Information provision device, electronic commerce system, information provision method, and information provision program

Abstract

An information provision device (10) comprises: a storage unit (13) that stores specification information indicating specifications of a plurality of industrial motors; a specification information provision processing unit (16) that executes a process for reading, from the storage unit (13), specification information pertaining to an existing product on the basis of name plate information which has been read from a name plate of an industrial motor, which is the existing product, and providing, to a user, the specification information pertaining to the existing product; and a purchase assistance processing unit (17) that, on the basis of the specification information pertaining to the existing product, selects, from among the plurality of industrial motors, a current product which is exchangeable with the existing product, and that executes, as a process for assisting the user with purchasing an industrial motor, a process for providing, to the user, information pertaining to the selected current product.

Description

Information providing device, electronic commerce system, information providing method, and information providing program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing device, an electronic commerce system, an information providing method, and an information providing program that provide information on industrial motors.

[0002] Conventionally, when purchasing an industrial motor to replace an existing industrial motor, the specifications of the existing motor are checked to select a current model industrial motor that can be used to replace the existing motor. While some of the specifications of the existing motor may be listed on a nameplate attached to the existing motor, it is difficult to list all of the specifications on the nameplate. Therefore, users of the existing motor typically check the specifications of the existing motor from the purchase specifications provided when purchasing the existing motor. If users are unable to check the purchase specifications, they inquire about the specifications of the existing motor from the seller or manufacturer that sold the existing motor. Furthermore, in order for users to identify an industrial motor that can be used to replace the existing motor among current models of industrial motors, the users must communicate the specifications of the existing motor to the industrial motor seller or manufacturer, and the seller or manufacturer must then identify and inform the user of current models of industrial motors that can be used to replace the existing motor. Thus, in the past, checking to purchase a current model that can be used to replace the existing motor was a time-consuming process.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a nameplate attached to the body of a vacuum cleaner is provided with a two-dimensional code encoding maintenance information for the body and a two-dimensional code encoding disassembly information for the body, and the maintenance information and disassembly information can be obtained by reading the two-dimensional code. Patent Document 2 discloses that product information at the time of manufacture of a motor is provided on an electronic page, and a two-dimensional code encoding reference information for accessing the electronic page is provided to the motor.

[0004] JP 2000-267572 A JP 2018-180777 A

[0005] However, with the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, while a user can check the specifications of an existing component, the user cannot check which current components are replaceable with the existing component. Even when the conventional technology is applied, the user must communicate the specifications of the existing component to an industrial motor seller or industrial motor manufacturer, and the seller or manufacturer must then research and inform the user of current industrial motors that are replaceable with the existing component. As such, with the conventional technology, because it is not possible to provide users with information about current components that can be replaced with the existing component, it is time-consuming to check and purchase a current component that can replace the existing component.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an information providing device that can provide a user with information about current products that can be replaced with existing products.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the information providing device of the present disclosure includes a memory unit that stores specification information indicating the specifications of each of a plurality of industrial motors; a specification information providing processing unit that reads out the specification information of the existing product from the memory unit based on nameplate information, which is information read from the nameplate of the industrial motor that is an existing product, and performs a process of providing the specification information of the existing product to the user; and a purchase support processing unit that selects from a plurality of industrial motors an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product based on the specification information of the existing product, and provides information about the selected existing product to the user, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing an industrial motor.

[0008] The information providing device according to the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to provide a user with information about current products that can be replaced with existing products.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic commerce system including an information providing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information providing device according to a first embodiment.

[0010] An information providing device, an electronic commerce system, an information providing method, and an information providing program according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Before describing the embodiments, a conventional flow of ordering industrial motors will be described. Here, the first example will be an example of the flow of ordering when purchasing a new industrial motor, and the second example will be an example of the flow of ordering when purchasing an industrial motor to replace an existing industrial motor.

[0012] In a first example, a catalog of industrial motors may offer a variety of product models. However, while the products offered in the catalog are standard specifications, the specifications available to purchasers include many special specifications that differ from the standard specifications. Typically, purchasers can combine various specifications, including special specifications, at their discretion. The purchaser may be a manufacturer of equipment that includes industrial motors, or a manufacturer of a plant that includes industrial motors. The equipment manufacturer receives an order for the equipment from a user, designs the equipment, and determines the specifications of the industrial motor. The plant manufacturer receives an order for the plant from a user, designs the plant, and determines the specifications of the industrial motor.

[0013] A seller who sells industrial motors to a purchaser receives an order from the purchaser and places an order with the industrial motor manufacturer to manufacture an industrial motor that meets the required specifications that the purchaser has requested. The seller is a business that sells industrial motors and may be an agency, sales company, or branch office of the manufacturer. An industrial motor designer at the industrial motor manufacturer designs the industrial motor based on the required specifications. The designer also responds to the seller with a delivery date for the ordered industrial motor. The seller responds to the purchaser with a delivery date for the ordered industrial motor.

[0014] The industrial motor manufacturing department of an industrial motor manufacturer manufactures industrial motors designed by designers. The manufactured industrial motors are delivered by the industrial motor manufacturer to the purchaser via the seller. The purchaser then manufactures equipment or plants that incorporate the delivered industrial motors. All specifications, including special specifications, are clearly stated in the purchase specifications. The purchase specifications are passed on from the purchaser to the user. Normally, it is not possible to write all specifications on the nameplate attached to the industrial motor itself, so it is not possible to understand all specifications from the nameplate alone.

[0015] In the second example, a user considering replacing an existing industrial motor checks the purchase specifications when the existing item was purchased. The user is a user of the equipment that includes the industrial motor, or a user of the plant that includes the industrial motor. Because industrial motors have a relatively long life cycle and it is common for a single industrial motor to continue operating for several decades, the user may not be able to check the purchase specifications. Because a long time has passed since the existing item was purchased, there may be cases where, for example, the person who purchased the existing item has been transferred or retired, and no one knows the location of the purchase specifications, or the purchase specifications may have been lost. For this reason, there are many cases where the existing item exists but the location of the purchase specifications for the existing item is unknown.

[0016] If the user can confirm the purchase specifications, the user can order the industrial motor from the seller based on the contents of the purchase specifications. On the other hand, if the user does not know the purchase specifications for the existing product, the user inquires about the contents of the purchase specifications from the manufacturer of the equipment or plant that was the purchaser. If the manufacturer of the equipment or plant does not have the purchase specifications, the manufacturer of the equipment or plant will inquire about the contents of the purchase specifications from the distributor, sales company, or branch office of the manufacturer that was the seller. If the distributor, sales company, or branch office of the manufacturer does not have the purchase specifications, the distributor, sales company, or branch office of the manufacturer will inquire about the contents of the purchase specifications from the designer. After the contents of the purchase specifications are inquired of from the designer, the designer will investigate the specifications of industrial motors designed in the past. Once the contents of the purchase specifications are confirmed, the manufacturer of the equipment or plant that was the purchaser, the distributor, sales company, or branch office of the manufacturer that was the seller, and the designer will each communicate the contents of the purchase specifications to the source of the inquiry. In this way, the user can confirm the purchase specifications. As described above, the conventional process for ordering industrial motors requires a lot of manpower and can take a long time for the user to check the contents of the purchase specifications.

[0017] First Embodiment. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic commerce system 1 including an information providing device 10 according to a first embodiment. The electronic commerce system 1 is an electronic commerce system whose sales items include an industrial motor 2. The electronic commerce system 1 is operated, for example, by a seller who sells the industrial motor 2. In the first embodiment, the industrial motor 2 is a general-purpose motor, for example, an induction motor used mainly as a power source in factories, etc. In the first embodiment, the user is a user of equipment that includes the industrial motor 2, which is an existing product. Alternatively, the user may be a user of a plant that includes the industrial motor 2, which is an existing product.

[0018] The e-commerce system 1 includes a user terminal and an information providing device 10. The user terminal is an information processing device used by a user, and is a PC (Personal Computer) 5 or a mobile terminal 6. The mobile terminal 6 is a portable information processing terminal having communication and photographing functions, and is, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In the following description, the PC 5 and the mobile terminal 6 will be referred to as the user terminal without distinction.

[0019] The information providing device 10 is configured, for example, by one or more cloud servers. A cloud server is a server built in a cloud environment including computer resources provided by a cloud service platform. Note that the information providing device 10 may be a server other than a cloud server, for example, an on-premise server.

[0020] The information providing device 10 and the user terminal are connected via a network. The information providing device 10 and the user terminal communicate with each other via the network. The network is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, but may also be a local area network (LAN).

[0021] A nameplate 3 is attached to the industrial motor 2. Information indicating the main specifications of the industrial motor 2 is printed on the nameplate 3. The specification items printed on the nameplate 3 are arbitrary, and may include, for example, the manufacturer's name, product name, motor capacity, rated voltage, frequency, rated current, rotational speed, efficiency, power factor, efficiency class, frame size, rated specifications, heat resistance class, applicable standards, bearing number, manufacturing date, or serial number. The nameplate 3 may print information indicating a single specification for each item, or information indicating multiple specifications for each item. Printing information indicating multiple specifications for each item means, for example, printing multiple pairs of voltage and frequency. The nameplate 3 may also be provided with a code indicating encoded information. An example of the code is a two-dimensional code. Codes other than two-dimensional codes may also be printed on the nameplate 3. Characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the industrial motor 2 may also be printed on the nameplate 3. The characteristic information of the industrial motor 2 includes, for example, information such as starting torque, starting current, or stall torque.

[0022] If the user terminal is a PC 5, the user photographs the nameplate 3 using a device with a photographing function. An example of a device with a photographing function is a camera 4. The camera 4 transfers the image to the PC 5. The PC 5 transmits the image transferred from the camera 4 to the information providing device 10. If the user terminal is a mobile terminal 6, the user photographs the nameplate 3 using the mobile terminal 6. The mobile terminal 6 transmits the image photographed by the mobile terminal 6 to the information providing device 10. In this way, the user terminal transmits an image of the nameplate 3 of an existing item to the information providing device 10. The information providing device 10 receives the image photographed by the user terminal. Note that if a code is attached to the nameplate 3, the user terminal may decode the code and transmit the decoded information together with the image to the information providing device 10.

[0023] The information providing device 10 receives an image transmitted from a user terminal. The information providing device 10 analyzes the received image to acquire name plate information, which is information written on the name plate 3. When decrypted information is transmitted to the information providing device 10 together with the image, the information providing device 10 acquires name plate information that is the information acquired by analyzing the image plus the decrypted information.

[0024] The information providing device 10 compares the specification information stored in the information providing device 10 with the nameplate information, and transmits specification information indicating the specifications of the existing industrial motor 2 to the user terminal. The specification information of the industrial motor 2 includes, for example, information such as the manufacturer name, product name, motor capacity, rated voltage, frequency, rated current, rotational speed, efficiency, power factor, efficiency class, frame number, rated specifications, heat resistance class, applicable standards, bearing number, manufacturing date, and serial number. The user terminal receives the specification information transmitted from the information providing device 10. In this way, the information providing device 10 provides the specification information of the existing industrial motor 2 to the user.

[0025] If the user terminal is a PC 5, the PC 5 transmits images and receives specification information, for example, via a website operated by the operator of the electronic commerce system 1. If the user terminal is a mobile terminal 6, the mobile terminal 6 transmits images and receives specification information, for example, using an app. Such an app is distributed by the operator of the electronic commerce system 1 and installed in the mobile terminal 6 in advance.

[0026] Furthermore, the information providing device 10 selects an industrial motor 2 that is a current product that can replace the existing product based on the specification information of the existing product, and transmits information about the selected current product to the user terminal. If the user terminal is a PC 5, the PC 5 receives the information about the selected current product via, for example, the above-mentioned website. If the user terminal is a mobile terminal 6, the mobile terminal 6 receives the information about the selected current product using, for example, the above-mentioned app.

[0027] A user purchases a current product using a purchasing site 7. The purchasing site 7 is an electronic commerce (EC) site operated by the operator of the electronic commerce system 1. If the user terminal is a PC 5, the PC 5 accesses the purchasing site 7, which is a website. If the user terminal is a mobile terminal 6, an app for the purchasing site 7 is pre-installed on the mobile terminal 6, and the app for the purchasing site 7 is opened on the mobile terminal 6.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing device 10 according to the first embodiment. The information providing device 10 includes a communication unit 11 that communicates with devices external to the information providing device 10, a processing unit 12 that executes various processes, and a storage unit 13 that stores information. The processing unit 12 includes an acquisition unit 14, an analysis unit 15, a specification information provision processing unit 16, and a purchase support processing unit 17.

[0029] The storage unit 13 stores a characteristics database in which characteristic information is stored, a specifications database in which specification information is stored, and a sales database in which sales information is stored. The characteristics database stores characteristic information for each of the multiple industrial motors 2. The specification database stores specification information for each of the multiple industrial motors 2. The multiple industrial motors 2 for which characteristic information and specification information are stored in the storage unit 13 include current model industrial motors 2 and older model industrial motors 2. Current models are models that are currently on sale. Older models are models that were manufactured in the past but are no longer manufactured.

[0030] The sales database stores sales information about various current models of industrial motors 2 that are currently on the market. The sales information includes price information indicating the price of the industrial motor 2 and delivery time information indicating the delivery time of the industrial motor 2.

[0031] The communication unit 11 receives information transmitted from the user terminal. The acquisition unit 14 acquires the information received by the communication unit 11 from the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 14 acquires an image transmitted from the user terminal to the information providing device 10. The acquisition unit 14 outputs the acquired image to the analysis unit 15. When information decoded by the user terminal is transmitted to the information providing device 10, the acquisition unit 14 acquires the decoded information. The acquisition unit 14 outputs the decoded information to the analysis unit 15.

[0032] The analysis unit 15 reads the information written on the name plate 3 by analyzing the image input to the analysis unit 15. The analysis unit 15 outputs the name plate information, which is the information read from the name plate 3, to the specification information providing processing unit 16. When decrypted information is input to the analysis unit 15, the analysis unit 15 outputs the name plate information including the decrypted information to the specification information providing processing unit 16.

[0033] The specification information providing processing unit 16 executes a process of reading specification information of the existing product from the storage unit 13 based on the nameplate information, which is information read from the nameplate 3 of the industrial motor 2, which is an existing product, and providing the specification information of the existing product to the user. The specification information providing processing unit 16 compares the nameplate information input to the specification information providing processing unit 16 with the specification information stored in the specification database. Based on the result of comparing the nameplate information with the specification information, the specification information providing processing unit 16 identifies specification information indicating the specifications of the industrial motor 2, which is an existing product, from the specification information stored in the specification database. In this way, the specification information providing processing unit 16 reads the specification information of the existing product from the storage unit 13 based on the nameplate information read from the nameplate 3 captured in the image. The specification information providing processing unit 16 outputs the identified specification information to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the identified specification information to the user terminal. In this way, the information providing device 10 provides the specification information of the existing product to the user. Furthermore, the specification information providing processing unit 16 outputs the identified specification information to the purchase support processing unit 17 .

[0034] The purchase support processing unit 17 executes a process of selecting an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product from among a plurality of industrial motors 2 based on the specification information of the existing product, and providing the user with information about the selected existing product, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor 2. The purchase support processing unit 17 selects the existing product based on the specification information of the existing product, which is the specification information input to the purchase support processing unit 17.

[0035] The information provided to the user by the purchase support processing unit 17 regarding the selected current product is specification information, price information, and delivery date information. The purchase support processing unit 17 reads out the specification information of the selected current product from the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 reads out the price information of the selected current product and the delivery date information of the selected current product from the sales database. The specification information providing processing unit 16 outputs the specification information, price information, and delivery date information read out from the memory unit 13 to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information to the user terminal. In this way, the information providing device 10 provides the user with the specification information, price information, and delivery date information regarding the selected current product.

[0036] If an industrial motor 2 of the same model as the existing product and a current model is present among the multiple industrial motors 2, the purchase support processing unit 17 selects the industrial motor 2 of the same model as the existing product and a current model as the current product. The same model refers to the same model. If an industrial motor 2 of the same model as the existing product and a current model is not present among the multiple industrial motors 2, the purchase support processing unit 17 selects an industrial motor 2 of a model that can replace the existing product and is a current model as the current product. The purchase support processing unit 17 compares the specifications and characteristics of the existing product with the specifications and characteristics of each of the multiple current models of industrial motors 2, thereby selecting a replacement product that is a current product that can replace the existing product from among the multiple current models of industrial motors 2. The purchase support processing unit 17 further performs a process of presenting the user with information to a purchasing site 7 where the selected current product can be purchased, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor 2.

[0037] If the user terminal is a PC 5, the purchase support processing unit 17 provides the user with guidance to the purchase site 7, for example, by displaying a link to the purchase site 7 where the selected current product can be purchased on the PC 5. If the user terminal is a mobile terminal 6, the purchase support processing unit 17 provides the user with guidance to the purchase site 7, for example, by displaying the name of an app for the purchase site 7 where the selected current product can be purchased on the mobile terminal 6. In this way, the purchase support processing unit 17 displays guidance to the purchase site 7 where the selected current product can be purchased on the user terminal.

[0038] Furthermore, when special specifications are included in the specifications indicated in the specification information of the existing product, the purchase support processing unit 17 further executes a process of selecting a replacement from among a plurality of industrial motors 2 and providing the user with information about the selected replacement, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor 2. The replacement selected by the purchase support processing unit 17 is a model in which the special specifications have been replaced with standard specifications and is a current model of industrial motor 2. The information provided to the user by the purchase support processing unit 17 about the selected replacement is specification information, price information, and delivery date information, just like in the case of the current product.

[0039] The purchase support processing unit 17 further executes a process of presenting the user with a guide to the purchasing site 7 where the selected substitute can be purchased, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor 2. If the user terminal is a PC 5, similar to the case of the guide for the current product, the purchase support processing unit 17 presents the user with a guide to the purchasing site 7 by displaying on the PC 5 a link to the purchasing site 7 where the selected substitute can be purchased, or by displaying on the mobile terminal 6 the name of an app for the purchasing site 7 where the selected substitute can be purchased.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of an operation procedure of the information providing device 10. Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation procedure of the information providing device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The user terminal transmits a photographed image of the name plate 3 to the information providing device 10. Alternatively, the user terminal decodes the code attached to the name plate 3 and transmits the photographed image of the name plate 3 and the decoded information to the information providing device 10. The communication unit 11 receives the image, or the image and the decoded information. In step S1 shown in FIG. 3 , the acquisition unit 14 acquires the image, or the image and the decoded information. The acquisition unit 14 outputs the image to the analysis unit 15. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 14 outputs the image and the decoded information to the analysis unit 15.

[0042] In step S2, the analysis unit 15 analyzes the image input to the analysis unit 15. The analysis unit 15 reads the information written on the name plate 3 and outputs the name plate information to the specification information providing processing unit 16. When the decrypted information is input to the analysis unit 15, the analysis unit 15 outputs the name plate information including the decrypted information to the specification information providing processing unit 16.

[0043] In step S3, the specification information providing processing unit 16 acquires specification information of the existing product based on the nameplate information and the information in the specification database. For example, the specification information providing processing unit 16 acquires specification information of the existing product, that is, the industrial motor 2, by extracting specification information including a serial number that matches the serial number indicated in the nameplate information from the specification database. The specification information providing processing unit 16 outputs the specification information acquired in step S3 to both the communication unit 11 and the purchase support processing unit 17.

[0044] In step S4, the communication unit 11 transmits the specification information to the user terminal, which receives the specification information and displays it on the screen of the user terminal.

[0045] In step S5, the purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether the existing product is a current model based on the specification information input to the purchase support processing unit 17. The purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether the existing product is a current model based on, for example, the manufacturer name, product name, manufacturing date, or serial number among the specification information. If it is determined that the existing product is a current model (step S5, Yes), the information providing device 10 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the existing product is not a current model (step S5, No), the information providing device 10 proceeds to step S14 shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] In step S6, the purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether the specifications of the existing product are standard specifications. The purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether the specifications of the existing product are standard specifications based on the content of the specification information. If it is determined that the specifications of the existing product are standard specifications (step S6, Yes), the information providing device 10 proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specifications of the existing product are not standard specifications, that is, if it is determined that the specifications of the existing product are special specifications (step S6, No), the information providing device 10 proceeds to step S9.

[0047] Steps S7 and S8 are procedures when the existing product is a current model with standard specifications. In step S7, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with standard specifications. That is, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the industrial motor 2, which is a current product with the same standard specifications as the existing product. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires the specification information for the current product with standard specifications by reading the specification information for the current product with standard specifications from the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires the price information for the current product with standard specifications and the delivery date information for the current product with standard specifications by reading the price information for the current product with standard specifications and the delivery date information for the current product with standard specifications from the sales database.

[0048] In step S8, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product. The purchase support processing unit 17 outputs the specification information, price information, and delivery date information acquired in step S7 to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product and displays the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product on the screen of the user terminal. In this way, the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product are presented to the user. After completing the procedure of step S8, in step S13, the purchase support processing unit 17 provides information to a purchasing site 7 where the current standard specification product can be purchased. Providing information to a purchasing site 7 refers to providing information to the purchasing site 7.

[0049] The user considers purchasing the current standard specification product by checking the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product. When purchasing the current standard specification product, the user proceeds to the purchase site 7 by following the instructions displayed on the screen of the user terminal and performs the purchase procedure for the current standard specification product. This allows the user to purchase an industrial motor 2 with the same standard specifications as the existing product. Because the industrial motor 2 purchased by the user is a current model and has standard specifications, the industrial motor 2 can be arranged at a relatively low cost and with a relatively short delivery date.

[0050] Steps S9 to S12 are procedures when the existing product is a current model with special specifications. In step S9, the purchase support processing unit 17 refers to the specification information in the specification database and analyzes the details of the special specifications of the existing product. In step S10, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications based on the details of the special specifications analyzed in step S9. That is, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the industrial motor 2, which is a current product with the same special specifications as the existing product. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires the specification information for the current product with special specifications by reading the specification information for the current product with special specifications from the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires the price information for the current product with special specifications and the delivery date information for the current product with special specifications by reading the price information for the current product with special specifications and the delivery date information for the current product with special specifications from the sales database.

[0051] In step S11, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications. The purchase support processing unit 17 outputs the specification information, price information, and delivery date information acquired in step S10 to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications, and displays the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications on the screen of the user terminal. In this way, the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications is presented to the user.

[0052] In step S12, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current replacement model. The current replacement model in step S12 is a replacement model in which the special specifications analyzed in step S9 have been replaced with standard specifications. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information for the replacement by reading the specification information for the replacement from the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires price information for the replacement and delivery date information for the replacement by reading the price information for the replacement and delivery date information for the replacement from the sales database.

[0053] The purchase support processing unit 17 outputs specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product and displays the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product on the screen of the user terminal. In this way, the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product are presented to the user. Note that the number of substitute products for which specification information, price information, and delivery date information is presented by the purchase support processing unit 17 is assumed to be arbitrary.

[0054] After completing the procedure in step S12, in step S13, the purchase support processing unit 17 provides information on purchase sites 7 where the current product with special specifications can be purchased and purchase sites 7 where a replacement product can be purchased.

[0055] The user considers purchasing the current special specification product by checking the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current special specification product. When purchasing the current special specification product, the user follows the instructions displayed on the screen of the user terminal to proceed to the purchase site 7 and completes the purchase procedure for the current special specification product. This allows the user to purchase an industrial motor 2 that meets all of the same special specifications as the existing product.

[0056] Depending on the nature of the special specifications, industrial motors 2 with special specifications may be more expensive or have longer delivery times. For example, if the special specifications involve a terminal box with a different orientation than the standard specifications, the terminal box can simply be attached in a different orientation than that of the standard specifications during the final assembly process of the industrial motor 2, so both the price and delivery time are likely to be the same as for standard specifications. In contrast, if the special specifications involve a shaft end with a different shape to that of the standard specifications, where the load device is attached, the processing of the shaft, which is one of the parts attached in the initial stages of manufacturing, is different from that of the standard specifications, so the price is likely to be higher due to the increased processing time. Furthermore, since pre-prepared parts cannot be used and parts must be manufactured, the delivery time is likely to be longer.

[0057] The user can check not only the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications, but also the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement product. Based on this information provided by the information providing device 10, the user can decide whether to purchase the current product with special specifications or the replacement product. If purchasing the replacement product, the user proceeds to the purchasing site 7 by following the instructions displayed on the screen of the user terminal and performs the purchase procedure for the replacement product. Purchasing the replacement product has the advantage of being able to lower the price or shorten the delivery date. The information providing device 10 can suggest to the user the purchase of an industrial motor 2 that offers more favorable purchasing conditions, such as lowering the price or shortening the delivery date, by changing from the special specifications to the standard specifications.

[0058] In step S14, the purchase support processing unit 17 refers to the characteristic information in the characteristic database and analyzes the characteristic values ​​of the nameplate 3. In step S15, the purchase support processing unit 17 refers to the specification information in the specification database and analyzes whether the specifications of the existing product include special specifications. In step S16, the purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether the existing product can be replaced with a current product with standard specifications based on the results of the analyses in steps S14 and S15. If it is determined that the existing product can be replaced with a current product with standard specifications (step S16, Yes), the information providing device 10 proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined that the existing product cannot be replaced with a current product with standard specifications (step S16, No), the information providing device 10 proceeds to step S19.

[0059] Steps S17 and S18 are procedures performed when the existing product is an older model and can be replaced with a current product with standard specifications. In step S17, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replaceable current product. That is, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for an industrial motor 2 that is a current product with standard specifications and can replace the existing product. The purchase support processing unit 17 compares the specifications and characteristics of the existing product with the specifications and characteristics of each of multiple current models of industrial motors 2, and selects, as a replaceable current product, a current product with specifications and characteristics closest to those of the existing product from among the multiple current models of industrial motors 2. That is, the purchase support processing unit 17 compares the specifications and characteristics of the existing product with the specifications and characteristics of each of multiple current models of industrial motors 2, thereby selecting, from among the multiple current models of industrial motors 2, a replacement product that is a current product that can replace the existing product. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires the specification information of the substitute by reading the specification information of the substitute from the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires the price information of the substitute and the delivery date information of the substitute by reading the price information of the substitute and the delivery date information of the substitute from the sales database.

[0060] In step S18, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replaceable current product. The purchase support processing unit 17 outputs the specification information, price information, and delivery date information acquired in step S17 to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement product to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement product and displays the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement product on the screen of the user terminal. In this way, the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement product are presented to the user. After completing the procedure of step S18, in step S13, the purchase support processing unit 17 guides the user to a purchasing site 7 where the replacement product can be purchased.

[0061] The user considers purchasing the current standard specification product by checking the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current standard specification product that can replace the existing product. When purchasing the current standard specification product, the user proceeds to the purchase site 7 by following the instructions displayed on the screen of the user terminal and completes the purchase procedure for the current standard specification product. This allows the user to purchase the industrial motor 2 that can replace the existing product. Because the industrial motor 2 that the user purchases is a current model and standard specification, the industrial motor 2 can be arranged at a relatively low cost and with a relatively short delivery time.

[0062] Steps S19 to S22 are procedures to be performed when the existing product is an older model and cannot be replaced by a current product with standard specifications. In step S19, the purchase support processing unit 17 refers to the specification information in the specification database and analyzes the contents of the special specifications of the existing product. In step S20, the purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with the special specifications based on the contents of the special specifications analyzed in step S19. The purchase support processing unit 17 sets the special specifications based on the current product with specifications and characteristics closest to those of the existing product. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information for the current product with the special specifications by reading specification information for the current product that meets the set special specifications from the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires price information for the current product with the special specifications and delivery date information for the current product with the special specifications by reading price information for the current product that meets the set special specifications and delivery date information for the current product that meets the set special specifications from the sales database.

[0063] In step S21, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications. The purchase support processing unit 17 outputs the specification information, price information, and delivery date information acquired in step S20 to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications, and displays the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications on the screen of the user terminal. In this way, the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications is presented to the user.

[0064] In step S22, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current replacement model. The current replacement model in step S22 is a replacement model in which the set special specifications have been replaced with standard specifications. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement model. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires specification information for the replacement model by reading it out of the specification database. The purchase support processing unit 17 acquires price information and delivery date information for the replacement model by reading it out of the sales database. The purchase support processing unit 17 outputs the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement model to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement model to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product, and displays the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product on the screen of the user terminal. In this way, the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the substitute product are presented to the user. Note that the number of substitute products for which specification information, price information, and delivery date information are presented by the purchase support processing unit 17 is assumed to be arbitrary.

[0065] After completing step S22, in step S13, the purchase support processing unit 17 guides the user to purchase sites 7 where the current product with special specifications can be purchased and purchase sites 7 where a replacement product can be purchased. After completing step S13, the information providing device 10 ends the operation according to the procedures shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0066] The user considers purchasing the current special specification product by checking the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current special specification product. When purchasing the current special specification product, the user proceeds to the purchase site 7 by following the instructions displayed on the screen of the user terminal and performs the purchase procedure for the current special specification product. This allows the user to purchase an industrial motor 2 that meets all of the special specifications set based on the current product with specifications and characteristics closest to those of the existing product.

[0067] The user can check not only the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the current product with special specifications, but also the specification information, price information, and delivery date information for the replacement product. Based on this information provided by the information providing device 10, the user can decide whether to purchase the current product with special specifications or the replacement product. If purchasing the replacement product, the user proceeds to the purchasing site 7 by following the instructions displayed on the screen of the user terminal and performs the purchase procedure for the replacement product. Purchasing the replacement product has the advantage of being able to lower the price or shorten the delivery date. The information providing device 10 can suggest to the user the purchase of an industrial motor 2 that offers more favorable purchasing conditions, such as lowering the price or shortening the delivery date, by changing from the special specifications to the standard specifications.

[0068] Here, we will explain examples of special specifications for the industrial motor 2. Examples of special specifications include the direction of rotation, paint, terminal box installation direction, special terminal box, shaft end shape, preload spring position, protective device, bearing, shaft specifications, winding specifications, heat resistance class, anti-corrosion treatment, and tropical treatment. We will explain examples of the impact on price and delivery time when these specifications are adopted.

[0069] The direction of rotation can be adjusted by changing the wiring in the final assembly process, so the impact on price and delivery time is expected to be small. The painting can be done by painting the parts or by painting in the final assembly process, so the impact on price and delivery time will vary depending on the case. The mounting position of the terminal box can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the stock parts in the final assembly process, so the impact on price and delivery time is expected to be small. The special terminal box can be adjusted by changing the parts in the final assembly process, but the impact on price and delivery time will vary depending on the case. The position of the preload spring can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the stock parts in the final assembly process, so the impact on price and delivery time is expected to be small.

[0070] For protection devices, additional parts are required during the assembly stage, which increases costs due to the increased number of parts and assembly processes. Also, depending on the assembly order, delivery times are likely to be longer. For bearings, changes are made during the rotor assembly stage, so the impact on price and delivery times is likely to be moderate. Special shaft specifications include special shaft lengths, shaft end diameters, or keyway shapes, or special shaft end processing. Since the shaft processing changes depending on the specifications, the impact on price and delivery times is likely to be significant. For winding specifications, special products must be manufactured by changing the settings of the winding machine used in core manufacturing, so the impact on price and delivery times is likely to be significant. For heat resistance class, corrosion prevention treatment, and tropical treatment, special treatments are applied to the windings, so the impact on price and delivery times is likely to be significant.

[0071] As described above, the impact on price and delivery time when special specifications are adopted varies depending on the specifications. Taking into consideration the impact of changing a special specification to a standard specification, users can choose whether to purchase the current product with the special specification or a replacement product with the standard specification.

[0072] According to the first embodiment, the purchase support processing unit 17 executes a process of selecting an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product from among a plurality of industrial motors 2 based on specification information of the existing product, and providing information about the selected existing product to the user, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing an industrial motor 2. Based on the information provided by the purchase support processing unit 17, the user can easily confirm whether to purchase an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product. As described above, the information providing device 10 according to the first embodiment has an effect of being able to provide the user with information about an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product. The information providing device 10 according to the first embodiment enables the user to easily confirm whether to purchase an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product.

[0073] Embodiment 2 In embodiment 2, an example of a procedure that is added to the procedure that was explained in embodiment 1 with reference to Figures 3 and 4 will be described. In embodiment 2, the purchase support processing unit 17 further executes a process of providing the user with information on the starting torque, starting current, and stall torque for an industrial motor 2 selected from a plurality of industrial motors 2, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor 2.

[0074] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure added to the operation procedure of the information providing device 10 in the second embodiment. In step S31, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present information on starting torque, starting current, and stall torque. The purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present each of the starting torque, starting current, and stall torque when presenting specification information, price information, and delivery date information in step S8, step S11, step S12, step S18, step S21, or step S22. By completing step S31, the information providing device 10 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] Starting torque, starting current, and stall torque are important characteristics of industrial motors 2, particularly those powered by commercial power. In recent years, there has been a demand for high efficiency in industrial motors 2, and newer models of industrial motors 2 have higher efficiency than older models of industrial motors 2. Due to the characteristics of induction motors, highly efficient induction motors tend to have low starting torque and stall torque, and high starting current. Therefore, when replacing an older model of industrial motor 2 with a newer model of industrial motor 2, if a new model with the same capacity, voltage, and frequency as the older model is selected, the newer model will have lower starting torque and stall torque than the older model, and a higher starting current than the older model.

[0076] When the starting torque of the industrial motor 2 decreases, the time required for starting increases, although this depends on the load device connected to the industrial motor 2. In addition to the increase in the time required for starting, the starting current is also larger than that of the old model, which may cause overheating of the industrial motor 2. Furthermore, since the starting current is larger than that of the old model, a load is placed on the power supply equipment or electromagnetic contactor, etc., so it is necessary to consider whether the power supply equipment or electromagnetic contactor can still be used even after replacing the industrial motor 2.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the information providing device 10 presents information on the starting torque, starting current, and stall torque for the industrial motor 2 for which specification information, price information, and delivery date information are presented. Due to the circumstances described above, the information on the starting torque, starting current, and stall torque is useful information for the user when purchasing the industrial motor 2. By checking the starting torque, starting current, and stall torque, the user can more easily consider purchasing the industrial motor 2. In this way, the information providing device 10 can improve user convenience.

[0078] Embodiment 3 In embodiment 3, an example of a procedure added to the procedure described in embodiment 1 with reference to Figures 3 and 4 will be described. In embodiment 3, the purchase support processing unit 17 further executes a process of accepting a selection of a usage pattern of an industrial motor 2 selected from among a plurality of industrial motors 2, and providing the user with information about equipment that will be used together with the industrial motor 2 in the selected usage pattern, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor 2.

[0079] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure added to the operation procedure of the information providing device 10 in the third embodiment. The purchase support processing unit 17 accepts, at the user terminal, a selection of a usage mode of the industrial motor 2 selected from among a plurality of industrial motors 2. The user operates the user terminal to select a usage mode of the industrial motor 2. The options for the usage mode include commercial power supply drive and inverter drive.

[0080] In step S41, the purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether commercial power supply drive has been selected as the usage mode of the industrial motor 2. If commercial power supply drive has been selected (step S41, Yes), in step S42, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present catalog information, price information, and delivery date information for equipment to be used with commercial power supply drive. Catalog information is assumed to be information listed in a catalog. When presenting specification information, price information, and delivery date information in step S8, step S11, step S12, step S18, step S21, or step S22, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present catalog information, price information, and delivery date information for equipment to be used with commercial power supply drive.

[0081] On the other hand, if commercial power supply drive is not selected (step S41, No), in step S43, the purchase support processing unit 17 determines whether inverter drive has been selected as the usage mode of the industrial motor 2. If inverter drive has been selected (step S43, Yes), in step S44, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present catalog information, price information, and delivery date information for equipment used for inverter drive. When presenting specification information, price information, and delivery date information in the above step S8, step S11, step S12, step S18, step S21, or step S22, the purchase support processing unit 17 causes the user terminal to present catalog information, price information, and delivery date information for equipment used for inverter drive.

[0082] By completing step S42 or step S44, the information providing device 10 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, if inverter drive is not selected (No in step S43), that is, if neither commercial power drive nor inverter drive is selected, the information providing device 10 also ends the operation according to the procedure shown in Fig. 6.

[0083] The peripheral devices required for commercial power supply operation of the industrial motor 2 include devices such as a ground fault circuit interrupter, an electromagnetic contactor, a molded case circuit breaker, a thermal relay, a motor base, etc. There are various types of thermal relays and electromagnetic contactors, each tailored to the specifications of the industrial motor 2, such as the voltage or capacity, or to the control circuit of the industrial motor 2.

[0084] The peripheral devices required for inverter driving of the industrial motor 2 include the inverter required for driving, a regenerative converter, a ground fault circuit interrupter, an electromagnetic contactor, a molded case circuit breaker, a reactor, a noise filter, a brake resistor, etc. There are various types of inverters and molded case circuit breakers to suit the specifications of the industrial motor 2, such as the voltage or capacity.

[0085] In the third embodiment, the information providing device 10 provides the user with information about devices to be used together with the industrial motor 2 in the selected usage pattern. The information providing device 10 provides the user with information such as catalog information, price information, and delivery date information about peripheral devices that match the usage pattern selected by the user. The user can consider purchasing peripheral devices to be used together with the industrial motor 2 in addition to considering the purchase of the industrial motor 2. This allows the information providing device 10 to improve user convenience. The electronic commerce system 1 may also accept purchase procedures for the peripheral devices, information about which has been provided to the user by the information providing device 10, together with the industrial motor 2. This allows the user to purchase the industrial motor 2 and peripheral devices together.

[0086] The information providing device 10 may execute both the operational procedures described in the third embodiment and the operational procedures described in the second embodiment. When inverter drive is selected as the usage mode of the industrial motor 2, the purchase support processing unit 17 may present information about inverter drive characteristics instead of presenting information about commercial power drive characteristics, such as starting torque, starting current, and stall torque. Information about inverter drive characteristics includes, for example, information about rotational speed and torque characteristics, or information about current corresponding to the rotational speed and torque characteristics. Even when inverter drive is selected, since it is expected that the industrial motor 2 will be driven by commercial power in an emergency, the purchase support processing unit 17 may present information about inverter drive characteristics in addition to the information about commercial power drive characteristics. Being able to check the characteristic information necessary for selecting an industrial motor 2 for both commercial power drive and inverter drive makes it easier for the user to consider purchasing an industrial motor 2 suited to the intended application. This allows the information providing device 10 to improve user convenience.

[0087] Next, a hardware configuration of the information providing device 10 according to the first to third embodiments will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device 10 according to the first to third embodiments. The information providing device 10 is realized by a computer system including a processing circuit 20 and a communication device 21. The processing circuit 20 includes a processor 22 and a memory 23. The processing circuit 20 is a circuit on which the processor 22 executes software.

[0088] The processing unit 12 of the information providing device 10 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 23. In the processing circuit 20, the processor 22 reads and executes an information providing program stored in the memory 23, thereby realizing each function of the processing unit 12. That is, the processing circuit 20 includes the memory 23 for storing the information providing program that results in the processing of the information providing device 10 being executed. The information providing program can also be said to cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the information providing device 10.

[0089] The processor 22 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 23 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The storage unit 13 of the information providing device 10 is realized by the memory 23. The communication unit 11 of the information providing device 10 is realized by the communication device 21. The information providing device 10 may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The information providing program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and the recording medium may be provided to realize each embodiment.

[0090] The information providing device 10 may be configured with two or more devices, for example, two or more servers. The information providing device 10 may be configured with a processing server and a data server. When the information providing device 10 is configured with two or more devices, each of the two or more devices has, for example, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 7. Note that communication between the two or more devices is performed via a communication device 21.

[0091] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are examples of the contents of the present disclosure. The configurations of each embodiment can be combined with other known technologies. The configurations of each embodiment can also be combined as appropriate. Part of the configuration of each embodiment can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0092] 1 E-commerce system, 2 Industrial motor, 3 Name plate, 4 Camera, 5 PC, 6 Mobile terminal, 7 Purchasing site, 10 Information providing device, 11 Communication unit, 12 Processing unit, 13 Storage unit, 14 Acquisition unit, 15 Analysis unit, 16 Specification information providing processing unit, 17 Purchasing support processing unit, 20 Processing circuit, 21 Communication device, 22 Processor, 23 Memory.

Claims

1. An information providing device comprising: a memory unit that stores specification information indicating the specifications of each of a plurality of industrial motors; a specification information providing processing unit that executes a process of reading out the specification information of the existing product from the memory unit based on nameplate information, which is information read from the nameplate of the industrial motor that is an existing product, and providing the specification information of the existing product to a user; and a purchase support processing unit that executes a process of selecting from among the plurality of industrial motors an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product based on the specification information of the existing product, and providing information about the selected existing product to the user, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

2. The information providing device described in claim 1, characterized in that when an industrial motor of the same model as the existing product and a current model is present among the multiple industrial motors, the purchase support processing unit selects the industrial motor of the same model as the existing product and a current model as the current product.

3. The information provision device described in claim 1, characterized in that if there is no industrial motor of the same model as the existing product and a current model among the multiple industrial motors, the purchase support processing unit selects an industrial motor of a model that can replace the model of the existing product and is a current model as the current product.

4. The information providing device described in claim 3, characterized in that the purchase support processing unit selects the current product that can replace the existing product from among the multiple current models of industrial motors by comparing the specifications and characteristics of the existing product with the specifications and characteristics of each of the multiple current models of industrial motors.

5. The information providing device of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the purchase support processing unit further executes a process of presenting the user with information to a purchasing site where the selected current product can be purchased, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

6. The information providing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when a special specification is included in the specifications indicated in the specification information of the existing product, the purchase support processing unit further executes a process of selecting from a plurality of industrial motors a replacement product which is a current model of the industrial motor in which the special specification has been replaced with a standard specification, and providing the user with information about the selected replacement product, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

7. The information providing device according to claim 6, further comprising a process of presenting to the user information on a purchasing site where the selected replacement can be purchased, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

8. The information providing device of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the purchase support processing unit further executes a process of providing the user with information on starting torque, starting current, and stall torque for the industrial motor selected from a plurality of the industrial motors, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

9. The information providing device described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the purchase support processing unit further performs a process of accepting a selection of a usage pattern of the industrial motor selected from a plurality of the industrial motors, and providing the user with information about equipment that is used together with the industrial motor in the selected usage pattern, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

10. An electronic commerce system comprising: an information providing device that provides information to a user, the information providing device comprising: a memory unit that stores specification information indicating the specifications of each of a plurality of industrial motors; a specification information providing processing unit that executes a process of reading out the specification information of the existing product from the memory unit based on nameplate information, which is information read from the nameplate of the industrial motor that is an existing product, and providing the specification information of the existing product to the user; and a purchase support processing unit that executes a process of selecting from among the plurality of industrial motors an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product based on the specification information of the existing product, and providing information about the selected existing product to the user, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

11. The electronic commerce system described in claim 10, further comprising an information processing device capable of communicating with the information providing device, wherein the information processing device transmits an image of the nameplate of the existing product to the information providing device, and the specification information providing processing unit reads out the specification information of the existing product from the memory unit based on the nameplate information read from the nameplate captured in the image, and the information providing device provides the specification information of the existing product and information about the selected current product to the user by transmitting the specification information of the existing product and information about the selected current product to the information processing device.

12. The electronic commerce system according to claim 11, wherein said purchase support processing unit causes said information processing device to display a guide to a purchasing site where the selected current product can be purchased.

13. A method of providing information to a user by a computer, comprising the steps of: reading out the specification information of an existing product from the specification information of a plurality of industrial motors by comparing specification information indicating the specifications of each of a plurality of industrial motors with nameplate information, which is information read from the nameplate of the industrial motor that is an existing product; executing a process of providing the specification information of the existing product to the user; and selecting an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product from the plurality of industrial motors based on the specification information of the existing product, and providing information about the selected existing product to the user, as a process of supporting the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

14. An information provision program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: reading out the specification information of an existing product from the specification information of a plurality of industrial motors by comparing specification information indicating the specifications of each of a plurality of industrial motors with nameplate information, which is information read from the nameplate of the industrial motor that is an existing product; executing a process to provide the specification information of the existing product to a user; and selecting from the plurality of industrial motors an existing product that can be replaced with the existing product based on the specification information of the existing product, and providing information about the selected existing product to the user, as a process to support the user in purchasing the industrial motor.

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