JP7357456B2 - Information provision system, information provision method, information provision device, and information provision program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information providing system, an information providing method, an information providing device, and an information providing program.

2. Description of the Related Art One-to-one marketing methods are being widely developed in which products are recommended (suggested) specifically to customers based on their purchase history at stores on the Internet, such as online shopping.

JP2012-247926A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-132272 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-185598

In the above-mentioned recommendation method, a customer's purchase history at an actual store (actual store) or an Internet store, and the browsing history at an Internet store are collected and utilized for recommendations to the customer. However, for example, it is not possible to sufficiently collect the behavior history of customers who were interested in a physical store but did not make a purchase, so such customer behavior history cannot be fully utilized for recommendations. There is a problem.

Furthermore, when a customer visits a physical store to purchase a product they are interested in from an online store, it is difficult for the customer to immediately understand the sales floor and inventory status of the product in the physical store. .

One aspect of the present invention is to provide recommendation information for both online stores and physical stores, based on the customer's behavior at both online stores and physical stores.

In an information providing system having a mobile terminal device and an information providing server, a first information tag for identifying the first information tag acquired by the mobile terminal device from a first information tag deployed at a first location of a store. Based on the first information including the information identifier, the deployment position of the first information tag is specified, and the recommended product for the customer who owns the mobile terminal device and the sales area of the recommended product generated based on the deployment position are identified. a first creation unit that creates first recommendation information including guidance information, a first information presentation unit that displays the created first recommendation information on the mobile terminal device, and a second information presentation unit of the store. of the product corresponding to the second location based on second information including the product number of the product corresponding to the second location, which the mobile terminal device acquired from the second information tag deployed at the second location. The mobile terminal device includes a second creation unit that creates second recommendation information including inventory information at the store, and a second information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created second recommendation information.
Further, the first creation unit may refer to information set in advance by associating the first information identifier and the deployment position of the first information tag based on the first information. 1, and obtained by referring to dispatch information that manages a dispatch destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to be accessed by the mobile terminal device based on the first information identifier. providing a dispatch destination URL to the mobile terminal device;
Referring to history information based on customer identification information input in a login process on a web page accessed based on the dispatch destination URL using the mobile terminal device, and determining the recommended product based on the history information. .

According to one embodiment, recommendation information can be provided at both an Internet store and a physical store based on the customer's behavior at the store on the Internet and the behavior at the physical store.

1 is a diagram illustrating an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information providing server in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a user terminal in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a process of linking a customer's behavior history at a physical store and a customer's behavior history at a store on the Internet in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information providing server in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating customer information in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating PS NFC tag information in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating NFC tag information for sales floor in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating dispatch information in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating recommendation information in an information providing system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing before visiting a store among information provision processing in an information provision system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing at a point station when visiting a store, among information provision processing in an information provision system as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing on the product shelf when visiting a store, among the information provision processing in the information provision system as an example of the embodiment. It is a figure for explaining processing after leaving a store in an information provision system as an example of an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified below. For example, this embodiment can be modified and implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof. In the drawings used in the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts unless otherwise specified.

[1] One Embodiment [1-1] Hardware Configuration Example of Information Providing System According to One Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information providing system 1 as an example of an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information providing system 1 includes one or more information providing servers 10, one or more user terminals 30, and one or more NFC (Near Field Communication). A tag 40 is provided.

The information providing server 10 is a computer having a server function, and communicates with a user terminal 30 and an NFC tag 40, which will be described later, to provide information to the user terminal 30.

Further, the information providing server 10 may be connected to a management terminal (not shown) used by a system administrator, for example, via a network (not shown). Further, although FIG. 1 illustrates that the information providing system 1 includes one information providing server 10, it may include two or more information providing servers 10.

The NFC tag 40 is, for example, a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) card based on a standard called NFC (ISO/IEC 18092). Note that the NFC tag 40 may be based on other standards such as ISO/IEC 14443, for example. ISO is an abbreviation for International Organization for Standardization, and IEC is an abbreviation for International Electrotechnical Commission.

For example, by reading the NFC tag 40, the user terminal 30 obtains an identifier for identifying the NFC tag 40 (hereinafter referred to as NFC tag ID (Identifier)) and an individual URL (uniform URL) of a web service provided by the information providing server 10. Resource Locator). Furthermore, at this time, the NFC tag 40 may also send its own NFC tag ID. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in this system, a QR code (registered trademark) may be used instead of the NFC tag 40, and a device that outputs information using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may also be used. may also be used.

In this system, the NFC tag 40 is used by being attached to a product tag or a stand, for example. Note that the installation stand to which the NFC tag 40 is attached is referred to as a point station. This point station may be installed near the entrance of a physical store, for example, but is not limited thereto.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the information providing system 1 includes two NFC tags 40, there may be one NFC tag 40, or there may be three or more NFC tags 40. .

The user terminal 30 is an information processing terminal owned by a user (customer). The user terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone. Note that the user terminal 30 may be another information processing device such as a tablet, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or a mobile phone.

This user terminal 30 has, for example, a non-contact IC tag reader that can read the NFC tag 40. The user terminal 30 can receive and display content from the information providing server 10 by accessing the web service of the individual URL using a browser and transmitting the NFC tag ID. Note that the individual URL read from the NFC tag 40 may include the NFC tag ID. Further, the user terminal 30 acquires recommendation information (recommendation result) for the displayed content, generates operation result information including the individual identification number of the user terminal 30 and the recommendation result, and sends it to the information providing server 10. You can do it like this. Note that loading a URL and starting a specified browser, or accessing a loaded URL and displaying the content on a browser can be achieved using known methods, so detailed explanations thereof will be omitted here. .

Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the information providing system 1 includes one user terminal 30, it may include two or more user terminals 30.

[1-2] Example of hardware configuration of each device in the information providing system according to one embodiment The hardware configuration of each device (information providing server 10, user terminal 30) in the information providing system 1 described above will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information providing server 10 in the information providing system 1 as an example of the embodiment.

The hardware configuration of the information providing server 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained using FIG. 2.

The information providing server 10 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a storage section 12, a memory 13, an IF (Interface) section 14, and an input section 15.

The CPU 11 executes an OS (Operating System) and a control program 90 (described later) stored in the storage unit 12 (described later), and controls, for example, the provision of content to be displayed on the display unit 36 (described later) of the user terminal 30. It is an arithmetic processing unit (processor).

The storage unit 12 is an example of hardware that stores various data, programs, and the like. For example, the storage unit 12 may be used as a secondary storage device of the information providing server 10. Further, the storage unit 12 may store programs such as an OS, firmware, and applications, and various data. The storage unit 12 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an SCM (Storage Class Memory). The storage unit 12 may store a program (control program 90) that implements all or part of the various functions of the information providing server 10.

The memory 13 is an example of hardware that stores various data, programs, and the like. Examples of the memory 13 include volatile memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and nonvolatile memories such as flash memory, SCM, and ROM (Read Only Memory). Further, the memory 13 may store the control program 90, and the RAM of the memory 13 may be used as a temporary storage memory.

The IF unit 14 is an example of a communication interface that controls connection and communication between the user terminal 30, the NFC tag 40, and a management device (not shown). Further, the IF unit 14 may function as a communication interface that controls connection and communication with other information providing servers 10.

The IF unit 14 may include, for example, an adapter (port) for connecting a management device (not shown). The IF section 14 may include, for example, a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface or an optical communication interface. Note that the control program 90 may be downloaded from a network (not shown) via the IF section 14.

The input unit 15 may include, for example, at least one of input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and operation buttons.

The hardware configuration of the information providing server 10 described above is an example. Therefore, the hardware within the information providing server 10 may be increased or decreased (for example, addition or omission of arbitrary blocks), division, integration in arbitrary combinations, etc. may be performed as appropriate. Further, the information providing server 10 may include a display section including an output device such as a display, a projector, a speaker, and a printer.

Next, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained using FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 in the information providing system 1 as an example of the embodiment.

The user terminal 30 is, for example, a computer (information processing device) such as a smartphone, and includes, for example, a CPU 31, a storage section 32, a memory 33, an IF section 34, an input section 35, a display section 36, and an NFC communication section. 37 may be provided. Note that the storage unit 32 and the memory 33 are substantially the same as the storage unit 12 and the memory 13 of the information providing server 10, respectively, described using FIG. 2, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The CPU 31 executes the OS and client program 91 stored in the storage unit 32, and sends requests to the information providing server 10 and exchanges data. In this embodiment, the CPU 31 executes the client program 91 stored in the storage unit 32.

The IF unit 34 is an example of a communication interface that controls connection and communication with the information providing server 10. Further, the IF section 34 may function as a communication interface that controls connection and communication with other user terminals 30.

The IF unit 34 may include, for example, an adapter (port) for connecting a management device (not shown). The IF unit 34 may include, for example, a PCIe interface or an optical communication interface. Note that the client program 91 stored in the storage unit 32 may be downloaded from a network (not shown) via the IF unit 34.

The input unit 35 and the display unit 36 may be, for example, touch panels.

The NFC communication unit 37 is a non-contact type IC tag reader, and performs wireless communication with the NFC tag 40. When the user brings the user terminal 30 close to the NFC tag 40, wireless communication is performed between the NFC communication unit 37 and the NFC tag 40, and the NFC communication unit 37 reads information from the NFC tag 40. . Hereinafter, there are cases where the user terminal 30 is held up to the NFC tag 40 to bring it close enough to achieve wireless communication between the NFC communication unit 37 and the NFC tag 40 .

[1-3] Overview of a process of linking a customer's behavior history at a physical store and a customer's behavior history at an Internet store in an information providing system according to an embodiment As an example of an embodiment configured as described above An outline of a process of linking a customer's behavior history at a physical store and a customer's behavior history at a store on the Internet in the information providing system 1 will be explained according to the flowchart (steps S1 to S4) shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (steps S1 to S4) showing an overview of a process of linking a customer's behavior history at a physical store and a customer's behavior history at a store on the Internet in the information providing system 1.

It is assumed that the online stores and physical stores in this system are operated by the same or related companies. That is, for example, assume that a company that owns a physical store such as a department store also owns a store on the Internet. Furthermore, it is assumed that access to the store on the Internet is performed through a mobile terminal application, a membership site on the Internet, or the like.

In FIG. 4, an example will be explained in which a customer visits a store B (branch B) of a department store A as a physical store.

In step S1 of FIG. 4, the customer uses, for example, the user terminal 30 to shop (purchase) products, etc. at the store on the Internet before visiting the physical store. or browse. It is assumed that the customer purchases and views these items using an application for a mobile terminal, a membership site on the Internet, or the like. This purchase may be made using a credit card, for example, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, when customers browse products, they can register products they are interested in as favorites on the Internet, if necessary.

The customer's purchase history and product viewing (access) history in step S1 are tracked in this system for use in later marketing activities, and are stored, for example, in the storage unit 12 of the information providing server 10 as history information. The specific mechanism of this tracking will be described later. Note that the customer may use an information processing device other than the user terminal 30 (for example, a home computer) to shop or browse at a store on the Internet. Even when an information processing device other than the user terminal 30 is used, tracking is performed based on, for example, a member ID (described later). Then, the process moves to step S2.

In the following step S2, the customer visits the physical store. The customer then holds the customer's user terminal 30 over a point station installed (deployed) near the entrance of the physical store (first position). Note that it is assumed that an NFC tag 40 is attached to this point station. The act of holding the user terminal 30 over the NFC tag 40 is also referred to as an NFC touch. Note that the NFC tag 40 attached to the point station is also referred to as a first information tag, and the NFC tag ID of this first information tag is also referred to as a first information identifier.

When a customer holds the user terminal 30 over the point station 40, for example, a button labeled "click!" and a message "Click to get 5 points" appear on the display 36 (screen) of the user terminal 30. Is displayed. When the customer selects the "click!" button displayed on the display section 36, store visit points are awarded to the customer.

In addition, this system provides information to the customer about which department in the physical store the customer's favorite products and the viewed product (viewed product: first product) are located in. For example, consider a case where a customer registers a certain brand of bags as favorites on the Internet in step S1 described above. In this case, the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30 of the customer will display a message that the department store A of the store visited is the clothing and miscellaneous goods department on the 5th floor (first recommendation information). be done. When displaying this sales floor, a guide map of the sales floor may also be displayed as shown in FIG. 4.

In this way, with this system, for example, if a customer wants to physically hold or try on a product that they are interested in before purchasing at a physical store, by guiding them around the sales floor when they visit the store, Customers can avoid the hassle of searching for a store. Further, even if a physical store is unfamiliar to a customer, by guiding such a customer to the sales floor, the customer can arrive at the sales floor smoothly.

In addition, in this system, the customer is notified of the inventory status (for example, the number of items in stock; first recommendation information) at store B of the department store A visited regarding the product. For example, if there are multiple colors and types (for example, sizes) of bags that a customer has registered as favorites, the inventory status for each color and type will be displayed.

For example, assume that the bags that the customer registered as favorites in step S1 described above are available in two colors, white and red. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the display unit 36 (e.g., browser) of the customer's user terminal 30 shows that there are 4 white bags of the brand in store B of the A department store visited. A red dot indicates that there are 2 items in stock. In addition, in this system, it is desirable to display not only the number of products on the product shelf but also the inventory status in the warehouse of store B in department store A. This saves customers the time and effort it takes to find a store clerk and have them confirm the inventory. Then, the process moves to step S3.

In the subsequent step S3, the customer visits the sales floor of the physical store and, for example, attaches the customer's user terminal to the NFC tag 40 attached (deployed) to the product (second position) that the customer is interested in at this sales floor. Hold up 30. Note that the NFC tag 40 affixed to a product is also referred to as a second information tag, and the NFC tag ID of this second information tag is also referred to as a second information identifier.

When a customer holds the user terminal 30 over a product to which the NFC tag 40 is attached, this product is registered in the customer's favorites. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a message "Registered to favorites!" is displayed on the display section 36 of the user terminal 30 of the customer. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, when displaying the message, an image of the product held up by the customer over the user terminal 30 may also be displayed. Note that the NFC tag 40 may be attached to, for example, a plate on which a product name is written on a product shelf, or may be installed near the product.

In FIG. 4, a case is taken as an example in which a customer holds the user terminal 30 over a certain dress. In this system, the customer is provided with the inventory status (second recommendation information) of the store B of the department store A that the customer visited regarding the dress that the customer held up to the user terminal 30 in step S3. For example, if this dress comes in multiple colors and types (for example, sizes), the number of each color and type in stock will be announced.

For example, assume that the dress that the customer held up to the user terminal 30 in step S3 is available in two sizes, M size and L size. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, on the screen of the customer's user terminal 30, the stock status of store B of the A department store visited is displayed, with one M size dress in stock and one L size dress in stock. A message indicating that there are 2 items in stock is displayed. In this step S3 as well, it is desirable for this system to display not only the number of products on the product shelf but also the inventory status of the warehouse of store B in department store A.

After the inventory status described above is displayed, as shown in FIG. be done. This coupon is a time-limited coupon and becomes invalid if it is not used for a predetermined period of time. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when displaying a time-limited coupon, an image of a dress held up by the customer over the user terminal 30 may also be displayed. Then, the process moves to step S4. Note that the product (second product) for which the inventory status (second recommendation information) is presented in step S3 is the product for which the sales floor guide map (first recommendation information) is presented in step S2. (first product) may be the same or different.

In subsequent step S4, after leaving the store, the customer uses the user terminal 30 to access a store on the Internet (for example, the store on the Internet of department store A). In this system, it is assumed that access to stores on the Internet is performed through a mobile terminal application, a membership site on the Internet, or the like. This online store is also called a store site.

When a customer accesses a store on the Internet, recommended products (third recommendation information) are displayed on the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4, when a customer has not yet purchased the dress displayed on the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30 at the sales floor, for example, a message saying, "Store B in department store A still has it in stock." may be displayed on the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30. In addition, when a customer purchases a dress displayed on the display section 36 of the user terminal 30 at the sales floor, other clothes similar to this dress or clothes recommended to coordinate with the dress will be recommended. You may.

When the post-leaving phase shown in step S4 ends, the process shifts to the visiting phase shown in step S1.

In this system, information to be presented to the customer upon visiting the store is determined in step S1 based on the processing (purchase and browsing) performed by the customer before visiting the store, and this determined information is presented in steps S2 and S3. Furthermore, in steps S2 and S3, information to be presented to the customer after leaving the store is determined based on the behavior (NFC touch) performed by the customer at the physical store, and is presented to the customer in step S4.

In this way, in this system, by repeating the processing of steps S1 to S4, customer behavior at the physical store and customer behavior after leaving the store are linked, and the physical store and the store on the Internet are seamlessly linked.

In addition, this system allows information on purchase history, browsing history, and favorite registration information from online stores to be reflected in marketing activities at physical stores. At the same time, information on customer behavior and favorite registrations acquired by holding up the user terminal 30 at a physical store can be reflected in marketing activities after leaving the store. In this way, one-to-one marketing can be enhanced by utilizing customer behavior in both physical stores (real world) and online stores (digital world). This system also provides customers with the opportunity to easily view products that interest them anytime and anywhere (when they arrive at the store, after they leave the store).

[1-4] Example of functional configuration of information providing server in information providing system according to an embodiment FIG. 5 illustrates a functional configuration of the information providing server 10 in the information providing system 1 as an example of the embodiment shown in FIG. It is a diagram.

As shown in FIG. 5, the information providing server 10 may include, for example, a communication control section 16 and an information providing control section 17. Further, the information provision control section 17 may include, for example, a history management section 20, a location information acquisition section 21, a screen display control section 22, a dispatch section 23, a tag information acquisition section 24, and a recommendation section 25. . Furthermore, the storage unit 12 of the information providing server 10 includes customer information 26 , PS NFC tag information 271 , sales floor NFC tag information 272 , dispatch information 28 , and recommendation information 29 .

The communication control unit 16 communicates with the user terminal 30 and the NFC tag 40, receives information from the user terminal 30 and the NFC tag 40, and transmits the received information to the information provision control unit 17, which will be described later. Further, the communication control unit 16 transmits the information received from the information provision control unit 17 to the user terminal 30. For example, the communication control unit 16 receives access from the user terminal 30 to URL #1, which will be described later, and transmits URL #2, which will be described later, to the user terminal 30.

Further, the information provision control unit 17 controls information provided to the user terminal 30 using various information stored in the storage unit 12 based on information received from the communication control unit 16 described above. The information provision control unit 17 also generates and updates various information stored in the storage unit 12.

The history management unit 20 of the information provision control unit 17 manages customer information 26 included in the storage unit 12. This customer information 26 will be explained using FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating customer information 26 in the information providing system 1. FIG. 6 illustrates customer information 26 regarding one customer. In addition, although the customer information 26 is expressed in a table format in FIG. 6, the expression format of the information stored in the customer information 26 is not limited to the table format, and various modifications can be made.

The customer information 26 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes fields of "purchase history," "browsing history," "favorites," and "points." Since this customer information 26 also stores information regarding the history of past actions of the customer, the customer information 26 is also referred to as history information.

The field “purchase history” of the customer information 26 includes information such as “item”, “size”, “color”, and “product” that the customer has purchased (purchased) at a physical store or an online store. , stores information regarding the “purchase location”.

"Goods" is the general name of the purchased product, such as "dress" and "bag." "Size" refers to the size of the purchased product, and in the case of clothes, for example, it may be a number such as "M size" or "L size". "Color" is the color of the purchased product, and includes, for example, "white" and "red." Moreover, the "purchase place" is information that specifies the place where the purchase was made, and includes, for example, "A department store" and a store on the Internet.

Note that each time a customer makes a purchase in a physical store or an online store, information about this newly purchased product may be added to the field "Purchase History", or a table may be created for newly purchased products. It's okay to be hit.

In addition, the field "browsing history" of the customer information 26 includes, for example, "item", "size", "color", and "browsing location" for products that the customer has viewed at the store on the Internet before visiting the store. Store information about. Since these "item", "size", and "color" are generally the same as those described above for the field "purchase history," their explanation will be omitted. “Browsing location” is information that specifies the location where browsing is performed, and for example, information that specifies a store on the Internet is stored.

Further, the field "browsing history" of the customer information 26 may include information regarding a product for which the customer held the user terminal 30 over a product to which the NFC tag 40 is affixed at a physical store.

Furthermore, each time a customer views a product at a store on the Internet or holds the user terminal 30 over a product with an NFC tag 40 affixed at a physical store, information about the product is added to this field "browsing history". may be done. Further, a table may be provided for the product.

In addition, the field "favorites" of the customer information 26 stores information regarding, for example, "item", "size", and "color" of products that the customer has registered as favorites at the store on the Internet before visiting the store. do. Since these "item", "size", and "color" are the same as those described above for the field "purchase history", their explanation will be omitted.

In addition, the field "favorites" in the customer information 26 contains information that is registered as a favorite when the customer clicks a favorite registration button (described later) displayed on the display unit 36 (screen) of the user terminal 30 at the physical store. may also include information about the product.

Note that each time a customer registers a product as favorites at a store on the Internet or registers a product as favorites at a physical store using the user terminal 30, information about the product is added to this field "Favorites." It's okay. Further, a table may be provided for the product.

Note that the information stored in the fields "Purchase History", "Browsing History", and "Favorites" illustrated in FIG. 6 are only examples, and for example, a field such as "Price" may also be provided. Further, although FIG. 6 shows an example of a data storage format in which the information stored in each field is connected using ",", the format is not limited to this. Further, the table illustrated in FIG. 6 may be prepared for each customer.

Further, the field "points" of the customer information 26 stores the points currently owned by the customer (100 points in the example shown in FIG. 6). The value stored in this field "point" may be 0 points as an initial value before the system starts operating.

In this way, the history management section 20 of the information provision control section 17 stores information in the customer information 26 having the above-mentioned fields, and retrieves the stored information as necessary.

Next, returning to the explanation regarding the functional configuration of the information provision control section 17 in the information provision server 10 shown in FIG. 5, the location information acquisition section 21 of the information provision control section 17 will be explained. The location information acquisition unit 21 detects an access from the user terminal 30 to URL #1, that is, the URL of the web service provided by the information providing server 10. Then, the location information acquisition unit 21 receives the NFC tag ID transmitted from the user terminal 30. Note that this NFC tag ID may be sent to the information providing server 10 in a form stored in URL #1, or may be sent to the information providing server 10 along with URL #1. but not limited to.

The location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the PS NFC tag information 271 in the storage unit 12 and acquires the location (first information) of the NFC tag 40 specified by the NFC tag ID based on the NFC tag ID. That is, the location information acquisition unit 21 identifies the physical store (first information) where the point station to which the NFC tag 40 is attached is installed (deployed).

The PS NFC tag information 271 referred to by the location information acquisition unit 21 will be explained using FIG. 7. Note that "PS" is an abbreviation for point station.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the PS NFC tag information 271 in the information providing system 1. Note that the PS NFC tag information 271 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be created by, for example, a system administrator when the NFC tag 40 is installed.

The PS NFC tag information 271 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes fields of "NFC tag ID" and "location".

The field “NFC tag ID” of the NFC tag information 271 for PS stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the NFC tag 40, for example, “N001” and “N002”. Note that these "N001" and "N002" are merely examples of values stored in the field "NFC tag ID", and may be set at the time of shipment. Further, the number of digits and format of the NFC tag ID may differ depending on the manufacturer.

The field “location” of the PS NFC tag information 271 stores information about the location where the NFC tag 40 specified by the value stored in the “NFC tag ID” is installed, that is, the actual store. This field "location" stores, for example, "store B of department store A" and "store C of department store A". Note that these "store B of department store A" and "store C of department store A" are merely examples of values stored in the field "location", and any identifier that can identify the location may be used. Furthermore, if a plurality of point stations are located within the same physical store, more detailed location information may be added.

Furthermore, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the sales floor NFC tag information 272 in the storage unit 12. Then, based on the NFC tag ID, the location information acquisition unit 21 determines the location (second information) of the NFC tag 40 specified by the NFC tag ID, that is, the location of the product to which the customer has attached the NFC tag 40. The physical store (second information) in which the sales floor at which the terminal 30 is held up is located is specified. Further, the location of the NFC tag 40 specified by the NFC tag ID may be the location of a product shelf in a sales floor.

The sales floor NFC tag information 272 referred to by the location information acquisition unit 21 will be explained using FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the sales floor NFC tag information 272 in the information providing system 1. Note that the sales floor NFC tag information 272 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be created, for example, by a system administrator when the NFC tag 40 is installed on a product at the sales floor.

The sales floor NFC tag information 272 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes fields of "NFC tag ID," "product ID," and "location."

The field “NFC tag ID” of the sales floor NFC tag information 272 stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the NFC tag 40, for example, “N101” and “N102”. Note that the value stored in this field "NFC tag ID" is the same as the value stored in the field "NFC tag ID" of the PS NFC tag information 271 described above using FIG. 7, so a description will be given here. Omitted.

The field "product ID" of the NFC tag information for sales floor 272 stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a product on the sales floor, such as "bag 1-1" and "dress 1-1." Note that these "bag 1-1" and "dress 1-1" are just examples of values stored in the field "product ID", and any identifier that can identify the product may be used. Moreover, this product ID may be, for example, an identifier given at the time of shipping the product, but is not limited to this.

The field "Location" of the sales floor NFC tag information 272 stores information about the location where the NFC tag 40 specified by the value stored in the field "NFC Tag ID" is installed, that is, the actual store. The value stored in this field is the same as the value stored in the field "location" of the PS NFC tag information 271 described above with reference to FIG. 7, so a description thereof will be omitted here. Further, the value stored in this field "location" may be the position of a product shelf in a sales floor.

In this way, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the PS NFC tag information 271 having the fields described above using FIG. Get the location (physical store). Further, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the NFC tag information for sales floor 272 having the fields described above with reference to FIG. Get a store.

Next, returning to the description of the functional configuration of the information provision control section 17 in the information provision server 10 shown in FIG. 5, the screen display control section 22 of the information provision control section 17 will be explained. The screen display control unit 22 generates content for display and displays the generated content on the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30. Note that this generated content may be displayed on the display section 36 of the user terminal 30 using a browser, for example. Note that content creation can be realized using a known method, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

The dispatch unit 23 of the information provision control unit 17 refers to the dispatch information 28 and acquires the dispatch destination URL (dispatch destination URL) based on the NFC tag ID. Then, the dispatch unit 23 transmits the acquired dispatch destination URL to the user terminal 30. As a result, the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30 displays, for example, the site at the address indicated by the dispatch destination URL.

The dispatch information 28 referred to by the dispatch unit 23 will be explained using FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating dispatch information 28 in the information providing system 1. Note that the dispatch information 28 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be set, for example, by a system administrator before the system starts operating, or may be changed at any time.

The dispatch information 28 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes fields of "NFC tag ID" and "dispatch destination URL."

The field "NFC tag ID" of the dispatch information 28 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the NFC tag 40, and stores "N001" and "N002", for example. The information stored in this "NFC tag ID" is the same as the field "NFC tag ID" of the PS NFC tag information 271 (see Figure 7) and the sales floor NFC tag information 272 (see Figure 8), so here Now, the explanation will be omitted.

The field “Dispatch destination URL” of the dispatch information 28 is a URL to which the user terminal 30 should be accessed. In the example shown in FIG. 9, "URL001", "URL002", etc. are shown for convenience. This dispatch destination URL is also referred to as URL #2, and may be the URL of a recommended product (recommended product) at a store visited by the customer, or the URL of a site that displays the inventory status of the product. Note that "URL001" and "URL002" illustrated in FIG. 9 are only examples, and may be access destinations specified by addresses starting with "http" or "https", for example.

In this way, the dispatch unit 23 of the information provision control unit 17 refers to the dispatch information 28 having the above-mentioned fields, and obtains, for example, the URL (URL #2) that the customer should access using the user terminal 30. do.

The recommendation unit 25 of the information provision control unit 17 selects recommended information to be displayed on the screen (browser) of the customer's user terminal 30, that is, recommended content (first recommended information, second recommended information, third recommended information). Edit (generate) information (equivalent to information). This recommended content is content that reflects the customer's history information, has a high possibility of leading to future purchases, and allows for desirable marketing tailored to the customer. Therefore, the recommendation unit 25 edits (generates) recommended content according to each customer based on the customer information 26. For example, the recommendation unit 25 determines recommended products based on the customer information 26 and creates content for displaying the recommended products. Note that the determination of recommended products based on this history information and the editing (creation) of recommended content can be realized using known methods, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

In addition, the recommendation unit 25 creates content that guides the store's inventory of products registered in the customer's favorites and recommended products, as well as the sales floor of the product in the physical store.

Then, the recommendation unit 25 transmits the generated recommended content to the screen display control unit 22. This recommended content is then transmitted to the customer's user terminal 30. Further, the recommendation unit 25 stores the history of the created recommended content in the recommendation information 29 of the storage unit 12 in association with each customer.

The recommendation information 29 in which the recommendation unit 25 stores the generation history of recommended content will be explained using FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the recommendation information 29 in the information providing system 1. Note that it is assumed that nothing is stored in the recommendation information 29 illustrated in FIG. 10 (NULL is stored) before the system starts operating.

The recommendation information 29 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes fields of "member ID" and "recommended content".

The field "member ID" of the recommendation information 29 is an ID (member ID) that is given to each customer in this system to uniquely identify the member. In the example shown in FIG. 10, "USER_A", "USER_B", etc. are illustrated for convenience. Since the issuance and management of this member ID can be realized using a known method, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

The field “recommended content” of the recommendation information 29 is content edited or generated by the recommendation unit 25. In the example shown in FIG. 10, "content A", "content B", etc. are illustrated for convenience. The value stored in this field "recommended content" may be information specifying the location (URL) where the recommended content (for example, content A) is stored, or a pointer indicating the storage location of the recommended content. Further, the recommendation unit 25 may change the recommendation information 29 in real time, and may generate or edit the recommendation information 29 according to the location of the point station where the NFC touch was performed or the content of the product.

[1-5] Information provision processing in the information provision system according to an embodiment As an example of the embodiment configured as described above, the information provision processing in the information provision system 1 is performed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 14. explain. Here, the information provision process is divided into four phases: before entering the store (Figure 11), upon arrival (point station; Figure 12), upon arrival (product shelf; Figure 13), and after leaving the store (Figure 14). I will explain it separately.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (S11 to S15) for explaining the processing before visiting the store among the information provision processing in the information provision system 1 according to one embodiment. The processing shown in steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 11 is a concrete explanation of the processing shown in step S1 in FIG. 4 described above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart (S201 to S218) for explaining the processing at the point station when visiting the store, among the information provision processing in the information provision system 1 according to one embodiment. The processing shown in steps S201 to S218 in FIG. 12 is a concrete explanation of the processing shown in step S2 in FIG. 4 described above.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (S301 to S316) for explaining the processing on the product shelf at the time of visiting the store, among the information provision processing in the information providing system 1 according to one embodiment. The processing shown in steps S201 to S218 in FIG. 13 is a concrete explanation of the processing shown in step S3 in FIG. 4 described above.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart (S41 to S47) for explaining the processing after leaving the store among the information providing processing in the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment. The processing shown in steps S41 to S47 in FIG. 14 is a concrete explanation of the processing shown in step S4 in FIG. 4 described above.

Of these, in FIGS. 12 and 13, a case where a customer visits store B (branch B) of department store A, which is a physical store, will be explained as an example. Further, in FIGS. 11 and 14, a case will be explained using an example of using a store on the Internet operated by department store A before visiting department store A, which is a physical store, or after leaving the store.

First, the process before coming to the store will be explained using FIG. 11.

In step S11, the customer uses, for example, the user terminal 30 to access the store on the Internet. It is assumed that the store on the Internet is used through a mobile terminal application or a membership site on the Internet. A customer logs into, for example, a mobile terminal application or a membership site on the Internet using, for example, a member ID and password. Then, the customer makes a purchase using, for example, a membership card or a credit card at a physical store. The process then proceeds to step S12 and step S13.

In subsequent step S12, the user terminal 30 receives the login in step S11 described above, and transmits the member ID input by the customer at the time of login to the information providing server 10. The communication control unit 16 of the information providing server 10 receives the member ID transmitted from the user terminal 30 in step S12. Then, the history management unit 20 of the information providing server 10 waits until it receives purchase history, browsing history, and favorite registration information, which will be described later, from the user terminal 30.

After the process shown in step S11, in step S13, the customer shops (purchases) at a store on the Internet, and browses products and the like. Additionally, customers may register products they are interested in as favorites. The process then proceeds to step S14.

In subsequent step S14, the user terminal 30 receives the purchase, viewing, or registration in favorites in step S13 described above, and stores the purchase history, viewing history, and information registered in favorites (favorite registration information) of the customer. ) is sent to the information providing server 10. The process then proceeds to step S15.

In subsequent step S15, the history management unit 20 of the information providing server 10 stores the customer's purchase history, browsing history, and favorite registration information received from the user terminal 30 in the customer information 26 of the storage unit 12. When storing this information, the history management unit 20 links (associates) the customer's member ID with the purchase history, browsing history, and favorite registration information.

Next, using FIG. 12, we will explain the process when a customer visits store B of department store A, which is a physical store, and holds the customer's user terminal 30 over the point station 40 installed near the entrance of the physical store. explain.

Note that steps S21 and S22 in FIG. 12 show processing when installing the NFC tag 40 at the point station.

As shown in step S21, the NFC tag 40 is installed by being attached to a point station.

When installing the NFC tag 40 at the point station, for example, URL #1 is set in the NFC tag 40 as serial content. This URL #1 is, for example, the URL of a web service provided by the information providing server 10 (also referred to as an individual URL), and the access destination URL is set for each NFC tag 40. In other words, after the customer holds the user terminal 30 over the NFC tag 40, a URL that the customer accesses using a browser or the like is set for each NFC tag 40.

Further, for example, one or more point stations are installed for each physical store, and information for identifying the physical store (location) is set for each NFC tag 40 (NFC tag ID). Then, in step S22, information linking this NFC tag ID and location is set in the PS NFC tag information 271 (see FIG. 7), and then the PS NFC tag information 271 is stored in the storage unit 12. .

In step S201, a customer visits a physical store and, for example, starts an IC tag reader (for example, an NFC camera application or a camera application). Then, the process moves to step S202.

In the following step S202, the customer holds the customer's user terminal 30 over the NFC tag 40 attached to the point station 40 installed near the entrance of the physical store. Then, the process moves to step S203.

In subsequent step S203, the user terminal 30 reads the NFC tag 40 using, for example, an IC tag reader. The process then moves to step S204.

In subsequent step S204, the NFC tag 40 returns URL #1, which is the content set at the time of installation (see step S21), that is, the URL of the web service provided by the information providing server 10, and the NFC tag ID. do. The process then moves to step S205.

In the following step S205, the user terminal 30 starts up a specified browser (for example, a Web browser) and uses this browser to access the URL #1 received in step S204 described above. Thereby, the user terminal 30 can access the web service provided by the information providing server 10, and, for example, the web page of the service is displayed on the screen (browser) of the user terminal 30. Note that, as described above, starting the browser and accessing URL #1 are realized using a known method.

In addition, in this step S205, the user terminal 30 also transmits the NFC tag ID to the information providing server 10. The process then moves to step S206.

In subsequent step S206, the location information acquisition unit 21 of the information providing server 10 refers to the PS NFC tag information 271 in the storage unit 12. Then, the location information acquisition unit 21 acquires the location of the NFC tag 40 that the customer held up the user terminal 30 in step S202, based on the NFC tag ID received in step S205. This location refers to a location where the NFC tag 40 is installed, that is, a physical store.

For example, when the NFC tag ID received by the location information acquisition unit 21 is N001, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the PS NFC tag information 271 illustrated in FIG. Identify store B in department store A. Thereby, the information providing server 10 can recognize that the customer has visited store B of department store A. The process then moves to step S207.

In subsequent step S207, the dispatch unit 23 of the information providing server 10 refers to the dispatch information 28 (see FIG. 9) based on the NFC tag ID received in step S205 described above, and obtains the dispatch destination URL. For example, if the location NFC tag ID acquired in step S207 is N001, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the dispatch information 28 illustrated in FIG. 9 and acquires URL001 as the dispatch destination URL. This dispatch destination URL described above is also expressed as URL #2. For example, when a customer visits store B of department store A, URL #2 is the access destination address of a web page related to this store.

Then, the dispatch unit 23 transmits this URL #2 to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16. The process then moves to step S208.

In subsequent step S208, the user terminal 30 accesses URL #2 acquired in step S207 described above using, for example, a browser. The process then moves to step S209.

In subsequent step S209, the screen display control unit 22 creates content corresponding to the location of the NFC tag 40 acquired in step S206 described above, that is, content of URL #2. For example, as illustrated in Screen Example 1 in FIG. 12, the screen display control unit 22 clearly displays "A Department Store", which is the physical store that the customer visited, on the screen, and selects "Login" for the customer to log in. You may also generate content that displays a button. Then, the screen display control unit 22 may generate content that displays a message "Thank you for visiting store B" as the content according to the location of the NFC tag 40. Further, content may be generated that causes the customer's user terminal 30 to display a sales promotion message, for example, "Get 5 points for logging in."

Then, the screen display control unit 22 returns the generated content of URL #2 to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16, and the process moves to step S210.

In subsequent step S210, the user terminal 30 displays the received content of URL #2 on the screen. As described above, screen example 1 in FIG. 12 is an example of content displayed on the screen in step S210. Then, the process moves to step S211.

In the following step S211, the customer logs in to the web page specified by URL #2 using the member ID and password. The process then moves to step S212.

In subsequent step S212, the history management unit 20 performs customer login processing. The process then moves to step S213.

In the following step S213, the history management unit 20 gives visit points to the customers who visited the store. The history management unit 20 acquires the points stored in the field "points" of the customer information 26 (see FIG. 6) specified by the member ID used by the customer at the time of login in step S211 described above. Then, the history management unit 20 adds store visit points to the acquired points and stores the addition result in the field "points". The process then moves to step S214.

In subsequent step S214, the history management unit 20 acquires history information from the customer information 26 based on the member ID used by the customer when logging in in step S211 described above. The history management unit 20 acquires, as history information, information regarding mobile terminal applications, membership sites on the Internet, and purchase history and browsing history at physical stores.

Specifically, the history management unit 20 stores, as purchase history, information such as "item", "size", " Information regarding "color" and "purchase location" is obtained (see FIG. 6). In addition, the history management unit 20 stores, as browsing history, information such as "item", "size", "color", and "viewing location" for products viewed on a mobile terminal application or a membership site on the Internet. (See Figure 6). In addition, the history management unit 20 stores, as favorite information, information regarding, for example, "item", "size", and "color" of products registered as favorites in a mobile terminal application or a membership site on the Internet. (see Figure 6). The process then moves to step S215.

In subsequent step S215, the recommendation unit 25 of the information providing server 10 determines recommended products and creates content for displaying the recommended products on the screen (browser) of the user terminal 30. For example, the recommendation unit 25 clearly indicates "A Department Store", which is a physical store visited by the customer, on the screen, as illustrated in Screen Example 2 of FIG. 12. Then, content is generated to display, for example, "You can purchase at Store B" as a sales promotion message at Store B, which is the branch of department store A that you visited.

Further, the recommendation unit 25 displays the inventory of the recommended product, the bag, at store B, and creates content that guides the sales floor of the recommended product at the physical store. In the guidance of the department, the recommendation unit 25 may display the department name or may also display a guide map of the department as illustrated in screen example 2 in FIG. 12. Then, the recommendation unit 25 transmits the generated recommended content to the screen display control unit 22. The screen display control unit 22 transmits this recommended content to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16. The process then moves to step S216.

In subsequent step S216, the user terminal 30 displays the content generated in step S215 described above on the screen (browser). The process then moves to step S217.

In subsequent step S217, the customer confirms the recommended content displayed in step S216 described above. The process then moves to step S218.

In subsequent step S218, the customer utilizes the recommended content confirmed in step S217 described above for shopping.

In this way, through the processes shown in steps S201 to S218 in FIG. 12, this system provides users with recommended content determined based on the customer's purchase history and browsing history, as well as products that the customer was interested in before visiting the store. It is displayed on the display section 36 of the terminal 30. This provides customers with opportunities to purchase new products and additional purchases.

Next, what happens when a customer visits store B of department store A, which is a physical store, and then holds the user terminal 30 over the NFC tag 40 affixed to the product at the sales floor (product shelf). This will be explained using FIG. 13.

Note that steps S31 to S32 in FIG. 13 show the processing when installing the NFC tag 40 on the product.

As shown in step S31, the NFC tag 40 is installed by being attached to a product on the sales floor or a tag of the product. In this embodiment, an example will be explained in which the NFC tag 40 is attached to a product or a tag of the product. Alternatively, it may be installed near the product.

When installing the NFC tag 40 on a product at the sales floor, for example, URL #1 is set in the NFC tag 40 as serial content. The URL #1 set in the NFC tag 40 affixed to this product is set in the same way as the NFC tag 40 affixed to the point station described above in step S31 of FIG. 13, so the explanation is omitted here. do.

Furthermore, the NFC tag 40 for products in a sales floor is, for example, installed for each product displayed on the sales floor or product shelf, and the product number and information for identifying the physical store (location) are It is set for each NFC tag 40 (NFC tag ID). Then, in step S32, information linking this NFC tag ID, product number, and location is set in the NFC tag information for sales floor 272 (see FIG. 8), and then the NFC tag information for sales floor 272 is stored in the storage section. 12.

In step S301, a customer visits a physical store and discovers a product of interest on the sales floor. The process then moves to step S302.

In the following step S302, the customer holds the user terminal 30 over the NFC tag 40 attached to the product displayed on the product shelf. The process then moves to step S303. At that time, the customer may use an IC tag reader (eg, NFC camera application or camera application).

In subsequent step S303, the user terminal 30 reads the NFC tag 40 using, for example, an IC tag reader. The process then moves to step S304.

In the following step S304, the NFC tag 40 returns URL #1, which is the content set at the time of installation (step S31), that is, the URL of the Web service provided by the information providing server 10 and the NFC tag ID. Then, the process moves to step S305.

In the following step S305, the user terminal 30 starts up a specified browser (for example, a Web browser) and uses this browser to access the URL #1 received in step S304 described above. Thereby, the user terminal 30 can access the web service provided by the information providing server 10, and, for example, the web page of the service is displayed on the screen (browser) of the user terminal 30. Note that, as described above, starting the browser and accessing URL #1 are realized using a known method.

Furthermore, in step S305, the user terminal 30 transmits the NFC tag ID and product number together to the information providing server 10. The process then moves to step S306.

In the following step S306, the location information acquisition unit 21 of the information providing server 10 refers to the sales floor NFC tag information 272 in the storage unit 12 based on the NFC tag ID received in step S305. Then, the location information acquisition unit 21 acquires the location of the NFC tag 40 that the customer held up the user terminal 30 in step S302. This location refers to a physical store where there is a sales floor for products to which the NFC tag 40 is attached. The location information acquisition unit 21 also acquires the product number.

For example, when the NFC tag ID received by the location information acquisition unit 21 is N101, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the sales floor NFC tag information 272 illustrated in FIG. Identify store B in department store A. As a result, the information providing server 10 can recognize that the customer has discovered a product of interest on the sales floor of store B in department store A. The process then moves to step S307.

In subsequent step S307, the dispatch unit 23 of the information providing server 10 refers to the dispatch information 28 (see FIG. 9) based on the NFC tag ID received in step S305 described above, and obtains the dispatch destination URL. For example, if the location NFC tag ID acquired in step S307 is N101, the location information acquisition unit 21 refers to the dispatch information 28 illustrated in FIG. 9 and acquires the URL 101 as the dispatch destination URL. This dispatch destination URL mentioned above is also referred to as URL #2, and for example, when a customer visits store B of department store A, the URL of a web page related to this store or the URL of a site that displays the inventory status of products. There may be.

Then, the dispatch unit 23 transmits this URL #2 to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16. The process then moves to step S308.

In the subsequent step S308, the user terminal 30 accesses the URL #2 acquired in the above-described step S307 using, for example, a browser. The process then moves to step S309.

In subsequent step S309, the recommendation unit 25 creates content (recommended content) corresponding to the location of the NFC tag 40 acquired in step S306, that is, content of URL #2.

For example, as illustrated in screen example 3 in FIG. 13, the recommendation unit 25 clearly indicates "A department store" which is the physical store that the customer visited on the screen, and displays the inventory at "B store" which is the location. You may also generate content that For example, the recommendation unit 25 may generate content that displays a message such as "<Department Store A> [Store B Stock] M: 1 item, L: 2 items. When purchasing, please ask the store clerk." Further, content may be generated that causes a "registration to favorites" button to be displayed on the customer's user terminal 30. Note that if the customer has not yet logged in, the recommendation unit 25 may generate content that displays a login screen.

Then, the recommendation unit 25 transmits the generated content of URL #2 to the screen display control unit 22. The screen display control unit 22 returns the information to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16, and the process moves to step S310.

In subsequent step S310, the user terminal 30 displays the received content of URL #2 on the screen. As described above, screen example 3 in FIG. 13 is an example of recommended content displayed on the screen in step S310. The process then moves to step S311.

In the following step S311, the customer selects the details of the product (for example, size and color) and registers it as a favorite. Furthermore, if the customer has not yet logged in, the customer logs in using, for example, a member ID and password. The process then moves to step S312.

In subsequent step S312, the history management unit 20 of the information providing server 10 uses the favorite information registered in step S311 described above to store customer information linked to the member ID used by the customer when logging in in step S311 described above. Update 26. That is, when the "register favorites" button is clicked on the sales floor of a physical store, the product of interest at the sales floor is added to the favorite information used at the store on the Internet.

The history management unit 20 then stores the updated customer information 26 in the storage unit 12. The process then moves to step S314. Furthermore, if the customer has not yet logged in, the customer logs in using, for example, a member ID and password. The process then moves to step S313.

In subsequent step S313, the recommendation unit 25 generates content (recommended content) for displaying a time-limited coupon for the product registered as a favorite (favorite registered product). Note that the address of this generated content is set to URL #3.

For example, as illustrated in screen example 4 in FIG. 13, the recommendation unit 25 clearly indicates "A department store", which is the physical store that the customer visited, on the screen, and displays "If you purchase at store B today, you will receive a 5% discount. You may generate content that displays a time-limited coupon with the content "OFF". The recommendation unit 25 may also generate content that displays a button that says "use coupon."

Then, the recommendation unit 25 transmits the generated content of URL #3 to the screen display control unit 22. The screen display control unit 22 returns the content of URL #3 to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16, thereby issuing a time-limited coupon to the customer. The process then moves to step S314.

In the following step S314, the user terminal 30 displays on the screen the content of the received URL #3, that is, the time-limited coupon for the favorite registered product. As described above, screen example 4 in FIG. 13 is an example of a time-limited coupon displayed on the screen in step S314. The process then moves to step S315.

In subsequent step S315, the customer confirms the inventory (recommended content) displayed in step S310 described above. The process then moves to step S316.

In subsequent step S316, the customer utilizes the inventory (recommended content) confirmed in step S315 described above for shopping.

In this way, in this system, through the processes shown in steps S301 to S316 in FIG. 13, not only the products purchased by the customer at the sales floor of the physical store but also the products viewed by the customer are tracked. Then, when the customer views the product by holding the user terminal 30 over the NFC tag 40 at the sales floor of the physical store, the recommended content of the product in which the customer is interested is displayed on the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30. This makes it possible to closely track customer behavior on the sales floor of a physical store, so for example, information about products that people viewed in a physical store but did not purchase (dropped out midway through) can be used for post-store marketing, which will be described later. be able to.

Next, processing after leaving the store will be explained using FIG. 14.

In step S41, the customer uses the user terminal 30 to access the store on the Internet. It is assumed that the use of the store on the Internet is performed using an application for a mobile terminal or a membership site on the Internet. The customer then logs into, for example, a mobile terminal application or a membership site on the Internet using, for example, a member ID and password. Then, the process moves to step S42.

In subsequent step S42, the user terminal 30 receives the login in step S41 described above and transmits the member ID input by the customer at the time of login to the information providing server 10. Then, the process moves to step S43.

In the subsequent step S43, the history management unit 20 performs customer login processing. Then, the process moves to step S44.

In subsequent step S44, the history management section 20 of the information providing server 10 acquires history information from the customer information 26 of the storage section 12 based on the received member ID. The history management unit 20 acquires, as history information, applications for mobile terminals, membership sites on the Internet, purchase history at physical stores, browsing history, and favorite registration information. Then, the process moves to step S45.

In subsequent step S45, the recommendation unit 25 of the information provision control unit 17 edits (generates) recommended content to be displayed on the screen (browser) of the customer's user terminal 30, based on the history information acquired in step S44 described above. do. The recommendation unit 25 transmits the edited (generated) recommended content to the screen display control unit 22, and the screen display control unit 22 transmits this recommended content to the user terminal 30 via the communication control unit 16. The process then moves to step S46.

In subsequent step S46, the user terminal 30 displays the recommended content edited (generated) in step S215 described above on the screen (browser). The process then moves to step S47.

In subsequent step S47, the customer confirms the recommended content displayed in step S46 described above. Then, the process ends.

In this way, in this system, through the processes shown in steps S41 to S47 in FIG. 14, recommended content is generated based not only on the products purchased by the customer at the sales floor of the physical store but also on the products viewed. to be displayed. This allows, for example, to recommend products to customers that they viewed at a physical store but did not purchase, and it is possible to reflect information about such customers leaving the store in one-to-one marketing.

[2] Effects As described above, in the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment, the information providing server 10 acquires the location of the physical store for the customer visiting the store, and shows the sales area of products that the customer is interested in. Generate and present guiding content. In addition, a customer visits a sales floor of a physical store, obtains information about a product that interests him, generates content that notifies stock information regarding the product, and presents the content to the customer. This makes it possible to provide recommended information at both online stores and physical stores, based on the customer's behavior at both online stores and physical stores.

In addition, the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment acquires information about products that a customer is interested in at a sales floor of a physical store, generates content that introduces inventory information of the product and related products, and presents it to the customer. do. This allows the purchase history and browsing history, which are the customer's behavior history at the physical store, to be reflected in marketing activities after the customer leaves the store. Therefore, it is possible to seamlessly link the customer's behavior history at the physical store and the customer's behavior at the store on the Internet.

In addition, in the information providing system 1 according to one embodiment, when a customer visits the store, the display unit 36 of the user terminal 30 shows which department of the physical store the customer's favorite products and the products that have been viewed (viewed products) are located. to be displayed as recommendation information. Further, as recommended information, for example, a guide map of a sales floor is also displayed. As a result, when the customer visits the store, the customer can be immediately guided to the sales floor of the product that he or she is interested in before visiting the store, thereby avoiding the trouble of the customer searching for the sales floor. Furthermore, even if a customer is unfamiliar with a physical store, by guiding such a customer around the sales floor, the customer can be smoothly brought to the sales floor.

Furthermore, in the information providing system 1 according to one embodiment, the stock status of products of interest is presented when the user visits the store or at the sales floor. This saves the customer the trouble of finding a store clerk and checking the inventory in order to know the inventory.

In addition, in the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment, when a "register favorites" button is clicked on the sales floor of a physical store, the product of interest at the sales floor is added to the favorite information used at the store on the Internet. be done. This allows the customer's behavior history at the physical store to be more closely associated with the customer's behavior history at the store on the Internet. In addition, by referring to the favorite information after the customer leaves the store, the customer can recall the products that interested him or her on the sales floor.

Further, the information providing system 1 according to one embodiment uses an NFC tag, or instead of this, a device that outputs information using a communication method such as a QR code (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As a result, the cost required for system construction and operation can be reduced by using known technology in the construction and operation of this system.

[3] Others The technology according to the above-described embodiment and modification examples can be modified and changed as follows.

In the embodiment described above, the information providing server 10 is configured to include the dispatch unit 23, but the dispatch unit 23 may be provided in an external device of the information providing server 10.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[4] Additional notes Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional notes are further disclosed.

(Additional note 1)
In an information providing system having a mobile terminal device and an information providing server,
a first creation unit that creates first recommendation information regarding a product based on first information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a first information tag placed at a first location of the store;
a first information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created first recommendation information;
a second creation unit that creates second recommendation information regarding a product based on second information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a second information tag placed at a second location of the store;
a second information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created second recommendation information;
An information provision system comprising:

(Additional note 2)
a third creation unit that creates third recommendation information based on the second information;
The information providing system according to supplementary note 1, further comprising:

(Additional note 3)
The first recommendation information includes location information of the product,
The information providing system according to supplementary note 1 or 2, characterized in that:

(Additional note 4)
The second recommendation information includes inventory information of the product related to the second information tag.
The information providing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that:

(Appendix 5)
a preference information management unit that registers the product related to the second information tag as preference information and causes the registered preference information to be displayed on the mobile terminal device;
The information providing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising:

(Appendix 6)
The first information tag or the second information tag is an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag with a built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, or a QR code (registered trademark).
The information providing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, characterized in that:

(Appendix 7)
In an information providing system having a mobile terminal device and an information providing server,
A process of creating first recommendation information regarding a product based on first information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a first information tag placed at a first location of the store;
Displaying the created first recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
A process of creating second recommendation information regarding a product based on second information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a second information tag placed at a second location of the store;
a process of displaying the created second recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
An information provision method comprising:

(Appendix 8)
a process of creating third recommendation information based on the second information;
The information providing method according to appendix 7, further comprising:

(Appendix 9)
The first recommendation information includes location information of the product,
The information providing method according to appendix 7 or 8, characterized in that:

(Appendix 10)
The second recommendation information includes inventory information of the product related to the second information tag.
The information providing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 9, characterized in that:

(Appendix 11)
a process of registering the product related to the second information tag as preference information and displaying the registered preference information on the mobile terminal device;
The information providing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 10, further comprising:

(Appendix 12)
The first information tag or the second information tag is an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag with a built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, or a QR code (registered trademark).
The information providing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 11, characterized in that:

(Appendix 13)
a first creation unit that creates first recommendation information regarding the product based on first information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a first information tag placed at a first location of the store;
a first information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created first recommendation information;
a second creation unit that creates second recommendation information regarding a product based on second information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a second information tag placed at a second location of the store;
a second information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created second recommendation information;
An information providing device comprising:

(Appendix 14)
a third creation unit that creates third recommendation information based on the second information;
The information providing device according to supplementary note 13, further comprising:

(Appendix 15)
The first recommendation information includes location information of the product,
The information providing device according to supplementary note 13 or 14, characterized in that:

(Appendix 16)
The second recommendation information includes inventory information of the product related to the second information tag.
The information providing device according to any one of appendices 13 to 15, characterized in that:

(Appendix 17)
a preference information management unit that registers the product related to the second information tag as preference information and causes the registered preference information to be displayed on the mobile terminal device;
The information providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 16, further comprising:

(Appendix 18)
The first information tag or the second information tag is an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag with a built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, or a QR code (registered trademark).
The information providing device according to any one of appendices 13 to 17, characterized in that:

(Appendix 19)
In the processor of the information providing server,
A process of creating first recommendation information regarding the product based on first information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a first information tag placed at a first location of the store;
Displaying the created first recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
A process of creating second recommendation information regarding a product based on second information acquired by the mobile terminal device from a second information tag placed at a second location of the store;
a process of displaying the created second recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
to execute,
An information provision program featuring:

1 Information provision system 10 Information provision server (information provision device)
11 CPU
12 Storage unit 13 Memory 14 IF unit 15 Input unit 16 Communication control unit 17 Information provision control unit 20 History management unit (preference information management unit)
21 Location information acquisition unit 22 Screen generation unit (first information presentation unit, second information presentation unit)
23 Dispatch section 24 Tag information acquisition section 25 Recommendation section (first creation section, second creation section, third creation section)
26 Customer information 271 NFC tag information for PS 272 NFC tag information for sales floor 28 Dispatch information 29 Recommendation information 30 User terminal (mobile terminal device)
31 CPU
32 Storage section 33 Memory 34 IF section 35 Input section 36 Display section 37 NFC communication section 40 NFC tag (first information tag, second information tag)
56 request instruction unit 57 communication control unit 90 control program 91 client program

Claims (7)

In an information providing system having a mobile terminal device and an information providing server,
Based on first information including a first information identifier for identifying the first information tag, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a first information tag deployed at a first location of the store, identifying the deployment position of the information tag and creating first recommendation information including a recommended product for a customer who owns the mobile terminal device and information that guides the sales floor of the recommended product generated based on the deployment position; 1 creation section,
a first information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created first recommendation information;
the second location, based on second information including the product number of the product corresponding to the second location, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a second information tag deployed at the second location of the store; a second creation unit that creates second recommendation information including inventory information at the store of a product corresponding to the item;
a second information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created second recommendation information;
Equipped with
The first creation unit,
Based on the first information, the deployment position of the first information tag is identified by referring to information set in advance by linking the first information identifier and the deployment position of the first information tag. ,
providing the mobile terminal with the dispatch destination URL obtained by referring to dispatch information that manages a dispatch destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that the mobile terminal should access based on the first information identifier; ,
Referring to history information based on customer identification information input in a login process on a web page accessed based on the dispatch destination URL using the mobile terminal device, and determining the recommended product based on the history information. An information provision system characterized by: History information is referred to based on the customer identification information of the customer who accesses the store on the Internet after leaving the store, and based on the history information and the second information, the customer accesses the store on the Internet after leaving the store . a third creation unit that creates third recommendation information including information related to the product corresponding to the second location to be presented to customers accessing the store;
The information providing system according to claim 1, further comprising the following. a preference information management unit that registers the product related to the second information tag as preference information and causes the registered preference information to be displayed on the mobile terminal device;
The information providing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The first information tag or the second information tag is an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag with a built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, or a QR code (registered trademark).
The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In an information providing system having a mobile terminal device and an information providing server,
Based on first information including a first information identifier for identifying the first information tag, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a first information tag deployed at a first location of the store, A process of identifying a deployment position of an information tag and creating first recommendation information including a recommended product for a customer who owns the mobile terminal device and information that guides the sales floor of the recommended product generated based on the deployment position. and,
Displaying the created first recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
the second location, based on second information including the product number of the product corresponding to the second location, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a second information tag deployed at the second location of the store; a process of creating second recommendation information including inventory information at the store of the product corresponding to the item;
a process of displaying the created second recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
Equipped with
The process of creating the first recommendation information includes:
Based on the first information, the deployment position of the first information tag is identified by referring to information set in advance by linking the first information identifier and the deployment position of the first information tag. ,
providing the mobile terminal with the dispatch destination URL obtained by referring to dispatch information that manages a dispatch destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that the mobile terminal should access based on the first information identifier; ,
Referring to history information based on customer identification information input in a login process on a web page accessed based on the dispatch destination URL using the mobile terminal device, and determining the recommended product based on the history information.
An information provision method characterized by including processing . the first information based on first information including a first information identifier for identifying the first information tag, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a first information tag deployed at a first location of the store; A first step of identifying a deployment position of a tag and creating first recommendation information including a recommended product for a customer who owns the mobile terminal device and information that guides the sales floor of the recommended product generated based on the deployment position. The creation department of
a first information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created first recommendation information;
the second location, based on second information including the product number of the product corresponding to the second location, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a second information tag deployed at the second location of the store; a second creation unit that creates second recommendation information including inventory information at the store of a product corresponding to the item;
a second information presentation unit that causes the mobile terminal device to display the created second recommendation information;
Equipped with
The first creation unit,
Based on the first information, the deployment position of the first information tag is identified by referring to information set in advance by linking the first information identifier and the deployment position of the first information tag. ,
providing the mobile terminal with the dispatch destination URL obtained by referring to dispatch information that manages a dispatch destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that the mobile terminal should access based on the first information identifier; ,
Referring to history information based on customer identification information input in a login process on a web page accessed based on the dispatch destination URL using the mobile terminal device, and determining the recommended product based on the history information. An information providing device characterized by: In the processor of the information providing server,
the first information based on first information including a first information identifier for identifying the first information tag, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a first information tag deployed at a first location of the store; a process of identifying a deployment position of a tag and creating first recommendation information including a recommended product for a customer who owns the mobile terminal device and information that guides a sales floor of the recommended product generated based on the deployment position; ,
Displaying the created first recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
the second location, based on second information including the product number of the product corresponding to the second location, which is acquired by the mobile terminal from a second information tag deployed at the second location of the store; a process of creating second recommendation information including inventory information at the store of the product corresponding to the item;
a process of displaying the created second recommendation information on the mobile terminal device;
An information providing program that executes
The process of creating the first recommendation information includes:
Based on the first information, the deployment position of the first information tag is identified by referring to information set in advance by linking the first information identifier and the deployment position of the first information tag. ,
providing the mobile terminal with the dispatch destination URL obtained by referring to dispatch information that manages a dispatch destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that the mobile terminal should access based on the first information identifier; ,
Referring to history information based on customer identification information input in a login process on a web page accessed based on the dispatch destination URL using the mobile terminal device, and determining the recommended product based on the history information.
An information provision program characterized by including processing .

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