JP7747729B2 - Computer system, method for controlling provision of recommended information, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system that displays recommended information about items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device.

Technologies have been proposed for providing information about clothing that adapts to changes in the wearer's body shape. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that provides information for deciding whether to purchase children's clothing. Specifically, the technology in Patent Document 1 stores the allowable sizes that children's clothing can wear in advance, and predicts the date and time when the user (child user) will no longer be able to wear the children's clothing based on the allowable sizes and the growth pattern of the wearer. This allows users to consider purchasing children's clothing after understanding the period during which the children's clothing can be worn.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-265077

However, the technology in Patent Document 1 only presents the user with a wearable period until the child user can no longer wear the children's clothing, but does not provide a specific time when it is recommended to purchase the size that the child user will be able to wear after that. Furthermore, while clothing was mentioned as a wearable item, similar issues exist for wearable items other than clothing, such as shoes and hats.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide technology that can present information indicating the recommended purchase date for an item to a target user who will be wearing the item.

The first invention for solving the above problem is a computer system that controls the display of recommended information for items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device. The computer system includes an estimation unit that uses measurement information of a first target user related to the part of the body where the item is worn and the wearing size of the first target user wearing the item to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item related to a first recommended size that is larger than the wearing size, and a recommendation control unit that controls the display on the terminal device to display the recommended date based on the first recommended purchase date.

According to the first invention, a first recommended purchase date for recommending the purchase of an item in a first recommended size larger than the size worn by a first target user can be estimated, and display control for displaying the first recommended purchase date on a terminal device can be performed using recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date. This makes it possible to present information indicating the recommended purchase date for a size larger than the size worn by the first target user as the first recommended size.

A second invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the estimation unit estimates a first recommended size comfort period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first recommended size comfortably based on the measurement information and the wearing size of the first target user, and estimates the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period.

According to the second invention, the first recommended purchase date can be estimated from the first recommended size comfort period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first recommended size comfortably.

A third invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the estimation unit uses measurement information of a second target user relating to a wearing part where the item is worn and the wearing size of the second target user wearing the item to estimate a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item relating to a second recommended size larger than the wearing size, and the recommendation control unit executes the recommended purchase date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date and the second recommended purchase date.

According to the third invention, a second recommended purchase date for recommending the purchase of an item of a second recommended size larger than the second target user's wearing size can be estimated, and display control for displaying the second recommended purchase date on a terminal device can be performed using recommended date presentation control based on the second recommended purchase date.

A fourth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the recommendation control unit controls the presentation of the recommended date by causing the terminal device to display a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information of a first target user can be displayed on a terminal device, and a first indicator showing a first recommended purchase date can be displayed on the first predicted change graph. Furthermore, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information of a second target user can be displayed on the terminal device, and a second indicator showing a second recommended purchase date can be displayed on the second predicted change graph.

A fifth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the recommendation control unit controls the recommended date presentation by causing the terminal device to display a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, and a display showing the second recommended purchase date.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information of the first target user can be displayed on the terminal device, and a first indicator showing the first recommended purchase date can be displayed on the first predicted change graph. Also, a display showing the second recommended purchase date can be displayed on the terminal device.

The sixth invention is a computer system according to the above invention, further comprising an online shopping function unit for selling the item through online shopping using the terminal device as a man-machine interface, and a user data management unit for managing data on registered users in the online shopping and data on the first target user associated with the registered users, wherein the recommendation control unit executes the recommended date presentation control at a predetermined timing for purchase by the registered user.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, recommended date presentation control can be performed at the time of purchase by a registered user in online shopping.

A seventh invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the estimation unit estimates a first recommended size comfort period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to comfortably wear the first recommended size based on the measurement information and wearing size of the first target user, and estimates the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period; estimates a second recommended size comfort period during which the second target user is estimated to be able to comfortably wear the second recommended size based on the measurement information and wearing size of the second target user, and estimates the second recommended purchase date based on the second recommended size comfort period; and the recommendation control unit controls the terminal device to simultaneously display the first recommended size comfort period and the second recommended size comfort period.

According to the seventh invention, the first recommended purchase date can be estimated from the first recommended size comfort period during which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first recommended size comfortably. Furthermore, the first recommended purchase date can be estimated from the second recommended size comfort period during which the second target user is estimated to be able to wear the second recommended size comfortably. The first recommended size comfort period and the second recommended size comfort period can then be simultaneously displayed on the terminal device.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is a computer system in which the recommendation control unit controls the terminal device to associate and display the first recommended size and the first recommended size comfort period, and also controls the terminal device to associate and display the second recommended size and the second recommended size comfort period.

According to the eighth invention, the first recommended size and the comfortable period for the first recommended size can be associated and displayed on the terminal device, and the second recommended size and the comfortable period for the second recommended size can be associated and displayed on the terminal device.

A ninth invention is a computer system in the above invention, in which the recommendation control unit executes the recommended date presentation control by causing the terminal device to display a predetermined calendar display and displaying, on the calendar display, a first identifier indicating that the recommended purchase date for the first target user is the recommended purchase date on the date corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, and a second identifier indicating that the recommended purchase date for the second target user is the recommended purchase date on the date corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a first identifier can be displayed on the calendar on a date corresponding to a first recommended purchase date to indicate that it is a recommended purchase date for a first target user, and a second identifier can be displayed on a date corresponding to a second recommended purchase date to indicate that it is a recommended purchase date for a second target user.

The tenth invention is a computer system that controls the display of recommended information for items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device, comprising a first estimation unit that estimates a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by a first target user, using measurement information of a first target user related to a wearing part where the item is worn, and a second estimation unit that estimates a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by a second target user, using measurement information of a second target user related to a wearing part where the item is worn, and a display control unit that controls the display of the first recommended purchase date and and a recommendation control unit that executes recommended date presentation control based on the second recommended purchase date, wherein the recommendation control unit controls the recommended date presentation by causing the terminal device to display a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a first recommended purchase date for an item can be estimated for a first target user, and a second recommended purchase date for an item can be estimated for a second target user, and display control based on the first and second recommended purchase dates can be performed to display these on a terminal device. As the recommended date display control, a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information of the first target user can be displayed on the terminal device, and a first indicator indicating the first recommended purchase date can be displayed on the first predicted change graph. Furthermore, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information of the second target user can be displayed on the terminal device, and a second indicator indicating the second recommended purchase date can be displayed on the second predicted change graph.

An eleventh invention is an online shopping system comprising a server system, which is the computer system of the above invention, and the terminal device.

According to the eleventh invention, an online shopping system can be realized that achieves the same effects as the above inventions.

The twelfth invention is a recommended information provision control method for a computer system that controls the display of recommended information about items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device, and the recommended information provision control method uses measurement information of a first target user related to the part of the body where the item is worn and the wearing size of the first target user wearing the item to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item related to a first recommended size that is larger than the wearing size, and controls the display of the information on the terminal device to present a recommended date based on the first recommended purchase date.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a recommended information provision control method can be realized that achieves the same effects as the first aspect of the present invention.

The thirteenth invention is a recommended information provision control method for a computer system to control the display of recommended information for items that can be worn by a user on a terminal device, the method comprising: using measurement information of a first target user relating to a wearing part where the item is worn to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by the first target user; using measurement information of a second target user relating to a wearing part where the item is worn to estimate a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item by the second target user; and display control for displaying the information on the terminal device, comprising: and performing recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date and the second recommended purchase date, wherein the recommended date presentation control includes displaying on the terminal device a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user, a first indicator showing a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, and a second indicator showing a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

According to the thirteenth aspect, a recommended information provision control method can be realized that achieves the same effects as the tenth aspect.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a terminal device to execute control for displaying recommended information about items that can be worn by a user, the program causing the terminal device to communicate with a server system that uses measurement information of a first target user related to the part of the body where the item is worn and the wearing size of the first target user wearing the item to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the item related to a first recommended size that is larger than the wearing size, and to perform control for presenting a recommended purchase date based on the first recommended purchase date.

According to the fourteenth aspect, a program can be realized that achieves the same effects as the first aspect.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a terminal device to execute control to display recommended information about items that can be worn by a user, the program communicating with a server system that uses measurement information of a first target user related to a body part where the item is worn to estimate a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended date for the first target user to purchase the item, and uses measurement information of a second target user related to a body part where the item is worn to estimate a second recommended purchase date, which is a recommended date for the second target user to purchase the item; displaying a first predicted change graph that shows a predicted change in the measurement information of the first target user based on the measurement information of the first target user; displaying a first indicator that shows a point on the first predicted change graph that corresponds to the first recommended purchase date; displaying a second predicted change graph that shows a predicted change in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user; and displaying a second indicator that shows a point on the second predicted change graph that corresponds to the second recommended purchase date.

According to the fifteenth aspect, a program can be realized that achieves the same effects as the tenth aspect.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an online shopping system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the association between a registered user ID and a wearer's ID. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of comfort level fluctuation information for an item I1 intended for a wearer U11. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of comfort level fluctuation information for an item I2 for a wearer U11. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of comfort level fluctuation information for an item I3 intended for a wearer U11. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an estimation process. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a recommendation display screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of user management data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the server system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recommendation display screen in a modified example.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. The following description will be given using shoes (low boots), which are a type of footwear, as an example of an item. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to cases where shoes, including boots, are sold as items, and can also be similarly applied to cases where other items such as clothing and hats are sold.
[Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an online shopping system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the online shopping system 1000 includes a server system 1100 and a terminal device 1500, which are connected to each other via a network 9 so that data communication between them is possible. The online shopping system 1000 provides an online shopping service that sells items that can be worn by users. In the following description, shoes will be used as an example of an item, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the sale of other items.

Network 9 refers to a communication path over which data communication is possible. In other words, network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, regardless of whether the communication method is wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 is a computer system comprising a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140. The main device 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 equipped with electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or SoC (System on a Chip).

This server system 1100 performs computations based on predetermined programs and data using the CPU 1151 and other components to realize a user management function that registers users and manages data by linking them to accounts, and an online shopping function that provides online shopping services. This includes providing programs for the terminal device 1500 to realize each function, as well as various data required to run the programs. Users who have completed the registration procedure (registered users) can access the server system 1100 using their own terminal device 1500, log in using the issued registered user ID, and enjoy online shopping.

Note that although Figure 1 shows only one terminal device 1500, in actual system operation, multiple terminal devices 1500 can access the server system 1100 simultaneously.

Furthermore, although server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be configured to be realized by multiple devices. For example, server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers that share various functions and are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate data with each other. Furthermore, the location of the hardware that makes up server system 1100 does not matter. It may also be configured so that multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicate data via network 9, and function as server system 1100 as a whole.

The terminal device 1500 is a computer system that functions as a man-machine interface, and is connected to the network 9 via a communication base station or the like, and can communicate data with the server system 1100. The terminal device 1500 shown in Figure 2 is classified as a smartphone, but it may also be a wearable computer such as a smartwatch, a portable game device, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or the like, as long as it is a computer. When multiple electronic devices are organically linked to perform a single function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smartwatch connected to the smartphone, these multiple electronic devices can be considered a single terminal device 1500.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of terminal device 1500. As shown in Figure 2, terminal device 1500 is equipped with directional input keys 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. Other features include a power button, a volume control button, etc., not shown.

Control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU 1551, GPU, DSP, etc.; various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, ROM, etc.; a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations and wireless communication base stations connected to network 9; and interface circuit 1557. Interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from directional input keys 1502 and home key 1504, a driver circuit for touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating audio signals collected by microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image signals captured by camera 1520, and a signal input/output circuit for memory card reader 1542.

Each element mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, enabling the reading and writing of data and the sending and receiving of signals. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of the terminal device in IC memory 1552.

In this embodiment, the terminal device 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 obtained separately.
[detail]
1. User Management Function To realize the user management function, the server system 1100 executes a process related to user registration (user registration process) and a process related to management of data of registered users who have completed the registration procedure and data of wearers associated with the registered users (data management process).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the registered user ID of a registered user can be associated with the wearer ID of one or more wearers. A registered user is a user who logs in using a registered user ID and performs online shopping for various items such as shoes. On the other hand, a wearer is a user who wears shoes purchased by a registered user. The wearer may be the registered user himself/herself, a family member, or a friend. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the wearer is the registered user's child. When a separate registered user registers a child as a wearer, a wearer ID is issued to the wearer. Each wearer ID is associated with and stored as user data (see wearer data 520 in FIG. 16 ) acquired about the wearer in the data acquisition process described below. The user data includes attribute information such as the wearer's age and gender, measurement information of the wearer measured on the wearer's body part (the foot in this embodiment) where the item (shoes in this embodiment) is worn, and comfort level fluctuation information generated using the wearer's attribute information, measurement information, etc. As will be described later, comfort level fluctuation information is generated for each user wearing the item (in this embodiment, shoes sold through an online shopping service).
2. Online Shopping Function To realize the online shopping function, the server system 1100 performs a data acquisition process to acquire user data related to the target user. When a registered user logs in, the server system 1100 causes the terminal device 1500 to display product information for the item. Prior to displaying the product information, the server system 1100 executes an estimation process to estimate a recommended purchase date for the item for each wearer associated with the registered user, and a recommendation control process to control the presentation of a recommended date based on the recommended purchase date.
2-1. Data Acquisition Process In the data acquisition process, the server system 1100 acquires user data from a wearer designated by a registered user on the terminal device 1500 as a target user. For example, when registering a new wearer or when wishing to measure the measurement information of a wearer, the registered user performs an operation to designate the wearer as a target user.

When a designation operation for a target user is detected, the server system 1100 first acquires the target user's attribute information. This can be acquired by accepting input operations such as age and gender on the terminal device 1500.

Next, the server system 1100 acquires measurement information for the target user. The measurement information includes shape data for the wearable area (the foot in this embodiment) and growth change data for the wearable area. For example, the measurement information can be acquired by performing measurements using a measurement device capable of measuring foot size. To give one example, a specified mat with numerous dots (markers) is first prepared for measurement, and the target user's feet are placed on the mat and photographed from multiple angles using the terminal device 1500. A 3D model of the foot is then created based on the dots (markers) on the mat from the captured data, and various data (shape data) related to the target user's foot shape, such as the overall foot shape, instep shape, foot size, foot width, and whether or not the foot is flat, are measured. Note that other methods may be used as long as they can acquire similar data. For example, the target user's feet are placed on a flat surface and photographed from multiple angles using the terminal device 1500, and photogrammetry processing based on the captured data is performed to measure the same data. The measurement process may be performed by the terminal device 1500, or the server system 1100 may acquire the captured image data and then perform the process. The difference in configuration is whether the terminal device 1500 or the server system 1100 is equipped with a measuring means. Alternatively, similar data may be acquired by manually entering numerical values such as the target user's foot length into the terminal device 1500. In either case, the server system 1100 ultimately acquires the measurement data (measurement results). The server system 1100 then predicts the growth and change of the target user's feet based on the measurement results and the target user's attribute information. For example, the server system 1100 predicts foot size by age (e.g., age in months) after the measurement timing and obtains the predicted change in size by age as growth and change data. The server system 1100 acquires the obtained shape data and growth and change data as the target user's measurement information.

The growth change data may be configured to use data on the average foot size of children of the same sex (average foot size by age in months). Alternatively, data on the growth change of children with fast growth rates (average foot size by age in months) and data on the growth change of children with slow growth rates (average foot size by age in months) may be prepared in advance, and data (average value) corresponding to the target user's growth rate may be used as the growth change data. Growth change may also be predicted based on the measurement results (i.e., actual values) obtained by the measurement means, taking into account the example average values. Alternatively, growth change may be predicted based on information about the target user entered by a registered user (e.g., attribute information such as age and gender, height, weight, etc.), or images of the target user's body (here, feet) (e.g., images of the feet taken from various angles).

Once the measurement information has been acquired, the server system 1100 generates comfort level fluctuation information for each specified item (e.g., shoes sold through an online shopping service) based on the item information for that item and the target user's attribute information and measurement information, which indicates the fluctuation in comfort level over time when the target user wears that item. Note that the configuration is not limited to using both the target user's attribute information and measurement information, and it is also possible to use either one of them.

Item information includes the item name, category, size range, specifications such as material, dimensions, and weight, as well as purchaser ratings of the item. When rating information is used to generate comfort level variation information, for example, the comfort level variation information is generated by extracting and using information on ratings of the item given by registered users who have registered children with similar attribute information and measurement information to the target user as wearers. Specifically, when generating a graph of comfort levels by size (described below), the rating information can be used to adjust the shape of the parabola, making the shape steeper or gentler.

Figures 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams showing examples of comfort level variation information generated for each of items (shoes) I1, I2, and I3, with wearing user U11 (see Figure 7) as the target user. In this embodiment, comfort level variation information is generated that represents the comfort level at each point in time from the measurement timing related to the measurement information of the target user (wearing user U11) (i.e., the timing of the previous measurement performed on wearing user U11) to a predetermined target period (up to 14 months in the example of Figure 4, etc.) as a value ranging from "0 (very bad)" to "100 (very good)." Note that Figure 4, etc. shows only the generated comfort level variation information with a comfort level of 50 or higher.

When focusing on a single item, the server system 1100 performs the following process for each size in accordance with the size range of the item being generated. Specifically, first, based on the measurement information of the target user (here, wearing user U11), it sets the point at which the size is thought to be most suitable for the target user when wearing that size (estimated best-fit point). Next, it sets the comfort level at the estimated best-fit point to 100, and generates a parabolic graph with the estimated best-fit point as its apex as a comfort level graph for that size. At this time, it uses item information to adjust the shape of the parabola of the graph being generated (whether the parabola has a gentle slope or a steep slope). The above process is repeated for each size, generating a comfort level graph for each size, thereby obtaining comfort level variation information.

For example, the example in Figure 4 shows an example in which comfort level fluctuation information for item I1 has been generated, including a comfort level graph G1-1 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12 cm, a comfort level graph G1-2 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12.5 cm, a comfort level graph G1-3 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13 cm, and a comfort level graph G1-4 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13.5 cm. Similarly, the example in Figure 5 shows an example in which comfort level fluctuation information for item I2 has been generated, including a comfort level graph G2-1 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12 cm, a comfort level graph G2-2 when the wearer U11 wears a size 12.5 cm, a comfort level graph G2-3 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13 cm, and a comfort level graph G2-4 when the wearer U11 wears a size 13.5 cm. The example in Figure 6 shows an example in which comfort level fluctuation information for item I3 has been generated, generating a comfort level graph G3-1 when wearer U11 wears a size 12 cm, and a comfort level graph G3-2 when wearer U11 wears a size 13 cm.

When comparing item I1 in Figure 4 and item I2 in Figure 5, even if they are the same size, if item I2 is designed to be smaller (for example, if item I2 is made of a material that is less stretchy), item I1 will be able to be worn comfortably for a shorter period of time than item I2. Therefore, when generating a graph of comfort levels for each size, server system 1100 adjusts the parabolic shape of items that are designed to be tight (for example, item I1) to make them steeper.

Conversely, when comparing items of the same size, if one item is designed to be larger (for example, if one item is made of a material that stretches easily), that item will be comfortable to wear for a longer period of time than the other item. Therefore, when generating a graph of comfort levels for each size, the server system 1100 adjusts the parabolic shape of items that are designed to be larger to make them gentler.

Furthermore, when comparing items, the size increments of one item may be larger than the size increments of the other item. For example, the size of item I3 in Figure 6 is in 1 cm increments, while the size of item I1 in Figure 4 and item I2 in Figure 5 are in 0.5 cm increments. Therefore, when generating a graph of comfort levels by size, the server system 1100 adjusts the parabolic shape of items with larger size increments so that it is gentler than that of smaller items.

In addition, measurement information and comfort level fluctuation information are obtained each time a measurement related to the measurement information is performed on the target user and are updated to the latest information.

The comfort level variation information may also be generated taking into account the target user's preferences for wearing items (e.g., preference for oversized or slim). Specifically, for example, evaluation information on comfort for children with similar preferences to the target user may be extracted from evaluation information included in the item information and used to generate the comfort level variation information. Specifically, when adjusting the shape of the parabola to generate a graph of comfort levels for each size, the evaluation information can be used to make the shape steeper or gentler.
2-2. Estimation Process In the estimation process, the server system 1100 estimates a recommended purchase date for an item of a size larger than the worn size based on the target user's measurement information and the wear size of the target user who wears the item. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 estimates a recommended purchase date for each item using comfort level fluctuation information generated for each item for the target user from the target user's measurement information, etc. If multiple wearers are associated with a registered user, each wearer is sequentially treated as a target user, and estimation is performed for each target user.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the estimation process. Figure 7 shows registered user U1 and two wearers U11 and U13 associated with registered user U1. In the data acquisition process described above, for wearer U11, comfort level fluctuation information for each item when worn by wearer U11 is generated (see, for example, the comfort level fluctuation information in Figures 4 to 6), and for wearer U13, comfort level fluctuation information for each item when worn by wearer U13 is generated. In this embodiment, when registered user U1 logs in, one wearer (e.g., wearer U11) is designated as the first target user, and the other wearer (e.g., wearer U13) is designated as the second target user. First, each item is designated as an estimation target item, and the following process is repeated for the first target user (here, wearer U11) to estimate a first recommended purchase date for wearer U11 for each item.

7 is used as an example, the server system 1100 (A) determines the current size of the wearer U11 (the size that can be worn comfortably at the present time; hereinafter referred to as the "current size") for the item to be estimated (here, item I4). The server system 1100 also (B) estimates a size larger than the current size (e.g., one size larger) as the first recommended size, and (C) estimates a comfortable period during which the wearer U11 can comfortably wear item I4 of the first recommended size as the first recommended size comfortable period. The server system 1100 then (D) estimates a first recommended purchase date, which is the recommended purchase date for item I4 for the wearer U11, based on the first recommended size comfortable period. In other words, the first recommended purchase date is the recommended purchase date for the first recommended size, which is estimated as a size one size larger than the current size. In other words, the first recommended size corresponds to the size worn by user U11 who is recommended to purchase on the first recommended purchase date, and in this embodiment, is one size larger than the current size.

Once the first recommended purchase date has been estimated for each item for the first target user, the same process is then repeated for the second target user (here, wearer user U13), and a second recommended purchase date for wearer user U13 is estimated for each item.

7 is used as an example, the server system 1100 (A) determines the current size of the wearer U13 for the item to be estimated (item I4 in this case). The server system 1100 also (B) estimates a second recommended size that is, for example, one size larger than the current size, and (C) estimates a comfortable period during which the wearer U13 can comfortably wear item I4 of the second recommended size as the second recommended size comfortable period. The server system 1100 then (D) estimates a second recommended purchase date, which is the recommended purchase date for item I4 for the wearer U13, based on the second recommended size comfortable period. In other words, the second recommended purchase date is the recommended purchase date for the second recommended size, which is estimated as one size larger than the current size. In other words, the second recommended size corresponds to the size worn by the wearer U13 and is recommended for purchase on the second recommended purchase date, and in this embodiment, is one size larger than the current size.

Next, a specific example of the estimation process will be described using the comfort level fluctuation information in Figure 4 to estimate the first recommended purchase date for wearer U11 for item I1.

As described above with reference to Figure 4 etc., the comfort level fluctuation information is generated when the measurement information for the corresponding user is acquired (when the measurement related to that measurement information is taken), and indicates the comfort level at each point in time during a predetermined period from the measurement timing (the previous measurement timing). Therefore, in the estimation process, the current point in time is used as the reference timing, and the portion of the comfort level fluctuation information after the reference timing is used for estimation. For example, immediately after a measurement is taken for the wearer U11, the reference timing is T11 (the previous measurement timing) when the elapsed period in Figure 4 is 0. On the other hand, if the registered user logs in at T13, which is five months after the previous measurement timing, then the reference timing is T13, which is five months later.

For example, if the reference time is T11, first (A) determine which size of item I1's comfortable period the reference time T11 belongs to, thereby determining the current size of item I1 that the wearer U11 can wear comfortably at this time. In this embodiment, the comfortable period is a period that satisfies a predetermined comfort level condition. The comfort level condition can be, for example, "a comfort level of 80 or higher in the comfort level fluctuation information for the item to be estimated." In Figure 4, the reference time T11 belongs to the comfortable period (up to four months after the reference time T11) for the size (12 cm) corresponding to graph G1-1. Therefore, the current size is determined to be that size (12 cm).

Note that while an example of determining the current size from comfort level fluctuation information has been described here, if, for example, item I1 has been purchased in the past and user U11 is actually wearing item I1, the purchased size can also be used as the wearing size.

Next, (B) the size one size larger than the current size is the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2, so the first recommended size is estimated to be that size (12.5 cm).

Next, looking at (C) graph G1-2, the comfort level is 80 or higher from 3.5 months to 7.5 months after reference timing T11, so this period is estimated to be the first recommended size comfort period.

Next, (D) the first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the first recommended size comfort period. For example, the start of the first recommended size comfort period, T15 (3.5 months after the reference timing T11), can be set as the first estimated purchase date. Furthermore, after the point T16 at which graphs G1-1 and G1-2 intersect, the comfort level of the first recommended size becomes greater than the comfort level of the current size. This intersection, T16, can be set as the first recommended purchase date. Alternatively, the first recommended purchase date can be set to a point prior to the start of the first recommended size comfort period. The length of time prior to the first recommended purchase date can be set as appropriate. For example, it can be set to one month in advance, or 10 days in advance. If set to one month in advance, the first recommended purchase date is estimated to be one month prior to the start of the period (2.5 months after the reference timing T11).

Next, if the reference timing is T13, first, (A) since the reference timing T13 falls within the comfortable period for the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2, the current size is determined to be that size (12.5 cm).

Next, (B) the size one size larger than the current size is the size (13 cm) corresponding to graph G1-3, so the first recommended size is estimated to be that size (13 cm).

Next, looking at (C) graph G1-3, the comfort level is 80 or higher from two months after reference timing T13 (seven months after the previous measurement) to six months after (eleven months after the previous measurement), so this period is estimated to be the first recommended size comfort period.

Next, (D) the first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the first recommended size comfortable period. For example, the start of the first recommended size comfortable period (two months after reference timing T13) may be estimated as the first recommended purchase date, or a predetermined number of days prior to the start of the first recommended size comfortable period may be used as the recommended purchase date.

Note that when referring to the comfort level fluctuation information to determine the current size in (A), the reference timing may not belong to any size's comfort period. For example, this is the case when the reference timing is time T2, when the elapsed period is 0, in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example where the size range for item I2 starts at 12 cm, and at time T2, 12 cm of item I2 is still too large for wearer U11. In such a case, the current size may not be determined in (A), and the size that wearer U11 can first wear (the smallest size; in this case, 12 cm) may be set as the first recommended size in (B).

The comfort threshold used as a comfort condition is not limited to the example of 80, but may be set for each registered user. If a registered user wishes to purchase an item that can be worn for as long as possible, even if there is a slight difference in size between the target user's feet and the item, the comfort threshold may be set to 70. If the registered user places importance on ease of movement when wearing the item, the comfort threshold may be set higher, such as 90 or 95.

Registered users can set preferences for their clothing, such as whether they prioritize being able to wear it for as long as possible or whether they prioritize ease of movement even if it means they need to replace it more frequently, by having registered users fill out a questionnaire in advance, for example.

The comfort threshold used as a comfort condition may also be configured to be set according to the item category. For example, if the category of item I1 is "sports shoes," the comfort threshold may be set to 95, with an emphasis on ease of movement when wearing the shoes.

The comfort threshold used as a comfort condition may also be set according to items previously worn by the target user. For example, if the item is replaced (upsized) when the comfort level falls below 90, the comfort threshold may be set to 90. The comfort threshold at the time of replacement can be determined by obtaining the date and time the item was replaced from the registered user's purchase history data 535 (see Figure 16).

Furthermore, the comfort level threshold value can be set (i.e., the comfort level condition is set) by accepting an input operation of the threshold value from a registered user.
2-3. Recommendation Control Process In the recommendation control process, the server system 1100 performs recommended date presentation control based on the recommended purchase date estimated in the estimation process as display control for display on the terminal device 1500. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 displays product information for an item on the terminal device 1500 of a logged-in registered user in response to the user's browsing operation of the item. The server system 1100 then performs recommended date presentation control by displaying a display or identifier indicating the estimated recommended purchase date for the user wearing the item. Below, examples (Examples 1 to 5) of recommended date presentation control will be described, assuming that registered user U in FIG. 7 has browsed item I4.
(Example 1)
8 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 8, the recommendation display screen W5 of this example includes a first display area W51 for a first target user (e.g., wearer user U11) and a second display area W53 for a second target user (e.g., wearer user U13).

First, the first display area W51 displays a first predicted change graph G51 showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the wearer user U11, who is the first target user, and a first indicator O511 showing the point on the first predicted change graph G51 that corresponds to the first recommended purchase date.

The first predicted change graph G51 shows the predicted change in foot size of the wearer U11 since the previous measurement, with age (months) on the horizontal axis and foot size on the vertical axis. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 graphs the growth change data of the wearer U11 (growth change data 529 in FIG. 16) generated as measurement information, and displays it as the first predicted change graph G51 in the first display area W51 of the recommendation display screen W5. The server system 1100 then displays a first indicator O511 on the first predicted change graph G51 that indicates the first recommended purchase date for item I4 of the wearer U11, as well as an indicator O513 that indicates the current time.

The first display area W51 may also be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and first recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U11. In this case, the first recommended size comfort period may be displayed, for example, by changing the line type or color of the graph portion of the corresponding period on the first predicted change graph G51 compared to the other graph portions. The current size and first recommended size may be displayed, for example, by providing display columns for them within the first display area W51.

Next, the second display area W53 displays a second predicted change graph G53 showing predicted changes in the measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user, the wearer user U13, and a second indicator O531 showing the point on the second predicted change graph G53 corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

The second predicted change graph G53 shows the predicted change in foot size of the wearer U13 since the previous measurement, with age (months) on the horizontal axis and foot size on the vertical axis. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 graphs the growth change data of the wearer U13 generated as measurement information and displays it as the second predicted change graph G53 in the second display area W53 of the recommendation display screen W5. The server system 1100 then displays a second indicator O531 indicating the second recommended purchase date for item I4 for the wearer U13 on the second predicted change graph G53, as well as an indicator O533 indicating the current time.

In addition, the second display area W53 may also be configured to display the current size, second recommended size, and second recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U13, similar to the first display area W51.

It is also possible to configure the recommendation display screen (here, recommendation display screen W5) to display the next measurement date for the first target user (here, wearing user U11) and the next measurement date for the second target user (here, wearing user U13). For example, the next scheduled measurement date for wearing user U11 may be displayed in the first display area W51, and the next scheduled measurement date for wearing user U13 may be displayed in the second display area W53.

If measurements related to the measurement information have not been taken for a long period of time for a user wearing the shoes and the measurement information becomes outdated, the comfort level graph indicated by the comfort level variation information will no longer match the actual foot size of the user wearing the shoes, increasing the risk of a decrease in the accuracy of the first and second recommended sizes estimated based on the comfort level variation information. To maintain the estimation accuracy, regular measurements are required for each user wearing the shoes. The next scheduled measurement date is the next measurement date set for each user wearing the shoes in order to maintain the estimation accuracy. For example, the next scheduled measurement date can be set a predetermined period after the user's previous measurement. The predetermined period may be set as appropriate, for example, to three months, six months, or the like.

Specifically, the next scheduled measurement date for the wearer U11 is displayed, for example, in the first display area W51 as an indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph G51 that corresponds to the next scheduled measurement date. Similarly, the next scheduled measurement date for the wearer U13 is displayed, for example, in the second display area W53 as an indicator indicating a point on the second predicted change graph G53 that corresponds to the next scheduled measurement date.
(Example 2)
9 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. In the recommendation display screen W6 of this example, a first predicted change graph G51 related to the first target user (wearing user U11) and a second predicted change graph G53 related to the second target user (wearing user U13) are displayed with the horizontal axis as a common axis.

In other words, in the upper part of Figure 9, (1) shows a state in which the horizontal axis is scrolled to the age in months of the wearer U11, and the first predicted change graph G51 and the first indicator O511 on the first predicted change graph G51 are displayed. Then, when the horizontal axis is scrolled from the display state shown in (1) of Figure 9 to the age in months of the wearer U13, the second predicted change graph G53 and the second indicator O531 are displayed, as shown in (2) of Figure 9 in the lower part.

9 (2)。 Similarly, the recommendation display screen W6 of this example may be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and first recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U11 near the display of the first predicted change graph G51, etc. ((1) of FIG. 9). In addition, the current size, second recommended size, second recommended size comfort period, and second recommended purchase date of the item I4 of the wearer U13 may be displayed. This makes it possible to grasp information related to the wearer U13 together without scrolling to the display of (2) of FIG. 9. Similarly, the current size, second recommended size, and second recommended size comfort period of the item I4 of the wearer U13 may be displayed near the display of the second predicted change graph G53, etc. ((2) of FIG. 9). In addition, the current size, first recommended size, first recommended size comfort period, and first recommended purchase date of the item I4 of the wearer U11 may be displayed. This makes it possible to grasp information related to the wearer U11 together without scrolling to the display of (1) of FIG. 9.

Furthermore, when displaying information related to the wearer U11 and information related to the wearer U13, it is desirable to display the two pieces of information in a manner that allows them to be distinguished. For example, they may be displayed in different colors or different font sizes. Furthermore, the display columns may be displayed with different backgrounds or with different frame shapes for the display columns, thereby enabling the display to be distinguished.
(Example 3)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommendation display screen displayed on the terminal device 1500 by the recommendation date presentation control of this example. As shown in FIG. 10, the recommendation display screen W7 of this example displays a first predicted change graph G51 and a second predicted change graph G53 as a composite graph with a two-axis horizontal axis. In the example of FIG. 10, the first horizontal axis (upper side) represents the age (in months) of the wearing user U11, and the first predicted change graph G51 and a first indicator O511 on the first predicted change graph G51 are displayed relative to the first horizontal axis. The second horizontal axis (lower side) represents the age (in months) of the wearing user U13, and the second predicted change graph and a second indicator O531 on the second predicted change graph G53 are displayed relative to the second horizontal axis. The first predicted change graph G51 relative to the first horizontal axis is indicated by a dashed line, and the second predicted change graph G53 relative to the second horizontal axis is indicated by a dashed line. The vertical axis (foot size) is common.

In addition, the recommendation display screen W7 in this example may also be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and comfort period for the first recommended size of item I4 for the wearing user U11, or the current size, second recommended size, and comfort period for the second recommended size of item I4 for the wearing user U13.
(Example 4)
11 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 11, the recommendation display screen W8 of this example includes a first display area W81 for a first target user (e.g., wearer user U11) and a second display area W83 for a second target user (e.g., wearer user U13).

The first display area W81 displays a first predicted change graph G51 for the first target user, the wearer U11, with age (months) on the horizontal axis and foot size on the vertical axis, as well as a first indicator O511 showing the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) for item I4 on the first predicted change graph G51. Furthermore, the second display area W83 displays, for example, an estimated recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) D8 for the same item I4 for the wearer U13.

In this example, the recommendation display screen W8 may also be configured to display the current size, first recommended size, and first recommended size comfort period of the item I4 for the wearer U11 in the first display area W81. Furthermore, the current size, second recommended size, and second recommended size comfort period of the item I4 for the wearer U13 may also be displayed in the second display area W83.

The display target of the first display area W81 (wearing user U11 in the example of FIG. 11) and the display target of the second display area W83 (wearing user U13 in the example of FIG. 11) may be configured to be interchangeable. Specifically, for example, a switch button may be placed within the recommendation display screen W8 to accept a user's display switch operation. Then, in response to a selection operation of the switch button on the terminal device 1500, the display in the first display area W81 may be changed to display a second predicted change graph for the wearing user U21 and a second indicator indicating the recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) for item I4 on the second predicted change graph, and the display in the second display area W83 may be changed to display the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) for item I4 for the wearing user U11.

Furthermore, the second display area W83 is not necessarily displayed; it may be displayed only when a predetermined condition is met. For example, the second display area W83 may be displayed when the recommended purchase date estimated for the wearer U13 (second recommended purchase date) is within a predetermined period from the recommended purchase date estimated for the wearer U11 (first recommended purchase date). Conversely, the second display area W83 may be displayed when the recommended purchase date estimated for the wearer U13 (second recommended purchase date) is not within the predetermined period from the recommended purchase date estimated for the wearer U11 (first recommended purchase date). The length of the predetermined period may be set as appropriate.
(Example 5)
12 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed by the recommended date presentation control of this example on the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 12, the recommendation display screen W9 of this example includes a first display area W91 for a first target user (e.g., wearer U11) and a second display area W93 for a second target user (e.g., wearer U13), and is an example of a screen that simultaneously displays a first recommended size comfort period D916 for wearer U11 and a second recommended size comfort period D936 for wearer U13.

Specifically, the first display area W91 displays the current size D911 of the wearer U11, the first recommended purchase date D913, and the first recommended size D915 (the size worn by the wearer U11 who is recommended to purchase on the first recommended purchase date). The current size D911 is displayed in association with a comfortable period D912 during which the wearer U11 can wear the current size D911 comfortably, and the first recommended size D915 is displayed in association with a first recommended size comfortable period D916 during which the wearer U11 can wear the first recommended size D915 comfortably.

The second display area W93 also displays the wearer U13's current size D931, the first recommended purchase date D933, and the second recommended size (the size worn by wearer U13 recommended for purchase on the second recommended purchase date) D935. The current size D931 is displayed in association with a comfortable period D932 during which the wearer U13 can wear the current size D931 comfortably, and the second recommended size D935 is displayed in association with a second recommended size comfortable period D936 during which the wearer U13 can wear the second recommended size D935 comfortably.

Next, we will explain examples (Example 6 and Example 7) of the recommended display screen when a registered user logs in, with the first wearing user associated with the target user being "Taro" and the second wearing user being "Hanako."
(Example 6)
13 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed on the terminal device 1500 by the recommendation date presentation control of this example. As shown in Fig. 13, the recommendation display screen W10 of this example displays a recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date; October 11 in Fig. 13) for the wearer "Taro" who is the first target user, a recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date; October 31 in Fig. 13) for the wearer "Hanako" who is the second target user, and a recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date; October 10 in Fig. 13) for the item I5 for the second target user "Hanako" by displaying a mark (identifier) at the corresponding date on a predetermined calendar display.

The recommended purchase dates for which items are displayed on the calendar may be set as appropriate. For example, the recommended purchase dates may be displayed for shoes sold by an online shopping service that are in stock in the first recommended size. Also, if an item has been purchased in the past, the recommended purchase date for that item may be displayed. Alternatively, if a registered user has registered a category of items that the wearer likes (for example, "sports shoes"), items from that category may be displayed.

The calendar display in FIG. 13 may be displayed when a calendar display menu is provided on the recommendation display screens exemplified in Examples 1 to 5 and the registered user selects the menu.
(Example 7)
14 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen displayed on the terminal device 1500 by the recommendation date presentation control of this example. In this example, the timing of adding an item to the cart is set as the timing of purchase, and in FIG. 14, the recommendation display screen W11 is shown as an example of a shopping cart screen. More specifically, the recommendation display screen W11 displays product information such as size and price for item I4 for wearer "Taro" that has been added to the cart by a registered user, and prompts the user to make a final confirmation of the purchase.

The recommendation display screen W11 of this example displays the recommended purchase date of a specific item (item I4, item I5, etc. in W11) and the recommended size associated with the recommended purchase date for another user wearing the item (Hanako in this example). A purchase button (a button for adding to cart) for each item may also be displayed. The items for which the recommended purchase date and other information are displayed may be selected, for example, based on the timing of purchase. Specifically, items whose recommended purchase date is within a predetermined number of days from the current date (e.g., within one month, within 15 days, etc.) may be selected. Furthermore, if there are no items whose recommended purchase date is within the period, or if there are only a few items, the current size of another user wearing the item (Hanako in this example) may also be displayed. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which settings are appropriately configured in a manner similar to that of Example 6.
[Functional configuration]
1. Server System Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 15, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 110s, a display unit 120s, a communication unit 130s, a server processing unit 200s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 110s is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the server processing unit 200s. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and touch panel 1108.

The display unit 120s is implemented by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a touch panel, and displays various information in response to display signals from the server processing unit 200s. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

The communication unit 130s is implemented as a wired or wireless communication device, and connects to the network 9 to communicate with an external device (e.g., terminal device 1500). For example, it can be implemented as a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), a jack or control circuit for a wired communication cable, etc. In Figure 1, this corresponds to communication device 1153.

The server processing unit 200s can be realized by electronic components such as processors, which are arithmetic circuits such as CPUs, GPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs, and IC memories, and controls the input and output of data between each device component, including the operation input unit 110s and server storage unit 500s. It performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 110s, data received from the terminal device 1500, etc., and provides overall control over the operation of the server system 1100. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

The server processing unit 200s also includes a user management unit 211, an online shopping function unit 213, an acquisition unit 215, an estimation unit 217, and a recommendation control unit 219.

The user management unit 211 executes user registration processing and data management processing, and manages data linked to registered user IDs. In this embodiment, the user management unit 211 associates each registered user with the wearer, and manages user data such as attribute information, measurement information, and comfort level fluctuation information acquired from time to time about the wearer. Therefore, the user management unit 211 can also be called a user data management unit.

The online shopping function unit 213 performs processing related to the provision of online shopping services. Registered users can use the online shopping function realized by this processing to purchase items that can be worn by the user (in this embodiment, shoes worn by the wearing user). In this embodiment, when a registered user logs in, the online shopping function unit 213 displays product information for the item on the terminal device 1500 in accordance with the registered user's browsing operations, etc.

The acquisition unit 215 is a functional unit that executes data acquisition processing, and acquires user data for a target user who is a wearer associated with a registered user. To acquire user data, measurements are taken of the part of the body (in this embodiment, the foot) where the item (in this embodiment, shoes) is worn, for example, using a separate measurement means. Then, based on the measurement results from the measurement means, the acquisition unit 215 acquires measurement information including shape data and growth change data for the part of the body (in this embodiment, the foot), and generates comfort level fluctuation information.

The estimation unit 217 is a functional unit that executes the estimation process. In this embodiment, when a registered user logs in, the estimation unit 217 estimates the recommended purchase date for each item for each target user, with each wearer associated with that registered user being treated as a target user.

The recommendation control unit 219 is a functional unit that executes recommendation control processing. In this embodiment, the online shopping function unit 213 causes the terminal device 1500 of the logged-in registered user to display product information for the item. The recommendation control unit 219, for example, controls the terminal device 1500 to display the recommended purchase date for the item for each target user and present it to the registered user.

The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each processing session programs used during the execution of the programs that operate the server system 1100 and realize the various functions of the server system 1100. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In Figure 1, this corresponds to IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, user management data 510, and item information 540.

The server program 501 is a program that causes the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 211, online shopping function unit 213, acquisition unit 215, estimation unit 217, and recommendation control unit 219.

User management data 510 is prepared for each registered user and stores various management data related to the provision of online shopping services, associated with the registered user ID. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, one piece of user management data 510 includes the registered user's registered user ID 511, registered user name 513, wearer data 520, and purchase history data 535 of items such as shoes purchased by the registered user.

The wearer data 520 is prepared for each wearer associated with the registered user. Each wearer data 520 contains, in association with the wearer ID 521, the wearer's name 522, attribute information 523, measurement information 525, the measurement date and time (previous measurement timing) 531 related to the measurement information 525, and comfort level fluctuation information 533 (see Figures 4 to 6) for each item (shoes in this embodiment). The measurement information 525 includes shape data 527 of the wearer's body part (the foot in this embodiment) and growth change data 529 of the wearer's body part.

The item information 540 is prepared for each item and stores various data related to the item, such as various specification information and evaluation information used to generate the comfort level fluctuation information 533 for the item, as well as information to be displayed on the terminal device 1500 as product information, such as price, product image, and availability.
17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 1500. As shown in Fig. 17, the terminal device 1500 includes an operation input unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a device processing unit 200, and a device storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 110 outputs operation input signals to the device processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by the user. This can be realized, for example, by a keyboard, mouse, push switch, joystick, touchpad, trackball, acceleration sensor, gyro, etc. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the directional input keys 1502, home key 1504, and touch panel 1506.

The display unit 120 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a touch panel, and displays various information in response to display signals from the device processing unit 200. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

The communication unit 130 is implemented as a wired or wireless communication device, and connects to the network 9 to communicate with an external device (e.g., the server system 1100). It is implemented as a wireless communication device, modem, TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553.

The device processing unit 200 can be realized by electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each part of the device, including the operation input unit 110 and the terminal memory unit 500. The device processing unit 200 then performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 110, data received from the server system 1100, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal device 1500. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551.

The device processing unit 200 also includes a client control unit 260. The client control unit 260 performs various controls to cause the terminal device 1500 to function as an MMIF (man-machine interface). The client control unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a display control unit 263.

The operation signal transmission control unit 261 performs processing to transmit various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to operation input to the operation input unit 110.

The display control unit 263 controls the display unit 120 to display the recommended display screens, etc., described with reference to Figures 8 to 14, based on the data received from the server system 1100.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each processing session programs for operating the terminal device 1500 and implementing the functions of the terminal device 1500, as well as data used during the execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In the example of Figure 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550.

The terminal storage unit 500 also stores a client program 502 (application program) for causing the terminal device 1500 to function as the client control unit 260 .
[Processing flow]
18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the server system 1100. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501.

In this embodiment, the server processing unit 200s accepts an operation on the terminal device 1500 of the logged-in registered user to instruct the acquisition of measurement information. Then, when this operation on the terminal device 1500 is detected (step S1: YES), the acquisition unit 215 executes a data acquisition process and acquires various data, including measurement information, for the target user (step S3). Based on the acquired data, the acquisition unit 215 sets or updates the attribute information 523, measurement information 525 (wearing part shape data 527 and growth change data 529), and comfort level fluctuation information 533 of the wearer user data 520 (see FIG. 16) for the target user.

When a registered user logs in, the estimation unit 217 executes an estimation process, sequentially selecting the wearer users associated with the registered user as target users, and estimating the recommended purchase date for each item for each target user (step S5).

Furthermore, if the online shopping function unit 213 detects a registered user browsing product information (step S7: YES), it causes the terminal device 1500 to display product information for the corresponding item (step S9). The recommendation control unit 219 then executes a recommendation control process, causing the terminal device 1500 to display the recommended purchase date estimated for the item for each target user in step S5, thereby controlling the recommended date presentation (step S11). For example, as described with reference to FIG. 8 and other figures, the recommendation control unit 219 controls the recommended date presentation by causing the registered user's terminal device 1500 to display a first predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the first target user and a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date, and a second predicted change graph showing predicted changes in measurement information based on the measurement information of the second target user and a second indicator indicating a point on the second predicted change graph corresponding to the second recommended purchase date.

Then, in step S13, an end determination is made, and until it is determined that the process has ended (step S13: NO), the process returns to step S1 and repeats the above process.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when a registered user logs in, the recommended purchase date for a size larger than the size worn by the wearer can be estimated for each wearer associated with the registered user, and the estimated recommended purchase date for each wearer can be displayed on the terminal device 1500 and presented to the registered user. This makes it possible to present information indicating the recommended purchase date for a size larger than the size worn by the wearer who will wear the item as the first recommended size.

In addition, when presenting the data, for example, a predicted change graph that graphs the growth change data of each wearer can be displayed on the registered user's terminal device 1500, and a point corresponding to the recommended purchase date can be indicated on the predicted change graph. For example, if two wearers are associated with a registered user, as described with reference to FIG. 8, etc., it is possible to display on the terminal device 1500 a first predicted change graph G51 for wearer U11, the first target user, and a first indicator O511 indicating the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date) for item I4, and a second indicator O531 indicating the second predicted change graph G53 for wearer U13, the second target user, and a recommended purchase date (second recommended purchase date) for item I4.

The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.
[Modification 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, the recommended purchase date (first recommended purchase date or second recommended purchase date) is estimated using a size one size larger than the current size as the recommended size (first recommended size or second recommended size). In contrast, if an item of the recommended size is not purchased by the recommended purchase date already presented to the registered user, the recommended size may remain unchanged until the comfort level for the recommended size reaches 100, and the recommended purchase date may be set to the date the item was viewed.

The example shown in Figure 4 illustrates a case where the wearer user U11 is the first target user. For example, as explained in the above embodiment, when the reference timing is T11, the current size is estimated as the size corresponding to graph G1-1 (12 cm) and the first recommended size is estimated as the size corresponding to graph G1-2 (12.5 cm). The first recommended purchase date is indicated to the registered user by displaying a recommendation display screen for item I1, such as that shown in Figure 8, at time T15, for example, the start of the first recommended size comfort period for the first recommended size (12.5 cm).

If the registered user browses for item I1 after the reference time T15 (e.g., time T17), the process branches depending on whether the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 has been purchased by the registered user. That is, if the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 has already been purchased, time T17 is used as the reference time, and the current size is estimated as the size (12.5 cm) corresponding to graph G1-2, and the first recommended size is estimated as the size (13 cm) corresponding to graph G1-3, as in the above embodiment. The first recommended purchase date is then estimated based on the start of the first recommended size comfort period for the first recommended size (13 cm). On the other hand, if the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 has not been purchased, the currently presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) remains the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) until the comfort level for that first recommended size (12.5 cm) reaches 100, and the first recommended purchase date is set to the viewing date. Then, at a point in time (e.g., time T18) after the comfort level reaches 100 without the previously presented first recommended size (12.5 cm) of item I1 being purchased, time T18 is used as the reference timing, and the current size (12.5 cm) and the first recommended size (13 cm) are estimated in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the first recommended purchase date is estimated based on the start of the first recommended size comfort period for that first recommended size (13 cm).
[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, an example was described in which comfort level variation information 533 (see FIGS. 4 to 6 ) is set for each item (shoes sold through an online shopping service) for each wearer associated with a registered user. Alternatively, comfort level variation information may be generated for one specific item for each wearer, and the generated comfort level variation information may be used as the comfort level variation information for that wearer. In this case, when an item is browsed, the comfort level variation information for the wearer is used to estimate the first recommended size and first comfortable period, or the second recommended size and second comfortable period for that item. The item for which comfort level variation information is generated can be determined, for example, by separately accepting a registration operation for the wearer's preferred items.
[Modification 3]
Additionally, a recommended purchase date (hereinafter referred to as a "sub-recommended purchase date") based on the sale period or coupon issue date may be separately set and presented for each of the first target user and the second target user. That is, if a sale is scheduled to be held or a coupon is scheduled to be issued within a predetermined period before or after the first recommended purchase date (for example, a period of one month before or after the first recommended purchase date), these scheduled dates are set as recommended sub-purchase dates for the first recommended purchase date. Similarly, recommended sub-purchase dates are set for the second recommended purchase date.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation display screen when a recommended sub-purchase date is displayed on the recommendation display screen W5 of FIG. 8 . In FIG. 19 , the same display elements as in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 19 , in the recommendation display screen of this example, an indicator O512 indicating a point on the first predicted change graph G51 corresponding to the sub-recommended purchase date of the first recommended purchase date is displayed in the first display area W51 for the first target user (e.g., wearer U11). Similarly, an indicator O532 indicating a point on the second predicted change graph G53 corresponding to the sub-recommended purchase date of the second recommended purchase date is displayed in the second display area W53 for the second target user (e.g., wearer U13). This makes it possible to consider the timing of item purchases, taking into account the timing of sales, coupons, etc.
[Modification 4]
Furthermore, regarding sales, coupons, and the like, the next and subsequent scheduled dates may be displayed on a calendar such as the recommendation display screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 13 . This can be achieved by displaying a unique mark on each scheduled date. This allows users to grasp the scheduled dates of sales, coupons, and the like along with the recommended purchase dates (first recommended purchase date and second recommended purchase date). Furthermore, the display of various scheduled dates may be configured to be performed only when a predetermined condition is met. For example, various scheduled dates may be displayed for users who frequently purchase items during sales periods or who frequently use coupons. Conversely, various scheduled dates may be displayed as a benefit for users who purchase items regardless of sales or who do not use coupons.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000...Online shopping system 1100...Server system 110s...Operation input unit 120s...Display unit 130s...Communication unit 200s...Server processing unit 211...User management unit 213...Online shopping function unit 215...Acquisition unit 217...Estimation unit 219...Recommendation control unit 500s...Server storage unit 501...Server program 510...User management data 511...Registered user ID
520... Wearer user data 521... Wearer user ID
523: Attribute information 525: Measurement information 527: Shape data 529: Growth change data 531: Measurement date and time 533: Comfort level fluctuation information 535: Purchase history data 540: Item information 1500: User terminal 110: Operation input unit 120: Display unit 130: Communication unit 200: Terminal processing unit 260: Client control unit 261: Operation signal transmission control unit 263: Display control unit 500: Terminal storage unit 502: Client program 9: Network

Claims (17)

A computer system that performs control for presenting recommended information about items to a user,
a recommended date estimation unit that estimates a first recommended purchase date for the first item, which is a recommended purchase date for the first item, on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using a comfort level at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort level being generated based on dimensional size information related to the dimensional size of the first item , physical information of the first target user related to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear;
a recommendation control unit that provides the first recommended purchase date;
A computer system comprising: the recommended date estimation unit estimates, based on the physical information of the first target user and the dimensional size information of the first item, a period of comfort level satisfying a predetermined comfort level threshold condition during which it is estimated that the first target user can comfortably wear a first recommended size larger than the dimensional size information of the first item, as a first recommended size comfort period, using the comfort level at each time point, and estimates the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period;
10. The computer system of claim 1. the recommendation control unit provides information based on the first recommended size comfort period.
3. The computer system of claim 2. the recommendation control unit provides information based on an end of the first recommended size comfort period.
4. The computer system of claim 3. the recommendation control unit provides information indicating a date when the first item can be purchased at a low price;
10. The computer system of claim 1. the recommended date estimation unit uses comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the second target user wears the second item, which are generated based on the dimensional size information of the second item, body information of the second target user relating to the part of the body where the second item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the second item that is currently suitable for the second target user to wear, to estimate a second recommended purchase date that is a recommended purchase date for the second item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition;
the recommendation control unit provides the second recommended purchase date;
10. The computer system of claim 1. The recommendation control unit
a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user;
a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date;
Provide information to display
10. The computer system of claim 1. The recommendation control unit
a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user;
a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date;
a display indicating the second recommended purchase date;
Provide information to display
7. The computer system of claim 6. an online shopping function unit for selling the items through online shopping;
a user data management unit that manages data of registered users in the online shopping and data of the first target users associated with the registered users;
Further provided with
the recommendation control unit executes control to provide the product at a predetermined purchase timing by the registered user.
10. The computer system of claim 1. The recommended date estimation unit
using the comfort level at each time point for the first target user, estimating a period during which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort level threshold condition for which the first target user is estimated to be able to wear the first item comfortably as a first recommended size comfort period, and estimating the first recommended purchase date based on the first recommended size comfort period;
using the comfort level at each time point for the second target user, estimating a period during which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort level threshold condition for which the second target user is estimated to be able to wear the second item comfortably as a second recommended size comfort period, and estimating the second recommended purchase date based on the second recommended size comfort period;
the recommendation control unit provides information for simultaneously displaying the first recommended size comfort period and the second recommended size comfort period.
7. The computer system of claim 6. the recommendation control unit provides information for displaying the first recommended size and the first recommended size comfort period in association with each other.
3. The computer system of claim 2. the recommendation control unit displays a predetermined calendar display and provides information for displaying, on the calendar display, a first identifier indicating that the recommended purchase date for the first target user is the first recommended purchase date,
10. The computer system of claim 1. A computer system that performs control for presenting recommended information about items to a user,
a recommended date estimation unit that estimates a first recommended purchase date for the first item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort levels being generated based on dimensional size information relating to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user relating to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear;
a recommendation control unit that executes control to present a recommended purchase date based on the first recommended purchase date;
Equipped with
The recommendation control unit
a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user;
a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date;
The control for providing information for displaying the recommended date is included in the recommended date presentation control.
Computer system. A recommended information provision control method for a computer system to execute control for presenting recommended information about items to a user, comprising:
Using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, which are generated based on dimensional size information relating to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user relating to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear, estimating a first recommended purchase date that is a recommended purchase date for the first item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition;
providing said first recommended purchase date;
Recommendations for implementing information-providing control methods. A recommended information provision control method for a computer system to execute control for presenting recommended information about items to a user, comprising:
Estimating a first recommended purchase date for the first item on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort levels being generated based on dimensional size information relating to the dimensional size of the first item, physical information of the first target user relating to the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear;
performing recommended date presentation control based on the first recommended purchase date;
Including,
The recommended date presentation control includes:
a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user;
a first indicator indicating a point on the first predicted change graph corresponding to the first recommended purchase date;
including controls that provide information for displaying
Recommended information provision control method. A program for causing a terminal device to execute control to present recommended information about an item,
communicate with a server system that estimates a first recommended purchase date for the first item, which is a recommended purchase date for the first item, on which the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, the comfort levels being generated based on dimensional size information regarding the dimensional size of the first item , physical information of the first target user regarding the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear;
performing control to display the first recommended purchase date;
A program for causing the terminal device to execute the above. A program for causing a terminal device to execute control to present recommended information about an item,
communicate with a server system that estimates a first recommended purchase date, which is a recommended purchase date for the first item when the comfort level satisfies a predetermined comfort condition, using comfort levels at each time point according to the passage of time when the first target user wears the first item, which comfort level is generated based on dimensional size information regarding the dimensional size of the first item , physical information of the first target user regarding the part of the body where the first item is worn, and the dimensional size information of the first item that is currently suitable for the first target user to wear;
Display control of a first predicted change graph showing a predicted change in the physical information of the first target user;
Display control of a first indicator that indicates a point on the first predicted change graph that corresponds to the first recommended purchase date;
A program for causing the terminal device to execute the above.