U.S. patent application number 11/339730 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for e-commerce system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Toshiki Kindo, Takehiko Shida, Hiroshi Takase, Hideyuki Yoshida.
Application Number | 20060122911 11/339730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18815604 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060122911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kindo; Toshiki ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
E-commerce system and method
Abstract
In an e-commerce system which rearranges merchandise information
pieces distributed to a consumer to match preferences of the
consumer based on a personal profile with which various keywords
contained in the merchandise information pieces and evaluation
values corresponding to the keywords are registered where the
evaluation values are learned in advance based on preferences of
the consumer, while withdrawing a charge of merchandise from an
account designated by the consumer to pay to the seller when
receiving an order from the rearranged merchandise information
pieces, an order for merchandise from the merchandise information
pieces distributed to one consumer is placed using the personal
profile of another consumer.
Inventors: |
Kindo; Toshiki;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Yoshida; Hideyuki;
(Sagamihara-shi, JP) ; Shida; Takehiko;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Takase; Hiroshi;
(Matsudo-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO.,
LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
18815604 |
Appl. No.: |
11/339730 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09985736 |
Nov 6, 2001 |
7024380 |
|
|
11339730 |
Jan 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0256 20130101;
G06Q 30/0633 20130101; G06Q 30/0277 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
Y10S 707/99939 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/026 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2000 |
JP |
JP2000-340741 |
Claims
1. A consumer terminal, comprising: a storage section that stores a
personal profile in which various keywords contained in merchandise
information distributed from a merchandise information server and
evaluation values corresponding to the keywords are registered, the
evaluation values being learned in advance based on a preference of
a consumer; and an information filtering section that ranks the
distributed merchandise information distributed from the
merchandise information server to match the preference of the
consumer, based on the personal profile, the consumer terminal
being configured to transfer distributed merchandise information to
an information filtering section of another consumer terminal, and
place an order for merchandise using merchandise information
transferred to the other consumer terminal and ranked by the other
consumer terminal using a personal profile stored in a storage
section of the other consumer terminal.
2. The consumer terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a
querying section that queries whether the utilization of the
personal profile stored in the storage section of the other
consumer terminal is permitted, wherein the merchandise information
distributed is transferred to the information filtering section of
the other consumer terminal when the utilization of the personal
profile stored in the storage section of the other consumer
terminal is permitted.
3. The consumer terminal according to claim 1, wherein the consumer
terminal is configured to allow a consumer that uses the terminal
to designate a consumer who uses the other consumer terminal
4. The consumer terminal according to claim 3, wherein the consumer
who uses the other consumer terminal is a celebrity.
5. An e-commerce method for distributing merchandise information
provided from a seller to a plurality of consumers and receiving an
order for merchandise from a consumer, comprising: distributing
merchandise information provided from a seller to a consumer
terminal; storing, in a first consumer terminal, a personal profile
in which various keywords contained in merchandise information and
evaluation values corresponding to the keywords are registered, the
evaluation values being learned in advance based on a preference of
a consumer; ranking, by the first consumer terminal, the
distributed merchandise information to match a preference of the
consumer based on the personal profile; transferring distributed
merchandise information from the first consumer terminal to a
second consumer terminal; ranking, by the second consumer terminal,
the transferred distributed merchandise information based on a
personal profile stored in the second consumer terminal; placing an
order, by the first consumer terminal, for merchandise using the
merchandise information ranked by the second consumer terminal; and
withdrawing a charge of merchandise from an account designated by
the consumer to pay to a seller when receiving an order for
merchandise from the first consumer terminal,
6. The e-commerce method according to claim 5, further comprising:
querying, by the first consumer terminal, whether the personal
profile stored in the second consumer terminal is permitted to be
utilized, and transferring the merchandise information distributed
to the first consumer terminal to the second consumer terminal when
the personal profile stored in the second consumer terminal is
permitted to be utilized.
7. The e-commerce method according to claim 6, further comprising:
providing notification of the permission when the personal profile
stored in the second consumer terminal is permitted to be utilized,
withdrawing a utilization charge from the account designated by the
consumer using the first consumer terminal, and paying the
utilization charge to another consumer who uses the second consumer
terminal and provides the personal profile stored in the second
terminal.
8. The e-commerce method according to claim 5, further comprising:
designating, by a user of the first consumer terminal, a consumer
who uses the second consumer terminal.
9. The e-commerce method according to claim 8, wherein the consumer
who uses the second consumer terminal is a celebrity.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/985,736, filed Nov. 6, 2001, the contents of which are
expressly incorporated by reference herein it's entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an e-commerce system
utilizing information communication networks using electronic,
radio and/or optical system as media, and more particularly to an
e-commerce system and method enabling ordinary people to purchase
merchandise corresponding to celebrity preferences.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, on the market exist the needs that a
consumer desires to purchase merchandise corresponding to
preference of a person who interests the consumer. An example of
the needs is a case of considering to wear the same merchandise
that a celebrity wears to imitate the celebrity. In order to cope
with such needs, magazines or the like run feature articles for
introducing shops where merchandise that a celebrity wears can be
purchased. Further, with the progress of infrastructures on
information technology and information networks such as the
internet, similar feature articles are run in e-commerce using the
information networks.
[0006] However, in the case of introducing merchandise that
celebrities wear in such a method, there arises a situation where
the celebrity privacy is not protected. That is, when a shop is
introduced where merchandise that a celebrity wears can be
purchased, a situation may occur where the so-called fans of the
celebrity rush to the shop, and the celebrity privacy is not
protected. Therefore, a case is expected that merchandise that a
celebrity recommends is different from the merchandise that the
celebrity actually wears. Accordingly, there arises a problem that
the methods are not capable of coping with the above-mentioned
consumer needs.
[0007] Further, in the methods as described above it is expected
that merchandise corresponding to temporary celebrity preference at
the time the magazine or the like issued be introduced.
Accordingly, when the celebrity preference has changed with the
passage of time, a case is expected that merchandise recommended by
a celebrity in the magazine is different from merchandise that the
celebrity currently wears. Also in such a case the problem arises
that the methods are not capable of coping with the consumer
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
e-commerce system and method enabling consumers to purchase
merchandise corresponding to a current preference of a celebrity
while protecting the privacy of the celebrity.
[0009] Namely, in an e-commerce system which rearranges merchandise
information pieces distributed corresponding to search criteria of
the consumer to match with preferences of the consumer based on a
personal profile with which various keywords contained in the
merchandise information pieces and evaluation values corresponding
to the keywords are registered where the evaluation values are
learned in advance based on preferences of the consumer, while
withdrawing a charge of merchandise from an account designated by
the consumer to pay to a seller when receiving an order for the
merchandise from the rearranged merchandise information pieces, an
order for merchandise from the merchandise information pieces
distributed to one consumer (for example, an ordinary person) is
placed using the personal profile of another consumer (for example,
a celebrity).
[0010] Further, the e-commerce system rates the merchandise
information pieces distributed to the consumer based on the
personal profile to rearrange the merchandise information pieces to
match the preference of the consumer.
[0011] Furthermore, the e-commerce system ranks the merchandise
information pieces according to the rate assigned to each of the
merchandise information pieces.
[0012] According to the foregoing, by using the personal profile of
the different consumer, merchandise information pieces distributed
to one consumer can be reflective of preferences of the different
consumer. One consumer is thereby capable of purchasing merchandise
corresponding to preferences of the different consumer by placing
an order for the merchandise based on the merchandise information
pieces thus reflective of preferences of the different
consumer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an
e-commerce system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the e-commerce system
connected through networks according to the first embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific
configuration of the e-commerce system according to the first
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a specific
configuration to indicate the relationship between an information
filtering section and a PPF storage section in a consumer terminal
in the e-commerce system according to the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of data in a code
dictionary storage section in the information filtering section in
the e-commerce system according to the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a table showing examples of scores assigned to the
example illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of merchandise
information ranked in the merchandise information storage section
in the information filtering section in the e-commerce system
according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a learning
and ordering screen generated by a merchandise information output
control section in the information filtering section in the
e-commerce system according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a specific
configuration of an e-commerce system according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of merchandise
information ranked in the merchandise information storage section
in the information filtering section in the e-commerce system
according to the second embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 11 is another table showing an example of the
merchandise information ranked in the merchandise information
storage section in the information filtering section in the
e-commerce system according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Embodiments applying an e-commerce system of the present
invention will be described below with reference to accompanying
drawings.
First Embodiment
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of
e-commerce system (hereinafter referred to as "EC system") 100
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, EC system 100 is comprised of
seller terminal 101 for use in registering merchandise information,
merchandise information distribution unit 102 that distributes the
merchandise information, consumer terminals 103 and 105 for use in
watching the merchandise information and placing an order for the
merchandise, and electronic clearing unit 104 that clears the
transaction on the merchandise.
[0027] In EC system 100 it is assumed that a consumer that uses
consumer terminal 103 is a specific person (hereinafter referred to
as "celebrity"), such as a personality and an opinion leader of a
field, who has effects on other people, and that a consumer that
uses consumer terminal 105 is one of ordinary people (hereinafter
referred to as "ordinary person") who desires to purchase
merchandise corresponding to preferences of the celebrity who uses
consumer terminal 103. Consumer terminals 103 and 105 are provided
with different elements corresponding to differences between the
consumers assumed to use the terminals. In other words, consumer
terminal 105 is provided with an element for inquiring about
celebrity preferences.
[0028] In addition, EC system 100 is actually constructed, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, while seller terminal 101 and consumer
terminals 103 and 105 are connected with merchandise information
distribution unit 102 and electronic clearing unit 104 provided in,
for example, a distributor over networks 201 such as the internet.
It may also be possible that the distributor is provided with only
merchandise information distribution unit 102, and that electronic
clearing unit 104 is committed to an external financial institute
or the like.
[0029] A specific configuration of EC system 100 will be described
with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating
the specific configuration of EC system 100 according to this
embodiment.
[0030] In EC system 100 illustrated in FIG. 3, seller terminal 101
is provided with merchandise data input section (MDIS) 301 that
inputs merchandise data to merchandise information distribution
unit 102, merchandise metadata input section (MMIS) 302 that inputs
merchandise metadata to merchandise information distribution unit
102, and merchandise order receiving section (MORS) 303 that
receives an order receiving signal including the consumer ID of an
orderer and merchandise ID contained in the merchandise information
from electronic clearing unit 104.
[0031] Merchandise information distribution unit 102 is provided
with merchandise information storage section (MISS) 304 that stores
the merchandise data and merchandise metadata (hereinafter referred
to as "merchandise information") input from seller terminal 101,
merchandise information registration section (MIRS) 305 that
registers the merchandise information with merchandise information
storage section 304, merchandise information server (MIS) 306 that
distributes the desired merchandise information to consumer
terminal 103 in response to an access from consumer terminal 103,
and personal profile managing section (hereinafter referred to as
"PPF managing section") (PPMS) 310 described below.
[0032] PPF managing section 310 judges whether or not to permit the
utilization of a personal profile (hereinafter referred to as
"PPF") reflective of preferences of a celebrity on which a request
is transmitted from consumer terminal 105 that an ordinary person
uses. In addition, PPF will be described specifically later. PPF
managing section 310 has the utilization criteria for using PPF of
the celebrity which are in advance registered with the section 310,
and by examining the utilization criteria, judges whether or not to
permit the utilization of PPF. When permitting the utilization of
PPF, the section 310 provides the merchandise information
transmitted from consumer terminal 105 to information filtering
section (IFS) 308. Meanwhile, when not permitting the utilization
of PPF, the section 310 returns a signal indicative of not
permitting to consumer terminal 105.
[0033] Consumer terminal 103 may be achieved by a general personal
computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") which is provided with a
calculation processing means such as CPU and a storage means such
as RAM and ROM, and which is connected to an input means such as a
keyboard and a display means such as a display.
[0034] Consumer terminal 103 is provided with merchandise
information client (MIC) 307 that receives search criteria of
merchandise information to merchandise information server 306 from
a user through the input means, while displaying the merchandise
information distributed from merchandise information 306. Further,
when receiving an order for merchandise from the input means,
merchandise information client 307 transmits a merchandise ordering
signal to electronic ordering unit 104. Consumer terminal 103 is
further provided with information filtering section 308 and
personal profile storage section (hereinafter referred to as "PPF
storage section") (PPSS) 309 described below.
[0035] Information filtering section 308 generates PPF reflective
of consumer preferences using the merchandise information
distributed from merchandise information server 306 and inputs of
the consumer. This PPF generated in information filtering section
308 is stored in PPF storage section 309. The functions of
merchandise information client 307, information filtering section
308, and PPF storage section 309 may be achieved by CPU executing a
program stored in ROM of consumer terminal 103. At this time, RAM
may be used as an operation area when necessary.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 4, the relationship between
information filtering section 308 and PPF storage section 309 will
be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a specific
configuration with respect to the relationship between information
filtering section 308 and PPF storage section 309.
[0037] Information filtering section 308 is associated with PPF
storage section 309 in two kinds of processing, i.e., filtering
processing on the merchandise information and learning processing
on the merchandise information. The filtering processing is such
processing that rearranges pieces of the merchandise information
distributed from merchandise information server 306 according to
PPF reflective of consumer (celebrity) preference. Concretely, The
filtering processing is such processing that rearranges pieces of
the merchandise information distributed from merchandise
information server 306 by rating pieces of the merchandise
information based on the PPF. It is preferable that rearrangement
of pieces of the merchandise information are ranked according to
the rate assigned to each of the merchandise information pieces.
Specially, in this embodiment is described the case where pieces of
the merchandise information distributed from merchandise
information server 306 is ranked based on the PPF. The learning
processing is such processing that learns PPF for use in performing
the filtering processing. In addition, the learning processing is
further performed, for example, in placing an order on the
merchandise information.
[0038] The filtering processing on the merchandise information in
information filtering section 308 will be described first.
[0039] When a consumer accesses to merchandise information server
306 to search the merchandise information and receives the
merchandise information distributed from merchandise information
server 306, as illustrated in FIG. 4, input to information data
input terminal 400 is the merchandise information comprised of the
merchandise data and merchandise metadata to be evaluated, input to
number-of-keyword signal input terminal 401 is a number-of-keyword
signal nofks indicative of the number of keywords contained in the
merchandise information, and input to keyword signal input terminal
402 is keyword group signal Ks comprised of a plurality of
keywords. The keyword group signal Ks is comprised of keywords
contained in the merchandise information.
[0040] Vector generating section (VGS) 403 transforms the keyword
group signal Ks from character sequences to a vector signal V. In
order to transform the character sequences to the vector signal V,
a character sequence is employed of a code dictionary signal stored
in code dictionary storage section (CDSS) 404. Code dictionary
storage section 404 stores character sequences of keywords of
various merchandise in the form of code dictionary signals. When
the same character sequence as a character sequence of a jth code
dictionary signal is detected from the keyword group signal Ks, "1"
is input to a jth vector component of the vector signal V. When the
same character sequence as the character sequence of the jth code
dictionary signal is not detected, "0" is input to the jth vector
component of the vector signal V. Similar processing is repeated
with respect to all the components of the vector signal V.
[0041] The keywords for "clothing" will be specifically described.
In code dictionary storage section 404 are stored character
sequences such as "shirt", "long sleeves", "short sleeves",
"jeans", "chino pants", "skirt", "long", "short", " 5,000 .about.
10,000", and " 10,000.about. 15,000" in addition to the seller ID
and merchandise ID. FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of data in
code dictionary storage section 404 that stores the relationship
between the character sequences of these keywords and the code
dictionary signals.
[0042] Positive signal calculating section 405 calculates, using a
positive metric signal, a positive signal SY such that a value
thereof is large when the keyword group signal Ks contains a large
number of keywords such that the consumer previously replied the
keyword interested the consumer. Negative signal calculating
section 406 calculates, using a negative metric signal, a negative
signal SN such that a value thereof is large when the keyword group
signal Ks contains a large number of keywords such that the
consumer previously replied that the keyword did not interest the
consumer.
[0043] The positive metric signal stored in positive metric storage
section 407 is determined based on the keyword group signal Ks and
a result of the reply indicative of that the consumer has an
interest. The negative metric signal stored in negative storage
section 408 is determined based on the keyword group signal Ks and
a result of the replay indicative of that the consumer has no
interest.
[0044] The positive metric signal and negative metric signal each
are assigned a value (hereinafter referred to as "score")
corresponding to presence or absence of consumer's interest in
relation to each keyword. Assuming, in the above-mentioned specific
example, that the consumer previously replied having an interest in
the merchandise information containing "shirt" that is the keyword,
the score corresponding to the number of times having an interest
was replied is assigned to "shirt". Further assuming a simple
example such that having an interest was replied four times, the
score of 4 is assigned to "shirt". In contrast thereto, when the
consumer previously replied having no interest or hating, the score
corresponding to the number of times having no interest was replied
is assigned to "shirt".
[0045] FIG. 6 is a table showing examples of scores assigned to the
specific example in FIG. 5. The positive signal SY and negative
signal SN are obtained by calculating scores assigned corresponding
to respective keywords.
[0046] Using the positive signal SY and negative signal SN,
necessity calculating section (NCS) 409 calculates a necessity
signal N according to an equation of N=SY-CSN and further
calculates a reliability signal R according to another equation of
R=CSY+SN. The coefficient C is used to separate the merchandise
information into pieces of the information that interested the
consumer and pieces of the information that did not interest the
consumer, and is provided from determination parameter storage
section 410. The necessity signal N and reliability signal R have a
large value when there are a large number of keywords contained in
the merchandise information such that the consumer previously
replied having an interest therein, and there are few keywords
contained in the merchandise information such that the consumer
previously replied having no interest therein. Each of pieces of
the merchandise information distributed from merchandise
information server 306 is rated based on the PPF by calculating the
necessity signal N and reliability signal R at necessity
calculating section 409.
[0047] PPF storage section 309 is comprised of code dictionary
storage section 404, positive metric storage section 407, negative
metric storage section 408, and determination parameter storage
section 410 described above. In addition, various data to be stored
in code dictionary storage section 404, positive metric storage
section 407, negative metric storage section 408, and determination
parameter storage section 410 is stored in the learning processing
described later. It is herein assumed that appropriate data
subjected to the learning processing is already stored in the above
sections.
[0048] Merchandise information write control section (MIWCS) 411
ranks the merchandise information pieces according to the rate
assigned to each of the merchandise information pieces to write in
merchandise information storage section (MISS) 412. In merchandise
information storage section 412 are arranged and stored the
merchandise information pieces in descending order of a value of
the necessity signal N.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a table showing examples of the merchandise
information pieces ranked in merchandise information storage 412
after learning preferences on "clothing" of a person. FIG. 7
illustrates a case of using the merchandise information pieces
containing keywords described below shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, where
the coefficient C is "1":
Merchandise information {circle around (1)}: AAA (seller ID), AOO
(merchandise ID), shirt and long sleeves;
Merchandise information {circle around (2)}: AAA (seller ID), skirt
and 5,000 to 10,000;
Merchandise information {circle around (3)}: BBB (seller ID), skirt
and 5,000 to 10,000;
Merchandise information {circle around (4)} AAA (seller ID), A00
(merchandise ID), shirt and half sleeves; and
Merchandise information {circle around (5)}: BBB (seller ID), skirt
and 10,000 to 15,000.
[0050] In this case, in merchandise information storage section 412
are stored the merchandise information pieces in the order as shown
in FIG. 7. In other words, according to the equation of the
necessity signal described previously, necessity signals N are
calculated as follows: Merchandise information {circle around (4)}:
{8+5+4+4}(SY)-{1}(C){1+3+1+0}(SN)=16(N); Merchandise information
{circle around (1)}: {8+5+4+0}(SY)-{1}(C){1+3+1+0}(SN)=12(N);
Merchandise information {circle around (2)}:
{8+3+1}(SY)-{1}(C){1+0+0}(SN)=11(N); Merchandise information
{circle around (3)}: {1+3+1}(SY)-{1}(C){5+0+0}(SN)=0(N); and
Merchandise information {circle around (5)}:
{1+3+0}(SY)-{1}(C){5+0+0}(SN)=-1(N).
[0051] Therefore, the merchandise information pieces {circle around
(1)} to {circle around (5)} are ranked and stored as shown in FIG.
7.
[0052] Merchandise information output control section (MIOCS) 414
uses the merchandise information pieces ranked and stored in
merchandise information storage section 412 to generate a
predetermined learning and ordering screen, and transfers the
screen to merchandise information client 307 through merchandise
information output terminal 415. Merchandise information client 307
displays this learning and ordering screen on, for example, a
display of consumer terminal 103. In addition, the learning and
ordering screen will be described later along with the learning
processing.
[0053] Thus, when receiving the merchandise information pieces
distributed from merchandise information server 306, a consumer is
capable of watching the merchandise information pieces ranked
according to previous inputs of the consumer indicative of
interests or no interests thereof, using the display or the like of
consumer terminal 103 without performing particular processing. As
a result, the consumer is capable of placing an order for
merchandise based on the merchandise information pieces ranked
according to the preferences of the consumer.
[0054] The learning processing in information filtering section 308
will be described below. A preferable example of information
filtering section 308 is an information filtering apparatus
disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication HE19-288683. In
order to simplify the explanation, the simplest configuration is
herein used to explain.
[0055] When information filtering section 308 receives a learning
request from a consumer through merchandise information client 307,
the section 308 accesses to merchandise information server 306 to
request the distribution of the merchandise information according
to search criteria and the like contained in the learning request.
Information filtering section 308 receives the merchandise
information distributed from merchandise information server 306 in
response to the distribution request.
[0056] The learning processing is such processing that learns PPF
indicative of preferences of a consumer by analyzing keywords
contained in the merchandise information, where the consumer inputs
whether or not he/she has an interest in the merchandise
information distributed from merchandise information server 306. By
performing the learning processing, PPF is stored in positive
metric storage section 407 and negative metric storage section
408.
[0057] When the learning processing has been already performed,
information filtering section 308 ranks the distributed merchandise
information pieces in the same way as in the filtering processing
described above according to the stored PPF, and generates learning
and ordering screen 800 as illustrated in FIG. 8. PPF is further
updated according to a learning instruction of a consumer through
learning and ordering screen 800. An ordering instruction input
through learning and ordering screen 800 is also subject to the
learning processing on PPF.
[0058] In the step where the learning processing is not performed,
PPF is not stored in positive metric storage section 407 and
negative metric storage section 408. Accordingly, since it is not
possible to perform the above processing, merchandise information
pieces are written in merchandise information storage section 412
without being ranked. Merchandise information output control
section 414 generates learning and ordering screen 800 illustrated
in FIG. 8 using a plurality of merchandise information pieces
written in merchandise information storage section 412. This
learning and ordering screen 800 is transferred to merchandise
information client 307 through merchandise information output
terminal 415. Merchandise information client 307 displays this
learning and ordering screen on the display or the like of consumer
terminal 103.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 8, learning and ordering screen 800
is comprised of a plurality of merchandise information pieces 801,
buttons 802 (shown with ".circleincircle." and "x") for use in
inputting "yes" or "no" as to whether a consumer is interested in
each merchandise information piece, and learning button 803. Each
of merchandise information pieces 801 includes merchandise ID
(M-ID), characteristics of merchandise (CM) and photograph (P). In
addition, selecting a merchandise information piece places an order
for the piece of the merchandise. In addition, a screen for use in
performing the learning and ordering is not limited to a
configuration illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, different screens
may be provided as a screen for the learning and a screen for the
ordering.
[0060] When the learning processing is performed, a consumer
selects button 802 based on merchandise information 801 on learning
and ordering screen 800 displayed on the display or the like of
consumer terminal 103, and thereby inputs as to presence or absence
of interest. Then, selecting learning button 803 after finishing
the input on the interests transmits the learning instruction to
information filtering section 308.
[0061] The learning instruction contains a teaching signal T to
each merchandise information piece. The teaching signal T is a
signal indicative of an interest or no interest of a consumer in
each merchandise information piece. When information filtering
section 308 receives the learning instruction through learning data
input terminal 416, the section 310 fetches the teaching signal T
transmitted along with the learning instruction. The teaching
signal T is stored in teaching data storage section (TDSS) 417
through merchandise information output control section 414. Each
teaching signal T is stored in teaching data storage section 417
along with the keyword group signal Ks and number-of-keyword signal
nofKs assigned to each merchandise information piece.
[0062] After the teaching signal T and the others are stored in
teaching data storage section 417, a learning start signal is input
to learning start signal input terminal 418. When the learning
start signal is input, learning control section (LCS) 419 makes
switches 422, 423 and 424 made to connect metric learning section
(MLS) 420 and learning vector generating section (LVGS) 421.
[0063] Metric learning section 420 fetches the teaching signal T,
keyword group signal Ks and number-of-keyword signal nofKs from
teaching data storage section 417, and inputs the keyword group
signal Ks and number-of-keyword signal nofKs to learning vector
generating section 421. Learning vector generating section 421
transforms the keyword group signal Ks to a learning vector signal
LV using the code dictionary signal as well as vector generating
section 403.
[0064] The learning vector signal LV is input to metric learning
section 420. Metric learning section 420 corrects the positive
metric signal in positive metric storage section 407 based on the
learning vector signal LV corresponding to the teaching signal T
indicative of having an interest, while correcting the negative
metric signal in negative metric storage section 408 based on the
learning vector signal LV corresponding to the teaching signal T
indicative of having no interest.
[0065] The positive metric signal thereby has a large value with
respect to the keywords included in the merchandise information
piece that interests the consumer. Similarly, the negative metric
signal thereby has a large value with respect to the keywords
included in the merchandise information piece that hates the
consumer.
[0066] Learning score calculating section (LSCS) 425 operates in a
similar way to that in positive signal calculating section 405 and
negative signal calculating section 406 to calculate a learning
positive signal LSY and a learning negative signal LSN from the
learning vector signal LV. Using the learning positive signal LSY
and learning negative signal LSN, determination plane learning
section (DPLS) 426 obtains the coefficient C that most accurately
separates merchandise information pieces that interest the consumer
and that do not interest the consumer. The coefficient C is
expressed on a two-dimensional space using the positive signal SY
and negative signal SN. The obtained coefficient C is stored in
determination parameter storage section 410. Storing the
coefficient C in determination parameter storage section 410
finishes the learning processing. When the learning processing is
finished, learning control section 419 outputs a learning finish
signal from learning finish signal output terminal 427.
[0067] After confirming that the learning finish signal is output,
merchandise information write control section 411 inputs again each
merchandise information piece, and the keyword group signal Ks and
number-of-keyword signal nofks each assigned to the merchandise
information piece stored in merchandise information storage section
412 to respective input terminals 400, 401 and 402. As a result,
with respect to each merchandise information piece, the necessity
signal N which is accurately reflective of interests (preference
and taste) of the consumer is calculated based on the keywords
assigned to the merchandise information piece. The merchandise
information pieces are rearranged in descending order of the
necessity signal N to be stored again in merchandise information
storage section 412. Merchandise information output control section
414 fetches the merchandise information pieces from merchandise
information storage section 412, generates learning and ordering
screen 800 with the merchandise information pieces rearranged in
descending order of the necessity signal N, and transfers the
generated screen to merchandise information client 307. Merchandise
information client 307 displays this learning and ordering screen
on the display or the like connected to consumer terminal 103.
[0068] The consumer inputs a preference again if necessary, while
watching the rearranged merchandise information pieces, and thereby
searches the merchandise information matching with the consumer's
preferences. By thus inputting "yes" or "no" on whether or not each
distributed merchandise information piece interests the consumer,
the consumer is capable of obtaining PPF matching with the
consumer's preferences. In this case, PPF matching with the
preferences of a celebrity that is the consumer is stored in PPF
storage section 309.
[0069] The filtering processing on the merchandise information is
thus performed using PPF reflective of consumer preferences,
whereby it is possible to automatically decrease the evaluation on
the merchandise information distributed from malicious sellers. For
example, a case is considered that in order to increase a search
hit rate of its own merchandise, a malicious seller inputs
merchandise information that is not directly associated with the
merchandise. In this case, when a consumer inputs "hate" in such
merchandise information, the merchandise information containing the
seller ID indicative of such a seller is assigned a negative score
in PPF. It is thereby possible to automatically decrease the
evaluation on the merchandise information distributed from such a
seller. In other words, it is possible to provide an EC system such
that consumers are capable of supervising distributed merchandise
information, and to automatically increase the evaluations on
sellers that distribute good merchandise information.
[0070] In addition, it is preferable to generate PPF as described
above using the merchandise information distributed from
merchandise information server 306 and the teaching signal T
reflective of consumer preferences. However, the present invention
is not limited to the foregoing, as long as consumer preferences
are reflected. For example, it may be possible to generate PPF
using only consumer preferences input according to a menu displayed
on an internet browser.
[0071] In this embodiment is described the case where consumer
terminal 103 is provided with PPF storage section 309 and grasps
PPF. However, the present invention is not limited to the above
case, and it may be possible that merchandise information
distribution unit 102 is provided with a storage means
corresponding to PPF storage section 309 to grasp PPF of a consumer
operating consumer terminal 103. However, in consideration of
characteristics of PPF designed to be indicative of consumer
preferences, it is preferable that PPF be provided on a side of
consumer terminal 103 from the standpoint of protecting the
privacy.
[0072] Also when merchandise information pieces are provided while
the utilization of PPF by an ordinary person is permitted in PPF
managing section 310 in merchandise information distribution unit
102 as described previously, information filtering section 308
similarly ranks the merchandise information pieces based on PPF
stored in PPF storage section 309. Then, the section 308 returns
the ranked merchandise information pieces to PPF managing section
310. PPF managing section 310 transmits the ranked merchandise
information pieces to the ordinary person permitted to utilize
PPF.
[0073] As well as consumer terminal 103, consumer terminal 105 may
be achieved by a general PC which is provided with a calculation
processing means such as CPU and a storage means such as RAM and
ROM, and which is connected to an input means such as a keyboard
and a display means such as a display.
[0074] Further, consumer terminal 105 is provided with merchandise
information client (MIC) 314, information filtering section (IFS)
315 and PPF storage section (PPSS) 316 each having the same
function as that in consumer terminal 103. Accordingly, an ordinary
person using consumer terminal 105 is also capable of ranking
merchandise information pieces distributed from merchandise
information server 306 based on PPF corresponding to preferences of
the person, and placing an order for merchandise from the ranked
merchandise information pieces.
[0075] In addition, information filtering section 315 has a
function for switching using PPF of an ordinary person or using PPF
of a celebrity according to an instruction of a user. The user
instructs such switching to information filtering section 315
through merchandise information client 314 from the keyboard or the
like of consumer terminal 105.
[0076] Furthermore, consumer terminal 105 is provided with personal
profile utilization querying section (hereinafter referred to as
"PPF utilization querying section") (PPUQS) 317 for querying
whether PPF of the celebrity is permitted to PPF managing section
310 of merchandise information distribution unit 102. PPF
utilization querying section 317 queries on the utilization of PPF
corresponding to an instruction of an ordinary person that is a
consumer. The ordinary person provides the instruction to PPF
utilization querying section 317 through merchandise information
client 314 from the keyboard and the like of consumer terminal 105.
When PPF utilization querying section 317 queries whether PPF of
the celebrity is permitted, the section 317 transmits utilization
information. For example, the utilization information includes
information for proving a membership registered with a fan club of
the celebrity to which the ordinary person belongs.
[0077] When the utilization of PPF of the celebrity is permitted,
PPF utilization querying section 317 receives from information
filtering section 315 the merchandise information distributed from
merchandise information server 306 corresponding to search criteria
designated by the ordinary person, and transmits the merchandise
information to PPF managing section 310 of merchandise information
distribution unit 102. At the same time, PPF utilization querying
section 317 transmits to PPF managing section 310 a signal
(hereinafter referred to as "PPF utilization signal") including a
consumer ID indicative of the person and a consumer ID indicative
of the celebrity permitting the initialization of PPF. The PPF
utilization signal is provided to an EC clearing section, described
later, of electronic clearing unit 104 through PPF managing section
310. On the other hand, when PPF utilization querying section 317
receives the rejection on the utilization of PPF of the celebrity,
a message indicative of the rejection or a utilization permission
application form is indicated on the display.
[0078] Electronic clearing unit 104 is provided with EC clearing
section 312 that receives a merchandise ordering signal from
merchandise information client 307 (314) through merchandise
ordering section (MOS) 311.
[0079] EC clearing section (ECCS) 312 inquires of financial
institute or company (FIC) 313 whether an orderer has an ability to
pay for the merchandise in response to the merchandise ordering
signal. When the orderer has the ability to pay, the section 312
transmits an order receiving signal to merchandise order receiving
section 303. At the same time, the section 312 withdraws the
merchandise charge from an account of the orderer. Meanwhile, when
the section 312 receives the PPF utilization signal from PPF
managing section 310, the section 312 withdraws the PPF utilization
charge from an account of the ordinary person who uses PPF of the
celebrity. Further, the section 312 pays the PPF utilization charge
to an account of the celebrity who permits the utilization of
PPF.
[0080] In addition, it is assumed herein that each celebrity uses
consumer terminal 103 in EC system 100, which is achieved by that
an ordinary person purchases merchandise while referring to
merchandise information pieces ranked according to PPF that is
registered according to the utilization of the celebrity.
Accordingly, it is naturally required to explain the concept of EC
system 100 to the celebrity to gain its cooperation. Further, it is
preferable for an agent who manages merchandise information
distribution unit 102 or the like to promote the utilization of
consumer terminal 103 by lending consumer terminals 103 to the
celebrity at no charge or paying utilization charges for the
utilization of consumer terminal 103 to the celebrity.
[0081] When paying the utilization charge of consumer terminal 103
to the celebrity, it is preferable to pay a charge corresponding to
the utilization. In this case, it is considered that when EC
clearing section 312 receives a merchandise ordering signal from
consumer terminal 103 used by the celebrity, the section 312 pay
the utilization charge of consumer terminal 103, instead of
withdrawing the charge of the merchandise.
[0082] Further, from the standpoint of promoting the utilization of
consumer terminal 103, it is effective to adopt a system for
permitting the celebrity to purchase merchandise corresponding to a
predetermined price (for example, .English Pound.500,000 per month)
after gaining permission of sellers using EC system 100.
[0083] When the system has the celebrity use the terminal 103 in
this way, PPF of the celebrity is registered so as to increase
scores of keywords assigned to the merchandise information of the
seller from which the celebrity purchased the merchandise. The
existence of ordinary people desiring to purchase merchandise
matching with preferences of the celebrity increases the
possibility that the merchandise of the seller is purchased.
Accordingly, with considering the utilization charge as a charge
for advertising the merchandise to ordinary people who want to
purchase the merchandise using PPF of the celebrity, since a seller
is considered to advertise the merchandise of the seller by using
PPF reflective of preferences of a celebrity, also the seller is
capable of obtaining adequate benefits.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 3, the operation will be described
below when an ordinary person as a consumer of consumer terminal
105 places an order for merchandise using PPF of a celebrity as a
consumer of consumer terminal 103. In addition, it is assumed
herein that PPF storage section 309 of consumer terminal 103
already stores PPF reflective of preferences of the celebrity.
[0085] An ordinary person who desires to use PPF of the celebrity
instructs information filtering section 315 whether to use PPF of
the person stored in PPF storage section 316 or to use PPF of the
celebrity, from the keyboard or the like of consumer terminal 105
through information client 314. It is assumed herein that the
utilization of PPF of the celebrity is instructed.
[0086] At the same time as the instruction, the ordinary person
designates search criteria of merchandise information that
interests the person, from the keyboard or the like of consumer
terminal 105 through merchandise information client 314.
Information filtering section 315 accesses to merchandise
information server 306 according to the search criteria and
receives distribution of the corresponding merchandise
information.
[0087] When the utilization of PPF of the celebrity is instructed,
PPF utilization querying section 317 queries whether the
utilization of PPF is permitted to PPF managing section 310 of
merchandise information distribution unit 102. PPF managing section
310 examines the utilization information of the ordinary person
transmitted with such a query to judge whether the utilization of
PPF is permitted. It is herein assumed that the utilization of PPF
of the celebrity is permitted.
[0088] When the utilization of PPF is permitted, information
filtering section 315 transmits merchandise information pieces
distributed from merchandise information server 306 to PPF managing
section 310 through PPF utilization querying section 317.
[0089] PPF managing section 310 provides the merchandise
information pieces from consumer terminal 105 to information
filtering section 308 of consumer terminal 103. Information
filtering section 308 performs the filtering processing described
previously on the merchandise information pieces using PPF stored
in PPF storage section 309. The merchandise information pieces
searched according to the search criteria designated by the
ordinary person are thereby ranked according to PPF reflective of
preferences of the celebrity.
[0090] After finishing the ranking (filtering processing) of the
merchandise information pieces, information filtering section 308
returns the merchandise information pieces to PPF managing section
310. Then, the merchandise information pieces are returned to PPF
utilization querying section 317 of consumer terminal 105.
[0091] PPF utilization querying section 317 provides the
merchandise information pieces thus ranked according to the
preferences of the celebrity to information filtering section 315.
When information filtering section 315 receives the ranked
merchandise information pieces, the section 315 provides the
merchandise information pieces to merchandise information client
314 without performing any processing thereon. Merchandise
information client 314 displays the merchandise information pieces
on the display or the like of consumer terminal 105. At this point,
the display or the like indicates the information pieces in the
form of the learning and ordering screen illustrated in FIG. 8.
Thus, the merchandise information pieces, which are searched
according to search criteria designated by the ordinary person and
then ranked according to the preferences of the celebrity, are
indicated on the display or the like of consumer terminal 105.
[0092] When the merchandise information pieces are indicated on the
display or the like, the ordinary person selects a piece of
merchandise to place an order therewith in the same way as in the
general processing. At this point, the merchandise information
pieces are ranked according to the preferences of the celebrity.
Therefore, the ordinary person is capable of purchasing a piece of
merchandise corresponding to the preferences of the celebrity from
merchandise information pieces searched according to the search
criteria that the person designated.
[0093] In addition, when ranking the merchandise information pieces
according to the preferences of the celebrity, information
filtering section 308 of consumer terminal 103 receives the
merchandise information pieces from consumer terminal 105 and
performs the filtering processing on the received merchandise
information pieces. Then, the section 308 returns only a result
(ranked merchandise information pieces) of the filtering processing
to consumer terminal 105. Therefore, a case never occurs that PPF
of reflective of the preferences of the celebrity is opened to
public. It is thereby possible to assuredly protect the privacy of
the celebrity.
[0094] In addition, when merchandise information pieces are ranked
according to preferences of a celebrity, it is considered that PPF
of the celebrity be downloaded from consumer terminal 1103 and that
information filtering section 315 of consumer terminal 105 perform
the filtering processing on PPF. In this case, since data provided
as PPF are of scores corresponding to keywords contained in the
merchandise information pieces, the downloading does not directly
disturb the protection of the privacy. However, in order to
assuredly protect the privacy of a celebrity, it is preferable that
consumer terminal 103 performs the filtering processing as
described in this embodiment.
[0095] Thus, according to EC system 100 according to the first
embodiment, using PPF reflective of preferences of a celebrity,
merchandise information pieces searched with search criteria
designated by an ordinary person are ranked. It is thereby possible
for the ordinary person to purchase merchandise corresponding to
preferences of the celebrity by placing an order for the
merchandise based on the ranked merchandise information pieces. In
addition, the ranking of merchandise information pieces is
performed in consumer terminal 103 used by the celebrity.
Accordingly, it is possible to protect the privacy of the celebrity
while allowing the purchase of merchandise matching with
preferences of the celebrity.
[0096] Further, PPF reflective of preferences of a celebrity is
registered easily by the celebrity selecting merchandise pieces
through consumer terminal 103. Accordingly, it is not necessary to
handle an interview of a magazine or the like, and therefore
preferences of a celebrity can be reflected in a short time. As a
result, since current preferences of the celebrity are reflected,
it is possible to cope with the problem that the celebrity
preference changes with the passage of time. It is thereby possible
to purchase the merchandise corresponding to the current
preferences of the celebrity.
[0097] In addition, in this embodiment is described the case where
EC system 100 is only connected to consumer terminal 105 that an
ordinary person uses and consumer terminal 103 that a celebrity
uses. However, it is actually expected that the system 100 be
connected to a plurality of consumer terminals used by a plurality
of celebrities as well as ordinary people. In this case, PPF
managing section 310 presents a list of celebrities permitting the
utilization of their PPF to ordinary people who query on the
permission of the utilization of PPF. Meanwhile, it is preferable
to enable ordinary people to designate a celebrity through
merchandise information client 314.
[0098] Further, in this embodiment is described the case where
merchandise information pieces searched with search criteria
designated by an ordinary person are ranked corresponding to
preferences of a celebrity. However, the present invention is not
limited to the ranking of the merchandise information, and any
means maybe possible which is capable of conveying preferences of a
celebrity to ordinary people. How to display the merchandise
information pieces on the display means is not limited in
particular as long as the pieces are displayed corresponding to
preferences of a celebrity. One of example is to display
merchandise information pieces ranked corresponding to preferences
of a celebrity. Namely, changing a way of indication of merchandise
information pieces corresponding to preferences of a celebrity is
included in the gist of an e-commerce system of the present
invention. For example, it may be possible to assign a specific
mark indicative of the degree of interest of a celebrity to the
distributed merchandise information.
[0099] This case may be, for example as illustrated in the lowest
columns in FIG. 8, achieved by assigning the specific mark
indicative of the degree of interest of a celebrity to an area of
each merchandise information 801 of the learning and ordering
screen. In the figure, as the simplest case, a number of marks of
.star-solid. corresponding to the degree of interest of a celebrity
are assigned. In other words, the merchandise information with a
larger number of marks of .star-solid. indicates that the degree of
interest therein of a celebrity is greater. This case enables the
judgment on preferences of a celebrity without performing the
ranking according to preferences of a celebrity like this
embodiment.
[0100] Further, EC system 100 is based on the premise that a
celebrity uses consumer terminal 103. Therefore, when the celebrity
places an order for the merchandise using the terminal 103, a
seller of merchandise is capable of recognizing the order from the
consumer ID and so on contained in the merchandise ordering signal.
Accordingly, based on the premise that the seller gains permission
of the celebrity, it is possible for the seller to change the
merchandise metadata assigned to the merchandise based on the fact
that the celebrity purchased the merchandise. For example, the
seller is capable of inputting the merchandise metadata of a
"favorite of celebrity A".
[0101] According to EC system 100, since it is possible to change
the merchandise metadata corresponding to the shopping trend of a
celebrity, it is possible to present merchandise information more
valuable to consumers. Further, since the merchandise information
more valuable to consumers is presented, sellers are capable of
expecting increases in sales of merchandise. In addition, with
respect to a piece of merchandise on which a celebrity replies the
merchandise "does not match with the celebrity taste", since there
is a possibility of having an adverse effect on purchase trends, it
is preferably to adopt a configuration for indicating only pieces
of merchandise matching with the taste without indicating pieces of
merchandise not matching with the taste.
[0102] Further, the merchandise metadata assigned to the
merchandise purchased by a celebrity may be analyzed to reflect the
analysis result in the merchandise metadata of another piece of
merchandise. In this case, when a consumer exists who uses PPF of
the celebrity, it is expected that the another piece of merchandise
reflective of the analysis result is placed also in a higher rank.
Therefore, the possibility that the another piece of merchandise is
purchased is increased, and increases in sales are expected.
[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment is described the case where
PPF managing section 310 that judges whether or not to permit an
ordinary person to use PPF is provided in merchandise information
distribution unit 102. However, the present invention is not
limited to the above case, and it may be possible to provide PPF
managing section 310 in consumer terminal 103 that a celebrity
uses. When thus changing, since consumer terminal 103 that the
celebrity uses is capable of managing the utilization criteria of
PPF of the celebrity, it is possible to provide EC system 100 more
excellent in protecting the privacy.
[0104] In addition, while in this embodiment is described the case
where consumer terminal 103 (105) is provided with information
filtering section 308 (315) and PPF storage section 309 (316), the
present invention is not limited to the above case. In other words,
it may be possible that merchandise information distribution unit
102 is provided with all the structural elements except merchandise
information client 307 (314) and that consumer terminal 103 (105)
is provided with only merchandise information client 307 (314) with
the WEB browsing function. In this case, even with consumer
terminal 103 (105) with only the WEB browsing function and with no
specific other configuration, consumers are capable of joining EC
system 100.
Second Embodiment
[0105] In the first embodiment, information filtering section 315
of consumer terminal 105 switches selectively using PPF of the
terminal 105 (ordinary person) or using PPF of another person
(celebrity). In contrast thereto, in EC system 200 according to the
second embodiment, information filtering section 901 of consumer
terminal 105 uses both PPFs (of ordinary person and celebrity), and
in this respect, differs from the first embodiment.
[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates a specific configuration of EC system 200
according to the second embodiment. Since FIG. 9 illustrates the
same configuration as FIG. 3 except information filtering section
901 of consumer terminal 105, descriptions on the configuration
except information filtering section 901 are omitted.
[0107] In addition, the specific configuration of information
filtering section 901 is basically the same as the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 4. However, merchandise information write
control section 411 is different in being further provided with a
function corresponding to the feature for using PPFs of both an
ordinary person and celebrity as described above.
[0108] As described above, information filtering section 901 uses
PPFs of both an ordinary person and celebrity. Information
filtering section 901 thereby reflects preferences of both the
ordinary person and celebrity in merchandise information pieces
distributed from merchandise information server 306. Accordingly,
the merchandise information pieces are ranked corresponding to
preferences of both the ordinary person and celebrity.
[0109] As functions for reflecting preferences of both the ordinary
person and celebrity in merchandise information pieces, information
filtering section 901 has, for example, a function for adding
degrees of interests of both people to perform ranking and another
function for performing ranking corresponding to the degree of
interest of either one, while indicating the degree of interest of
the other one in relation to the ranked merchandise information
pieces.
[0110] The former function is achieved by performing ranking
corresponding to the sum of necessity signals N each of which is
calculated based on scores of respective PPF. The latter function
is achieved by ranking a merchandise information piece
corresponding to the necessity signal N calculated based on scores
of PPF of either one, while assigning to the same merchandise
information piece a specific mark indicative of the degree of
interest corresponding to the necessity signal N calculated based
on scores of PPF of the other one.
[0111] In addition, these functions of information filtering
section 901 are switched corresponding to destination of an
ordinary person as a consumer. The ordinary person designates the
designation of switching between these functions from the keyboard
or the like of consumer terminal 105 through merchandise
information client 314.
[0112] The operation will be described below of cases where an
ordinary person as a consumer places an order for merchandise using
PPFs of both the ordinary person and celebrity in EC system 200
according to the second embodiment. A case will be described first
where the ordinary person selects the function for adding degrees
of interests of both people to perform ranking in information
filtering section 910.
[0113] In addition, it is herein assumed that PPFs reflective of
preferences of the celebrity and ordinary person are already
registered respectively with PPF storage-section 309 of consumer
terminal 103 and PPF storage section 316 of consumer terminal
105.
[0114] The ordinary person using consumer terminal 105 designates
search criteria of merchandise information interesting the person
from the keyboard or the link of consumer terminal 105 through
merchandise information client 314, and instructs the search of
merchandise information. At the same, the person further instructs
information filtering section 901 how to use PPFs of the ordinary
person and celebrity from the keyboard or the link of consumer
terminal 105 through merchandise information client 314. It is
herein assumed to select the function for adding degrees of
interests of both people to perform ranking. At this point, a
message indicative of using PPF of the celebrity is notified to PPF
utilization querying section 317 through merchandise information
client 314.
[0115] When the information filtering section 315 receives these
instructions, the section 315 first accesses to merchandise
information server 306, and receives the distribution of the
corresponding merchandise information according to the designated
search criteria.
[0116] Meanwhile, when PPF utilization querying section 317
receives the notification indicative of using PPF of the celebrity,
the section 317 queries whether the utilization of PPF is permitted
to PPF managing section 310 of merchandise information distribution
unit 102. PPF managing section 310 examines the utilitarian
information of the ordinary person transmitted along with the
query, and judges whether or not to permit the utilization of PPF
of the celebrity. It is herein assumed to permit the utilization of
PPF of the celebrity.
[0117] When the utilization of PPF of the celebrity is permitted,
information filtering section 901 performs the filtering processing
on the merchandise information pieces distributed from merchandise
information server 306, using PPF of the person stored in PPF
storage section 316. The merchandise information pieces ranked
according to preferences of the person are thus obtained.
Information filtering section 901 temporarily stores the thus
ranked merchandise information pieces.
[0118] At the same time as the above processing, information
filtering section 901 transmits the merchandise information pieces
distributed from merchandise information server 306 to PPF managing
section 310 through PPF utilization querying section 317. PPF
managing section 310 provides the merchandise information pieces
from consumer terminal 105 to information filtering section 308 of
consumer terminal 103.
[0119] When information filtering section 308 receives the
merchandise information pieces, the section 308 performs the
filtering processing on the merchandise information pieces, using
PPF stored in PPF storage section 309. The merchandise information
pieces searched with the search criteria designated by the ordinary
person are thus ranked corresponding to preferences of the
celebrity.
[0120] When information filtering section 308 completes the ranking
(filtering processing) on the merchandise information pieces, the
section 308 returns the merchandise information pieces to PPF
managing section 310. The merchandise information pieces are
returned to PPF utilization querying section 317 of consumer
terminal 105.
[0121] PPF utilization querying section 317 provides the
merchandise information pieces ranked corresponding to preferences
of the celebrity to information filtering section 901. When
information filtering section 901 receives the merchandise
information pieces, the section 901 further ranks the merchandise
information pieces using the ranking of the merchandise information
pieces corresponding to preferences of the person and the ranking
of the merchandise information pieces corresponding to preferences
of the celebrity. Namely, the section 901 ranks using preferences
of the person and preferences of the celebrity with both
considered.
[0122] Specifically, the ranking is performed corresponding to a
sum of necessity signals N calculated from each merchandise
information piece, whereby the overall ranking is determined based
on preferences of the person and preferences of the celebrity.
[0123] FIG. 10 is a table showing examples of-merchandise
information pieces subjected to the overall ranking using
preferences of the person and preferences of the celebrity. FIG. 10
uses the examples of merchandise information pieces shown in FIG.
7. The necessity signals in FIG. 7 are replaced with necessity
signals Na in FIG. 10.
[0124] Necessity signals Nb illustrated in FIG. 10 denote necessity
signals N calculated based on preferences of the celebrity. It is
understood from the necessity signals, the celebrity is interested
in merchandise information pieces {circle around (1)}, {circle
around (4)}, {circle around (3)}, {circle around (2)}, and {circle
around (5)} in this order. Information filtering section 901
determines the ranking of the merchandise information pieces based
on the sum of the necessity signal Na of the ordinary person and
the necessity signal Nb of the celebrity.
[0125] In addition, merchandise information write control section
411 illustrated in FIG. 4 performs such processing for calculating
the sum of the necessity signal Na of the ordinary person and the
necessity signal Nb of the celebrity to perform the ranking. In
this case, merchandise information pieces {circle around (1)} to
{circle around (5)} are ranked as shown in FIG. 10, and are stored
in merchandise information storage section 412.
[0126] In the same way as in the first embodiment, merchandise
information output control section 411 generates learning and
ordering screen 800 as illustrated in FIG. 8, using the thus ranked
merchandise information pieces in merchandise information storage
section 412. Assuming that the rank is decreased in the rightward
direction and in the downward direction in learning and ordering
screen 800 in FIG. 8, merchandise information pieces {circle around
(1)}, {circle around (4)}, {circle around (3)} and {circle around
(2)} are indicated respectively in the most upper left,
center-left, and center-right, and right columns, while merchandise
information piece {circle around (5)} is indicated in the second
upper left column on the example shown FIG. 10. Such learning and
ordering screen 800 is transferred to merchandise information
client 314 through merchandise information output terminal 415.
Merchandise information client 314 indicates such learning and
ordering screen 800 on the display or the like of consumer terminal
105.
[0127] When the ordinary person thus receives the distribution of
merchandise information from merchandise information server 306,
the person is capable of watching the merchandise information
pieces ranked with previous preferences of the ordinary person and
of the celebrity reflected, using the display or the like of
consumer terminal 105. Then, the ordinary person is capable of
placing an order for merchandise based on such merchandise
information.
[0128] According to the foregoing, it is possible for an ordinary
person to place an order for merchandise, while watching the
merchandise information ranked with not only preferences of the
celebrity buy also preferences of the person. Accordingly, the
ordinary person is capable of selecting the merchandise
corresponding to preferences of the person as well as preference of
the celebrity to place an order therefor. In other words, the
ordinary person is capable of selecting the merchandise which
corresponds to preferences of the celebrity and which is also
provided with the taste of the person.
[0129] A case will be described next where an ordinary person
selects the function for ranking the merchandise information
corresponding to the degree of either person, while indicating the
degree of interest of the other person in relation to the ranked
merchandise information.
[0130] In the same way as in the above case, the ordinary person
using consumer terminal 105 designates search criteria of
merchandise information interesting the person from the keyboard or
the link of consumer terminal 105 through merchandise information
client 314, while instructing information filtering section 901 how
to use PPFs of the ordinary person and celebrity.
[0131] It is herein assumed to select the function for ranking
merchandise information corresponding to the degree of either
person, while indicating the degree of interest of the other person
in relation to the ranked merchandise information. In particular,
it is assumed to instruct to rank the merchandise information
corresponding to preferences of the person, while indicating the
degree of interest of the celebrity in relation to the ranked
merchandise information.
[0132] In the same way as previously described, information
filtering section 901 performs the filtering processing on the
merchandise information distributed from merchandise information
server 306 according to he search criteria, using PPF of the person
stored in PPF storage section 316, while providing the distributed
merchandise information to information filtering section 308
through PPF utilization querying section 317 and PPF managing
section 310, and receiving the merchandise information subjected to
the filtering processing using PPF of the celebrity stored in PPF
storage section 309.
[0133] When information filtering section 901 thus receives the
merchandise information pieces ranked corresponding to preferences
of the celebrity, the section 901 indicates a scale of the degree
of interest of the celebrity in relation to each merchandise
information piece ranked and stored in advance corresponding to
preferences of the ordinary person.
[0134] Specifically, each merchandise information piece is assigned
a specific mark indicative of the degree of interest of the
celebrity corresponding to the necessity signal N calculated from
the merchandise information piece.
[0135] FIG. 11 shows an example of the case of indicating the
degree of interest of a celebrity in relation to the merchandise
information piece ranked according to preferences of an ordinary
person. FIG. 11 uses the example shown in FIG. 7. The necessity
signals N in FIG. 7 are replaced with necessity signals Na in FIG.
11.
[0136] Necessity signals Nb illustrated in FIG. 11 denote necessity
signals N calculated based on preferences of the celebrity. It is
understood from the necessity signals, the celebrity is interested
in merchandise information pieces {circle around (1)}, {circle
around (4)}, {circle around (3)}, {circle around (2)}, and {circle
around (5)} in this order. The specific marks corresponding to such
a degree of interest are assigned.
[0137] In FIG. 11, assigned as specific marks indicative of the
degree of interest of the celebrity are a large white circle
(.smallcircle.) for the necessity signal of +5, a small white
circle (.smallcircle.) for the necessity signal of +1, a large
black circle .circle-solid. for the necessity signal of -5, and a
small black circle .circle-solid. for the necessity signal of
-1.
[0138] In addition, it is preferable in managing EC system 200 not
to indicate negative marks (.circle-solid. in the above case) among
the specific marks indicative of the degree of interest of a
celebrity.
[0139] The present invention is not limited in specific mark to the
example shown in FIG. 11. Any marks corresponding to the degree of
interest of a celebrity may be used. For example, it may be
possible to use as specific marks a mark indicative of a smiling
face for a large value of the degree of interest, a mark indicative
of a normal face for an average vale thereof, and a mark indicative
of a crying face for a small value of thereof.
[0140] In addition, merchandise information write control section
411 illustrated in FIG. 4 performs the processing for assigning a
specific mark corresponding to the necessity signal Nb of a
celebrity to the result based on the necessity signal Na of an
ordinary person. In this case, merchandise information pieces
{circle around (1)} to {circle around (5)} are ranked as shown in
FIG. 11, while being assigned specific marks shown in FIG. 11 to be
in stored in merchandise information storage section 412.
[0141] As in the first embodiment, merchandise information output
control section 414 generates learning and ordering screen 800 as
shown in FIG. 8, using the thus ranked merchandise information in
merchandise information storage section 412. Assuming that the rank
is decreased in the rightward direction and in the downward
direction in learning and ordering screen 800 in FIG. 8,
merchandise information pieces {circle around (4)}, {circle around
(1)}, {circle around (2)}, and {circle around (3)} are indicated
respectively in the most upper left, center-left, and center-right,
and right columns, while merchandise information piece {circle
around (5)} is indicated in the second upper left column on the
example shown FIG. 11. Then, for example, the indication that
corresponds to the necessity signal Nb is added to an area of
merchandise information 801 of each column. Such learning and
ordering screen 800 is transferred to merchandise information
client 314 through merchandise information output terminal 415.
Merchandise information client 314 displays such learning and
ordering screen 800 on the display or the like of consumer terminal
105.
[0142] When an ordinary person thus receives the distribution of
merchandise information from merchandise information server 306,
the ordinary person is capable of watching the previously ranked
merchandise information reflective of preferences of the ordinary
person with the degree of interest of the celebrity indicated on
each merchandise information. Then, the person is capable of
placing an order for merchandise based on such merchandise
information.
[0143] It is thereby possible for an ordinary person to confirm how
the celebrity evaluates each merchandise while watching the
merchandise information ranked according to preferences of the
person. Accordingly, it is possible for the person to place an
order for merchandise matching primarily with preferences of the
person and also with preferences of the celebrity.
[0144] Thus, according to EC system 200 according to the second
embodiment, by using PPFs reflective of both an ordinary person and
celebrity, merchandise information pieces are ranked while being
reflective of preferences of both people. Placing an order based on
the thus ranked merchandise information pieces enables the ordinary
person to select the merchandise information matching with
preferences of the celebrity as well as matching with preferences
of the person.
[0145] In addition, while in the above description is indicated the
case of ranking merchandise information corresponding to the degree
of interest of an ordinary person, while indicating the degree of
interest of a celebrity in relation to the ranked merchandise
information. However, the present invention is not limited to the
above case, and it may be naturally possible to rank merchandise
information corresponding the degree of interest of a celebrity,
while indicating the degree of interest of an ordinary person in
relation to the ranked merchandise information. In this case, it is
possible for an ordinary person to place an order for merchandise
matching primarily with preferences of the celebrity and also with
preferences of the ordinary person.
[0146] As described above, according to the present invention, the
system has a celebrity register PPF which is registered
corresponding to preferences by purchasing merchandise and which is
excellent in privacy protection, and enables ordinary people to use
such PPF, whereby it is possible for the ordinary people to
purchase the merchandise matching with current preferences of the
celebrity while protecting the privacy of the celebrity.
[0147] The present invention is not limited to the above described
embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be
possible without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0148] This application is based on the Japanese Patent Application
No. 2000-340741 filed on Nov. 8, 2000, entire content of which is
expressly incorporated by reference herein.
* * * * *