Gift catalog management device

Abstract

To provide a gift catalog management device for facilitating and expediting various procedures for a gift-giver to select a list of gifts to be printed in a gift catalog and for a gift-receiver to select a gift to be received from the list of gifts and receive the gift.SOLUTION: A gift catalog management device 1 comprises: a print data generation unit 113 for generating print data of printed matter with a predetermined two-dimensional code including specific information for specifying two or more selection object gifts on the basis of selection object gift identification information; a provision command unit 116 for commanding provision of one or more provision object gifts specified via a second user interface on the basis of the specification object gift identification information; etc. The print data generation unit 113 generates the print data of the printed matter with the predetermined two-dimensional code including a location and specific information on a network N of the management device 1 and information of the two or more selection object gifts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catalog gift management device. [Background technology]

[0002] In gift catalogs, which are printed materials showing a list of gift candidates, the giver of the gift catalog may want to choose from a larger number of gift candidates. On the other hand, the recipient of a gift from a gift catalog sent by a giver may want to feel the giver's feelings by choosing a gift from a small number of gifts selected by the giver.

[0003] However, it is difficult to prepare a wide variety of gift catalogs that meet the needs of various gift givers in advance, and therefore there is a demand for a gift catalog that lists a small number of gifts selected by gift givers.

[0004] In regard to providing a catalog gift in which a small number of gifts selected by the giver are listed, Patent Document 1 discloses a gift presentation server including a gift list information sending unit that sends gift list information to the giver's terminal device, a gift selection information receiving unit that receives gift selection information including gift identification information corresponding to one or more selected gifts in response to the sending of the gift list information, a catalog information creating unit that, when the determining unit determines that two or more gifts have been selected, obtains gift description information corresponding to the gift identification information included in the gift selection information and creates catalog information including at least the gift description information and the gift identification information corresponding to the selected gifts, a catalog information sending unit that sends the catalog information created by the catalog information creating unit to the recipient's terminal device, and various other software function units. Patent Document 1 makes it possible to give a gift selected from the catalog and also to give a specific gift selected by the giver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-047012 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when using a technology such as that of Patent Document 1, if the recipient of the gift is not sufficiently familiar with the use of information devices, the recipient may have difficulty viewing the catalog using a terminal device and selecting a gift to receive from the catalog. For example, the recipient may have difficulty receiving or inputting catalog information into a terminal device in order to display the catalog on the terminal device. For example, the recipient may have difficulty viewing a catalog displayed on a terminal device with a small screen and selecting a gift from the displayed catalog.

[0007] Therefore, when using a technology like that of Patent Document 1, it takes time and effort for the recipient to select a gift from a gift list and receive it, and the thoughtfulness that the giver put into the gift selection in the catalog may not be fully conveyed to the recipient. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in the technology of Patent Document 1 in terms of making it easier and faster to carry out various procedures related to the exchange of gifts via a gift catalog.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide a means for supporting a sender to select a gift list to be printed in a gift catalog, and a recipient of the gift catalog to select a gift to receive from the gift list, so that the sender can more easily and quickly carry out various procedures related to receiving the gift. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of intensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by generating print data for a printed matter having a list of gifts selected by a gift giver and a two-dimensional code that enables access to a user interface for selecting a gift to be received from the list. The inventors have then completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

[0010] The present invention provides a catalog gift management device comprising: a first display command unit that commands the display of a first user interface for selecting a gift from a plurality of gift candidates; a first identification information receiving unit that receives selected gift identification information identifying two or more gifts (selected gifts) selected via the first user interface; a print data generation unit that generates print data of a printed matter having a predetermined two-dimensional code including specific information identifying the two or more selected gifts based on the selected gift identification information; a second display command unit that commands the display of a second user interface for designating one or more gifts from a gift list including the plurality of selected gifts identified based on the specific information included in the predetermined two-dimensional code; a second identification information receiving unit that receives designated gift identification information identifying one or more gifts (designated gifts) designated via the second user interface; and a provision command unit that commands the provision of one or more gifts (provided gifts) designated via the second user interface based on the designated gift identification information, wherein the print data generation unit generates print data of a printed matter having a predetermined two-dimensional code including the location on a network of a predetermined device equipped with the second display command unit and the specific information, and information related to the two or more selected gifts.

[0011] The present invention enables the giver to select a gift from a plurality of gift candidates via a first user interface displayed on a terminal or the like by a first display command unit and a first identification information receiving unit. The present invention also enables a recipient to be provided with a printed matter on which a list of gifts is printed by generating print data for a printed matter containing information on two or more selected gifts selected by the giver. This allows the recipient to feel the thoughtfulness of the giver through the printed matter on which a list of gifts selected by the giver is printed, i.e., the gift catalog created by the giver, even if the recipient is unfamiliar with using information devices.

[0012] Furthermore, the recipient can read the predetermined two-dimensional code included in the printed matter with a terminal such as a smartphone, a procedure that can be easily performed even by a person who is not familiar with using information devices, and can display a second user interface on the terminal for selecting a gift from the same list as the list of gifts printed on the printed matter. The recipient can then select a gift from the list via the second user interface and receive the gift more quickly than if the gift was selected using a postcard or the like enclosed with the gift catalog. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The present invention can assist the giver in selecting a gift list to be printed in a gift catalog and the recipient in selecting and receiving a gift from the gift list, making it easier and faster to complete the various steps involved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware and software configurations of a system S according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an example of the gift candidate database 131. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an example of the catalog gift database 132. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of the sales database 133. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferable flow of the management process executed by the management device 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a printed matter in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <System S> 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware and software configurations of a system S of this embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the hardware and software configurations of the system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] The catalog gift management system (system S) is composed of a management device 1 that generates print data for a printed material containing a list of gifts selected by the gift giver and a two-dimensional code that enables access to a user interface for specifying the gift to be received from the list, and a first terminal T1 (gift giver terminal) and a second terminal T2 (gift recipient terminal) that are configured to communicate with the management device 1 via a network N.

[0018] [Gift catalog] The "gift catalog" of this embodiment is a printed matter on which a list of gifts that can be provided to the recipient of the gift catalog is printed. The "gift" is not particularly limited as long as it is something that is provided to the recipient, and may be any type of product and / or service. As the list of gifts is printed on the gift catalog, the recipient can check the list of gifts without using an information device. This allows recipients who are unfamiliar with using information devices to feel the thoughtfulness of the giver through the gift catalog that the giver has created.

[0019] [Giver, recipient, etc.] In this embodiment, the "giver" refers to a person who selects a gift listed in the gift catalog. The giver is also referred to as the "selector" because he or she is the person who selects the gift to be provided. In this embodiment, the "recipient" refers to a person who specifies a gift to receive from the gift catalog and is provided with the specified gift. In this embodiment, a person who bears the costs associated with providing the gift catalog is referred to as the "cost bearer." In this embodiment, a person who ships or otherwise performs the process of shipping the gift specified by the recipient from the gift catalog is referred to as the "sender."

[0020] [Management device 1] The management device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 13, and a communication unit 14. There is no particular limitation on the type of the management device 1. Examples of the type include a server and a cloud server.

[0021] The management device 1 preferably functions as a Web server that displays a first user interface for selecting a gift from multiple gift candidates and a second user interface for selecting one or more gifts from a list of gifts printed on a gift catalog. This allows the gift giver to easily use the first user interface via a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) associated with the Web server. This also allows the gift recipient to easily use the second user interface via the URL.

[0022] [Control unit 11] The control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and a read only memory (ROM).

[0023] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 13 and / or the communication unit 14 as necessary. The control unit 11 then realizes the following software components of the program of this embodiment executed by the management device 1: a first display command unit 111, a first identification information receiving unit 112, a print data generating unit 113, a second display command unit 114, a second identification information receiving unit 115, a provision command unit 116, a sales management unit 117, a remuneration calculation unit 118, a first machine learning unit 119, a second machine learning unit 120, and the like. The functions provided by each of the software components of the program of this embodiment will be described in the description of a preferred flow of the management process described later.

[0024] [Storage section 13] The memory unit 13 is a device in which data and / or files are stored, and includes a storage unit that stores data non-temporarily using a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, and the like.

[0025] The storage unit 13 may have a mechanism that enables connection via the network N to a storage device or storage system such as a network attached storage (NAS), a storage area network (SAN), cloud storage, a file server, and / or a distributed file system.

[0026] The memory unit 13 stores a program executed by the microcomputer, a gift candidate database 131, a catalog gift database 132, a sales database 133, first machine learning data, second machine learning data, etc.

[0027] (Gift Suggestion Database 131) The gift candidate database 131 stores information on gift candidates displayed as gift candidates to be published in a gift catalog in a first user interface described later. The gift candidate information preferably includes a gift candidate ID for identifying the gift candidate, for ease of identification of the information and operation of the information.

[0028] The information on the gift candidates preferably includes detailed information on the gift candidates, such as the names of the gift candidates, the quantity of the gift candidates, the price of the gift candidates, image data of the gift candidates, etc. This information is displayed on the first user interface to contribute to conveying the detailed information on the gift candidates. In addition, this information is printed on a printed matter corresponding to the print data generated by the print data generating unit 113 to contribute to conveying the detailed information on the gift candidates.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an example of the gift candidate database 131. In the example shown in FIG. 2, as a gift candidate identified by a gift candidate ID "G0001", information on steak meat with the name "Kumamoto Prefecture steak meat", the quantity "△△△g", and the price "△,△△△ yen", and image data related to the gift candidate are stored. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 2, as a gift candidate identified by a gift candidate ID "G0002", information on oysters with the name "Saga Prefecture oysters", the quantity "△△△g", and the price "△,△△△ yen", and image data related to the gift candidate are stored. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 2, as a gift candidate identified by a gift candidate ID "G0003", information on shabu-shabu meat with the name "Oita Prefecture shabu-shabu meat", the quantity "△△△g", and the price "△,△△△ yen", and image data related to the gift candidate are stored. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 2, as a gift candidate identified by gift candidate ID "G0004", information on ramen with the name "Name: Ramen from Miyazaki Prefecture", quantity "△ pieces", and price "△,△△△ yen", as well as image data related to the gift candidate, is stored. And in the example shown in Figure 2, as a gift candidate identified by gift candidate ID "G0005", information on mentaiko with the name "Name: Mentaiko from Fukuoka Prefecture", quantity "△△△g", and price "△,△△△ yen", as well as image data related to the gift candidate, is stored.

[0030] This allows the management device 1 to display information on these gift candidates on the first user interface and allow the gift giver to create a gift catalog containing multiple gifts selected from these gift candidates.The management device 1 can then generate print data for a printed matter (gift catalog) on ​​which information and images of the gifts selected via the first user interface are printed.

[0031] (Catalog Gift Database 132) The catalog gift database 132 stores information on catalog gifts including two or more selected gifts selected from gift candidates in a first user interface described later. For ease of identification of the information and operation of the information, it is preferable that the catalog gift information includes a catalog gift ID for identifying the catalog gift.

[0032] The catalog gift information preferably includes detailed information of the catalog gift, such as the creator (sender) of the catalog gift, the layout of the catalog gift, a list of gifts included in the catalog gift, a two-dimensional code related to the catalog gift, etc. This information is used to generate print data for the catalog gift.

[0033] By storing information on the creator (gift giver) of the gift catalog in the gift catalog database 132, the management device 1 can print the gift giver's information on the gift catalog. This allows the management device 1 to print, for example, information that the gift giver is a local high school student on the gift catalog, and add value to the gift catalog selected by a local high school student.

[0034] In addition, by storing information related to the creator (gift giver) of the catalog gift in the catalog gift database 132, the management device 1 can calculate the reward to be distributed to the gift giver from the sales when sales are made related to the catalog gift.

[0035] The gift list included in the gift catalog is an example of information (specific information) that identifies two or more selected gifts. By including this information in the gift catalog database 132, the management device 1 can generate print data for a printed matter (gift catalog) that includes information related to two or more selected gifts.

[0036] The information on the layout of the gift catalog stored in the gift catalog database 132 is not particularly limited. The information may include, for example, template information that identifies which of the templates pre-stored in the storage unit 13 has been selected, so that the gift catalog can be designed by a simple procedure of selecting a layout from a template. The information may also include detailed layout information that specifies the position, orientation, size, color, etc. at which the gift information is printed on the gift catalog, so that the manner in which the gift information is printed can be specified in detail. Furthermore, the information may include, for example, information on additional text, so that text that adds additional value to the gift catalog, such as a message to the recipient or a concept of the gift catalog, can be printed on the gift catalog in addition to the gift list.

[0037] In the catalog gift database 132, a predetermined two-dimensional code including specific information for identifying the location of the management device 1 on the network N and two or more selected gifts selected via the first user interface can be stored as a two-dimensional code related to the catalog gift. This allows the management device 1 to generate print data for a printed matter having the predetermined two-dimensional code.

[0038] The "location of the management device 1 on the network N" included in the predetermined two-dimensional code may be, for example, a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the management device 1. By indicating the location of the management device 1 on the network N by a URL, the second terminal T2 described later can display a second user interface by a procedure via a web browser.

[0039] Furthermore, the "specific information" included in the specified two-dimensional code may be information that identifies the catalog gift included as part of the above URL. This allows the second terminal T2 to provide the specific information to the management device 1 by accessing the management device 1 via the above URL. The information that identifies the catalog gift may be, for example, a catalog gift ID or a hash value of the catalog gift ID. Since the information that identifies the catalog gift includes a catalog gift ID, the management device 1 can quickly obtain information on the catalog gift that corresponds to the specific information from the catalog gift database 132 based on the specific information. Since the information that identifies the catalog gift includes a hash value of the catalog gift ID or similar information, detailed information related to the catalog gift is prevented from being identified from the specified two-dimensional code.

[0040] Fig. 3 is an example of the catalog gift database 132. In the example shown in Fig. 3, as a catalog gift identified by a catalog gift ID "C0001", the creator "All members of class △ of △ year at △ high school", the layout "Template 1", the gift list "G0001, G0002, G0003, G0005", and the two-dimensional code related to the catalog gift are stored. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 3, as a catalog gift identified by a catalog gift ID "C0002", the creator "All members of class △ of △ high school", the layout "Template 2", the gift list "G0002, G0004, G0005", and the two-dimensional code related to the catalog gift are stored.

[0041] This allows the management device 1 to generate print data for a printed matter (gift catalog) in which the information and images of the gift selected via the first user interface are printed in a specified layout. The recipient can then learn from the information printed in the gift catalog that the gift was selected by current or incoming students of the local "△△ High School," and feel the sincerity of the high school students.

[0042] (Sales Database 133) Sales database 133 stores sales information related to catalog gifts stored in catalog gift database 132. The sales information preferably includes a sales ID for identifying the sales, for ease of identification of the information and manipulation of the information.

[0043] The sales information is not particularly limited, and may be various information related to sales such as the unit price of the catalog gift, sales amount, number of items related to sales, etc. The sales information preferably includes a creator's share, which is a reward to be distributed to the selector from the sales, in order to distribute the creator's share from the sales to the giver (selector).

[0044] Fig. 4 is an example of the sales database 133. In the example shown in Fig. 4, information is stored that, as a sales identified by a sales ID "S0001", a catalog gift "C0001" has been sold in a quantity of "△" at a unit price of "△,△△△ yen", with a sales amount of "△△,△△△ yen", and a creator share of "△,△△△ yen". In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 4, information is stored that, as a sales identified by a sales ID "S0002", a catalog gift "C0002" has been sold in a quantity of "△" at a unit price of "△,△△△ yen", with a sales amount of "△,△△△ yen", and a creator share of "△,△△△ yen".

[0045] This allows the management device 1 to manage the sales related to the catalog gift as well as the creator distribution amount.

[0046] (First machine learning data) The first machine learning data (not shown) is machine learning data related to a process of predicting gifts expected to sell from various information related to the provision of catalog gifts. The type of data is not particularly limited, and may be various parameters according to the type of machine learning. The type of machine learning may be, for example, a decision tree, a neural network, a support vector machine, a Bayesian network, an extreme learning machine (ELM), etc. The type of data may be, for example, decision tree data, neural network data, support vector machine data, Bayesian network data, ELM data, etc.

[0047] By storing the first machine learning data in the memory unit 13, the management device 1 can perform machine learning (first machine learning) related to predicting designated gifts expected to sell when sales related to one or more designated gifts selected from multiple selected gifts are updated in the sales database 133, the machine learning using learning data including one or more designated gifts as explanatory variables and including sales as a target variable.The management device 1 can then use the first machine learning data obtained by the first machine learning to perform a process of predicting gifts expected to sell from various information related to the provision of catalog gifts.

[0048] (Second machine learning data) The second machine learning data (not shown) is machine learning data related to a process of predicting gifts expected to sell from various information related to the provision of catalog gifts. The type of data is not particularly limited, and may be various parameters according to the type of machine learning. The type of machine learning may be, for example, a decision tree, a neural network, a support vector machine, a Bayesian network, an extreme learning machine, etc. The type of data may be, for example, decision tree data, neural network data, support vector machine data, Bayesian network data, ELM data, etc.

[0049] By storing the second machine learning data in the memory unit 13, the management device 1 can perform machine learning (second machine learning) related to predicting a gift list expected to sell when sales related to one or more designated gifts selected from multiple selected gifts are updated in the sales database 133. The machine learning includes a gift list including multiple selected gifts as an explanatory variable and learning data including sales as a target variable is used. Then, the management device 1 can perform a process of predicting a gift list expected to sell from various information related to the provision of catalog gifts using the second machine learning data obtained by the second machine learning.

[0050] [Communications Section 14] The communication unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it connects the management device 1 to the network N and enables communication with the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, etc. Examples of the communication unit 14 include a wireless device compatible with a mobile phone network, a device connectable to a wireless LAN, and a network card compatible with the Ethernet standard.

[0051] [Network N] The type of the network N is not particularly limited as long as it enables communication between the management device 1 and the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, etc. The type of the network N is, for example, the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless LAN, etc.

[0052] [First terminal (gifter terminal) T1] The first terminal T1 is a terminal used by the giver of the catalog gift. The first terminal T1 is also called a "gift giver terminal." The type of the first terminal T1 is not particularly limited. The first terminal T1 may be, for example, a mobile terminal exemplified by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a stationary terminal exemplified by a personal computer.

[0053] [Second device (recipient device) T2] The second terminal T2 is a terminal used by the recipient of the catalog gift. The second terminal T2 is also called a "recipient terminal." The type of the second terminal T2 is not particularly limited. The second terminal T2 may be, for example, a mobile terminal exemplified by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a stationary terminal exemplified by a personal computer.

[0054] The second terminal T2 preferably has a code reader (not shown) that reads the two-dimensional code. The code reader is realized, for example, by a camera provided in a mobile terminal in cooperation with a predetermined application that reads the two-dimensional code. This allows the second terminal T2 to read a predetermined two-dimensional code (described later) and display a second user interface on the second terminal T2.

[0055] [Main Flowchart of Management Processing] Fig. 5 is a main flow chart showing an example of a preferred flow of the management process executed by the management device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram continuing from Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a diagram continuing from Fig. 6. The following describes a preferred flow of the management process executed by the management device 1 of this embodiment using Figs. 5 to 7.

[0056] [Step S1: Determine whether to display the first UI] The control unit 11 executes the first display command unit 111 in cooperation with the storage unit 13, etc. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of determining whether to display a first user interface (first UI, catalog design user interface) for selecting a gift from a plurality of gift candidates by the first display command unit 111 (step S1, first display determination step). If it is determined that the first user interface is to be displayed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S2. If it is not determined that the first user interface is to be displayed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S5.

[0057] In the first display determination step, the procedure for determining whether to display the first user interface is not particularly limited. For example, the procedure includes a procedure for determining that the first user interface is to be displayed when the management device 1 is accessed from the first terminal T1 via a URL related to the display of the first user interface. This allows the management device 1 to display the first user interface on the first terminal T1 via a general application that uses a URL, such as a web browser.

[0058] [Step S2: Command to display the first UI] The control unit 11 executes a process of instructing the first terminal T1, etc. to display the first user interface by the first display command unit 111 (step S2, first display command step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S3.

[0059] The first user interface instructed to be displayed in the first display command step is not particularly limited as long as it is a user interface configured to select a gift from a plurality of gift candidates. The first user interface preferably includes various information related to the gift candidates stored in the gift candidate database 131. This allows the management device 1 to provide various information related to the gift candidates as information for selecting a gift from the gift candidates.

[0060] The first user interface is preferably configured to input additional information such as information related to the creator (gift giver) of the catalog gift, information related to the layout of the catalog gift, etc. This allows the management device 1 to receive the additional information input via the first user interface.

[0061] [Step S3: Determine whether the selected gift identification information has been received] The control unit 11 executes the first identification information receiving unit 112 in cooperation with the memory unit 13, etc. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of determining whether the first identification information receiving unit 112 has received selected gift identification information (first identification information) that identifies two or more gifts (selected gifts) selected via the first user interface instructed to display in the first display command step (step S3, first identification information receiving step). If it is determined that the information has been received, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S4. If it is not determined that the information has been received, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S3.

[0062] The first identification information receiving step may determine whether additional information such as information on the creator (gift giver) of the catalog gift, information on the layout of the catalog gift, etc. has been received in addition to the selected gift identification information identifying two or more gifts (selected gifts) selected via the first user interface. This enables the management device 1 to update the additional information stored in the catalog gift database 132 in a specific information updating step described later.

[0063] [Step S4: Update specific information] The control unit 11 executes a process of updating the identification information (identification information) that identifies two or more selected gifts in the catalog gift database 132 using the selected gift identification information determined to have been received in the first identification information receiving step by the first identification information receiving unit 112 (step S4, identification information updating step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S5.

[0064] When it is determined that the additional information has been received in the first identification information receiving step, the control unit 11 updates the additional information stored in the gift catalog database 132. This allows the management device 1 to reflect the additional information, such as information on the creator (gift giver) of the gift catalog and information on the layout of the gift catalog, in the gift catalog.

[0065] [Step S5: Determine whether to generate print data] The control unit 11 executes the print data generating unit 113 in cooperation with the storage unit 13, etc. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of determining whether the print data generating unit 113 generates print data related to the selected gift identification information determined to have been received in the first identification information receiving step (step S5, print data generation determination step). If it is determined to generate print data, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S6. If it is determined not to generate print data, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S7.

[0066] The print data generation determination step includes, for example, a procedure for determining that print data related to selected gift identification information included in a catalog gift is to be generated when information related to one catalog gift stored in catalog gift database 132 is designated from first terminal T1. This allows management device 1 to determine that print data is to be generated based on information stored in catalog gift database 132, without requiring input of selected gift identification information one by one.

[0067] [Step S6: Generate print data] The control unit 11 executes a process of generating the print data determined to be generated in the print data generation determination step by the print data generation unit 113 (step S6, print data generation execution step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S7.

[0068] The print data generation execution step includes a procedure for generating print data for a printed matter having at least the location on the network N of a predetermined device equipped with the second display command unit 114, i.e., the management device 1, a predetermined two-dimensional code including the above-mentioned specific information, and information related to two or more selected gifts corresponding to the specific information. This enables the management device 1 to generate print data for printing a printed matter on which a list of gifts is printed. Thus, the management device 1 makes it possible to provide a printed matter on which a list of gifts is printed to a recipient.

[0069] In order to be able to provide printed materials with various layouts based on the catalog gift database 132, it is preferable that the print data generation execution step generates print data based on information relating to the layout of the printed material among the information relating to a catalog gift stored in the catalog gift database 132.

[0070] In order to inform the recipient of the giver and convey the sincerity of the giver in selecting the gift, the print data generation execution step preferably generates print data for a printed matter on which information indicating the giver is printed. In order to convey precautions, procedures, etc. regarding the use of the catalog gift, the print data generation execution step preferably generates print data for a printed matter on which precautions, procedures, etc. regarding the use of the catalog gift are printed.

[0071] [Step S7: Determine whether access has occurred via a specified two-dimensional code] The control unit 11, in cooperation with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14, executes a process of determining whether or not there has been access via a predetermined two-dimensional code possessed by a printed matter corresponding to the print data generated in the print data generation execution step (step S7, access determination step). If it is determined that there has been access, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S8. If it is not determined that there has been access, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S1, and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S15.

[0072] The access determination step includes, for example, a process of determining that access has occurred via a specific two-dimensional code when access to the management device 1 has been made using a URL acquired from the specific two-dimensional code.

[0073] [Step S8: Obtain specific information] The control unit 11, in cooperation with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14, executes a process of acquiring specific information for identifying a gift list including a plurality of selected gifts from information related to the access that was determined in the access determination step (step S8, specific information acquisition step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S9.

[0074] The specific information acquisition step may include, for example, acquiring a path name ( <url-path>) and the parameters used by the connection destination ( <query-string>) to extract specific information. An example of such a URL is a URL such as "https: / / foo.bar / cataloggift / ?catalogid=C0001". The URL includes a host name "foo.bar", a path name "cataloggift / " and a parameter "catalogid=C0001". The management device 1 determines that the access to the management device 1 was made using a URL obtained from a predetermined two-dimensional code from the host name and path name, and obtains the specific information "C0001" from the parameter. Then, the management device 1 uses the specific information "C0001" to specify a gift list related to the catalog gift information associated with the catalog ID "C0001".

[0075] [Step S9: Command to display the second UI] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14 to execute the second display command unit 114. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of commanding the second terminal T2, etc. to display the second user interface (second UI, gift selection user interface) by the second display command unit 114 (step S9, second display command step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S9.

[0076] The second user interface commanded to display in the second display command step is a user interface for selecting one or more gifts from a gift list. The second user interface includes in the gift list a plurality of selected gifts specified based on the specific information included in the specified two-dimensional code that is the subject of discrimination in the access discrimination step, i.e., the specific information acquired in the specific information acquisition step. This gift list is the same as the list of gifts printed on the printed matter corresponding to the specified two-dimensional code.

[0077] The second user interface that is instructed to be displayed in the second display command step is configured to transmit designated gift identification information that identifies the designated gifts to the management device 1 when one or more gifts (designated gifts) are designated via the second user interface.

[0078] [Step S10: Determine whether designated gift identification information has been received] The control unit 11 executes the second identification information receiving unit 115 in cooperation with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of determining whether the second identification information receiving unit 115 has received designated gift identification information that identifies one or more gifts (designated gifts) designated via the second user interface (step S10, designated gift identification information determining step, second identification information reception determining step). If it is determined that the designated gift identification information has been received, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S11. If it is not determined that the designated gift identification information has been received, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S10.

[0079] [Step S11: Command to provide the provided gift] The control unit 11 executes the provision command unit 116 in cooperation with the storage unit 13 and the communication unit 14. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of commanding the provision of one or more gifts (provided gifts) designated via the second user interface described above based on the designated gift identification information determined to have been received in the designated gift identification information determination step by the provision command unit 116 (step S11, provision command step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S12.

[0080] According to the series of processes from step S7 to step S11, the recipient can read the predetermined two-dimensional code included in the printed matter with a second terminal T2 such as a smartphone, a procedure that can be easily performed even by a person who is not familiar with using information devices, and can display on the second terminal T2 a second user interface for selecting a gift from the same list as the list of gifts printed on the printed matter. The recipient can then select a gift from the list via the second user interface and receive the gift more quickly than if the gift were selected using a postcard or the like enclosed with the gift catalog.

[0081] In order to manage the sales related to the provided gifts, the management process preferably includes a process (sales management step) of updating the sales stored in the sales database 133. Step S12 is an example of the sales management step.

[0082] [Step S12: Update sales] The control unit 11 executes the sales management unit 117 in cooperation with the storage unit 13. The control unit 11 then executes a process of updating the sales relating to one or more provided gifts instructed to be provided in the providing instruction step in the sales database 133 by the sales management unit 117 (step S12, sales management step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S13.

[0083] Regarding the above-mentioned sales management step, when sales are updated in the sales database 133, it is preferable that the management process includes a process of calculating a reward to the giver of the provided gift (step S12, reward calculation step) in order to calculate the reward.

[0084] [Step S13: Calculate reward] The control unit 11 executes the reward calculation unit 118 in cooperation with the storage unit 13. The control unit 11 then executes a process of calculating a reward to be distributed from the sales to the selector who selected the provided gift related to the sales updated via the above-mentioned first user interface, i.e., the giver, by the reward calculation unit 118 (step S13, reward calculation step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S14. Since the management process includes the reward calculation step, the management device 1 can motivate the giver that he or she can obtain a reward by selecting a gift that will obtain a reward.

[0085] The reward calculation step is not particularly limited as long as it includes a procedure for calculating a reward to be distributed from sales. The reward to be distributed from sales may be a reward calculated by multiplying sales by a given distribution rate, a reward whose distribution rate varies depending on the number of gifts related to sales (sales volume), a reward distributed when a reward calculated by multiplying sales by a given distribution rate, etc., exceeds a given threshold, etc. When the reward distributed from sales includes a reward calculated by multiplying sales by a given distribution rate, the giver can select a gift with the motivation that the reward increases as sales increase. When the reward distributed from sales includes a reward whose distribution rate varies depending on the number of gifts related to sales (sales volume), the giver can select a gift with the motivation that the reward distribution rate increases as sales increase. When the reward distributed from sales includes a reward distributed when a reward calculated by multiplying sales by a given distribution rate, etc., exceeds a given threshold, the giver can select a gift with the motivation that the gift increases in sales.

[0086] The management process preferably includes a process of performing machine learning related to prediction of the designated gift expected to sell (step S14, first machine learning step). This allows the management device 1 to provide the gift giver with the prediction result of the gift expected to sell more. Thus, the management device 1 can improve the gift sales and distribute more rewards to the gift giver.

[0087] [Step S14: Run the first machine learning] The control unit 11 executes the first machine learning unit 119 in cooperation with the storage unit 13. The control unit 11 then executes a process by the first machine learning unit 119 to perform machine learning related to prediction of designated gifts expected to sell, the machine learning using learning data including the one or more designated gifts as explanatory variables and including the sales as a target variable (step S14, first machine learning step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S14.

[0088] The first machine learning step includes a process of updating the first machine learning data stored in the memory unit 13 based on the result of the machine learning. By including the first machine learning step in the management process, the management device 1 can provide the gift giver with a prediction result of a gift that is expected to generate more sales.

[0089] The management process preferably includes a process of performing machine learning related to prediction of a list of gifts expected to sell (step S15, second machine learning step). This allows the management device 1 to provide the gift giver with a prediction result of a list of gifts expected to sell more. In other words, the management device 1 can provide a prediction result that takes into account not only the popularity of each gift alone but also the synergistic effect of multiple gifts. Thus, the management device 1 can improve gift sales and distribute more rewards to the gift giver.

[0090] [Step S15: Run the second machine learning] The control unit 11 executes the second machine learning unit 120 in cooperation with the storage unit 13. The control unit 11 then executes a process by the second machine learning unit 120 to perform machine learning related to predicting a gift list with expected sales, the machine learning using learning data including a gift list including a plurality of selected gifts as an explanatory variable and including the sales as a target variable (step S15, second machine learning step). The control unit 11 returns the process to step S1 and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S15.

[0091] The second machine learning step includes a process of updating the second machine learning data stored in the memory unit 13 based on the result of the machine learning. By including the second machine learning step in the management process, the management device 1 can provide the gift giver with a predicted result of a gift combination that is expected to generate more sales.

[0092] [Gift candidate registration step] The management process preferably includes a gift candidate registration step (not shown) for registering gift candidates in the gift candidate database 131. The gift candidate registration step may be performed before the operation of the management device 1 is started in order to provide options for gifts to be included in the catalog gift at the start of operation, or may be performed after the operation of the management device 1 is started in order to increase further gift options after the start of operation. For the convenience of the administrator, the registration of gift candidates in the gift candidate registration step may be performed based on information received from a terminal used by the administrator. In addition, in order to use data from an external server, etc., the registration of gift candidates in the gift candidate registration step may be performed using data acquisition, data synchronization, etc. from a database provided by an external server, etc.

[0093] <Usage example> The following is an example of how the management device 1 is used.

[0094] [Gift candidate registration] The administrator of the management device 1 registers gift candidates in the gift candidate database 131. The registration of gift candidates may be performed before the operation of the management device 1 is started in order to provide options for gifts to be included in a gift catalog at the time of operation start, or may be performed after the operation of the management device 1 is started in order to increase the number of gift options after operation start. In addition, in order to use data from an external server or the like, the registration of gift candidates may be performed by acquiring data from a database provided by an external server or the like, synchronizing data, or the like.

[0095] [Gift catalog registration] The gift giver accesses the management device 1 via the first terminal T1 (gift giver terminal). The management device 1 instructs the first terminal T1 to display a first user interface. The first terminal T1 instructs the first terminal T1 to display a first user interface for selecting a gift from multiple gift candidates. The first terminal T1 displays the first user interface.

[0096] The giver uses the first user interface to select a gift to be published in the gift catalog. The first terminal T1 transmits information on the selected gift (selected gift information) to the management device 1. The management device 1 receives the selected gift information and updates the gift catalog database 132 using the selected gift information. That is, the management device 1 updates the specific information stored in the gift catalog database 132 using the selected gift information.

[0097] [Machine learning assistance] To help the gift giver select a gift, the management device 1 causes the first terminal T1 to display a forecast of the designated gift expected to sell based on the first machine learning. Alternatively, to help the gift giver select a gift, the management device 1 causes the first terminal T1 to display a forecast of a list of gifts expected to sell based on the second machine learning.

[0098] [Printing catalog gift] The management device 1 generates print data for the gift catalog in response to an instruction from the giver, etc. Then, the giver, etc. uses the print data to print the gift catalog, which is a printed matter showing a predetermined two-dimensional code that causes the management device 1 to display a second user interface corresponding to the gift catalog, and information related to two or more selected gifts that correspond to the specific information. The giver, etc. distributes the printed gift catalog.

[0099] FIG. 8 is an example of a printed matter in this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a gift list consisting of the names and images of four types of gifts, "Kumamoto steak meat," "Saga oysters," "Oita shabu-shabu," and "Fukuoka mentaiko," is shown at the top, and a predetermined two-dimensional code is shown at the middle left. In addition, in the example, as an explanation of the use of the catalog gift, the following words are shown at the middle and bottom right: "INFORMATION Step 1: Please check the card terms and conditions on the back. Step 2: Scan the QR code. Step 3: Select a gift and finish entering the delivery information, and the gift will be delivered to you." Furthermore, in the example, the following words are shown at the bottom left as the contact information of the administrator, "Tel: 0120-XX-XXXX △△△△△△ Co., Ltd."

[0100] This allows the recipient to see the gift list of four types of gifts and decide which gift to receive. The recipient can then refer to the explanation, have the second terminal T2 read the specified two-dimensional code, select a gift, and enter delivery information. In addition, the recipient can refer to the contact information and ask any questions they may have.

[0101] [Using gift catalogs] The recipient who receives the printed gift catalogue views the printed gift catalogue. Then, by referring to the explanation shown on the gift catalogue, the recipient reads the specified two-dimensional code shown on the printed gift catalogue with a camera or the like provided on a second terminal T2 such as a smartphone, and accesses the management device 1. Through this access, the management device 1 obtains specific information contained in the specified two-dimensional code, and causes the second terminal T2 to display a second user interface for selecting one or more gifts from a gift list corresponding to the specified two-dimensional code.

[0102] The recipient uses the second user interface to select a gift from the gift catalog. The second terminal T2 transmits information about the designated gift (designated gift information) and various information related to gift receipt to the management device 1. The management device 1 receives the designated gift information and instructs a delivery company or the like to provide the provided gift to the recipient based on the designated gift information and various information related to gift receipt. The delivery company or the like provides the provided gift to the recipient.

[0103] [Sales Management] The management device 1 updates the sales related to the provided gift in the sales database 133. Then, the management device 1 calculates a reward to be distributed from the sales. The manager or the like distributes the calculated reward to the giver.

[0104] [Machine Learning] The management device 1 performs a first machine learning for predicting a designated gift expected to sell or a second machine learning for predicting a list of gifts expected to sell based on the updated sales. The data updated by these machine learning processes (the first machine learning data, the second machine learning data) are used in the support by the machine learning described above.

[0105] It should be noted that within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may come up with various modifications and alterations. It is understood that such modifications and alterations fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies the design of the above-described embodiment, or adds, omits, or modifies the conditions of a process, these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] S System 1 Management device 11 Control section 111 1st display command section 112 First identification information receiving unit 113 Print data generation unit 114 2nd display command section 115 Second identification information receiving unit 116 Provision Command Department 117 Sales Management Department 118 Remuneration Calculation Department 119 Machine Learning Department 1 120 2nd Machine Learning Department 13 Storage section 131 Gift Suggestion Database 132 Catalog Gift Database 133 Sales Database 14 Communications Department N Network T1 Terminal 1 (gift sender terminal) T2 2nd terminal (recipient terminal)

Claims

1. a first display command unit that commands the display of a first user interface for selecting a gift from a plurality of gift candidates; a first identification information receiving unit that receives selected gift identification information that identifies two or more gifts (selected gifts) selected via the first user interface; a print data generating unit that generates print data for a printed matter having a predetermined two-dimensional code including specific information for identifying the two or more gifts (selected gifts) based on the selected gift identification information; a second display command unit that commands the display of a second user interface for selecting one or more gifts from a gift list including the plurality of selected gifts identified based on the identification information included in the predetermined two-dimensional code; a second identification information receiving unit that receives designated gift identification information that identifies one or more gifts (designated gifts) designated via the second user interface; a providing command unit for commanding the providing of one or more gifts (provided gifts) designated via the second user interface based on the designated gift identification information; Equipped with the print data generating unit generates print data for a printed matter having a predetermined two-dimensional code including the location on the network of the predetermined device having the second display command unit and the specific information, and information related to the two or more gifts (selected gifts); A catalog gift management device.

2. a sales database in which the sales of the provided gifts are stored; a sales management unit that updates the sales related to the one or more gifts (received gifts) in the sales database when the provision command unit commands the provision of the one or more gifts (received gifts); The management device of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The management device according to claim 2, further comprising a reward calculation unit that calculates a reward to be distributed from the sales to a selector who selects the provided gift via the first user interface when the sales are updated in the sales database.

4. The management device of claim 2, further comprising a first machine learning unit that performs machine learning related to predicting designated gifts that are expected to sell when sales related to one or more designated gifts selected from the multiple selected gifts in the sales database are updated, using learning data that includes the one or more gifts (designated gifts) as explanatory variables and the sales as a target variable.

5. The management device of claim 2, further comprising a second machine learning unit that performs machine learning related to predicting a gift list with expected sales when sales related to one or more gifts (designated gifts) selected from the plurality of selected gifts in the sales database are updated, and uses learning data that includes a gift list including the plurality of selected gifts as an explanatory variable and the sales as a target variable.

Images