JP2002216028A - Negotiation system using merchandise data exchange network and its server and its terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly advance negotiations by easily maintaining merchandise information including attachments to be frequency updated, and performing real reproduction which can not be realized from a two-dimensional still image on terminal equipment. SOLUTION: The supply of merchandise information including a three- dimensional image is performed through a communication network 4, and merchandise relevant information to be frequently improved is reproduced in a real time on terminal equipment 1 set in a remote place. At that time, the information of merchandise which a customer wants to purchase is reproduced with a three-dimensional image on the terminal equipment 1, and the customer is allowed to appreciate a three-dimensional image prepared by attaching or detaching various attachments to or from the merchandise in a real time from a free point of view on the terminal equipment 1. Thus, it is possible to advance negotiations while letting the customer understand the merchandise.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a negotiation system using a product data exchange network, and a server and a terminal device thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is already a form in which a product that a customer desires to purchase is displayed on a display screen of a terminal device such as a personal computer, and the displayed product is sold while giving a presentation. In this case, the product displayed on the screen is 2
It is a two-dimensional image, and there is a limit to getting the customer to understand the details of the product.

On the other hand, there is a customer desire to understand in detail in advance when purchasing a high-priced product such as a car, and in order to satisfy this, a presentation is made with a three-dimensional image that can move the viewpoint more realistically. There is a need. However, displaying a three-dimensional image on a display screen of a terminal device such as a personal computer requires enormous information, and a CD (Compact Disk),
Alternatively, recording on a high-density recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and mailing have been performed.

[0004]

However, the supply management of product information, which is frequently improved, and the work of discarding once installed information and rewriting it with new data, etc., are performed by a personal computer installed in a local city store. It has been considered that it is almost impossible to accurately manage execution without errors on a terminal device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and supplies merchandise information including a three-dimensional image via a communication network, and stores merchandise-related information that is frequently improved in a remote place. It is an object of the present invention to provide a negotiation system using a commodity data exchange network, which can be reproduced in real time on a terminal device, and a server and a terminal device thereof.

[0006] In addition, product information that a customer desires to purchase is reproduced on a terminal device as a three-dimensional image, and a three-dimensional image created by attaching or detaching various accessories to or from the product on the terminal device is displayed. It is another object of the present invention to provide a negotiation system and a terminal device using a product data exchange network, which allow a user to make a negotiation while obtaining an understanding of a product by allowing the user to appreciate the product from a free viewpoint more realistically.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product data storage server for storing product data, and the product data storage server is connected via a communication network. And a terminal device for inputting and outputting data for negotiation by exchanging data with the product data storage server in order to browse the product data based on a customer request.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the negotiation system using the product data exchange network according to the first aspect, the product data is created in the communication network based on product specifications, and the product data is stored in the communication network. A product data supply server for supplying the product data storage server is connected.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the negotiation system using the commodity data exchange network according to the first or second aspect, the inventory confirmation of commodities issued from the terminal device is further performed on the communication network. It is characterized in that it is connected to an inventory management server and a distribution server, each of which performs an operation for instructing the order of a product.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the negotiation system using the product data exchange network described in the above, the product data consists of each data of the product and its accessories, and each time the product and accessories are updated, the product data storage server The stored data is updated to the latest data.

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that a product data storage server that stores product data and a terminal device that browses the product data are connected via a communication network. A product data storage server used in a negotiation system using a product data exchange network, wherein a three-dimensional image database storing data for reproducing images of the product and its accessories as a three-dimensional image, A text database in which text data assigned to each of the accessories is stored, data linking means for linking the text data to each of the three-dimensional image data, and the three-dimensional image based on a request from the terminal device Searches the database and displays 3D images of the corresponding products and their accessories Three-dimensional image search means for searching for data to be reproduced and reproduced, and communication interface means for transmitting data output by the three-dimensional image search means to the terminal device that has requested the data. And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the merchandise data storage server according to the fifth aspect, the three-dimensional image data stored in the database includes basic model data of a product and its accessories and a variation thereof. And variation data stored in a texture format.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the merchandise data storage server according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the inventory management server and the inventory management server are respectively configured based on an inventory check request and an order request issued from the terminal device. It is characterized by comprising a server information exchange means for communicating with a distribution server, notifying the presence or absence of stock, and instructing ordering of a product.

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides an eighth aspect.
The terminal device used in a negotiation system using a product data exchange network, wherein a product data storage server that stores product data and a terminal device that browses the product data are connected via a communication network. A server access unit that accesses the product data storage server based on text information given to the product, and the product obtained as a result of accessing the server via the server access unit, and the product can be mounted on the product. Storage means for temporarily storing three-dimensional image data of accessories; and three-dimensional image data of the goods or accessories stored in the storage means, which are developed and displayed, and wherein the goods and the goods are provided based on customer requests. Select a combination with accessories that are installed as options in the system, and develop and combine the three-dimensional image data And Shimesuru 3-dimensional image selection display unit, characterized by comprising a.

According to the above configuration, the supply of the commodity information including the three-dimensional image is performed via the communication network, and the commodity-related information that is frequently improved can be reproduced in real time on a terminal device installed at a remote place. it can. In addition, the product information that the customer wants to purchase is reproduced on the terminal device as a three-dimensional image, and the three-dimensional image created by attaching or detaching various accessories to or from the product on the terminal device can be freely viewed. , It is possible to proceed with negotiations while gaining an understanding of the product.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means comprises:
A list of accessories that can be mounted on the product obtained via the server access means is expanded into three-dimensional image data, displayed on the same screen as the product, or displayed as a separate window on the same screen, and selected. Multi-window display means for prompting input is provided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the commodity and accessories displayed on the three-dimensional image are estimated on the basis of the sales amount of the selected commodity and accessories. It is characterized by further comprising an estimate creation means for creating a statement.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, on the basis of the created quotation form, online transmission is performed via a communication interface to order the goods and accessories. Is indicated.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means expands three-dimensional image data of the commodity and accessories stored in the storage means. In this case, a rendering processing means for performing a fine attribute process after creating a basic model of the object is provided.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selecting and displaying means is configured to perform the rendering process by the rendering means.
Alternatively, there is provided a slide show display means for performing a slide advertisement based on the selected product data using a waiting time by a screen hard copy.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means determines the outside and inside of the three-dimensional image of the product displayed on the display monitor. A display switching means for performing switching display is provided.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection display means sets a viewpoint inside the product when the inside of the product is selectively displayed. It is characterized by comprising panning means for performing smooth panning for moving the field of view freely in all directions.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means switches the display brightness of the screen from daytime to nighttime, and displays the lighting of lights. And a dimmer display unit for performing the dimmer.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selecting and displaying means combines a background image prepared in advance with the three-dimensional image data of the commodity and the accessory. A superimposed display means for displaying is provided.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means includes a three-dimensional image selected and displayed in combination with the commodity or accessory displayed on the display monitor. A rotation display unit for displaying an image in all directions is provided.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means includes a three-dimensional image selecting and displaying means for displaying the three-dimensional image in combination with the commodity or accessory displayed on the display monitor. It is characterized in that it is provided with an enlargement / reduction display means for enlarging / reducing an image.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, the three-dimensional image selection and display means is capable of freely attaching and detaching accessories to and from the commodity displayed on the display monitor. And an accessory attachment changing means for displaying the three-dimensional image.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device according to the eighth aspect, when the product or accessory has a moving image reproducing device or a voice recognition reproducing device, a moving image reproducing function of the device is provided. Alternatively, the speech recognition / reproduction function is simulated.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an improved man-machine for selecting, for example, a product type, an exterior color, an attached accessory, etc., and to switch the appearance of the product and the display of the interior displayed on the screen, Browsing is possible by omnidirectional smooth panning while changing the viewpoint. In particular, regarding the attachment of accessories, for example, if the product is a vehicle and the accessory is a roof carrier, a three-dimensional image in which the roof carrier is attached to the vehicle and skis, snowboards, and bicycles are loaded is displayed. It can be displayed, can be displayed or not, and can be viewed more realistically.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for explaining a connection form of a negotiation system using a commodity data exchange network according to the present invention. A plurality of personal computers arranged at branch offices (distributors) in each local city are referred to as terminal devices 1, and the terminal devices 1 are directly or small-scale constructed local area networks (LANs). 2. It is connected to a product data storage server 5 that stores product data via a host computer 3 and a communication network (WAN: Wide Area Network) 4 such as the Internet. This product data storage server 5 is installed in the district centralized center or the head office.

The merchandise data storage server 5 is similarly connected to a merchandise data supply server 6 that supplies and manages merchandise data installed at the head office via a communication network 4 such as the Internet. A merchandise data exchange network is constructed by the plurality of terminal devices 1, merchandise data storage server 5, and merchandise data supply server 6 described above. At the center of the hub. Note that the communication network 4 is further connected to an inventory management server 7 and a distribution server 8 that perform operations for checking inventory of products issued from the terminal device 1 and instructing ordering of products. The inventory management server 7 is installed in a warehouse, for example, and the distribution server 8 is installed in a distribution center, for example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram cited for explaining the flow of product data in the negotiation system using the product data exchange network shown in FIG. The latest merchandise data supplied from the head office via the communication network 4 is registered in the merchandise data storage server 5 installed in the district centralized center. The head office creates a product shape data file 101 and a database table 102 for accessories such as accessories each time product specifications are set.
These are registered in the product data storage server 5 via the communication network 4. Here, the merchandise data supplied from the head office is assumed to be vehicle data, which is converted into a data format most efficient for reproducing a three-dimensional image of the vehicle at each terminal device 1 and registered. Specifically, it is composed of basic model data of a product and its accessories, and variation data stored in a texture format. In addition, text information such as a product number, a product name, and a price is also registered for creating an estimate.

The merchandise data storage server 5 installed at the district centralized center is programmed to function as the local database 103. Local database 1
Reference numeral 03 includes a product data table 104, an accessory data table 105, and an exterior data table 106. The product data table 104 stores text information including a product number, a name, a price, and the like, a shape data file, corresponding exterior color data, and the like. The accessory data table 105 stores text information such as a part number, a name, and a price, a shape data file, and text information about an application, a mounting part, and the like. The exterior data table 106 stores text information such as color symbols, names, and color data.

The product data storage server 5 stores the latest three-dimensional image data of the product, the three-dimensional image data of accessories such as accessories that can be mounted on the product, and related text information. The access by the terminal device 1 installed in the store is permitted.

The procedure of the general negotiation will be described below. That is, the sales clerk who works at the store accesses the product data storage server 5 installed at the district information center via the terminal device 1 installed at each store based on the customer's request, and is stored. The necessary product data is efficiently read from the product data by a selection operation, and the three-dimensional image and the text data are simultaneously displayed on the display screen. Then, the salesperson presents an estimate obtained by adding a desired accessory to the vehicle selected by the customer, and receives an order after negotiation, and transmits the order data to the product data storage server 5 in the district information center. In the district information center,
Upon receiving the quote, the inventory is confirmed by the product data storage server 5 and the inventory management server 7 installed in the warehouse via the communication network 4, and then sent to the distribution server 8 located at the distribution center via the communication network 4. It issues a shipping instruction.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the product data storage server 5 shown in FIGS. Each block to be described later is specifically configured by a peripheral LSI including a CPU and a memory, and the CPU realizes its function by reading and executing a program recorded in the memory. The product data storage server 5
Communication interface unit 51, server information exchange unit 52, 3
It comprises a three-dimensional image retrieval unit 53, a text image connection unit 54, a three-dimensional image database 55, and a text database 56.

The communication interface unit 51 manages a connection interface with the communication network 4. For example, when connected to the Internet, TCP / IP
(Transport Control Protocol / Internet Protoco
Perform protocol control according to l). Server information exchange unit 5
2 is an inventory check request of a product issued from the terminal device 1,
It has a function of communicating with the stock management server 7 and the distribution server 8 based on the order request, notifying the presence or absence of stock, and instructing the order of the product. The text image connection unit 54 converts the text data given to each of the product and the accessory into 3
It has a function to link to each of the two-dimensional image data. 3
The three-dimensional image search unit 53 has a function of searching the text database 56 based on a request from the terminal device 1 and taking in the corresponding product and its accessories from the three-dimensional image database 55 in order to reproduce the images as three-dimensional images. .

Note that the three-dimensional image data stored in the three-dimensional image database 55 includes the three-dimensional
It consists of dimensional basic model data and variation data whose variations are stored in a texture format. The 3D images of products and accessories processed by the product data supply server 6 at the headquarters, which supplies and manages product information, convert 3D images digitized by CAD (Computer Aided Design) and various methods. It was reshaped by a designer using software called Modeler. The reason why the designer makes changes is that it is necessary to perform better tuning and matching on the number of polygons and texture mapping (surface processing) in order to efficiently realize display on the system of the present invention. This data is generated by the product data supply server 6 installed at the head office, and stored in the three-dimensional image database 55 of the product data storage server 5 located at the district information center via the communication network 4.

The product data storage server 5 searches the text database 56, calls up the desired three-dimensional basic model data stored in the three-dimensional image database, and transfers it to the terminal device 1 that has made the request. The text database 56 is made up of a tree-structured database, and is made up of text data on product specifications, data such as amounts, and the like. The three-dimensional image database 55 and the text database 56 shown here are the same as the local database 103 shown in FIG. In the embodiment of the present invention, the product data storage server 5 installed in the district centralized center and the product data supply server 6 installed in the head office are described as separate entities. However, depending on the company size,
The supply and storage of product data may be covered by one server.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal device shown in FIGS. Each block to be described later is specifically configured by a peripheral LSI including a CPU and a memory, and the CPU realizes its function by reading and executing a program recorded in the memory.

The terminal device 1 has a communication interface 1
1, a server access unit 12, an estimate creation unit 13, a local database 14, and a three-dimensional image selection display unit 15. The communication interface unit 11 includes the communication network 4
For example, when connected to the Internet, protocol control according to TCP / IP is performed. The server access unit 12 has a function of accessing the product data storage server 5 based on text information given to the product. Local database 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a product obtained as a result of accessing the three-dimensional image database 55 via the server access unit 12 and three-dimensional image data of accessories that can be mounted on the product and text data obtained as a result of accessing the text database 56. Is temporarily stored.

The estimate creating unit 13 has a function of creating an estimate from the goods and accessories displayed in a three-dimensional image based on the sales amount of the selected goods and accessories. Based on the quotation created here, it is possible to instruct an order for the product and the accessory by transmitting the quotation online via the communication interface 11. Here, you select a product, visually and interactively combine the accessories that can be mounted on it,
It is assumed that the quotation creating unit 13 is started to create the quotation and realize a screen hard copy of a high-definition image.
The quotation created here is the product number, name,
The list shall include the price, etc., as well as the part number, name, and price of the attached accessories, and the total amount including taxes and discounts.

The three-dimensional image selection and display unit 15 expands and displays the three-dimensional image data of the product or accessory stored in the local database 14 and, on the basis of a customer request, an optional component mounted on the product or product. It has a function of selecting a combination with an article, developing the three-dimensional image data, and displaying the three-dimensional image data.

If the three-dimensional image selection / display unit 15 is roughly classified into functions, a drawing / display control unit 150 for expanding data obtained from the commodity data storage server 5 and displaying a three-dimensional image is provided.
And a man-machine control section 160 for selecting a product and visually and interactively setting a combination of accessories that can be mounted on the product. The drawing / display control unit 150 further includes a drawing system including a rendering processing unit 151 and a scaling processing unit 152, and a multi-window display unit 1
53, a display system of a slide show display unit 154, a panning display unit 155, a dimmer display unit 156, a superimpose display unit 157, and an omnidirectional rotation display unit 158.

The rendering processing unit 151 has a function of performing a fine attribute process after creating a basic model of an object when developing the three-dimensional image data of a product and accessories stored in the local database 14. Here, rendering is one of three-dimensional graphic software processing, and after creating a basic skeleton of an object, performs processing for adding decorations that increase reality such as colors and shadows of patterns and the like. This makes it possible to create an image with a three-dimensional effect as if it were real, and to map the texture to the modeling basic data obtained from the product data storage server 5. This is entirely due to arithmetic processing, and the processing time is longer for a finer image. The enlargement / reduction processing unit 152 has a function of enlarging / reducing a three-dimensional image in combination with a product or accessory displayed on the display monitor. Most of the processing is performed by calculation, and high-speed processing is realized by dedicated hardware.

The multi-window display unit 153 develops a list of accessories that can be mounted on the product obtained through the server access unit 12 into three-dimensional image data and separates the list on the same screen as the product or on the same screen. It has a function to display it as a window and prompt the user to make a selection. The slide show display unit 154 has a function of performing an advertisement by slide based on the selected product data during the rendering process or by using the waiting time by the screen hard copy. The panning display unit 155 has a function of, when the inside of the product is selectively displayed, shifting the viewpoint to the inside of the product and performing smooth panning for moving the field of view freely in all directions.

The dimmer display section 156 has a function of switching the display brightness of the screen to a nighttime state depending on the type of the accessory. When the product is a vehicle and the accessory is a lamp, the dimmer display unit 156 is used to turn on the lamp, thereby realizing a realistic expression. The superimpose display unit 157 has a function of displaying a background image prepared in a file (not shown) in advance on the three-dimensional image data of the product and the accessory. Omnidirectional display 158
Has a function of rotating and displaying a three-dimensional image in a 360-degree omnidirectional view in combination with a product or accessory displayed on a display monitor. This allows the viewpoint to be freely movable by operating in cooperation with the panning display unit 155 not only for the vehicle exterior but also for the interior.

In the man-machine control section 160, a screen switching section 161 switches and displays the external (exterior) and internal (interior) of a three-dimensional image of a product displayed on a display monitor based on a customer request. have. In addition, the accessory attachment changing unit 162 has a function of allowing attachment and detachment of an accessory to and from a product displayed on the display monitor, based on a customer's request, and displaying a three-dimensional image thereof.

FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal device 1. As is clear from the figure, the terminal device 1 has a CPU 111 as a control center, a communication control device (NIU: Network Interface Unit) 112, a main storage device (MMU: Main Memory Unit) 113, and a hard disk controller (HDC: Hard Disk Controller). Disk Cont
roller) 114 and a keyboard controller (KBC:
Keyboard controller 115, display controller 116, and printer controller (PRTC: Pr)
inter Controller) 117 is an address, data,
A line for control is commonly connected to a system bus 118 composed of a plurality of lines.

An HD that is format-controlled by the hard disk controller 114 and that is read / write-controlled
D118 is stored in the local database 14 shown in FIG.
Input / output control is performed by a keyboard controller 115 and a display controller 116, respectively.
Corresponds to the three-dimensional image selection display unit 15 shown in FIG.
The three-dimensional images of the products and accessories displayed on the display monitor 135 connected to the display controller 116 are displayed on the KB1 connected to the keyboard controller 115.
33 and the mouse 134 to select and display the desired purchased product on the display monitor 135, and the three-dimensional image can be hard-copied to the printer 131 via the printer controller 117. You can print a quote.

The display controller 116 determines whether the RO
Video BIOS (Basic Input-Output) recorded in M
System), a three-dimensional image data generated by the CPU 111 is converted into a graphics display controller (GDC) including an accelerator.
r) 122 via the display memory plane (BM
M: Bit Map Memory) 124. CPU1
The three-dimensional image data generated by the rendering processing unit 151 includes the rendering processing unit 151 and the enlargement / reduction processing unit 1 shown in FIG.
52, a multi-window display unit 153, a slide show display unit 154, a panning display unit 155, a dimmer display unit 156, a superimpose display unit 157, an omnidirectional rotation display unit 158, a screen switching unit 161, and an accessory attachment change unit 162. The data generated here is developed on the display memory plane 124 by the drawing / display controller 122 at high speed.

The drawing / display controller 122 further includes:
The developed three-dimensional image data is read from the display memory plane 124 in synchronization with the display timing of the display monitor 135, and the attribute controller 123 performs processing such as color modification. And video DA
It can be converted to an analog signal via a C (Digital-Analog Converter) 125 and supplied to the display monitor 135 as an analog RGB signal to obtain a desired display.

Note that the above-described rendering processing unit 151,
Enlargement / reduction processing unit 152, multi-window display unit 15
3, slide show display unit 154, panning display unit 1
55, dimmer display section 156, superimpose display section 157, omnidirectional rotation display section 158, screen switching section 16
1. The description has been made assuming that the function of the accessory attachment changing unit 162 is realized by software. However, high-speed three-dimensional image processing can be expected by processing a part or all of the accessory hardware using dedicated hardware.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flow charts showing the flow of basic processing for selecting a product at a store and the flow of processing for setting specifications, respectively. Hereinafter, the negotiation procedure will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, in FIG. 6, the customer goes to a store, selects a product that he or she wants to purchase or is interested in from a catalog or the like, and notifies the sales clerk (step S61). In response to this, the salesperson operates the terminal device 1 and connects to the product data storage server 5 located at the district central center or the head office via the communication network 4 to obtain the relevant information of the corresponding product including accessories. (Step S62). Here, a screen display and a selection operation for a specific negotiation are performed (step S63),
An estimate is created (step S64). Step S6
2. Details of step S63 will be described later with reference to FIG. If an order is obtained after the estimate is made, the order is connected to the inventory management server 7 or the distribution server 8 to perform an inventory check for the order, perform an order process (step S65), and end the process.

A procedure for setting specifications will be described with reference to FIG. From the product data and the accessory data transmitted from the product data storage server 5, first, a vehicle type selection, a grade selection, and a body color selection are performed based on the customer's request (steps S631, S632, S63).
3). This is performed by selecting and operating the three-dimensional product image data displayed on the display monitor 135 by the three-dimensional image selection display unit 15, and as necessary, multi-window display, slide show display, panning display,
Dimmer display, superimpose, omnidirectional rotation display, etc.
By fully utilizing the function of the display controller 116 when displaying a three-dimensional image on the display monitor 135, a product image close to the product desired by the customer is gradually created and expanded.

Next, interior or exterior accessories are selected (step S634). Here, when the interior is selected, a list of accessories is displayed in another window (multi-window display) of the display monitor 135 (step S635), and the interior accessory data as the accessory selected here is taken in. Is displayed in combination with the product data displayed in another window (step S636). Then, when the customer requests, the estimate creation unit 13 is started to create and display the estimate (step S637). On the other hand, when the exterior is selected, a list of accessories is displayed in another window (multi-window display) of the display monitor 135 (step S638), and the exterior accessory data as the selected accessory is fetched. Is displayed in combination with the product data displayed in another window (step S639). Then, when the customer requests, the estimate creation unit 13 is activated to create and display the estimate (step S640).

After the interior and exterior accessories are determined, a hard copy of the high-definition three-dimensional image for which the product specifications have been determined is further created to obtain a printed output (steps S641, S64).
2). Then, order processing based on the estimate is performed, and the negotiation is completed. The order is executed by confirming the stock in the warehouse and issuing an order instruction to the distribution center.

As described above, according to the present invention, enormous information, such as product information, which is frequently updated, can be supplied to a remote terminal device in the latest state without a time lag, and can be reproduced. For this purpose, an environment is provided that uses a product data exchange network, facilitates maintenance, and efficiently reproduces product information. That is, instead of storing the three-dimensional image as it is, the three-dimensional basic model data and the texture are stored in a decomposed form in advance, and the three-dimensional basic model data selected interactively on the terminal device 1 side is called and It is displayed on the display monitor 135 by means for reproducing.
In recent years, since the performance of the terminal device 1 such as a personal computer has been remarkably improved, a three-dimensional image requiring an enormous storage capacity is not stored as it is, but can be instantaneously reproduced by calculation in the terminal device 1. is there. For example, when there are many color variations such as exterior colors, only one 3D basic model data, which is a skeleton, needs to be prepared, and textures need to be prepared according to the number of corresponding variations, thus saving storage capacity. Possible and efficient.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention, commodity information including a three-dimensional image is supplied via a communication network, and frequently improved commodity-related information is transmitted to a terminal device installed in a remote place. Can be reproduced in real time. In addition, the product information that the customer wants to purchase is reproduced on the terminal device as a three-dimensional image, and the three-dimensional image created by attaching or detaching various accessories to or from the product on the terminal device can be freely viewed. , It is possible to proceed with negotiations while gaining an understanding of the product. In addition, maintenance of product information is facilitated, and the terminal device accesses the product data storage server as needed to obtain the latest product information. This eliminates the need for supply management to the store or the work of discarding information once installed on the terminal device side and rewriting it with new data.

Further, an improved man-machine interface for selecting a product type, an exterior color, an attached accessory, and the like can be provided. The browsing becomes possible by panning. In particular, regarding the attachment of accessories, for example, if the product is a vehicle and the accessory is a roof carrier, a three-dimensional image in which the roof carrier is attached to the vehicle and skis, snowboards, and bicycles are loaded is displayed. It can be displayed, can be displayed or not, and can be viewed more realistically. In the case of a product having a built-in video playback device, a simulation of playing back a three-dimensional image displayed on a display monitor as a video can be performed. And a simulated experience.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for explaining a connection mode of a negotiation system using a product data exchange network according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram cited for explaining the flow of product data in a negotiation system using the product data exchange network shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the product data storage server shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by developing the function;

FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an internal configuration of the terminal device shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a basic process for selecting a product in a store.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for setting product specifications in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Terminal device, 2 ... LAN line, 3 ... Host computer, 4 ... Communication network, 5 ... Product data storage server, 6 ... Product data supply server, 7 ... Inventory management server,
8 logistics server, 11, 51 communication interface unit
12: server access unit, 13: estimate creation unit, 14 ...
Local database, 15 ... 3D image selection display unit,
52: server information exchange unit, 53: three-dimensional image search unit, 5
4: Text image linking unit, 55: 3D image database, 56: Text database

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme court ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 502 G06F 17/60 502 3/14 310 3/14 310A 17/30 110 17/30 110F 170 170B 360 360Z

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A merchandise data storage server for storing merchandise data, and the merchandise data storage server are connected via a communication network, and the merchandise data storage server is configured to browse the merchandise data based on a customer request. A terminal device for inputting and outputting data for negotiations by exchanging data with a server; and a negotiation system using a product data exchange network, comprising: 2. The commodity network according to claim 1, wherein said commodity data is created based on commodity specifications, and a commodity data supply server for supplying said commodity data to said commodity data storage server is connected to said communication network. Business negotiation system using the product data exchange network described in. 3. An inventory management server for performing, on the communication network, operations for checking inventory of products issued from the terminal device and for instructing ordering of products, respectively.
2. A distribution server is connected to the distribution server.
Or a negotiation system using the product data exchange network described in 2. 4. The commodity data is composed of data of the commodity and its accessories, and each time the commodity and the accessories are updated, the data stored in the commodity data storage server is updated to the latest data. 4. A business negotiation system using a commodity data exchange network according to claim 1, wherein the negotiation system is updated. 5. A product data storage used in a negotiation system using a product data exchange network, wherein a product data storage server for storing product data and a terminal device for browsing the product data are connected via a communication network. A server, wherein a three-dimensional image database storing data for reproducing images of the product and its accessories as a three-dimensional image, and text data assigned to each of the product and the accessory are stored. A text database, data linking means for linking the text data to each of the three-dimensional image data, and searching the three-dimensional image database based on a request from the terminal device, and obtaining images of the corresponding product and its accessories. 3D image search to search for data to be reproduced as a 3D image Means a product data storage server, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface means for transmitting to said terminal apparatus a data output has been requested by the 3-dimensional image retrieval means. 6. The three-dimensional image data stored in the three-dimensional image database, wherein basic model data of a product and its accessories and variations thereof are stored in a texture format. Product data storage server. 7. A server information exchange for communicating with the inventory management server and the distribution server, notifying the presence or absence of inventory, and instructing ordering of a product, based on a product inventory check request and an order request issued from the terminal device. The merchandise data storage server according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising means. 8. A terminal device used in a negotiation system using a product data exchange network, wherein a product data storage server for storing product data and a terminal device for browsing the product data are connected via a communication network. Server access means for accessing the product data storage server based on text information given to the product; and the product obtained as a result of accessing via the server access means, and an attachment which can be mounted on the product. Article 3
Storage means for temporarily storing three-dimensional image data; and three-dimensional image data of the product or accessory stored in the storage means being developed and displayed, and optionally mounted on the product and the product based on a customer request. A three-dimensional image selection and display means for selecting a combination with the accessory and developing and displaying the three-dimensional image data. 9. The three-dimensional image selection and display means expands a list of accessories that can be mounted on the product obtained through the server access means into three-dimensional image data, and on the same screen as the product, 9. The terminal device according to claim 8, further comprising a multi-window display unit that displays a separate window on the same screen and prompts the user to input the window. 10. A quotation creating means for creating a quotation based on the sales amount of the selected commodity and accessory from the commodity and accessory displayed in the three-dimensional image. 10. The terminal device according to 8 or 9. 11. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein on the basis of the created quote, an order for the product and the accessory is transmitted by online transmission via a communication interface. 12. The three-dimensional image selection and display means, in developing the three-dimensional image data of the goods and accessories stored in the storage means, performs a fine attribute process after creating a basic model of the object. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising processing means.
A terminal device according to item 1. 13. The slide show display means for performing an advertisement by slide based on the selected product data during the rendering process by the rendering means or by using a waiting time by screen hard copy. The terminal device according to claim 8, comprising: 14. The display device according to claim 8, wherein said three-dimensional image selection and display means includes a display switching means for switching and displaying between the outside and the inside of the three-dimensional image of the product displayed on the display monitor. A terminal device according to item 1. 15. The panning means, wherein when the inside of the product is selectively displayed, the three-dimensional image selection and display means shifts the viewpoint to the inside of the product and performs smooth panning for moving the field of view freely in all directions. The terminal device according to claim 8, comprising: 16. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the three-dimensional image selection and display means includes dimmer display means for switching the display brightness of the screen from daytime to nighttime, and performing lighting display of lamps. Terminal device. 17. The superimposed display means for superimposing and displaying a previously prepared background image on the three-dimensional image data of the commodity and the accessory, wherein the three-dimensional image selection and display means is provided. 9. The terminal device according to 8. 18. The three-dimensional image selection display means includes a rotation display means for omnidirectionally displaying a three-dimensional image in combination with the product or accessory displayed on the display monitor. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein 19. The three-dimensional image selection and display means includes enlargement / reduction display means for enlarging / reducing a three-dimensional image in combination with the product or accessory displayed on the display monitor. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein 20. The three-dimensional image selection and display means includes an accessory attachment changing means for allowing attachment and detachment of an accessory to and from the product displayed on the display monitor, and displaying the three-dimensional image. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein: 21. The method according to claim 8, wherein when the commodity or accessory has a moving image reproducing device or a voice recognition reproducing device, a simulation of the moving image reproducing function or the voice recognition reproducing function of the device is performed. The terminal device as described in the above.