JP2004326502A - Electronic commerce server, method and program for controlling it, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic commerce system capable of easily presenting successor merchandise that can minimize the cost of transition and the loss of consumables, etc., for each customer. <P>SOLUTION: An EC site server 110 determines whether the merchandise designated by merchandise designation information sent from a customer's terminal 120 is being sold, according to a merchandise DB 116. When it is determined that the merchandise is not being sold, a determination is made as to whether or not the customer purchased the options or consumables of the designated merchandise before, according to a history DB 117. When it is determined that they have been purchased before, merchandise compatible with the options or consumables of the merchandise designated is retrieved according to a compatibility table 114. The merchandise corresponding to the range of specifications shown in a determination rule 115 is retrieved from the merchandise DB 116. The merchandise information retrieved by way of both the determination rule and the compatibility table is read from the merchandise DB 116 and information for displaying successor merchanidse information at the customer's terminal 120 is created. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an e-commerce server, a method for controlling an e-commerce server, which is installed on a provider side of a product and is connected via a predetermined network to a customer terminal installed on a customer side that inquires the provider about the product. It relates to a program and a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when purchasing goods on the Internet or the like, there is a case where a user wants to select a successor product that is currently used. At that time, check the specifications of the product you are currently using, and from the many products currently handled, select the one that seems to be a successor product in consideration of the specifications, price, model number, etc. After confirming the detailed specifications of, we decide to purchase.
[0003]
For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method of ordering a product using a server including customer personal information (consumer database), catalog information (catalog repository), order information (order data bank), and the like.
[0004]
Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an inquiry / reply system relating to a part as to whether or not a certain part is currently sold, and what is a substitute part in case of discontinuation.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-279242 A
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-183159
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a customer searches for a successor product, it is troublesome to check the product code of a product that the customer has purchased many years ago and is currently using. Therefore, according to the above-described conventional technology, it is necessary to perform a considerably complicated operation to find an optimal successor product when replacing a product currently in use.
[0008]
Also, for example, when expensive options are used, it is difficult to check for compatibility even if the options can be reused for the successor product. Had occurred.
[0009]
In addition, since it is not possible to check whether the consumables on hand can be used as a successor product on the site, it is possible to lose business opportunities from the point of selling the product, such as not replacing the product until the customer runs out of consumables Not a few.
[0010]
Further, the prior arts described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 store data on alternative parts, but this technique produces original replacement parts when a currently used product is broken. Even in the case of discontinuation, it is possible to search for a substitute product, but not to search for a successor product that makes the best use of consumables, options, etc. of the product currently used.
[0011]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a customer's product purchase history, a product-specific option and consumables compatibility table, a product database, and a successor product decision. By coordinating with rules (succession product determination rules indicating the range of specifications of successor products that can be candidates for successor products), it is possible to minimize migration costs and consumable loss when replacing products To build an e-commerce system that can automatically generate service support information that can propose new successor products for each customer, and when there are multiple succession product candidates, compare replacement costs between multiple succession product candidates. Server and electronic commerce system that can construct an electronic commerce system that can automatically generate service support information that can easily propose optimal products To provide a control method and a program and recording medium of the pull server.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic commerce server installed on a provider side of a product and connected to a customer terminal installed on a customer side who purchases the product from the provider via a predetermined network. Product information storage means (product DB 116 shown in FIG. 1) for storing product information including specification information indicating the specification of the product and sales presence / absence information indicating whether or not the product is on sale, and history information indicating information on the product purchased by the customer And a compatibility information storage means (compatibility table 114 shown in FIG. 1) for storing compatibility information indicating compatibility of options and consumables for each product. A decision rule storage unit (decision rule 115 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a succession product determination rule indicating a range of specifications of a successor product that can be a candidate for a successor product; A first determination unit (a selection processing unit shown in FIG. 1) for determining whether a product designated by the product designation information transmitted from the customer terminal is currently on sale, based on sales presence / absence information stored in the product storage unit; 113) and if the first determination means determines that the customer is not currently selling the product, the history stored in the history storage means as to whether the customer has purchased the option or consumable of the specified product in the past. A second determination unit (selection processing unit 113 shown in FIG. 1) that determines based on the information, and that the customer has previously purchased options and consumables of the product specified by the second determination unit. If it is determined, the compatibility search means (selection processing shown in FIG. 1) for searching for a product compatible with the option and consumable of the designated product based on the compatibility information stored in the compatibility information storage means. Part 113 The search processing unit 112) reads a successor product determination rule from the determination rule storage unit, and determines a product falling within the specification range indicated by the determination rule based on the specification information stored in the product information storage unit. The specification searching means (selection processing unit 113 and search processing unit 112 shown in FIG. 1) to search, and the commodity information retrieved by the specification retrieval means and retrieved by the compatible retrieval means are read out from the commodity information storage means. It has a succeeding product information generating means (selection processing unit 113 shown in FIG. 1) for generating information for displaying the succeeding product information at the customer terminal.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic commerce server which is installed on a provider side of a product and is connected via a predetermined network to a customer terminal installed on a customer side which inquires of the provider about the product. Product information storage means (product DB 116 shown in FIG. 1) for storing, for each product, price information indicating the price of the product, spec information indicating the specification of the product, and sales information indicating whether or not the product is on sale. History storage means (history DB 117 shown in FIG. 1) for storing, for each customer, history information indicating information on products purchased by the customer, and compatibility information for storing compatibility information indicating compatibility of options and consumables for each product. Based on the storage means (compatibility table 114 shown in FIG. 1) and the product information corresponding to the product search condition transmitted from the customer terminal, based on the specification information stored in the product information storage means. Search means (search processing unit 112 shown in FIG. 1) for searching for and searching for the history of whether or not the customer has purchased the options and consumables of the goods for the goods searched for by the search means in the past. Determining means (selection processing unit 113 shown in FIG. 1) for determining based on the history information stored in the storage means; and determining that the customer has purchased the option and consumable of the product in the past by the determining means. Determining means (selection processing unit 113 shown in FIG. 1) for determining the cheapest product among all the products based on the product price stored in the product information storage means; A succession product information generating means (selection processing unit 113 shown in FIG. 1) for reading product information from the product information storage means and generating information for displaying the succession product information at the customer terminal; It is characterized in.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a specification which is installed on a provider side of a product and which is connected to a customer terminal installed on a customer side who purchases the product from the provider via a predetermined network, and which indicates a specification of the product. Merchandise information storage means for storing information and merchandise information including sales presence / absence information indicating whether or not the merchandise is on sale; history storage means for storing history information indicating information on merchandise purchased by the customer for each customer; And compatibility information storage means for storing compatibility information indicating compatibility of consumables and options, and determination rule storage means for storing a succession product determination rule indicating a range of specifications of a successor product that can be a candidate as a successor product. In the control method of the electronic commerce server, the merchandise designated by the merchandise designation information transmitted from the customer terminal is currently sold or stored in the merchandise storage means. A first determination step (step S426 in FIG. 9) for determining based on the sale presence / absence information, and when it is determined that the first determination step is not currently on sale, the options and consumables of the specified product are determined. A second determination step (steps S603, S605, S607 in FIG. 10) for determining whether the customer has made a purchase in the past based on history information stored in the history storage means; If it is determined that the customer has purchased the option and the consumable of the specified product in the past, the product and the option that are compatible with the specified product and the consumable are stored in the compatibility information storage means. A compatible search step (steps S606 and S608 in FIG. 10) for searching based on the compatible information to be performed, and reading out a successor product determination rule from the determination rule storage means. A specification search step (steps S609 to S611 in FIG. 10) for searching for a product corresponding to the range of specifications to be performed based on the specification information stored in the product information storage means; and A succeeding product information generating step (step S429 in FIG. 9) of reading out the product information searched in the compatible search step from the product information storage unit and generating information for displaying the succeeding product information on the customer terminal. It is characterized by the following.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a price indicating the price of a product, which is connected to a customer terminal installed on a customer side for making a product inquiry to the provider by a predetermined network. Product information storage means for storing, for each product, information, specification information indicating the specification of the product, and sales presence / absence information indicating whether the product is on sale, and history information indicating the information of the product purchased by the customer for each customer In the control method of the electronic commerce server, which has a history storage means for storing the compatibility information indicating the compatibility of options and consumables for each product, the product search condition transmitted from the customer terminal is satisfied. A search step (step S523 in FIG. 11) for searching for the product to be performed based on the specification information stored in the product information storage means. A determination step (steps S725, S726, and S728 in FIG. 12) for determining whether the customer has purchased options and consumables in the past based on history information stored in the history storage unit; A determining step of determining the cheapest product among all the products determined that the customer has purchased options and consumables of the product in the past based on the product price stored in the product information storage means; (Steps S731 and S733 in FIG. 12) and a succeeding product information generation that reads information of the product determined in the determining step from the product information storage unit and generates information for displaying the succeeding product information on the customer terminal. (Step S532 in FIG. 11).
[0016]
A fifth invention of the present invention is a program for executing the control method of the electronic commerce server described in the third or fourth invention.
[0017]
A sixth invention of the present invention is characterized in that a program for executing the control method of the electronic commerce server described in the third or fourth invention is stored in a recording medium in a computer-readable manner.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic commerce system to which an electronic commerce server according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
[0019]
In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes an EC site server (e-commerce server), which is installed on a provider side of a product and communicates with a customer terminal 120 and a management terminal 130 installed on a customer side who purchases a product from the provider, such as the Internet. They are connected via a line 100.
[0020]
In the EC site server 110, a selection processing unit 113 executes a succeeding product determination process shown in FIG. 10 and an optimum product determination process shown in FIG. A search processing unit 112 executes a search process of the product database (product DB) 116 based on a predetermined search condition. A purchase processing unit 111 executes a purchase process of a product based on a product purchase instruction.
[0021]
The product DB 116 stores and manages product information such as product specifications and images in, for example, an XML format, and includes a “product code”, a “product name”, a “price”, a “weight”, a “size”, and a “product”. Information such as “Overview (description)”, “product image”, “stock quantity”, “successor product code (there may be no data)”, “sold / not sold” and the like are stored and managed.
[0022]
Reference numeral 117 denotes a history database (history DB) for storing and managing a customer's product purchase history and the like, and stores information such as a "customer ID", a "product code", a "date of purchase", and a "quantity of purchase". to manage.
[0023]
A customer database (customer DB) 118 stores and manages customer information, and stores information such as "customer ID", "password", "customer name", "person in charge", and "telephone number". .
[0024]
A compatibility table 114 is a table for storing and managing compatibility of options and consumables (supplies), and includes “product classification”, “product code”, “parent product code 1”, “parent product code 2”, and “parent product code”. Information such as "product code 3" is stored and managed.
[0025]
A determination rule 115 stores and manages a rule when the selection processing unit 113 determines a successor product (a rule indicating a range of specifications of a successor product that can be a candidate as a successor product) for each product classification. , "Product classification (major classification)", "spec code", "spec name", "lower limit ratio", "upper limit ratio", "possibility of deviation" and the like. As an example, the determination rule 115 is (product classification, specification code, specification name, lower limit ratio, upper limit ratio, whether or not deviation is possible) = (printer, SP014, number of prints (black and white), 0.9 (ppm) ), 1.3 (ppm), not possible). When the lower limit is 0.9 and the upper limit is 1.3, when the current model has a print number of 20 sheets / min (20 ppm), the print number of the succeeding model is in the range of 18 to 26 sheets. It means that there is.
[0026]
The registration of the compatibility table 114, the decision rule 115, the product DB 116, the history DB 117, and the customer DB 118 can be changed by the administrator from the management terminal 130.
[0027]
Further, the user of the customer terminal 120 is mainly assumed to be a consumer (BtoC) or a business partner (BtoB).
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of EC site server 110 shown in FIG.
[0029]
As shown in the figure, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a network adapter 24, a video adapter 25, a keyboard 26, a pointing device such as a mouse 27, a hard disk 28, a CD-ROM drive 29, a DVD-ROM. And a recording medium drive such as a drive, which are connected to each other via a system bus 20.
[0030]
The CPU 21 reads a program stored in the CD-ROM drive 29 in the ROM 23 or the hard disk 28 and executes various control processes described later, thereby selecting the selection processing unit 113, the search processing unit 112, and the purchase processing illustrated in FIG. It is assumed that the unit 111 is realized. The hard disk 28 stores the product DB 116, the history DB 117, the customer DB 118, the compatibility table 114, the determination rule 115, the order DB (not shown), and the like shown in FIG. The RAM 22 is a memory for temporarily storing data and the like when the CPU 21 executes a predetermined process. The network adapter 24 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication line 100.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the customer terminal 120 shown in FIG.
[0032]
As shown in the figure, a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, a network adapter 34, a video adapter 35, a keyboard 36, a pointing device such as a mouse 37, a hard disk 38, a CD-ROM drive 39, a DVD-ROM. And a recording medium drive such as a drive, which are connected to each other via a system bus 30.
[0033]
The CPU 31 reads out a program stored in the CD-ROM drive 39 on the ROM 33 or the hard disk 38 and executes various control processes. The RAM 32 is a memory for temporarily storing data and the like when the CPU 31 executes a predetermined process. The network adapter 34 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication line 100. A monitor 40 displays various information via the video adapter 35.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product designation screen in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied, and is displayed on the monitor 40 of the customer terminal 120 shown in FIG.
[0035]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 800 denotes a product designation screen. In the product ordering screen, reference numeral 801 denotes a product large classification column, which is a large classification of a product, for example, “printer”, “color printer”, “scanner”, “digital camera”, “Video camera”, “facsimile”, “personal computer”, etc. can be selected and designated. Reference numeral 802 denotes a middle product category, which is a middle category of the product belonging to the major category selected in the major product category 801, for example, “for business”, “for SOHO”, “for individual”, “for professional”, “for high amateur”. , "Spreader" etc. can be selected and instructed. Reference numeral 803 denotes a commodity sub-category column, in which a small classification (product name) of the commodity belonging to the intermediate classification selected in the commodity middle classification column 802 can be selected and instructed.
[0036]
A product code column 804 displays the product code of the product selected in the product sub-classification column 803. It is also possible to directly input a product code in the product code column 804. That is, it is possible to specify a product by specifying it in the product large classification column 801> the product middle classification column 802> the product small classification column 803 or by directly inputting a product code in the product code column 804.
[0037]
Reference numeral 805 denotes an order number column, in which the number of items ordered can be input. Reference numeral 806 denotes a purchase button, which is designated by the mouse 37 or the like when a product is specified based on the content input on the product specification screen 800. When the purchase button 806 is instructed, the screen transits to a designated product / succeeding product display screen shown in FIG. 5 (in detail, the input content of the product designation screen 800 is transmitted to the EC site server 110, and will be described later. The designated product / successor product display screen shown in FIG. 5 is returned and displayed).
[0038]
A main screen button 807 invalidates the input contents on the product designation screen 800 and gives an instruction with the mouse 37 or the like when a transition is made to a main screen (not shown).
[0039]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a designated product / successor product display screen in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. When the purchase button 806 shown in FIG. It is displayed on the monitor 40 (FIG. 3) of the terminal.
[0040]
In the figure, reference numeral 900 denotes a designated product / successor product display screen on which information on the product designated on the product designation screen 800 shown in FIG.
[0041]
In the product order screen 900, reference numeral 901 denotes a message field. If the product specified on the product order screen 800 shown in FIG. The following products are being replaced. " A product code column 902 displays the product code of the product displayed on the designated product / successor product display screen 900.
[0042]
A product name column 903 displays the product name of the product displayed on the designated product / successor product display screen 900. A product summary 904 displays a product summary of a product displayed on the designated product / successor product display screen 900. A product image column 905 displays a product image of a product displayed on the product order screen 900. A price column 906 displays the price of the product displayed on the product order screen 900. Reference numeral 907 denotes an order number column in which the number of orders of the ordered product can be input.
[0043]
Reference numeral 908 denotes a detailed information button which is instructed by the mouse 37 or the like when it is desired to display detailed information of a product displayed on the designated product / successor product display screen 900. A condition search button 909 is used to designate a condition search with the mouse 37 or the like. When the condition search button 909 is instructed, a transition is made to a condition search screen shown in FIG. 6 described later (specifically, the condition search screen shown in FIG. 6 is returned from the EC site server 110 and displayed).
[0044]
Reference numeral 910 denotes a purchase button, which is instructed by the mouse 37 or the like when ordering a product displayed on the product order screen 900. When the purchase button 910 is designated, the input contents of the commodity order screen 900 are transmitted to the EC site server 110, and the purchase processing by the purchase processing unit 111 is started. Reference numeral 911 denotes a button for the main screen, which is instructed by the mouse 37 or the like when transitioning to a main screen (not shown).
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a condition search screen in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. When a condition search button 909 shown in FIG. 40 (FIG. 3).
[0046]
In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a condition search screen. In the condition search screen 1000, reference numeral 1001 denotes a commodity large classification field in which a commodity large classification can be selected and instructed. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a middle product category, in which a middle category of a product belonging to the major category selected in the major product category 1001 can be selected and instructed.
[0047]
Reference numeral 1003 denotes a search condition item column, and 1004 denotes a search condition content column. In the search condition item column 1003, search condition items, for example, "print speed", "price", "size", etc., are designated. At 1004, search condition contents, for example, "low", "medium", "high", etc. can be designated.
[0048]
Reference numerals 1005 to 1007 denote search condition (From To) fields. The print condition (color), price, size, and the like are selected and designated in the search condition item field 1005, and a range is designated in the numerical value fields 1005 and 1006. . In the example shown in FIG. 6, search conditions of a color printing speed: 10 ppm to 20 ppm and a price: 150,000 yen to 300,000 yen are specified.
[0049]
Reference numeral 1010 denotes a search button, which is designated by the mouse 37 or the like when a search is to be performed using the search conditions specified on the condition search screen 1000. When this search button 1010 is instructed, the screen transits to the product list screen shown in FIG. 7 (specifically, the input content on the condition search screen 1000 is transmitted to the EC site server 110, and the product list shown in FIG. The screen is replied and displayed). Reference numeral 1011 denotes a main screen button, which invalidates the input contents on the condition search screen 1000 and gives an instruction with the mouse 37 or the like when shifting to a main screen (not shown).
[0050]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product list screen in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. When the search button 1010 shown in FIG. (FIG. 3).
[0051]
In the figure, reference numeral 1100 denotes a product list screen. In the product list screen 1100, reference numeral 1101 denotes a product list, which displays a list of products corresponding to the search conditions set on the condition search screen 1000 shown in FIG. The product list 1101 displays a product code, a product name, a price, stock (“0” when there is no stock, “×” when sales are discontinued), and the like.
[0052]
Reference numeral 1102 denotes a detail button. When the user wants to display detailed information of a product displayed in the product list 1101, the user designates the detail button 1102 corresponding to the product with the mouse 37 or the like. When the detail button 1102 is instructed, the product code of the corresponding product and a request for detailed information are transmitted to the EC site server 110, and a detail screen (not shown) is returned and displayed.
[0053]
Reference numeral 1103 denotes a succession button. When the user wants to display information on a successor product whose stock displayed in the product list 1101 is “X” (discontinued product), the user designates the successor button 1103 corresponding to the product with the mouse 37 or the like. . When the succession button 1103 is designated, the product code of the corresponding product and the succession information request are transmitted to the EC site server 110, and the designated product / succession product display screen 900 shown in FIG. 5 is returned and displayed.
[0054]
Reference numeral 1104 denotes a previous screen button. When this button is designated by the mouse 37 or the like, a condition search screen 1000 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.
[0055]
Reference numeral 1105 denotes an optimum product search button. When this button is designated by the mouse 37 or the like, the optimum product search process by the selection processing unit 113 is started, and the screen is transited to the optimum product display screen shown in FIG.
[0056]
A purchase button 1006 is used to select one of the products in the product list 1101 and designate this button with the mouse 37 or the like, whereby the purchase processing by the purchase processing unit 111 of the EC site server 110 is started.
[0057]
Reference numeral 1107 denotes a previous page button, and 1108 denotes a next page button. When product information (condition search result) cannot be displayed on the product list 1101 and a plurality of pages are displayed, the previous page button 1107 and the next page button 1108 are designated. The product list 1101 can be shifted to the previous page and the next page.
[0058]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optimum product display screen in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. When the optimum product search button 1105 shown in FIG. Is displayed on the monitor 40 (FIG. 3).
[0059]
In the figure, reference numeral 1200 denotes an optimum product display screen on which information on the optimum product determined from the product list shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.
[0060]
In the optimum product display screen 1200, a message field 1201 displays a message such as "The following product is the optimum product when the designated conditions and replacement cost are taken into consideration."
[0061]
Reference numeral 1202 denotes a product code column in which the product code of the optimum product is displayed. A product name column 1203 displays the product name of the optimal product. Reference numeral 1204 denotes a product summary field, in which a product summary of an optimal product is displayed. A product image column 1205 displays a product image of an optimum product. Reference numeral 1206 denotes a price column in which the price of the optimal product is displayed.
[0062]
Reference numeral 1207 denotes an order number column, in which the number of items ordered can be input. Reference numeral 1208 denotes a divertable product column, which displays information on commodities that can be diverted to optimal commodities from commodities purchased by the customer.
[0063]
Reference numeral 1209 denotes a detailed information button, which is instructed by the mouse 37 or the like when it is desired to display detailed information of an optimum product. Reference numeral 1210 denotes a condition search button, which is designated by the mouse 37 or the like when a condition search is to be performed. When the condition search button 1210 is designated, the condition search screen shown in FIG. 6 is returned from the EC site server 110 and displayed.
[0064]
Reference numeral 1211 denotes a purchase button, which is instructed by the mouse 37 or the like when ordering an optimum product. When the purchase button 1211 is instructed, the information on the optimum product, the number of orders, and the like are transmitted to the EC site server 110, and the purchase processing by the purchase processing unit 111 is started. Reference numeral 1212 denotes a button for a main screen, which is instructed by a mouse 37 or the like when transitioning to a main screen (not shown).
[0065]
Hereinafter, control processing procedures in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. It is assumed that the processing on the customer terminal 120 side is executed by a web browser executed on the customer terminal 120.
[0066]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a process when accessing an EC site server and specifying a product. . Steps S401 to S407 indicate steps on the customer terminal 120 side, and are executed by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3 based on programs stored in the ROM 33, the hard disk 38, the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 39, and the like. Is done. Steps S421 to S433 indicate steps on the EC site server 110 side, based on the programs stored in the ROM 23, the hard disk 28, the CD-ROM or the like set in the CD-ROM drive 29 by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. Be executed.
[0067]
First, when a customer instructs product specification on a main screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 40 of the customer terminal 120 after the customer authentication based on the customer ID or the like, a request for the product specification screen is transmitted from the customer terminal 120 to the EC site server 110. Is done. In response, the EC site server 110 transmits the screen information (the product designation screen 800 shown in FIG. 4) to the customer terminal 120 (S421).
[0068]
The customer terminal 120 receives the screen information (the product designation screen 800 shown in FIG. 4) transmitted from the EC site server 110 and displays it on the monitor 40 (S401).
[0069]
When the user specifies (selects and inputs) a specific product on the product specification screen 800 and the customer terminal 120 detects that the purchase button 806 has been instructed with the mouse 37 or the like, the input is performed on the product specification screen 800. The purchased product information is transmitted to the EC site server 110 (S402).
[0070]
In the EC site server 110, the purchased product information is received (S422), and the search processing unit 112 executes a search process of the product DB 116 using the received purchased product information as a key (S423). Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding product from the search result of the product DB 116 (S424), and if it is determined that there is no corresponding product, an error message is transmitted to the customer terminal 120 (S425).
[0071]
The customer terminal 120 updates the screen display with the received error message (S403), and returns to the process of step S401.
[0072]
On the other hand, if it is determined from the search result of the product DB 116 that there is a corresponding product (S424: YES), it is determined whether the product is on sale (S426), and if it is determined that it is on sale, Then, the process directly proceeds to step S429 to generate a designated product / successor product display screen 900 (FIG. 5) including the product information of the product retrieved from the product DB 116, and transmit it to the customer terminal 120 (S429).
[0073]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the product is not for sale (S426: NO), it is determined from the search result of the product DB 116 whether the successor product data of the corresponding product is in the product DB 116 (S427). If it is determined that it is in the product DB 116, the process directly proceeds to step S429, the product information of the successor product data is acquired from the product DB 116, and the designated product / successor product display screen 900 including the product information of the successor product (FIG. 5) Is transmitted to the customer terminal 120 (S429).
[0074]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the successor product data is not in the product DB 116 (S427: NO), the successor product determination process (details are shown in FIG. 10 described later) by the selection processing unit 113 is executed (S428). The designated product / successor product display screen 900 (FIG. 5) including the product information of the successor product determined in the product determination process is acquired from the product DB 116 and stored in the work area of the RAM 22 as the product information of the successor product. The message is transmitted to the terminal 120 (S429).
[0075]
The customer terminal 120 receives the product information (designated product / succeeding product display screen 900 (FIG. 5)) (S404), and updates the screen display of the received product information display screen 900 (S405).
[0076]
Then, if the user examines the product on the product information display screen 900 and does not have any problem (purchase), the customer terminal 120 enters a numerical value in the order number column 907, and then presses the purchase button 910, and If the user is not satisfied with the product on the information display screen 900 and wants to perform a condition search, a condition search button 909 is pressed.
[0077]
Then, the customer terminal 120 identifies any of the above-described operation information on the product information display screen 900 by the user (S406), and transmits the identified operation information to the EC site server 110 (S407).
[0078]
The EC site server 110 receives the operation information, determines whether or not the received operation information is an end button (not shown) (S430). If it is determined that the received operation information is the end button, the processing ends as it is. .
[0079]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the received operation information is not the end button (not shown) (S430: NO), it is determined whether the received operation information is the purchase button 910 (S431), and the operation is the purchase button 910. If determined to be, the purchase processing unit 111 executes a purchase process (not shown) (S432), generates corresponding screen information, and transmits it to the customer terminal 120 (S433).
[0080]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the received operation information is not the purchase button 910 (S431: NO), screen information corresponding to the detailed information button 908 and the main button 911 is transmitted to the customer terminal 120 (S433). Although not shown in FIG. 9, if it is determined that the operation information received from the customer terminal 120 is the condition search button 909, the EC site server 110 performs a corresponding product list display process (see FIG. ) Is executed.
[0081]
Then, on the customer terminal 120 side, the screen information transmitted from the EC site server 110 is received, and the screen display on the monitor 40 is updated (S405).
[0082]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. If the product is currently discontinued, the process of selecting a successor product that minimizes replacement costs) is supported. S601 to S611 indicate steps on the EC site server 110 side, and are performed by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in the ROM 23, the hard disk 28, the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 29, or the like. Be executed.
[0083]
First, the product code (one) specified in the product specification screen 800 of FIG. 4 and received in step S422 is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 (S601), and the history DB 117 is searched using the specified product code as a key (S602). ).
[0084]
Based on the search result, it is determined whether or not the customer has purchased the product of the specified product code (S603). If it is determined that the customer has not purchased the product, the process proceeds directly to step S609.
[0085]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the customer has purchased the product of the specified product code (S603: YES), the compatibility table 114 is searched using the specified product code as the parent product code (S604). The product code of the product (option and supply of the specified product) having the product code as a parent code is acquired.
[0086]
Then, it is determined whether or not the option having the designated product as the parent code is present in the purchase history of the customer (S605). If it is determined that the option is present in the purchase history, the parent product code of the option (the option) Are stored in the work area of the RAM 22 as matching items of compatible options other than the product code of the designated product (S606).
[0087]
Next, it is determined whether or not the supply having the designated product as the parent code is in the purchase history of the customer (S607). If it is determined that the supply is in the purchase history, the parent product code of the supply (the The product code of the product that can be diverted to the supply (other than the product code of the specified product) is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 as the matching of the compatible supply (S608).
[0088]
Then, the product classification determination rule 115 of the designated product is stored in the RAM 22 (S609).
[0089]
Then, reference is made to the decision rule 115 corresponding to the designated product category (major category) (S609), and the upper limit ratio and the lower limit ratio of the specifications of the decision rule are multiplied by the product specification of the designated product to be a successor product candidate. Calculate the product specifications (upper limit, lower limit).
[0090]
Then, the product DB 116 is searched with the calculated upper limit value and lower limit value (S610), matching products are stored in the work area of the RAM 22, and finally, a succeeding product is specified (S611).
[0091]
This succeeding product is specified by the following priorities (1) to (3).
[0092]
(1) Goods that match the search result of step S610 and can be diverted to options and supplies (goods that match the matching of compatible options and matching of compatible supplies)
(2) Goods that match the search result of step S610 and can be diverted to options or supplies (goods that match either compatible option matching or compatible supply matching)
(3) Products that match the search result of step S610 but cannot be diverted for options or supplies
Then, after the successor product is specified, the successor product determination process ends.
[0093]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. Corresponds to processing. Steps S501 to S507 indicate steps on the customer terminal 120 side, and are executed by the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 3 based on programs stored in the ROM 33, the hard disk 38, the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 39, and the like. Is done. S521 to S533 indicate steps on the EC site server 110 side, based on a program stored in the ROM 23, the hard disk 28, the CD-ROM or the like set in the CD-ROM drive 29 by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. Be executed.
[0094]
First, a condition search is designated on a main screen (not shown) displayed on the monitor 40 of the customer terminal 120 after customer authentication by a customer ID or the like (or a condition search button 909 on the designated product / successor product display screen shown in FIG. 5). ), A request for a condition search screen is transmitted from the customer terminal 120 to the EC site server 110. In response, the EC site server 110 transmits screen information (the condition search screen 800 shown in FIG. 6) to the customer terminal 120 (S521).
[0095]
The customer terminal 120 receives the screen information (the condition search screen 1000 shown in FIG. 6) transmitted from the EC site server 110 and displays it on the monitor 40 (S501).
[0096]
When the user specifies search conditions on the condition search screen 1000 and the customer terminal 120 detects that the search button 1010 has been designated with the mouse 37 or the like, the customer terminal 120 displays the condition search information input on the condition search screen 1000. The data is transmitted to the EC site server 110 (S502).
[0097]
The EC site server 110 receives the condition search information (S522), and the search processing unit 112 executes a search process of the product DB 116 using the received condition search information as a key (S523). Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding product from the search result of the product DB 116 (S524). If it is determined that there is no corresponding product, an error message is transmitted to the customer terminal 120 (S525).
[0098]
The customer terminal 120 updates the screen display based on the received error message (503), and returns to the process of step S501.
[0099]
On the other hand, when it is determined from the search result of the product DB 116 that there is a corresponding product (S524: YES), a product list screen 1100 (FIG. 7) including the search result is generated and transmitted to the customer terminal 120 (S526). .
[0100]
The customer terminal 120 receives the product list screen 1100 (FIG. 7) (S504), and updates the screen display based on the received product list screen (S505).
[0101]
Then, the user selects one of the product lists 1101 on the product list screen 1100 and instructs a purchase button 1106 to instruct product purchase processing, or instructs an optimal product search button 1105 to select a product from the product list. The user instructs a process for selecting an optimum product that can minimize replacement costs by using options of a product purchased in the past.
[0102]
Then, the customer terminal 120 identifies operation information on the product list screen 1100 by the user (S506), and transmits the identified operation information to the EC site server 110 (S507).
[0103]
The EC site server 110 receives the operation information, determines whether or not the received operation information is an end button (not shown) (S527). If it is determined that the received operation information is the end button, the process ends as it is. .
[0104]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the received operation information is not the end button (not shown) (S527: NO), it is determined whether or not the received operation information is the purchase button 1106 (S528). If determined to be, the purchase processing unit 111 executes a purchase process (not shown) (S529), and transmits corresponding screen information to the customer terminal 120 (S533).
[0105]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the received operation information is not the purchase button 1106 (S528: NO), it is determined whether or not the received operation information is the optimum product search button 1105 (S530). If it is determined to be 1105, the selection processing unit 113 executes the optimum product determination process shown in FIG. 12 (S531), generates the optimum product information (the optimum product display screen 1200 shown in FIG. 8), and The message is transmitted to the terminal 120 (S532). In the message field 1201 of the optimal product display screen 1200 shown in FIG. 8, "the following product is the optimal product in consideration of the designated conditions and replacement cost" is displayed.
[0106]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the received operation information is not the optimum product search button 1105 (S530: NO), screen information corresponding to the detail button 1102, the previous screen button 1104, the previous page 1107, and the next page 1108 is generated. To the customer terminal 120 (S533). Although not shown in FIG. 11, if the received operation information is determined to be the successor button 1103 of the product whose stock is “×” (discontinued product) in the product list 1101, the successor shown in FIG. 10 is used. Product determination processing is executed.
[0107]
Then, on the customer terminal 120 side, the screen information transmitted from the EC site server 110 is received, and the screen display on the monitor 40 is updated (S507).
[0108]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied. The optimum commodity determination processing (the search input from the customer terminal) in step S531 of FIG. In the case where there are a plurality of products that match the conditions, the process corresponds to a process of selecting an optimum product that can minimize replacement costs by diverting options of a previously purchased product from the plurality of products. Steps S721 to S733 indicate steps on the EC site server 110 side, based on a program stored in the ROM 23, the hard disk 28, the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 29 by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. Be executed.
[0109]
First, the product list data transmitted to the customer terminal 120 in step S526 of FIG. 11 is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 (S721), and one piece of product data in the product list is read from the work area (S722). The compatibility table 114 is searched using the product code of the product data as the parent product code (S723), and the product code of the product (option and supply of the product in the product list) having the product code as the parent code is acquired.
[0110]
The history DB 117 is searched using the obtained product code as a key (S724). Based on the search result, it is determined whether or not the customer has purchased a product (option, supply) that can be diverted (S725). If it is determined that a possible product (option, supply) has not been purchased, the process proceeds directly to step S730.
[0111]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the customer has purchased a product (option, supply) that can be diverted (S725: YES), it is determined whether the customer has purchased an option (compatible option) that can be diverted (S726). If it is determined that an option that can be diverted (compatible option) has not been purchased, the process proceeds to step S728.
[0112]
On the other hand, when it is determined that an option that can be diverted (compatible option) has been purchased (S726: YES), the product code read in step S722 is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 as matching of the compatible option (S727). .
[0113]
Next, it is determined whether or not the customer has purchased a supply (compatible supply) that can be diverted (S728). If it is determined that a supply (compatible supply) that can be diverted has not been purchased, the process directly proceeds to step S730. move on.
[0114]
On the other hand, when it is determined that a supply that can be diverted (compatible supply) has been purchased (S728: YES), the product code read in step S722 is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 as the matching of the compatible supply (S729). Then, the process proceeds to step S730.
[0115]
Next, the product DB is searched using the product code read in step S722 as a key to acquire the price of the product (S730), and the replacement cost is calculated from the price of the product, the divertible option and the divertable supply (purchase). Replacement cost calculation: S731), and store it in the work area of RAM 22.
[0116]
Next, it is determined whether or not the calculation of the replacement cost has been completed up to the last product in the list of products (S732). If it is determined that the calculation of the replacement cost has not been completed yet to the last product, step S732 is performed. Returning to S722, the data of the next product is read.
[0117]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the replacement cost calculation has been completed up to the last product in the list product (S723: YES), the product with the lowest replacement cost among the calculated replacement costs of all the list products is selected ( S733), and terminates the optimal product determination processing.
[0118]
Although the configuration in which the product with the lowest replacement cost is selected as the optimum product in step S733 of FIG. 12 is described, a plurality of product candidates (including information on replacement cost, specifications, etc.) are listed and displayed in order of price, You may comprise so that a user may select it. The display of the plurality of product candidates may be configured to be changeable in the order of specifications according to a user's instruction.
[0119]
The average consumption time of supply is stored in the customer DB 118 for each supply purchased by the customer. In step S607 in FIG. 10 and step S728 in FIG. If the average consumption time is exceeded, the supply product may be considered to have been consumed, and the determination may be “NO” in step S607 in FIG. 10 and step S728 in FIG.
[0120]
As described above, it is possible to construct an e-commerce system capable of easily proposing a successor product that can minimize the transfer cost and the loss of consumables for each customer. In addition, even when there are a plurality of succeeding product candidates, it is possible to easily select an optimum product by comparing replacement cost comparison information among the plurality of succeeding product candidates.
[0121]
Further, on the customer side using the electronic commerce system, the trouble of searching for a succeeding model can be greatly reduced. In addition, it is possible to minimize the waste loss of compatible options, consumables, and the like, reduce garbage, and reduce the environmental load. Further, replacement costs can be suppressed.
[0122]
In addition, on the sales side that provides the electronic commerce system, it is possible to greatly reduce the labor cost of responding to inquiries associated with replacement. Further, it is possible to reduce business opportunity loss, such as not replacing a product until the customer uses up the consumables.
[0123]
Note that the processing on the customer terminal side in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 is realized by a web browser on the customer terminal 120 based on screen data (for example, HTML) transmitted from the EC site server 110. As described above, even if the configuration is realized by executing a program (such as an applet) downloaded from the EC site server 110 on the web browser of the customer terminal 120, the program installed in the customer terminal 120 is stored in the customer terminal 120. 120 may be implemented.
[0124]
Further, all configurations obtained by combining these embodiments are also included in the present invention.
[0125]
Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.
[0126]
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server according to the present invention can be applied.
[0127]
Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information that depends on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, identifies and displays the program. Icons and the like may also be stored.
[0128]
Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0129]
The functions shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 in the present embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Things.
[0130]
As described above, the recording medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0131]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0132]
Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program does not matter, such as the object code, the program executed by the interpreter, and the script data supplied to the OS.
[0133]
Examples of a recording medium for supplying a program include a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and a DVD. Can be used.
[0134]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0135]
In addition, as a method for supplying the program, a client computer is connected to a homepage on the Internet using a browser, and the computer program itself of the present invention or the compressed file including the automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be supplied by downloading. Further, the present invention can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, or the like that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for implementing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the claims of the present invention.
[0136]
In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed to users, and a user who satisfies predetermined conditions is downloaded with key information for decrypting from a homepage via the Internet. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer to realize the program.
[0137]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0138]
Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0139]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0140]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and those are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
[0141]
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description herein.
[0142]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, whether the product specified by the product specification information transmitted from the customer terminal installed on the customer side who purchases the product from the provider is currently being sold or stored in the product storage means A determination is made based on the stored sales presence / absence information, and if it is determined that the customer is not currently on sale, a history stored in the history storage means as to whether the customer has purchased the option or consumable of the specified product in the past. If it is determined based on the information and it is determined that the customer has purchased the option and consumable of the specified product in the past, a product compatible with the option and consumable of the specified product Is searched based on the compatibility information stored in the compatibility information storage means, and a successor product determination rule is read out from the determination rule storage means, and a product corresponding to the specification range indicated by the determination rule is searched for the product A search is performed based on the specification information stored in the information storage means, and the product information searched by the specification search and searched by the compatibility search is read from the product information storage means, and the succeeding product information is displayed on the customer terminal. Therefore, it is possible to construct an electronic commerce system that can automatically generate service support information capable of easily proposing a successor product that can minimize the transition cost and the loss of consumables for each customer.
[0143]
Further, a product corresponding to a product search condition transmitted from a customer terminal installed on the customer side that makes a product inquiry to a provider is searched based on the specification information stored in the product information storage means, and the searched product is searched for. In response to this, it is determined whether or not the customer has purchased options and consumables of the product in the past based on history information stored in the history storage means. Out of all the products determined to have been purchased on the basis of the product price stored in the product information storage means, and reads out the determined product information from the product information storage means. In order to display the successor product information at the customer terminal, when there are a plurality of successor product candidates, the replacement cost between the plurality of successor product candidates is compared with each other to determine an optimal commercial product. It can be constructed an electronic commerce system that can automatically generate easily propose possible service support information.
[0144]
Further, on the customer side using the electronic commerce system, the trouble of searching for a succeeding model can be greatly reduced. In addition, it is possible to minimize the waste loss of compatible options, consumables, and the like, reduce garbage, and reduce the environmental load. Further, replacement costs can be suppressed.
[0145]
In addition, on the sales side that provides the electronic commerce system, it is possible to greatly reduce the labor cost of responding to inquiries associated with replacement. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce business opportunity loss, such as not replacing a product until the customer uses up the consumables.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic commerce system to which an electronic commerce server according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an EC site server shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the customer terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product designation screen in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a designated product / successor product display screen in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a condition search screen in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product list screen in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optimum product display screen in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an electronic commerce system to which the electronic commerce server according to the present invention can be applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 communication lines
110 EC site server
111 Purchase Processing Department
112 search processing unit
113 Selection processing section
114 compatible table
115 Decision Rules
116 Product DB
117 History DB
118 Customer DB
120 customer terminal
130 management terminal

Claims (6)

In an e-commerce server installed on the provider side of the product and connected via a predetermined network to a customer terminal installed on the customer side that purchases the product from the provider,
A merchandise information storage means for storing merchandise information including spec information indicating specs of the merchandise, and sales information indicating whether or not the merchandise is being sold;
History storage means for storing, for each customer, history information indicating information on products purchased by the customer;
Compatibility information storage means for storing compatibility information indicating the compatibility of consumables and options for each product;
A determination rule storage unit that stores a succession product determination rule indicating a range of specifications of a successor product that can be a candidate as a successor product of the product;
A first determination unit that determines whether a product specified by the product specification information transmitted from the customer terminal is currently on sale or not based on sales presence / absence information stored in the product storage unit;
If the first determination unit determines that the customer is not currently selling the product, the option and the consumable item of the specified product are determined based on the history information stored in the history storage unit as to whether the customer has purchased in the past. Second determining means for determining,
If it is determined by the second determination unit that the customer has purchased the option or consumable of the product specified in the past, a product compatible with the option or consumable of the specified product. Compatibility search means for searching based on the compatibility information stored in the compatibility information storage means,
A specification search unit that reads a successor product determination rule from the determination rule storage unit and searches for a product corresponding to a specification range indicated in the determination rule based on the specification information stored in the product information storage unit;
A successor product information generation unit that reads out the product information retrieved by the specification search unit, and that is retrieved by the compatibility search unit from the product information storage unit and generates information for displaying the succession product information at the customer terminal; ,
An e-commerce server, comprising: An e-commerce server installed on the provider side of the product and connected via a predetermined network to a customer terminal installed on the customer side that makes an inquiry about the product to the provider,
Merchandise information storage means for storing merchandise information including, for each merchandise, price information indicating a price of the merchandise, spec information indicating specs of the merchandise, and sales information indicating whether or not the merchandise is being sold;
History storage means for storing, for each customer, history information indicating information on products purchased by the customer;
Compatibility information storage means for storing compatibility information indicating the compatibility of consumables and options for each product;
Search means for searching for a product corresponding to a product search condition transmitted from the customer terminal based on specification information stored in the product information storage means,
Determining means for determining, based on history information stored in the history storage means, whether or not the customer has purchased options and consumables of the product in the past for the goods searched by the search means;
Of all the products for which the customer has previously purchased options and consumables of the product by the determination means, the cheapest product is determined based on the product price stored in the product information storage means. Determining means for determining;
Successor product information generating means for reading the product information determined by the determining means from the product information storage means and generating information for displaying the succeeding product information at the customer terminal;
An e-commerce server, comprising: It is installed via a predetermined network with a customer terminal installed on the side of the product provider and installed on the customer side that purchases the product from the provider, and determines whether or not the product is on sale or not. Product information storage means for storing product information including sales presence / absence information, and history storage means for storing history information indicating information on products purchased by customers for each customer, and compatibility between options and consumables for each product. The electronic commerce server control method includes: a compatible information storage unit that stores compatible information indicating the replacement information; and a decision rule storage unit that stores a succession product determination rule that indicates a specification range of a successor product that can be a candidate for the successor product. ,
A first determination step of determining whether a product specified by the product specification information transmitted from the customer terminal is currently on sale or not based on sales presence / absence information stored in the product storage means;
If the first determination step determines that the customer is not currently selling the product, the option and the consumable of the specified product are determined based on the history information stored in the history storage means as to whether the customer has purchased the past. A second determining step of determining;
If it is determined in the second determination step that the customer has purchased the option or consumable of the product specified in the past, a product compatible with the option or consumable of the specified product. A compatibility search step for searching based on the compatibility information stored in the compatibility information storage means,
A specification search step of reading a successor product determination rule from the determination rule storage means and searching for a product corresponding to the specification range indicated in the determination rule based on the specification information stored in the product information storage means;
A successor product information generation step of reading out the product information retrieved in the specification search step and retrieved in the compatibility search step from the product information storage unit and generating information for displaying the subsequent product information on the customer terminal; ,
A method for controlling an e-commerce server, comprising: Price information indicating the price of the product, specification information indicating the specification of the product, connected via a predetermined network to a customer terminal installed at the customer providing the product and inquiring the product from the provider. A merchandise information storage means for storing, for each product, sales presence / absence information indicating whether or not the merchandise is sold; a history storage means for storing, for each customer, history information indicating information on the merchandise purchased by the customer; An electronic commerce server control method, comprising: an option and compatibility information storage means for storing compatibility information indicating compatibility of consumables.
A search step of searching for a product corresponding to a product search condition transmitted from the customer terminal based on specification information stored in a product information storage unit;
A determining step of determining whether or not the customer has purchased options and consumables of the product for the searched product based on history information stored in the history storage unit;
Of all the products for which the customer has previously purchased options and consumables of the product in the determination step, the cheapest product is determined based on the product price stored in the product information storage means. A decision step of deciding,
A successor product information generation step of reading information of the product determined by the determination step from the product information storage unit and generating information for displaying the successor product information at the customer terminal;
A method for controlling an e-commerce server, comprising: A program for executing the electronic commerce server control method according to claim 3. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the electronic commerce server control method according to claim 3.

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