JP2021033459A - Merchandise recommendation device, information processing program and merchandise recommendation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To recommend merchandise so as to be able to more efficiently incite interests of a customer.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a merchandise recommendation device includes calculation means, determination means and notification means. The calculation means calculates the dispersion degree of a purchase amount of each unit period of a customer. The determination means determines recommended merchandise on the basis of the dispersion degree calculated by the calculation means. The notification means notifies the customer of the recommended merchandise determined by the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product recommendation device, an information processing program, and a product recommendation method.

When recommending a product to a customer for sales promotion, it is common to determine the product that the customer is interested in as a recommended product in consideration of the customer's attributes, purchase history, and the like.
However, the recommended products determined as described above are biased for each customer, and it is difficult to newly determine a recommended product that stimulates the interest of the customer.
In addition, recommended products are also randomly determined. In this case, there is a high possibility that a product that is completely uninteresting to the customer will be regarded as a recommended product.
Under these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to recommend products so that customers' interests can be stimulated more efficiently.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-197424

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product recommendation device, an information processing program, and a product recommendation method that can recommend products so as to more efficiently stimulate the interest of customers.

The product recommendation device of the embodiment includes a calculation means, a determination means, and a notification means. The calculation means calculates the degree of distribution of the purchase amount for each unit period of the customer. The determining means determines the recommended product based on the degree of spraying calculated by the calculating means. The notification means notifies the customer of the recommended product determined by the determination means.

The overall block diagram of the product sales system which concerns on one Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the layout example of the store which introduced the product sales system shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the main circuit structure of the server in FIG. The figure which shows typically the structure of the data record included in the member database in FIG. The figure which shows typically the structure of the data record included in the recommended database in FIG. The block diagram which shows the main circuit structure of the information processing apparatus in FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the sale processing by the processor in FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the sale processing by the processor in FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the analysis processing by the processor in FIG.

Hereinafter, a product sales system having a function of recommending products to shoppers will be described with reference to drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the product sales system 100 according to the present embodiment.
The product sales system 100 includes a server 10, a POS (point-of-sale) terminal 20, an accounting machine 30, an information processing device 40, a monitoring terminal 50, a communication network 60, and an access point 70. In FIG. 1, the POS terminal 20, the accounting machine 30, and the monitoring terminal 50 are shown one by one, and the information processing device 40 and the access point 70 are shown by two each, but the numbers thereof are arbitrary. In many cases, a plurality of the POS terminal 20 and the accounting machine 30 are included in the product sales system 100. However, it is not essential to include the POS terminal 20 and the monitoring terminal 50. In many cases, a large number of information processing devices 40 are included in the product sales system 100.

The product sales system 100 is configured by enabling the server 10, the POS terminal 20, the accounting machine 30, the information processing device 40, and the monitoring terminal 50 to communicate with each other via the communication network 60. However, the information processing device 40 and the monitoring terminal 50 are connected to the communication network 60 via the access point 70 by wireless communication with the access point 70. It is desirable that the access point 70 is arranged so as to be able to communicate with any of the access points 70 from the information processing device 40 located anywhere in the sales floor in the store.
The server 10, the POS terminal 20, the accounting machine 30, or the monitoring terminal 50 may be connected to the communication network 60 via the access point 70 by wireless communication with the access point 70.
The communication network 60 transmits various data exchanged between the server 10, the POS terminal 20, the accounting machine 30, and the access point 70. As the communication network 60, the Internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN (local area network), public communication network, mobile communication network and the like can be used alone or in combination as appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a layout example of a store in which the product sales system 100 is introduced.
The operator of the information processing device 40 is the shopper M1 who makes a purchase in the store. The information processing device 40 is attached to, for example, a shopping cart (hereinafter, simply referred to as a cart) C. The information processing device 40 may be carried by the shopper M1. As the information processing device 40, for example, an existing portable information processing device such as a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a smart watch can be used. The information processing device 40 may be temporarily used by the shopper M1 or may be owned by the shopper M1. The information processing device 40 accepts an operation by the shopper M1 and notifies the server 10 of the content of the operation.

The server 10 generates data (hereinafter, referred to as a product list) representing a list of purchased products based on the notification from the information processing device 40. The product list may be in any data form as long as each of the registered purchased products can be identified. However, the product list includes at least the product code. In a situation where multiple identical products are registered as purchased products, the product list includes the number of purchased items associated with the product code. However, the product list does not include the number of purchased items and may include a plurality of the same product codes. The product list may include any other information about the product, such as the product name or unit price. Further, the server 10 has a function of performing information processing for recommending a product to the shopper M1. That is, the server 10 has a function as a product recommended device.

When the shopper M1 has selected all the products to be purchased, he / she goes to the accounting corner G1. The accounting machine 30 is installed in the accounting corner G1. The accounting machine 30 acquires a product list from the information processing device 40, and calculates the price of the purchased product shown in the product list based on the unit price of the purchased product shown in the product master and the like. The product master is a database for managing products in which product codes, names, unit prices, etc. are described for each of the products sold in stores. The product master is typically stored on the server 10. However, the accounting machine 30 may store the product master. Further, a server other than the server 10 may store the product master. Then, the accounting machine 30 setstles the price according to the operation by the shopper M1. Cash, credit cards, electronic money, points, barcodes, virtual currencies, etc. can be used for payment. After that, the shopper M1 packs the products on the bagger SU as needed.

An attendant counter AT is installed in the vicinity of the accounting corner G1. In the store where the product sales system 100 is introduced as described above, the shopper M1 operates the information processing device 40 and the accounting machine 30, so that the process from registration of the purchased product to settlement is consistent without the intervention of a clerk. Can be done. In the following, the mechanism will be referred to as a cart POS service. However, in providing this cart POS service, there may be a situation in which a clerk must intervene. For example, a professional salesperson may have to provide information to a shopper M1 who purchases a drug. Further, since the information of the discount sticker is forgotten to be input to the information processing apparatus 40, it may be registered at the normal price. Even in the accounting machine 30, an error such as a coin jam or a receipt paper shortage may occur.
A clerk in charge of customer service, a so-called attendant M3, is stationed at the attendant counter AT so that such an event can be dealt with promptly. Further, the attendant counter AT is provided with a monitoring terminal 50. The attendant M3 can monitor the status of each information processing device 40 and the accounting machine 30 by using the monitoring terminal 50.

A POS terminal 20 is installed in the accounting corner G2. A stationary scanner SC is installed in the accounting corner G2. A hand-held scanner may be provided in place of or in addition to the scanner SC. When the cashier M2 causes the scanner SC to scan the barcode of the purchased product one by one, the POS terminal 20 registers the product identified by the product code indicated by the barcode as the purchased product. The cashier M2 instructs the POS terminal 20 to make an accounting when all the purchased products to be traded have been registered. In response to this instruction, the POS terminal 20 calculates the price for the registered purchased product, and makes a payment according to the operation by the operator through the exchange between the cashier M2 and the shopper M1 regarding the payment of the price. For payment, cash, credit cards, electronic money, points, barcodes, virtual currencies, cash vouchers such as gift certificates, etc. can be used. It is also possible to configure a store without providing the accounting corner G2. Similar to the accounting machine 30, the POS terminal 20 may also have a function of accounting based on the product list acquired from the server 10. Then, while the cashier M2 is used to operate the POS terminal 20 for accounting, the accounting may be performed face-to-face.

Next, the configurations of the server 10 and the information processing device 40 will be described. As the POS terminal 20, an existing POS terminal called a face-to-face type can be used as it is. As the accounting machine 30, the accounting machine in the semi-self-type POS system can be used as it is. Further, the monitoring terminal 50 is the same as the existing monitoring terminal used in the existing self-type or semi-self-type product sales system. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the POS terminal 20, the accounting machine 30, and the monitoring terminal 50 will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the server 10.
The server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a communication interface 14, and a transmission line 15. Then, by connecting the processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 by the transmission line 15, a computer that executes information processing for realizing various functions as the server 10 is configured.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing for realizing various functions as the server 10 according to an information processing program such as an operating system, middleware, and an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores at least a part of the above information processing program in the non-volatile memory area. Further, the main memory 12 may store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute a process for controlling each part in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses a volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the non-volatile memory area is ROM (read only memory). The volatile memory area is RAM (random access memory).

The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or the like is used as the auxiliary storage unit 13. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 for performing various processes and data created by the processes of the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may store a part of the above information processing program. A part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 13 is used as an area for storing the member database DB1 and the recommended database DB2. The member database DB1 is a database for managing shoppers M1 registered as members of the cart POS service. The recommended database DB2 is a database for managing products that are candidates for recommendation by the recommended functions described later (hereinafter referred to as candidate products).

The communication interface 14 performs data communication with each unit connected to the communication network 60 according to a predetermined communication protocol.
The transmission line 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like, and transmits data and control signals transmitted and received between the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the communication interface 14.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the data record DR1 included in the member database DB1.
The member database DB1 is a set of a plurality of data records DR1 associated with each of a plurality of shoppers M1 who have been registered as members. The data record DR1 includes fields F11, F12, F13, F14. A membership code for identifying the shopper M1 associated with the data record DR1 from other shoppers is set in the field F11. In the field F12, attribute data representing the attribute of the shopper M1 associated with the data record DR1 is set. What kind of attribute the attribute data represents is arbitrary. The attributes represented by the attribute data may include, for example, name, age, gender, preference, family structure, and the like. In the field F13, the degree of dispersion calculated as described later with respect to the shopper M1 to which the data record DR1 is associated is set. In the field F13, a variation amount calculated as described later with respect to the shopper M1 to which the data record DR1 is associated is set. The data record DR1 may include a field in which arbitrary data other than the fields F11 to F14 is set.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the data record DR2 included in the recommended database DB2.
The recommended database DB2 is a set of a plurality of data records DR2 associated with a plurality of candidate products. The data record DR2 includes fields F21, F22, F23, F24. In the field F21, a product code for identifying the candidate product associated with the data record DR2 from other products is set. In the field F22, one or a plurality of area codes for identifying some areas (hereinafter, referred to as sales floor areas) defined in the sales floor of the store are set. In the field F23, a price range code for distinguishing the price range to which the price of the candidate product with which the data record DR2 is associated belongs from other price ranges is set. In the field F24, a file path for distinguishing a data file representing a recommendation screen for recommending a candidate product associated with the data record DR2 from other data files is set. The data file showing the recommended screen is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 13. However, the data file showing the recommended screen may be stored in a storage device provided in another device capable of communicating with the server 10 via the communication network 60.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the information processing device 40.
The information processing device 40 includes a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage unit 43, a wireless unit 44, a touch panel 45, a scanner 46, a reader 47, a position detection unit 48, and a transmission line 49. Then, by connecting the processor 41, the main memory 42, and the auxiliary storage unit 43 by the transmission line 49, a computer that executes information processing for realizing various functions as the information processing device 40 is configured. Since the outline of the functions of the processor 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary storage unit 43, and the transmission line 49 is the same as that of the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the transmission line 15, the description thereof will be omitted.

The wireless unit 44 performs data communication with each unit connected to the communication network 60 via wireless communication with the access point 70 according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. As the wireless unit 44, for example, an existing wireless unit conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard can be used.

The touch panel 45 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen under the control of the processor 41. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 41. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The scanner 46 has a camera as an imaging unit, and reads a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional data code from an image captured by the camera.
The reader 47 reads data such as a member ID recorded on the recording medium. Therefore, the reader 47 is a magnetic card reader when the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader when the recording medium is a contact type IC card. Further, in the case of a recording medium using RFID (radio frequency identification) such as a contactless IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as a reader 47.

The position detection unit 48 detects the location position of the information processing device 40. As the position detection unit 48, a well-known device that detects the location position based on, for example, a GPS (global positioning system) signal, a beacon signal, or a transmission signal from the access point 70 can be used.

By the way, as the hardware of the server 10, for example, a general-purpose network server can be used. Then, the transfer of the server 10 is generally performed in a state where an information processing program describing information processing for realizing the operation as the server 10 is stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. However, the hardware in a state where the above information processing program is not stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13, or a state in which another version of the same type of information processing program is stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 and the above. The information processing program may be transferred separately. Then, the server 10 may be configured by writing the above-mentioned information processing program to the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 in response to an operation by an arbitrary operator. The information processing program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communicating via a network.

Next, the operation of the product sales system 100 configured as described above will be described focusing on the operation of the server 10. The various types of information processing described below are examples, and it is possible to change the order of some processes, omit some processes, or add another process as appropriate.

The processor 11 will be described below for responding to the shopping by the shopper M1 according to the information processing program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 in the situation where the shopping by the shopper M1 is performed. Information processing (hereinafter referred to as sales processing) is executed. The processor 11 individually executes this sales process for each of the information processing devices 40 that are allowed to be used by the shopper M1. In the following description of the sales process, when the terms "information processing device 40" and "shopper M1" are simply referred to, the information processing device 40 that is the target of the sales process and the shopper M1 using the information processing device 40 are described. Represents.

7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a procedure of sales processing by the processor 11.
As the ACT 11, the processor 11 initializes. In this initialization, the processor 11 at least clears the product list. The product list is provided in association with each of the plurality of information processing devices 40. Therefore, here, the processor 11 clears the product list associated with the information processing device 40 that is the target of the corresponding sales process.

As the ACT 12, the processor 11 waits for the operation for starting the use to be performed. At this time, the processor 11 is in a state of waiting for the start of shopping using the cart C to which the information processing device 40 is attached.

The shopper M1 takes out one of the carts C placed in the cart storage area, and performs a predetermined operation for starting the use of the information processing device 40 attached to the cart C. For example, in the above-mentioned standby state, the processor 41 displays a screen showing the start button on the touch panel 45. Then, when the touch panel 45 detects that the start button is touched, the processor 41 determines that the operation for starting the use has been performed. Then, the processor 41 notifies the server 10 that the operation for starting the use has been performed. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 12 and proceeds to the ACT 13.

As the ACT 13, the processor 11 performs a process for member login. The processor 11 instructs the information processing device 40 to display a predetermined login screen, for example. In response to this instruction, in the information processing device 40, the login screen is displayed on the touch panel 45 under the control of the processor 41. The shopper M1 follows the guidance on the login screen and performs a regular operation for member login. The regular operation for member login is, for example, an operation for causing the reader 47 to read data such as a membership code recorded on a recording medium such as a membership card. Then, the processor 41 notifies the server 10 of the member code read by the reader 47. In the server 10, the processor 11 searches the member database DB1 for the data record DR1 in which the same member code as the notified member code is set in the field F11. Then, the processor 11 determines that the legitimate operation for the member login has been performed in response to the confirmation that the corresponding data record DR1 is included, and proceeds to the ACT 14. The processor 11 may perform another process for member login such as password verification. When the information processing device 40 performs an operation for declaring that the processor 11 is a non-member, the processor 11 determines a member code for the visitor as a login as a visitor, and proceeds to the ACT 14.

As the ACT 14, the processor 11 displays a list screen. The list screen is a screen showing a list of purchased products shown in the product list associated with the information processing device 40. The processor 11 generates a list screen based on the product list associated with the information processing device 40. However, here, the product list is cleared. Therefore, the processor 11 does not show the information of the purchased product, and the list screen generated here is a screen showing only a predetermined basic form such as a border. Then, the processor 11 instructs the information processing apparatus 40 to display the list screen with the transmission of screen data representing the list screen. In response to this instruction, the processor 41 of the information processing device 40 causes the touch panel 45 to display the list screen represented by the received screen data. The shopper M1 can know that the purchased product can be registered by visually observing the list screen in this initial state. Instead of displaying the list screen here, the processor 11 may instruct the information processing device 40 to display a screen displaying, for example, a message prompting the user to start registering the purchased product.

As the ACT 15, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the operation for instructing the change of the purchased product has been performed. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the corresponding operation has been performed, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 16.
As the ACT 16, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the sales floor area including the location position of the information processing device 40 has changed. Then, if the corresponding change cannot be confirmed, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT17.
As the ACT 17, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the payment is instructed. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the corresponding instruction has been given, it determines NO and returns to ACT15.
Thus, as ACT 15 to ACT 17, the processor 11 waits for an instruction to change the purchased product, a change in the sales floor area, and an instruction to settle.

The shopper M1 moves in the sales floor in search of the product to be purchased while pressing the cart C. Then, when the product to be purchased is found, the product is taken out from the display place and placed on the cart C. At this time, the shopper M1 reads the code symbol displayed on the product by the scanner 46, or operates the touch panel 45 to specify the product, thereby selecting the product as the purchased product. specify. When the shopper M1 cancels the purchase of the product registered as the purchased product, the shopper M1 takes out the product from the cart C and returns the product to the sales floor. At this time, the shopper M1 specifies cancellation, and then causes the scanner 46 to read the code symbol displayed on the product, or operates the touch panel 45 to specify the product. Instructs the cancellation of the corresponding product. The processor 41 requests the server 10 to add or cancel with the notification of the product.

Upon receiving the request for addition or cancellation in this way, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT18.
As the ACT 18, the processor 11 updates the product table as requested. The processor 11 updates the product table to represent the notified product as a purchased product, for example, when an addition is requested. Further, the processor 11 updates the product table so as to exclude the notified product from the purchased product, for example, when the cancellation is requested.

As ACT 19, the processor 11 updates the list screen. The processor 11 generates, for example, a list screen based on the product list after the update as described above. Then, the processor 11 instructs the information processing apparatus 40 to display the list screen with the transmission of screen data representing the list screen. In response to this instruction, the processor 41 of the information processing device 40 causes the touch panel 45 to display the list screen represented by the received screen data. As a result, the list screen displayed on the touch panel 45 is updated. Then, the processor 11 then returns to the standby state of ACT 15 to ACT 17.

When the shopper M1 has registered all the products to be purchased as purchased products, the information processing device 40 performs a predetermined operation for instructing payment. The instruction is, for example, a touch on the payment button displayed on the touch panel 45. Then, when the operation for instructing the settlement is performed in the information processing device 40, the processor 41 notifies the server 10 to that effect. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 17 on the server 10, and proceeds to the ACT 20.

As the ACT 20, the processor 11 displays a guidance screen. The processor 11 instructs the information processing device 40 to display the guidance screen, for example, by transmitting screen data prepared in advance to represent a predetermined guidance screen. In response to this instruction, the processor 41 of the information processing device 40 causes the touch panel 45 to display a guidance screen represented by the received screen data. The guidance screen is a screen that guides the procedure for shifting to accounting with the accounting machine 30.
As the ACT 21, the processor 11 waits for any of the accounting machines 30 to be designated.

The shopper M1 moves to the accounting corner G1 together with the cart C. Then, the shopper M1 causes the scanner 46 of the information processing apparatus 40 to read the code symbol displayed on the accounting guidance screen displayed on the touch panel provided in the vacant accounting machine 30 according to the guidance on the guidance screen. The processor provided in the vacant accounting machine 30 displays the accounting guidance screen on the touch panel. The accounting guide screen shall represent a code symbol indicating data including an accounting machine code for identifying the accounting machine 30. In the information processing device 40, the selection button associated with the accounting machine 30 may be displayed on the touch panel 45. Then, the processor 41 may determine the accounting machine code of the accounting machine 30 designated by the shopper M1 by touching the selection button.

When the code symbol is read by the scanner 46, the processor 41 in the information processing device 40 notifies the server 10 of the data indicated by the code symbol. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 21 on the server 10, and proceeds to the ACT 22.
As the ACT 22, the processor 11 accesses the accounting machine 30 identified by the accounting machine code included in the data notified as described above via the communication network 60, and the product list associated with the information processing device 40. To send.

The processor provided in the accounting machine 30 may retrieve the product list from the server 10. For example, a code symbol indicating an identification code for identifying the information processing device 40 is displayed on the touch panel 45 of the information processing device 40. When the code symbol is read by a scanner provided in the accounting machine 30, the processor provided in the accounting machine 30 accesses the server 10 via the communication network 60. Then, the processor provided in the accounting machine 30 requests the server 10 to transmit the product list associated with the information processing device 40 identified by the identification code indicated by the above code symbol. In the server 10, the processor 11 sends a product list to the accounting machine 30 in response to the request.

Further, when the processor 11 transmits a product list to any one of the accounting machines 30 and the accounting machine 30 can start accounting, the processor provided in the accounting machine 30 sends the product list. You may import it. In this case, the processor provided in the accounting machine 30 transfers the product list to another accounting machine 30 when the accounting cannot be started when the processing for accounting is already being executed.

When the product list is transmitted to the accounting machine 30 by the communication network 60, the processor provided in the accounting machine 30 calculates the settlement amount related to the purchase of all the products included in the product list and setstles the settlement amount. Perform accounting for Note that this accounting process may be, for example, the same process as that performed in the accounting machine of an existing semi-self-checkout system. Then, when the accounting process is completed, the processor provided in the accounting machine 30 notifies the server 10 of the completion of the accounting process with the transmission of the result data representing the result of the accounting process. The result data may include the amount of the settlement, the method used for the settlement, for example, data according to the settlement method such as the change amount, or the date and time when the settlement is completed.

As the ACT 23, the processor 11 waits for the checkout to be completed. Then, the processor 11 determines YES when the completion of the accounting is notified from the accounting machine 30 as described above, and proceeds to the ACT 24.
As the ACT 24, the processor 11 updates the history database. The processor 11 updates the history database to include, for example, a data record containing a membership code, a product list and result data. The history database may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, or may be stored in a storage device provided in a device other than the server 10 capable of communicating via the communication network 60. Then, the processor 11 returns to the ACT 11 and repeats the processing after the ACT 11 in the same manner as described above.

At the predetermined execution timing, the processor 11 executes information processing (hereinafter, referred to as analysis processing) as described below according to the information processing program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. .. It is assumed that the execution timing is, for example, a timing outside the business hours of the store for each period such as one day, one week, or one month. However, the execution timing may be the timing within the business hours.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of analysis processing by the processor 11.
As the ACT 41, the processor 11 selects any one of the registered shoppers M1. In the following description regarding the analysis process, the shopper M1 selected here will be referred to as a target customer. The processor 11 selects, for example, one of the data records included in the member database DB1. Then, the processor 11 targets the shopper M1 identified by the member code set in the field F11 of the data record DR1 selected in this way.

As the ACT 42, the processor 11 collects the purchase amount for each transaction with respect to the target customer. The processor 11 extracts, for example, all the data records including the membership code of the target customer from the history database. Then, the processor 11 collects the payment amount included in the extracted data record as the purchase amount. In addition, the settlement amount may be subject to some kind of discount, and whether or not such a discount is applied may differ for each transaction. Therefore, the processor 11 may use the product price before applying the discount as the purchase amount. Processor 11 may collect only the purchase amount for a transaction in a predetermined collection period, for example the most recent month.

As the ACT 43, the processor 11 calculates the degree of dispersion of the collected purchase amount. As the degree of dispersion, well-known statistical values such as variance, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation can be used. For example, the processor 11 uses the total amount of shopping for one purchase as one data, and calculates the distribution value for each of the plurality of purchases for each of the plurality of purchases. In this case, the unit period is the period during which one purchase is made. However, the processor 11 may use the total purchase amount for one or a plurality of purchases made within a predetermined unit period such as one day, one week, or one month as the total purchase amount. As the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program in this way, the computer having the processor 11 as a central portion functions as a calculation means for calculating the degree of dispersion.

As the ACT 44, the processor 11 calculates the variation amount of the collected purchase amount. The variation amount is a value representing an index of variation in the purchase amount in monetary terms. Processor 11 finds, for example, the maximum amount of purchases it has collected. Further, the processor 11 calculates, for example, the average amount of the collected purchase amount. Then, the processor 11 sets the amount obtained by subtracting the average amount from the maximum amount as the variation amount. The processor 11 may calculate the variation amount according to a predetermined algorithm, such as finding the maximum amount and the minimum amount of the collected purchase amount and setting the amount obtained by subtracting the minimum amount from the maximum amount as the variation amount.

As the ACT 45, the processor 11 updates the member database DB1. For example, the processor 11 finds out the data record DR1 in which the same member code as the member code of the target customer is set in the field F11 from the member database DB1. Then, the processor 11 rewrites the fields F13 and F14 of the data record DR1 with the degree of dispersion and the amount of variation calculated by ACT43 and ACT44.

As the ACT 46, the processor 11 confirms whether or not there is a shopper M1 who has not yet been selected among the shopper M1s who have been registered as members. The processor 11 determines YES if there is a shopper M1 that has not yet been selected, and repeats the processing after ACT 41 in the same manner as described above. However, when the processor 11 executes the ACT 41 again, the processor 11 selects a shopper different from the shopper selected in the ACT 41 in the current analysis process. That is, the processor 11 selects a data record DR1 different from the data record DR1 previously selected in the ACT 41.

As a result, the processor 11 sequentially sets each of the member-registered shoppers M1 as the target customers, and repeats ACT42 to ACT45 with respect to the target customers. Then, when the processor 11 finishes executing ACT42 to ACT45 with all the shopper M1s registered as members as the target customers, the processor 11 determines NO in the ACT46 and ends the analysis process.

By the way, in the information processing device 40, the processor 41 notifies the server 10 of the position detected by the position detection unit 48 at predetermined timings. When the position is notified on the server 10, the processor 11 determines the sales floor area including the position. Then, when the sales floor area determined this time is different from the sales floor area determined so far, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 16 in FIG. 7, and proceeds to ACT 25 in FIG.

As the ACT 25, the processor 11 confirms whether or not there is a candidate product associated with the sales floor area determined as described above. For example, the processor 11 confirms whether or not at least one data record DR2 in which the same area code as the area code of the sales floor area determined as described above is set in the field F22 is included in the recommended database DB2. Then, the processor 11 determines NO if the corresponding data record DR2 is not included in the recommended database DB2, and returns to the standby state of ACT15 to ACT17 in FIG. If there is no recommended product in the sales floor area to which the shopper M1 is moved, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT 15 to ACT 17 as it is. However, if the corresponding data record DR2 is included in the recommended database DB2, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT25 and proceeds to ACT26.

As the ACT 26, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the shopper M1 who is using the information processing device 40 is a member. Then, the processor 11 determines YES if it is a member, and proceeds to ACT27.
As the ACT 27, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the degree of dispersion for the shopper M1 is large. The processor 11 finds, for example, the data record DR1 associated with the shopper M1 from the member database DB1. Then, the processor 11 determines YES if the degree of dispersion set in the field F13 of the corresponding data record DR1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. Then, if the processor 11 determines YES, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 28. The processor 11 may determine YES when the degree of dispersion is larger than the threshold value.

As the ACT 28, the processor 11 determines a recommended product from the candidate products associated with the determined sales floor area under the first condition. The first condition is defined to narrow down the candidate products to be recommended products without being based on the attributes and purchase history of the shopper M1. For example, if the variation amount is less than the predetermined first amount, the processor 11 narrows down the candidate products whose price range is the first price range among the corresponding candidate products. For example, if the variation amount is equal to or more than a predetermined first amount and less than the second amount, the processor 11 narrows down the candidate products whose price range is the second price range among the corresponding candidate products. .. For example, if the variation amount is equal to or more than a predetermined second amount, the processor 11 narrows down the candidate products whose price range is the third price range among the corresponding candidate products. Here, the first amount of money <the second amount of money <the third amount of money, and the first price range <the second price range <the third price range. That is, in this example, the processor 11 narrows down to candidate products with higher prices as the amount of variation increases. When there is no candidate product belonging to the price range corresponding to the variation amount, the processor 11 narrows down the candidate product belonging to the price range adjacent to the price range. Then, if the number of candidate products remaining by the above narrowing down is less than or equal to the specified number, the processor 11 uses the remaining candidate products as recommended products. If the number of candidate products remaining due to the above narrowing down is larger than the specified number, the processor 11 randomly selects the specified number of candidate products from the remaining candidate products and sets it as the recommended product.

The processor 11 may select a recommended product from the candidate products remaining after the above narrowing down according to a predetermined rule. The processor 11 makes the frequency with which a plurality of candidate products belonging to the same price range are recommended products equal, for example. Alternatively, for example, the processor 11 sets the frequency at which a plurality of candidate products belonging to the same price range are recommended products at a frequency individually determined for each candidate product. The above-mentioned specified number is typically 1, but may be 2 or more. The first condition may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the information processing program, the administrator of the server 10, or the like.

On the other hand, if the degree of dispersion is less than the threshold value, the processor 11 determines NO in the ACT 27 and proceeds to the ACT 29. The processor 11 may determine NO in the ACT 27 when the degree of dispersion is equal to or less than the threshold value.
As the ACT 29, the processor 11 determines a recommended product from the candidate products associated with the determined sales floor area under the second condition. The second condition is defined to narrow down the candidate products to be recommended products to a specified number based on the attributes of the shopper M1 and the purchase history. For this narrowing down, for example, a well-known process for narrowing down to candidate products that the shopper M1 is likely to be interested in can be used in consideration of the attribute data of the shopper M1. Alternatively, a well-known process such as narrowing down to candidate products that the shopper M1 is likely to purchase can be used in consideration of the purchase history of the shopper M1. The second condition may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the information processing program, the administrator of the server 10, or the like.
Based on the above ACT27 to ACT29, the processor 11 determines the recommended product based on the degree of spraying. Thus, when the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 11 as a central part functions as a determination means.

By the way, if the shopper M1 using the information processing device 40 is not a member, the processor 11 determines NO in the ACT 26 and proceeds to the ACT 30.
As the ACT 30, the processor 11 determines a recommended product from the candidate products associated with the determined sales floor area under the third condition. The third condition is defined to determine the recommended product without being based on the attributes and purchase history of the shopper M1. For example, the processor 11 randomly selects a predetermined number of candidate products from the candidate products associated with the determined sales floor area, and uses them as recommended products. Instead of randomly selecting the candidate products, the processor 11 may select the candidate products so that the predetermined candidate products are recommended products in a predetermined order. Further, the processor 11 may select a candidate product so that the frequency with which each of the candidate products is recommended is a predetermined frequency for each candidate product. The third condition may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the information processing program, the administrator of the server 10, or the like.

When the processor 11 finishes determining the recommended product in ACT27, ACT29 or ACT30, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT31 in any case.
As the ACT 31, the processor 11 displays a recommended screen. The recommendation screen is a screen for recommending the recommended product to the shopper M1. The processor 11 acquires, for example, the screen data identified by the screen file path set in the field F24 of the data record associated with the candidate product determined as the recommended product. Then, the processor 11 instructs the information processing device 40 to display the recommended screen along with the transmission of the acquired screen data. In response to this instruction, the processor 41 of the information processing device 40 causes the touch panel 45 to display a recommended screen represented by the received screen data. Then, the processor 11 then returns to the standby state of ACT 15 to ACT 17 in FIG. 7. The processor 11 may instruct the information processing device 40 to return the display on the touch panel 45 to the list screen in response to the instruction from the shopper M1 on the information processing device 40. Alternatively, the processor 41 in the information processing device 40 may return the display on the touch panel 45 to the list screen in response to an instruction from the shopper M1 in the information processing device 40. Further, when the processor 11 executes the ACT 18 while the recommended screen is displayed by the touch panel 45 and then proceeds to the ACT 19, the display on the touch panel 45 is changed to the list screen.

The shopper M1 can recognize the recommended product by visually observing the recommended screen displayed on the touch panel 45. That is, the processor 11 notifies the shopper M1 of the recommended product. Thus, when the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 11 as a central portion functions as a notification means.

As described above, according to the server 10, even for the shopper M1 who is a member, if the degree of distribution of the purchase amount for the shopper M1 is large, the attribute and purchase history of the shopper M1 are added. We recommend recommended products that are decided without being based.

The degree of dispersal of the purchase amount is likely to be small when, for example, a housewife or the like repeatedly purchases daily consumables within a certain budget on a daily basis. On the other hand, the degree of distribution of the purchase amount is likely to increase when a single person or the like purchases a new product that he or she does not usually purchase. That is, in the case of the shopper M1 whose purchase amount is widely distributed, even if a product having a low correlation with the attribute or purchase history of the shopper M1 is recommended, the shopper M1's interest is stimulated and the recommended product is recommended. It may lead to purchase. As a result, it is expected that the shopper M1 will attract impulse purchases and temporarily improve sales. In addition, if the shopper M1 likes the recommended product, he / she can expect repeated purchases thereafter, and long-term sales improvement can be expected. In the present embodiment, the recommendation screen is displayed triggered by the shopper M1 entering the new sales floor area. Therefore, if the product sold in the sales floor area containing the shopper M1 is regarded as the recommended product, the effect of attracting impulse purchases can be further enhanced.

Further, the shopper M1 having a large variation amount may tend to allow the one-time purchase amount to be higher than usual. Therefore, by recommending a product in a higher price range to the shopper M1 having a larger variation amount, it is possible to promote the purchase of the product in such a high price range, and it is expected that the sales will be improved.

In the case of the shopper M1 whose purchase amount is less distributed, even if a new product is recommended, it may be ignored. Further, such a recommendation of a product that is ignored by the shopper M1 may make the shopper M1 feel annoyed. However, when the degree of distribution of the purchase amount to the member shopper M1 is small, the server 10 recommends the recommended product determined based on the attributes of the shopper M1 and the purchase history. That is, for such a shopper M1, a product having a high correlation with the shopper M1 is recommended based on the purchase history and taste. This makes it possible to efficiently recommend products.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
The processor 11 does not have to narrow down based on the variation amount when determining the recommended product in the ACT 28.

The processor 11 may consider at least one of the attributes of the shopper M1 and the purchase history when selecting a recommended product from the candidate products remaining after narrowing down in the ACT 28. For example, the processor 11 may determine the candidate product as a recommended product if there is a candidate product that matches the taste of the shopper M1 among the candidate products remaining after the narrowing down.

The processor 11 can appropriately change the algorithm for determining the recommended product based on the degree of spraying, such as determining a candidate product having a higher selling price as the degree of spraying increases.

When the data record is added to the history database, the processor 11 may execute the analysis process only for the shopper M1 identified by the member code included in the added data record.

The sales processing for each of the plurality of shoppers M1 may be distributed processing by a plurality of processors provided in the server 10 or a processor provided in each of the plurality of servers.

The processor 11 determines the timing at which the processor 11 determines the recommended product, such as when the predetermined time comes, when the shopper M1 requests the product recommendation, or when the store clerk instructs the product recommendation. The timing of notifying shoppers of recommended products can be changed arbitrarily. Further, the timing at which the processor 11 determines the recommended product and the timing at which the shopper M1 is notified of the recommended product may be different.

Notification of the recommended product to the shopper M1 is made via any device such as a signage device fixedly installed in the store or an information terminal such as a smartphone owned by the shopper M1. Good. Further, the notification of the recommended product to the shopper M1 is not limited to the screen display, and may be performed by any means such as output of a voice message or printing of a printed matter.

The processor 41 may execute all or part of the sales process in the information processing device 40.

The recommended product may be a product provided for eating and drinking in a store. The purchase price may be the price for eating and drinking the product.

Each function realized by the processor 11 by information processing can also be realized by hardware that executes information processing that is not based on a program such as a logic circuit or the like. Further, each of the above-mentioned functions can be realized by combining software control with the above-mentioned hardware such as a logic circuit.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

100 ... Product sales system, 10 ... Server, 20 ... POS terminal, 30 ... Accounting machine, 40 ... Information processing device, 50 ... Monitoring terminal, 60 ... Communication network, 70 ... Access point, 11,41 ... Processor, 12,42 ... main memory, 13,43 ... auxiliary storage unit, 14 ... communication interface, 15,49 ... transmission line, 41 ... processor, 42 ... main memory, 43 ... auxiliary storage unit, 44 ... wireless unit, 45 ... touch panel, 46 ... Scanner, 47 ... reader, 48 ... position detection unit.

Claims (6)

A calculation method for calculating the degree of distribution of the purchase amount for each customer unit period,
A determination means for determining a recommended product based on the degree of spraying calculated by the calculation means, and
A notification means for notifying the customer of the recommended product determined by the determination means, and
Product recommended device equipped with. When the degree of dispersion is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the determination means narrows down a plurality of candidate products that are candidates for the recommended product without considering the attributes of the customer and the purchase history of the customer. Further, at least a part of the candidate products among the narrowed down candidate products is determined as the recommended product.
The product recommended device according to claim 1. When the degree of dispersal is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the determination means is sold at a price belonging to a higher price range as the variation in the plurality of purchase amounts of the customer for each unit period is higher. Narrow down to the above candidate products,
The product recommended device according to claim 2. When the degree of dispersion is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the determination means narrows down a plurality of the candidate products in consideration of at least one of the customer's attributes and the customer's purchase history, and further narrows down the selection. However, at least a part of the candidate products among the candidate products is determined as the recommended product.
The product recommended device according to claim 2 or 3. A computer equipped with a product recommended device,
A calculation method for calculating the degree of distribution of the purchase amount for each customer unit period,
A determination means for determining a recommended product based on the degree of spraying calculated by the calculation means, and
A notification means for notifying the customer of the recommended product determined by the determination means, and
An information processing program to function as. In the product recommended device
Calculate the degree of distribution of the purchase amount for each customer unit period,
The recommended product is determined based on the calculated degree of spraying, and
Notify the customer of the determined recommended product,
Product recommendation method.