Abstract:
An information provision apparatus ( 20 ) has the following: a presentation-information reception unit ( 21 ) that receives presentation information generated by a server ( 10 ) and stores said presentation information in a prescribed storage unit; and a presentation unit ( 22 ) that presents the presentation information to the user of the device ( 20 ), said presentation information having been read out from the aforementioned storage unit. The presentation information indicates, at least and on a per-action basis, what actions were taken by users of the same model as or similar models to the abovementioned device ( 20 ) upon malfunctions in the devices used by said users. For cases in which the malfunctioning device was replaced, the presentation information includes information that indicates the newly purchased model, and for cases in which the malfunctioning device was repaired, the presentation information includes information that indicates where the user had the device repaired.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, a server apparatus, an information providing method and an information providing program that provide information relating to consumer home electronics to users. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Conventionally, there are proposals for systems that guide users using consumer home electronics (hereinafter referred to as “home appliances”) in easily making a request, in the event of malfunction (including defects), for repair using a display screen. 
         [0003]    As such an example, there is a system that notifies, when a defect occurs in a device, the user of a defect on a display screen, receives a decision as to whether or not to make a request for repair to a support center and notifies, upon receiving the request for repair, the support center of the request (e.g., see Patent Literature (hereinafter, referred to as “PTL”) 1). 
         [0004]    As another example, there is a system that notifies, when a malfunction occurs in gas appliances, a repair service center of information on the malfunction, receives a selection of a date/time presented from the repair service center in reply on a display screen and notifies, upon receiving the selection of a date/time, the repair service center of the selection (e.g., see PTL 2). 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-250718 
     PTL 2 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-303244 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0005]    When a malfunction occurs in a device, the systems in PTLs 1 and 2 propose only repair to the user. However, there are currently a growing number of users who use information on web sites or the like without swallowing an estimate or proposal whole of one company and desire to thereby achieve smarter consumption activity. That is, the users&#39; sense of value is becoming more and more diversified and there is a difference in opinions on the intention as to whether to select replacement by purchase or repair. Therefore, the systems in PTLs 1 and 2 proposing only repair to users cannot sufficiently support the users&#39; consumption activity. 
         [0006]    An object of the present invention is to provide an information providing apparatus, a server apparatus, an information providing method and an information providing program capable of providing the user with information as to whether replacement by purchase or repair should be selected as a reference. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0007]    An information providing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a presentation information receiving section that receives presentation information generated in a server apparatus and that stores the presentation information in a predetermined storage section; and a presentation section that presents the presentation information read from the storage section to a user of a predetermined device, in which the presentation information is information that indicates, by behavior type, what behavior is shown by at least one of a user of a model identical to that of the device and a user of a model similar to that of the device when the device used by the user malfunctions. 
         [0008]    A server apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a behavior information collecting section that collects behavior information relating to behavior shown by a user when a device used by the user malfunctions and that stores the behavior information in a predetermined storage section; a behavior analyzing section that analyzes, for each user, what behavior is shown by the user when the device malfunctions, based on the behavior information read from the storage section; a presentation information generating section that generates presentation information indicating, by behavior type, what behavior is shown by at least one of a user of a device of a model identical to that of the device and a user of a model similar to that of the device when the device malfunctions, based on the analysis result; and a presentation information transmitting section that transmits the presentation information to an apparatus used by the user. 
         [0009]    An information providing method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method performed by a server apparatus disposed on a network, the method including: collecting behavior information relating to behavior shown by a user when a device used by the user malfunctions, and storing the behavior information in a predetermined storage section; analyzing, for each user, what behavior is shown by the user, based on the behavior information read from the storage section when the device malfunctions; generating presentation information indicating, by behavior type, what behavior is shown by at least one of a user of a device of a same model as that of the device and a user of a model similar to that of the device when the device malfunctions, based on the analysis result; and transmitting the presentation information to an apparatus used by the user. 
         [0010]    An information providing program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer disposed on a network to execute processing, the program including the processing of: collecting behavior information relating to behavior shown by a user when a device used by the user malfunctions, and storing the behavior information in a predetermined storage section; analyzing, for each user, what behavior is shown by the user when the device malfunctions, based on the behavior information read from the storage section; generating presentation information indicating, by behavior type, what behavior is shown by at least one of a user of a same model as that of the device and a user of a model similar to that of the device when the device malfunctions, based on the analysis result; and transmitting the presentation information to an apparatus used by the user. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0011]    According to the present invention, it is possible to provide to users information as to which of replacement by purchase or repair should be selected as a reference. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A to 1C  illustrate an example of an overall image of an information providing system according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of collection of behavior information according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A to 5C  illustrate an example of presentation of presentation information according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information providing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the information providing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an example of collection of history information according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an example of presentation of information provided by the information providing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates a hardware configuration example of a server and a device according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates service genre 1 (own data center type) according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates service genre 2 (type using IaaS) according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates service genre 3 (type using PaaS) according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates service genre 4 (type using SaaS) according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0026]    (Overall Image of Service Provided) 
         [0027]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an overall image of an information providing system according to the present embodiment. 
         [0028]    Examples of group  90  include an enterprise, organization and household, whatever the scale is. Group  90  includes a plurality of devices  91 , that is, device A and device B, and home gateway  92 . The plurality of devices  91  include devices accessible to the Internet (e.g., smartphone, PC, TV) and devices not accessible to the Internet on their own (e.g., illumination, washing machine, or refrigerator). There may also be devices not accessible to the Internet on their own but connectable to the Internet via home gateway  92 . Group  90  also includes user  1  who uses the plurality of devices  91 . 
         [0029]    Data center operating company  110  includes cloud server  111 . Cloud server  111  is a virtualization server that operates in concert with various devices via the Internet. Cloud server  111  mainly manages massive data (big data) or the like which is hard to handle using a normal database management tool. Data center operating company  110  manages data, manages cloud server  111  and operates the data center that performs such management. Details of services provided by data center operating company  110  will be described later. Here, data center operating company  110  is not limited to companies carrying out data management and operation of cloud server  111  or the like. For example, when a device maker which develops and manufactures one of the plurality of devices  91  also manages data and manages cloud server  111 , the device maker corresponds to data center operating company  110  ( FIG. 1B ). The number of data center operating companies  110  is not limited to one. For example, when a device maker and another management company jointly perform or share data management and operation of cloud server  111 , one or both of them correspond(s) to data center operating company  110  ( FIG. 1C ). 
         [0030]    Service provider  120  owns server  121 . Server  121  referred to here includes, for example, a memory in a personal PC, whatever the scale is. There may be a case where the service provider does not possess any server  121 . 
         [0031]    In the above-described services, home gateway  92  is not indispensable. For example, when cloud server  111  manages all data or the like, home gateway  92  is unnecessary. When all devices in a household are connected to the Internet, there may be a case where there is no device which is not accessible to the Internet on its own. 
         [0032]    Next, an information flow in the above-described service will be described. 
         [0033]    First, device A or device B of group  90  transmits each piece of log information to cloud server  111  of data center operating company  110 . Cloud server  111  accumulates log information of device A or device B ((a) in  FIG. 1A ). Here, the “log information” is, for example, information indicating an operating situation and operation date and time or the like of a plurality of devices  91 . Examples of the log information include a viewing history of TV, recording reservation information of a recorder, operation date/time of a washing machine, volume of laundry, opening/closing date/time and opening/closing count of a refrigerator, but without being limited to them, the log information refers to all kind of information that can be acquired from all kinds of devices. The log information may be provided directly to cloud server  111  from a plurality of devices  91  themselves via the Internet. The log information may also be temporarily accumulated in home gateway  92  from the plurality of devices  91  and provided from home gateway  92  to cloud server  111 . 
         [0034]    Next, cloud server  111  of data center operating company  110  provides the accumulated log information to service provider  120  in certain units. Here, the unit may be a unit that the data center operating company can organize accumulated information and provide it to service provider  120  or a unit requested by service provider  120 . Although the term “certain units” is described above, the unit may not be constant, and the amount of information provided may vary depending on the situation. The log information is saved in server  121  owned by service provider  120  ((b) in  FIG. 1A ). Service provider  120  organizes the log information into information suitable for services to be provided to the user and provides the log information to the user. The recipient user may be user  1  who uses a plurality of devices  91  or outside user  2 . Regarding the method of providing a service to the user, a service may be directly provided from the service provider to the user, for example, ((e) and (f) in  FIG. 1A ). Alternatively, a service may be provided to the user via cloud server  111  of data center operating company  110  again ((c) and (d) in  FIG. 1A ). Alternatively, cloud server  111  of data center operating company  110  may organize the log information into information suitable for services to be provided to the user and provides the log information to service provider  120 . 
         [0035]    User  1  may be identical to or different from user  2 . 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0036]    Embodiment 1 will be described. 
         [0037]    A configuration example of information providing system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described using  FIG. 2  first.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of information providing system  100 . 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 2 , information providing system  100  of the present embodiment is provided with server  10  (an example of server apparatus of the present invention) and device  20  (an example of information providing apparatus of the present invention). Server  10  and device  20  are connected via a wired network, a wireless network or a mixture thereof. In  FIG. 2 , only one device  20  is shown, but an assumption is made that there are a plurality of devices  20 . 
         [0039]    Suppose that examples of device  20  include appliances such as a TV, vacuum cleaner, air cleaner, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave oven, air-conditioner, electric toothbrush, and dryer. Alternatively, device  20  may also be an information terminal such as personal computer, mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or sensor such as blood glucose level sensor or appliances for toilet, bathroom, mirror and illumination or the like. 
         [0040]    In addition, suppose that server  10  is a server operated and managed by a manufacturer or distributor of device  20  or an outsourcer entrusted by them. 
         [0041]    Server  10  is provided with behavior information collecting section  11 , behavior analyzing section  12 , presentation information generating section  13 , and presentation information transmitting section  14 . 
         [0042]    Behavior information collecting section  11  collects behavior information and stores the behavior information in a storage section (not shown) (e.g., corresponding to RAM  1005  or storage apparatus  1006  in  FIG. 10 ). The behavior information is information relating to the behavior shown by the user when a malfunction occurs in a device used by the user (e.g., model identical to or similar to that of device  20 ). The similar model is a model similar to that of device  20 . For example, a higher model and lower model have a relationship between similar models of the same brand. In addition, higher models of different release dates have a relationship between similar models. The behavior information is data reported from each user as appropriate and a set of this data is called “big data.” Behavior information collecting section  11  may collect the behavior information from device  20  or from predetermined apparatuses other than device  20 . 
         [0043]    Examples of the latter include a computer at a store at which device  20  was purchased or a store at which device  20  was maintained, or a server that provides a web site to which the user of device  20  can input a purchase history or maintenance history. Note that the behavior information may be information inputted by the user or information generated by a device. A specific example of the behavior information will be described later using  FIG. 4 . 
         [0044]    Behavior analyzing section  12  reads the behavior information collected by behavior information collecting section  11  from the storage section and analyzes what behavior is shown by each user in the event of a malfunction of the device based on the behavior information. For example, behavior analyzing section  12  analyzes whether each user has replaced the malfunctioning device by purchasing a new one (hereinafter referred to as “replacement by purchase”) or has the malfunctioning device repaired (hereinafter referred to as “repair”). 
         [0045]    Behavior analyzing section  12  analyzes the newly purchased model (hereinafter referred to as “model replaced by purchase”) or a repairer used for repair based on behavior information collected by behavior information collecting section  11 . 
         [0046]    Details of each analysis described above will be described later. 
         [0047]    Presentation information generating section  13  generates presentation information based on the behavior analyzed by behavior analyzing section  12  (replacement by purchase or repair), model replaced by purchase and repairer. The presentation information is information presented to the user of device  20  (user of a model similar to that of device  20  may also be included) and used as a reference when selecting behavior to be shown in the event of a malfunction of the device. For example, the presentation information includes information on behavior shown by another user, model replaced by purchase by the other user, repairer entrusted by the other user or the like. A specific example of generating presentation information will be described later using  FIGS. 5A to 5C . 
         [0048]    Presentation information transmitting section  14  transmits the presentation information generated in presentation information generating section  13  to device  20  (model similar to that of device  20  may be included). 
         [0049]    Device  20  includes presentation information receiving section  21  and presentation section  22 . 
         [0050]    Presentation information receiving section  21  receives presentation information transmitted from presentation information transmitting section  14  of server  10 . The received presentation information is stored in a storage section (not shown) (e.g., corresponding to RAM  1005  or storage apparatus  1006  in  FIG. 10 ). After that, an information processing section (not shown) reads the presentation information from the storage section and outputs the presentation information to presentation section  22 . 
         [0051]    Presentation section  22  presents the presentation information received by presentation information receiving section  21  to the user of device  20  using a predetermined method. An example of presentation is a method of displaying an image of the presentation information on a display provided for device  20 . This image display screen may be accompanied by output of a sound (e.g., effect sound, guide speech). A specific example of presentation of the presentation information will be described later using  FIGS. 5A to 5C . 
         [0052]    Next, an operation example of information providing system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described using  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of information providing system  100  according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a microwave oven will be described as an example of device  20 . 
         [0053]    In step S 1 , behavior information collecting section  11  of server  10  collects behavior information from a predetermined apparatus via, for example, the Internet and stores the behavior information in a storage section (not shown). Behavior information collecting section  11  then creates a data table that lists the collected behavior information. An example of this data table is shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  shows an example of the list of the collected behavior information. 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 4 , the behavior information includes user ID  301 , model ID  302 , behavior type  303 , replacement-by-purchase model ID  304  and repairer  305 . 
         [0055]    User ID  301  is identification information assigned to each user using a model identical to or similar to that of device  20 . 
         [0056]    Model ID  302  is identification information assigned to each model. Here, device ID  302  indicates a model currently being used by a user who did repair or a model used before replacement by purchase by a user who purchased a replacement. 
         [0057]    Behavior type  303  is information indicating the type of behavior shown by the user in the event of a malfunction of the device. Here, behavior type  303  is one of replacement by purchase and repair. 
         [0058]    Like model ID  302 , replacement-by-purchase model ID  304  is identification information assigned to each model. Here, replacement-by-purchase model ID  304  indicates a model currently being used by a user who purchased a replacement. Thus, for the user who did repair, replacement-by-purchase model ID  304  shows no record (hyphens in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0059]    Repairer  305  is information indicating a place to which the defective model was sent for repair (e.g., support center, store). Here, repairer  305  indicates a repairer of the model with model ID  302 . For the user who purchased a replacement, repairer  305  shows no record (hyphens in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0060]    Behavior information collecting section  11  collects and integrates the aforementioned behavior information to create a data table shown in  FIG. 4 . This data table is also stored in the storage section (not shown). 
         [0061]    In step S 2 , behavior analyzing section  12  reads the data table shown in  FIG. 4  from the storage section and analyzes the behavior shown by each user in the event of a malfunction of the device based on the data table. For example, behavior analyzing section  12  searches for users who purchased a replacement (the number of users whose behavior type  303  is “replacement by purchase”) and users who did repair (the number of users whose behavior type  303  is “repair”) for each model (model ID  302 ) and sums up the numbers of searched users. Behavior analyzing section  12  calculates a proportion of the respective summed the numbers of users in the total number of users (total number of pieces of behavior information). Hereinafter, this proportion will be referred to as “behavior ratio.” As the behavior ratio, for example, the following first to third behavior ratios are calculated. A first behavior ratio is a behavior ratio of a user of a model identical to that of device  20 . A second behavior ratio is a behavior ratio of a user of a model similar to that of device  20 . A third behavior ratio is a behavior ratio of a user combining the user of a model identical to that of device  20  and the user of a model similar to that of device  20 . 
         [0062]    Behavior analyzing section  12  analyzes a model replaced by purchase for a user who purchased a replacement based on the data table shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, behavior analyzing section  12  searches for a model replaced by purchase (replacement-by-purchase model ID  304 ) for each model (model ID  302 ) and sums up the numbers of models replaced by purchase. Behavior analyzing section  12  calculates a proportion of each of the summed numbers of models replaced by purchase in the total number of models replaced by purchase (total number of replacement-by-purchase model IDs  304  in (predetermined model ID  302 ). Hereinafter, this proportion will be referred to as “ratio of models replaced by purchase.” As the ratio of models replaced by purchase, for example, the following first to third ratios of models replaced by purchase are calculated. A first ratio of models replaced by purchase is a ratio of models replaced by purchase of a user of a model identical to that of device  20 . A second ratio of models replaced by purchase is a ratio of models replaced by purchase of a user of a model similar to that of device  20 . A third ratio of models replaced by purchase is a ratio of models replaced by purchase of a user combining the user of a model identical to that of device  20  and a user of a model similar to that of device  20 . 
         [0063]    Behavior analyzing section  12  analyzes a repairer for a user who did repair based on, for example, the data table shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, behavior analyzing section  12  searches for a repairer (repairer  305 ) for each model (model ID  302 ) and sums up the numbers of searched repairers. Behavior analyzing section  12  then calculates a proportion of each of the numbers of summed models replaced by purchase in the total number of repairers (total number of repairers  305  in predetermined model ID  302 ). Hereinafter, this proportion will be referred to as “repairer ratio.” As the repairer ratio, for example, the following first to third repairer ratios are calculated. A first repairer ratio is a repairer ratio of a user of a model identical to that of device  20 . A second repairer ratio is a repairer ratio of a user of a model similar to that of device  20 . A third repairer ratio is a repairer ratio of a user combining the user of a model identical to that of device  20  and the user of a model similar to that of device  20 . 
         [0064]    In step S 3 , presentation information generating section  13  generates presentation information including an analysis result by behavior analyzing section  12  (aforementioned behavior ratio, ratio of models replaced by purchase, repairer ratio). For example, presentation information generating section  12  generates a graph or the like illustrating the analysis result and generates image data to be displayed together with a typical message. A presentation example of presentation information will be described later using  FIGS. 5A to 5C . 
         [0065]    In step S 4 , presentation information transmitting section  14  transmits presentation information (e.g., above-described image data) to device  20  (may also include a model similar to that of device  20 ) via, for example, the Internet. Note that presentation information transmitting section  14  transmits image data based on previously stored destination information. The “destination information” is information (e.g., IP address) accessible to a device to which presentation information is transmitted (e.g., device  20 , model similar to that of device  20  and other devices). Thus, image data as presentation information is transmitted to device  20 . 
         [0066]    Suppose the aforementioned presentation information is generated and transmitted, for example, when a predetermined useful life of device  20  comes to an end, when device  20  malfunctions or when the number of malfunctions that occur in devices of the same model as that of device  20  exceeds a predetermined number. 
         [0067]    In step S 5 , presentation information receiving section  21  of device  20  receives presentation information (e.g., above-described image data) transmitted from presentation information transmitting section  14 . After that, for example, the received image data is stored in the storage section (not shown). The image data is then read by presentation section  22  at predetermined timing. 
         [0068]    In step S 6 , presentation section  22  presents the presentation information to the user of device  20 . For example, presentation section  22  displays the above-described image data as the presentation information on the display of device  20 . An example of this display screen is shown in  FIG. 5A  to  FIG. 5C . 
         [0069]      FIG. 5A  shows an example of displayed images illustrating in a graph together with a typical message, what behavior is shown by users who use devices of a model identical to that of device  20  for a predetermined period of time when their devices malfunction (that is, the above-described first behavior ratio). The user can select the above-described predetermined period of time. For example, the user can select one of periods of service “within 1 year,” “1 to 2 years,” “2 to 3 years” and “3 years or more” as shown in  FIG. 5A . This allows the user to know behavior classified by period of service. 
         [0070]    When the user further selects model type “similar model” from the displayed image in  FIG. 5A , an image in  FIG. 5B  is displayed.  FIG. 5B  is an example of displayed image illustrating in a graph what behavior is shown by users who use devices of a model identical that of device  20  and users who use devices of a model similar to that of device  20  when their devices malfunction (that is, the above-described third behavior ratio). In the case of the image display screen in  FIG. 5B  as well as the aforementioned case of the image display screen in  FIG. 5A , the user may select a period of service. In the displayed image in  FIG. 5A , if the user selects “similar model,” an image may be displayed only illustrating in a graph, what behavior is shown by users who use devices of a model similar to that of device  20  instead of the image in  FIG. 5B  when their devices malfunction (that is, the above-described second behavior ratio). 
         [0071]    On the other hand, in the displayed image in  FIG. 5A , when the user performs an operation of selecting a display screen of “replacement by purchase” (e.g., operation of specifying a touch operation on the display portion of “replacement by purchase” or using a pointer or the like), an image in  FIG. 5C  is displayed.  FIG. 5C  is an example of displayed image illustrating with a list, which models are purchased as replacement by users who use a model identical to that of device  20  when their devices malfunction (that is, the above-described first ratio of models replaced by purchase). Though not shown, when the user selects “repair” in the displayed image in  FIG. 5A , an image is displayed in a list illustrating repairers to whom users who use devices of the same model as that of device  20  asked for repair when their devices malfunctioned (that is, the above-described first repairer ratio). 
         [0072]    As described above, the present embodiment has a feature of providing a user who uses a predetermined device with information indicating what behavior is shown by users who use a model identical to or similar to that of the device when their devices malfunction. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with information that serves as a reference in selecting either replacement by purchase or repair of the device. As a result, the user can select replacement by purchase, repair or other behavior using behavior of other users as a reference. 
         [0073]    With Embodiment 1, the following modifications are possible. 
         [0074]    For example, data is expressed in percentage in the graphs shown in  FIG. 5A  to  FIG. 5C , but together with or instead of this, the total number of users who did replacement by purchase or the total number of users who did repair or the number of models replaced by purchase may be displayed. 
         [0075]    The behavior type has been described by taking two cases: replacement by purchase and repair as examples, but other behavior types (e.g., disposal or unknown) may also be included. 
         [0076]    For example, behavior information may also be included in usage log indicating a usage situation of device  20  or the like. The usage log is generated by device  20  when the user uses device  20 , and is transmitted to server  10 . 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0077]    Embodiment 2 will be described. 
         [0078]    The present embodiment is intended to determine whether or not a user has high intention for replacement by purchase and control displaying of presentation information depending on the determination result. 
         [0079]    First, a configuration example of information providing system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described using  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of information providing system  100 . In  FIG. 6 , the same components as those in  FIG. 1  are assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. 
         [0080]    Server  10  is provided with history information collecting section  15  and replacement-by-purchase intention deter lining section  16  in addition to presentation information generating section  13  and presentation information transmitting section  14 . 
         [0081]    History information collecting section  15  collects history information. The history information is information including a user who uses device  20 , other users who use the same model as that of device  20 , history of device purchases (hereinafter referred to as “purchase history”), history of maintenance done on the device (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance history”). History information collecting section  15  may collect the history information from device  20  or collect it from a predetermined apparatus other than device  20 . Examples of the latter include a computer at a store from which device  20  was purchased, at a store where device  20  was maintained or a server that provides a web site to which the user of device  20  can input the purchase history and maintenance history or the like. The history information may be information inputted by the user or information generated by the device. A specific example of the history information will be described later using  FIG. 7 . 
         [0082]    Replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  determines whether the user&#39;s intention to purchase a replacement is high or low based on the history information collected by history information collecting section  15 . A specific example of determining intention to purchase a replacement will be described later. 
         [0083]    Presentation information generating section  13  generates presentation information based on the determination result by replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16 . A specific example of generating and displaying the presentation information will be described later. 
         [0084]    Next, an example of operation of information providing system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described using  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operation of information providing system  100  according to the present embodiment. A microwave oven will be described as an example of device  20  below. 
         [0085]    In step S 11 , history information collecting section  15  of server  10  collects history information via, for example, the Internet. Here,  FIG. 8  shows an example of the collected history information.  FIG. 8A  illustrates an example of history information indicating a purchase history (hereinafter referred to as “purchase history information”).  FIG. 8B  illustrates an example of history information indicating a maintenance history (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance history information”). 
         [0086]    In  FIG. 8A , the purchase history information includes user ID  700 , purchase date  701 , purchase model ID  702  and purchase store  703 . User ID  700  is identification information assigned to each user. Purchase date  701  is information indicating year/month/day on which a user purchased a model indicated by purchase model ID  702 . Purchase model ID  702  is identification information indicating a model purchased by the user. Purchase store  703  is information indicating a store at which the user purchased a model indicated by purchase model ID  702  (may also include mail-order business web site). 
         [0087]    In this way, the purchase history information is collected for each user. 
         [0088]    In  FIG. 8B , the maintenance history information includes user ID  700 , maintenance date  704 , maintenance contents  705 , maintenance model ID  706 , and maintenance store  707 . User ID  700  is identification information assigned to each user and corresponds to user ID  700  of the purchase history information. Maintenance date  704  is information indicating the year/month/day on which a model used by the user was maintained. Maintenance contents  705  is information indicating contents of the maintenance  FIG. 8B  shows an example in which all maintenance contents  705  are “part replacement” but maintenance is not limited to this. Maintenance model ID  706  is identification information indicating the model maintained. Maintenance store  707  is information indicating a store to which the user requested to do maintenance about the contents indicated by maintenance contents  705 . In this way, the purchase history information is collected for each user. Note that although the present embodiment assumes purchase history information and maintenance history as separate items, these items may be linked to one user ID  700 . 
         [0089]    In step S 12 , replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  determines for each user whether or not intention to purchase a replacement is high based on history information collected by history information collecting section  15  (e.g., purchase history information shown in  FIG. 8A , maintenance history information shown in  FIG. 8B ). A specific example of this operation will be described below. 
         [0090]    First, replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  counts and stores the number of purchase model IDs  702  (hereinafter referred to as “number of replacements by purchase by user”) for a predetermined period of time for each user ID  700  on the data table in  FIG. 8A . A high intention ratio by user indicates that the user frequently purchases a replacement and a low intention ratio by user indicates that the user frequently does maintenance 
         [0091]    Next, replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  counts and stores the number of maintenance contents  705  (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance count by user”) for the same period as the above-described predetermined period of time for each user ID  700  on the data table in  FIG. 8B . Note that replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  may count the number of maintenance contents  705  by assigning weights thereto according to maintenance contents  705 . For example, a greater weight may be assigned to replacement of a large part than replacement of a small part. 
         [0092]    Next, replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  selects one user to be a determination target and calculates the number of replacements by purchase by user of the user and a maintenance count by user of the user. Hereinafter, this calculation result will be referred to as “intention ratio by user.” 
         [0093]    Next, replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  selects all users other than the selected user and calculates the total number of replacements by purchase of the user group and a total maintenance count of the user group. Hereinafter, this calculation result will be referred to as “other user average intention ratio.” 
         [0094]    Next, replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  compares the intention ratio by user with the other user average intention ratio. When the comparison result shows that the intention ratio by user is greater, the one user selected as the determination target is determined to have high intention for replacement by purchase. 
         [0095]    On the other hand, when the comparison result shows that the intention ratio by user is smaller, the one user selected as the determination target is determined to have low intention for replacement by purchase (high repair intention). 
         [0096]    A specific example of the process in step S 12  has been described so far. The above-described determination process is an example and the level of intention to purchase a replacement may be determined by other processes. 
         [0097]    In step S 3 , presentation information generating section  13  generates presentation information based on the determined level of intention to purchase a replacement. A specific example of this operation will be described below. 
         [0098]    When the user&#39;s intention to purchase a replacement is high, presentation information generating section  13  generates presentation information with contents encouraging the user to purchase a replacement. This presentation information is, for example, image data including an image of a model as a candidate of replacement by purchase (hereinafter referred to as “replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data”) together with a typical message encouraging the user to purchase a replacement. 
         [0099]    When the user&#39;s intention to purchase a replacement is low (repair intention is high), presentation information generating section  13  generates presentation information with contents encouraging the user to repair. This presentation information is, for example, image data including a contact address of a repairer or the like (hereinafter referred to as “repair encouraging image data”) together with a typical message encouraging the user to repair. 
         [0100]    Presentation information generating section  13  may generate one or both of replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data and repair encouraging image data. 
         [0101]    Timing of generating presentation information may be periodic or when the useful life of device  20  currently being used by the user is estimated to come to an end or when device  20  currently being used by the user malfunctions (including a predetermined period of time after malfunction). 
         [0102]    Since the processes in steps S 4 , S 5  and S 6  have been described in  FIG. 3 , description thereof will be omitted here. 
         [0103]      FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  show display screen examples of the presentation information in step S 6 . Both  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  are display screen examples when the user&#39;s intention to purchase a replacement is high. 
         [0104]      FIG. 9A  illustrates an example of a case where replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data is displayed on an entire display screen of device  20 . Together with a typical message encouraging the user to purchase a replacement, two buttons (“see new products,” “see popular products”) are displayed to browse candidate models for replacement by purchase. When the user selects one button, an image is displayed to introduce candidate models for replacement by purchase. 
         [0105]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an example of a case where replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data and repair encouraging image data are displayed separately on the display of device  20 . The replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data is the same as that shown in  FIG. 9A . Although the replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data is not displayed on the entire display screen, its display size is larger than the display size of the repair encouraging image data. On the other hand, as the repair encouraging image data, a typical message for encouraging the user to repair and a contact address of a repairer are displayed. A ratio between the two image data display regions in  FIG. 9B  is predetermined. 
         [0106]      FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  have shown display screen examples in the case where the user&#39;s intention to purchase a replacement is high, whereas in a case where the user&#39;s repair intention is high (when the user&#39;s intention to purchase a replacement is low), the following display screen appears. That is, repair encouraging image data is displayed on the entire display screen of device  20 . Alternatively, after the display screen of device  20  is divided into two regions of different sizes, repair encouraging image data is displayed in the greater region and replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data is displayed in the smaller region. 
         [0107]    As described above, the present embodiment has a feature of determining whether or not the user has high intention to purchase a replacement device and controlling the displaying of presentation information according to the determination result. This feature allows the user to receive information that matches the user&#39;s intention, and can thereby effectively encourage the user&#39;s behavior. 
         [0108]    The following modifications are possible in present Embodiment 2. 
         [0109]    For example, server  10  shown in  FIG. 6  may be provided with behavior information collecting section  11  and behavior analyzing section  12 . Thus, for example, the displayed images shown in  FIG. 5A  to  FIG. 5C  are applicable as presentation information generated and displayed in the present embodiment. 
         [0110]    For example, history information may not only be a purchase history or maintenance history but also be a history (hereinafter referred to as “search history”) of searches for devices conducted by the user on web sites. In that case, when the number of searches for a predetermined device is equal to or above a threshold, replacement-by-purchase intention determining section  16  determines that the user has high intention for replacement by purchase. 
         [0111]    An example of a case has been described where when the user has high intention for replacement by purchase, replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data is preferentially displayed by increasing the size of its display region, but the preferential display method is not limited to increasing the size of the display region. For example, visual attraction of replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data may be intensified or a specific symbol may be included in the image data. Furthermore, when both the replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data and repair encouraging image data are displayed, instead of simultaneously displaying divided regions as shown in  FIG. 9B , a whole display screen as shown in  FIG. 9A  may be sequentially shown. For example, replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data may be displayed first for a predetermined period of time followed by repair encouraging image data for a shorter period of time than the display period of the replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data. 
         [0112]    For example, when the user has high intention for replacement by purchase, timing of generating and displaying replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data may be advanced or the frequency of displaying the data may be increased. For example, before estimated timing of the useful life of device  20  currently being used by the user comes to an end, replacement-by-purchase encouraging image data may be generated and displayed periodically. On the other hand, when the user has low intention for replacement by purchase, repair encouraging image data may be displayed only when device  20  currently being used by the user malfunctions. 
         [0113]    Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so far, and the aforementioned functions of server  10  and device  20  can be implemented by a computer program. 
         [0114]      FIG. 10  illustrates a hardware configuration of a computer that implements the functions of the apparatuses according to a program. This computer  1000  is provided with input apparatus  1001  such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, output apparatus  1002  such as a display and speaker, CPU (Central Processing Unit)  1003 , ROM (Read Only Memory)  1004 , and RAM (Random Access Memory)  1005 . Computer  1000  is also provided with storage apparatus  1006  such as a hard disk drive and SSD (Solid State Drive), reading apparatus  1007  that reads information from a recording medium such as DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) and memory, and network card  1008  that performs communication via a network. The above-described sections are connected via bus  1009 . 
         [0115]    Reading apparatus  1007  reads a program for implementing the functions of the respective apparatuses from a recording medium that stores the program and causes storage apparatus  1006  to store the program. Alternatively, network card  1008  communicates with a server apparatus connected to the network and causes storage apparatus  1006  to store the program downloaded from the server apparatus for implementing the functions of the respective apparatuses. 
         [0116]    CPU  1003  copies the program stored in storage apparatus  1006  to RAM  1005 , sequentially reads instructions included in the program from RAM  1005  and executes the instructions, and thereby implements the functions of the above-described apparatuses. 
         [0117]    The technique described in the above embodiments can be implemented in the following cloud service genres. However, the genres in which the techniques described in the above-described embodiments are not limited to these genres. 
         [0118]    (Service Genre 1: Own Data Center Type) 
         [0119]      FIG. 11  illustrates service genre 1 (own data center type). This genre is a genre in which service provider  120  acquires information from group  90  and provides a service to users. In this genre, service provider  120  has a function of a data center operating company. That is, service provider  120  owns cloud server  111  that manages big data. Therefore, there is no data center operating company. 
         [0120]    In this genre, service provider  120  operates and manages a data center (cloud server  111 ) ( 203 ). Service provider  120  also manages OS ( 202 ) and application ( 201 ). Service provider  120  provides a service ( 204 ) using OS ( 202 ) and application ( 201 ) managed by service provider  120 . 
         [0121]    (Service Genre 2: Type Using IaaS) 
         [0122]      FIG. 12  illustrates service genre 2 (type using IaaS). Here, “IaaS” is an abbreviation of “infrastructure as a service,” and is a cloud service providing model that provides an infrastructure itself for constructing and operating a computer system as a service via the Internet. 
         [0123]    In this genre, data center operating company  110  operates and manages a data center (cloud server  111 ) ( 203 ). Service provider  120  manages OS ( 202 ) and application ( 201 ). Service provider  120  provides service ( 204 ) using OS ( 202 ) and application ( 201 ) managed by service provider  120 . 
         [0124]    (Service Genre 3: Type Using PaaS) 
         [0125]      FIG. 13  illustrates service genre 3 (type using PaaS). Here, “PaaS” is an abbreviation of “platform as a service” and is a cloud service providing model that provides a platform which becomes a base for constructing and operating software as a service via the Internet. 
         [0126]    In this genre, data center operating company  110  manages OS ( 202 ) and operates and manages a data center (cloud server  111 ) ( 203 ). Service provider  120  manages application ( 201 ). Service provider  120  provides a service ( 204 ) using OS ( 202 ) managed by data center operating company  110  and application ( 201 ) managed by service provider  120 . 
         [0127]    (Service Genre 4: Type Using SaaS) 
         [0128]      FIG. 14  illustrates service genre 4 (type using SaaS). Here, “SaaS” is an abbreviation of “software as a service.” SaaS is a cloud service providing model having a function that allows a company/individual (user) owning no data center (cloud server  111 ) to use application  201  provided by a platform provider owning, for example, a data center (cloud server  111 ) via a network such as the Internet. 
         [0129]    In this genre, data center operating company  110  manages application ( 201 ), manages OS ( 202 ), and operates and manages a data center (cloud server  111 ) ( 203 ). Service provider  120  provides a service ( 204 ) using OS ( 202 ) and application ( 201 ) managed by data center operating company  110 . 
         [0130]    In all the genres described above, suppose service provider  120  proves a service. Furthermore, for example, service provider  120  or data center operating company  110  itself may develop OS  202 , application  201 , a database of big data or the like or may outsource the development to a third party. 
         [0131]    The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and but can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0132]    The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-177690, filed on Aug. 29, 2013, including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0133]    The present invention is useful as a technique for providing users with information relating to home appliances to (e.g., an apparatus, system, method, and program). 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           1 ,  2  User 
           10  Server 
           11  Behavior information collecting section 
           12  Behavior analyzing section 
           13  Presentation information generating section 
           14  Presentation information transmitting section 
           15  History information collecting section 
           16  Replacement-by-purchase intention determining section 
           20  Device 
           21  Presentation information receiving section 
           22  Presentation section 
           90  Group 
           91  Device 
           92  Home gateway 
           100  Information providing system 
           110  Data center operating company 
           111  Cloud server 
           120  Service provider 
           121  Server 
           201  Application 
           202  OS 
           203  Data center 
           204  Provision of service 
           301 ,  700  User ID 
           302  Model ID 
           303  Behavior type 
           304  Replacement-by-purchase model ID 
           305  Repairer 
           701  Purchase date 
           702  Purchase model ID 
           703  Purchase store 
           704  Maintenance date 
           705  Maintenance contents 
           706  Maintenance model ID 
           707  Maintenance store 
           1000  Computer 
           1001  Input apparatus 
           1002  Output apparatus 
           1003  CPU 
           1004  ROM 
           1005  RAM 
           1006  Storage apparatus 
           1007  Reading apparatus 
           1008  Network card 
           1009  Bus