JP6732447B2 - Information providing device and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information providing device and a program.

In stores and the like, sales of products displayed at the display place are promoted by displaying on a monitor or the like installed at the display place. However, since only predetermined information is displayed, it is difficult to provide appropriate information according to shoppers in the vicinity, and it may not be possible to obtain a sufficient sales promotion effect.
Under such circumstances, it has been desired to improve the effect of sales promotion for shoppers approaching the display place.

JP, 2005-162217, A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information providing device and a program capable of improving the sales promotion effect for shoppers approaching the display place.

The information providing apparatus of the embodiment includes a first acquisition unit, a detection unit, a determination unit, a notification unit, and a surrounding notification unit. The first acquisition unit acquires the history data from the storage unit that stores the history data indicating the purchase history of the user in association with the first identification information that identifies the user. The detection means detects a user's approach to a display place for displaying a product. The determination means determines whether or not the history data associated with the first identification information for identifying the user satisfies a predetermined condition associated with the display location in response to the approach detected by the detection means. judge. The notifying means performs a notifying operation for notifying the user of predetermined information associated with the display place when the determining means determines that the condition is satisfied. The past notification means performs a notification operation for notifying the user of past information targeted by the operation based on the operation. The condition is that the purchase frequency of the target product exceeds the reference frequency, and the elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time of the target product exceeds the purchase interval of the target product by the user.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of main parts of the information providing system according to the embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU of the mobile terminal in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU of the server in FIG. 1. The figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the screen of the touch panel of the portable terminal in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU of the mobile terminal in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU of the server in FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, an information providing system including an information providing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings and the description below, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an information providing system 1 according to the first and second embodiments.
The information providing system 1 includes a server 10, a mobile terminal 20, a network 30, and a wireless device 40 installed in a store. The server 10 can communicate with the mobile terminal 20 via the network 30. Although the information providing system 1 may include a plurality of mobile terminals 20 and a plurality of wireless devices 40, only one of each is shown in FIG. 1.

The server 10 performs information processing for providing the information providing service described below to the shopper who is shopping at the store. That is, the shopper is a user of the information providing service provided by the server 10. In providing the information providing service, the server 10 refers to the purchase history of the user. The purchase history is when and what kind of product the user purchased. Therefore, the server 10 manages history data representing purchase history. As the history data, for example, history data managed by an electronic receipt server for an existing electronic receipt service can be used. The server 10 can be realized, for example, by adding a function of executing a control process described later to an existing electronic receipt server. Alternatively, the server 10 other than the electronic receipt server may be implemented in a form in which the history data is acquired from the electronic receipt server. The server 10 manages the history data in association with the user ID (identifier). When using the historical data managed by the electronic receipt server, the membership code of the electronic receipt service can be used as the user ID. The user ID is given to each of the plurality of users to identify the user, and corresponds to the first identification information.
The mobile terminal 20 allows the user to browse the information acquired from the server 10 via the network 30 by displaying the information.
The network 30 transmits data exchanged between the server 10 and the mobile terminal 20. As the network 30, a communication network including a mobile phone line network such as 3G (3rd generation) or LTE (long term evolution), the Internet, a LAN (local area network), a dedicated line or other communication lines can be used.
The wireless device 40 is installed in a display place where products are displayed in a store. The wireless device 40 periodically wirelessly transmits a signal including a wireless device ID for identifying the wireless device 40. The wireless device ID corresponds to the second identification information. As the wireless device 40, for example, a wireless device having a known configuration such as a wireless LAN access point, an RFID (radio frequency identifier) tag, or a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy) beacon transmitter can be used.

As the hardware of the server 10, a computer device for a server having an existing configuration can be used.
The server 10 includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a network interface 14 and a bus 15.

The CPU 11 corresponds to a central part of the first computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the server 10. The CPU 11 controls each unit to realize various functions of the server 10 based on programs such as an operating system and application software stored in the main memory 12.

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the first computer in the server 10. The main memory 12 stores programs such as the operating system and application software. The main memory 12 also stores data that the CPU 11 refers to when performing various processes. Further, the main memory 12 is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 11 for performing various processes is stored.

The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the first computer in the server 10. The auxiliary storage device 13 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the CPU 11 to perform various processes, data generated by the process of the CPU 11, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 13 may store a program such as the above operating system or application.
The auxiliary storage device 13 also stores the above-mentioned history data in association with the user ID. Therefore, the auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to a storage means. Further, the auxiliary storage device 13 stores the condition information regarding the display location where the wireless device 40 is installed in the store and the notification information to be notified to the user at the display location in association with the wireless device ID. Details of the condition information and the notification information will be described later.

The programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 include a control program described regarding control processing described later. As an example, the server 10 is transferred to the user with the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. However, the server 10 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. Then, the control program separately transferred to the user may be written in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 under the operation of the user or a service person. At this time, the transfer of the control program can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.

The network interface 14 interfaces the server 10 to communicate via the network 30.
The bus 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received between the respective units of the server 10.

The mobile terminal 20 is a mobile device having a communication function, and is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC (personal computer), or the like.
The mobile terminal 20 includes a CPU 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a touch panel 24, a network interface 25, a communication interface 26, a vibrator 27, a speaker 28, and a bus 29.

The CPU 21 corresponds to a central part of a second computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal 20. The CPU 21 controls each unit to realize various functions of the mobile terminal 20 based on programs such as an operating system and application software stored in the main memory 22.

The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the second computer in the mobile terminal 20. The main memory 22 stores programs such as the operating system and application software. Further, the main memory 22 stores data that the CPU 21 refers to when performing various processes. Further, the main memory 22 is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 21 for performing various processes is stored.

The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the second computer in the mobile terminal 20. The auxiliary storage device 23 is, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the CPU 21 to perform various processes, data generated by the process of the CPU 21, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 23 may store a program such as the above operating system or application.

The programs stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 include a control program described regarding control processing described later. As an example, the mobile terminal 20 is transferred to the user while the control program is not stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. Then, the control program separately transferred to the user may be written in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 under the operation of the user or a service person. At this time, the transfer of the control program can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network. However, the mobile terminal 20 may be transferred to the user while the control program is stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.

The touch panel 24 functions as a display device that displays a screen for notifying the operator of various information. The touch panel 24 also functions as an input device that receives a touch operation by the operator.
The network interface 25 interfaces the mobile terminal 20 for communication via the network 30.
The communication interface 26 is an interface for the mobile terminal 20 to communicate with the wireless device 40. As the communication interface 26, a well-known device that conforms to a wireless communication interface standard such as Bluetooth or wireless LAN is used.
The vibrator 27 vibrates the casing of the mobile terminal 20. As the vibrator 27, a vibrating device having a known configuration can be used.
The speaker 28 outputs the input voice data as a sound. As the speaker 28, an audio output device having a well-known configuration can be used.
The bus 29 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals exchanged between the respective units of the mobile terminal 20.

[First Embodiment]
The operation of the information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment, the server 10 operates as an information providing device.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.
The CPU 21 executes the setting process for performing the control process at an appropriate timing. In the setting process, the CPU 21 acquires the user ID of the user who carries the mobile terminal 20. The acquisition can be performed, for example, by inputting a user ID designated by the user by operating the touch panel 24. Alternatively, the acquisition can be performed by, for example, inquiring the server 10 and acquiring the user ID notified from the server 10 in response to the inquiry. The CPU 21 saves the acquired user ID in the auxiliary storage device 13.

In Act 1, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the signal from the wireless device 40 is received by the communication interface 26. When the signal from the wireless device 40 is not received, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 1 and repeats Act 1 until the signal from the wireless device 40 is received.

If the signal from the wireless device 40 is received in the standby state of Act1, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act1 and proceeds to Act2.
In ACT2, the CPU 21 confirms whether the reception intensity of the received signal is larger than a predetermined reference intensity. When the reception intensity of the received signal is higher than the reference intensity, it can be considered that the wireless device 40 that has transmitted the signal and the mobile terminal 20 are close to each other.
The CPU 21 is in a state where the wireless device 40 and the mobile device 20 are close to each other when the distance between the mobile device 20 and the wireless device 40 is smaller than the maximum distance at which the signal from the wireless device 40 can be received by the mobile device 20. It may be determined that, and in this case, confirmation of Act2 can be omitted.
When the strength of the received signal is weaker than the predetermined reception strength, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 2 and returns to Act 1.

When the strength of the received signal is stronger than the predetermined reception strength, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 2 and proceeds to Act 3.
In ACT3, the CPU 21 acquires the wireless device ID included in the received signal.

In Act 4, the CPU 21 determines whether the acquired wireless device ID is the recently acquired wireless device ID. This process is a process for preventing the same radio device ID from being continuously processed. The condition for determining whether or not it has been recently acquired may be set by the designer of the control program of the CPU 21. For example, when the wireless device ID is acquired again after the wireless device ID is acquired and a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the wireless device ID has been recently acquired. When the wireless device ID acquired in ACT3 is the recently acquired wireless device ID, the CPU 21 determines Yes in ACT4 and returns to ACT1.

When the wireless device ID acquired in ACT3 is not the recently acquired wireless device ID, the CPU 21 determines No in ACT4, and proceeds to ACT5.
In Act 5, the CPU 21 instructs the network interface 25 to transmit the wireless device ID acquired in Act 3 and the user ID stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 to the server 10.

The operation of the server 10 that receives the wireless device ID and the user ID will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 11. The CPU 11 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

In Act 11, the CPU 11 confirms whether the wireless device ID and the user ID transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 in Act 5 are received by the network interface 14. If the wireless device ID and the user ID have not been received, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 11, and repeats Act 11.
The wireless device ID and the user ID are transmitted from the mobile terminal 20 when the mobile terminal 20 approaches the wireless device 40 as described above. Therefore, when it is determined Yes in Act 11, the CPU 11 detects that the user carrying the mobile terminal 20 approaches the wireless device 40, that is, the user approaches the display place. Thus, in the processing of Act11, the first computer operates as the detection means.

If the wireless device ID and the user ID are received in the standby state of Act 11, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act 11, and proceeds to Act 12.
In Act 12, the CPU 11 acquires the received wireless device ID and user ID. Thus, in the processing of Act12, the first computer operates as the second acquisition unit.

In Act 13, the CPU 11 acquires the condition information and the notification information associated with the acquired wireless device ID from the auxiliary storage device 13.
The condition information indicates the condition used for the determination described later.

In Act 14, the CPU 11 acquires history data associated with the user ID acquired in Act 12 from the auxiliary storage device 13. Thus, in the processing of Act14, the first computer operates as the first acquisition unit.

In Act 15, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the history data acquired in Act 13 satisfies the condition indicated by the condition information acquired in Act 13. Thus, in the processing of Act15, the first computer operates as a determination means.
As conditions, for example, the following items (1) to (4) are set with a specific product or product type as a target product.
(1) A product that is the same as or similar to the target product is shown in the history data as a purchased product, and the elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time of the product included in the history data exceeds the reference time. thing. The target product is arbitrarily determined, for example, by the person who set the condition. However, it is assumed that the target products are products displayed at the display place. Here, the reference time is, for example, a time with a high possibility that a person who purchases the target product purchases the target product next time. This reference time is arbitrarily set by, for example, a person who sets the condition. Alternatively, the reference time is statistically calculated from, for example, history data of a plurality of users.
As an example of the condition, ““XX milk” is shown in the history data as a purchased product. And the elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time of “XX milk” included in the history data exceeds 5 days.” Is determined.
(2) The purchase frequency of the target product judged from the history data exceeds the reference frequency, and the elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time of the product shown in the history data is the purchase interval of the target product by the user. Beyond. Note that in what case the target product is included in the history data in excess of the reference frequency may be arbitrarily determined by the person who sets the condition. For example, if the purchase interval of the target product is smaller than a predetermined reference interval, it is assumed that the reference frequency is exceeded. Alternatively, for example, if the number of purchases of the target product in a certain period of recent times exceeds a predetermined reference number, it is determined that the reference frequency is exceeded. The reference interval may be arbitrarily set by the person who sets the condition. For example, the average value of the purchase intervals of the target products by the user is set as the reference interval.
The condition is, for example, “There are 5 or more transactions that include “XX milk” as a purchased product in the transactions within the last month of the user indicated in the historical data. "The elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time exceeds the average value of the purchase intervals of "XX milk" by the user."
(3) The target product is not indicated as a purchased product in the history data, and another specific product related to the target product is included in the history data as a purchased product. The target product and the specific product may be arbitrarily set by the person who sets the condition. As a specific example, the target product is a CD (compact disc) of a specific artist, and the specific product is a product other than the CD of the specific artist. As another specific example, the target product is a peripheral device of a specific device, and what kind of product is associated as a specific product with respect to the target product in which the specific product is the specific device is, for example, a plurality of users. Can be statistically calculated from historical data of
As an example of the condition, “ink for YY printer” is not shown as a purchased product in the history data, and “YY printer” is shown as a purchased product in the history data.” Determined.
(4) The target product is indicated as a purchased product in the history data. Moreover, the expiration date, the expiration date, the expiration date, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the "expiration date") indicated as related to the latest purchased target product in the history data are over, or the remaining period until the expiration date, etc. is the standard. Shorter than the period. The condition can be used when the history data records a time limit and the like. The bar code displayed on a product generally does not indicate a deadline or the like. However, there are cases where a bar code indicating a deadline or the like is displayed on the product. It is possible to include a time limit and the like in the history data regarding a product for which such a barcode is displayed. The reference period may be arbitrarily set by the person who sets the condition. Further, the reference period may be changeable based on the request from the user.
The condition is determined as an example, such as ““XX milk” is shown as a purchased product in the history data. And the expiration date shown in the history data for “XX milk” has passed”. .. For example, the condition is ““XX milk” is shown as a purchased product in the history data, and the expiration date shown in the history data regarding “XX milk” is less than one day remaining”. Stipulated in. The deadline and the like are set for each product by the manufacturer or shipper of the product. As an example, a deadline is defined as a time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the manufacturing time or the shipping time. Therefore, determining the condition corresponds to determining whether or not the elapsed time from the time of manufacturing or shipping of the product exceeds the predetermined time for each product.

In Act 16, the CPU 11 generates result data for notifying the result of the determination in Act 15. That is, when the CPU 11 determines in Act 15 that the condition is satisfied, the CPU 11 generates result data as including the notification information acquired in Act 13. The notification information is information for causing the mobile terminal 20 to display an image representing information that the user wants to be notified of in association with the display place that the user is approaching. The notification information is, for example, an HTML (hypertext markup language) file. When the notification information has a definition to add the information included in the history data, the CPU 11 extracts necessary information from the history data and adds the information according to the above definition to notify the information. Update information. Then, in this case, the CPU 11 generates result data as including the updated notification information. In addition, when the CPU 11 determines in Act 15 that the condition is not satisfied, the CPU 11 generates result data including the failure information indicating that the condition is not satisfied.

In Act 17, the CPU 11 instructs the network interface 25 to transmit the result data generated in Act 16 to the mobile terminal 20. In response to this, the network interface 25 sends the result data to the mobile terminal 20 that has sent the wireless device ID and the user ID. When the mobile terminal 20 receives the result data, the mobile terminal 20 informs the user of the content of the result data as described later. Thus, the process of transmitting the result data generated in Act 16 to the mobile terminal 20 corresponds to a notification operation for notifying the user of predetermined information associated with the display location. Therefore, in the processing of Act16 and Act17, the first computer operates as a notification unit.

On the other hand, the CPU 21 of the mobile terminal 20 proceeds to Act6 after the processing of Act5 of FIG.
In Act 6, the CPU 21 confirms whether the result data transmitted by the server 10 as described above is received by the network interface 14. If the result data has not been received, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 6, and repeats Act 6 until the result data is received.

If the result data is received in the standby state of Act6, the CPU 21 determines Yes and proceeds to Act7.
In ACT7, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the received result data includes the notification information. When the notification result information is not included in the received result data, that is, when the result data includes failure information, the CPU 21 determines No and returns to Act 1.

When the notification data is included in the received result data, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 7 and proceeds to Act 8.
In ACT8, the CPU 21 instructs the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 to store the received result data. At this time, the CPU 21 accumulates and stores the result data in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 so that the result data can be used for display in a past notification area described later.

In Act 9, the CPU 21 generates an image corresponding to the notification screen 100 as shown in FIG. 4 and instructs the touch panel 24 to display this image. The notification information included in the result data stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 is used to generate the image.
Further, the CPU 21 may vibrate the vibrator 27 in order to make the user easily notice the notification on the notification screen 100. Further, the CPU 21 may cause the speaker 28 to output a sound so that the user can easily notice the notification on the notification screen 100.

FIG. 4 is an example of the notification screen 100.
The notification screen 100 includes a notification area 110 and a past notification area 120.

In the notification area 110, the image indicated by the notification information included in the result data last stored in Act8 is displayed. In FIG. 4, in the notification area 110, as an example, a character string 111, a character string 112, a product image 113, and a character string 114 are displayed.
The character string 111 indicates a description about the product. As an example, in FIG. 4, the character string 111 is displayed as “recommended product in this vicinity”. Further, for example, it may be a character string indicating that the product is about to expire or that the product is frequently purchased.
The character string 112 indicates the product name of the target product or the product type name. In FIG. 4, the character string 112 indicates the type name of the product “milk”.
The product image 113 is a photograph or an illustration of the target product. By displaying the product image, it is easier to understand what product is informed as compared to the case where only the characters are displayed.
The character string 114 indicates the date on which the same or the same type of product as the target product was last purchased by the user. The character string 114 may include not only the date but also the purchase time.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, for example, the character strings 111 and 112 and the product image 113 are information included in the image indicated by the notification information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13, and the character string 114 is extracted from history data and added. Information.
The image indicated by the notification information may include information different from the character string 111, the character string 112, the product image 113, and the character string 114. For example, the notification information may include a character string indicating the product price or the stock quantity of the product indicated by the character string 112 and the product image 113. In this case, these pieces of information may be included in the image indicated by the notification information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13, but the information separately stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 13. It may be added to the information. Further, for example, if the purchase price or the deadline of the last purchased product is included in the history data, the notification that the purchase price or the deadline of the last purchased product is stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 It may be added to the information.

In the past notification area 120, a character string 121 extracted from the result data stored in Act8 other than the last stored result data (hereinafter referred to as “past data”) is displayed. The character string 121 indicates a product name or a product type name.
In the past notification area 120, the product name or the type name of the product notified before the product displayed in the notification area 110 is displayed in chronological order. In FIG. 4, the newly notified product name or product type name is arranged higher. When the user performs an operation such as a touch operation on the past notification area 120, the CPU 21 stores the notification information included in the past data corresponding to the past notification area 120, which is the target of the operation, in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage. Read from the device 23. Then, the CPU 21 instructs the touch panel 24 to display the image indicated by the read notification information in the same manner as the notification area 110 by increasing the display area of the past notification area 120 that is the operation target. Thereby, even if the content of the notification area 110 is updated one after another as the user moves, the user can confirm the previous notification.

As described above, when the user approaches the display place, the server 10 of the first embodiment is associated with the display place when the history data about the user satisfies the condition associated with the display place. Inform the user of the information obtained. Therefore, for example, when the user approaches the milk display place, the history data of the user satisfies the condition that "the purchased product does not include milk in the period from the present to a point in time that goes back a certain time." In this case, it becomes possible to notify the information for recommending the purchase of milk. In this way, the information associated with the display place can be notified to the user in consideration of the purchase history of the user who has approached the display place. Since information can be notified, improvement in sales promotion efficiency can be expected.

Further, according to the server 10 of the first embodiment, it is detected that the user has approached the display place based on the signal transmitted by the wireless device installed in the display place. As described above, the wireless device was also used to acquire condition information. Therefore, the server 10 can perform two operations, that is, acquisition of condition information and detection of approaching the display place, using the same wireless device. Further, the server 10 can perform the two operations by using one type of signal emitted from the same radio device.

Further, according to the server 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to notify the product information at a time when it is estimated that the product is likely to be purchased by the user. As a result, the sales promotion effect can be improved. Further, according to the server 10 of the first embodiment, when there is a product in the purchase history of the user that is about to expire, the information about the product can be notified. As a result, the user can be made aware of this when there is a product whose expiration date is about to expire or there is an expired product, and the sales promotion effect can be further improved.

[Second Embodiment]
The operation of the information providing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 operates as an information providing device.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 11. The CPU 11 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

The CPU 21 performs the processes of Act1 to Act5 shown in FIG. 5 as in the first embodiment. In this process, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 1 and Act 2 when the mobile terminal 20 approaches the wireless device 40. That is, the CPU 11 detects that the user has approached the wireless device 40. Thus, in the first embodiment, the first computer operates as the detection means, but in the second embodiment, the second computer operates as the detection means in the processing of Act1 and Act2. Further, in the first embodiment, the first computer operates as the second acquisition unit, but in the second embodiment, the second computer operates as the second acquisition unit in the process of Act3.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 of the server 10 performs the processing of Act11 to Act14 shown in FIG. 6 as in the first embodiment. After the processing of Act14, the CPU 11 proceeds to Act31.
In ACT 31, the CPU 11 instructs the network interface 25 to transmit the condition information, the notification information, and the history data acquired in ACT 13 and ACT 14 to the mobile terminal 20.

In Act 21 of FIG. 5, the CPU 21 confirms whether the condition information and history data transmitted by the server 10 in Act 31 of FIG. 6 are received by the network interface 14.
If the condition information and the history data have not been received, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 21, and repeats Act 21.

If the condition information and history data are received in the standby state of Act 21, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 21, and proceeds to Act 22. At this time, the CPU 21 acquires condition information and history data from the network interface 14. Thereby, the second computer operates as the first acquisition unit.
In Act 22, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the acquired history data satisfies the condition indicated by the acquired condition information. The determination of the condition is performed similarly to Act15. Thus, in Act 22, the second computer operates as a determination means. When determining that the condition is not satisfied, the CPU 21 determines No and returns to Act1.

When the CPU 21 determines that the condition is satisfied, the CPU 21 determines Yes and proceeds to ACT 23.
In Act 23, the CPU 21 generates result data for notifying the result of the determination of the condition of Act 22. The result data is generated in the same manner as Act16. If the condition is not satisfied, Act 22 determines No, so all the result data generated here includes the notification information.

In Act 24, the CPU 21 instructs the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 to store the result data. At this time, the CUP 11 accumulates and stores the result data in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 so that the result data can be used as the past data for displaying the past notification area described later.

In Act 25, the CPU 21 displays a notification screen according to the determination result of Act 22. That is, the CPU 21 generates an image corresponding to the notification screen 100 as shown in FIG. 4, similar to Act 9, based on the result data generated in Act 23, and instructs the touch panel 24 to display this image. Thus, in the processing of ACT23 and ACT25, the second computer operates as a notification unit that performs a notification operation for notifying the user of predetermined information associated with the display location.
Further, the CPU 21 may vibrate the vibrator 27 in order to make the notification easily noticeable to the user. Further, the CPU 21 may cause the speaker 28 to output a sound so that the user can easily notice the notification.
After the processing of Act25, the CPU 21 returns to Act1.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 operates as an information providing device. Then, the mobile terminal 20 performs a part of the processing performed by the server 10 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the computing capacity of the server 10 required to operate the information providing system 1 may be lower than that in the first embodiment. Further, the mobile terminal 20 of the second embodiment can obtain the same effect as the server 10 of the first embodiment.

The first and second embodiments can be modified as follows.

In the first embodiment, an apparatus not shown in FIG. 1 may be used as a storage unit that stores history data. The device is, for example, a server device different from the server 10 or an external storage device connected to the server 10. In this case, the CPU 11 acquires history data from the device. In the second embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 23 of the mobile terminal 20 may be a storage unit that stores history data. In this case, the history data is acquired from the auxiliary storage device 23.

The information providing system may be applied to a shopping center or a shopping district including a plurality of stores. In this case, by providing the wireless device 40 for each store, it is possible to perform a notification operation for users approaching each store.

The wireless device 40 may transmit the user ID and the wireless device ID to the server 10. In this case, the wireless device 40 has a function of communicating with the server 10. In this case, the processing is performed as follows as an example. The CPU 21 of the mobile terminal 20 instructs the communication interface to transmit the user ID to the wireless device 40 instead of the process of Act5. In response to this, the wireless device 40 transmits the user ID and the wireless device ID to the server 10. The server 10 performs the same process as when receiving the user ID and the wireless device ID from the mobile terminal 20.

The radio 40 may be a radio that transmits the radio ID when requested to transmit the radio ID. In this case, for example, the processing is performed as follows. First, the mobile terminal 20 periodically emits a signal. On the other hand, the wireless device 40 waits to receive the signal. When receiving the signal, the wireless device 40 transmits the wireless device ID to the mobile terminal 20.

The wireless device 40 may transmit the product ID. In this case, the product ID is stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 in association with the condition used for the determination of Act 14 or Act 22. In this case, the product ID corresponds to the second identification information.

The position information may be used to detect the approach. For example, it is assumed that the position coordinates of the display place are stored in advance, and that the position coordinates of the user or the mobile terminal 20 are closer when the position coordinates of the user or the mobile terminal 20 are closer than the predetermined position coordinates of the display place. Further, the ID for identifying the display place is acquired as follows, for example. That is, the ID for identifying the display place is associated with the position coordinates in advance, and when it is determined that the user approaches the display place, the ID for identifying the display place is acquired based on the position coordinates. The acquisition of the position information is performed, for example, by specifying the position of the user using a camera or a sensor. Further, for example, the position of the mobile terminal 20 is calculated by using a three-point survey method such as GPS (global positioning system) or IMES (indoor messaging system), which calculates the position based on the arrival time difference of signals emitted from three or more signal sources. Get location information. Further, for example, a radio device that emits a signal is installed, and the reception characteristics of the signal at each place are measured in advance and stored in a database. Then, when the reception characteristic similar to the characteristic measured in advance is obtained, the position information of the mobile terminal 20 is acquired by using the fingerprint method in which it is estimated that the reception characteristic is present. This method may reduce the number of radios as compared to installing radios at each display location. It is also expected that the detection accuracy can be improved by combining a plurality of methods to detect the approach.

The image indicated by the notification information may also notify information about other products of the same type as the product displayed at the display location that the user approaches. The other products are, for example, products that the store wants to recommend, products that sell well (hereinafter, referred to as “specific products”). To realize this, for example, the following is performed. First, information about the specific product is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 23 or the like. Then, in Act 13, the CPU 21 acquires information regarding the specific product from the auxiliary storage device 23 or the like. After that, in the first embodiment, the CPU 21 generates data for notifying the user of information regarding the specific product in Act 16, and instructs the network interface 14 to transmit the data to the mobile terminal 20 in Act 17. Then, in Act 9, the CPU 11 generates an image corresponding to the notification screen corresponding to the data and instructs the touch panel 24 to display this image. Further, in the second embodiment, the CPU 21 instructs the network interface 14 to transmit the information regarding the specific product in Act 31. Then, the CPU 11 uses Act23 and Act25 to generate an image corresponding to the notification screen including information about the specific product, and instructs the touch panel 24 to display this image.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof.
The inventions described in the initial claims of the present application will be additionally described below.
[1]
A first acquisition unit that acquires the history data from a storage unit that stores history data indicating the purchase history of the user in association with the first identification information that identifies the user;
Detection means for detecting the approach of the user to a display place for displaying goods,
Whether the history data associated with the first identification information for identifying the user satisfies a predetermined condition associated with the display place in response to the approach being detected by the detection means. Determination means for determining whether
In response to being determined by the determining means when the condition is satisfied, an informing means performing an informing operation for informing the user of predetermined information associated with the display place,
An information providing device comprising:
[2]
Further comprising second acquisition means for acquiring second identification information transmitted by a wireless device installed at the display place,
The determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined condition is associated with the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit,
The information providing device according to appendix [1], which is characterized in that
[3]
The detection means detects that the user has approached the display place based on the intensity of a signal transmitted by the wireless device received by a mobile terminal carried by the user,
The information providing device according to appendix [2].
[4]
The determination means, the purchase time of the purchase product included in the history data, the elapsed time from the time of manufacturing or shipping, the condition is whether or not the time exceeds a predetermined time for each purchase product,
The information providing apparatus according to any one of appendices [1] to [3], characterized in that.
[5]
A computer that controls the information providing device,
A first acquisition unit that acquires the history data from a storage unit that stores history data indicating the purchase history of the user in association with the first identification information that identifies the user;
Detection means for detecting the approach of the user to a display place for displaying goods,
Whether the history data associated with the first identification information for identifying the user satisfies a predetermined condition associated with the display place in response to the approach being detected by the detection means. Determination means for determining whether
If it is determined by the determination means to satisfy the condition, a notification means for performing a notification operation for notifying the user of predetermined information associated with the display place,
A program to make it work.

1... Information provision system, 10... Server, 11, 21... CPU, 12, 22... Main memory, 13, 23... Auxiliary storage device, 14, 25... Network interface, 15, 29... Bus, 20... Mobile terminal, 24 ... touch panel, 26... communication interface, 27... vibrator, 28... speaker, 30... network, 40... radio, 100... notification screen.

Claims (4)

A first acquisition unit that acquires the history data from a storage unit that stores history data indicating the purchase history of the user in association with the first identification information that identifies the user;
Detection means for detecting the approach of the user to a display place for displaying goods,
Whether the history data associated with the first identification information for identifying the user satisfies a predetermined condition associated with the display place in response to the approach being detected by the detection means. Determination means for determining whether
In response to being determined by the determining means when the condition is satisfied, an informing means performing an informing operation for informing the user of predetermined information associated with the display place,
A past notification unit that performs a notification operation for notifying the user of the past information targeted by the operation, based on the operation ,
The condition is that the purchase frequency of the target product exceeds a reference frequency, and that the elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time of the target product exceeds the purchase interval of the target product by the user,
An information providing device characterized by the above. Further comprising second acquisition means for acquiring second identification information transmitted by a wireless device installed at the display place,
The determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined condition is associated with the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit,
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that. The detection means detects that the user has approached the display place based on the intensity of a signal transmitted by the wireless device received by a mobile terminal carried by the user,
The information providing device according to claim 2, wherein the information providing device is provided. A computer that controls the information providing device,
A first acquisition unit that acquires the history data from a storage unit that stores history data indicating the purchase history of the user in association with the first identification information that identifies the user;
Detection means for detecting the approach of the user to a display place for displaying goods,
Whether the history data associated with the first identification information for identifying the user satisfies a predetermined condition associated with the display place in response to the approach being detected by the detection means. Determination means for determining whether
If it is determined by the determination means to satisfy the condition, a notification means for performing a notification operation for notifying the user of predetermined information associated with the display place,
Based on the operation, a past notification means for performing a notification operation for notifying the user of the past information targeted by the operation,
And let it work ,
The condition is that the purchase frequency of the target product exceeds the reference frequency, and the elapsed time from the latest purchase date and time of the target product exceeds the purchase interval of the target product by the user. ..