Advertisement management system, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To easily recognize a state of an advertisement to be replaced, in the advertisement for a commodity whose information is to be changed.SOLUTION: An advertisement management system communicates with an information processing apparatus including imaging means and a server device which manages first sales price information of a commodity. The advertisement management system acquires second sales price information of the commodity with an advertisement printed thereon, from the advertisement of the commodity captured by the imaging means. The advertisement management system displays the first sales price information managed by the server device and the acquired second sales price information, so that whether they are coincident with each other can be identified. The advertisement management system displays information as to whether the first sales price information managed by the server device and the acquired second sales price information are coincident with each other, and detail information of advertisements, so as to be identified by advertisement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an advertisement management system, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In retail stores such as supermarkets, it is common to display POP (Point of Purchase) advertisements on the shelves where products are displayed. The advertisements include information about the products, their prices, and promotional slogans and descriptions for the products.

[0003] The prices and catch phrases of products printed on such POP advertisements are often subject to change due to limited-time campaigns and special sales. Therefore, when the information on the actual product differs from the information printed on the POP advertisement, the retailer must replace the POP advertisement.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism that can determine whether a posted POP advertisement is valid or invalid so that the person in charge can know which POP advertisement should be removed.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, product information such as label identification information or product identification information is printed on the POP advertisement. When determining whether or not to publish the advertisement, the system discloses a process for reading the product information in the POP advertisement and determining whether the product information in the POP advertisement is valid or invalid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-48752 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When the system of Patent Document 1 determines that an invalid POP advertisement is posted, the POP advertisement must be replaced. In this case, the person in charge needs to know the next step to take in response to the invalid state of the POP advertisement, such as whether the POP advertisement was forgotten to be replaced or whether new POP advertisement data needs to be created.

[0008] However, if product information changes frequently, the POP advertisement must be replaced each time. In such cases, the person in charge must check which items in the POP advertisement currently on display are invalid every time the advertisement is replaced, which is a time-consuming task for the person in charge.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an advertisement management system that can easily recognize the status of advertisements that need to be replaced in advertisements for products whose information changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The advertising management system of the present invention is an advertising management system capable of communicating with a server device that manages first selling price information of products and an information processing device equipped with an imaging means, and is characterized in that it comprises an acquisition means that acquires second selling price information when an advertisement for a product imaged by the imaging means is printed from the advertisement, and a display control means that controls the display of detailed information of the advertisement in an identifiable manner together with information on whether the first selling price information managed by the server device matches the second selling price information acquired by the acquisition means. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, in an advertisement for a product whose information is subject to change, it is possible to easily recognize the state of the advertisement that needs to be replaced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an advertisement management system. [Diagram 2]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 100, a server device 101, and a mobile terminal 102. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a printing device 103. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device 100, a server device 101, and a mobile terminal 102. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow when printing an advertisement in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing a process flow for checking, on a mobile terminal, whether or not an advertisement needs to be replaced in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for automatically printing an advertisement when it is necessary to replace the advertisement in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for automatically printing an advertisement when it is necessary to replace the advertisement in the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a selling price check table 900 and a check result table 910 in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a planning instruction table 1000 in this embodiment. [Figure 11] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on a mobile terminal 102 in this embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying a screen showing the state of a POP advertisement located at a particular position in a store in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an advertisement position check table 1300 in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 1400 showing advertising information that needs to be replaced in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an advertisement image 1500 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an advertisement management system in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the present invention, an information processing device 100, a server device 101, and a printing device 103 are connected to each other via a network 105 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. The network 105 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). In addition, a mobile terminal 102 such as a smart device equipped with a touch screen does not need to be able to communicate with the information processing device 100, the server device 101, and the printing device 103 all the time, but only needs to be able to communicate as needed.

[0015] The configuration of the various terminals or servers connected to the network 105 in FIG. 1 is one example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0016] The information processing device 100 (client terminal or server device) is a terminal that can be used by employees of a store such as a supermarket when issuing instructions to create a POP advertisement including a color code, and is a terminal provided for each store.

[0017] A color code is a mechanism that can express information by using differences and arrangements of colors. For example, information can be expressed by arranging multiple colored cells, such as "red," "blue," and "yellow," in a row or matrix. This type of color code can be recognized from a distance of about 50 times that of a two-dimensional barcode, so there is no need to take a close-up shot, and multiple color codes can be recognized simultaneously. In this embodiment, an instruction is given to create a POP advertisement that displays such a color code.

[0018] The server device 101 can manage various databases such as limited-time events such as the "Spring Thanksgiving Festival" and product information and POP layouts corresponding to the events. By managing the events on the server device 101, a common event, common product information, and common POP layout can be used in response to access from the information processing device 100 of each store. It is also possible to manage the events, product information, POP layout, etc., on the information processing device 100 of each store without providing the server device 101.

[0019] The mobile terminal 102 is a terminal used by employees of each store when determining whether the contents of a POP advertisement have been changed or whether the advertisement period has expired, and is provided so as to be easily portable. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily determine whether the contents of the POP advertisement have been changed or not simply by capturing an image of the POP advertisement displayed on a product display shelf or the like in the store with the camera 232 of the mobile terminal 102. In addition, by providing the mobile terminal 102 so as to be able to make such determination without communicating with the server device 101 or the like, it is possible to easily determine whether the advertisement is still within the advertisement period even in a store with a poor communication environment.

[0020] The printer 103 is a printer capable of printing POP advertisements installed at each store, and can be either an inkjet printer or a laser printer, but must be a color-compatible printer capable of printing color codes. This printer 103 can print not only in response to print requests from each store, but also when receiving print instructions from the headquarters.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 and the server device 101. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to a system bus 204 .

[0023] The ROM 202 or the external memory 211 (storage means) stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) which is a control program for the CPU 201, an operating system program (hereinafter, OS), etc. Also stored are various programs, which will be described later, required to realize the functions executed by the information processing device 100 and the server device 101. The RAM 203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201.

[0024] The CPU 201 loads programs and the like required for executing processes into the RAM 203, and executes the programs to realize various operations.

[0025] Furthermore, an input controller (input C) 205 controls input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown).

[0026] A video controller (VC) 206 controls display on a display device such as a display 210. The type of display device is assumed to be a CRT or a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this.

[0027] A memory controller (MC) 207 controls access to an external memory 211 such as a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD) that stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, various data, etc. Alternatively, it controls access to an external memory 211 such as a card-type memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter.

[0028] A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 208 connects to and communicates with external devices via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

[0029] The CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by, for example, executing a process of expanding (rasterizing) an outline font in a display information area in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 also enables a user to give instructions using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

[0030] Various programs, etc. used by the information processing device 100 and server device 101 of the present invention to execute the various processes described below are recorded in the external memory 211 and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as needed.

[0031] Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used by the programs according to the present invention are stored in the external memory 211 .

[0032] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 102 such as a smart device equipped with a touch screen.

[0033] The CPU 221 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to a system bus 224 .

[0034] The ROM 222 or the external memory 231 (storage means) stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) which is a control program for the CPU 221, an operating system program (hereinafter, OS), etc. Also, various programs, which will be described later, required to realize the functions executed by the mobile terminal 102 are stored. The RAM 223 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 221.

[0035] The CPU 221 loads programs and the like required for executing processes into the RAM 223 and executes the programs to realize various operations. In addition, the touch panel controller 225 controls the touch panel 233, the display controller 226 controls the display 230, and the camera controller 229 controls the camera 232.

[0036] The memory controller 227 controls access to an external memory 231 such as a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD) that stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, edited files, various data, etc. Alternatively, it controls access to an external memory 231 such as a card-type memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter.

[0037] A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 228 connects to and communicates with external devices via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

[0038] The CPU 221 executes, for example, a process of expanding (rasterizing) an outline font into a display information area in the RAM 223, thereby enabling display on the display 230.

[0039] Various programs and the like used by the mobile terminal 102 of the present invention to execute various processes described below are recorded in the external memory 231, and are executed by the CPU 221 by being loaded into the RAM 223 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used by the programs related to the present invention are stored in the external memory 231.

[0040] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] 3, the controller unit 333 is connected to a print unit 314, which functions as an image output device, a card reader 315, and an operation unit 318. In addition to these connections, the controller unit 333 is also connected to a local area network or a public line (WAN) such as PSTN or ISDN to output a print job for an advertisement.

[0042] 3, the controller unit 333 is composed of a CPU 301, a RAM 306, a ROM 302, an external storage device (hard disk drive (HDD)) 307, a network interface (Network I / F) 303, etc. The controller unit 333 is also composed of a modem 304, an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 305, an external interface (external I / F) 309, an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 308, etc. The controller unit 333 is further composed of a raster image processor (RIP) 310, a printer interface (printer I / F) 311, an image processing unit 313, etc.

[0043] The CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire system.

[0044] The RAM 306 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 301, a program memory for recording programs, and an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

[0045] The ROM 302 stores a system boot program and various control programs.

[0046] An external storage device (hard disk drive HDD) 307 stores various programs for controlling the system, print jobs, etc. It also stores various tables.

[0047] An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 305 is an interface with an operation unit (UI) 318 , and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 318 to the operation unit 318 .

[0048] Furthermore, the operation unit I / F 305 plays a role in transmitting information (e.g., user information, etc.) input by a user of this system from the operation unit 318 to the CPU 301. The operation unit 318 is provided with a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger, etc.) buttons displayed on the display unit.

[0049] A network interface (Network I / F) 303 connects to a network (LAN) and inputs and outputs data.

[0050] A modem 304 is connected to a public line and inputs and outputs data such as sending and receiving faxes.

[0051] An external interface (external I / F) 309 is an interface unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE1394, a printer port, and RS-232C.

[0052] An image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 308 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 316 and an image bus 317 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 317 is configured with a PCI bus or IEEE 1394. The following devices are placed on the image bus 317.

[0053] A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

[0054] A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects a print unit 314 and a controller unit 333, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

[0055] The image processing unit 313 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on the print output image data resulting from the expansion of the print job. In addition, the image processing unit 313 also performs image data rotation, and compression / expansion processing such as JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

[0056] Print unit 314 connected to printer I / F 311 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. Any method can be used, including an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or belt, or an inkjet method that ejects ink from a minute nozzle array to print an image directly on paper. The printing operation is started by an instruction from CPU 301. Print unit 314 has multiple paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and corresponding paper cassettes are provided.

[0057] An operation unit 318 connected to the operation unit I / F 305 has a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit. A touch panel sheet is attached on the LCD, which displays a system operation screen, and when a displayed key is pressed, transmits position information to the CPU 301 via the operation unit I / F 305. The operation unit 318 also has various operation keys, such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key.

[0058] Here, the start key of the operation unit 318 is used when starting a printing operation, etc. In the center of the start key there is a two-color LED, green and red, which indicates whether the start key is usable or not depending on the color. The stop key of the operation unit 318 serves to stop an operation that is in progress. The ID key of the operation unit 318 is used when entering a user ID. The reset key is used when initializing the settings from the operation unit 318.

[0059] Next, the functional configurations of the information processing device 100, the server device 101, the mobile terminal 102, and the printing device 103 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that the functional configurations of the information processing device 100, the server device 101, the mobile terminal 102, and the printing device 103 shown in Fig. 4 are merely examples, and there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0060] The information processing device 100 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 401, a color code generation unit 402, and an advertisement data generation unit 403.

[0061] The communication control unit 401 is a functional unit for controlling communication between the information processing device 100 and the server device 101 and between the information processing device 100 and the printing device 103 .

[0062] The color code generating unit 402 is a functional unit that generates a color code containing information. Specifically, it generates a color code indicating a printing serial number, which is identification information for each POP advertisement. The printing serial number is an identification number assigned to each POP advertisement when an instruction to print the POP advertisement is received. In this embodiment, the printing serial number is indicated by a color code, but the information indicated by the color code may be information other than the printing serial number related to the product or POP advertisement, such as product selling price information or the posting period of the POP advertisement. In addition, the color code does not necessarily have to be generated by the information processing device 100, and may be generated by the server device 101, the printing device 103, or another device and managed by the information processing device 100.

[0063] The advertisement data generating unit 403 is a functional unit for generating advertisement data corresponding to a product. In this embodiment, the advertisement data generating unit 403 generates advertisement data including the color code generated by the color code generating unit 402 together with product information.

[0064] Next, a description will be given of the functional units of the server device 101. The server device 101 includes a communication control unit 404, a storage unit 405, and a print serial number acquisition unit 406.

[0065] The communication control unit 404 is a functional unit that controls communication between the information processing device 100 and the mobile terminal 102 and the printing device 103 .

[0066] The storage unit 405 is a functional unit (storage means) for storing information on various tables and masters, which will be described later, and information that configures various screens. Information is added, updated, and deleted as necessary.

[0067] The print serial number acquisition unit 406 is a functional unit for acquiring a print serial number for each POP advertisement when the server device 101 receives a print instruction for a POP advertisement from the information processing device 100. The print serial number acquired by the print serial number acquisition unit 406 is transmitted from the server device 101 to the information processing device 100, and a color code generation unit of the information processing device 100 generates a color code indicating the received print serial number.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of the functional units of the mobile terminal 102. The functional units of the mobile terminal 102 include an imaging unit 407 and a display control unit 408.

[0069] The imaging unit 407 is a functional unit that controls imaging by the camera 232 included in the mobile terminal 102. In this embodiment, a color code included in the POP advertisement is imaged, and is displayed on the screen so that changes to the POP advertisement can be identified.

[0070] The display control unit 408 is a functional unit (display control means) for controlling the display of the display 230 of the mobile terminal 102. When a display instruction to display a screen is given from the display control unit 408, the display instruction is transmitted to the display 210 via the video controller 206. Then, when the display 230 receives this instruction, it displays the screen according to the instruction.

[0071] Next, a series of processing steps from creating a POP advertisement to notifying a POP advertisement to be changed will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6. The embodiment described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6 is the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process up to outputting a POP advertisement designated by a user.

[0073] In step S501, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 accepts a user's selection of an advertisement template from advertisement templates previously stored in the information processing device 100. An advertisement template indicates an advertisement layout that determines where a product name, selling price, and catchy copy are to be placed in a POP advertisement.

[0074] In step S502, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 accepts the selection of products for which a POP advertisement is to be created. The CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 may accept the selection for each product one by one, or may accept the selection of all products that are grouped together to some extent, such as a product list corresponding to a time-limited event, all at once.

[0075] In step S503, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 transmits to the server device 101 a print instruction for an advertisement corresponding to the product, together with the JAN code (Japanese Article Number) of the product selected in step S502. Note that, although the JAN code is transmitted as information for identifying the product in this embodiment, information other than the JAN code may be transmitted as long as it is identification information capable of identifying the product, such as the product name or a product code managed by store.

[0076] In step S 504 , the CPU 201 of the server device 101 receives the JAN code of the product and a print instruction from the information processing device 100 .

[0077] In step S505, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires (acquiring means) selling price information of the product corresponding to the JAN code received in step S504 from a POS system (Point Of Sales system) linked to the server device 101. The POS system manages product sales information and also manages the variable selling prices of the products. The selling price information acquired by the server device 101 from the POS system in step S505 is the selling price of the product at the time of acquiring the selling price information.

[0078] In step S506, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires a print serial number using the function of the print serial number acquisition unit 406. The CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires a number (print serial number) for each POP advertisement for which a print instruction has been accepted. Even if a print serial number for a POP advertisement for a product with the same JAN code has been acquired in the past, when a new print instruction is received, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires a new print serial number.

[0079] In step S507, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores in the selling price check table 900 the JAN code received in step S504, the selling price information acquired in step S505, and the print serial number acquired in step S506 in association with each other.

[0080] The selling price check table 900 in FIG. 9 is a table for managing information on a POP advertisement for which a print instruction has been received. When checking the change contents of a POP advertisement imaged by the mobile terminal 102, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 also checks the selling price check table 900. The selling price check table 900 includes a JAN code 901, a print serial number 902, a printing price 903, a print flag 904, a print time 905, and a selling price 906. The JAN code 901 is received by the server device 101 in step S504, and the print serial number 902 is stored as acquired by the server device 101 in step S506. The printing price 903 is the selling price acquired by the server device 101 from the POS system in step S505, and the JAN code 901, the print serial number 902, and the printing price 903 are stored in association with each other. The print flag 904 manages whether or not an advertisement for which a print instruction has been received has been printed. The print time 905 stores the time when the POP advertisement was printed. Selling price 906 is selling price information acquired separately from printing price 903, and the selling price information of the product is acquired and stored from the POS system when the POP advertisement is imaged and confirmed by mobile terminal 102 or at predetermined intervals. When checking whether the amount of the published POP advertisement has changed, the printing price 903 is compared with the value stored in selling price 906.

[0081] Returning to Fig. 5, in step S508, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 transmits the print serial number associated with the JAN code to the information processing device 100 together with the JAN code.

[0082] In step S 509 , the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 receives the JAN code and the printing serial number from the server apparatus 101 .

[0083] In step S510, CPU 201 of information processing device 100 generates a color code indicating a print serial number using the function of color code generation unit 402. Then, using the function of advertisement data generation unit 403, advertisement data including the color code is generated.

[0084] In step S511, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 transmits an output instruction to the printing device 103 using the function of the communication control unit 401 (output control means).

[0085] In step S512, CPU 201 of information processing device 100 transmits information indicating that the print instruction was transmitted in step S511 to server device 101. Note that, in order to confirm that printing has been completed without fail, CPU 201 of information processing device 100 may transmit the print result to server device 101 after receiving information from printing device 103 indicating whether printing has been completed.

[0086] In step S 513 , the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 receives the print result from the information processing apparatus 100 .

[0087] In step S514, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores the print result received from the information processing device 100 using the function of the storage unit 405. More specifically, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores "1" in the print flag 904 of the selling price check table 900. If the POP advertisement data has been generated but has not yet been printed by the printing device 103, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores "0".

[0088] This concludes the explanation of the process for outputting the designated POP advertisement. Through this process, a color code indicating the printing serial number assigned when the POP advertisement data was created is generated, and the POP advertisement including the color code is created and printed.

[0089] Next, a series of process steps for capturing an image of the POP advertisement printed by the process of the flowchart in FIG. 5 with a mobile terminal and notifying the user of a changed POP advertisement will be described with reference to FIG.

[0090] In step S601, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 installs an application for checking the contents of a POP advertisement in advance in the mobile terminal 102, and starts up the application.

[0091] In step S602, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 starts capturing an image of a POP advertisement using the function of the imaging unit 407.

[0092] In step S603, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 identifies the print serial number indicated by the color code included in the POP advertisement.

[0093] In step S604, the print serial number identified in step S603 is transmitted to the server device 101.

[0094] In step S605, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 receives the print serial number from the mobile terminal .

[0095] In step S606, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 searches the printing serial number 902 in the selling price check table 900 stored by the function of the storage unit 405 using the received printing serial number as a key.

[0096] In step S607, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 identifies the print serial number found in step S606 from among the print serial numbers 902, and further refers to the print price 903 and the selling price 906 stored in association with the print serial number 902. The selling price stored in the print price 903 is an unchanging value since it is the selling price at the time the POP advertisement is printed. On the other hand, the value stored in the selling price 906 is a variable selling price since it is acquired from the POS system at a predetermined timing. Next, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 compares the selling price stored in the print price 903 with the selling price stored in the selling price 906, and judges whether the two selling prices are the same value (whether they match). If the CPU 201 of the server device 101 judges that the two selling prices are the same, the process proceeds to step S608, and judges that there is no problem. In other words, it judges that there is no change in the content of the product information of the POP advertisement, and proceeds to step S612. If the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 determines that the two selling prices are not the same, that is, that the two selling prices are different, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0097] In step S609, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines whether or not there is a latest serial number. More specifically, the JAN code associated with the print serial number used as the search key is identified, and the JAN code 901 in the selling price check table 900 is searched for using the JAN code as a key. If the same JAN code is identified and a new print serial number (latest serial number) is stored, this indicates that print data for a POP advertisement with an updated selling price has been generated to accommodate replacement of the POP advertisement. If the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines that there is a latest serial number, the process proceeds to step S611, where it determines that the advertising data for the POP advertisement has been generated and a print instruction has been received, and that the POP advertisement has not been replaced. If the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines that there is no latest serial number, the process proceeds to step S610, where it determines that the content (selling price) of the POP advertisement has changed and that the POP advertisement has not been printed.

[0098] Here, the check result table 910 in FIG. 9 will be described. The check result table 910 in this embodiment is an example of a table that stores the result of determining whether or not a change has occurred in the selling price based on the printing serial number of the POP advertisement. The check result table 910 includes a JAN code 911, a printing serial number 912, and a check result 913. The check result 913 indicates the results of checking the changes in the POP advertisement and determining in steps S608, S610, and S611, respectively. For example, if there is no change in the information indicated by the POP advertisement and there is no problem, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores "0". If there is a change in the information indicated by the POP advertisement, but the latest serial number has been acquired and a new POP advertisement has already been printed, that is, if it is determined that the POP advertisement was simply not replaced, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores "1" in the check result 913. If it is determined that the information indicated by the POP advertisement has changed and the latest serial number has not been obtained, so that the POP advertisement with updated information has not been printed, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 stores "2" in the check result 913.

[0099] Returning to the flow chart of Fig. 6, in step S612, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 transmits the results stored in the check result table 910 of Fig. 9 to the mobile terminal 102.

[0100] In step S613, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 receives the check result from the server apparatus 101.

[0101] In step S614, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 notifies the store staff of the changes to the POP advertisement based on the check result received in step S613. In this embodiment, the display control unit 408 functions to display, in an identifiable manner, the POP advertisements whose contents have been changed on the display 230 of the mobile terminal 102. The CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 also displays detailed information for each POP advertisement according to the check result received in step S613. The detailed information here refers to information indicating the status of the POP advertisement that should be notified to the store staff when the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines that the selling price of the POP advertisement has been changed. The information indicating the status of the POP advertisement here includes, for example, information for indicating the next task to be performed by the store staff, such as whether the POP advertisement in which the error occurred was not replaced or whether new POP advertisement data needs to be created.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 performs an identification display corresponding to the check result received from the server device 101 in step S614. The display 230 of the mobile terminal 102 displays the state of the store being imaged, and displays a POP advertisement 1101 and a color code 1102 included in the POP advertisement 1101. The mobile terminal 102 reads the color code 1102 to determine the status of the POP advertisement. The error display 1104 for failure to put up and the error display 1103 for non-printing are identified and displayed by superimposing the error display of the POP advertisement corresponding to each check result on the image captured. The POP advertisements on which the error display 1104 for failure to put up and the error display 1103 for non-printing are both POP advertisements in which a change has occurred between the selling price stated in the POP advertisement and the selling price of the actual product. In this embodiment, not only can the admissibility of problematic POP advertisements be managed, but also the error status of POP advertisements that should be changed can be notified, so that the checking work of the store staff who check and replace POP advertisements can be reduced. In this embodiment, since it is sufficient to notify the user of a POP advertisement whose contents have been changed, the notification may be made by other means such as voice or the like, instead of by display. Also, the notification is not limited to displaying an error state, and a POP advertisement whose selling price has been changed may be displayed by superimposing the correct selling price on the captured image.

[0103] This concludes the explanation of the flow of the series of processes for notifying the user (store staff) of a POP advertisement that has been changed. This process allows the store staff to recognize at a glance which POP advertisements need to be replaced. In addition, in this embodiment, detailed information is also available for a POP advertisement whose selling price has been changed, such as whether it is necessary to create print data for a POP advertisement with an updated selling price, or whether new print data does not need to be created and the advertisement was simply overlooked. Therefore, the store staff can know the next task to be performed when they find a POP advertisement that needs to be replaced, simply by taking an image of the POP advertisement with the mobile terminal 102.

[0104] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 7 and 8. In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not there has been a change in the contents of a POP advertisement, and the POP advertisement with the change is identified and displayed to notify the user. In the second embodiment, a mechanism is described in which an image is captured by the mobile terminal 102, and if there is a POP advertisement with a change in the contents, the POP advertisement is extracted and the POP advertisement with the updated contents is automatically printed.

[0105] The process from step S701 to step S707 in Fig. 7 is the same as step S601 to step S607 in Fig. 6, and therefore the description will be omitted. The process from step S701 to step S707 is a process in which the server device 101 compares the selling price of the identified product based on the printed serial number captured by the mobile terminal 102 and read from the color code.

[0106] In step S708, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 compares the selling price stored in the printing price 903 with the selling price stored in the selling price 906 in step S707, and performs processing when it is determined that the two selling prices are not the same value. The CPU 201 of the server device 101 identifies the JAN code corresponding to the printing serial number of the POP advertisement whose selling price has been changed.

[0107] In step S709, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 identifies the current date information.

[0108] In step S710, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires the project information stored by the function of the storage unit 405. The project information refers to a project such as a time-limited special sale held at a store, and indicates data for advertisement generation that compiles information such as the layout, catch phrase, and selling price of a POP advertisement prepared for each project. The project information may be stored in the server device 101, or information stored in another storage device may be acquired as appropriate.

[0109] A plan instruction table 1000 in Fig. 10 shows an example of a table summarizing plan information from which advertising data for a plan can be generated. The plan instruction table 1000 includes a category 1001, a title 1002, a pattern 1003, a sale start date 1004, a sale end date 1005, a JAN code 1006, a manufacturer name 1007, a product name 1008, a selling price 1009, and a catchphrase 1010. The category 1001 indicates whether the data is for a plan (bargain sale) advertisement or a normal advertisement, and the title 1002 indicates the title of the plan. The pattern 1003 indicates the layout pattern of the POP advertisement, and the sale start date 1004 and the sale end date 1005 indicate the sale start date and sale end date of the corresponding product, respectively. In other words, the period during which the POP advertisement will be displayed is also shown. Furthermore, JAN code 1006, manufacturer name 1007, product name 1008, selling price 1009, and catch phrase 1010 are information for each product and indicate data to be printed on a POP advertisement for a project. In step S710 of Fig. 7, this project instruction table 1000 is obtained as project information.

[0110] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 7, in step S711, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines whether or not the corresponding product is included in the project information based on the current date identified in step S709 and the JAN code identified in step S708. In other words, it determines whether or not the JAN code identified in step S708 is included in the products subject to the currently held project. If the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines that the JAN code of the corresponding product is included in the project information, it advances the process to step S712. If the CPU 201 of the server device 101 determines that the JAN code of the corresponding product is not included in the project information, it advances the process to step S713.

[0111] In step S 712 , the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 obtains the selling price for the project from the selling price 1009 in the project instruction table 1000 .

[0112] In step S713, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires the latest current selling price from the POS system using the function of the communication control unit 404.

[0113] In step S714, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 acquires the print serial number using the function of the print serial number acquisition unit 406.

[0114] In step S715, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 associates the JAN code identified in step S708, the selling price information acquired in step S713 or step S714, and the print serial number acquired in step S714. Then, the association is stored in the selling price check table 900.

[0115] The CPU 201 of the server device 101 repeats the process from step S706 to step S715 the number of times corresponding to the number of print serial numbers received from the mobile terminal 102.

[0116] In step S716, the CPU 201 of the server device 101 extracts the data of the POP advertisement for which a new printing serial number has been obtained. That is, it is determined in step S707 that the two selling prices are not the same, and the data for which a new printing serial number has been obtained is extracted.

[0117] Next, in step S717 of FIG. 8, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 transmits the data extracted in step S716 to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0118] In step S718, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 receives the data extracted in step S716 from the server device 101.

[0119] In step S719, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 generates new print data for the POP advertisements with the difference between the two prices received in step S718. Here, if the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 determines in step S711 that the advertisement data indicating the target products for the planned event is included, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 generates print data for the plan using the plan information. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 does not include the advertisement data indicating the target products for the planned event, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 generates print data for a normal POP advertisement.

[0120] In step S720, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 transmits to the printing device 103 an instruction to output a POP advertisement.

[0121] In step S 721 , the CPU 201 of the information processing device 100 identifies the printing time when the POP advertisement was printed, and transmits it to the server device 101 .

[0122] In step S722, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 stores the print time received from the information processing apparatus 100 in the print time 905 of the selling price check table 900, and ends the series of processes.

[0123] This concludes the description of the mechanism for printing a POP advertisement with information changes that has been read and extracted by the mobile terminal 102 in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the criterion for changing the POP advertisement is a change in selling price information, but the criterion for changing the POP advertisement may be other information, such as a change in the display period of the POP advertisement or a catchy copy, in addition to the selling price information.

[0124] With the processing of the second embodiment, a store staff member can not only find new POP advertisements that need to be printed due to changes in information, but also easily print the POP advertisements that need to be printed, simply by capturing an image of the POP advertisement with the mobile terminal 102. Furthermore, since a POP advertisement that has changed is automatically created, the creation of the POP advertisement notifies the user of the POP advertisement that needs to be changed, and problems such as forgetting to create or print a POP advertisement that needs to be replaced can be prevented.

[0125] [Embodiment 3] Here, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. In the first and second embodiments, the state of the POP advertisement is recognized using the mobile terminal 102. The third embodiment shows a process for acquiring the selling price information of the POP advertisement as well as the location information within the store and the information of the shelves on which the products are displayed (shelf information), and displaying a screen showing the state of the POP advertisement at which position within the store it is located.

[0126] In the third embodiment, the mobile terminal 102 will be mainly described, but the present invention may be applied to any mobile information processing device or terminal, such as a self-propelled robot, in addition to the mobile terminal 102. When the subject that captures the image of the POP advertisement is a robot or the like, it is preferable to store the travel route within the store in advance, and while moving along the stored travel route, capture the image of the POP advertisement and obtain the selling price information contained in the POP advertisement.

[0127] First, the flow of Fig. 12 will be described. In step S1201 of Fig. 12, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 starts capturing an image of a POP advertisement using the function of the imaging unit 407. As described above, the imaging is not limited to the mobile terminal 102, and a self-propelled information processing device such as a robot may start an application and start capturing an image.

[0128] In step S1202, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 acquires location information when the image was captured (location information acquisition means). The location information may be acquired by a Global Positioning System (GPS), or may be acquired from shelf information of products in a store, or may be any information that indicates the location of the captured POP advertisement.

[0129] Here, the advertisement position check table 1300 in Fig. 13 will be described. The advertisement position check table 1300 is an example of a data table that stores information including the position of a POP advertisement imaged by the mobile terminal 102. The advertisement position check table 1300 includes shelf information 1301, JAN code 1302, product name 1303, and POP information 1304. The shelf information 1301 indicates the position or location of the shelf on which the POP advertisement was imaged. The JAN code 1302 and product name 1303 indicate the JAN code and product name printed on the imaged POP advertisement, respectively. The POP information 1304 indicates information such as the printing state of the imaged POP advertisement.

[0130] In step S1203, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 captures the POP advertisement and transmits the identified print serial number of the POP advertisement to the server device 101. The process of the server device 101 that receives the print serial number from the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 is similar to the process of steps S605 to S612 in Fig. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In other words, the server device 101 that receives the print serial number compares the selling price information of the POP advertisement using the print serial number as a key and judges whether there is a difference in the selling price information of the POP advertisement. If there is a difference in the selling price information, it judges whether the POP advertisement has already been printed and has not been replaced, or has not been printed, and transmits the check result to the mobile terminal 102.

[0131] In step S1204, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 receives the check result from the server apparatus 101.

[0132] In step S1205, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 associates the check result received in step S1204 with the location information acquired in step S1202 and stores them in the advertisement position check table 1300. For example, the received check result is stored in POP information 1304 of the advertisement position check table 1300, and the location information is stored in shelf information 1301. Note that although the advertisement position check table 1300 is stored in the mobile terminal 102 in this embodiment, it may also be stored in the server device 101.

[0133] In step S1206, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 generates a display screen for advertising information. More specifically, a screen is generated for displaying information about a POP advertisement to be notified to a user who is determined to have a discrepancy in the printed information, based on the information in the advertisement position check table 1300. Note that, although the mobile terminal 102 performs the process for generating the advertising information display screen in this embodiment, the server device 101 may perform the process for generating the advertising information display screen, and the mobile terminal 102 may acquire the information generated by the server device 101 as appropriate.

[0134] In step S1207, the CPU 221 of the mobile terminal 102 displays, on the display 230 of the mobile terminal 102, the advertisement information display screen generated in step S1206.

[0135] Here, FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 shows a screen 1400 indicating the advertisement information that needs to be replaced, and shows an example of a screen displayed in step S1207. The screen 1400 indicating the advertisement information that needs to be replaced includes an advertisement information display 1401 and a store map 1402. The store map 1402 indicates the location of the POP advertisement to be notified, and the advertisement information display 1401 indicates the state of the POP advertisement by using a color, a mark, a symbol, or the like. This display allows the administrator to check the state of the POP advertisement at a glance at a given position and in what state it needs to be replaced when checking the state of the POP advertisement later. In addition, since the state of the POP advertisement is represented by symbols and figures, it is possible to notify the user of the state of the POP advertisement in an easily viewable manner even if the display 230 is a small terminal, for example. In this embodiment, the information of the POP advertisement to be notified is displayed using a figure, but it may be displayed in a list format. In addition, even if a notification has been given once about the non-printing or replacement of a POP advertisement, if the POP advertisement has not been replaced, a similar notification may be given again. In this case, a flag may be set for the POP advertisement information, and a message such as "Checked last time" may be displayed on the screen in the advertisement information display 1401 to inform the user that the advertisement has been notified once but replacement has not yet been made.

[0136] In addition to the POP advertisements used in the description of this embodiment, information regarding replacement of flyers and posters may be displayed on the display 230 of the mobile terminal 102, as in the advertisement image 1500 in Fig. 15. The code containing the advertisement information to be imaged may be not only a color code, but also any identification information from which the advertisement information can be read, such as a two-dimensional barcode. In Fig. 15, for example, a code containing publication period information is printed on a poster or flyer, and the code is imaged by the mobile terminal 102, and it is determined whether the publication period is within or not, whether the target advertisement is unprinted or has not been replaced, and information regarding the poster or flyer is displayed.

[0137] This concludes the explanation of the process for displaying a screen showing the state of a POP advertisement located at a particular position in a store in the third embodiment.

[0138] As described above, according to the present invention, in an advertisement for a product whose information is subject to change, it is possible to easily recognize the state of the advertisement that needs to be replaced.

[0139] The present invention may be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium, and specifically, may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus consisting of a single device.

[0140] The present invention also includes a case where a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device directly or remotely, and the present invention also includes a case where the information processing device of the system or device reads and executes the supplied program code to achieve the functions.

[0141] Therefore, the program code itself that is installed (can be mounted) in an information processing device to realize the functional processing of the present invention also realizes the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

[0142] In this case, so long as it has the functionality of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

[0143] Examples of recording media for supplying the program include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, MOs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, etc. In addition, there are magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs (DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs), etc.

[0144] Another method of supplying the program is to connect to a homepage on the Internet using a browser on a client computer, and then download the computer program of the present invention itself, or a compressed file including an automatic installation function, from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

[0145] It is also possible to realize the present invention by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into multiple files and downloading each file from a different homepage. In other words, the present invention also includes a WWW server that allows multiple users to download program files for implementing the functional processing of the present invention in an information processing device.

[0146] It is also possible to encrypt the program of the present invention, store it on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distribute it to users, and have users who meet certain conditions download key information for decrypting the encryption from a website via the Internet.Then, it is possible to execute the encrypted program using the downloaded key information and install it on an information processing device.

[0147] The information processing device executes the read program to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, the OS running on the information processing device may perform part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment may also be realized by that processing.

[0148] Furthermore, the program read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the information processing device or a function expansion unit connected to the information processing device. After that, based on the instructions of the program, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are also realized by this processing.

[0149] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 100 Information processing device 101 Server device 102 Mobile Devices 103 Printing device 201 CPU 230 Display 211 External Memory 221 CPU 231 External Memory 232 Camera

Claims

1. An output control means for controlling output of at least one of information relating to the printing status of a second advertisement replacing the first advertisement or information indicating that the first advertisement has not been replaced, based on second selling price information obtained from a first advertisement for a product and the first selling price information for the product stored in a storage means; The information processing system, wherein the output control means controls the information to be output in association with a position of the first advertisement.

2. The information processing system described in Claim 1, characterized in that the output control means controls the output of information relating to the printing status of the second advertisement and information indicating that the first advertisement has not been replaced in a manner that makes them identifiable.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the output control means controls the output to be identifiable using colors or symbols.

4. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the output control means controls the position of the first advertisement corresponding to the output information to be superimposed on a store interior map and output.

5. The information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the output control means controls the information relating to the position of the first advertisement to be output again if, after outputting the information relating to the position of the first advertisement, the second selling price information and the first selling price information do not match.

6. The information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, after outputting the information relating to the position of the first advertisement, if the second selling price information and the first selling price information do not match, the output control means controls to output information relating to the position of the first advertisement in a form other than information relating to the printing status of a second advertisement replacing the first advertisement or information indicating that the first advertisement has not been replaced.

7. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further has an acquisition means for acquiring the second selling price information based on identification information for each printed advertisement, the information being obtained from a code having identification information of the first advertisement printed on the first advertisement.

8. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second selling price information is obtained by capturing an image of the first advertisement with an imaging means.

9. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second selling price information is information at the time the first advertisement was printed.

10. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second advertisement corresponds to the first selling price information.

11. An output control step for controlling, based on second selling price information obtained from a first advertisement for a product and the first selling price information for the product stored in a storage means, to output at least one of information relating to the printing status of a second advertisement replacing the first advertisement or information indicating that the first advertisement has not been replaced; A control method for an information processing system, wherein the output control step controls the information to be output in association with a position of the first advertisement.

12. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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