs such as boot-up programs, a RAM 913 connected to the MPU 911 for temporarily storing instructions for application programs and providing temporary storage space, a hard disk 914 for storing application programs, system programs, and data, and a bus 915 that interconnects the MPU 911, ROM 912, etc. The computer 901 may also include a network card (not shown) that provides connectivity to a LAN or WAN.

[0101] The program that causes the computer system 900 to execute the functions of the information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment may be stored on a CD-ROM 921, inserted into a CD-ROM drive 905, and transferred to the hard disk 914. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to a computer 901 via a network (not shown) and stored on the hard disk 914. The program is loaded into RAM 913 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 921 or the network. Furthermore, the program may be loaded into the computer system 900 via another recording medium (e.g., a DVD) instead of the CD-ROM 921.

[0102] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 901 to execute the functions of the information processing device 1 according to the above embodiment. The program may include only the instruction portion that calls appropriate functions or modules in a controlled manner to obtain the desired result. How the computer system 900 operates is well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0103] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are illustrative examples for specifically carrying out the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments, and modifications within the literal scope and equivalent meaning of the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Information Processing Device 11 Storage section 12 Receiver 13 Estimation part 14 Acquisition Department 15. First calculation unit 16. Second Calculation Unit 17 Output section

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information items that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and quantity of the product, A receiving unit receives and stores a user identifier that identifies a user, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate the user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. An estimation unit that uses the first and second correspondence information to obtain, for each user, the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content quantity of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates the consumption estimate, which is the average value of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time, An acquisition unit that uses the first and second corresponding information to acquire, for each user, the purchase quantity of each product category during the target period, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, The system includes a first calculation unit that calculates an estimated increase or decrease in inventory for each product category during the target period for each user by subtracting the estimated consumption amount from the purchase amount obtained by the acquisition unit, The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The acquisition of purchase quantities by the acquisition unit and the calculation of estimated inventory increases / decreases by the first calculation unit are each performed over a series of consecutive target periods. A second calculation unit calculates and stores, for each user, the estimated inventory quantity for each product category during a specific target period, by adding the estimated inventory quantity for the target period immediately preceding the specific target period to the estimated inventory quantity for the specific target period, for each of a series of consecutive target periods. An information processing device further comprising an output unit that outputs an estimated inventory quantity for each product category during the most recent target period.

2. A storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence pieces of information that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product, A receiving unit receives and stores a user identifier that identifies a user, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate the user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. The system includes an estimation unit that, using the first and second correspondence information, obtains for each user the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates a consumption estimate which is the average value of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The storage unit also stores a plurality of third correspondence pieces of information that associate one or more user identifiers used by the retailer with user identifiers used in the information processing device. The receiving unit receives one or more second correspondence pieces from each of the multiple retailers, and when storing the one or more second correspondence pieces, it uses the third correspondence piece to convert a user identifier used by the retailer into a user identifier used by the information processing device.

3. A storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence pieces of information that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product, A receiving unit receives and stores a user identifier that identifies a user, and one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate the user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. The system includes an estimation unit that, using the first and second correspondence information, obtains for each user the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates a consumption estimate which is the average value of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The aforementioned storage unit also stores group information indicating the group to which the user belongs. An information processing device that performs various processes on a group basis for users belonging to a group.

4. The aforementioned storage unit also stores average price information, which shows the average price per unit quantity for each product category. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the estimation unit and the acquisition unit determines the content volume of a product using the average price information for products for which content volume information is unavailable.

5. The aforementioned storage unit also stores hierarchical information indicating the hierarchical relationships of product categories. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation unit, for product categories in which the inventory estimate calculated for a past target period has become a negative value, uses the hierarchical information to allocate at least a portion of the inventory increase / decrease estimate to other product categories belonging to the same higher-level product category as the product category in question, in order to prevent the inventory estimate for that category from becoming a negative value.

6. An information processing method that uses a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information items that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and quantity of the product, a receiving unit, an estimation unit, an acquisition unit, a first calculation unit, a second calculation unit, and an output unit, The receiving unit receives and stores one or more pieces of second correspondence information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. The estimation unit, using the first and second correspondence information, obtains for each user the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates the consumption estimate, which is the average value of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time. The acquisition unit, using the first and second corresponding information, acquires, for each user, the purchase quantity for each product category during the target period, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information. The first calculation unit includes the step of calculating, for each user, an estimated increase or decrease in inventory for each product category during the target period by subtracting the estimated consumption amount from the purchase amount obtained in the step of obtaining the purchase amount, The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The steps of obtaining the purchase quantity and calculating the estimated inventory change are performed for multiple consecutive target periods. The second calculation unit calculates and stores, for each user, the estimated inventory quantity for each product category during the specified target period by adding the estimated inventory quantity for the target period immediately preceding the specified target period to the estimated inventory quantity for the specified target period. The output unit further includes the step of outputting an estimated inventory quantity for each product category during the most recent target period, An information processing method in which the calculation and accumulation of the estimated inventory quantity in the step of calculating and accumulating the estimated inventory quantity is performed for multiple consecutive target periods.

7. An information processing method that uses a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information sets which associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product, a receiving unit and an estimation unit, The receiving unit receives and stores one or more pieces of second correspondence information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. The estimation unit includes the steps of using the first and second correspondence information to obtain, for each user, the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimating a consumption estimate which is the average value of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a period of a predetermined length. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The storage unit also stores a plurality of third correspondence pieces of information that associate one or more user identifiers used by the retailer with user identifiers used in the information processing device. An information processing method comprising the step of receiving and storing one or more second correspondence pieces of information, wherein the method receives one or more second correspondence pieces of information from each of the multiple retailers, and when storing the one or more second correspondence pieces of information, it uses the third correspondence piece of information to convert a user identifier used by the retailer into a user identifier used by the information processing device.

8. An information processing method using a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information sets that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product, a receiving unit and an estimation unit, The receiving unit receives and stores one or more pieces of second correspondence information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. The estimation unit includes the steps of using the first and second correspondence information to obtain, for each user, the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimating a consumption estimate which is the average value of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a period of a predetermined length. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The aforementioned storage unit also stores group information indicating the group to which the user belongs. An information processing method in which each process is performed on a group basis for users belonging to a group.

9. A computer that can access a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information items that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the product's category and content volume, A receiving unit that receives and stores one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. An estimation unit that uses the first and second correspondence information to obtain, for each user, the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content quantity of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates the consumption estimate, which is the average of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time. An acquisition unit that uses the first and second corresponding information to acquire, for each user, the purchase quantity of each product category during the target period, using the content volume of the product information and the quantity of the POS information. By subtracting the estimated consumption quantity from the purchase quantity acquired by the acquisition unit, it functions as a first calculation unit that calculates the estimated inventory increase / decrease for each product category during the target period for each user. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The acquisition of purchase quantities by the acquisition unit and the calculation of estimated inventory increases / decreases by the first calculation unit are each performed over a series of consecutive target periods. The aforementioned computer, A second calculation unit calculates and stores, for each user, the estimated inventory quantity for each product category during a specific target period, by adding the estimated inventory quantity for the target period immediately preceding the specific target period to the estimated inventory quantity for the specific target period, for each of a series of consecutive target periods. A program designed to function as an output unit that outputs estimated inventory levels for each product category during the most recent target period.

10. A computer that can access a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information items that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product, A receiving unit that receives and stores one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. Using the first and second correspondence information, the system functions as an estimation unit that, for each user, obtains the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content quantity of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates the consumption estimate, which is the average of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The storage unit also stores a plurality of third correspondence pieces of information that associate one or more user identifiers used by the retailer with user identifiers used in the information processing device. The receiving unit receives one or more second correspondence pieces from each of the multiple retailers, and when storing the one or more second correspondence pieces, it uses the third correspondence piece to convert a user identifier used by the retailer into a user identifier used by the information processing device.

11. A computer that can access a storage unit that stores two or more first correspondence information items that associate a product identifier that identifies a product with product information including the category and content volume of the product, A receiving unit that receives and stores one or more second correspondence pieces of information that associate a user identifier that identifies a user with a product identifier, product name, unit price, and quantity of one or more products purchased by the user, as well as POS information including the date and time the product was sold. Using the first and second correspondence information, the system functions as an estimation unit that, for each user, obtains the purchase quantity for each product category during a predetermined period which is a part of the period of the POS information, using the content quantity of the product information and the quantity of the POS information, and estimates the consumption estimate, which is the average of the purchase quantity during a target period which is a predetermined length of time. The aforementioned predetermined period is shorter in length than the aforementioned predetermined period. The aforementioned storage unit also stores group information indicating the group to which the user belongs. A program that performs various processes on a group basis for users belonging to a group.

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