JP7500371B2 - Server device and program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a server device and a program.

Traditionally, agricultural products such as fresh vegetables and fruits have been sold by being shipped from producers and sold to consumers via wholesale markets or retail stores.

In recent years, a sales method known as "direct sales" has emerged in which producers sell agricultural products directly to consumers by posting information about the produce they produce on their homepages or other websites and accepting orders for agricultural products from consumers online. Direct sales have the advantage that consumers can purchase agricultural products that are not sold in general stores. It also has the advantage that producers can easily predict production and shipping numbers, allowing them to produce small quantities of other varieties of agricultural products.

However, direct sales require the effort of searching for websites selling the desired agricultural products, making them unfamiliar to consumers who are unfamiliar with the Internet or who have little interest in purchasing agricultural products, and many consumers are not even aware of the direct sales service. For this reason, technology that can increase opportunities to use direct sales is desired.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a server device and a program that can increase the opportunities for direct sales.

The server device of an embodiment comprises an analysis means for analyzing the purchasing tendencies of a consumer based on purchasing information in which the products purchased by the consumer or the varieties of the products purchased by the consumer are recorded; a selection means for selecting an agricultural product corresponding to the purchasing tendency analyzed by the analysis means from a candidate list that associates the addresses of each site that sells agricultural products directly from the producer with the varieties of agricultural products sold on the site; a provision means for providing the consumer with direct-from-producer information including the addresses of the sites selling the agricultural products selected by the selection means; a location identification means for identifying the location where the consumer is located; and a determination means for determining whether the location of the consumer identified by the location identification means corresponds to the location of a store selling the products. The analysis means begins analysis of the consumer on the condition that the determination means determines that it corresponds, and the selection means selects the remaining agricultural products from the agricultural products corresponding to the purchasing tendencies analyzed by the analysis means, excluding varieties that are the same as or similar to the varieties of products sold at the store.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a sales support system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a Web server according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a consumer terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a consumer management DB according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a store management DB according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a producer management DB according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a purchase history DB according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the server device according to the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales support system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the sales support system 1 has a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 10, a Web server 20, a consumer terminal 30, and a server device 40. The POS terminal 10, the Web server 20, the consumer terminal 30, and the server device 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet or a mobile phone network.

The POS terminal 10 is a product sales data processing device that processes product sales data. The POS terminal 10 is provided in each store SP. The POS terminal 10 is operated by an operator such as a store clerk, and performs sales registration and payment processing for products sold in the store SP.

Specifically, the POS terminal 10 has a code reading unit 15 (see FIG. 2) that reads code symbols such as barcodes, and uses the code reading unit 15 to read a product ID that can identify the product from the code symbol attached to the product. The POS terminal 10 also references a product master 171 (see FIG. 2) that stores product information such as product name, variety, and price in association with the product ID of each product, and identifies the product information corresponding to the product ID read via the reading device. The control unit 11 (see FIG. 2) of the POS terminal 10 then temporarily stores the read product ID and the product information corresponding to the product ID in a RAM (Read Only Memory) or the like, thereby registering the sales of each product purchased by the consumer.

When the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 10 receives an instruction to complete the sales registration, it calculates the total price of the products to be purchased by the consumer based on the product information of each product that has been registered for sales up to that point. The control unit 11 of the POS terminal 10 then executes a settlement process to settle the product payment with the amount paid by the consumer.

Furthermore, when the sales registration and payment process for one transaction is completed, the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 10 generates data indicating the transaction details (hereinafter also referred to as purchase information) and outputs a paper receipt by printing the purchase information with a printer device (not shown). For example, the purchase information includes the product ID, product name, variety, price, etc. of the registered product, as well as the total price of the product, the payment amount, the change amount, etc. Note that one transaction refers to the period during which sales registration and payment process for a product are performed for one consumer.

The control unit 11 of the POS terminal 10 also transmits the generated purchasing information to the server device 40. Specifically, when a consumer ID that identifies a consumer is input during a transaction, the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 10 transmits the input consumer ID and the generated purchasing information to the server device 40 after the payment process is completed. In this case, the POS terminal 10 may or may not output a paper receipt. For example, as described below, if the purchasing information is provided to the consumer in the form of an electronic receipt, the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 10 may suppress the output of a paper receipt.

Here, the method of inputting the consumer ID to the POS terminal 10 is not particularly limited, and various methods can be adopted. As one example, a code symbol representing the consumer ID may be displayed on the display screen of the consumer terminal 30, and the POS terminal 10 may input the consumer ID by reading the code symbol with the above-mentioned reading device.

The purchasing information sent to the server device 40 may include, for example, identification information that identifies the store SP (store ID, described below), date and time information indicating the date and time when the transaction was made (transaction date and time), etc. The purchasing information sent to the server device 40 may be the same as the content printed on the paper receipt, or it may be different. For example, the purchasing information sent to the server device 40 may not include the content of the payment process, but may instead be the content of the sales registration (the product ID, product name, variety, price, etc. of the registered product).

In addition, in this embodiment, the POS terminal 10 is configured to transmit directly to the server device 40, but this is not limiting, and the data may be transmitted via a store server or the like provided in the store SP. In this case, the store server may be configured to collect pairs of consumer IDs and purchasing information from each of the POS terminals 10 provided in its own store SP, and transmit them all at once to the server device 40 at a predetermined timing.

The web server 20 is a server device such as a web server or application server that is provided at a direct sales site ST operated by producers of agricultural products such as fresh vegetables and fruits. The web server 20 provides information about agricultural products that can be viewed, and also provides a service that allows the agricultural products to be ordered.

The consumer terminal 30 is a terminal device used by a consumer. The consumer terminal 30 may be, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the consumer.

The server device 40 is the main information processing device of the sales support system 1. The server device 40 is connected to each of the stores SP (POS terminals 10), each of the direct sales sites ST (Web servers 20), and each of the consumer terminals 30 via the network N so as to be able to communicate with them.

The server device 40 collects purchase information on products purchased by consumers at the store SP and manages the collected purchase information as a purchase history. The server device 40 also provides information to consumers about products sold at the direct sales site ST based on each consumer's purchase history.

Next, we will explain the configuration of the main devices that make up the sales support system 1 of this embodiment.

First, the configuration of the POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a control unit 11 that performs various calculations and provides overall control of each unit of the POS terminal 10.

The control unit 11 is a computer that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a workspace for expanding the programs and various data.

The control unit 11 is also connected to an operation unit 12, a printer 13, a display unit 14, a code reading unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory unit 17, etc. via a bus or the like.

The operation unit 12 has various operation keys that allow the operator to perform operation input. The operation keys include, for example, number keys for inputting numerical values, cursor keys and selection confirmation keys for selecting a specific item, a subtotal key for instructing the output of the total amount of products, and a closing key for declaring the completion of sales registration and the start of payment processing. The printer 13 is a printer device that prints receipts, journals, etc.

The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information such as the product name, variety, price, total amount, and change amount of the product registered for sale. The display unit 14 may be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 12.

The code reading unit 15 is a scanner device that optically reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The code reading unit 15 reads, for example, a code symbol attached to a product or a code symbol displayed on the consumer terminal 30, and outputs the information stored in the code symbol to the control unit 11. It is assumed that the code symbol attached to the product holds a product ID or the like for identifying the product. It is also assumed that the code symbol displayed on the consumer terminal 30 holds a consumer ID or the like for identifying the consumer.

The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. By connecting to the network N, the communication unit 16 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the server device 40.

The storage unit 17 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 17 stores programs and setting information for executing various processes such as sales registration and payment processing. The storage unit 17 also stores data such as a product master 171. The product master 171 stores the product ID of each product sold in the store in association with product information such as the product name, variety, and price.

In the POS terminal 10 configured as above, the control unit 11 executes the above-mentioned sales registration, payment processing, and other processes. In addition, the control unit 11 transmits the purchase information together with the consumer ID to the server device 40 for each transaction.

Next, the configuration of the Web server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the Web server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the Web server 20 includes a control unit 21 that performs overall control of various calculations and each unit of the Web server 20.

The control unit 21 is a computer that includes a CPU, which is an example of a processor, a ROM that stores various programs and data, and a RAM, which is a workspace for expanding the programs and various data.

The control unit 21 is also connected to the operation unit 22, display unit 23, communication unit 24, memory unit 25, etc. via a bus or the like.

The operation unit 22 has input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse that allow the operator to input operations. The display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 23 may also be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 22.

The communication unit 24 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. By connecting to the network N, the communication unit 24 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the consumer terminal 30 and the server device 40.

The storage unit 25 is, for example, a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 25 stores programs and setting information for implementing a web server function, an application server function, and the like. The storage unit 25 also stores data such as web content 251. The web content 251 holds information about agricultural products sold on the farmer's own direct sales site ST and information related to the sale of the agricultural products.

In the Web server 20 configured as described above, the control unit 21 provides a Web service that allows users to purchase agricultural products sold on its own direct sales site ST. Specifically, the control unit 21 generates a Web page (hereinafter also referred to as a sales page) on which agricultural products sold on its own direct sales site ST can be purchased based on the Web content 251, and publishes the page on the network N. The sales page is published and managed, for example, by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and when the control unit 21 receives access to the published URL, it provides the corresponding Web page to the device from which the access originates. This allows the user to view an explanation of the agricultural products and purchase the agricultural products based on the displayed Web page on the accessing device.

Next, the configuration of the consumer terminal 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the consumer terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the consumer terminal 30 includes a control unit 31 that performs various calculations and overall control of each unit of the consumer terminal 30.

The control unit 31 is a computer that includes a CPU, which is an example of a processor, a ROM that stores various programs and data, and a RAM, which is a workspace for expanding the programs and various data.

The control unit 31 is also connected to an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a positioning unit 34, a communication unit 35, a memory unit 36, etc. via a bus or the like.

The operation unit 32 has input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse that allow the operator to input operations. The display unit 33 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 33 may also be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 32.

The positioning unit 34 measures the location of the consumer terminal 30. The positioning unit 34 can be realized by a position measurement device using a positioning technology such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The positioning unit 34 may also be realized by a position measurement device using a positioning technology such as beacon positioning, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) positioning, etc.

In the latter case, for example, by providing a beacon device, RFID tag, or the like compatible with positioning technology such as beacon positioning or RFID positioning in the store SP, it is possible to measure (identify) which store the consumer terminal 30 is in. In addition, in the latter case, the position information and consumer ID of the consumer terminal 30 may be transmitted to the server device 40 from a positioning system provided in the store SP.

The communication unit 35 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. By connecting to the network N, the communication unit 35 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the web server 20 and the server device 40.

The storage unit 36 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 36 stores programs and setting information for implementing functions such as a web browser. The storage unit 36 also stores a consumer ID 361 of the consumer who operates the consumer terminal 30. Under the control of the control unit 31, the consumer ID 361 is displayed on the display unit 33, for example, in a coded form as a code symbol, or is transmitted to an external device together with various information.

In the consumer terminal 30 configured as above, the control unit 31 transmits the location information indicating the location of the consumer terminal 30 measured by the positioning unit 34 and the consumer ID to the server device 40. The control unit 31 also controls the display unit 33 to display the direct sales information (described later) provided by the server device 40, and access the URL of the direct sales site ST (Web server 20) specified by the direct sales information.

Next, the configuration of the server device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 40 includes a control unit 41 that performs overall control of various calculations and each unit of the server device 40.

The control unit 41 is a computer that includes a CPU, which is an example of a processor, a ROM that stores various programs and data, and a RAM, which is a workspace for expanding the programs and various data.

The control unit 41 is also connected to an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, a memory unit 45, etc. via a bus or the like.

The operation unit 42 has input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse that allow the operator to input operations. The display unit 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 43 may also be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 42.

The communication unit 44 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. By connecting to the network N, the communication unit 44 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the POS terminal 10, the web server 20, and the consumer terminal 30.

The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 45 stores programs and setting information for implementing various functional units described below. The storage unit 45 also stores a consumer management DB 451, a store management DB 452, a producer management DB 453, and a purchase history DB 454, etc.

The consumer management DB 451 is a database for storing and managing information about consumers who use the sales support system 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the consumer management DB 451. As shown in FIG. 6, the consumer management DB 451 stores information such as name, age, gender, and address in association with a consumer ID.

The consumer ID is identification information that can identify each consumer. The consumer ID can be unique information such as a membership number or a telephone number. The name, age, and gender are information that indicate the name, age, and gender of the consumer corresponding to the consumer ID. The address is information that indicates the destination of the consumer (consumer terminal 30) on the network N, such as an email address or an ID for an SNS service.

The data configuration of the consumer management DB451 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6. For example, the configuration may be such that preference information indicating the ingredients, foods, etc. preferred by the consumer of the consumer ID is stored in association with the consumer ID. Also, for example, the configuration may be such that allergen information indicating the causative substances (allergens) of ingredients, foods, etc. that cause food allergies for the consumer of the consumer ID is stored in association with the consumer ID.

Store management DB452 is a database for storing and managing information related to store SPs. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of store management DB452. As shown in FIG. 7, store management DB452 stores information such as store name, location, and target store in association with a store ID.

The store ID is identification information capable of identifying each store SP. The store name is information indicating the store name or trade name of the store SP, and the location is location information indicating the location where the store SP is located. Note that when the location information sent from the consumer terminal 30 is expressed in a format such as a store ID or store name, the location holds location information corresponding to that format.

The target store is represented by binary information (e.g., Yes, No) indicating whether the store SP corresponding to the store ID is a store that cooperates in supporting the promotion of direct sales. In this embodiment, for a store SP whose target store is "Yes," a process is performed to provide direct sales information, described below, to consumers who visit the store SP. Furthermore, for a store SP whose target store is "No," the provision of direct sales information to consumers who visit the store SP is suppressed.

It is preferable to set the target stores in consultation with each store SP. For example, control may be performed such that the target stores are set to "Yes" only during a specific period or during a specific time period. Furthermore, the switching of operations according to the setting of the target stores is not limited to the above example, and can be set as desired. For example, for store SPs whose target stores are set to "No," reference to the purchase history, which will be described later, may be disabled.

Producer management DB453 is an example of a candidate list. Producer management DB453 is a database for storing and managing information about producers who produce agricultural products. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of producer management DB453. As shown in Figure 8, producer management DB453 stores information such as production region, product name, variety, harvest time, and URL in association with a producer ID.

The producer ID is identification information that can identify each producer (direct sales site ST). The production area is information that indicates the production area of the agricultural product produced by the producer. The product name is information that indicates the name of the agricultural product. The variety is information that indicates the type of agricultural product. The harvest time is information that indicates the time when the agricultural product is harvested. The URL is address information that indicates the URL of the sales site provided by the web content 251 of the direct sales site ST.

The above-mentioned information on the production area, product name, variety, harvest time, URL, etc. is registered in the producer management DB 453 based on information provided by each producer, but the control unit 41 may automatically acquire the information based on the content published on the sales page. For example, the control unit 41 may access the sales page specified by the URL and register (add) or update the information based on the product name, variety, harvest time, etc. published on the sales page.

The purchase history DB454 is a database for storing and managing each consumer's purchase history at the store SP. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the purchase history DB454. As shown in FIG. 9, the purchase history DB454 stores purchase information, etc., in association with a consumer ID.

Here, the purchasing information associated with the consumer ID refers to the purchasing information when the consumer corresponding to the consumer ID purchased a product at the store SP. Every time a consumer purchases a product at the store SP, new purchasing information is additionally registered in association with the consumer's consumer ID. In other words, the purchasing history DB454 stores the purchasing history of products that the consumer has previously purchased.

As described above, the purchase information includes information such as the product ID, product name, and variety of each purchased product. It also includes information such as the transaction date and time and the store ID of the store where the transaction was performed. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the purchase information may also include information related to the payment process, such as the amount paid and the amount of change.

Next, the functional configuration of the server device 40 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 40. As shown in FIG. 10, the server device 40 includes a purchase history management unit 411, a consumer position identification unit 412, a store visit determination unit 413, an analysis processing unit 414, and a direct-from-farm information provision unit 415 as functional units.

A part or all of the functional units of the server device 40 described above may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., a CPU) of the server device 40 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., a ROM, a storage unit 45). Also, a part or all of the functional units of the server device 40 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the server device 40.

The purchase history management unit 411 is an example of a storage control means. The purchase history management unit 411 performs a process of storing the purchase information of each consumer in the purchase history DB 454, which is an example of a storage device. Specifically, the purchase history management unit 411 receives purchase information (and consumer ID) sent from each store SP (POS terminal 10), and stores the received purchase information in the purchase history DB 454 in association with the corresponding consumer ID.

The consumer position identification unit 412 is an example of a position identification means. The consumer position identification unit 412 identifies the location where the consumer is located based on the position information (and the consumer ID) transmitted from the consumer terminal 30. In a configuration in which the position information of the consumer terminal 30 is transmitted from the store SP, the consumer position identification unit 412 identifies the location where the consumer with that consumer ID is located based on the position information (and the consumer ID) transmitted from the store SP.

The store visit determination unit 413 is an example of a determination means. The store visit determination unit 413 determines whether the consumer has visited any store SP based on the consumer's location identified by the consumer location identification unit 412. Specifically, the store visit determination unit 413 compares the consumer's location identified by the consumer location identification unit 412 with the locations of each store SP registered in the store management DB 452, and determines whether the consumer's location corresponds to the location of any store SP. Then, the store visit determination unit 413 determines the store ID of the corresponding store SP as the store visited by the consumer (consumer ID) whose location was identified by the consumer location identification unit 412.

The analysis processing unit 414 is an example of an analysis means. When the store visit determination unit 413 determines that a consumer has visited the store SP, the analysis processing unit 414 analyzes the purchasing tendency of the consumer based on the purchase history associated with the consumer ID of the consumer.

Specifically, the analysis processing unit 414 refers to the purchase information stored in association with the consumer ID of the consumer who visited the store SP, and analyzes the consumer's purchasing tendency based on the product name, variety, purchase frequency, number of purchases, etc. of each product recorded in the purchase information. The analysis processing unit 414 may perform the analysis using all of the purchase information stored in association with the consumer ID, or may perform the analysis within the range of purchase information including the store ID of the store SP where the visit was detected. The analysis processing unit 414 may also perform the analysis within the range of purchase information stored in association with the consumer ID, including the store ID for which "Yes" is set as the target store in the store management DB 452.

Here, the analysis method is not particularly limited, and known techniques may be used. For example, the analysis processing unit 414 may analyze the consumer's preferred ingredients (food products), varieties, etc., based on the product name and variety of each product recorded in the purchase information, the purchase frequency, the number of purchases, etc.

In addition, if consumer preference information is registered in the consumer management DB 451, the analysis processing unit 414 may analyze the consumer's favorite ingredients and varieties by also using the preference information. In addition, if information regarding the consumer's allergens is registered in the consumer management DB 451, the analysis processing unit 414 derives ingredients and varieties related to the allergens as avoided ingredients.

The analysis processing unit 414 refers to the store management DB 452, and when the target store of the store ID of the store SP where visit was detected is set to "No", suppresses the analysis of the purchasing trends described above.

The direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 is an example of a selection means and a providing means. Based on the consumer purchasing trends analyzed by the analysis processing unit 414, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 selects agricultural products that correspond to the consumer purchasing trends from among the producers stored in the producer management DB 453. More specifically, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 selects one or more producer IDs of producers who produce agricultural products that correspond to the consumer purchasing trends.

Here, the selection method is not particularly limited, and known techniques may be used. For example, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 may narrow down the product names and varieties of agricultural produce that correspond to the ingredients and varieties of the consumer's preferences analyzed by the analysis processing unit 414, and select the corresponding producer ID. Note that if the analysis results of the analysis processing unit 414 include repellent ingredients, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 will exclude the product names and varieties of agricultural produce that correspond to these repellent ingredients from the narrowing down targets.

When the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 selects a producer ID, it generates direct-from-farm information that includes at least a URL associated with the producer ID, and provides (transmits) the direct-from-farm information to the consumer terminal 30 of the consumer (consumer ID) who visits the store SP.

In addition to the URL, the direct-from-farm information preferably includes information such as the production area associated with the producer ID, the product name, and the harvest time. The direct-from-farm information may also include information such as a message to guide users on using the direct-from-farm sales service.

When the consumer terminal 30 receives the direct-from-farm information, the control unit 31 performs processing to notify the consumer that the direct-from-farm information has been received, and causes the display unit 33 to display the contents of the direct-from-farm information in response to the consumer's operation, etc. Then, when the consumer's operation instructs the consumer terminal 30 to access a URL displayed on the display unit 33, the control unit 31 accesses the direct-from-farm sales site ST (Web server 20) corresponding to the URL, and causes the display unit 33 to display the sales page provided by the Web server 20.

As a result, the server device 40 can encourage consumers who visit the store SP to access the direct sales site ST that meets the preferences of the consumers, thereby increasing opportunities to use direct sales.

The following describes an example of the operation of the server device 40.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the server device 40. Note that, as a premise of this processing, it is assumed that the purchase history (purchase information) of each consumer acquired by the purchase history management unit 411 is stored in the purchase history DB 454.

First, the consumer location identification unit 412 identifies the location where the consumer is located based on the consumer ID and location information sent from the consumer terminal 30 (or store SP) (step S11). Next, the store visit determination unit 413 compares the consumer's location identified in step S11 with the addresses of each store SP stored in the store management DB 452, and determines whether the consumer has visited any store SP (step S12).

Here, if the location of the consumer identified in step S11 does not correspond to the location of any store SP stored in the store management DB 452 (step S12; No), the store visit determination unit 413 terminates this process.

On the other hand, if the location of the consumer identified in step S11 corresponds to the location of a store SP stored in the store management DB 452 (step S12; Yes), the store visit determination unit 413 identifies the store SP (store ID) of the corresponding location and determines that the consumer has visited the store SP.

Next, the analysis processing unit 414 refers to the store management DB 452 and determines whether the store SP identified in step S12 is a target store (step S14). If the store SP identified in step S12 is a non-target store (step S14; No), the analysis processing unit 414 ends this process.

If the store SP identified in step S12 is a target store (step S14; Yes), the analysis processing unit 414 extracts the purchase history (purchase information) of consumers who visited the store SP from the purchase history DB (step S15). Next, the analysis processing unit 414 analyzes the purchasing trends of consumers based on the purchase history extracted in step S15 (step S16).

Next, based on the analysis results of step S16, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 selects from the producer management DB 453 the agricultural products that correspond to the consumer's purchasing trends and the producer ID of the producer who produces the agricultural products (step S17). Next, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 generates direct-from-farm information based on various information such as the URL stored in association with the agricultural products or producer ID selected in step S17 (step S18). The direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 then provides the generated direct-from-farm information to the consumer terminal 30 that corresponds to the consumer ID of the visiting consumer (step S19), and ends this process.

The control unit 41 executes the process of FIG. 11 each time location information is sent from each consumer terminal 30, but it is preferable to limit the number of times the direct-from-farm information is provided (sent) so that it is provided (sent) only once while the consumer is staying at the same store SP. This makes it possible to prevent the direct-from-farm information from being sent multiple times while the consumer is staying at the same store SP, thereby improving convenience.

As described above, the server device 40 of this embodiment analyzes the purchasing trends of a consumer based on purchase information in which the varieties of products purchased by the consumer are recorded, and selects the producer ID of a producer who produces agricultural products corresponding to the purchasing trends from the producer management DB 453. The server device 40 then provides the consumer with direct-sales information including the URL of the direct-sales site ST corresponding to the selected producer ID.

As a result, consumers can easily access the direct sales site ST (Web server 20) that produces and sells agricultural products that correspond to their purchasing trends by accessing the direct sales site ST based on the URL of the provided direct sales information. In addition, consumers can easily purchase agricultural products based on the sales page provided by the Web server 20 of the direct sales site ST that they access. Therefore, the server device 40 can increase the opportunities to use direct sales.

In addition, by providing direct-from-farm information to consumers who visit the store SP, the server device 40 can recommend farm products sold directly to consumers who are motivated to purchase, thereby further increasing opportunities to use direct-from-farm sales.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate by changing a portion of the configuration or function of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, some modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. Note that the following will mainly describe the differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of the points in common with the contents already described will be omitted. The modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

(Variation 1)
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the server device 40 provides the direct-from-farm information when the consumer visits the store SP, but the timing of providing the direct-from-farm information is not limited to this.

For example, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 may provide direct-from-farm information to each of the consumers registered in the consumer management DB 451 at a preset timing. The direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 may also provide direct-from-farm information to each consumer at a timing set for that consumer. The analysis processing unit 414 may analyze the purchasing trends of each consumer in advance, or may start analyzing the target consumers in accordance with the timing of providing the direct-from-farm information.

For example, the direct-producer information providing unit 415 may provide the direct-producer information to the consumer terminal 30 of the consumer associated with the purchasing information at the time the purchasing information is registered in the purchasing history DB 454. In this case, the direct-producer information providing unit 415 may read the newly registered purchasing information from the purchasing history DB 454 and provide the read purchasing information together with the direct-producer information to the consumer. In this case, the direct-producer information providing unit 415 may provide the purchasing information as an electronic receipt, or may provide the electronic receipt with the direct-producer information added to it, or may provide the electronic receipt with the direct-producer information included in it.

In addition, when providing direct-sales information at the time the purchase information is registered, the direct-sales information providing unit 415 may provide (send) the direct-sales information to the POS terminal 10 that sent the purchase information, so that the contents of the direct-sales information are included in the paper receipt output by the POS terminal 10. In this case, for example, the URL of the direct-sales information may be printed on the paper receipt in the form of a two-dimensional code or the like. This allows a consumer who receives the paper receipt to easily access the direct-sales site ST (Web server 20) by having their own consumer terminal 30 read the URL printed on the paper receipt.

The analysis processing unit 414 starts analyzing the consumer corresponding to the purchasing information when that purchasing information is registered in the purchasing history DB 454. The analysis may be performed within the scope of the newly registered purchasing information, or may be performed using all purchasing information associated with that consumer.

For example, the direct-producer information providing unit 415 may provide the direct-producer information in response to a request from the consumer terminal 30. Specifically, when the direct-producer information providing unit 415 receives instruction information requesting direct-producer information from the consumer terminal 30 together with a consumer ID, the direct-producer information providing unit 415 provides the direct-producer information related to the consumer ID to the requesting consumer (consumer terminal 30). The direct-producer information providing unit 415 may also read purchase information associated with the consumer ID from the purchase history DB 454, and provide the read purchase information together with the direct-producer information to the consumer. In this case, the direct-producer information providing unit 415 may provide each of the read purchase information as an electronic receipt.

The analysis processing unit 414 may be configured to analyze the purchasing trends of each consumer in advance, or to start analyzing the requesting consumer when a request is received.

According to the server device 40 of this modified example, direct sales information can be provided to consumers at various times, thereby further increasing the opportunities to utilize direct sales.

In addition, the server device 40 of this modified example can provide direct sales information along with electronic receipts, thereby increasing opportunities to use direct sales and improving consumer convenience.

In addition, the server device 40 of this modified example can provide paper receipts issued by the POS terminal 10 with direct sales information included, thereby increasing opportunities to use direct sales and improving consumer convenience.

(Variation 2)
In the above-described embodiment (and variant 1), the consumer terminal 30 is a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the consumer, but it is not limited to this and may be a terminal device installed in the store SP. For example, the consumer terminal 30 may be a semi-self-service POS terminal or a self-service POS terminal where the consumer himself operates the sales registration and payment processing. The consumer terminal 30 may also be a sales registration device (so-called cart POS) attached to a shopping cart. However, in any case, the consumer ID of the consumer using the consumer terminal 30 is input into the consumer terminal 30, and the consumer ID is held for one transaction.

As a result, consumers can receive direct-from-farm information using a POS terminal or cart POS installed at the store SP, without using their own consumer terminal 30. Therefore, this modified example can achieve the same effects as the above embodiment, while reducing the burden on consumers.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, a form was described in which agricultural products (producer ID) are selected from producer management DB 453 based on purchasing trends derived from the consumer's purchase history, but this is not limited to the above and further narrowing down conditions may be set.

For example, the direct-from-farm information providing unit 415 may select the producer ID of the producer who produces the remaining agricultural products, excluding the same or similar varieties as the products sold at the store SP visited by the consumer, from among the agricultural products selected based on the analysis results of the analysis processing unit 414.

This allows the server device 40 to provide the consumer with the URL of a direct sales site ST that sells agricultural products that do not compete with products sold at the store SP that the consumer visited, as direct sales information. Therefore, the server device 40 of this modified example achieves the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiment, and can reduce overlap and competition between products purchased at the store SP and agricultural products purchased at the direct sales site.

(Variation 4)
In the above embodiment, the relationship between the store SP and the direct sales site ST is not specified, but for example, the store SP may be associated with the direct sales site ST in cooperation with the store SP in advance. As a result, for example, the direct sales information providing unit 415 may select agricultural products related to the direct sales information from agricultural products sold at the direct sales site ST (URL) in cooperation with the store SP visited by the consumer.

The system may also be configured to give a portion of the sales of agricultural products sold on the direct sales site ST back to the affiliated store SP.

(Variation 5)
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which direct-from-farm information is provided to a consumer on the condition that the consumer visits the store SP, i.e., the location of the consumer corresponds to the location of the store SP. However, the location that serves as a trigger for providing the direct-from-farm information is not limited to the store SP.

For example, by separately setting a specific location other than the store SP (such as the location of a train station), direct-from-farm information can be provided to the consumer on the condition that the consumer's location matches that specific location. In addition, the location that triggers the provision of direct-from-farm information can be set individually for each consumer. This makes it possible to provide direct-from-farm information on conditions such as when the consumer is at home.

(Variation 6)
In the above embodiment, the server device 40 has a function for managing purchase information and a function for providing direct-from-farm information, but both functions may be realized by separate devices. For example, the first server device may have a purchase history management unit 411 and a purchase history DB 454, and the second server device may have a consumer location identification unit 412, a store visit determination unit 413, an analysis processing unit 414, a direct-from-farm information provision unit 415, a consumer management DB 451, a store management DB 452, and a producer management DB 453.

In this case, in the first server device, the purchase history management unit 411 receives the purchase information (and consumer ID) sent from each store SP and registers it in the purchase history DB 454. In addition, in the second server device, each functional unit of the analysis processing unit 414 and the direct sales information provision unit 415 can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment by referring to the purchase history DB 454.

Furthermore, the functions related to detecting the consumer's location (the consumer location identification unit 412, the store visit determination unit 413, and the store management DB 452) may be removed from the second server device, and these functions may be realized by a separate device.

The consumer management DB 451, the store management DB 452, the producer management DB 453, and the purchase history DB 454 may be stored in a server device or in another device such as a database server.

The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modified examples are provided in a state where they are pre-installed in a ROM, a storage unit, etc. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Also, the programs executed by each device of the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Although the embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and variations are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments and variations can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

Reference Signs List 1 Sales support system 10 POS terminal 20 Web server 30 Consumer terminal 40 Server device 411 Purchase history management unit 412 Consumer position identification unit 413 Store visit determination unit 414 Analysis processing unit 415 Direct sales information provision unit SP Store ST Direct sales site

JP 2003-223481 A

Claims (3)

an analysis means for analyzing the purchasing tendency of the consumer based on purchase information in which the product purchased by the consumer or the type of the product purchased by the consumer is recorded;
a selection means for selecting an agricultural product corresponding to the purchasing tendency analyzed by the analysis means from a candidate list in which the address of each site that sells agricultural products directly from the producer is associated with the variety of the agricultural product sold at the site;
a providing means for providing to the consumer direct-from-farm information including an address of the site selling the agricultural product selected by the selecting means;
A location identification means for identifying a location where the consumer is present;
a determination means for determining whether or not the location of the consumer identified by the location identification means corresponds to the address of a store selling the product;
Equipped with
The analysis means starts an analysis of the consumer on condition that the determination means determines that the consumer is eligible.
The selection means is a server device that selects the remaining agricultural products from the agricultural products corresponding to the purchasing trends analyzed by the analysis means, excluding varieties that are the same as or similar to the varieties of the products sold in the store. A storage control means for storing, in a storage device, purchase information of the product purchased by the consumer in association with identification information for identifying the consumer,
The server device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis means, when new purchasing information is stored in the storage device, analyzes the purchasing tendencies of the consumer related to the purchasing information based on the purchasing information stored in association with the consumer's identification information or the new purchasing information. The computer of the server device,
an analysis means for analyzing the purchasing tendency of the consumer based on purchase information in which the product purchased by the consumer or the type of the product purchased by the consumer is recorded;
a selection means for selecting an agricultural product corresponding to the purchasing tendency analyzed by the analysis means from a candidate list in which the address of each site that sells agricultural products directly from the producer is associated with the variety of the agricultural product sold at the site;
a providing means for providing to the consumer direct-from-farm information including an address of the site selling the agricultural product selected by the selecting means;
A location identification means for identifying a location where the consumer is present;
a determination means for determining whether or not the location of the consumer identified by the location identification means corresponds to the address of a store selling the product;
and make it work .
The analysis means starts an analysis of the consumer on condition that the determination means determines that the consumer is eligible.
The selection means is a program for selecting the remaining agricultural products from among the agricultural products corresponding to the purchasing trends analyzed by the analysis means, excluding varieties that are the same as or similar to the varieties of products sold in the store.

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