JP2015075986A - Image search device, image search method, server, client, color palette, color palette creation device, color palette creation method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image search device that allows a user, in searching for an image of a commodity of a desired color from images of a plurality of commodities in one category, to grasp the number of the commodities of each color and a distribution of the colors of the commodities.SOLUTION: An image search device includes a server and one or more clients. The server includes a color palette creation unit that creates a color palette having one or more buttons arranged thereon, corresponds to each of one or more clusters including classified images of a plurality of commodities and represents a representative color of each of the images of the commodities, and an image search unit that searches for an image of a commodity of a color corresponding to the representative color of a button on the color palette designated by a client from the images of the plurality of commodities. When the button is designated, each of the one or more buttons on the color palette displays a sub color palette corresponding to images of one or more commodities included in the corresponding cluster.

Description

  According to the present invention, on a web page of an EC site, a user designates a desired button from among a predetermined number of representative color buttons included in a color palette displayed on the web page, whereby a plurality of product images are displayed. Image search device, image search method, server, client, color pallet, color pallet creation device, color pallet creation for searching for products with colors corresponding to the representative color of the button specified by the user The present invention relates to a method, a program, and a recording medium.

  When searching for merchandise such as clothes on a web page of an EC (electronic commerce) site, it is possible to narrow down clothes by specifying the price, size, color, and the like. For example, when specifying the color of clothes, if a desired button is specified from a color palette including a predetermined number of representative color buttons, the clothes of the color corresponding to the representative color of the specified button are narrowed down. A list of performed clothes is displayed on the web page. The user can select and purchase desired clothes from a list of clothes that have been narrowed down with a specified color.

  However, in the case of products such as clothes, the number of products is enormous, so even if you specify the price, size, color, etc., and narrow down, the number of clothes after narrowing down is large, and you can select the desired product from among them. It's not easy to find. The user is exhausted even by browsing the entire list of clothes that have been narrowed down, and loses the willingness to purchase. In addition, the representative colors of the buttons included in the color palette are 10 to 15 fixed colors, but even if the color of clothes is narrowed down with this color palette, it is not possible to search for products with colors that match your image. There was a problem.

  In addition, since the buttons in the color palette and the number of clothes in the conventional color palette are not linked, the user can determine whether or not there are clothes of colors that correspond to the color of the buttons. Can not grasp. Therefore, the user cannot grasp the color distribution (overall feeling) of clothes. In addition, since the buttons and the number of clothes are not linked, when a button of a desired color is specified, the number of clothes for that color is 0, and narrowing down by specifying the color may be useless. there were.

  Here, there are Patent Documents 1 and 2 as prior art documents relevant to the present invention.

  Patent Document 1 relates to an information input technique for receiving items specified by a user, such as information search conditions and display instructions, as input information for various information processing. In this document, when one or more style samples, color samples, material samples and size samples with RFID tags attached are placed on the RFID reader, shoes corresponding to the search conditions specified by the samples are searched and searched. It is described that the result screen is displayed on the monitor.

  Patent Document 2 relates to an “Internet shopping system by color search” in which a user presents a product of a desired color and receives an order. In this document, data of at least one color of a product is stored in a product database, and when the color information desired by the user is input via the user interface, the product having the color or approximate color is retrieved from the product database. It is described that it is searched and returned to the user interface.

JP 2008-217753 A JP 2002-092020 A

  The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and when searching for images of products of a desired color from among images of products of a predetermined category, the number of products of each color, An object of the present invention is to provide an image search device, an image search method, a server, a client, a color palette, a color palette creation device, a color palette creation method, a program, and a recording medium that can grasp the distribution of product colors.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a server,
One or more clients connected to the server via a network,
The server
An image storage unit for storing images of a plurality of products in one or more categories;
Each corresponding to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images in which images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit are classified, and classified as a representative color A color palette creating unit that creates a color palette in which one or more buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each of the obtained clusters;
A web page storage unit that stores data of web pages including the color palette created by the color palette creation unit;
An image search unit for searching for an image of a product of a color corresponding to a representative color of a button of a color palette designated by a client from images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit;
A first data transmitting / receiving unit configured to transmit / receive data to / from one or more clients via a network;
Each of the one or more clients
A display unit for displaying various display screens including a web page corresponding to the data of the web page stored in the web page storage unit, and a list of images of products searched by the image search unit;
An instruction input unit for the user to input an instruction to specify one button from one or more buttons included in the color palette of the web page displayed on the display unit;
A second data transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives data via a server and a network;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color palette that displays one or more sub-buttons that correspond to each of the sub-clusters and represents the representative color of one or more product images included in each classified sub-cluster as a representative color It is an object of the present invention to provide an image search apparatus characterized by

Here, each of the one or more sub-buttons of the sub-color palette displays a lower-level sub-color palette corresponding to one or more product images included in the corresponding sub-cluster when the sub-button is designated. And
One or more sub-color palettes display a lower sub-color palette each time a sub-button is designated until the number of product images included in the sub-cluster is less than a preset threshold. It is preferable to repeat the process one or more times.

In addition, when an instruction for browsing a web page stored in the web page storage unit is input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client issues a browsing request. Send to the first data transceiver,
When the browsing request is received by the first data transmission / reception unit, the first data transmission / reception unit reads the web corresponding to the received browsing request read from the web page data stored in the web page storage unit. Send the data of the page to the second data transceiver of the first client;
When the web page data corresponding to the browsing request is received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client displays the web page corresponding to the received web page data. And
An instruction to designate one representative color button or subbutton from among one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit of the first client is first. When the data is input via the client instruction input unit, the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client specifies as a search request for an image of a product of a color corresponding to the representative color of the specified button or sub button. The button or sub button data sent to the first data transmitting / receiving unit,
When the data of the designated button or sub button is received as the search request by the first data transmitting / receiving unit, the image search unit selects the image of a plurality of products in one category stored in the image storage unit, The product image of the color corresponding to the received button or sub button data is searched, and the first data transmitting / receiving unit transmits the searched product image to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client,
When the searched product image is received by the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client preferably displays a list of received product images.

The color palette creation section
Create a color palette with one or more buttons arranged,
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette preferably displays a sub-color palette in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged when the button is designated.

  In addition, the color palette creation unit creates a color palette or sub color palette in which one or more buttons or sub buttons displaying the number of product images included in each classified cluster or sub cluster are displayed in numbers. It is preferable that

  In addition, the color palette creation unit displays each of one or more buttons or subbuttons having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster or subcluster in a color expressed in a two-dimensional plane. Create a color palette or sub-color palette arranged in coordinates corresponding to the average color of the representative colors of one or more product images included in the cluster or sub-cluster corresponding to each of one or more buttons or sub-buttons in the space It is preferable.

  In addition, the color palette creating unit displays a color palette or sub color in which one or more buttons or sub buttons having a height corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster or sub cluster are displayed as a three-dimensional bar graph. It is preferable to create a palette.

  In addition, the color palette creation unit may include a color palette in which each of one or more buttons or sub buttons having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster or sub cluster is arranged on a ring. It is preferable to create a sub color palette.

  The color palette creation unit creates a color palette or sub color palette in which one or more buttons or sub buttons having a width corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster or sub cluster are arranged. It is preferable that

  The representative color of the button or subbutton is the average color of the representative colors of one or more product images included in each cluster or subcluster, or the image of each product included in each cluster or subcluster. It is preferable that the representative colors are displayed side by side.

The present invention is a server connected to one or more clients via a network,
An image storage unit for storing images of a plurality of products in one or more categories;
Each corresponding to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images in which images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit are classified, and classified as a representative color A color palette creating unit that creates a color palette in which one or more buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each of the obtained clusters;
A web page storage unit that stores data of web pages including the color palette created by the color palette creation unit;
An image search unit for searching for an image of a product of a color corresponding to a representative color of a button of a color palette designated by a client from images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit;
A first data transmitting / receiving unit configured to transmit / receive data to / from one or more clients via a network;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color palette that displays one or more sub-buttons that correspond to each of the sub-clusters and represents the representative color of one or more product images included in each classified sub-cluster as a representative color Provided is a server characterized by

  The present invention also provides a client used in any of the image search devices described above.

The present invention is a client connected to a server via a network,
A display unit for displaying various display screens including a web page corresponding to the data of the web page received from the server and a list of images of products searched by the server;
An instruction input unit for the user to input an instruction for designating one button or subbutton from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit; ,
A second data transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives data via a server and a network;
The color palette corresponds to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images in which images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the server are classified, and as a representative color , One or more buttons that represent representative colors of one or more product images included in each classified cluster,
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color palette that displays one or more sub-buttons that correspond to each of the sub-clusters and represents the representative color of one or more product images included in each classified sub-cluster as a representative color Provide a client characterized by what to do.

  The present invention also provides a color palette used in any of the image search devices described above.

Further, the present invention corresponds to each of one or more clusters each including an image of one or more products in which images of a plurality of products of one category are classified, and is classified as a representative color. A color palette in which one or more buttons representing the representative colors of one or more product images included in each cluster are arranged,
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color palette that displays one or more sub-buttons that correspond to each of the sub-clusters and represents the representative color of one or more product images included in each classified sub-cluster as a representative color A color palette is provided.

The present invention also supports a representative color of a button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in a color palette or subcolor palette from among images of a plurality of products in one category. An image search method for searching for an image of a product of a color to be performed,
The server color palette creation unit classifies the images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server into one or more clusters each including one or more product images, and classifies them as representative colors. A color palette in which one or more buttons representing the representative colors of one or more product images included in each cluster are created, and the created one or more buttons are arranged, each of the one or more buttons of the color palette , When a button is designated, each corresponds to each of one or more sub-clusters including one or more product images, each of which is classified into one or more product images included in the corresponding cluster, In addition, a color palette for displaying a sub color palette in which one or more sub buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each classified sub cluster is used as a representative color. The method comprising the steps of: forming,
When an instruction to browse a web page stored in the web page storage unit of the server is input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client sends the browse request. Transmitting to the first data transceiver of the server;
When the browsing request is received by the first data transmission / reception unit, the first data transmission / reception unit reads the web corresponding to the received browsing request read from the web page data stored in the web page storage unit. Transmitting the data of the page to the second data transceiver of the first client;
When the web page data corresponding to the browsing request is received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client displays the web page corresponding to the received web page data. And steps to
An instruction to designate one representative color button or subbutton from among one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit of the first client is first. When the data is input via the client instruction input unit, the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client specifies as a search request for an image of a product of a color corresponding to the representative color of the specified button or sub button. Transmitting the button or subbutton data to the first data transmitting / receiving unit;
When the data of the designated button or sub button is received as the search request by the first data transmitting / receiving unit, the image search unit of the server includes the images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit. And searching for a product image of a color corresponding to the received button or sub-button data, and the first data transmitting / receiving unit transmitting the searched product image to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client. When,
And a step of displaying a list of received product images when the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client receives the retrieved product image. An image search method is provided.

The present invention also supports a representative color of a button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in a color palette or subcolor palette from among images of a plurality of products in one category. An image search method for searching for an image of a product of a color to be performed,
The server color palette creation unit classifies the images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server into one or more clusters each including one or more product images, and classifies them as representative colors. A color palette in which one or more buttons representing the representative colors of one or more product images included in each cluster are created, and the created one or more buttons are arranged, each of the one or more buttons of the color palette , When a button is designated, each corresponds to each of one or more sub-clusters including one or more product images, each of which is classified into one or more product images included in the corresponding cluster, In addition, a color palette for displaying a sub color palette in which one or more sub buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each classified sub cluster is used as a representative color. The method comprising the steps of: forming,
When a web page browsing request stored in the web page storage unit of the server is received by the first data transmission / reception unit, the first data transmission / reception unit selects from the web page data stored in the web page storage unit, Transmitting data of a web page corresponding to the received browsing request to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client corresponding to the browsing request;
Products of a color corresponding to the representative color of the button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the webpage corresponding to the data of the webpage corresponding to the browsing request When the designated button or sub button data is received by the first data transmitting / receiving unit as the image search request, the image search unit of the server stores a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit. The image of the product of the color corresponding to the received button or subbutton data is searched from the image, and the first data transmitting / receiving unit transmits the data of the searched product image to the second data of the first client. And an image search method characterized by comprising:

The present invention also supports a representative color of a button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in a color palette or subcolor palette from among images of a plurality of products in one category. An image search method for searching for an image of a product of a color to be performed,
The color palette includes images of one or more products each created by the color palette creation unit of the server, each of which is classified into a plurality of products images of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server. One or more buttons corresponding to each of one or more clusters and representing a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each classified cluster as a representative color. Each of the one or more buttons on the palette each includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub color palette in which one or more sub buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the sub clusters and representing a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each classified sub cluster as a representative color. Are those Shimesuru,
When an instruction to browse a web page stored in the web page storage unit of the server is input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client sends the browse request. Transmitting to the first data transceiver of the server;
The web page data corresponding to the browsing request read from the web page data stored in the web page storage unit of the server is transferred from the first data transmitting / receiving unit to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client. When received, the first client display unit displays a web page corresponding to the received web page data;
An instruction to designate one representative color button or subbutton from among one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit of the first client is first. When the data is input via the client instruction input unit, the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client specifies as a search request for an image of a product of a color corresponding to the representative color of the specified button or sub button. Transmitting the button or subbutton data to the first data transmitting / receiving unit;
The image of the product included in the cluster corresponding to the data of the designated button or sub button retrieved from the images of the plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server by the image search unit of the server. And a step of displaying a list of received product images when received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client. To do.

  The present invention also provides a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the image search method described above.

  The present invention also provides a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the image search method described above is recorded.

The present invention also includes a cluster classification unit that classifies images of a plurality of products in one category into one or more clusters each including one or more product images;
A button creation unit that creates one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each classified cluster as a representative color;
A palette creation unit that creates a color palette with one or more created buttons arranged,
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color palette that displays one or more sub-buttons that correspond to each of the sub-clusters and represents the representative color of one or more product images included in each classified sub-cluster as a representative color The present invention provides a color pallet creating apparatus.

In the present invention, the cluster classification unit classifies the images of a plurality of products in one category into one or more clusters each including one or more images of products;
A button creating unit creating one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each classified cluster as a representative color;
A palette creating unit creating a color palette in which the created one or more buttons are arranged;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes one or more images of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color palette that displays one or more sub-buttons that correspond to each of the sub-clusters and represents the representative color of one or more product images included in each classified sub-cluster as a representative color A color palette creating method is provided.

  The present invention also provides a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the color palette creating method described above.

  The present invention also provides a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the color palette creating method described above is recorded.

In the present invention, when a button is designated, a sub color palette corresponding to the designated button is displayed. Therefore, the number of images of the product corresponding to the button can be reduced, and the user can easily find a desired product from the images.
In addition, the buttons of the color palette can display the average color of the representative colors of the images of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster or the representative colors of the images of the respective products included in the corresponding cluster. . Therefore, the user can easily grasp the distribution of the products of the color corresponding to the representative color, and can search for the product of the color that suits his image well.
In addition, since the button is displayed by displaying the average color of the representative colors of the images of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster or the representative colors of the images of the respective products included in the corresponding cluster. The button corresponding to the image of the 0 product is not displayed. Therefore, the number of products corresponding to each button included in the color palette is not zero, and the narrowing down of product images by specifying the color is not wasted.
In addition, the number of images of products included in the cluster corresponding to the button can be displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm the number of products having a color corresponding to the representative color of each button.

It is a conceptual diagram of one Embodiment showing the structure of the image search device of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the server shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a color palette creation unit illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the color palette of this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the client shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the image search apparatus shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram showing the list of the images of the searched goods. It is another conceptual diagram showing the structure of a color palette. It is another conceptual diagram showing the structure of a color palette. It is another conceptual diagram showing the structure of a color palette. It is another conceptual diagram showing the structure of a color palette. (A) And (B) is a conceptual diagram showing the button of a color palette, respectively.

  Hereinafter, based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, an image search device, an image search method, a server, a client, a color palette, a color palette creation device, a color palette creation method, a program, and a recording medium of the present invention will be described in detail. explain.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a configuration of an image search apparatus of the present invention. In the image search apparatus 10 shown in the figure, the user designates a desired (one) button from a predetermined number (one or more) of representative color buttons included in the color palette displayed on the web page of the EC site. By doing this, a product image having a color corresponding to the representative color of the button designated by the user is retrieved from a plurality of product images, and a list thereof is displayed.
The image search apparatus 10 includes a server 12 and one or more clients 14 connected to the server 12 via a network 16.

  The server 12 creates a color palette from images of a plurality of products in a predetermined (one) category, and in response to a web page browsing request from the client 14, the requested EC site web including the color palette is requested. In response to a request to search for a product image of a color corresponding to the representative color from the client 14, the requested product image is requested from the plurality of product images. And the image of the searched product is transmitted to the requested client 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the server 12 includes an image storage unit 18, a color palette creation unit 20, a web page storage unit 22, an image search unit 24, and a first data transmission / reception unit 26.

The image storage unit 18 stores images (image data) of a plurality of products in a predetermined category.
Here, the image storage unit 18 may store images of a plurality of products in a single category, or may store images of a plurality of products for two or more categories of products.
In the present embodiment, clothes will be described as an example of products of a predetermined category, but the present invention can be similarly applied to other products.

Each of the color palette creation units (color palette creation device) 20 represents the average number of representative colors of a predetermined number of product images as the number of images of a predetermined number (1 or more) of products and a representative color. A color palette in which a predetermined number of buttons are arranged is created.
Here, the representative color of the image is one color selected from one or more colors included in the product-only region excluding the background region in the product image, for example, the color having the largest area. Can be the representative color of the product image.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color palette creation unit shown in FIG. The color palette creation unit 20 shown in the figure includes a cluster classification unit 38, a button creation unit 40, and a palette creation unit 42.

The cluster classification unit 38 classifies images of a plurality of products in a predetermined category into a predetermined number (one or more) of clusters each including a predetermined number of products.
A method for classifying images of a plurality of products into a predetermined number of clusters is not limited in any way, and various methods including a conventionally known method such as a K-means method (K average method) can be used. . In the K-means method, images of a plurality of products are divided into a preset number of clusters.

The button creation unit 40 uses the average color of the representative colors of a predetermined number of product images included in each cluster as the number of product images included in each cluster classified by the cluster classification unit 38 and the representative color. A predetermined number of buttons representing the above are created.
The shape of the button may be, for example, a square, a circle, or a rod, and is not limited at all.

The palette creating unit 42 creates a color palette in which a predetermined number of buttons created by the button creating unit 40 are arranged.
The order in which the buttons are arranged is not limited at all, but the value of the representative color of the button, for example, a vector of representative colors from the origin with black as the origin in HLS color space (an average vector of representative colors of a predetermined number of product images ) In the order of the values of the buttons is desirable because it can give a continuous feeling to the button colors. Also, there is no limitation on how the buttons are arranged.

In the color palette creating unit 20, the cluster classification unit 38 classifies the images of a plurality of products of a predetermined category stored in the image storage unit 18 into a predetermined number of clusters each including a predetermined number of product images. A predetermined number of buttons representing the average color of the representative colors of the images of the predetermined number of products included in each cluster as the number of the images of the products included in each cluster classified by the creation unit 40 and the representative color Is created, and the palette creating unit 42 creates a color palette in which a predetermined number of created buttons are arranged.
When the product image stored in the image storage unit 18 is changed, the color palette creation unit 20 dynamically creates a color palette corresponding to the changed product image.

Next, FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the color palette of this embodiment. As shown in the upper side of the figure, the color palette 34 of the present embodiment has a predetermined number of buttons 36 of different representative colors arranged in a horizontal row.
Each button 36 corresponds to each cluster into which images of a plurality of products in one category are classified, and as a representative color, a representative color of a predetermined number of product images included in each cluster It is represented by the average color. In addition, the number of images of products included in each classified cluster, in other words, the number of products corresponding to each representative color is displayed in the button 36 with numbers (5, 7, 31, 15,...). ing.
It is not essential to display the number of products in the button 36. For example, the number of products may be displayed in the vicinity of the top, bottom, left, or right of the button 36.

Each of the one or more buttons 36 of the color palette 34 displays a sub-color palette 44 corresponding to a predetermined number of product images included in the corresponding cluster when the button 36 is designated.
In this case, in the color palette creating unit 20, as in the case where the color palette is created, the predetermined number of product images included in the cluster corresponding to the button 36 each include a predetermined number of product images ( 1 or more) sub-clusters, and the number of product images included in each of the classified sub-clusters, and the average of the representative colors of a predetermined number of product images included in each sub-cluster as representative colors A predetermined number (one or more) of sub-buttons 46 representing colors are created, and a sub-color palette 44 in which the created predetermined number of sub-buttons 46 are arranged is created.

As shown in the lower side of the figure, the sub color palette 44 of the present embodiment has a predetermined number of sub-buttons 46 of different representative colors arranged in a horizontal row as in the case of the color palette 34.
Each of the sub buttons 46 corresponds to each of a predetermined number of sub-clusters each including a predetermined number of product images, in which images of a predetermined number of products included in the corresponding cluster are classified. The representative color is represented by an average color of representative colors of a predetermined number of product images included in each sub-cluster. In addition, the number of images of products included in each classified sub-cluster, that is, the number of products, is displayed in the sub button 46 by numerals (14, 17).

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the number of images of products included in each cluster is 20 or more, when a button 36 of the color palette 34 is designated, a sub color palette 44 corresponding to the button 36 is displayed. Is done. For example, when the button 36 corresponding to the number of products is specified, 31 images of products included in the corresponding cluster are two corresponding to two sub-clusters classified into 14 images and 17 images, respectively. A sub color palette 44 including a sub button 46 is displayed.

Further, one or more sub-color palettes 44 are displayed each time the sub button 46 is designated until the number of product images included in the sub-cluster is less than a predetermined threshold set in advance. Displaying the color palette 44 can be repeated one or more times. That is, the color palette 34 can be hierarchized into two or more hierarchies.
Alternatively, each of the one or more buttons 36 of the color palette 34 includes, when the button 36 is designated, images of a predetermined number of products less than a predetermined threshold in which images of a predetermined number of products included in the corresponding clusters are classified. A sub color palette 44 including a predetermined number of sub buttons corresponding to a predetermined number of sub clusters including the image may be displayed.

  Subsequently, the web page storage unit 22 stores data of web pages of EC sites including the color palette created by the color palette creation unit 20.

The image search unit 24 selects a button or a sub-button of a color palette designated by an instruction input via an instruction input unit 30 (to be described later) from a plurality of product images of a predetermined category stored in the image storage unit 18. The image of the product of the color corresponding to the representative color of the sub button of the color palette is searched.
The image search unit 24 may search for an image of a product having a color corresponding to the representative color of the button from a plurality of product images, but the color palette creating unit 20 may search for a predetermined number of images of the plurality of products. Are stored in association with images of a predetermined number of products included in each cluster and buttons included in the color palette, and based on this, images from a plurality of products are stored. It is desirable to search for images of products included in the cluster corresponding to the button. The same applies to the sub color palette.

  The first data transmission / reception unit 26 transmits / receives data to / from each client 14 via the network 16.

  On the other hand, each client 14 browses a web page of an EC site, or browses a list of products having a color corresponding to a desired representative color searched using a color palette displayed on the web page. Or to purchase a desired product.

  Each client 14 is, for example, a PC (personal computer) or the like, and includes a display unit 28, an instruction input unit 30, and a second data transmission / reception unit 32, as shown in FIG.

  The display unit 28 includes a web page corresponding to the web page data stored in the web page storage unit 22, a list of product images searched by the image search unit 24, a detailed screen of each product, and the like. The display screen is displayed.

  The instruction input unit 30 is configured to select a predetermined button or sub button from a predetermined number of buttons or sub buttons of the color palette or sub color palette of the web page displayed on the display unit 28, or an instruction for browsing the web page of the EC site. Including an instruction for a search request for an image by designating a button, an instruction for specifying a product to display a detailed screen from a list of product images displayed on the display unit 28, an instruction to purchase a predetermined product, etc. This is for the user to input various instructions for controlling the operations of the server 12 and the client 14.

  The second data transmitting / receiving unit 32 transmits and receives data via the server 12 and the network 16.

  Next, the operation of the image search apparatus 10 will be described according to the image search method of the present invention with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the image search device 10, when the user wants to browse a web page of a predetermined EC site stored in the web page storage unit 22, an instruction for the browsing request is input via the instruction input unit 30 (step). S1).

  When a web page browsing request instruction is input, the browsing request is sent from the second data transmitting / receiving unit 32 of the predetermined client (first client) 14 used by the user to the first data transmitting / receiving unit of the server 12. 26 (step S2).

  When a web page browsing request is received by the first data transmission / reception unit 26, the web page data stored in the web page storage unit 22 is converted into a browsing request according to the received web page browsing request. The data of the corresponding web page is read out and transmitted (returned) from the first data transmitting / receiving unit 26 to the second data transmitting / receiving unit 32 of the predetermined client 14 that has requested browsing (step S3).

  When the web page data corresponding to the browsing request is received by the second data transmission / reception unit 32 of the predetermined client 14, the web page including the color palette shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to the received web page data is predetermined. Are displayed on the display unit 28 of the client 14 (step S4).

  Subsequently, an instruction for designating a button of a desired representative color from a predetermined number of buttons included in the color palette of the web page displayed on the display unit 28 of the predetermined client 14 is given by the user. It is input via the instruction input unit 30 (step S5).

  When an instruction for designating a button is input, if the number of product images included in the cluster corresponding to the designated button is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the sub image corresponding to the designated button is displayed. The color palette is displayed. In this case, as in the case of the color palette, an instruction for designating a desired representative color sub-button from a predetermined number of sub-buttons included in the sub-color palette is given by the user. Is input through.

  When an instruction to specify a button or subbutton is input, the specified button or subbutton data is sent to a predetermined client as a search request for a product image of a color corresponding to the representative color of the specified button or subbutton. 14 from the second data transmitting / receiving unit 32 to the first data transmitting / receiving unit 26 (step S6).

  When the data of the designated button or sub button is received by the first data transmission / reception unit 26 as a product image search request, the image data is stored among the images of a plurality of products in a predetermined category stored in the image storage unit 18. The product image of the color corresponding to the received button or sub button data is retrieved, and the retrieved product image is transmitted from the first data transmitting / receiving unit 26 to the second data transmitting / receiving unit 32 of the predetermined client 14. (Reply) is made (step S7).

  When the image of the searched product is received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit 32 of the predetermined client 14 that has requested the search, a list of the images of the received product is displayed on the predetermined client 14 as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the part 28 (step S8).

  The user designates a desired product image from the list of product images displayed on the display unit 28, thereby causing the display unit 28 to display a product detail screen corresponding to the designated product image. , You can buy the product in the shopping cart.

In the image search device 10, the buttons of the color palette are displayed in the average color of the representative colors of the images of a predetermined number of products included in the corresponding cluster. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the distribution of the products of the color corresponding to the representative color, and can search for the product of the color that suits his image well.
In addition, since the buttons are displayed with the average color of the representative colors of the images of the predetermined number of products included in the corresponding cluster, the buttons corresponding to the images of the products with 0 products are not displayed. Therefore, the number of products corresponding to each button included in the color palette is not zero, and the narrowing down of product images by specifying the color is not wasted.
Further, since the number of images of products included in the cluster corresponding to the button is displayed, the user can check the number of products having a color corresponding to the representative color of each button.
When a button is designated, a sub color palette corresponding to the designated button can be displayed. Therefore, the number of images of the product corresponding to the button can be reduced, and the user can easily find a desired product from the images.

The color palette 34 is not limited to a predetermined number of buttons 36 arranged in a horizontal row. For example, a predetermined number of buttons 36 may be arranged in a vertical row or in a vertical and horizontal manner. It may be arranged in other ways.
Further, the method of displaying the button 36 and the number of products is not limited to the method of displaying the number of images included in each classified cluster by numbers.

For example, the color palette creation unit 20 represents, on a two-dimensional plane, each of a predetermined number of buttons having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster, that is, the number of products. An average color of representative colors of a predetermined number of product images included in the cluster corresponding to each created button in the color space, that is, a color palette arranged (displayed) at coordinates corresponding to the representative color of the created button You may create it.
The color space represented by the two-dimensional plane is represented by, for example, a two-dimensional plane composed of brightness and chromaticity in the HLS color space. In this case, the saturation setting can be freely changed, and the saturation can be freely changed.

The color palette shown in FIG. 8 is one in which buttons having a size corresponding to the number of products are arranged in a color space represented by a two-dimensional plane. In this color palette, each button is represented by a circle having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in the corresponding cluster, that is, the number of products. Each button is arranged at coordinates corresponding to the representative color of the button in a color space represented by a two-dimensional plane.
The user can grasp the number of products of the color corresponding to the representative color of the button by looking at the size of each button.

  In addition, the color palette creation unit 20 creates a color palette in which a predetermined number of buttons having a height corresponding to the number of products included in each classified cluster, that is, the number of products is displayed as a three-dimensional bar graph. May be.

The color palette shown in FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional bar graph displaying buttons having a height corresponding to the number of products. In this color palette, each button is represented by a bar having a height corresponding to the number of product images included in the corresponding cluster, that is, the number of products. A predetermined number of buttons are displayed as a three-dimensional bar graph.
The user can grasp the number of products of a color corresponding to the representative color of each button by looking at the height of each button.

  Further, the color palette creating unit 20 is a color palette in which a predetermined number of buttons having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster, that is, the number of products, are arranged on a ring. May be created.

The color pallet shown in FIG. 10 has buttons having a size corresponding to the number of products arranged side by side on a ring. In this color palette, each button is represented by a circle having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in the corresponding cluster, that is, the number of products. Each button is arranged side by side on the ring.
The user can grasp the number of products of the color corresponding to the representative color of the button by looking at the size of each button.

  In addition, the color palette creating unit 20 may create a color palette in which a predetermined number of buttons having a width corresponding to the number of images of products included in each classified cluster, that is, the number of products, are arranged.

The color palette shown in FIG. 11 is one in which buttons having a width corresponding to the number of products are arranged side by side. In this color palette, each button is represented by the number of images of products included in the corresponding cluster, that is, the width corresponding to the number of products. Each button is displayed in a horizontal row.
The user can grasp the number of products of a color corresponding to the representative color of the button by looking at the width of each button.

  It should be noted that it is not essential to display the number of product images included in each classified cluster or sub-cluster on the button or sub-button.

It is not essential to display the representative color of each button in the average color of the representative colors of the predetermined number of products included in the corresponding cluster, and the representative image of each product included in the corresponding cluster. The colors may be displayed side by side. As a representative color of each product image, for example, an average color of all the representative colors included in each product image, or one selected from one or more representative colors included in each product image Display two representative colors. In this case, the buttons are displayed in multiple colors instead of a single color.
Thereby, the user can easily grasp the distribution of the products of the color corresponding to the representative color, and can search for the product of the color that suits his image well.

  When the button is displayed in multiple colors, as shown in FIG. 12A, the representative color of the image of each product included in the cluster extends in the vertical direction of the button, and each product included in the cluster. The representative colors of the images can be arranged in the horizontal direction of the button. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the vertical and horizontal directions are interchanged so that the representative colors of the images of the products included in the cluster extend in the horizontal direction of the button, and the images of the products included in the cluster The representative colors can be arranged in the vertical direction of the button.

Furthermore, the representative colors of the buttons of the color palette are not limited to the above two examples, and can be represented by colors generated using the representative colors of the images of all the products included in the corresponding clusters.
In this way, by representing the representative colors of the buttons of the color palette with the colors generated using the representative colors of the images of all the products, the user can also distribute the products having the colors corresponding to the representative colors. You can easily search for products with colors that match your image.

  The order in which the representative colors of images of a predetermined number of products included in the cluster are arranged is not limited in any way, but one or more representative colors included in each product image or one or more included in each product image Values of mixed colors of, for example, in the HLS color space, with black as the origin, the representative color vectors from the origin (the average vector of the representative colors of the images of each product) are arranged in order, or Arranging the representative colors of the images of a predetermined number of products included in the cluster in the order of brightness, the order of hue, or the order of saturation, for example, can provide a continuous feeling of button colors. This is desirable.

  The method of the present invention can be implemented, for example, by a program for causing a computer to execute each step. It is also possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which this program is recorded.

The present invention is basically as described above.
Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image search device 12 Server 14 Client 16 Network 18 Image storage part 20 Color palette preparation part 22 Web page storage part 24 Image search part 26 1st data transmission / reception part 28 Display part 30 Instruction input part 32 2nd data transmission / reception part 34 Color palette 36 buttons 38 cluster classification unit 40 button creation unit 42 palette creation unit 44 sub color palette 46 sub button

Claims (24)

Server,
One or more clients connected to the server via a network,
The server
An image storage unit for storing images of a plurality of products in one or more categories;
Each corresponds to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images into which images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit are classified, and as representative colors, A color palette creating unit that creates a color palette in which one or more buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters;
A web page storage unit for storing web page data including the color palette created by the color palette creation unit;
An image search unit for searching for a product image of a color corresponding to a representative color of the button of the color palette designated by the client from a plurality of product images of one category stored in the image storage unit; ,
A first data transmission / reception unit configured to transmit / receive data to / from each of the one or more clients via the network;
Each of the one or more clients is
A display unit for displaying various display screens including a web page corresponding to the data of the web page stored in the web page storage unit, and a list of images of products searched by the image search unit;
An instruction input unit for the user to input an instruction to designate one button from one or more buttons included in the color palette of the web page displayed on the display unit;
A second data transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data via the server and the network;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes an image of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in a corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color An image search apparatus for displaying a palette. Each of the one or more subbuttons of the subcolor palette displays a lower subcolor palette corresponding to an image of one or more products included in the corresponding subcluster when the subbutton is designated. Yes,
One or more sub-color palettes are displayed each time the sub-button is designated until the number of product images included in the sub-cluster is less than a preset threshold. The image search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display is repeated one or more times. When an instruction to browse a web page stored in the web page storage unit is input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client Sending a browsing request to the first data transceiver;
When the browsing request is received by the first data transmitting / receiving unit, the first browsing data is read from the web page data stored in the web page storage unit. Sending web page data corresponding to the request to the second data transceiver of the first client;
When web page data corresponding to the browsing request is received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client corresponds to the received web page data. Display a web page,
An instruction to designate one representative color button or subbutton from among one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit of the first client. When input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client searches for an image of a product having a color corresponding to a representative color of the designated button or sub button. As a request, the data of the designated button or sub button is transmitted to the first data transmitting / receiving unit,
As the search request, when the data of the designated button or sub button is received by the first data transmitting / receiving unit, the image search unit stores a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit. A product image of a color corresponding to the received button or sub-button data is searched from the image, and the first data transmitting / receiving unit searches the image of the searched product for a second of the first client. Send it to the data transceiver,
When the image of the searched product is received by the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client displays a list of images of the received product. Item 3. The image search device according to Item 1 or 2. The color palette creation unit
Creating a color palette in which the one or more buttons are arranged;
4. Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette displays a sub color palette in which the one or more sub buttons are arranged when the button is designated. The image search device according to item.   The color palette creation unit creates a color palette or a sub color palette in which one or more buttons or sub buttons are displayed in which the number of images of products included in each classified cluster or sub cluster is displayed in numbers. The image search device according to claim 4, wherein   The color palette creating unit is configured to display each of one or more buttons or subbuttons having a size corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster or subcluster in a two-dimensional plane. Create a color palette or sub color palette arranged in coordinates corresponding to the average color of the representative colors of the images of one or more products included in the cluster or sub cluster corresponding to each of the one or more buttons or sub buttons in the space The image search device according to claim 4, wherein   The color palette creating unit displays a color palette or sub-color in which one or more buttons or sub-buttons having a height corresponding to the number of product images included in each classified cluster or sub-cluster are displayed as a three-dimensional bar graph. The image search device according to claim 4, which creates a palette.   The color palette creating unit includes a color palette in which one or more buttons or sub buttons each having a size corresponding to the number of images of products included in each classified cluster or sub cluster are arranged on a ring. The image retrieval apparatus according to claim 4, which creates a sub color palette.   The color palette creation unit creates a color palette or sub color palette in which one or more buttons or sub buttons having a width corresponding to the number of images of products included in each classified cluster or sub cluster are arranged. The image search device according to claim 4, wherein   The representative color of the button or subbutton is the average color of the representative colors of one or more product images included in each cluster or subcluster, or the image of each product included in each cluster or subcluster. The image search device according to claim 1, wherein the representative colors are arranged side by side. A server connected to one or more clients via a network,
An image storage unit for storing images of a plurality of products in one or more categories;
Each corresponds to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images into which images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit are classified, and as representative colors, A color palette creating unit that creates a color palette in which one or more buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters;
A web page storage unit for storing web page data including the color palette created by the color palette creation unit;
An image search unit for searching for a product image of a color corresponding to a representative color of the button of the color palette designated by the client from a plurality of product images of one category stored in the image storage unit; ,
A first data transmission / reception unit configured to transmit / receive data to / from each of the one or more clients via the network;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes an image of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in a corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color A server characterized by displaying a palette.   The client used with the image search device of any one of Claims 1-10. A client connected to a server via a network,
A display unit for displaying various display screens including a web page corresponding to data of the web page received from the server, and a list of images of products searched by the server;
An instruction input unit for the user to input an instruction for designating one button or sub button from one or more buttons or sub buttons included in the color palette or sub color palette of the web page displayed on the display unit. When,
A second data transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data via the server and the network;
The color palette corresponds to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images into which images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the server are classified. As a color, one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters are arranged,
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes an image of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in a corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color A client characterized by displaying a palette.   A color palette used in the image search apparatus according to claim 1. Each corresponds to each of one or more clusters each including one or more product images into which images of a plurality of products of one category are classified, and each of the classified clusters as a representative color. A color palette in which one or more buttons are arranged to represent a representative color of an image of one or more products included,
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes an image of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in a corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color A color palette characterized by displaying a palette. An image of a product of a color corresponding to a representative color of a button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in a color palette or a subcolor palette from images of a plurality of products of one category An image search method for searching for
The color palette creating unit of the server classifies the images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server into one or more clusters each including one or more product images, A color palette in which one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters are created and the created one or more buttons are arranged, wherein one or more of the color palettes When each of the buttons is designated, each of the one or more sub-clusters each including one or more product images classified into one or more product images included in the corresponding cluster. A sub color palette in which one or more sub buttons are arranged corresponding to each and representing the representative color of one or more product images included in each of the classified sub clusters as a representative color. The method comprising the steps of creating a Shimesuru color palette,
When an instruction to browse the web page stored in the web page storage unit of the server is input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client Transmitting a browsing request to the first data transceiver of the server;
When the browsing request is received by the first data transmitting / receiving unit, the first browsing data is read from the web page data stored in the web page storage unit. Transmitting data of the web page corresponding to the request to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client;
When web page data corresponding to the browsing request is received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client corresponds to the received web page data. Displaying a web page;
An instruction to designate one representative color button or subbutton from among one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit of the first client. When input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client searches for an image of a product having a color corresponding to a representative color of the designated button or sub button. Transmitting the data of the designated button or subbutton to the first data transceiver as a request;
As the search request, when the data of the designated button or subbutton is received by the first data transmitting / receiving unit, the image search unit of the server stores a plurality of one category stored in the image storage unit. A product image of a color corresponding to the received button or sub-button data is searched from product images, and the first data transmitting / receiving unit searches the product image of the first client for the searched product image. Transmitting to the second data transceiver;
When the image of the searched product is received by the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client, the display unit of the first client displays a list of images of the received product. An image search method characterized by that. A product of a color corresponding to a representative color of one button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette from images of a plurality of products of one category An image search method for searching for images of
The color palette creating unit of the server classifies the images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server into one or more clusters each including one or more product images, A color palette in which one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters are created and the created one or more buttons are arranged, wherein one or more of the color palettes When each of the buttons is designated, each of the one or more sub-clusters each including one or more product images classified into one or more product images included in the corresponding cluster. A sub color palette in which one or more sub buttons are arranged corresponding to each and representing the representative color of one or more product images included in each of the classified sub clusters as a representative color. The method comprising the steps of creating a Shimesuru color palette,
When a web page browsing request stored in the web page storage unit of the server is received by the first data transmission / reception unit, the first data transmission / reception unit stores data of the web page stored in the web page storage unit. Transmitting the data of the web page corresponding to the received browsing request to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client corresponding to the browsing request,
The color corresponding to the representative color of the button or subbutton specified from the one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the webpage corresponding to the data of the webpage corresponding to the browsing request When the data of the designated button or sub button is received by the first data transmitting / receiving unit as a product image search request, the image search unit of the server stores one category stored in the image storage unit. The product image of the color corresponding to the received button or sub-button data is retrieved from the plurality of product images, and the first data transmitting / receiving unit retrieves the image data of the retrieved product. And a step of transmitting to the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client. An image of a product of a color corresponding to a representative color of a button or subbutton specified from one or more buttons or subbuttons included in a color palette or a subcolor palette from images of a plurality of products of one category An image search method for searching for
The color palette is created by a color palette creation unit of a server, each of which is an image of one or more products, each of which is an image of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server. 1 or more buttons that represent the representative colors of one or more product images included in each of the classified clusters as a representative color. When each of the one or more buttons of the color palette is designated, the images of one or more products are classified into images of one or more products included in the corresponding cluster. One or more sub-buttons corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters including and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color. And it is intended to display the sub-color palette,
When an instruction to browse the web page stored in the web page storage unit of the server is input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client Transmitting a browsing request to the first data transceiver of the server;
Data of the web page corresponding to the browsing request read out from the data of the web page stored in the web page storage unit of the server is sent from the first data transmitting / receiving unit to the second of the first client. When received by the data transmission / reception unit, the display unit of the first client displays a web page corresponding to the data of the received web page;
An instruction to designate one representative color button or subbutton from among one or more buttons or subbuttons included in the color palette or subcolor palette of the web page displayed on the display unit of the first client. When input via the instruction input unit of the first client, the second data transmission / reception unit of the first client searches for an image of a product having a color corresponding to a representative color of the designated button or sub button. Transmitting the data of the designated button or subbutton to the first data transceiver as a request;
Products included in a cluster corresponding to the data of the designated button or sub button searched by the image search unit of the server from among images of a plurality of products of one category stored in the image storage unit of the server When the second data transmitting / receiving unit of the first client receives the image of the first client, the display unit of the first client displays a list of images of the received product. Image search method.   The program which makes a computer perform each step of the image search method of any one of Claims 16-18.   The computer-readable recording medium with which the program which makes a computer perform each step of the image search method of any one of Claims 16-18 was recorded. A cluster classification unit that classifies images of a plurality of products in one category into one or more clusters each including an image of one or more products;
A button creation unit that creates one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters as a representative color;
A palette creating unit that creates a color palette in which the one or more buttons created are arranged;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes an image of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in a corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color A color pallet creating apparatus for displaying a pallet. A step of classifying a plurality of product images of one category into one or more clusters each including one or more product images;
A button creating unit creating one or more buttons representing representative colors of images of one or more products included in each of the classified clusters as a representative color;
A palette creating unit creating a color palette in which the created one or more buttons are arranged;
Each of the one or more buttons of the color palette includes an image of one or more products, each of which is classified into an image of one or more products included in a corresponding cluster when the button is designated. A sub-color in which one or more sub-buttons are arranged corresponding to each of the one or more sub-clusters and representing the representative color of the image of one or more products included in each of the classified sub-clusters as a representative color A method of creating a color palette, comprising displaying a palette.   A program causing a computer to execute each step of the color palette creating method according to claim 22.   A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the color palette creating method according to claim 22 is recorded.

Images