Product dispensing device, program, and product dispensing system

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: (EMBODIMENT 1): A product providing device capable of communicating with a user terminal. The product providing device includes a receiving unit configured to receive a selection of a product to be ordered from a plurality of products including a first type of product that is a target product of a first shipping fee and a second type of product that is a target product of a second shipping fee lower than the first shipping fee, a combination generating unit configured to generate a combination of products that can be packed and shipped from the plurality of selected products according to a predetermined combination rule, and a shipping fee determining unit configured to determine a shipping fee of the combination of the products that can be packed and shipped as either a first shipping fee or a second shipping fee lower than the first shipping fee according to the combination of the products.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product providing device, a program, and a product provision management system. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, there are product sales systems that handle in-stock products held in inventory and reserved products to be sold in the future (e.g., Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-152050 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Incidentally, product shipping fees are required separately from the purchase amount of the products, and for users who purchase a plurality of in-stock products and reserved products, the shipping fees impose a significant burden. If this burden can be reduced, user convenience can be improved.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a product providing device, a program, and a product provision management system that improve user convenience. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a product supply device that can communicate with a user terminal, comprising: a receiving means capable of receiving the selection of products to be ordered from a selection of products including a first type of product subject to a first shipping fee and a second type of product subject to a second shipping fee lower than the first shipping fee; a combination generating means that generates a combination of products that can be shipped together from a plurality of selected products according to a predetermined combination rule; and a shipping fee determining means that determines the shipping fee for the combination of products that can be shipped together to either the first shipping fee or the second shipping fee lower than the first shipping fee, depending on the combination of products.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a receiving means capable of receiving the selection of products to be ordered from products including a first type of product which is subject to a first shipping fee and a second type of product which is subject to a second shipping fee which is less expensive than the first shipping fee; a combination generating means that generates a combination of products that can be shipped together from the selected plurality of products according to a predetermined combination rule; and a shipping fee determining means that determines the shipping fee for a combination of products that can be shipped together to either the first shipping fee or the second shipping fee which is less expensive than the first shipping fee, depending on the combination of products.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a product supply system comprising a product supply device and a user's terminal, wherein the product supply device includes a purchase screen presentation means for presenting a purchase screen to the user's terminal, which includes a first type of product subject to a first shipping fee and a second type of product subject to a second shipping fee lower than the first shipping fee; a combination generation means for generating a combination of products that can be shipped together from a plurality of products selected by the user from among the products displayed on the purchase screen, according to a predetermined combination rule; and a shipping fee determination means for determining the shipping fee for the combination of products that can be shipped together to be either the first shipping fee or the second shipping fee lower than the first shipping fee, depending on the combination of products, and the terminal includes a display unit for displaying the purchase screen and a transmission means for transmitting to the product supply device, in an identifiable manner, the products selected by the user from among the products of the product information displayed on the purchase screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product dispensing device, program, and product dispensing system that improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product provision management system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of terminal 2. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product dispensing device 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the user information database D1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the product information database D2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a product purchase screen displayed on the user's terminal 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an order screen in the product purchase screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an operation flowchart of the product dispensing device 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a product purchase screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an example of the My Page screen. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the My Page screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, we will first describe the products provided by the product dispensing device of this embodiment and the delivery method.

[0013] A product is an article sold by a seller to a user. In the present embodiment, a product is an article provided to a user when the user pays a monetary consideration therefor. A product is embodied and expressed as a tangible article or the like. Examples include, but are not limited to, shaped articles such as figurines having the appearance of a certain character, clothing, plastic models, stationery, and accessories. Further, there are a plurality of types of products according to the delivery timing at which they are delivered. For example, products may be regularly sold in-stock products for which delivery procedures can be immediately performed when the product is in stock, or pre-order products for which sales are announced in advance and reservations are accepted.

[0014] Further, since these products differ in size and product content, there are also various methods for delivering products. Examples include standard delivery for delivering standard products, and simplified delivery for delivering small products by a simple method. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, standard delivery may be referred to as a first delivery method, and simplified delivery may be referred to as a second delivery method. Shipping costs also vary depending on the delivery method. For example, the shipping cost for simplified delivery is lower than that for standard delivery. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the shipping cost for standard delivery may be described as a first shipping cost, and the shipping cost for simplified delivery may be described as a second shipping cost.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a delivery method for delivering a product provided from a product providing device is predetermined. For example, product A is associated with standard delivery (the first delivery method), and product B is associated with simplified delivery (the second delivery method). When a user purchases product A, the user pays the total amount of the price of product A and the shipping cost (first shipping cost) for standard delivery (first delivery method). Similarly, when a user purchases product B, the user pays the total amount of the price of product B and the shipping cost (second shipping cost) for simplified delivery (second delivery method). From the user's perspective, the shipping cost for the product is required separately from the purchase amount of the product, and the shipping cost becomes a large burden for a user who purchases a plurality of products. If this burden can be reduced, the monetary burden on the user can be reduced.

[0016] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when purchasing a plurality of products, shipping costs are reduced by combining the products to be delivered and bundling the plurality of products for combined delivery.

[0017] For example, assume there are a product A and a product B to which simplified delivery is applied, and a product C to which regular delivery is applied.

[0018] When a user purchases a plurality of product A, conventionally, each product is delivered by simplified delivery, and a second shipping fee is charged for each product. However, although simplified delivery cannot deliver a plurality of large-sized products, there may be cases where a plurality of products to which simplified delivery is applied can be delivered, and in particular, if the products are to be bundled, combined delivery can be performed up to the deliverable number of products. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when a user purchases a plurality of product A at the same time, the plurality of products are collectively bundled and delivered via simplified delivery, so that only one instance of the second shipping fee is charged.

[0019] Furthermore, when a user purchases product A and product B, conventionally, each product is delivered by simplified delivery, and a second shipping fee is charged for each product. However, since product A and product B are both deliverable via simplified delivery, they are small in size even if their product sizes differ, and can be bundled together for combined delivery under regular delivery. Accordingly, when a user purchases product A and product B at the same time, the products are bundled and delivered via regular delivery, so that only one instance of the first shipping fee is charged.

[0020] Furthermore, when a user purchases product A and product C, conventionally, product A is delivered via simplified delivery and product C is delivered via regular delivery, so the user is charged both the first shipping fee and the second shipping fee. However, product A is a small product, and there is sufficient capacity in the regular delivery shipment, so product A and product C can be bundled together for combined delivery. Accordingly, when a user purchases product A and product C at the same time, the products are bundled and delivered via regular delivery, so that only one instance of the first shipping fee is charged.

[0021] In this way, by appropriately bundling products and shipping them together, the burden of shipping costs on the user is reduced.

[0022] The combinations of products to be shipped together are determined by predefined rules, and based on these rules, combinations of products that can be shipped together are generated. Examples of these rules are shown below. 1. If there are multiple identical items eligible for simplified shipping (second shipping method), these items will be combined into one shipment to qualify for simplified shipping. However, there is a limit to the number of items that can be shipped together, and if the number exceeds this limit, the items will be shipped separately. 2. If there are multiple items to which simplified shipping (second shipping method) applies, and the items are different from each other, these items will be combined into one package that can be shipped together using standard shipping. 3. In cases where some items are eligible for standard shipping (first shipping method) and others for simplified shipping (second shipping method), these items will be combined into a single shipment eligible for standard shipping. 4. Products to which standard delivery (first delivery method) or simplified delivery (second delivery method) applies, but which are only permitted to be delivered individually, will not be included in the combined delivery options.

[0023] Based on the rules above, the system generates combinations of items that can be shipped together for the items selected by the user.

[0024] Please note that depending on the number of items selected by the user, multiple combinations may occur. These multiple combination patterns (groups) will be referred to as "packaged shipping patterns" below. In such cases, the total shipping cost will be calculated for each packaged shipping pattern, and the packaged shipping combination with the lowest total cost will be selected. This will further reduce the user's financial burden.

[0025] The following describes the system that enables the above delivery method.

[0026] [Overall structure] The product provision management system in this embodiment will be described.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product delivery system in this embodiment. In Figure 1, 1 is a product delivery device, 2 is a user terminal, 3 is a product, and 4 is a product management warehouse.

[0028] The product dispensing device 1, the user's terminal 2, and the product management warehouse 4 are all connectable to and can communicate with each other via a communication line N. The communication line N refers to a communication path capable of data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes not only dedicated lines (dedicated cables) for direct connection and LANs such as Ethernet (registered trademark), but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method can be wired or wireless.

[0029] Product provisioning device 1 is a server system comprising one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. Product provisioning device 1 performs various services to provide product 3 to the user, and handles the procedures for delivering the product to the user.

[0030] Terminal 2 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of terminal 2. As shown in Figure 2, terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integrated with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. Terminal 2 is also provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, volume control buttons, etc., which are not shown.

[0031] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPUs, GPUs, and DSPs, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with the base station. The control board also includes so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception.

[0032] Product 3 is a product that the seller sells to the user. In this embodiment, the product is a product that the user provides to the user upon payment of a monetary price. The product is represented in the form of a tangible item. For example, it may be a figure or other sculpture that has the appearance of a certain character, or clothing, plastic models, accessories, etc., but is not limited to these. Furthermore, there are multiple types of products depending on the shipping time. For example, there are in-stock products that are normally sold and can be shipped immediately if they are in stock, and pre-order products that are announced for sale and reservations are accepted. In addition, the shipping time for pre-order products is predetermined.

[0033] Product management warehouse 4 is the warehouse where product 3 is stored and managed. It receives shipping instructions from product supply device 1 and handles the procedures for delivering product 3 to the user's home or other location.

[0034] [Functional Configuration] The configuration of each device will be explained.

[0035] First, let's explain the configuration of the product dispensing device 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product dispensing device 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the product dispensing device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0037] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the product dispensing device 1 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The main functional units of the processing unit 10 include a user information management unit 111, a product purchase screen display control unit 112, a product management unit 113, a bundled delivery combination generation unit 114, a shipping cost determination unit 115, an order processing control unit 116, and a shipping processing control unit 117.

[0038] The User Information Management Unit 111 manages user information using the User Information Database D1. The information managed includes the user's identification information (User ID) and password within the purchase service, personal information such as the user's name and address, and the user's purchase history information for product 3. The purchase history information includes product information for product 3 purchased by the user, the number of product 3 purchased, the purchase date, identification information for the order group and shipping group described later, and the cumulative amount of the price (cost) of products purchased by the user to date. Figure 4 shows an example of the User Information Database D1. In the example in Figure 4, the User Information Data D1 is a table that associates the user's User ID, the user's personal information, and the user's purchase history information.

[0039] The Product Management Department 112 manages the inventory status of product 3 using product information data D2.

[0040] Product Information Database D2 is a database that records information about products sold. Figure 5 shows an example of Product Information Database D2. Product information includes product identification information (ID), product name, product details, product image, inventory status, estimated shipping date, and delivery type. Product ID is the identification information that identifies product 3. Product name is the name of product 3. Product details concern all information about product 3, including information on whether it is an in-stock product (normal sales format) or a pre-order product (reservation required), and product description information. Product image is image data of product 3. Inventory status is the number (quantity) of product 3 in stock. Estimated shipping date is the time when product 3 can be shipped, and the shipping date can be specified as immediate, monthly, weekly, or daily. Delivery type is the delivery method for product 3, and there are standard delivery and simplified delivery options. In addition, for products that do not allow delivery in combination with other products, "Single" is indicated in the delivery type along with the delivery method.

[0041] The product management department 112 updates the product information database D2 whenever a new product 3 is added, and whenever the inventory status of product 3 changes.

[0042] The product purchase screen display control unit 113 refers to the product information database D2 and, in coordination with other units, comprehensively processes the operation of displaying the product purchase screen for product 3 to terminal 2.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of a product purchase screen displayed on the user's terminal 2. At the top of the product purchase screen shown in Figure 6, there is a My Page icon 61 that transitions to the My Page where the user's information can be viewed, a Product List icon 62 that transitions to the Product List screen where a list of products currently for sale can be viewed, and a Cart icon 63 that transitions to the Cart screen where the products selected by the user for purchase can be viewed. At the bottom, a detailed screen related to the selected icon is displayed. The bottom of the product purchase screen shown in Figure 6 also shows the case where the Product List icon 62 is selected and the Product List screen 64 is displayed. The Product List screen 64 includes product information 65 such as the product image, product name, stock availability, price, and shipping method type, and includes a checkbox 66 for each product 3 that allows the user to select that product 3. The user can select the product 3 by checking the checkbox 66. The user can also add the selected product 3 to the cart by selecting the cart button 67 located below the Product List screen 64.

[0044] The bundled shipping combination generation unit 114 obtains the shipping type of the products added to the cart (selected by the user) from the product information database D2 and generates a combination of products that can be shipped together according to predetermined rules. The rules defined in this embodiment are as follows. Note that the following combination rules are just examples. 1. If there are multiple identical items eligible for simplified shipping, these items will be combined into one shipment to qualify for simplified shipping. However, the maximum number of items that can be shipped together is three. If the number exceeds this limit, the items will be shipped individually or combined with other items. 2. If there are multiple items to which simplified shipping applies, and the items are different from each other, these items will be combined into a single package that can be shipped together using standard shipping. 3. If an item is eligible for standard shipping (the first shipping method) and another item is eligible for simplified shipping, these items will be combined into a single shipment eligible for standard shipping. However, the number of items eligible for simplified shipping that can be combined is limited to a maximum of two. 4. Products to which standard delivery (first delivery method) or simplified delivery (second delivery method) applies, but which are only permitted to be delivered individually, will not be included in the combined delivery options.

[0045] If the combined shipping combination generation unit 114 generates multiple combined shipping patterns according to the above rules, it notifies the shipping cost determination unit 115 of all of those combined shipping patterns.

[0046] For example, consider the case in the product purchase screen of Figure 6 where a user adds a total of 5 items to their cart: "XXX Zero Fighter", "YYY Figure", "ZZZ Figure" (2 units), and "AAA Secret Key". Here, the bundled shipping combination generation unit 114 obtains from the product information database D2 that the shipping type for "XXX Zero Fighter" is standard shipping, the shipping types for "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" are simplified shipping, and the shipping type for "AAA Secret Key" is simplified shipping (single unit). The bundled shipping combination generation unit 114 generates the following bundled shipping combinations according to the above rules.

[0047] (1) Combined shipping pattern 1 • Product name "XXX Zero Fighter" + Product name "ZZZ Figure" (Combined shipping with standard delivery) • Product name "YYY Figure" + Product name "YYY Figure" (Combined shipping via simplified delivery) • Product name: "AAA Secret Key" (Simple shipping, bundled delivery)

[0048] (2) Combined shipping pattern 2 • Product name "XXX Zero Fighter" + Product name "YYY Figure" (Combined shipping with standard delivery) • Product name "YYY Figure" + Product name "ZZZ Figure" (Combined shipping with standard delivery) • Product name: "AAA Secret Key" (Simple delivery, single item) The bundled shipping combination generation unit 114 notifies the shipping cost determination unit 115 of all the generated bundled shipping patterns.

[0049] The shipping cost determination unit 115 determines the shipping cost for each combination of bundled shipping patterns received from the bundled shipping combination generation unit 114. The rules for determining the shipping cost for each combination are as follows:

[0050] • For combinations of standard delivery items and simplified delivery items, the shipping cost will be the standard delivery shipping cost (item #1).

[0051] • For combinations of identical items shipped via simplified delivery, the shipping fee will be the second shipping fee, which is the shipping fee for simplified delivery.

[0052] • For combinations of different products eligible for simplified shipping, the shipping cost will be the standard shipping cost (the first shipping cost).

[0053] The shipping cost for each combination will be determined according to the shipping cost rules described above. For example, in the case of the example above, it will be as follows:

[0054] (1) Combined shipping pattern 1 • The shipping cost for the items "XXX Zero Fighter" and "ZZZ Figure" (standard combined shipping) is the first shipping cost. • The shipping cost for product name "YYY Figure" + product name "YYY Figure" (simple combined shipping) is the second shipping cost. • The shipping fee for the product name "AAA Secret Key" (simple delivery) is the second shipping fee.

[0055] (2) Combined shipping pattern 2 • The shipping cost for the item "XXX Zero Fighter" + "YYY Figure" (standard combined shipping) is the first shipping cost. • The shipping cost for product name "YYY figure" + product name "ZZZ figure" (standard combined shipping) is the first shipping cost. • The shipping fee for the product name "AAA Secret Key" (simple delivery, single delivery) is the second shipping fee. The shipping cost determination unit 115 calculates the total shipping cost for each pattern and selects the pattern with the lowest total shipping cost as the shipping pattern for delivering the goods. In the example above, this is as follows:

[0056] (1) Total shipping cost for combined shipping pattern 1 = Shipping cost for 1st item + Shipping cost for 2nd item + Shipping cost for 2nd item

[0057] (2) Total shipping cost for combined shipping pattern 2 = Shipping cost for 1st shipping + Shipping cost for 1st shipping + Shipping cost for 2nd shipping Here, since the second shipping fee is cheaper than the first shipping fee, the total shipping fee for combined shipping pattern 1 is cheaper than that for combined shipping pattern 2. Therefore, the shipping fee determination unit 115 selects combined shipping pattern 1, which has the cheaper total shipping fee, as the combined shipping pattern for shipping the goods.

[0058] The order processing control unit 115 groups each combination of bundled delivery patterns determined by the shipping cost determination unit 115 into an order group and processes each order group. When the cart icon 63 is selected on the product purchase screen of terminal 2, the order processing control unit 115 presents an order screen to terminal 2 for each order group. Figure 7 is an example of the order screen 71 on the product purchase screen. In the example of the order screen 71 in Figure 7, the order procedures for the product name "XXX Zero Fighter" and the product name "ZZZ Figure", the order procedures for two product names "YYY Figure", and the order procedure for the product name "AAA Secret Key" (simple delivery) are displayed. The shipping cost and delivery method are displayed for each order procedure.

[0059] The order processing control unit 116 processes the order for an order group when the order procedure button for that order group is selected. The order processing settles the total amount of the products belonging to that order group. The payment method is not limited to any particular type, such as credit card or points operated by the sales system.

[0060] In Figure 7, each combination of bundled shipping patterns is treated as an order group; however, it is also acceptable to distinguish between bundled shipping groups and separate shipping groups and treat them as separate order groups.

[0061] The shipping processing control unit 117 groups together each order group for which payment has been completed, creating a shipping group for all products belonging to that order group, and then handles the procedures for determining the delivery destination and delivery time for the products belonging to the shipping group. The delivery destination address is selected from the address registered in the user information database D1.

[0062] The communication unit 11 connects to the communication line N to enable communication.

[0063] The storage unit 12 stores a system program and functional programs. The system program is a program that realizes the basic functions of the product dispensing device 1 as a computer. The functional programs are programs that cause the processing unit 10 to function as a user information management unit 111, a product purchase screen display control unit 112, a product management unit 113, a bundled delivery combination generation unit 114, a shipping cost determination unit 115, an order processing control unit 116, and a shipping processing control unit 117. The storage unit 12 also stores a user information database D1 and a product information database D2.

[0064] Next, we will describe the configuration of terminal 2. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, terminal 2 comprises an operation input unit 30, a processing unit 31, an image display unit 32, an audio output unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0066] The operation input unit 30 is for inputting various user operations and outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 31 according to the operation input. The functions of the operation input unit 30 can be realized not only by elements that the user directly operates with their fingers, such as a touch operation pad, home button, button switch, joystick, and trackball, but also by elements that detect movement and posture, such as an accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. In Figure 2, the touch operation panel 22 is an example of this.

[0067] The processing unit 31 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 35, operation input signals from the operation input unit 30, etc. The functions of the processing unit 31 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 31 mainly comprises a calculation unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a sound generation unit 42, and a communication control unit 43.

[0068] The calculation unit 40 performs various processes for purchasing product 3 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 41, the sound generation unit 42, and the communication control unit 43. The calculation unit 40 includes a display control unit 50 and an order procedure processing unit 51.

[0069] The display control unit 50 uses information provided by the product supply device 1 and user operation information to display and enhance the product purchase screen for product 3, and to perform the order procedure for product 3.

[0070] The order processing unit 51 performs the order processing for the goods (products) 3. Specifically, it performs the order processing for goods 3 in cooperation with the order processing control unit 115 of the product supply device 1.

[0071] The image generation unit 41 generates one image in one frame time (e.g., 1 / 60th of a second) based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 32. The functions of the image generation unit 41 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, and an IC memory used for unpacking texture data.

[0072] The sound generation unit 42 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs them to the sound output unit 33. The functions of the sound generation unit 42 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a speech synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files.

[0073] The communication control unit 43 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the product supply device 1.

[0074] The image display unit 32 displays the screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 41. The functions of the image display unit 32 can be realized by display devices such as flat panel displays, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), projectors, and head-mounted displays. In Figure 2, the image display unit 32 corresponds to the display 21.

[0075] The sound output unit 33 is for outputting sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 42. In Figure 2, the sound output unit 33 corresponds to the speaker 23.

[0076] The communication unit 34 connects to the communication line N to enable communication. The functions of the communication unit 34 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0077] The memory unit 35 pre-stores programs for operating terminal 2 and realizing various functions of terminal 2, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. The memory unit 35 can be implemented using, for example, an IC memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. Specifically, the memory unit 35 stores a system program and a control program that controls the terminal 2 in the process of purchasing goods (products) 3. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the processing unit 31 to function as the arithmetic unit 40.

[0078] [Explanation of operation] This section will explain the operation of the product provision management system in this embodiment, focusing on the operation of the product provision device 1. Figure 9 is an operation flowchart of the product provision management device 1.

[0079] First, the user uses terminal 2 to access product provision management device 1 and requests the product purchase screen.

[0080] Upon receiving a request for the product purchase screen, the product purchase screen display control unit 113 of the product provision management device 1 transmits the product purchase screen to terminal 2, causing terminal 2 to display the product purchase screen (Step 100).

[0081] The user selects product 3 to purchase from the product purchase screen displayed on terminal 2. To explain this in detail using Figure 6, the user selects the product list icon 62 to display a list of available products. The user can select product 3 from the displayed product list by checking the checkbox 66 next to the product they wish to order. Once the user has finished selecting product 3, they select the cart button 67 located at the bottom of the product list screen to add the selected product 3 to their cart.

[0082] The product purchase screen display control unit 113 determines whether the product 3 selected by the user has been added to the cart (Step 101). If the product has been added to the cart (Step 102), the bundled delivery combination generation unit 114 uses the product ID of product 3 to obtain the delivery type of product 3 from the product information database D2 (Step 103).

[0083] Next, the bundled shipping combination generation unit 114 generates bundled shipping combinations according to predetermined rules (Step 104). For example, in the example of the product purchase screen in Figure 6 above, it is as follows.

[0084] (1) Combined shipping pattern 1 • Product name "XXX Zero Fighter" + Product name "ZZZ Figure" (Combined shipping with standard delivery) • Product name "YYY Figure" + Product name "YYY Figure" (Combined shipping via simplified delivery) • Product name: "AAA Secret Key" (Simple shipping, bundled delivery)

[0085] (2) Combined shipping pattern 2 • Product name "XXX Zero Fighter" + Product name "YYY Figure" (Combined shipping with standard delivery) • Product name "YYY Figure" + Product name "ZZZ Figure" (Combined shipping with standard delivery) • Product name: "AAA Secret Key" (Simple delivery, single item) The shipping cost determination unit 115 determines the shipping cost for each combination of products in each bundled shipping pattern generated by the bundled shipping combination generation unit 114 (Step 105). For example, in the example of the product purchase screen in Figure 6 above, it is as follows.

[0086] (1) Combined shipping pattern 1 • The shipping cost for the items "XXX Zero Fighter" and "ZZZ Figure" (standard combined shipping) is the first shipping cost. • The shipping cost for product name "YYY Figure" + product name "YYY Figure" (simple combined shipping) is the second shipping cost. • The shipping fee for the product name "AAA Secret Key" (simple delivery) is the second shipping fee.

[0087] (2) Combined shipping pattern 2 • The shipping cost for the item "XXX Zero Fighter" + "YYY Figure" (standard combined shipping) is the first shipping cost. • The shipping cost for product name "YYY figure" + product name "ZZZ figure" (standard combined shipping) is the first shipping cost. • The shipping fee for the product name "AAA Secret Key" (simple delivery, single delivery) is the second shipping fee. The shipping cost determination unit 115 calculates the total shipping cost for each combined shipping pattern (Step 106), and the combined shipping pattern with the lowest total shipping cost is designated as the final combined shipping pattern for shipping the goods (Step 107). In the example above, the total shipping costs for each combined shipping pattern are as follows:

[0088] (1) Total shipping cost for combined shipping pattern 1 = Shipping cost for 1st item + Shipping cost for 2nd item + Shipping cost for 2nd item

[0089] (2) Total shipping cost for combined shipping pattern 2 = Shipping cost for 1st shipping + Shipping cost for 1st shipping + Shipping cost for 2nd shipping Furthermore, since the second shipping fee is lower than the first shipping fee, the total shipping fee for combined shipping pattern 1 is cheaper than the total shipping fee for combined shipping pattern 2. As a result, the shipping fee determination unit 115 sets combined shipping pattern 1 as the confirmed combined shipping pattern for shipping the goods.

[0090] The order processing control unit 116 generates an order group for each combination of products in the confirmed bundled delivery pattern (Step 108), and processes the order for each grouped order group (Step 109). Specifically, when the user selects the cart icon 63 on the product purchase screen of terminal 2, the order processing control unit 115 presents an order screen 71 to terminal 2 for placing orders for each order group. In the example in Figure 7, the order procedures for the products "XXX Zero Fighter" and "ZZZ Figure" belonging to order group 1, the order procedures for the two products "YYY Figure" belonging to order group 2, and the order procedure for the product "AAA Secret Key" belonging to order group 2 are displayed. Furthermore, the shipping cost and delivery type for that order group are displayed.

[0091] The order processing control unit 116 processes the order for an order group when the user selects the order procedure button 72 for that order group. Order processing is the process of settling the total amount of the products belonging to that order group. The order processing control unit 115 also records the product information (including the product ID) of the products of the order group for which the order processing has been completed in the purchase history information of the user who placed the order in the user information database D1.

[0092] The shipping processing control unit 117 performs shipping procedure processing for each order group for which payment has been completed, to ship the products belonging to that order group together (Step 110).

[0093] In this embodiment, when a user purchases multiple items, the system determines a combination of items to ship in a way that minimizes shipping costs, and then ships those items together. This configuration allows multiple items to be shipped to the user in a single package, thereby reducing the shipping costs incurred by the user. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0094] <Modified form of the first embodiment> The above-mentioned combination rules may be given priority. For example, if there are multiple identical items to which simplified shipping applies, identical items may be prioritized for combination. Doing so can reduce the number of combined shipping combinations that are generated. For example, in the above example, only combined shipping pattern 1 will be generated.

[0095] Furthermore, it is possible to expand the range of items that are not eligible for combined shipping to include not only items shipped separately, but also items that are out of stock at the time of order, or pre-order items that are scheduled to be sold in the future.

[0096] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment will now be described.

[0097] The first embodiment described a case where in-stock items are purchased in a single order. However, users do not always purchase only in-stock items in a single order. For example, if a user purchases item A on one day and item B on a different day, items A and B belong to different order groups. Therefore, even if they can be shipped together, the shipments will be separate, increasing the shipping costs incurred by the user. Thus, the second embodiment describes an example where items to be delivered on different days are bundled and shipped together after the order has been processed.

[0098] Figure 10 shows an example of a product purchase screen in the second embodiment.

[0099] The bundled delivery combination generation unit 114, when displaying bundled delivery pattern combinations on the product purchase screen, determines from the combination rules whether any ordered items that have already been ordered but not yet delivered are eligible for bundled delivery. Typical examples of ordered but not yet delivered items are, for example, pre-order items. Such items can be determined from the purchase history information in the user information database D1. In the example in Figure 10, it is shown that in bundled delivery of product name "XXX Zero Fighter" and product name "ZZZ Figure," one more item, product name "PPP Sentai Figure," which is eligible for simplified delivery and is scheduled for delivery in November (same month), can be bundled.

[0100] By checking the product name "PPP Sentai Figure," users can have the product names "XXX Zero Fighter," "ZZZ Figure," and "PPP Sentai Figure" shipped together, and the shipping cost will be the first shipping cost.

[0101] Furthermore, the first embodiment can also be applied to each delivery period. The delivery period can be, for example, on a monthly or weekly basis.

[0102] When the user selects the My Page icon 61 on the product purchase screen, the product purchase screen display control unit 113 displays the My Page screen to the terminal 2. Figure 12 shows an example of the My Page screen 81. When the "Consolidate Orders" button 82 is selected on this My Page screen 81, the bundled delivery combination generation unit 114 reads the scheduled shipping month and ordered products from the purchase history information in the user information database D1 and displays a selection button for each scheduled shipping month.

[0103] Figure 12 is an example of a My Page screen where selection buttons are displayed for each scheduled shipping month.

[0104] By selecting a button to choose the month in which the user wishes to consolidate product shipments, the bundled delivery combination generation unit 114 generates a bundled delivery pattern for the products to be delivered in that selected month. Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0105] In the second embodiment, even if the products are delivered at different times, they can be shipped together. Since the shipping fee system of the first embodiment applies to such combined shipping, the shipping costs borne by the user can be further reduced. As a result, user convenience can be enhanced.

[0106] In the first and second embodiments, the first delivery method was referred to as standard delivery and the second delivery method as simplified delivery. However, the invention is not limited to these two embodiments. The second delivery method does not need to be simplified; it only needs to have lower delivery costs than the first delivery method. For example, the first delivery method may be called the first form of delivery method, and the second delivery method may be called the second form of delivery method.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0108] Furthermore, some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0109] [Note 1] A product delivery device capable of communicating with a user terminal, A means of accepting orders that allows customers to select products from a selection of products including Type 1 products, which are subject to Type 1 shipping charges, and Type 2 products, which are subject to Type 2 shipping charges that are lower than Type 1 shipping charges. A combination generation means that generates a combination of products that can be shipped together from a selection of multiple products according to a predetermined combination rule, A shipping cost determination method that determines the shipping cost for a combination of items that can be shipped together, depending on the combination of items, to be either a first shipping cost or a second shipping cost that is lower than the first shipping cost, A product dispensing device equipped with the following features.

[0110] [Note 2] The aforementioned shipping cost determination means determines the shipping cost for a combination of products that can be shipped together as the second shipping cost, provided that the combination of products that can be shipped together is a combination of the same second type of products. The product dispensing device described in Appendix 1.

[0111] [Note 3] The aforementioned shipping cost determination means determines the shipping cost for a combination of products that can be shipped together as the first shipping cost, provided that the combination of products that can be shipped together is a combination of two different types of products. Product supply device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0112] [Note 4] The aforementioned shipping cost determination means determines the shipping cost for a combination of products that can be shipped together as the first shipping cost, provided that the combination of products that can be shipped together is a combination of a first type product and a second type product. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0113] [Note 5] The combination generation means generates a bundled delivery pattern, which is a pattern of combinations of products that can be shipped together. The aforementioned shipping cost determination means calculates the total shipping cost for each combined shipping pattern and determines the combination of products in the combined shipping pattern with the lowest total shipping cost to be shipped. A product dispensing device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0114] [Note 6] The aforementioned combination rule permits combinations of the second type of goods, and combinations of the first type of goods and the second type of goods, as combinations that can be shipped together. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0115] [Note 7] The aforementioned combination rule is a rule that prioritizes combining identical second-type products as combinations that can be shipped together. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0116] [Note 8] The aforementioned combination rule is a rule that stipulates that the number of products constituting a combination must be less than or equal to a predetermined number. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0117] [Note 9] The aforementioned combination rules exclude items that are not permitted to be shipped together, items that are out of stock, and pre-order items from being included in the combinations. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 8.

[0118] [Note 10] The aforementioned combination generation means selects products ordered at different times as products to be included in the combined delivery. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 9.

[0119] [Note 11] The aforementioned combination generation means selects products that are shipped at the same time as products to be included in the combination for combined shipping. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0120] [Note 12] Computers, A method for accepting orders that allows customers to select items from a selection of products including Type 1 products, which are subject to Type 1 shipping charges, and Type 2 products, which are subject to Type 2 shipping charges, which are lower than Type 1 shipping charges. A combination generation means that generates a combination of products that can be shipped together from a selection of multiple products according to a predetermined combination rule. A shipping cost determination method that determines the shipping cost for a combination of items that can be shipped together, by selecting either a first shipping cost or a second shipping cost that is lower than the first shipping cost, depending on the combination of items. A program that makes it function as such.

[0121] [Note 13] It comprises a product dispensing device that provides products, and a user terminal, The aforementioned product dispensing device is A purchase screen presentation means that presents a purchase screen to the user's terminal, which includes a first type of product that is subject to the first shipping fee and a second type of product that is subject to the second shipping fee which is lower than the first shipping fee. A combination generation means that generates a combination of products that can be shipped together, according to predetermined combination rules, from among multiple products selected by the user from the products displayed on the purchase screen, A shipping cost determination method that determines the shipping cost for a combination of items that can be shipped together, depending on the combination of items, to be either a first shipping cost or a second shipping cost that is lower than the first shipping cost, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal is A display unit that displays the aforementioned purchase screen, A transmission means for transmitting to the product supply device, in an identifiable manner, the product selected by the user from among the product information displayed on the purchase screen, A product delivery system equipped with these features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1 Product provision management device 2 terminals 3 products 4 Product management warehouse 10 Processing Unit 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 111 User Information Management Department 112 Product Management Department 113 Product Purchase Screen Display Control Unit 114. Combined Shipping Combination Generation Unit 115 Shipping cost determination section 116 Order Processing Control Unit 117 Shipping Processing Control Unit

Claims

1. A product delivery device capable of communicating with a user terminal, A means of accepting orders that allows customers to select products from a selection of products including Type 1 products, which are subject to Type 1 shipping charges, and Type 2 products, which are subject to Type 2 shipping charges, which are lower than Type 1 shipping charges. A combination generation means that generates only one combination of products that can be shipped together according to predetermined combination rules for multiple selected products, and determines that single combination, A shipping cost determination means that determines the shipping cost for the combination of goods determined above, applying the second shipping cost above if the combination consists of the same second type of goods, and applying the first shipping cost above if it includes different second type of goods or first type of goods, based on the content of the combination of goods, Equipped with, The shipping cost determination means determines the shipping cost for the single combination only, without comparing it with the shipping costs of other combined shipping patterns. Product provision equipment.

2. The combination generation means generates and determines only one combination of bundled delivery for the plurality of products according to a predetermined priority order. The product dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The product supply device is not based on the premise of comprehensively generating all possible combination patterns for the plurality of products. A product dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The combination rule includes a rule that preferentially includes the same second type of product in the package. The product dispensing device according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned combination rule permits combinations of the second type of goods, and combinations of the first type of goods and the second type of goods, as combinations that can be shipped together. The product dispensing device according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned combination rule is a rule that stipulates that the number of products constituting a combination must be less than or equal to a predetermined number. The product dispensing device according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned combination rules exclude items that are not permitted to be shipped together, items that are out of stock, and pre-order items from being included in the combinations. The product dispensing device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned combination generation means selects products ordered at different times as products to be included in the combined delivery. The product dispensing device according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned combination generation means selects products that are shipped at the same time as products to be included in the combination for combined shipping. The product dispensing device according to claim 8.

10. Computers, A means of accepting orders that allows customers to select items from a selection of products that include Type 1 products subject to Type 1 shipping charges and Type 2 products subject to Type 2 shipping charges which are lower than Type 1 shipping charges. A combination generation means that generates only one combination of products that can be shipped together, according to predetermined combination rules, for multiple selected products, and determines that single combination. A shipping cost determination means that determines the shipping cost for the combination of goods determined above, by applying the second shipping cost above if the combination consists of the same second type of goods, and applying the first shipping cost above if it includes different second type of goods or first type of goods, based on the content of the combination of goods. To make it function as, The shipping cost determination means determines the shipping cost for the single combination only, without comparing it with the shipping costs of other combined shipping patterns. program.

11. It comprises a product dispensing device that provides products, and a user terminal, The aforementioned product dispensing device is A purchase screen presentation means that presents a purchase screen to the user's terminal, which includes a first type of product that is subject to the first shipping fee and a second type of product that is subject to the second shipping fee which is lower than the first shipping fee. A combination generation means that generates only one combination of products that can be shipped together according to predetermined combination rules for multiple selected products, and determines that single combination, A shipping cost determination means that determines the shipping cost for the combination of goods determined above, applying the second shipping cost above if the combination consists of the same second type of goods, and applying the first shipping cost above if it includes different second type of goods or first type of goods, based on the content of the combination of goods, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal is A display unit that displays the aforementioned purchase screen, A transmission means for transmitting to the product supply device, in an identifiable manner, the product selected by the user from among the product information displayed on the purchase screen, Equipped with, The shipping cost determination means determines the shipping cost for the single combination only, without comparing it with the shipping costs of other combined shipping patterns. Product delivery system.

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