Entry book production system and method therefor

Abstract

To provide an entry book production system that eliminates the risk that a person considering an entry into an animal show might hesitate the entry looking at an attribute and the like of an entered animal posted on an entry book and in turn to prevent the number of animals to be entered from decreasing to prevent activation of the animal show from being constricted.SOLUTION: Provided are: an entry book production system including means for registering exhibition desire information about a user who desires exhibition in an animal show, means for determining whether registration of the exhibition desire information has been closed, and means for, when a determination result that registration has been closed is obtained, outputting information based on the exhibition desire information so as to be viewed at least by the user having registered the exhibition desire information for the animal show; and a method therefor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for creating an entry book for posting and managing information regarding entries to animal shows. [Background technology]

[0002] In this invention, an "animal show" refers to an event, such as an animal competition or a sport, in which animals (usually of the same species) are entered and compete against each other based on appearance, ability, personality, etc. to determine a champion. Dog shows, which are dog competitions, are widely held around the world. In Japan, according to Non-Patent Document 1, the Japan Kennel Club (a general incorporated association) and its affiliated clubs hold a total of more than 300 dog shows throughout the country each year. Each dog show also creates and publishes an entry book called an "exhibition catalog." These entry books typically list the breed, sex, age, and pedigree information (such as the sire's name and dam's name) of the entered dogs, the exhibitor's name, and even the name of the handler (trainer). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] About the Dog Show (available on the website of the Japan Kennel Club, URL: http: / / www.jkc.or.jp / events / dogshow / about Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For an animal show to be vibrant, it is naturally desirable for many animals to enter and compete against each other. Publicizing the types of animals entered through the publication of an entry book is extremely important for livening up an animal show. However, if the attributes of already-entered animals (e.g., the pedigree of an animal entered in a show or the physique of an animal entered in a competition) were to be made public in the entry book during the entry period (i.e., before the entry deadline), those considering whether to enter might see the attributes of the animals already entered and feel they have no chance of winning, which could discourage them from entering. This could ultimately reduce the number of animals entered and undermine the vitality of the animal show. However, until now, there has been no consideration given to the timing of when the entry book is available to view, preventing people from hesitating to enter and thus sapping the vitality of the animal show.

[0005] Incidentally, the publication of the names and attributes of those who have already entered a tournament before the entry deadline is not limited to animal shows, but is also common in various competitions where people compete against each other. For example, in the case of Olympic entries in sports such as tennis, table tennis, and golf, points and rankings are used. These sports employ point and ranking systems, with those who have earned the most points or are ranked high by a certain period before the Olympics enter first, and their names are published along with their attributes, such as points and rankings (naturally, attributes such as past award history are also made public). However, even if a country has no players with high points or rankings and no entries by that certain period, it is still permitted to enter one player. After learning the names of the players who have already entered, these countries can decide whether to enter and, if so, who to enter. This is also true for sports with participation standards, such as Olympic track and field and swimming. Furthermore, in professional golf championships in Japan, it is common for entries by players (especially strong or popular players) to be published even before the entry deadline. This is said to be done by organizers to increase the popularity of the tournament. This announcement before the entry deadline allows other athletes to see the lineup of athletes who have already entered before deciding whether to enter.

[0006] Furthermore, even in auctions, which are not athletic but have similarities to animal shows in that a single winning bidder is determined through competition, the names of participants are sometimes revealed before the bidding period closes. Large-scale auctions, such as the three major auctions, Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips, often hold pre-auction parties. While these parties are typically open only to those invited by the organizer or those who have received prior permission from the organizer, they are not limited to those who have already entered the auction. These pre-auction parties are also said to attract those considering entering the auction, allowing them to see the faces of those who have already entered and decide whether to enter.

[0007] In these human competition events, there is a positive significance in disclosing the names and attributes (such as recent competition records and past results) of those who have already entered before the entry deadline. For example, in athletic competitions such as the Olympics, it is said that "there is meaning in participating," and it is expected that many athletes will want to enter regardless of the lineup of other entrants, and that many athletes will feel honored to have the opportunity to compete with top athletes. Therefore, it is unlikely that disclosing the names and attributes of those who have already entered before the entry deadline will have any adverse effect on discouraging others from entering. Even outside of athletic competitions, as in the example of the auction pre-entry party mentioned above, even if the names and attributes (such as past bidding history) of those who have already entered before the entry deadline are revealed, this is not seen as an opportunity to discourage others from entering. In this way, when it comes to events where people compete against each other, there has generally been no recognition that revealing the names and attributes of those who have already entered before the entry deadline could discourage those who are considering entering and hinder the vitality of the event, and it can also be said that it is unlikely that there will be a situation in the future where this recognition of the issue will be necessary, at least for the time being.

[0008] In animal shows, the current awareness (i.e., there is no recognition that revealing the names and attributes of those who have already entered before the entry deadline will discourage those who are considering entering and hinder the vitality of the event) is basically the same as in situations where humans compete against each other. However, unlike events where humans compete against each other, in animal shows, the above-mentioned negative effects of revealing the names and attributes of those who have already entered before the entry deadline should be recognized, and as part of this, it is necessary to ensure that the vitality of the animal show is not hindered by not making the contents of the entry book available for viewing before the entry deadline. The reasons for this are as follows.

[0009] In animal shows, competitions typically have predetermined judging standards, with the dog that most closely matches those standards being declared the champion. In dog shows, in particular, a "breed standard" is established for each breed, and the dog that most closely matches this ideal is declared the champion. These standards are detailed for several evaluation points, including "type," which refers to body shape and facial features. For example, the "type" section of the Shiba Inu breed standard specifically defines the ideal as "firm body, triangular, upright ears, and fox-like facial features." Given this, anyone wishing to enter their own dog can likely accurately compare their own dog with that of another dog and determine which is superior. For this reason, the tendency to hesitate to enter a dog based on the belief that it has no chance of winning, even more so than in human competitions, is likely to be stronger. In particular, dog lovers, many of whom are said to dote on their dogs and believe theirs is the best, tend to dislike the prospect of being judged inferior to other dogs when entering a dog show. Therefore, it is entirely conceivable that they would hesitate to enter if they felt they had no chance of winning. Furthermore, cattle shows have detailed judging criteria for the beef cattle and breeding cattle divisions. For example, in the beef cattle division, standards are set for each evaluation point, such as meat quantity, meat quality, and fat quality. For example, regarding meat quantity, the carcass (the entire body of the cattle, excluding the head, tail, extremities, skin, and internal organs) is given a higher rating, and the carcass' bone content is given a lower rating. Furthermore, meat quantity is measured using a body composition scale, but it can also be estimated from weight. Therefore, those considering entering cattle can likely accurately judge the relative merits of their own cattle by examining the physiques of cattle already entered before the entry deadline. It is said that the evaluation of beef cattle at a competition has a large influence on the subsequent market price, and that cattle that receive high evaluations at the competition can be sold at a high price. On the other hand, it is also said that cattle that receive low evaluations at the competition will have a lower market value.Considering these circumstances, it is quite possible that some people will see other people's cows that have already been entered before the entry deadline and hesitate to enter, thinking that they have no chance of winning.

[0010] Furthermore, some animal shows are not simply about competing with other animals to see who is superior, but also about preserving the species. For example, in dog shows, ideal standards are set for each breed of dog, and the dog that most closely matches these standards is awarded the champion. This is also considered to be significant from the perspective of environmental conservation, as it encourages the preservation of that breed. From this perspective of environmental conservation, it is important to recognize the issues surrounding not hindering the vitality of animal shows, and it is necessary to resolve these issues.

[0011] The present invention has been made in light of these problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an entry book creation system that does not cause people who are considering entering an animal show to hesitate to enter after seeing the attributes of animals that have already been entered in the entry book, and ultimately to prevent a decrease in the number of animals entered and to avoid impeding the vitality of animal shows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured so that the entry book can be viewed only after the entry period has closed. That is, a first aspect of the present invention includes a user identification information holding unit that holds user identification information that identifies a user, an animal identification information holding unit that holds animal identification information that identifies an animal, an exhibition attribute information holding unit that associates the animal identification information with exhibition attribute information that is attribute information necessary for the exhibition of an animal identified by the animal identification information in an expected animal show, a management relationship information holding unit that holds management relationship information that associates the user identification information with the animal identification information that identifies an animal managed by the user, a management relationship information editing unit that creates new or edits the management relationship information, an animal show information registration unit that registers animal show information that is information about animal shows in which animals will be exhibited, an animal show information holding unit that associates the registered animal show information with the animal show identification information that identifies the animal show, and a display attribute information holding unit that associates the user identification information with an animal identified by the animal identification information in an expected animal show. The entry book creation system has an exhibition desire information registration unit that registers exhibition desire information, which is information that associates animal identification information of an animal that the user desires to exhibit in an animal show, with animal show identification information that identifies an animal show in which the user desires to exhibit the animal identified by the animal identification information; a registration deadline control unit that controls the deadline for registering the exhibition desire information for an animal show; an exhibition desire information holding unit that holds the exhibition desire information consisting of the associated and registered user identification information, animal identification information, and animal show identification information; a deadline determination unit that determines whether the registration deadline control unit has closed registration of the exhibition desire information for the animal show; and an exhibition desire information output unit that, when the deadline determination unit determines that registration has closed, outputs information based on the exhibition desire information registered in the exhibition desire information registration unit so that it can be viewed by at least the user who registered the exhibition desire information for the animal show.

[0013] In addition, the second invention of the present invention is based on the first invention and provides an entry book creation system in which the exhibition request information output unit has a viewing acceptance means, a reception judgment means for judging whether the person who has made a viewing request to the viewing acceptance means is associated with the user identification information stored in the user identification information storage unit, and a viewing enabling means for enabling viewing when the judgment result of the reception judgment means is that there is an association.

[0014] Furthermore, the third invention of the present invention provides an entry book creation system based on the first or second invention, further comprising an administrator identification information holding unit that holds administrator identification information that identifies the administrator of this system, an administrator login acceptance unit that accepts logins as administrators, an administrator judgment unit that determines whether the login accepted as an administrator is the login of a person identified by the held administrator identification information, and a print-oriented processing enablement unit that enables print-oriented processing, which is processing for printing information based on the exhibition request information onto printed matter, when the judgment result of the administrator judgment unit determines that it is the login of a person identified by the administrator identification information.

[0015] Furthermore, the fourth invention of the present invention is based on the first or second invention and provides an entry book creation system in which the exhibition attribute information contained in the exhibition-related information stored in the exhibition-related information storage unit is at least one of the following: type of animal, appearance of the animal, age of the animal, weight of the animal, name of the animal's manager, country of residence of the animal, exhibition history at past animal shows, and award history at past animal shows.

[0016] Furthermore, the fifth invention of the present invention provides an entry book creation system based on the first or second invention, which further has a remaining deadline output unit that outputs the remaining time until the deadline for registering information on exhibit requests to animal shows.

[0017] a display attribute information holding step for associating and holding the animal identification information with display attribute information which is attribute information necessary for exhibiting the animal identified by the animal identification information in an expected animal show; a management relationship information holding step for holding management relationship information which is information associating the user identification information with the animal identification information which identifies the animal managed by the user; a management relationship information editing step for creating or editing the management relationship information; an animal show information registration step for registering animal show information which is information about an animal show in which the animal will be exhibited; an animal show information holding step for associating and holding the animal show information registered in the animal show information registration step with the animal show identification information which identifies the animal show; and an exhibition information output step for outputting information based on the exhibition information registered in the exhibition information registration step so that it can be viewed by at least the user who registered the exhibition information for that animal show. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an entry book creation system that does not cause people who are considering entering an animal show to hesitate to enter when they see the attributes of animals that have already been entered in the entry book, and it is therefore possible to prevent a decrease in the number of animals entered and to avoid hindering the vitality of animal shows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an entry book creation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information based on the exhibit request information that is displayed viewably on the screen of a display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an entry book creation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in an entry book creation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an entry book creation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an entry book creation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the entry book creation system of embodiment 2. [Figure 8] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an entry book creation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an entry book creation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the entry book creation system of embodiment 3. [Figure 11] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an entry book creation system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an entry book creation system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the entry book creation system of embodiment 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0020] 0100 Entry Book Creation System 0101 User identification information storage unit 0102 Animal identification information holding unit 0103 Exhibition attribute information holding unit 0104 Management related information storage unit 0105 Management Information Editorial Department 0106 Animal Show Information Registration Department 0107 Animal show information storage unit 0108 Exhibitor Information Registration Department 0109 Registration deadline control section 0110 Exhibit-related information storage unit 0111 Deadline Judgment Department 0112 Exhibit request information output section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following describes embodiments of each invention. The relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows: Embodiment 1 mainly relates to claims 1, 4, 6, etc.; Embodiment 2 mainly relates to claim 2, etc.; Embodiment 3 mainly relates to claim 3, etc.; and Embodiment 4 mainly relates to claim 5, etc. However, the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments in any way, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. <Embodiment 1>

[0022] Embodiment 1 mainly relates to claims 1, 4, 6, etc. <Embodiment 1: Overview>

[0023] The entry book creation system of embodiment 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "this system") is characterized by having a means for registering the exhibit information of users who wish to exhibit their animals in animal shows, a means for determining whether registration of the exhibit information has been closed, and, if it is determined that registration has been closed, a means for outputting information related to the exhibit in a manner that can be viewed by at least the users who have registered the exhibit information for that animal show. <Embodiment 1: Configuration>

[0024] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Overall)

[0025] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entry book creation system of Embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the entry book creation system 0100 of this embodiment has a user identification information holding unit 0101, an animal identification information holding unit 0102, an exhibition attribute information holding unit 0103, a management relationship information holding unit 0104, a management relationship information editing unit 0105, an animal show information registration unit 0106, an animal show information holding unit 0107, an exhibition request information registration unit 0108, a registration deadline control unit 0109, an exhibition-related information holding unit 0110, a deadline determination unit 0111, and an exhibition request information output unit 0112. In particular, the entry book creation system of this embodiment is characterized in that the exhibition information registration unit is configured to register the exhibition information of users who wish to exhibit their animals in animal shows, the registration control unit is configured to control the deadline for registering the exhibition information, has means for determining whether the registration of the exhibition information has been closed, and when it is determined that the registration has been closed, the exhibition information output unit is configured to output exhibition-related information viewable by at least the users who have registered the exhibition information for that animal show. The configuration of each unit will be described in detail below.

[0026] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: User Identification Information Storage Unit: Overall)

[0027] The user identification information storage unit is configured to store user identification information.

[0028] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: User Identification Information Storage Unit: User Concept)

[0029] The term "user" as used herein refers to a person who wishes to enter an animal under his / her care in an animal show, and who intends to register entry information in the entry book creation system of the present invention or who has registered entry information in the system. Some animal shows require prior membership registration with the organizing organization (e.g., in order to enter a dog in a dog show hosted by the Japan Kennel Club, a person must first register as a member with the organization). In such cases, the user is the member. However, a registered member user may not necessarily enter his / her animal in every animal show in which the animal is eligible to be entered. There may also be cases where the user decides to forgo entering the animal this time and enter it another time. Such individuals are also included in the users whose user identification information is retained in the present invention. In other words, the term "user" as used in the present invention is not limited to a person who intends to register entry information in a specific dog show for which an entry book is being created or a person who has registered entry information in the system. A person who has registered as a member and been assigned a member registration number is considered a "user" whose user identification information is retained in the present invention.

[0030] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: User Identification Information Storage Unit: User Identification Information)

[0031] "User identification information" is information that identifies a user, and is usually expressed as a string of alphanumeric characters. In such cases, the above-mentioned membership registration number may be used as the user identification information. In the case of an animal show that allows exhibits from organizations such as corporations, the user identification information also includes corporations. When the user is a corporation, the user identification information is also expressed as a string of alphanumeric characters, for example. In addition to a string of alphanumeric characters, the user identification information may also be information that can uniquely identify the user, such as the user's name, email address, or phone number.

[0032] If the user identification information is expressed solely as a string of alphanumeric characters, the user identification information storage unit is preferably configured to store user attribute information in addition to the user identification information. In this case, the user attribute information is preferably stored in association with the user identification information. Specific examples of user attribute information include the user's name (or name in the case of a corporation, etc.), date of birth (or date of establishment in the case of a corporation, etc.), address (headquarters location, headquarters address, etc. in the case of a corporation, etc.), telephone number, fax number, email address, and My Number (or corporate registration number, etc. in the case of a corporation, etc.). Furthermore, if the user belongs to an organization, the information may include one or more of the following: attribute information about the organization; if the user is a corporation, etc., a company profile, business details, names and biographies of executives, financial information of the corporation, etc.; and, if the corporation is a listed company, the information may include the contents of its securities report. Furthermore, if the exhibitor is required to be a registered member of the hosting organization, etc., as a condition for registering exhibitor information, the member registration number may be included in the user attribute information. Furthermore, the user attribute information may include past exhibit history and award history.

[0033] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: User Identification Information Storage Unit: Specific Configuration)

[0034] A specific configuration for retaining user identification information is, for example, configured so that when a prospective user enters user attribute information such as their name, phone number, and email address into an input box displayed on the display screen of a device such as a PC or smartphone connected to the system to register as a user of the system, the user identification information retention unit generates and retains user identification information by assigning an identifier (e.g., a combination of alphanumeric characters) to uniquely identify the user. At that time, the user identification information will be used the next time the user logs into the system, and is therefore notified to the user himself / herself. In this case, for example, the user is notified by email or the like to the device that will be used the next time the user logs into the system.

[0035] The trigger for generating and storing user identification information may be when a user inputs user attribute information from a terminal into the user registration screen of this system, as described above, or when a system administrator or the like generates user identification information and stores it in this system in response to a verbal or / and written application from a user by email, telephone, fax, mail, or in person.

[0036] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal Identification Information Storage Unit: Overall)

[0037] The animal identification information storage unit is configured to store animal identification information, which is information that identifies animals to be exhibited in animal shows.

[0038] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal Identification Information Storage Unit: Concept of Animal Show)

[0039] In the present invention, "animal show" refers to an event such as an animal show or animal competition, in which animals (usually of the same species) enter entries and compete to determine a champion based on superiority in appearance, ability, personality, etc. Animal shows include dog shows as well as cat shows, horse shows, and cattle shows. On the other hand, animal competitions include horse racing, dog racing, dog fighting, bullfighting (here, this refers to fighting between bulls), cockfighting, and the like.

[0040] The name of the animal show in this invention is not limited. A typical animal show is one named "XX show," where "XX" is the name of the animal species, such as a "dog show." However, this is not limited to this, and includes animal shows with names such as "XX contest," "XX competition," "XX show," "XX exhibition," or competitions with names such as "XX competition (race)," "XX race," "XX fight," or "XX fighting." In addition, all animal shows and animal competitions defined above, including those not named after the animal species, are included in the "animal show" referred to in this invention, regardless of their name.

[0041] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal Identification Information Storage Unit: Animal Concept)

[0042] "Animals" may include all animals that can be exhibited in animal shows. A typical example is dogs that are exhibited in dog shows. Other animals known at the time of filing of this application include cats, horses, and cows in animal shows, and dogs, horses, cows, and chickens in competitions. However, all animals that are not currently exhibited in animal shows but that may become exhibited in animal shows in the future may also fall under the category of "animals" that can be exhibited in animal shows according to this invention. For convenience, the following explanation will be primarily based on an example in which the animal show is a dog show, but the explanation therein basically applies to other animal shows as well.

[0043] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal Identification Information Storage Unit: Specific Configuration)

[0044] Like the user identification information described above, the animal identification information is usually expressed as a string of characters combining alphanumeric characters, etc. As a specific configuration for generating and storing animal identification information, for example, when a user performs an operation to input information indicating the attributes of an animal that is the subject of registration of the exhibit wish information in the entry book creation system according to the present invention (for example, the name of the exhibited animal), the animal identification information storage unit can generate and store the animal identification information by assigning an identifier (for example, a string of characters combining alphanumeric characters, etc.) to uniquely identify this.

[0045] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit attribute information storage unit: General)

[0046] The display attribute information holding unit is configured to hold the animal identification information and the display attribute information in association with each other.

[0047] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Display attribute information storage unit: Display attribute information: General)

[0048] "Exhibition attribute information" refers to attribute information necessary for the exhibit of an animal identified by animal identification information in a prospective animal show.

[0049] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit attribute information storage unit: Exhibit attribute information: Relationship with animal attribute information)

[0050] The exhibitor's attribute information includes not only bibliographical information such as the animal's name, but also information about the animal's attributes, primarily those that are required for the animal to be exhibited. In this specification, "animal attribute information" refers to the attribute information required for the animal identified by the animal identification information to be exhibited in the anticipated animal show. Specifically, examples of animal identification information include the animal's type, appearance, age, weight, name of the animal's manager, country of residence, past animal show exhibit history, and award history at past animal shows. In addition, in some cases, the animal's registered owner must also be the exhibitor as a condition for exhibiting. In such cases, the name of the registered owner may also be considered animal attribute information. Since all of these are required for the animal to be exhibited in the anticipated animal show, they also qualify as exhibitor's attribute information.

[0051] On the other hand, the exhibit attribute information may include information that is not related to the attributes of the animal, such as the name of the handler (trainer) or the name of the groomer.

[0052] As described above, the display attribute information may include both animal attribute information and other information. Therefore, the display attribute information encompasses the animal attribute information.

[0053] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Display Attribute Information Storage Unit: Display Attribute Information: Specific Example)

[0054] Suitable examples of exhibit attribute information include at least one of the following: the type of animal, the animal's appearance, the animal's age, the animal's weight, the name of the animal's manager, the animal's country of residence, the animal's exhibit history at past animal shows, and the animal's award history at past animal shows.

[0055] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit attribute information storage unit: Exhibit attribute information: Specific example in a dog show)

[0056] Specific examples of exhibitor information for dog shows include breed, name, date of birth (or age), sex, place of birth, size (length, weight), appearance (e.g., coat color), blood type, and pedigree information. Pedigree information typically includes the names of the sire and dam. Pedigree information is listed in a pedigree certificate, which is often required for dog shows. Documents submitted regarding appearance (e.g., coat color) may include still and video photos of the dog. Dogs are legally required to be registered with their local municipality and assigned a registration number, which may also be included in exhibitor information. Dog shows may be divided into classes, in which case the class in which the dog is exhibited also constitutes exhibitor information. Examples of classes include age, sex, and champion class. Champion class is a class open only to dogs that have achieved outstanding results in previous dog shows. In addition, submission of documents indicating the animal's health, such as a health certificate and vaccination certificate, may be required. In this case, the information written in the document is included in the exhibit attribute information. Furthermore, information indicating past exhibit history and award history may also be included.

[0057] In other words, exhibitor attribute information refers to the items that must be included in the entry application form and the documents that must be submitted along with it. For example, if the entry requirements for a certain animal show are "limited to animals aged three years or older, but past exhibiting history and award history are not important," then, according to the definition in this specification, of the attributes of the exhibited animals in that animal show, age and past exhibiting history and award history would be exhibitor attribute information, but past exhibiting history and award history would not be exhibitor attribute information. Furthermore, anything related to the attributes of the exhibited animals that does not qualify as exhibitor attribute information would also not qualify as animal attribute information.

[0058] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Management Relationship Information Editing Department; Overall)

[0059] The management relationship information editing unit is configured to newly create or edit management relationship information. "Management relationship information" refers to information that associates user identification information with animal identification information that identifies the animals managed by that user. As mentioned above, both user identification information and animal identification information are expressed as character strings that combine, for example, alphanumeric characters, so in this case, the management relationship information is information expressed as a combination of these character strings.

[0060] Regarding the correspondence between the number of users related to the user identification information and the number of animals managed by that user, there are three possible cases: (1) when there is one user and the number of animals managed by that user is one, (2) when there is one user and the number of animals managed by that user is multiple, (3) when there are multiple users (joint administrators) and the number of animals managed jointly is one, and (4) when there are multiple users (joint administrators) and the number of animals managed jointly. In (1) when there is one user and the number of animals managed by that user is one, the management relationship information is simply a combination of two character strings, but in other cases, it is sufficient to simply combine the respective character strings.

[0061] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Management Relationship Information Editing Unit; New Creation)

[0062] First, we will explain the case where the management relationship information editing unit creates new management relationship information. Creating new information refers to the first time that user identification information is associated with animal identification information identifying the animals managed by that user. In this case, the user identification information is already stored in the user identification information storage unit due to the configuration described above. Then, when a user logs in to the input screen using the user identification information and enters the exhibit attribute information for the animals they manage (including information indicating the connection to the user, such as the registration number and the manager's name), animal identification information identifying the animals managed by the user is generated, and new management relationship information is created by associating it with the user identification information used at the time of login.

[0063] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Management Relationship Information Storage Unit)

[0064] When the management relationship information editing unit creates new management relationship information, the management relationship information storage unit stores it. That is, the management relationship information storage unit is configured to store management relationship information. The management relationship information is information that associates user identification information with animal identification information related to the user management, and as described above, it is desirable that the user identification information is stored in association with user attribute information. Furthermore, the animal identification information is stored in association with display attribute information. Therefore, preferably, the management relationship information storage unit is configured to store the user identification information, user attribute information, animal identification information related to the user management, and display attribute information in association with each other.

[0065] As described below, the management relationship information editing unit is configured to further edit the management relationship information held by the management relationship information holding unit, and the management relationship information holding unit is configured to hold the edited management relationship information. The edited management relationship information is also preferably configured to hold user identification information, user attribute information, animal identification information related to the user management, and exhibit attribute information in association with each other.

[0066] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Management Relationship Information Editing Department; Editing)

[0067] The management relationship information editing unit is configured to edit the management relationship information. "Editing" refers to deleting the contents of the management relationship information or adding new information. Deletion includes both partial and complete deletion. Furthermore, further deletions and additions to management relationship information that has already been edited in this way are also included in "editing," and the same applies thereafter. Examples of deletions include deleting animal identification information for A (partial deletion) after the death of A, one of two animals A and B managed by a user, or deleting animal identification information for C (complete deletion) after the death of the only animal C managed by a user. In the case of complete deletion of animal identification information, there is no longer anything to associate with the user identification information, so the management relationship information is ultimately deleted. An example of an addition is adding animal identification information for D after adding a new animal D to the animals managed by a user. The above also applies to deleting and adding user identification information when there are multiple users as co-administrators. As a specific configuration of editing, for example, in the case of editing accompanying the deletion or addition of animal identifying information, when a user logs in and inputs information regarding the deletion or addition of animal identifying information, the management relationship information editing unit extracts the management relationship information based on the user identifying information associated with the password used to log in. Then, the animal identifying information included in the management relationship information is deleted or added according to the acquired deletion or addition content, and a new association is made.

[0068] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal Show Information Registration Unit: General)

[0069] The animal show information registration unit is configured to register the animal show information.

[0070] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal show information registration unit: Animal show information)

[0071] "Animal show information" refers to information that indicates the attributes of an animal show, which is a show where animals are exhibited, and includes, for example, the name of the animal show, information about the organizer (such as the organizer's name and contact information), and exhibition conditions. Exhibit conditions include, for example, the target breed (such as dog breed), target age, and target gender. Animal show information also includes the judging criteria for the competition (such as the "breed standard" for the dog show mentioned at the beginning) and the rules of the competition.

[0072] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal Show Information Registration Unit: Specific Configuration)

[0073] The specific configuration of the animal show information registration unit is, for example, as follows: When an animal show organizer inputs the animal show information that he or she manages into the server of this system or a terminal connected to this system via a communication network, the animal show information registration unit acquires and registers the information.

[0074] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Animal show information storage unit)

[0075] The animal show information storage unit is configured to store registered animal show information in association with animal show identification information that identifies the animal show. "Animal show identification information" refers to information that uniquely identifies each animal show. When a single, cohesive show is divided into sub-shows based on events such as breed, age, or sex, animal show identification information is assigned to each sub-show so that each event can be uniquely identified from the others. Like the user identification information and animal identification information already described, this animal show identification information is typically expressed as a string of characters, typically a combination of alphanumeric characters.

[0076] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Registration Unit: General)

[0077] The exhibit request information registration unit is configured to register exhibit request information.

[0078] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Registration Unit: Exhibit Desired Information)

[0079] "Exhibition preference information" refers to information that associates user identification information, animal identification information for an animal managed by the user that the user wishes to exhibit in a specific animal show, and animal show identification information that identifies the animal show in which the user wishes to exhibit the animal identified by the animal identification information. As noted above, all of these may be expressed using a combination of alphanumeric characters, etc. In this case, the exhibition preference information, which associates these, will also be expressed using a combination of alphanumeric characters, etc. This is because the primary purpose of registering exhibition preference information is to enable organizers to identify who (which user) wishes to exhibit which animal in which show (or in which event, if the show is divided by event). In other words, to achieve this purpose, it is sufficient to uniquely identify the exhibitor, the target animal, and the target show (or event); these attributes are not necessary.

[0080] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Registration Unit: Specific Configuration, Judgment Means (Allowable Means))

[0081] Specifically, the registration of the exhibition request information is performed, for example, as follows. That is, first, a user who wishes to exhibit an animal logs in to a terminal connected to the system and inputs the exhibition attribute information (such as the name of the animal) for the animal they wish to exhibit and the specific animal show information for which the animal is to be exhibited. The exhibition request information registration unit extracts the user identification information used for the login, the animal identification information stored in association with the input exhibition attribute information, and the animal show identification information stored in association with the input animal show information, and stores these in association with each other. The exhibition request information registration unit may be provided with a determination means that compares the exhibition attribute information (e.g., breed, age) associated with the animal identification information with the animal show information (e.g., target breed, target age) associated with the animal show identification information to determine whether the exhibition conditions are met.

[0082] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Registration Deadline Control Unit: Overall)

[0083] The registration deadline control unit is configured to control the deadline for registering information on exhibiting at animal shows. Possible deadlines include the expiration of the entry acceptance period or the number of entries reaching a predetermined upper limit. In addition, when a single show that forms an integrated event, such as a dog show held by breed, includes multiple independent shows (sub-shows), the deadline and the predetermined number are set for each sub-show.

[0084] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Registration Deadline Control Unit: Specific Configuration: In the case of a deadline due to the expiration of the acceptance period)

[0085] To explain the specific configuration of the registration deadline control unit, in the case of a deadline due to the passage of the entry acceptance period, for example, the entry book creation system holds deadline date and time information and has a built-in clock, which is used to compare the deadline date and time information held by this system with the current date and time to determine whether the deadline has passed, and if it is determined that the deadline has passed, it is configured to prevent further registrations, including the exhibit application information in question. A specific configuration for preventing further registrations could, for example, display a message such as "Registration for this show has closed" on the registration acceptance screen of the entry book creation system, and prevent the entry of characters, etc., into the input box.

[0086] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Registration Deadline Control Unit: Specific Configuration: In the Case of Deadline Due to Reaching Upper Limit)

[0087] Furthermore, in cases where the deadline is due to the number of entries reaching a predetermined upper limit, for example, the entry book creation system calculates the remaining number of entries that can be accepted based on the information on the upper limit of entries and the information on the number of entries accepted up to that point, and stores this as the remaining number information. It then determines whether the remaining number (an integer) indicated by the remaining number information is 1 or greater, and if it determines that the remaining number is not 1 or greater (i.e., zero), it is configured to prevent further registrations, including the relevant exhibit request information. The upper limit may be set on a per-user basis or a per-exhibited animal basis.

[0088] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Registration Closure Control Unit: Specific Configuration: Notification of Closure Information)

[0089] When the registration deadline control unit closes registration based on the above-mentioned judgment result, it is desirable that the registration deadline control unit notify the deadline judgment unit (described later) of the information that registration has been closed.

[0090] Generally, there is no need to notify users attempting to enter their listing information that registration has closed. This is because, under normal circumstances, users attempting to enter information on the entry screen will know that they are no longer able to enter. However, notification may be necessary in cases where, for example, the number of entries has reached a predetermined limit and more users than the remaining number enter their listing information at approximately the same time (e.g., two users enter their listing information at approximately the same time when there is only one remaining entry). For example, as mentioned above, if registration is performed after determining whether the registration conditions are met, there may be a time lag between the reception of the input signal associated with a user's entry and the completion of registration, sufficient to allow subsequent users to enter information on the entry screen. In this case, subsequent users will still be able to enter information on the entry screen. If the remaining users meet all other registration conditions, the first to enter their information will be granted registration. However, in this case, subsequent users will not be granted registration despite having entered their information, and some form of notification is required. A specific method for this is, for example, to display a message to that effect on the input screen, and if the user has not yet closed the screen, they will know immediately that their registration was not approved. Additionally, or instead of this, they may be notified by email, telephone, fax, mail, etc.

[0091] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit-related information storage unit)

[0092] The exhibit-related information holding unit is configured to hold exhibit-related information consisting of associated and registered user identification information, animal identification information, exhibit attribute information identified by the animal identification information, and animal show identification information.

[0093] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Deadline Determination Unit)

[0094] The deadline determination unit is configured to determine whether the registration deadline control unit has closed registration of exhibit application information for the animal show. While the aforementioned registration deadline control unit's determination is a determination of whether or not registration should be closed, the deadline determination unit's determination is a fact-checking determination of whether or not registration has been closed. Since the exhibit application information may be output if registration has been closed, the deadline determination unit's determination is to determine whether or not it is permissible to output the exhibit application information. According to the preferred configuration described above, when the registration deadline control unit closes registration, it notifies the deadline determination unit. Therefore, the deadline determination unit immediately determines that registration has been closed at that point, and determines that registration has not been closed until it receives this notification. Alternatively, although a slightly more roundabout approach, this does not exclude a configuration in which the deadline determination unit itself determines whether registration has been closed by comparing clock information with deadline date and time information or by referencing information on the remaining number of entries available for acceptance.

[0095] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: General)

[0096] The exhibition request information output unit is configured to output information based on the exhibition request information registered in the exhibition request information registration unit so that it can be viewed at least by users who have registered their exhibition request information for that animal show, when the deadline determination unit determines that the exhibition request information has been closed (for convenience, in Figure 1, the output "information based on the exhibition request information" is abbreviated to "exhibition request information". The same applies to Figures 5, 8 and 11).

[0097] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Information Based on Exhibit Desired Information)

[0098] "Information based on the exhibitor's request information" refers to the user attribute information, animal attribute information or exhibition attribute information, and animal show information, which are attribute information stored in association with each piece of identification information constituting the exhibitor's request information, i.e., user identification information, animal identification information, and animal show identification information, respectively. User attribute information is defined in paragraph

[0032] of this specification, exhibition attribute information in paragraph

[0048] , animal attribute information in paragraph

[0050] , and animal show information in paragraph

[0071] . While redundant, for example, in the case of a dog show, user attribute information would include the name of the exhibitor (the manager of the exhibiting dogs), which is information about the user; animal attribute information or exhibition attribute information would include the name and date of birth (or age) of the exhibiting dog, which is information about the animal; and animal show information would include the name of the dog show and the name of the organizer. The information may also include one or more of the user's past exhibition history and award history in similar shows, the exhibition history and award history of the animal identified by the animal identification information, the mass media exposure history of the user or the animal identified by the animal identification information, and the appearance history in movies and television. Since the information is "based on," the information may also be information related to these pieces of information. For example, if the animal identified by the animal identification information appears on television, the information may include the title of the television program, the cast, a summary of the program, and a rebroadcast schedule. Furthermore, if the animal identified by the animal identification information is featured in a magazine or other publication, the information may include one or more of the book's title, publication date, issue number, and page number of the magazine on which the book was featured.

[0099] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Purpose of Output)

[0100] The purpose of outputting the listing information after the registration deadline is to make information about the attributes of entered animals available for viewing only after the entry period has closed, thereby preventing a situation in which someone considering whether to enter a particular animal hesitates to enter because they see the attributes of animals already entered and feel they have no chance of winning. In this regard, the listing information itself is merely identifying information, typically expressed as a combination of alphanumeric characters, and does not include the details of the attributes. Therefore, in light of the above-mentioned output purpose, the system outputs the actual attribute information associated with the listing information, rather than the listing information, so that viewers can immediately see the output and understand the actual registration details. However, it is not excluded to output the listing information itself along with this attribute information.

[0101] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Specific Configuration)

[0102] A specific example of the output of information based on the listing request information is to display the information based on the listing request information so that it can be viewed on the display screen of a terminal device connected to this system via a communications network. In other words, "viewing" in this case means viewing the content of the information based on the listing request information displayed on the display screen of the terminal device. Other forms of output that can be viewed include sending the information individually by email, fax, or mail.

[0103] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Display Example of Output Information)

[0104] Figure 2 shows an example of information based on the exhibitor's preference displayed on the screen of such a display device. It shows a portion of the contents of an entry book titled "Exhibitor Catalog" for a breed-specific dog show. (a) is the cover of the exhibitor's catalog, displaying animal show information such as the show name, organizer, date and time, venue, and breed. (b) displays information based on the exhibitor's preference for each dog, including user attribute information such as the exhibitor's name and exhibitor attribute information such as the dog's name, pedigree information (sire's name, dam's name), age, sex, and registration number. Users, who are viewers, are typically interested in who else is exhibiting what kind of dogs in the show they are exhibiting. Therefore, it is desirable to output information about exhibitors, exhibitors, etc., organized by animal show so that it can be viewed at a glance. The example in this figure also shows information organized in this manner.

[0105] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Range of Viewers)

[0106] Those who can view the information are "users who have registered their exhibitor information for the animal show." Therefore, in this embodiment, those who can view information based on exhibitor information are limited to users whose user identification information is registered in the system, at least for a predetermined period of time. However, the scope of those who can view the information may be expanded to non-users after a predetermined period of time has passed. In this case, it is possible to differentiate between users identified by user identification information and non-identified non-users. The present invention relates to a system in which only differentiated users identified by user identification information can view the information for at least a predetermined period of time. The significance of expanding the scope of those who can view the information to non-users is to arouse public interest in the animal show, encourage the general public to attend, and contribute to further increasing the vitality of the animal show. <Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration>

[0107] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Overall)

[0108] The present invention is, in principle, an invention that utilizes a computer, and can be realized by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The hardware that realizes all or part of the components of the present invention is composed of at least the CPU, main memory, non-volatile memory, and input / output interface, which are basic components of a computer.

[0109] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the entry book creation system of embodiment 1. The entry book creation system includes a CPU 0301, a main memory 0302, a non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid disk drive (SSD), etc.) 0303, and an input / output interface 0304. These are interconnected by a bus line 0305, which is a data communication path, and are configured to send, receive, and process information.

[0110] The present invention can basically be configured with a general-purpose computer program and various devices. The computer basically operates in such a way that a program stored in non-volatile memory is loaded into main memory when the power is turned on, and processing is executed by the main memory, CPU, and various devices. Communication with devices is performed via an input / output interface connected to a bus line. Examples of input / output interfaces include a mouse, keyboard, and display interface.

[0111] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Main Memory)

[0112] Main memory reads out programs that perform various processes so that the CPU can execute them, and also provides a work area for those programs. Main memory is volatile memory and uses dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Programs in main memory are loaded from non-volatile memory onto main memory, for example, when a program startup command is received. The CPU directly accesses and executes various programs in main memory. The CPU then executes the programs according to various execution commands and execution procedures within the programs. Data used in these processes is also loaded from non-volatile memory into the data area of main memory.

[0113] In addition, main memory and non-volatile memory are each assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0114] In this embodiment, as described above, when the power is turned on, various programs are loaded from the nonvolatile memory onto the main memory. Information required for this processing, such as user identification information and animal identification information, is also loaded onto the main memory.

[0115] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Non-Volatile Memory)

[0116] As described above, various programs are stored in the nonvolatile memory, and are loaded onto the main memory when the power is turned on. Information such as user identification information and animal identification information is also stored in the nonvolatile memory, and are loaded onto the main memory when the power is turned on.

[0117] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Overall)

[0118] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) sequentially reads, interprets, and executes programs, which are sequences of instructions stored in main memory, outputting signal information to the main memory. The CPU functions as the center of computation within a computer. A CPU consists of a CPU core, which is the center of computation, and its peripheral components, including registers, cache memory, an internal bus connecting the cache memory to the CPU core, a direct memory access (DMA) controller, and a timer. A single CPU (chip) may have multiple CPU cores. Processing may also be performed by a graphics processing unit (GPU) or floating point unit (FPU) in addition to the CPU. Programs may also be built into the CPU.

[0119] In this embodiment, the CPU executes various programs stored in the main memory to perform processing related to the creation and management of the entry book. The nonvolatile memory pre-stores a management-related information editing program, an animal show information registration program, an exhibitor information registration program, a registration deadline control program, a deadline determination program, and an exhibitor information output program. These programs are loaded into the main memory, for example, when the computer is turned on. The main memory also stores user identification information, animal identification information, exhibitor attribute information, management-related information, animal show information, animal show identification information, and exhibitor information. For example, when a user uses a mouse or keyboard to input information into the input screen of a terminal device connected via a network to the server device that constitutes the entry book creation system, this information is temporarily stored in the main memory. This information is also stored in the nonvolatile memory and is loaded back into the main memory the next time the power is turned on, for use in processing.

[0120] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of User Identification Information Storage Program)

[0121] The CPU executes the user identification information retention program deployed on the main memory and stores and retains the user identification information in the main memory. Specifically, when it acquires user attribute information such as a name entered by a prospective user in an input box displayed on the display screen of a terminal connected to this system, it generates user identification information and stores and retains it in the same data area of the main memory as the user attribute information.

[0122] (Embodiment 1: Hardware configuration: CPU: Execution of animal identification information storage program)

[0123] The CPU executes the animal identification information storage program deployed on the main memory, and stores and retains the animal identification information in the main memory. Processing is triggered, for example, by the user inputting animal attribute information, and the specific processing procedure is the same as that described above for the execution of the user identification information storage program.

[0124] (Embodiment 1: Hardware configuration: CPU: Execution of exhibition attribute information retention program)

[0125] The CPU executes the exhibit attribute information storage program deployed on the main memory, and stores the exhibit attribute information in association with the animal identification information, for example, by storing the information in the same data area of the main memory. The trigger for processing is, for example, input of exhibit attribute information by a user, and the specific processing procedure is the same as that described above for the execution of the user identification information storage program.

[0126] (Embodiment 1: Hardware configuration: CPU: Execution of management relationship information editing program)

[0127] The CPU loads the management relationship information into main memory and executes the management relationship information editing program loaded on the main memory to edit the management relationship information. The management relationship information editing program is a program for creating or editing new management relationship information. Specifically, in the case of new creation, the CPU associates, for example, user identification information with animal identification information identifying the animals managed by the user, and stores these data in the same data area in main memory. The user identification information and animal identification information are recorded, for example, based on input operations by the user into the system. In the case of editing, the CPU loads, for example, user identification information and animal identification information into main memory based on input operations by the user, and rewrites the associated user attribute information and display attribute information according to the changes to be edited, and stores the rewritten user attribute information and display attribute information in the same data area as the original management relationship information, associated with the user identification information and display attribute information.

[0128] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Animal Show Information Registration Program)

[0129] The CPU also executes an animal show information registration program to register animal show information. Specifically, for example, the CPU receives an input signal based on an operation of inputting animal show information into a server or terminal by an animal show organizer, and stores the acquired animal show information in a data area of the main memory. At this time, animal show identification information is stored in the same data area as the animal show information.

[0130] (Embodiment 1: Hardware configuration: CPU: Execution of exhibit information registration program)

[0131] The CPU also executes an exhibition request information registration program to register the exhibition request information. In this process, the CPU first receives an input signal containing the exhibition request information, for example, based on an input operation by a user wishing to exhibit. The CPU also reads out the animal show identification information and compares it with the exhibition request information received from the user to identify the animal show identification information for the animal show related to the exhibition request. The CPU then compares the information related to the user's exhibition request and reads out the same user identification information and the animal identification information stored in the same data area. The CPU then stores the read user identification information, animal identification information, and animal show identification information in the same data area to associate and retain them as exhibition request information.

[0132] (Embodiment 1: Hardware configuration: CPU: Execution of registration deadline control program)

[0133] The CPU also executes a registration deadline control program to control the registration deadline. As mentioned above, possible registration deadlines include the expiration of the entry acceptance period or the number of entries reaching a predetermined upper limit. For example, if the entry acceptance period has expired, the CPU first reads the registration deadline date and time from the animal show information stored in main memory and compares it with the date and time obtained from a clock stored in the entry book creation system itself or an external device connected via a communication line. If the CPU determines that the registration deadline has passed, it takes steps to prevent characters and other data from being entered into the entry box on the registration acceptance screen of the entry book creation system. If the registration deadline is the number of entries reaching a predetermined upper limit, it compares the information on the upper limit of entries with the information on the number of entries accepted up to that point to calculate the remaining number of entries that can be accepted, reads this information into main memory, and determines whether the remaining number (an integer) is 1 or greater. If it determines that the remaining number is not 1 or greater (i.e., is zero), it takes steps to prevent characters and other data from being entered into the entry box on the registration acceptance screen of the entry book creation system. To prevent input, a specific method such as locking the input box may be used. In addition, a message such as "Registration for this show has closed" may be displayed on the display showing the registration screen.

[0134] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Deadline Determination Program)

[0135] The CPU also executes a deadline determination program to determine whether the registration deadline control program has been executed and registration of exhibitor information for animal shows has been closed. This can be achieved, for example, by including in the registration deadline control program instructions to notify the deadline determination program when the deadline control process has been completed, and by including in the deadline determination program instructions to determine that registration has been closed when the program receives this notification.

[0136] (Embodiment 1: Hardware configuration: CPU: Execution of exhibition request information output program)

[0137] If the deadline determination unit determines that the application deadline has passed, the CPU then executes the exhibition request information output program, and outputs the user attribute information, exhibition attribute information, and animal show information stored together with the exhibition request information in the same area of the main memory as a result of the execution of the exhibition-related information registration program (or temporarily stored in non-volatile memory and then read out to the main memory) so that they can be viewed, for example, on a display device connected via an input / output interface. In this case, if viewing is limited to users, the CPU accepts input of a password or the like, authenticates it, and unlocks the information to make it viewable. The specific configuration for password authentication may use publicly known technology (for example, hashing and saving a password or the like issued to a user, and hashing the input password or the like using the same procedure to compare the two to determine whether they match).

[0138] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Input / Output Interface)

[0139] The input / output interface is connected to an external device and transmits the received signal to the CPU via a bus line. An example of an external device in this embodiment is a display device that outputs exhibit request information and displays it so that users can view it. <Embodiment 1: Processing flow>

[0140] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: User Identification Information Storage Step)

[0141] 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the entry book creation system of embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, in the entry book creation system of this embodiment, if a determination result that an input signal of user attribute information based on an input operation by a user on an input screen constituting the system is detected is obtained in step S0401, for example, user identification information is generated and stored in step S0402 of storing user identification information.

[0142] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Animal Identification Information Storage Step)

[0143] Next, in step S0403 of storing animal identification information, the entry book creation system of this embodiment generates and stores animal identification information. The animal identification information may be stored and stored together with the user identification information by accepting input of the animal attribute information together with the user attribute information when the user identification information is generated and stored in the main memory, or may be input and recorded when the user logs in to the system again using the user identification information at a later opportunity and performs an operation to input animal attribute information.

[0144] (Embodiment 1: Processing flow: Retaining exhibit attribute information)

[0145] Next, in step S0404 of storing the listing attribute information, the entry book creation system of this embodiment stores and holds the listing attribute information in the main memory.

[0146] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Editing (New Creation) of Management-Related Information)

[0147] Next, in step S0405 of editing (creating new) management related information, the entrybook creating system of this embodiment creates new management related information.

[0148] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Management Relationship Information Storage Step)

[0149] Next, in step S0406 of storing management related information, the entry book creating system of this embodiment stores the management related information created in step S0405 of editing (creating new) the management related information.

[0150] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Editing Steps of Management-Related Information)

[0151] Next, in step S0407 of determining whether or not to edit the management relationship information, if the determination result is that editing should be performed, in step S0408 of editing the management relationship information (editing), the entry book creation system of this embodiment edits the stored management relationship information and stores and retains it again in the main memory.

[0152] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Animal Show Information Registration Step)

[0153] Next, in step S0409 of registering animal show information, the entry book creation system of this embodiment performs a process of registering animal show information, which is information about animal shows in which animals are exhibited. Specifically, the animal show information is stored and held in the main memory.

[0154] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Animal Show Information Storage Step)

[0155] Next, in the animal show information retention step S0410, the entry book creation system of this embodiment stores and retains the animal show information registered in the animal show information registration step S0409 in the main memory in association with animal show identification information that identifies the animal show.

[0156] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Exhibit Desired Information Registration Step)

[0157] Next, in step S0411 of registering user identification information and exhibiting information for an animal managed by the user to be exhibited in a specific animal show, the entry book creation system of this embodiment registers the exhibiting information, which is information that associates the animal identification information with animal show identification information that identifies the animal show in which the user wishes to exhibit the animal identified by the animal identification information.

[0158] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Retaining Exhibit-Related Information)

[0159] Next, in the step S0412 of retaining the exhibit-related information, the entry book creation system of this embodiment stores and retains in the main memory the exhibit-related information consisting of associated registered user identification information, animal identification information, exhibit attribute information identified by the animal identification information, and animal show identification information.

[0160] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Registration Deadline Control Step)

[0161] Next, in registration deadline control step S0413, the entry book creation system of this embodiment controls the deadline for registering information on exhibitors wishing to enter an animal show. Specifically, if the deadline is due to the expiration of the entry acceptance period, for example, the system uses a clock function to compare the deadline date and time with the current date and time to determine whether the deadline has passed, and if it is determined that the deadline has passed, no further registrations will be made.

[0162] (Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Deadline Determination Step)

[0163] Next, in the step of determining whether or not the deadline has passed S0414, the entry book creating system of this embodiment determines whether or not the registration of information regarding the exhibitor's wish to enter the animal show has been closed as a result of the control in the step of controlling whether or not the registration deadline has passed.

[0164] (Embodiment 1: Processing flow: Exhibit request information output step)

[0165] Next, if the result of the determination in the deadline determination step is that the deadline has passed, in the entry request information output step S0415, the entry book creation system of this embodiment outputs information based on the entry request information registered in the entry request information registration step S0411 so that it can be viewed at least by the user who registered the entry request information for that animal show. <Embodiment 1: Effects>

[0166] According to the invention of embodiment 1, it is possible to provide an entry book creation system that prevents people who are considering entering an animal show from being discouraged by seeing the attributes of animals that have already been entered in the entry book, which in turn helps to make animal shows more lively by preventing a decrease in the number of animals entered. <Embodiment 2>

[0167] The second embodiment mainly relates to claim 2 and the like. <Embodiment 2: Overview>

[0168] The entry book creation system of embodiment 2 is based on the entry book creation system of embodiment 1, but is characterized in that it has means for accepting a request to view information based on the exhibitor's desired information (such as the exhibitor's name and the name of the exhibited animal), means for determining whether the person who has requested the view is associated with the user identification information, and means for allowing the view if the determination result indicates that the information is associated. In other words, even if a person who is not associated with the user identification information requests to view the information, the view will not be permitted. <Embodiment 2: Configuration>

[0169] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Overall)

[0170] 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entry book creation system of embodiment 2. In addition to the configuration of the entry book creation system of embodiment 1, the entry book creation system 0500 of this embodiment has an exhibition request information output unit 0512 which has a viewing acceptance means 0513, a reception determination means 0514, and a viewing enabling means 0515. The configuration of the application request information output unit will be explained below. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the entry book creation system of embodiment 1, so explanations will be omitted.

[0171] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: View Acceptance Means)

[0172] The viewing acceptance means of the listing request information output unit is configured to accept viewing of information based on the listing request information. Specifically, it accepts login performed by a person who wishes to view information based on the listing request information using user identification information on the screen of a terminal connected to the system via a communication network.

[0173] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Acceptance Determination Means)

[0174] The acceptance determination means of the exhibition request information output unit is configured to determine whether the person who has made a viewing request to the viewing acceptance means is associated with the user identification information stored in the user identification information storage unit. Specifically, the determination means determines whether the user identification information used for login matches that already issued to the registered user. The determination result may be configured to be notified to the viewing enabling means described below.

[0175] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Exhibit request information output unit: Acceptance determination means: Persons permitted to view)

[0176] In this embodiment, the decision as to whether or not viewing is permitted is based on whether or not the user who made the viewing request is associated with user identification information. As is clear from this, those who can view information based on the exhibit request information are limited to users whose user identification information is registered in this system.

[0177] Users who are permitted to view the animal show listings always include users who have registered their interest in exhibiting at the animal show. However, there are cases where the users permitted to view the listings are limited to users who have registered in this way, and cases where users who have not registered their interest in exhibiting at the animal show (i.e., users who have decided not to exhibit at the show this time) are also permitted. The specific configuration of the acceptance / determination means for each case is described below. First, a person wishing to view the show outputs a viewing request to the system from their own terminal. This viewing request is basically made by selecting an animal show. The animal show selection may be made from a selection calendar displaying the animal show schedule, or may be configured to select an icon from a list screen listing upcoming animal shows in alphabetical order. Alternatively, the system may be configured to display one or more candidate animal show icons by entering keywords related to the animal show in an animal show search window, and then select the desired animal show icon from among the candidate animal show icons. Alternatively, the system may be configured to display one or more animal show organizer icons, and then display one or more animal show icons hosted by that organizer, from which the animal show can be selected. It is possible to configure the system so that keywords for searching animal shows can be words contained in exhibitor attribute information, animal show information, user attribute information, etc.

[0178] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Exhibit information output unit: Acceptance determination means: When those who can view the information are limited to users who have registered exhibit information for the animal show)

[0179] First, when those who can view the information are limited to users who have registered their desire to exhibit in the animal show, the acceptance determination means, for example, compares the user identification information used to log in to request the view with the user identification information associated with the animal show identification information in the registered desire to exhibit, and determines that viewing is permitted if there is a match, and that viewing is not permitted if there is no match. In other words, in this case, the acceptance determination means not only determines whether the information matches the user identification information stored in the user identification information storage unit, but also determines whether the information matches the user identification information stored in association with the animal show information in the desire to exhibit information storage unit.

[0180] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Acceptance Judgment Means: Case where those who can view the information are not limited to users who have registered exhibit desired information for the animal show)

[0181] On the other hand, if those who can view the information are not limited to users who have registered their desire to exhibit at the animal show, that is, if it includes users who have not registered their desire to exhibit at the animal show (users who have decided not to exhibit this time), the acceptance judgment means simply compares the user identification information used to log in to request viewing with the user identification information held in the user identification information holding unit, and if there is a match, judges that viewing is possible.

[0182] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Exhibit Desired Information Output Unit: Browsing Means)

[0183] The viewing enabling means of the listing request information output unit is configured to enable viewing when the judgment result of the reception and judgment means indicates that the information is associated. That is, when the viewing reception means receives notification of such a judgment result from the reception and judgment means, the viewing enabling means releases the lock and enables the user to view information based on the listing request information requested for viewing on the screen. An example of the screen to be viewed is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. <Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration>

[0184] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0185] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an entry book creation system according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the entry book creation system 0600 of this embodiment includes a CPU 0601, a main memory 0602, a nonvolatile memory 0603, and an input / output interface 0604. These components are interconnected by a bus line 0605, which is a data communication path, and are configured to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The hardware configuration of the entry book creation system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the entry book creation system of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory stores a viewing acceptance program, a viewing judgment program, and a viewing enablement program, as well as information such as user identification information. These are read into the main memory, for example, when the power is turned on, and the CPU executes these programs to perform processing to enable viewing of information based on the listing request information.

[0186] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of View Acceptance Program)

[0187] First, the CPU executes the browsing acceptance program, and when it detects a signal related to user identification information input based on a user operation, it accepts the input signal.

[0188] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Reception Determination Program)

[0189] Next, the CPU executes the reception determination program to compare the received user identification information with the user identification information it already has and determine whether they match, and then notifies the browsing enabling program of the determination result.

[0190] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Viewing Program)

[0191] If the CPU is notified of the determination result that the information matches the browsable program, it executes the browsable program to perform a process of making the information based on the listing request information browsable. The specific process for this is the same as that described in the first embodiment for executing the listing request information output program to output the information in a browsable format. <Embodiment 2: Processing flow>

[0192] (Embodiment 2: Processing Flow: Viewing Acceptance Step)

[0193] 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the entry book creation system of embodiment 2. The processing flow in this embodiment is basically the same as the processing flow in embodiment 1. However, in this embodiment, when the determination result in the deadline determination step S0714 is that the deadline has passed, if it is determined in the determination step S0715 whether a request to view information based on the listing request information has been detected, the entry book creation system of this embodiment accepts the request in the viewing acceptance step S0716.

[0194] (Embodiment 2: Processing Flow: Reception Judgment Step)

[0195] Next, in the acceptance judgment step S0717, the entry book creation system of this embodiment determines whether the person who made the viewing request accepted in the viewing acceptance step S0716 is associated with the user identification information stored in the user identification information storage unit.

[0196] (Embodiment 2: Processing Flow: Browsing Step)

[0197] If the determination result indicates that they are associated, then in a view enabling step S0718, the entrybook creating system of this embodiment performs processing to release the lock and enable viewing. <Embodiment 2: Effects>

[0198] According to the invention of embodiment 2, the period during which the entry book can be viewed can be limited to after the registration deadline, particularly for users who have completed user registration to register their exhibit information for the animal show.This provides an entry book creation system that does not cause people who are considering entering an animal show to hesitate to enter after seeing the attributes of animals that have already been entered in the entry book, and ultimately makes it possible to more simply achieve the object of the present invention of making animal shows more lively by preventing a decrease in the number of animals entered. <Embodiment 3>

[0199] The third embodiment mainly relates to claim 3 and the like. <Embodiment 3: Overview>

[0200] The entry book creation system of embodiment 3 is based on the entry book creation system of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, and further comprises a means for accepting login as an administrator and a means for determining whether the accepted login is the login of a person identified by the administrator identification information, and if it is determined that the accepted login is the login of a person identified by the administrator identification information, it performs processing to print information based on the listing request information onto a printed matter. Also included in the entry book creation system of embodiment 3 is one in which the listing request information output unit has a viewing acceptance means, a reception judgment means, and a viewing enabling means. <Embodiment 3: Configuration>

[0201] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entry book creation system of embodiment 3. As shown in the figure, the configuration of the entry book creation system of this embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, an administrator identification information storage unit 0816, an administrator login acceptance unit 0817, an administrator judgment unit 0818, and a print processing enablement unit 0819. Also, although not shown in the figure, in the entry book creation system of this embodiment, the exhibition request information output unit 0812 may include a viewing acceptance means, a reception judgment means, and a viewing enablement means. The configuration of each of these units will be explained below. The remaining configuration is the same as that explained in embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, so explanation will be omitted.

[0202] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Administrator Identification Information Storage Unit: Overall)

[0203] The administrator identification information holding unit is configured to hold administrator identification information.

[0204] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Administrator Identification Information Storage Unit: Administrator Identification Information, Administrator)

[0205] "Administrator identification information" refers to information used to identify the administrator of this system. Furthermore, "administrator" refers to the person who manages and operates the entry book creation system of the present invention. The management and operation here includes the registration of animal show information and the output of exhibitor request information.

[0206] An example of an administrator is the organizer of an animal show that is registered in this system. In this case, if multiple animal shows with different organizers are registered, the organizer of each animal show will be the administrator for the animal show that they organize.

[0207] Like the other identification information already mentioned, the administrator identification information is usually expressed as a string of characters combining alphanumeric characters, etc. Alternatively, among the administrator attribute information, information that can uniquely identify the administrator, such as the name of the organizer of an animal show, also corresponds to administrator identification information, and so this information may be held as it is as administrator identification information.

[0208] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Administrator Identification Information Storage Unit: Administrator Attribute Information)

[0209] Similarly to the other identification information already mentioned, it is desirable that the administrator identification information be stored in association with administrator attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of the administrator. Examples of administrator attribute information include the administrator's name (or name in the case of a corporation, etc.), date of birth (date of establishment in the case of a corporation, etc.), address (headquarters location, headquarter address, etc. in the case of a corporation, etc.), telephone number, fax number, email address, and My Number (corporate registration number, etc. in the case of a corporation, etc.). Furthermore, if the administrator belongs to an organization, the information may include one or more of the following: attribute information of the organization; if the administrator is an organization such as a corporation, a company profile of the corporation, business details, names and resumes of executives, financial information; and, if the corporation is a listed company, the contents of its securities report.

[0210] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Administrator Identification Information Storage Unit: Specific Configuration)

[0211] To register as an administrator of this system, a prospective administrator enters administrator attribute information, such as his or her name, phone number, and email address, into an input box or other field displayed on the display screen of a device connected to the system, such as a PC or smartphone. Based on this information, a separate administrator review committee or other similar organization determines whether the administrator can be registered. If the committee determines that the administrator can be registered, an administrator attribute information registration unit, which serves as a means for registering administrator attribute information, registers the information entered into the input box or other field, and an administrator identification information storage unit assigns an identifier (e.g., a combination of alphanumeric characters) to uniquely identify the administrator, thereby generating administrator identification information and storing it in association with the administrator attribute information. This administrator identification information is then used when the administrator logs in, as described below, and is therefore also notified to the administrator. The administrator identification information may also serve as user identification information, allowing the administrator identified by the administrator identification information to also act as a user. This notification may be sent, for example, by email to the email address entered by the administrator in the input box. When the administrator registers a new animal show in the animal show information registration unit, the administrator identification information is stored in association with the animal show identification information acquired by the registration. This allows the administrator to have printing authority for the animal show associated with the administrator identification information.

[0212] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Administrator Login Reception Unit)

[0213] The administrator login accepting unit is configured to accept logins as an administrator. Specifically, for example, when an administrator logs in to the system from a terminal connected via a communication network using the above-mentioned administrator identification information, the administrator login accepting unit accepts the login. This login is performed to enable the printing process described below. This login for the printing process is intended to print information based on exhibitor preferences for animal shows hosted by the administrator. Therefore, a process for selecting animal show identification information is required at the time of login or before the start of the printing process after login. In other words, it is preferable that the interface be configured to allow the user to select an animal show displayed by an icon or the like. Note that this selection process may be omitted if the administrator identified by the administrator identification information used for login plans to hold only one animal show.

[0214] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Administrator Determination Unit)

[0215] The administrator determination unit is configured to determine whether the login accepted as an administrator is that of a person identified by the stored administrator identification information. Specifically, it compares the administrator identification information used for the login with the administrator identification information stored in the administrator identification information storage unit to determine whether they match. The specific configuration is the same as that already described for the output of exhibitor preference information. As mentioned above, in order to start the printing process, the registered administrator identification information must also be associated with specific animal show identification information. This is to start the printing process of information based on the exhibitor preference information for the animal show identified by that specific animal show identification information.

[0216] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Printing Processing Enabling Unit: Overall)

[0217] The print-oriented process enabling unit is configured to enable print-oriented processing, which is processing for printing information based on the exhibitor preference information onto printed matter, when the administrator determination unit determines that the person identified by the administrator identification information has logged in and that an animal show will be hosted by that person in the future, i.e., when the animal show identification information of the animal show selected by the administrator and the administrator identification information are associated and stored. The process for printing refers to the process of converting information based on the exhibitor preference information into a format usable for printing, or pre-processing and related processing. The process of converting into a format usable for printing refers to the process of writing, in a print format, the user identification information, the animal identification information of the animal to be exhibited, and each attribute information associated with the animal show identification information to be exhibited (in the case of an animal show, the animal show information corresponds to the attribute information).

[0218] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Printing-oriented processing enabling unit: Specific example)

[0219] For example, it is conceivable to describe the information included in each attribute information in XML format. For example, <Cover><Title>Exhibition Dog Catalog< / Title><Animal Show Name>Tokyo Metropolitan French Bulldog Show< / Animal Show Name><Organizer>Tokyo Dog Club Federation< / Organizer><Date of Exhibition>April 25, 2026< / Date of Exhibition><Venue>Hall 8, Tokyo Exhibition Hall< / Venue><Target Dog Breed>French Bulldog< / Target Dog Breed>< / Cover><Exhibition Introduction><Entry Number>1< / Entry Number><Gender of the Exhibited Dog>Male< / Gender of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Exhibited Dog>Taro< / Name of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Father of the Exhibited Dog>Daisuke< / Name of the Father of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Mother of the Exhibited Dog>Hanako< / Name of the Mother of the Exhibited Dog><Exhibitor>Yosuke Takeda< / Exhibitor><Age of the Exhibited Dog>3< / Age of the Exhibited Dog><JKC Registration Number>FB-10134 / 23< / JKC Registration Number><Photo Information><Serial Number>1< / Serial Number><Photo File Name>ABC004.jpg< / Photo File Name>< / Photo Information><Entry Number>2< / Entry Number><Gender of the Exhibited Dog>Male< / Gender of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Exhibited Dog>Jun< / Name of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Father of the Exhibited Dog>Hiro< / Name of the Father of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Mother of the Exhibited Dog>Erika< / Name of the Mother of the Exhibited Dog><Exhibitor>Junko Yamakawa< / Exhibitor><Age of the Exhibited Dog>4< / Age of the Exhibited Dog><JKC Registration Number>FB-09344 / 22< / JKC Registration Number><Photo Information><Serial Number>2< / Serial Number><Photo File Name>DEF002.jpg< / Photo File Name>< / Photo Information><Entry Number>3< / Entry Number><Gender of the Exhibited Dog>Female< / Gender of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Exhibited Dog>Kei< / Name of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Father of the Exhibited Dog>John< / Name of the Father of the Exhibited Dog><Name of the Mother of the Exhibited Dog>Karen< / Name of the Mother of the Exhibited Dog><Exhibitor>Keiko Kitakawa< / Exhibitor><Age of the Exhibited Dog>2< / Age of the Exhibited Dog><JKC Registration Number>FB-09344 / 22< / JKC Registration Number><Photo Information><Serial Number>2< / Serial Number><Photo File Name>EED001.jpg< / Photo File Name>< / Photo Information>< / Exhibition Introduction>··· The information recorded in the files of the animal show information, user attribute information, and animal attribute information registered in this way is converted into XML notation. Also, the photos of the animals stored in the file as animal attribute information are prepared to be available for use in this XML program as files.These XML files and photo files are stored in a single file and sent to the printer or to the printing company, and also contain other information such as display position, print output format, character type, character color, character size, print field, line, and line break used in the file.

[0220] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Printing process enabling unit: Example having printing means)

[0221] Furthermore, the print-oriented processing enabling unit may have a printing means and print onto a paper medium using the data in a format that has been subjected to the print-oriented processing. An example of a page such as a pamphlet printed on printing paper is the same as that shown in Figure 2 as an example displayed on the display screen in the first embodiment. In other words, in this case, the display content on the viewing screen shown in Figure 2 has been printed onto a paper medium after undergoing print-oriented processing enabling processing and printing processing. <Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration>

[0222] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0223] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an entry book creation system according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the entry book creation system 0900 of this embodiment includes a CPU 0901, a main memory 0902, a nonvolatile memory 0903, and an input / output interface 0904. These components are interconnected by a bus line 0905, which is a data communication path, and are configured to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The hardware configuration of the entry book creation system of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the entry book creation system of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory stores an administrator login acceptance program, an administrator determination program, and a print-oriented process enablement program, as well as administrator identification information. These are read into the main memory, for example, when the power is turned on, and the CPU uses this information to execute the programs.

[0224] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Administrator Login Program)

[0225] The CPU executes the administrator login acceptance program to perform processing to accept the administrator's login. At this time, the CPU first accepts input based on an input operation of the administrator to enter administrator identification information, for example.

[0226] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Administrator Determination Program)

[0227] Next, the CPU executes the administrator determination program. For example, it compares the input user identification information with the user identification information already stored and loaded in the main memory to determine whether they match. The result of the determination is notified to the print processing enablement program.

[0228] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Printer-Oriented Enabling Program)

[0229] Furthermore, the CPU executes a print processing program to convert the information based on the exhibitor preference information stored in association with the exhibitor preference information, specifically the data content of the user attribute information, exhibitor attribute information, and animal show information, into a format that can be used for printing. Furthermore, when printing this, it processes to print it on a printer connected via the input / output interface. <Embodiment 3: Processing Flow>

[0230] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: Administrator Identification Information Storage Step)

[0231] 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the entry book creation system of embodiment 3. The processing flow in this embodiment is basically the same as the processing flow in embodiment 1. However, in this embodiment, if a determination result that the input of administrator attribute information has been detected is obtained in step S1016 of determining whether or not the input of administrator attribute information has been detected, in step S1017 of retaining administrator identification information, the entry book creation system of this embodiment accepts the administrator attribute information of this system and generates and retains administrator identification information in response to this.

[0232] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: Administrator Login Acceptance Step)

[0233] Next, in step S1018 for accepting administrator login, the entrybook creation system of this embodiment accepts the login when the login as an administrator is made.

[0234] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: Steps for Enabling Printing-Oriented Processing)

[0235] Next, in step S1019, it is determined whether the login accepted as an administrator is the login of a person identified by the stored administrator identification information. If the determination result is that it is such a login, in step S1020, which enables printing-oriented processing, the entry book creation system of this embodiment performs printing-oriented processing, which is processing for printing information based on the exhibition request information onto printed materials. <Embodiment 3: Effects>

[0236] According to the invention of embodiment 3, the administrator can print out the confirmed exhibitor information after the entry deadline, thereby contributing to the purpose of the present invention of making animal shows more lively. <Embodiment 4>

[0237] The fourth embodiment mainly relates to claim 5 and the like. <Embodiment 4: Overview>

[0238] The entry book creation system of embodiment 4 is based on the entry book creation system of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, and is further characterized by having a means for outputting the remaining time until the deadline, which is the time remaining until the deadline for registering information on exhibit requests for animal shows. <Embodiment 4: Configuration>

[0239] Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entry book creation system of embodiment 4. As shown in the figure, the configuration of the entry book creation system of this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, but in addition, it has a remaining deadline time output unit 1120. The configuration of these units will be explained. The rest of the configuration is the same as that explained in embodiment 1 or 2, so explanation will be omitted.

[0240] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Remaining Deadline Time Output Unit: Overall)

[0241] The remaining deadline output unit is configured to output the remaining deadline. The remaining deadline refers to the time remaining until the deadline for registering exhibitor information for an animal show. As mentioned above, possible deadlines include the entry acceptance period having elapsed or the number of entries reaching a predetermined maximum. The remaining deadline refers to the situation where the entry acceptance period has elapsed. In this case, since the deadline is set in advance for each animal show, the time difference can be calculated by comparing it with the current date and time. For example, if the entry acceptance deadline is 12:00 PM on June 30, 2025, and the current date and time is 8:15:25 PM on June 28, 2025, the remaining deadline is 2 days, 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 35 seconds.

[0242] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Remaining Deadline Time Output Unit: Specific Configuration)

[0243] A specific example of a configuration for outputting the remaining time until the deadline is to display the time on the screen of a display device that can be viewed by users connected to this system via a communications network. In this case, when a user logs in to the screen to view information based on the exhibitor's application information, the remaining time until the deadline is displayed on the screen along with a message such as "Please wait a moment until registration closes."

[0244] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Deadline Remaining Time Output Unit: Significance)

[0245] The purpose of outputting the remaining time until the deadline is mainly to inform users who wish to view information based on the exhibit application information, when viewing is not permitted because the registration of exhibit application information has not yet closed, how long they have to wait before they can view the information based on the exhibit application information, thereby minimizing the loss of interest of users in the animal show. <Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration>

[0246] (Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0247] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an entry book creation system of embodiment 3. As shown in the figure, the entry book creation system 1200 of this embodiment comprises a CPU 1201, a main memory 1202, a non-volatile memory 1203, and an input / output interface 1204. These are connected to each other by a bus line 1205, which is a data communication path, and are configured to send and receive information and perform processing. The hardware configuration of the entry book creation system of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the entry book creation system of embodiment 1. However, in this embodiment, a program displaying the remaining deadline is stored in the non-volatile memory, and information such as passwords is also stored. These are read into the main memory when the power is turned on, and the CPU executes the program using this information.

[0248] (Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of Administrator Login Acceptance Program)

[0249] The CPU executes the administrator login acceptance program to perform processing to accept the administrator's login. At this time, the CPU first accepts input based on, for example, an operation by the administrator to input administrator identification information.

[0250] (Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration: CPU: Execution of program for displaying remaining deadline time)

[0251] The CPU also executes a remaining deadline display program to calculate the remaining deadline time based on, for example, deadline date and time information and the current date and time obtained from a built-in clock, and displays the calculated time on a display or the like. <Embodiment 4: Processing Flow>

[0252] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing in the entrybook creation system of this embodiment.

[0253] As shown in the figure, if the determination result in step S1312 as to whether registration of exhibit information has been closed is that the registration has not been closed, then in step S1315 of outputting the remaining time until the deadline, the entry book creation system of this embodiment outputs the remaining time until the deadline to a display or the like. <Embodiment 4: Effects>

[0254] According to the invention of embodiment 4, in a situation where viewing is not permitted because the registration deadline for exhibitor information has not yet been closed, users who wish to view information based on the exhibitor information are notified of the time remaining until the deadline, which is expected to minimize the loss of interest of users in the animal show.

Claims

1. a user identification information storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying a user; an animal identification information storage unit that stores animal identification information for identifying animals; an exhibition attribute information storage unit that stores, in association with each other, animal identification information and exhibition attribute information, which is attribute information necessary for exhibiting the animal identified by the animal identification information in an expected animal show; a management relationship information storage unit that stores management relationship information that is information that associates user identification information with animal identification information that identifies animals managed by the user; a management relationship information editing unit that newly creates or edits management relationship information; an animal show information registration unit that registers animal show information, which is information about animal shows where animals are exhibited; an animal show information storage unit that stores the registered animal show information in association with animal show identification information that identifies the animal show; an exhibition request information registration unit that registers exhibition request information that associates user identification information, animal identification information of an animal that the user manages and that the user wishes to exhibit in a specific animal show, and animal show identification information that identifies an animal show in which the user wishes to exhibit the animal identified by the animal identification information; a registration deadline control unit that controls a deadline for registering information on exhibiting at an animal show; an exhibition-related information holding unit that holds exhibition-related information including associated and registered user identification information, animal identification information, exhibition attribute information identified by the animal identification information, and animal show identification information; a deadline determination unit that determines whether the registration deadline control unit has closed registration of information on exhibiting at animal shows; an exhibition information output unit that outputs information based on the exhibition information registered in the exhibition information registration unit so that it can be viewed by at least users who have registered their exhibition information for the animal show when the deadline determination unit determines that the exhibition deadline has passed; An entry book creation system having the above.

2. The exhibition request information output unit includes a viewing acceptance means, and an acceptance determination means for determining whether a person who has made a viewing request to the viewing acceptance means is associated with user identification information stored in the user identification information storage unit. a viewing enabling means for enabling viewing when the result of the determination by the reception determining means is that the information is associated; The entrybook creation system according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. an administrator identification information storage unit that stores administrator identification information that identifies an administrator of the system; an administrator login reception unit that receives logins as an administrator; an administrator determination unit that determines whether a login accepted as an administrator is a login of a person identified by the stored administrator identification information; a print-oriented processing enabling unit that enables print-oriented processing, which is processing for printing information based on the exhibit request information onto a printed matter, when the administrator determination unit determines that the administrator identified by the administrator identification information has logged in as a result of the determination; The entrybook creation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. An entry book creation system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the exhibition attribute information contained in the exhibition-related information stored in the exhibition-related information storage unit is at least one of the following: type of animal, appearance of the animal, age of the animal, weight of the animal, name of the animal's manager, country of residence of the animal, exhibition history at past animal shows, and award history at past animal shows.

5. 3. The entry book creation system according to claim 1, further comprising a remaining deadline output unit that outputs the remaining time until the deadline for registering exhibitor information for the animal show.

6. a user identification information holding step for holding user identification information for identifying a user; an animal identification information storage step for storing animal identification information for identifying an animal; an exhibition attribute information holding step for holding, in association with the animal identification information, exhibition attribute information which is attribute information required for exhibiting the animal identified by the animal identification information in a prospective animal show; a management relationship information holding step for holding management relationship information which is information that associates user identification information with animal identification information that identifies animals managed by the user; a management relationship information editing step of creating or editing management relationship information; an animal show information registration step for registering animal show information, which is information about an animal show where animals are exhibited; an animal show information holding step of holding the animal show information registered in the animal show information registration step in association with animal show identification information that identifies the animal show; an exhibition request information registration step for registering exhibition request information, which is information that associates user identification information, animal identification information of an animal that the user manages and that the user wishes to exhibit in a specific animal show, and animal show identification information that identifies the animal show in which the user wishes to exhibit the animal identified by the animal identification information; a registration deadline control step for controlling a deadline for registering information on exhibiting at an animal show; an exhibition-related information holding step for holding exhibition-related information including associated and registered user identification information, animal identification information, exhibition attribute information identified by the animal identification information, and animal show identification information; a deadline determination step for determining whether registration of information on exhibiting at an animal show has been closed as a result of control in the registration deadline control step; an exhibition information output step of outputting information based on the exhibition desire information registered in the exhibition desire information registration step so that it can be viewed by at least the users who registered the exhibition desire information for the animal show, when the determination result in the deadline determination step is that the exhibition desire information has been closed; A method for creating an entry book by running the above on a computer.

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