JP2011108072A - Commodity search system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity search system, which allows a user to easily and rapidly find a desired commodity by intuitively and visually displaying a search result. <P>SOLUTION: The system includes a server 2 and a user terminal 3 connected to the server 2 through a network. The server 2 includes a storage unit 4 which stores commodity information and commodity image; a two-dimensional coordinate space regulation unit 5 which regulates a two-dimensional coordinate space by setting a commodity feature item selected based on an instruction from the user terminal 3 as the commodity feature item of the vertical axis and setting a commodity feature item other than the commodity feature item of the vertical axis as the commodity feature item of the horizontal axis; a coordinate position derivation unit 6 which derives a coordinate position of a commodity in the two-dimensional coordinate space; a distribution map generation unit 7 which generates data related to a distribution map in which respective commodity images of a plurality of commodities are arranged based on the coordinate position; and a data transmission unit 8 which transmits the data related to the distribution map to cause the user terminal 3 to display the distribution chart. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a product search system that allows a user to search for a product that matches a request from among a plurality of products registered in advance.

  With the spread of the Internet, users can search for products that meet their requirements from a large number of products via a network and find products to purchase.

  In recent years, various product search systems that have been devised so that the user can find a desired product in a short time have been developed. For example, in the product search system described in Patent Document 1, price, function, use, and feature values of product feature items such as shape, color, fragrance, taste, and touch are registered in advance for each product. When a condition relating to the feature value of a product feature item is input, products matching the input condition can be extracted and displayed in a tabular form on the user terminal.

JP 2002-83192 A

  However, in the product search system, products that meet the user's conditions are displayed in a list in a tabular format, so the user can finally compare the products displayed in a list one by one to decide which products to purchase. I had to do it. For this reason, when the number of products that meet the conditions increases, there is a problem that it takes time to find the products to be purchased even though the products are narrowed down by inputting the conditions.

  The present invention has been conceived based on the above circumstances, and provides a product search system capable of easily and quickly finding a desired product by displaying search results intuitively and visually. The task is to do.

  In order to solve the above problems, a product search system according to the present invention includes a server and at least one user terminal connected to the server via a network, and a plurality of products in which a user is registered in advance. A product search system capable of searching for a product that matches a request, wherein the server includes product information including feature values for each of a plurality of product feature items representing features of the product, and the product A product feature item selected based on an instruction from the user terminal among the product feature items included in the product information and a storage unit that stores a product image is set as a product feature item on the vertical axis, and the vertical A product feature item other than the product feature item of the axis is set as the product feature item of the horizontal axis, and a two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit for defining a two-dimensional coordinate space by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis; A coordinate position deriving unit for deriving a coordinate position of the product in a two-dimensional coordinate space based on the feature values of the product feature items on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the product stored in the storage unit; A distribution map generation unit configured to generate data related to a distribution map in which each of the product images of the plurality of products is arranged on the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the position; And a data transmission unit for displaying the distribution map on the user terminal.

  The product search system according to the present invention includes a server and at least one user terminal connected to the server via a network, and the user can make a request from a plurality of products registered in advance. A product search system capable of searching for a matched product, wherein the server stores product information including feature values for each of a plurality of product feature items representing features of the product, and a product image of the product. A vertical axis item based on at least one product feature item selected based on an instruction from the user terminal among the product feature items included in the product information, An axis item on the horizontal axis is set based on at least one product feature item other than the product feature item set in the axis item, and a two-dimensional coordinate space is defined by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. A two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit for defining, a coordinate position deriving unit for deriving a coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space, and a plurality of products on the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the coordinate position. A distribution map generating unit that generates data related to a distribution map in which the product images are arranged, a data transmission unit that transmits data related to the distribution map to the user terminal, and displays the distribution map on the user terminal; , And when the product feature item selected to set the axis item on the vertical axis or the horizontal axis is one, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit displays the selected product feature item on the The vertical axis or horizontal axis axis item is set, and the coordinate position deriving unit stores the vertical axis or horizontal axis coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space in the storage unit. The product feature item selected to set the vertical or horizontal axis item is derived based on the feature value of the product feature item set to the vertical or horizontal axis item. In the case of two or more, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit normalizes the possible values of the feature values of each of the selected product feature items, performs a weighting operation based on a predetermined priority, A calculation result obtained by adding the values after the weighting calculation is set in the axis item of the vertical axis or the horizontal axis, and the coordinate position deriving unit is configured to coordinate the vertical axis or the horizontal axis of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space. The position is derived based on the calculation result of the product.

  In the above configuration, the user terminal displays a vertical axis slider and a horizontal axis slider having knobs whose positions can be manipulated at both ends along the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the distribution map. When the knob of the horizontal axis slider is operated, the distribution map generation unit sets the maximum value and the minimum value of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the distribution map based on the position of the knob, Data relating to a distribution map obtained by enlarging or reducing the distribution map is generated together with the product image.

  Furthermore, in the above configuration, the server further includes a condition input screen generation unit that generates data related to a filter condition input screen that allows the user to input a filter condition for narrowing down the products displayed in the distribution chart. The data transmission unit transmits data related to the filter condition input screen to the user terminal, causes the filter condition input screen to be displayed on the user terminal, and the coordinate position derivation unit is configured for each product in the two-dimensional coordinate space. And determining whether or not the filter condition input for each product is satisfied, and the distribution map generation unit is determined to satisfy the filter condition in the coordinate position derivation unit Generating data relating to a distribution map in which only the product images of the products are arranged;

  Further, in the above configuration, when two or more products are selected from the products displayed in the distribution map in the user terminal, the distribution map generation unit is configured to select the products of the selected products. Data relating to a distribution map in which only images are arranged is regenerated.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of products can be displayed on a user terminal as a distribution diagram. Therefore, by displaying the search result intuitively and visually, the user can easily and quickly find the desired product.

  Further, according to the present invention, at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis can be set by two or more product feature items. For this reason, a distribution map can be generated in consideration of the user's preferences comprehensively, and the user can easily and quickly find a desired product.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the distribution map can be enlarged or reduced according to the positions of the operable knobs provided at both ends of the slider. For this reason, for example, even if the product is concentrated in a specific range in the distribution map, the user can easily and quickly find the desired product by expanding the portion where the product is concentrated. be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to allow the user to input filter conditions for narrowing down the products displayed in the distribution map. For this reason, for example, even when the number of products displayed in the distribution map before the filter condition is input is large, a distribution map including only products corresponding to the input filter condition is displayed on the user terminal. be able to. Therefore, the user can find a desired product easily and quickly.

It is an example of the screen displayed on a user terminal. It is a block diagram of the goods search system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is an example of the file containing several goods information. It is a flowchart which shows the process from acquisition of merchandise information to generation of distribution map data. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the knob of the slider for vertical axes | shafts being operated, and a distribution map being expanded or reduced. It is a part of the screen of the user terminal on which the distribution map is displayed. 6 is a part of the screen of the user terminal on which the distribution map of FIG. 6 is enlarged and displayed by operating the sliders for the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. It is a flowchart which shows the process which sets two or more goods feature items to the axis | shaft item of a vertical axis | shaft, and produces | generates distribution map data. It is a block diagram of the goods search system concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process from acquisition of filter conditions to generation of distribution map data.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal in the product search system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the distribution map is displayed in the center A area on the screen. The distribution diagram is a product image displayed in a two-dimensional coordinate space composed of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. In FIG. 1, the vertical axis represents “storage” and the horizontal axis represents “money”, but these can be arbitrarily changed by the user. In the area B, product feature items set on the vertical axis of the distribution map are displayed, and in the area C, filter conditions for further narrowing down the products in the distribution map are displayed. Further, sliders 9a and 9b for enlarging or reducing the distribution map are displayed in the D region.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product search system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the product search system 1 includes a server 2 and at least one user terminal 3 connected to the server 2 via a network NT. The server 2 and the user terminal 3 can exchange data with each other.

  The server 2 includes a storage unit 4, a two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5, a coordinate position deriving unit 6, a distribution diagram generating unit 7, a data transmitting / receiving unit (corresponding to the “data transmitting unit” of the present invention) 8, It has.

  The storage unit 4 stores product information on products acquired in advance and product images of the products. Specifically, the storage unit 4 stores product information and a product image of the product sent from a terminal (not shown) of the product seller on a file basis such as an XML format described later, or The server 2 stores product information acquired by periodically accessing a database (not shown) in the server of the product seller's terminal and a product image of the product.

  The merchandise information is composed of feature values for each of a plurality of merchandise feature items representing the characteristics of the merchandise, and has an XML format in which necessary information can be additionally described in an area enclosed by tags. In the product feature item, for example, when the product is a bed, not only the basic product features such as product name, price, height, width, length, storage, color, shape and material, but also breathability and stylish It also includes features with sensibilities such as sex, cuteness, and space utilization.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a file including a plurality of product information. Product information relating to one product is described in an area enclosed by product tags, and product tag regions are provided in the number of products (product information). In the product tag area, an id tag area in which an ID for identifying the product is described, a name tag area in which the product name of the product is described, an image tag area in which the location of the product image of the product is described, etc. Is provided. The product tag area is also provided with a mat tag area corresponding to the product feature item, a breathability tag area, etc., and each area is a numerical value of mat hardness, air permeability, etc. "Feature value") is described.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5 selects the product feature item selected based on the instruction from the user terminal 3 among the product feature items included in the product information on the vertical axis. The product feature item other than the product feature item on the vertical axis is set as the product feature item on the horizontal axis, and a two-dimensional coordinate space is defined by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis.

  The coordinate position deriving unit 6 derives the coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the feature values of the product feature items on the vertical and horizontal axes of the product stored in the storage unit 4.

  Based on the coordinate position derived by the coordinate position deriving unit 6, the distribution map generating unit 7 generates data relating to a distribution diagram in which product images of a plurality of products are arranged in a two-dimensional coordinate space.

  The data transmission / reception unit 8 transmits data related to the distribution map to the user terminal 3 and causes the user terminal 3 to display the distribution map.

(Distribution map generation flow)
Next, processing from acquisition of product information to display of a distribution chart will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when product information about a product is acquired, the product information is stored in the storage unit 4 (S01). Thereafter, when the user selects the product feature item on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, in order to define the two-dimensional coordinate space in the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5, the setting of the product feature item on the vertical axis (S02) and the horizontal axis The product feature item is set (S03). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the product is a bed, based on an instruction from the user terminal 3, the receipt tag area “storage” is set as the product feature item on the vertical axis, and the product feature item on the horizontal axis When the price tag area “monetary amount” is set as, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5 defines the two-dimensional coordinate space on which the distribution map displayed in the A area is based on “storage” and “monetary amount”. To do.

  Subsequently, the coordinate position deriving unit 6 starts deriving the coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space (S04). The product coordinate position is derived based on the feature values of the product feature items on the vertical and horizontal axes of the product stored in the storage unit 4 (S05). For example, when a two-dimensional coordinate space is defined by “storage” and “money”, the coordinate position of the product is described in the storage characteristic value described in the receipt tag area and the price tag area. Derived based on the feature value of the amount.

  When the derivation of the coordinate positions for all the products is completed (S06), the distribution map generation unit 7 sets each of the plurality of products on the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the coordinate positions derived by the coordinate position derivation unit 6. The data regarding the distribution map formed by arranging the product images is generated (S07). Data relating to the generated distribution map is transmitted to the user terminal 3 through the data transmission / reception unit 8, and the distribution map as shown in, for example, the area A of FIG. 1 is displayed on the user terminal 3.

  According to this distribution map, for example, when the user desires a bed with high storage capacity and low price, it is intuitive that the bed displayed on the upper left of the distribution map is a bed that meets the requirements. And visually understandable. Therefore, the user can find a desired product easily and quickly.

(Distribution map enlargement / reduction flow)
The screen displayed on the user terminal 3 displays the vertical axis and horizontal axis sliders 9a and 9b along the vertical axis and horizontal axis of the distribution chart as shown in the area D of FIG. Yes. The vertical axis and horizontal axis sliders 9a, 9b have knobs 10a, 10b whose positions can be operated along the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the distribution chart at both ends, and the sliders 9a, 9b themselves can be operated. ing.

  Here, processing when the knobs 10a and 10b of the vertical axis and horizontal axis sliders 9a and 9b are operated and the distribution map is enlarged or reduced will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the knobs 10a and 10b of the vertical axis and horizontal axis sliders 9a and 9b are operated in accordance with the operation of the mouse or the like of the user terminal 3, the positional information of the knobs 10a and 10b is transferred from the user terminal 3 to the server 2 side. The distribution map generation unit 7 is transmitted and detects the positions of the knobs 10a and 10b after the operation (S08). Based on the positions of the knobs 10a and 10b, the distribution map (excluding the product image) is enlarged or reduced (S09), and the product image is enlarged or reduced while maintaining the aspect ratio of the product image ( S10), data relating to the distribution map is regenerated (S11). The regenerated data relating to the distribution map is transmitted to the user terminal 3 through the data transmission / reception unit 8, and a new distribution map enlarged or reduced is displayed on the user terminal 3.

  FIG. 6 is a part of the screen of the user terminal 3 on which the distribution map generated by the product search system 1 according to the present embodiment is displayed. FIG. 7 shows a part of the screen of the user terminal in which the distribution chart of FIG. 6 is enlarged by operating the knobs 10a and 10b of the vertical axis and horizontal axis sliders 9a and 9b. In the distribution charts of FIGS. 6 and 7, the product is a bed, “Height” is set in the product feature item on the vertical axis, and “Price” is set in the product feature item on the horizontal axis.

  In the distribution diagram of FIG. 6, the maximum value on the vertical axis is set to 210 (cm), the maximum value on the horizontal axis is set to 125000 (yen), and products are concentrated on the lower left. Are overlapped and difficult to see. On the other hand, in the distribution diagram of FIG. 7, the maximum value of the vertical axis is set to 120 (cm) in accordance with the operation of the knobs 10a and 10b of the sliders 9a and 9b for the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. Is set to 60000 (yen), and the portion where the products are concentrated (lower left of the distribution diagram in FIG. 6) is enlarged. For this reason, the user can find a desired product easily and quickly.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a product search system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the product search system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The product search system 1 according to the present embodiment has basically the same configuration as that of the product search system 1 according to the first embodiment. However, like the product search system 1 according to the first embodiment, one product feature is provided. In addition to being able to set the item as a vertical or horizontal axis item (equivalent to a vertical or horizontal product feature item), the vertical or horizontal axis based on two or more product feature items Axis items can also be set.

  That is, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5 according to the present embodiment has a vertical axis based on at least one product feature item selected based on an instruction from the user terminal 3 among product feature items included in the product information. Axis items can be set. The two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5 can also set the axis item on the horizontal axis based on the product feature item other than the product feature item selected to set the axis item on the vertical axis. A two-dimensional coordinate space 5 can be defined by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis.

  Here, when there is one product feature item selected to set the vertical or horizontal axis item, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5 is the same as the product search system 1 according to the first embodiment. Sets the selected product feature item as a vertical or horizontal axis item. Then, the coordinate position deriving unit 6 sets the vertical or horizontal coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space as the vertical or horizontal axis item of the product stored in the storage unit 4. Derived based on the feature value of the feature item.

  On the other hand, when there are two or more product feature items selected for setting at least one of the axis items on the vertical axis or the horizontal axis, the two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit 5 assigns priorities. The possible value of each feature value of the selected product feature item is normalized. Then, a weighting operation is performed on each normalized value based on the priority order, and a numerical value obtained by adding the results of the weighting operation is set as an axis item on the vertical axis or the horizontal axis. The coordinate position deriving unit 6 derives the vertical or horizontal coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space based on a numerical value obtained by adding the results of the weighting calculation of the product.

  Then, the distribution map generation unit 7 generates data relating to the distribution map formed by arranging each product image of a plurality of products on the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the coordinate position derived by the coordinate position deriving unit 6. To do. The generated data relating to the distribution map is transmitted to the user terminal 3 through the data transmission / reception unit 8, and the distribution map is displayed on the user terminal 3.

(Distribution map generation flow when two or more product feature items are set as axis items)
Here, a process of generating distribution map data by setting two or more product feature items as the vertical axis items will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when two or more product feature items for setting an axis item on the vertical axis are selected by the user (see area B in FIG. 1), the feature values of the selected product feature items are set to 0 to 1. Normalize to a range value (S12). The value N (X, Item) obtained by normalizing the feature value of the product feature item Item of a certain product X is Max (Item) and the minimum value is min among the feature values of the product feature item Item of all products. When (Item) is set and the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is set to D (Item), the following formula is obtained.

  In the above description, among the feature values of the product feature items Item of all products, the maximum value is Max (Item) and the minimum value is min (Item). For example, the maximum value Max (Item) and the minimum value min When the difference of (Item) is small, the maximum value Max (Item) and the minimum value min (Item) can be arbitrarily set on the server 2 side so that the difference becomes large.

  Next, the normalized value N (X, Item) is subjected to a weighting operation based on a predetermined priority order (S13), and the weighted arithmetic value is added to obtain the coordinate position of the vertical axis of the product X. Is derived (S14). Then, based on the derived coordinate position, data relating to a distribution map in which the product images of the product X are arranged in the two-dimensional coordinate space is generated (S15).

  Table 1 shows the normalized values of the three types of beds (No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 respectively) having different feature values of the product feature items (width, height, and storage), It is a table | surface which shows an axis item. In Table 1, priorities are assigned in the order of width, height, and storability, and the weights are set to 1, 0.8, and 0.6, respectively. In other words, in Table 1, the numerical value of the axis item on the vertical axis (corresponding to the “calculation result” of the present invention) is comprehensively calculated based on the width, height, and storage capacity while taking the bed width into consideration. Yes.

  Table 2 is a table showing normalized values of the same three types of beds as in Table 1, and axis items on the vertical axis. Table 2 is different from Table 1 in that priorities are assigned in the order of storage, width, and height.

  Table 3 is a table showing normalized values of the same three types of beds as in Table 1, and axis items on the vertical axis. Table 3 is different from Table 1 in that the weights are set to 1, 0.5, and 0.25 in the order of width, height, and storability.

  As shown in Tables 1 to 3, even for the same product, if the priority of weighting or the weight is changed, the numerical value of the axis item on the vertical axis of each product changes. For example, in Table 1, No. The numerical value of the axis item on the vertical axis of bed No. 2 is the largest. The numerical value of the axis item on the vertical axis of 1 bed is the largest. That is, in the product search system according to the present embodiment, the user can find a product that satisfies a plurality of wishes simultaneously by changing the weighting priority order or the weight.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a product search system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the product search system 11 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the product search system 1 according to the first embodiment except that a condition input screen generation unit 12 is provided in the server 22. is there.

  The condition input screen generation unit 12 generates data relating to a filter condition input screen (see region C in FIG. 1) for allowing the user to input filter conditions for narrowing down the products displayed in the distribution map. Data relating to the filter condition input screen is transmitted to the user terminal 3, and the filter condition input screen is displayed on the user terminal 3.

  In the filter condition input screen, in addition to being able to limit the range of feature values of product feature items on the vertical axis or horizontal axis, feature values of product feature items other than product feature items on the vertical axis or horizontal axis, for example, The feature values of the product feature items that are difficult to represent with numerical values such as colors can also be limited. Then, the user can find a desired product more easily and quickly by using a distribution diagram including only product images of products included in a limited range of feature values.

(Flow chart generation flow after entering filter conditions)
Next, processing from when the filter condition is input until the distribution map is displayed will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the data transmitting / receiving unit 8 receives the filter condition input on the filter condition input screen (S16), the coordinate position deriving unit 6 performs a process for determining whether or not each product satisfies the input filter condition. Is started (S18 to S22). When there are a plurality of filter conditions, it is determined whether or not each product corresponds to each filter condition (S17 to S23).

  More specifically, for the product determined to satisfy the filter condition, the coordinate position of the product is based on the feature values of the product feature items on the vertical and horizontal axes of the product stored in the storage unit 4. Is derived (S20). The invisible setting is performed so that the product determined not to satisfy the filter condition is not displayed in the distribution map (S21). When the determination as to whether or not the filter condition is satisfied for all products is completed (S22), it is determined whether or not each product is applicable to the next filter condition. When the determination as to whether or not each product is applicable ends (S23), the distribution diagram generation unit 7 generates data relating to the distribution diagram in which only product images of products determined to satisfy the filter condition are arranged. (S24). The generated data relating to the distribution map is transmitted to the user terminal 3 through the data transmission / reception unit 8, and the distribution map considering the filter condition is displayed on the user terminal 3.

  Note that the product search system 11 according to the present embodiment may have a configuration in which the condition input screen generation unit 12 is added to the product search system 1 according to the second embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of the goods search system which concerns on this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to these structures.

  For example, in order to further narrow down the products in the distribution map displayed on the user terminal 3, the distribution map generation unit 7 arranges only the product images of the products selected by the user from the products in the distribution map. Data related to the distribution map may be generated. Specifically, when the user moves the product displayed in the distribution map to the product list (corresponding to the right favorite BOX in the distribution map of FIG. 1) by operating the mouse or the like, the distribution map generation unit 7 Then, data relating to a product list for displaying the selected products in a table format is generated. Then, the product list is displayed on the user terminal 3, and then data relating to a distribution diagram for displaying only the product image of the product selected from the products displayed in the product list is regenerated. For example, a product list in which 10 products selected from a plurality of products in the distribution map are generated is generated, and only 3 products selected from the 10 products in the product list are displayed. The displayed distribution map can be regenerated. As a result, the user can search for products matching the user's request in stages.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,11 Goods search system 2,22 Server 3 User terminal 4 Memory | storage part 5 Two-dimensional coordinate space prescription | regulation part 6 Coordinate position derivation | leading-out part 7 Distribution map generation part 8 Data transmission / reception part 12 Condition input screen generation part

Claims (5)

A server, and at least one user terminal connected to the server via a network,
A product search system in which a user can search for a product that matches a request from a plurality of products registered in advance,
The server
A storage unit for storing product information composed of feature values for each of a plurality of product feature items representing the features of the product, and a product image of the product;
Among the product feature items included in the product information, a product feature item selected based on an instruction from the user terminal is set as a product feature item on the vertical axis, and product features other than the product feature item on the vertical axis A two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit that sets an item as a product feature item on the horizontal axis and defines a two-dimensional coordinate space by the vertical and horizontal axes;
A coordinate position deriving unit for deriving the coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the feature values of the product feature items on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the product stored in the storage unit;
A distribution map generation unit that generates data related to a distribution map formed by arranging the product images of the plurality of products on the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the coordinate position;
A data transmission unit for transmitting data related to the distribution map to the user terminal and displaying the distribution map on the user terminal;
A product search system characterized by comprising: A server, and at least one user terminal connected to the server via a network,
A product search system in which a user can search for a product that matches a request from a plurality of products registered in advance,
The server
A storage unit for storing product information composed of feature values for each of a plurality of product feature items representing the features of the product, and a product image of the product;
Among the product feature items included in the product information, a vertical axis item is set based on at least one product feature item selected based on an instruction from the user terminal, and the vertical axis item is set. A two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit that sets an axis item on the horizontal axis based on at least one product feature item other than the set product feature item, and defines a two-dimensional coordinate space by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis;
A coordinate position deriving unit for deriving a coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space;
A distribution map generation unit that generates data related to a distribution map formed by arranging the product images of the plurality of products on the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the coordinate position;
A data transmission unit for transmitting data related to the distribution map to the user terminal and displaying the distribution map on the user terminal;
With
When the product feature item selected to set the vertical or horizontal axis item is one,
The two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit sets the selected product feature item to the vertical or horizontal axis item,
The coordinate position deriving unit sets the vertical or horizontal axis coordinate position of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space as the vertical or horizontal axis item of the product stored in the storage unit. Derived based on the feature value of the product feature item,
When there are two or more product feature items selected to set the vertical or horizontal axis items,
The two-dimensional coordinate space defining unit normalizes the possible values of the feature values of each of the selected product feature items, performs a weighting operation based on a predetermined priority, and calculates the value after the weighting operation. Set the calculated result to the vertical or horizontal axis item,
The coordinate position deriving unit derives the coordinate position on the vertical axis or the horizontal axis of the product in the two-dimensional coordinate space based on the calculation result of the product. The user terminal displays a vertical axis slider and a horizontal axis slider having knobs whose positions can be operated at both ends along the vertical axis and horizontal axis of the distribution map,
When the knobs for the vertical axis and horizontal axis sliders are operated,
The distribution map generation unit
Based on the position of the knob, setting the maximum value and the minimum value of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the distribution map, and generating data related to the distribution map obtained by enlarging or reducing the distribution map together with the product image The product search system according to claim 1, wherein the product search system is a product search system. The server
A condition input screen generating unit that generates data related to a filter condition input screen that allows the user to input a filter condition for narrowing down the products displayed in the distribution map;
The data transmitter is
Sending data related to the filter condition input screen to the user terminal, causing the user terminal to display the filter condition input screen,
The coordinate position deriving unit
Deriving the coordinate position for each product in the two-dimensional coordinate space and determining whether the filter condition input for each product is satisfied,
The distribution map generation unit
The product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coordinate position deriving unit generates data related to a distribution map in which only the product images of the products determined to satisfy the filter condition are arranged. Search system. In the user terminal, when two or more products are selected from the products displayed in the distribution map,
The distribution map generation unit
5. The product search system according to claim 1, wherein data relating to a distribution map in which only the product images of the selected products are arranged is regenerated.