Information processing apparatus and system

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and system that can reduce the burden of advertisement creation work.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises acquisition means, generation means, and output means. The acquisition means acquires an advertisement creation instruction from a user. The generation means generates an advertisement including an image of a product on the basis of the advertisement creation instruction and information on the expected arrival of the product. The output means outputs the generated advertisement. The acquisition means acquires a correction instruction from the user for the output advertisement. The generation means corrects the advertisement on the basis of the acquired correction instruction. The output means outputs the corrected advertisement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of advertisements being created has been on the rise due to the promotion of paperless operations, the increase in electronic flyers, ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels), electronic signage advertisements, etc., and the reduction in printing costs for flyers, pop-ups, and other in-store displays.

[0003] Conventionally, image editing software has been used to create advertisements, but as the number of advertisements created has increased, the burden of advertisement creation work on users has also increased. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and system that can reduce the workload of advertisement creation work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the embodiment includes an acquisition means, a generation means, and an output means. The acquisition means acquires advertisement creation instructions from a user. The generation means generates an advertisement including an image of a product based on the advertisement creation instructions and information regarding the product's expected arrival date. The output means outputs the generated advertisement. The acquisition means acquires user correction instructions for the output advertisement. The generation means corrects the advertisement based on the acquired correction instructions. The output means outputs the corrected advertisement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an advertisement creation support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the advertisement creation support server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of product data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of product image data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of past advertising effect data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by the control unit of the advertisement creation support server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a store terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by the control unit of the store terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of mutual exchange between a user and the advertisement creation support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of mutual exchange between a user and the advertisement creation support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of mutual exchange between a user and the advertisement creation support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a correction instruction for adding a purpose of a flyer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of advertisement creation support processing executed by the advertisement creation support server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an advertisement creation support server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of mutual exchange between a user and an advertisement creation support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of mutual exchange between a user and an advertisement creation support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image editing screen according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device and a system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of an information processing device and a system, and does not limit the configuration, specifications, etc. of the information processing device and the system.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an advertisement creation support system 1 according to this embodiment. The advertisement creation support system 1 includes an advertisement creation support server 10 and a store terminal 20. Each device of the advertisement creation support system 1 is configured to be able to communicate via a network N. The advertisement creation support system 1 is an example of a system according to this embodiment.

[0009] The network N may be the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN (local area network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination. As an example, the network N may be a combination of the Internet and a mobile communication network. Note that the number of devices included in the advertisement creation support system is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0010] The advertisement creation support server 10 performs processing in cooperation with the store terminal 20 to support the user in creating advertisements. The advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment, for example, creates an advertisement design in response to an advertisement creation instruction from the user, and performs a correction process in response to a correction instruction from the user for the created advertisement. In this embodiment, an advertisement created by the advertisement creation support server 10 is, for example, a flyer printed on a paper medium. The advertisement creation support server 10 is an example of an information processing device in this embodiment.

[0011] In this embodiment, the advertisement creation support server 10 is realized by a single device, but may be realized by a cloud server (or a cloud system) that is realized by a plurality of devices connected to a network.

[0012] The store terminal 20 is a terminal device installed in each store where advertisements are created. For example, the store terminal 20 may be a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, tablet terminal, or server device installed in the store. The user of the store terminal 20 is, for example, the store manager or employee. The store terminal 20 is an example of a user terminal in this embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the type of store in which the store terminal 20 is installed is a retail store, but this is not limitative. In this embodiment, users who perform advertisement creation tasks may also be, for example, people who are not familiar with operating image editing software. In addition, the store terminal 20 may be a POS terminal with product registration and payment functions, a product registration terminal with product registration functions, a payment terminal with payment functions, a printer, a copier, or the like installed in the store.

[0013] The general flow of advertisement creation using the advertisement creation support system 1 is as follows: first, a user or an administrator of the advertisement creation support server 10 prepares various data to be used in advertisement creation and stores it in the memory unit 14 of the advertisement creation support server 10. Then, the user operates the store terminal 20 to input advertisement creation instructions. The advertisement creation support server 10 creates an advertisement based on the advertisement creation instructions and outputs it to the store terminal 20. The user checks the advertisement displayed on the store terminal 20 and inputs correction instructions as necessary. The advertisement creation support server 10 corrects the advertisement based on the correction instructions and outputs the corrected advertisement to the store terminal 20. Furthermore, if the user's advertisement creation instructions or correction instructions are unclear, the advertisement creation support server 10 can output questions and interact with the user to proceed with advertisement creation and correction. The advertisement creation support system 1 supports the user's advertisement creation work by creating and correcting advertisements through such mutual interaction with the user.

[0014] Next, the configurations of the advertisement creation support server 10 and the store terminal 20 will be described.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the advertisement creation support server 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the advertisement creation support server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, etc.

[0016] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor, and controls the overall operation of the advertisement creation support server 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0017] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected via a bus or the like to form a computer-configured control unit 100. In the control unit 100, the CPU 11 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 14 and loaded into the RAM 13, thereby executing various processes.

[0018] The storage unit 14 has a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when power is cut off. The storage unit 14 stores a program 141 that can be executed by the CPU 11 and various setting information. For example, the program 141 includes a program for realizing the functional configuration described below.

[0019] The storage unit 14 also stores POS (Point of Sale) data 142, FMT (format) data 143, product data 144, product image data 145, past advertising effectiveness data 146, GIS (Geographic Information System) data 147, selling price data of other stores 148, weather data 149, and trend information 150. These data are examples, and the storage unit 14 may also store other data. Each piece of data stored in the storage unit 14 may be acquired in advance from the store terminal 20 or another external device via the network N, or may be automatically acquired and updated from the Internet or the like.

[0020] The POS data 142 is POS data related to sales of products at the store where the store terminal 20 is installed.

[0021] The FMT data 143 is data on the design format of an advertisement. In this embodiment, the FMT data 143 includes multiple flyer design formats. For example, the FMT data 143 may be a database in which format names that identify flyer formats are associated with the formats. The flyer format includes, for example, the image layout of the flyer and text such as promotional text.

[0022] The FMT data 143 may also include information regarding the use of each format or the advertising effect expected for each format. Examples of format uses include, but are not limited to, weekend sales, member sales, special events, and sales for specific age groups or households. Examples of sales for specific age groups or households include, but are not limited to, sales of children's products and sales of large packs for families. Examples of advertising effects expected for each format include, but are not limited to, increased store visit rates, increased store traffic, and increased sales.

[0023] The storage unit 14 may store data of advertisements created in the past instead of the FMT data 143. The format of the FMT data and data of past advertisements is a format that can be edited using, for example, known image editing software. As an example, the format of the FMT data and data of past advertisements may be AI (Adobe Illustrator) data (registered trademark), but is not limited to this.

[0024] The product data 144 is data relating to products sold in the store where the store terminal 20 is installed.

[0025] The product image data 145 is data of an image of a product sold in a store where the store terminal 20 is installed. The image data is used to be published in a flyer.

[0026] The past advertising effectiveness data 146 is data relating to the effectiveness of advertisements used in the past in a store where the store terminal 20 is installed. The past advertising effectiveness data 146 is an example of information relating to the effectiveness of past advertisements. For example, the past advertising effectiveness data 146 stores data such as the relationship between the layout of an advertisement (such as the size of the headline) and the store visit rate, and the relationship between a promotional message displayed in the advertisement (such as a big sale) and the store visit rate.

[0027] The GIS data 147 is geographic information data relating to an area including at least the area surrounding the store where the store terminal 20 is installed. The GIS data 147 includes, for example, information such as the population, gender, age, number of households, household composition, type of residence, and annual income of residents for each area. The GIS data 147 may also include, for example, the number of businesses and business details for each area. The area units of the GIS data 147 are, for example, city, ward, town, village, block, and address, but are not particularly limited. Note that the above items are merely examples and do not limit the content of the GIS data 147.

[0028] The selling price data 148 of other stores is data relating to the selling price of each product in other stores in the vicinity of the store where the store terminal 20 is installed.

[0029] The weather data 149 is data relating to past and future weather in the area where the store in which the store terminal 20 is installed is located. The weather data 149 includes, for example, temperature, humidity, weather, probability of precipitation, and the like.

[0030] Trend information 150 is information about current fads and topics, such as words that are frequently searched on the Internet, or data about events and products that are frequently featured on SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0031] The various data stored in the storage unit 14 of the advertisement creation support server 10 shown in Figure 2 are merely examples and are not limited to these. In this embodiment, the advertisement creation support server 10 is only required to be able to use at least the product data 144 and the product image data 145, and other data may be optional. Furthermore, the advertisement creation support server 10 may further have various data other than those exemplified in Figure 2.

[0032] The communication unit 15 is a wired or wireless communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The communication unit 15 communicates with external devices such as the store terminal 20 via the network N.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of product data 144 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the product data 144 may be configured as a database in which, for example, a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, a product name, a product price (selling price), a product's next arrival date, and product discount and discount information are associated with each other. The JAN code is an example of identification information capable of identifying a product, and other identification information may also be used. Note that the items of product data 144 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples and are not limited to these. The product data 144 is an example of information regarding the expected arrival date of a product in this embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product image data 145 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the product image data 145 may be configured as a database in which, for example, JAN codes and product images are associated with each other. Note that two or more product images may be associated with one JAN code. Although Figs. 3 and 4 show that the product data 144 and the product image data 145 are stored separately, the product data 144 may also include product images.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of past advertising effectiveness data 146 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the past advertising effectiveness data 146 may be configured as a database in which the effectiveness of past flyers is registered. The past advertising effectiveness data 146 includes, for example, the flyer name, the text used, the format used, the featured products, the prices of the featured products, the distribution period of the flyer, the number of distributions, the change in store visit rate before and after distribution, the change in the number of store visits before and after distribution, and the change in sales before and after distribution. Note that these are examples of the past advertising effectiveness data 146 and do not necessarily include all of them. The flyer name is an example of identification information that can identify the flyer, and may be a code, ID, number, etc.

[0036] The text used is a promotional statement or word used in the flyer. The format used is the name of the format used for the flyer. The number of distributions, the change in store visit rate before and after distribution, the change in store visit number before and after distribution, and the change in sales before and after distribution are examples of indicators that indicate the effectiveness of the flyer. Each change may be expressed, for example, as a percentage, or the difference before and after distribution may be expressed as an absolute value. Note that the information included in the past advertising effectiveness data 146 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the past advertising effectiveness data 146 may further include the areas where flyers were distributed in the past. The past advertising effectiveness data 146 may also include various statistical analysis results other than those described above.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the control unit 100 of the advertisement creation support server 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the advertisement creation support server 10 realizes an acquisition unit 101, a generation unit 102, and an output unit 103 by the control unit 100 operating in accordance with a program 141 stored in the storage unit 14. More specifically, the program 141 executed by the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (acquisition unit 101, generation unit 102, and output unit 103). The CPU (processor) 11 reads the program 141 from a storage medium such as the storage unit 14 and loads the above-mentioned units into a main storage device such as the RAM 13. As a result, the acquisition unit 101, generation unit 102, and output unit 103 are generated in the main storage device. These functional units are merely examples, and the advertisement creation support server 10 may further include other functions.

[0038] The program of this embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 14 in advance, or may be stored on another computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded to the advertisement creation support server 10 via the network. The program executed by the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program executed by the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Some or all of the functional configuration of the advertisement creation support server 10 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the advertisement creation support server 10.

[0039] The acquisition unit 101 acquires advertisement creation instructions from a user. More specifically, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the advertisement creation instructions from the user from the store terminal 20 via the network N. The advertisement creation instructions from the user include at least information regarding the purpose of the advertisement. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires the user's correction instructions for the advertisement generated by the generation unit 102, which will be described later. The acquisition unit 101 is an example of an acquisition means in this embodiment.

[0040] The generation unit 102 generates an advertisement including an image of a product based on the advertisement creation instructions and the product data. The data format of the advertisement generated by the generation unit 102 is a format that can be edited using, for example, known image editing software. As an example, the data format of the advertisement may be AI data (registered trademark), but is not limited to this. The generation unit 102 stores the created advertisement in, for example, the storage unit 14. Furthermore, if the generation unit 102 modifies the created advertisement, it stores the modified advertisement in the storage unit 14. The advertisement before the modification may be deleted by overwriting, or may be stored as a past version.

[0041] In this embodiment, the advertisement created by the generation unit 102 will be described using a flyer that is intended to be printed on paper and distributed as an example. Note that the advertisement created by the generation unit 102 can be applied to advertisements used electronically, such as advertisements on digital signage, in addition to flyers that are intended to be printed on paper and distributed.

[0042] Furthermore, the generation unit 102 generates a question for the user. For example, if there is an unclear point in the advertisement creation instruction or correction instruction from the user, the generation unit 102 generates a question for clarifying the content of the instruction. For example, if a product that the user has instructed to be added to the advertisement is not registered in the product data 144, the generation unit 102 generates a question for confirming the product name. Furthermore, the generation unit 102 may generate a question for the user to confirm the content of the correction not only when the correction instruction is unclear, but also when the correction instruction may reduce the effectiveness of the advertisement, or when the correction instruction is contrary to the purpose of the advertisement instructed by the user.

[0043] The generation unit 102 may be, for example, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) engine including a trained model. The generation unit 102 includes a trained model that has been trained by deep learning or other machine learning. As an example, the generation unit 102 may employ a generation AI that is capable of inputting a prompt in text format, generating and outputting data in text format, and generating and editing data including images. The generation unit 102 is an example of a generation means in this embodiment.

[0044] The output unit 103 outputs the advertisement generated by the generation unit 102. The output unit 103 also outputs the question generated by the generation unit 102. More specifically, the output unit 103 outputs the generated advertisement and question to the store terminal 20 via the network N. The output unit 103 also downloads (outputs data from) the generated advertisement to the store terminal 20 via the network N. The data format of the downloaded advertisement is, for example, a format that can be edited using image editing software or the like. Alternatively, the user may be able to select whether the data format of the downloaded advertisement is a format suitable for printing, such as PDF, or a format that can be edited using image editing software, such as AI data. The output unit 103 is an example of an output means in this embodiment.

[0045] Next, we will explain the configuration of the store terminal 20. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store terminal 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the store terminal 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, and a communication unit 27.

[0046] The CPU 21 is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of the operation of the store terminal 20. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0047] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are connected via a bus or the like to form a computer-configured control unit 200. In the control unit 200, the CPU 21 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 22 or the storage unit 24 and loaded into the RAM 23, thereby executing various processes.

[0048] The storage unit 24 has a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 24 stores a program 241 that can be executed by the CPU 21 and various setting information. For example, the storage unit 24 may store a product master that associates the product ID, product name, price, etc. of each product sold in the store.

[0049] The display unit 26 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc. Under the control of the CPU 21, the display unit 26 displays various types of information.

[0050] The operation unit 25 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The operation unit 25 outputs the operation content input via the input device to the CPU 21. The operation unit 25 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 26.

[0051] The communication unit 27 is a wired or wireless communication interface connectable to the network N. The communication unit 27 communicates with external devices such as the advertisement creation support server 10 via the network N.

[0052] The hardware configuration of the store terminal 20 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 7. For example, the store terminal 20 may include a microphone that receives voice input from the user.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the store terminal 20. Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the control unit 100 of the store terminal 20 according to this embodiment.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8 , the store terminal 20 implements an input unit 201, a transmission unit 202, a reception unit 203, and a display control unit 204 by the control unit 200 operating in accordance with the program 241 stored in the storage unit 24. More specifically, the program 241 executed by the store terminal 20 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (the input unit 201, the transmission unit 202, the reception unit 203, and the display control unit 204). The CPU (processor) 21 reads the program 241 from a storage medium such as the storage unit 24, and loads the above-mentioned units into a main storage device such as the RAM 23. As a result, the input unit 201, the transmission unit 202, the reception unit 203, and the display control unit 204 are generated on the main storage device. Note that these functional units are merely examples, and the store terminal 20 may further include other functions.

[0055] The program of this embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 24 in advance, or may be stored on another computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded to the store terminal 20 via the network. The program executed by the store terminal 20 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program executed by the store terminal 20 of this embodiment may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Some or all of the functional configuration of the store terminal 20 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the store terminal 20.

[0056] The input unit 201 receives advertisement creation instructions and correction instructions input from the user via the operation unit 25. The input unit 201 is an example of an input means in this embodiment.

[0057] The transmission unit 202 transmits the input advertisement creation instructions and correction instructions to the advertisement creation support server 10 via the network N. The transmission unit 202 is an example of a transmission means in this embodiment.

[0058] The sending unit 202 may also send the advertisement to be printed to, for example, an external printing machine, or to another system that performs printing processing.

[0059] The receiving unit 203 receives the advertisement or text output from the advertisement creation support server 10 via the network N.

[0060] The display control unit 204 controls the display unit 26 to display various screens. Specifically, the display control unit 204 displays a screen on which the user can check advertisement creation instructions and correction instructions input by the user, and the advertisement and question text output from the advertisement creation support server 10. The display control unit 204 may also display on the display unit 26 various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) that enable editing of the advertisement output from the advertisement creation support server 10. The display control unit 204 is an example of a display control means in this embodiment.

[0061] The control unit 200 of the store terminal 20 may further include an advertisement editing unit realized by image editing software.

[0062] Here, an example of mutual exchange between a user and the advertisement creation support system 1 in the advertisement creation support process by the advertisement creation support system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 9 is a diagram showing an example of interaction between a user and the advertisement creation support system 1 according to this embodiment. The display control unit 204 sequentially displays, in chat format, prompts 301 and 302 in text format input by the user, and texts 401 and 402 and a flyer 501 generated by the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10, for example.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 9, first, the input unit 201 of the store terminal 20 receives a user's advertisement creation instruction to "design a flyer for the weekend of January 21st." The advertisement creation instruction is input, for example, as a text prompt 301. The phrase "for the weekend of January 21st" represents the purpose of the advertisement in the advertisement creation instruction. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the advertisement creation instruction from the user does not need to include information such as specific product names, flyer layouts, and promotional texts. However, information such as specific product names, flyer layouts, and promotional texts may be included in the advertisement creation instruction.

[0065] The generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 creates a flyer 501 based on the advertisement creation instructions. The generation unit 102 creates the flyer 501 by referring to various data stored in the storage unit 14. For example, the generation unit 102 searches the product data 144 for products that are scheduled to arrive on the weekend of January 21 and are subject to a discount or price cut, and obtains images of the products from the product image data 145. The generation unit 102 then reads a format for a weekend sale from the FMT data 143 and generates the flyer 501 by inserting the product images obtained from the product image data 145 and the product prices obtained from the product data 144 into the format. The generation unit 102 may also determine the products to be featured in the flyer 501 by referring to any or all of the POS data 142, past advertising effectiveness data 146, GIS data 147, selling price data 148 of other stores, weather data 149, and trend information 150. Note that this generation method is just one example, and an appropriate generation method may be selected as appropriate by the function of the generation AI of the generation unit 102. Furthermore, as described above, data other than the product data 144 and the product image data 145 does not necessarily need to be stored in the storage unit 14, and therefore the generation unit 102 may change the design of the flyer 501 depending on the type and content of the data stored in the storage unit 14. In general, the more types and content of data stored in the storage unit 14, the higher the quality of the flyer 501 generated by the generation unit 102.

[0066] The generation unit 102 also generates text 401 of the response sentence, "We have designed a flyer for the weekend of January 21st." The display control unit 204 of the store terminal 20 causes the display unit 26 to display the text 401 and flyer 501 generated by the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10.

[0067] The user checks the flyer 501 displayed on the display unit 26, and if there are any further correction instructions, inputs the correction instructions. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the user inputs the prompt 302 as a correction instruction, saying "Can we change the apples on the 22nd to oranges?"

[0068] When the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 receives the correction instruction, the generation unit 102, for example, refers to the product data 144 and identifies "apples" and "tangerines." Then, the generation unit 102 identifies, for example, the product name "tangerines (M)" from the product data 144 as a product corresponding to the product name "tangerines." In the example shown in FIG. 9, the reason why the generation unit 102 did not select mandarins (M) as the product to be featured in the original flyer 501 is that the sales price of mandarins (M) scheduled for the weekend of January 21st was higher than the sales price of "mandarins (M)" for the same period last year, which is included in the POS data 142. In this case, the generation unit 102 generates question text 402 to ask the user to confirm whether to advertise mandarins (M) along with the reason, "The mandarins (M) are registered at the POS at 30 yen per piece, which is higher than last year."

[0069] In this case, the user checks the text 402 and then changes or cancels the correction instructions, or enters a response indicating that the correction instructions will not be changed. In this manner, the flyer 501 is created and modified through mutual interaction between the user and the advertisement creation support system 1. If the user decides to adopt the advertisement created or modified by the advertisement creation support server 10, the user downloads the flyer 501 from the advertisement creation support server 10 in a data format that can be edited using image editing software or the like. The user may further edit the flyer 501 using image editing software or the like. Then, for example, the user may input a print instruction into the store terminal 20 specifying the number of copies to be printed, and the transmission unit 202 of the store terminal 20 transmits a print request for the flyer 501 to another system that performs the printing process. Note that the user may use the flyer 501 downloaded from the advertisement creation support server 10 as is, without manually editing it. In this case, the data format of the downloaded flyer 501 may be such that it cannot be edited using image editing software or the like.

[0070] Note that even if the product name entered by the user is not exactly the same as the product name registered in the product data 144, the generation unit 102 estimates the corresponding product. Furthermore, if there are multiple products with similar names or if the corresponding product name is not registered, the generation unit 102 may generate a question to confirm the "mandarin orange."

[0071] In Fig. 9, the user has specified that the purpose of the flyer is "for the weekend of January 21st," but the purpose may be more directly advertising effectiveness. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of interaction between the user and advertisement creation support system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0072] 10, prompt 311 "Design a flyer for the weekend at the end of January" and prompt 312 "Use creative to increase store visits" are both input as user instructions for creating advertisements. In this case, "for the weekend at the end of January" and "increase store visits" represent the purpose of the flyer.

[0073] For this purpose, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 adopts a layout and promotional text that are likely to contribute to an increase in the store visit rate, based on the FMT data 143, past advertising effectiveness data 146, and the like.

[0074] 10 , the user inputs a prompt 313 for a correction instruction, such as "More meat," to a flyer 511 that the generation unit 102 has output together with text 411 that says, "How about this illustration?" Based on this correction instruction, the generation unit 102 corrects the flyer 511 using information acquired from the product data 144 and the product image data 145. The user may give further correction instructions to the corrected flyer 512 that the generation unit 102 has output together with text 412 that says, "How about this illustration?", or may finish the correction and perform a download operation.

[0075] As described above, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 generates and modifies a flyer by referring to various data stored in the storage unit 14, but the type of data to be referenced varies depending on the content of the creation instructions and modification instructions from the user. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of interaction between a user and the advertisement creation support system 1 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 11, upon receiving an advertisement creation instruction prompt 321 from the user, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 generates answer text 421 and a flyer 521.

[0076] When generating flyer 521, generation unit 102 may refer to all of the data, for example, POS data 142, FMT data 143, product data 144, product image data 145, past advertising effectiveness data 146, GIS data 147, selling price data of other stores 148, weather data 149, and trend information 150.

[0077] In response to this, assume that the user inputs prompt 322 as a modification instruction, such as "Make the apple bigger and more noticeable." The data required to respond to this modification instruction are product data 144 and product image data 145, and no other data needs to be referenced. In this case, generation unit 102 accesses only product data 144 and product image data 145 to obtain a product image in which the apple is depicted larger, and modifies flyer 521. In FIG. 11 , generation unit 102 outputs modified flyer 522 along with text 422 that reads, "We made the apple bigger." Note that generation unit 102 may generate flyer 522 by simply enlarging the image of the apple in flyer 521, rather than replacing the product image. In this case, generation unit 102 does not need to access various data stored in storage unit 14.

[0078] In FIG. 11, the user further inputs a prompt 323 for a correction instruction, "Add sale items to meat products," but even when responding to this correction instruction, the generation unit 102 accesses only the data necessary for the correction.

[0079] Furthermore, the user's correction instructions are not limited to specific instructions for correction, but may also be instructions for changing or adding the purpose of the flyer. Furthermore, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 may create multiple correction proposals in response to the user's instructions.

[0080] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction instruction for adding a purpose to a flyer according to this embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, a prompt 331, “I want to increase the store visit rate from the current flyer,” is input as a user correction instruction. In response, the generation unit 102 generates answer text 431, “How about changing the headline?” Furthermore, the user inputs prompt 332, “Specifically?”, requesting a specific example. In response, the generation unit 102 generates answer text 432, listing “Big Inventory Sale,” “Support Your Budget!”, and “Weekend Deals!” as replacement candidates for the phrase “Big Bargain Sale” included in the created flyer. The generation unit 102 also suggests that the user may request further suggestions by stating, “We can also provide several other phrases that will increase the store visit rate.” The generation unit 102 acquires words for promotional texts and the like corresponding to the purpose specified by the user, for example, from past advertising effectiveness data 146. Alternatively, the generation unit 102 may generate words for promotional texts and the like corresponding to the purpose specified by the user based on the learning results.

[0081] The display format of input / output data between the user and the advertisement creation support system 1 is not limited to the chat format shown in Figures 9 to 12. Furthermore, the format of advertisement creation instructions and correction instructions from the user is not limited to natural language as shown in Figures 9 to 12.

[0082] Furthermore, the flow of advertisement creation support processing in advertisement creation support server 10 will be described in detail.

[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of advertisement creation support processing executed by the advertisement creation support server 10 according to this embodiment.

[0084] First, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a user's instruction to create a flyer from the store terminal 20 (S1). The instruction to create a flyer is input as a prompt, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0085] Then, generation unit 102 generates a flyer based on the flyer creation instruction and various data stored in storage unit 14 (S2). Generation unit 102 may also generate text of a response to the user as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12.

[0086] Then, the output unit 103 outputs the flyer generated by the generation unit 102 to the store terminal 20 (S3). The display control unit 204 of the store terminal 20 causes the display unit 26 to display the flyer as shown in FIGS.

[0087] Then, when the acquisition unit 101 receives a correction instruction from the user via the store terminal 20 (S4 "Yes"), the generation unit 102 determines whether confirmation of the correction instruction is required (S5). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when confirmation is required before correcting the flyer (S5 "Yes"), the generation unit 102 generates a question for the user. Furthermore, the output unit 103 outputs the question generated by the generation unit 102 to the store terminal 20 (S6).

[0088] The acquisition unit 101 waits until it acquires the user's answer via the store terminal 20 (S4 "No"). Then, when the acquisition unit 101 acquires the user's answer via the store terminal 20 (S7 "Yes"), the generation unit 102 determines whether further questions are needed (S8). If further questions are needed (S8 "Yes"), the process returns to S6, and the processes of S6 to S8 are repeatedly executed until the user's instructions become clear enough that the flyer can be corrected.

[0089] Then, if confirmation of the correction instruction is not required (S5 "No"), and if a sufficient response is received from the user (S8 "Yes"), the generation unit 102 corrects the flyer (S9).

[0090] Then, the output unit 103 outputs the flyer corrected by the generation unit 102 to the store terminal 20 (S10). Then, the process returns to S4, and the processes of S4 to S10 are repeatedly executed until there are no more correction instructions from the user.

[0091] If there is no correction instruction from the user (S4 "No") and the acquisition unit 101 accepts a flyer download operation from the user via the store terminal 20 (S11 "Yes"), the output unit 103 outputs the latest corrected flyer to the store terminal 20 (S12). The processing of this flowchart then ends.

[0092] In this way, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment generates and outputs a flyer including product images based on advertisement creation instructions from the user and information regarding the expected arrival of the product. Furthermore, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment modifies the output flyer based on user instructions for modification of the flyer, and outputs the modified flyer. Therefore, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment allows the user to create and modify flyers without having to operate image editing software or specify specific products to be featured, thereby reducing the workload of advertisement creation work.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the advertisement creation instructions from the user include at least information regarding the purpose of the flyer to be created. The advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment generates a flyer according to the purpose included in the advertisement creation instructions from the user, based on past advertising effectiveness data 146. Therefore, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment can create a flyer that meets the effect expected by the user.

[0094] Furthermore, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment allows the user to input prompt advertisement creation instructions and correction instructions in text format, generates questions for the user in an interactive format, and corrects a generated flyer in accordance with the user's answers to the questions. Therefore, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment allows the user to input appropriate information for flyer creation by answering the dialogue with the advertisement creation support server 10.

[0095] Furthermore, in the advertisement creation support system 1 of this embodiment, the advertisement creation support server 10 and the store terminal 20 work together to create and modify flyers based on user instructions, so that even if the store terminal 20 does not store generation AI or various data for creating advertisements, flyers can be created and modified by utilizing the functions and data of the advertisement creation support server 10.

[0096] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, a flyer is given as an example of an advertisement, but the type of advertisement created by the advertisement creation support server 10 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the advertisement creation support server 10 creates a POP (Point Of Purchase).

[0097] POP is a promotional display that is displayed in the sales area of ​​a store. Unlike flyers, it is not intended to be distributed outside the store. Generally, one POP contains information about one product. The purpose of a POP is generally to promote the product in question.

[0098] The advertisement creation support system 1 of this embodiment includes an advertisement creation support server 10 and a shop terminal 20, similar to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0099] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an advertisement creation support server 10 according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the advertisement creation support server 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are connected via a bus or the like to form a control unit 100 having a computer configuration.

[0100] The storage unit 14 of this embodiment stores a program 141, POS data 142, past POP data 1041, product data 144, product image data 145, past advertising effectiveness data 1402, selling price data 148 of other stores, weather data 149, and trend information 150. In this embodiment, the POS data 142 includes information about the size of products purchased in the past. The POS data 142 also includes information about past transactions, that is, for example, the names of products purchased in the past, prices, sales quantities, sales stores, sales dates and times, etc.

[0101] The past POP data 1041 may be, for example, a database in which data on POPs created in the past at the store where the store terminal 20 is installed or at other stores is associated with information that can identify the products listed on the POPs. The information that can identify the products listed on the POPs may be, for example, the JAN code of the products. The POP data format is assumed to be an editable format, such as AI data.

[0102] The storage unit 14 may store POP format data instead of the past POP data 1041 or in addition to the past POP data 1041 .

[0103] Furthermore, the past advertising effectiveness data 1402 of this embodiment is data regarding the effectiveness of POPs posted in the past. The past advertising effectiveness data 1402 may include, for example, statistical analysis results such as A / B testing, and information regarding the differences in effectiveness of multiple different POPs used for the same product. The past advertising effectiveness data 1402 may also include information regarding changes in sales before and after the POP was posted.

[0104] Note that the various data shown in FIG. 14 are merely examples, and the storage unit 14 may further store other data.

[0105] The advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 101, a generation unit 102, and an output unit 103, similar to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0106] The hardware configuration of the store terminal 20 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described in Fig. 7. The store terminal 20 of this embodiment also includes, as functional components, an input unit 201, a transmission unit 202, a reception unit 203, and a display control unit 204, similar to that of the first embodiment described in Fig. 8.

[0107] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of interaction between a user and the advertisement creation support system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15 , for example, a user inputs prompts 341 and 342 for POP creation instructions, specifying the size and product of a POP, into the store terminal 20. In this case, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 generates a response text 441, such as "How about this illustration?", and a POP 601. The generation unit 102 generates the POP 601 using various data stored in the storage unit 14. For example, the generation unit 102 identifies a layout and promotional text with high promotional effectiveness from past POP data 1041 and past advertising effectiveness data 1402. The generation unit 102 also obtains the price of a product from the product data 144. The generation unit 102 may also obtain a product image from the product image data 145 and include the image in the POP 601.

[0108] In response to this, the user can further input a prompt 343 for a correction instruction such as "Change it to 'Sale'." When a correction instruction is input, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 corrects the POP 601. The output unit 103 of the advertisement creation support server 10 outputs the response text 442 "How about this illustration?" generated by the generation unit 102 and the corrected POP 602 to the store terminal 20.

[0109] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of interactions between a user and the advertisement creation support system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in prompts 351 and 352 in FIG. 16 , the user may input a question about the product and the status of the POP creation process before inputting a POP creation instruction. In this case, the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 generates text 451 and 452 that answers the user's question based on various data stored in the storage unit 14. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the user inputs prompt 353 instructing the user to create a POP based on the content of text 451 and 452. In this case, the generation unit 102 generates POP 603 based on the content of prompt 353, the previous prompts 351 and 352, and the text 451 and 452. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the user inputs prompt 354, "Reflect on production," indicating that the POP 603 should be adopted without modification.

[0110] When receiving the instruction, the output unit 103 of the advertisement creation support server 10 may, for example, save the POP 603 in a specified output destination. Alternatively, the output unit 103 may output a print request for the POP 603 to another system.

[0111] As in the first embodiment, the user may edit the POP generated by the generation unit 102 using image editing software, etc. The POP data generated in this embodiment can also be applied to POPs that are used electronically.

[0112] In this way, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this embodiment, having the above configuration, can reduce the burden of POP creation work on the user.

[0113] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiments, the advertisement creation support server 10 interactively inputs instructions from the user and outputs advertisements in response to those instructions. However, the user interface provided by the advertisement creation support server 10 is not limited to this. For example, the advertisement creation support server 10 of this modified example supports the user in creating advertisements by presenting suggestions for advertisement creation on an image editing screen.

[0114] 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image editing screen 265 according to this modification. The image editing screen 265 is a GUI that enables, for example, editing of advertisements. The image editing screen 265 is displayed on the display unit 26 by the display control unit 204 of the store terminal 20. The image editing screen 265 includes, for example, an advertisement display area 551, an input field 261, and a candidate presentation field 262.

[0115] The advertisement display area 551 is an area where the advertisement generated by the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 is displayed.

[0116] The input field 261 is an area where the user can input information related to advertisement creation, such as the purpose and distribution period of the advertisement.

[0117] The candidate presentation field 262 is an area in which at least one of candidates for the product and the sales promotion message to be included in the advertisement determined by the generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 is displayed.

[0118] The user can add the candidates displayed in the candidate presentation field 262 to the advertisement displayed in the advertisement display area 551 by operating the operation unit 25, for example.

[0119] In addition, the image editing screen 265 may be provided with various functions of known image editing software.

[0120] The generation unit 102 of the advertisement creation support server 10 of this modified example generates suggestions for creating an advertisement. The generation unit 102 determines candidates for at least one of the product and promotional text to be included in the advertisement, for example, based on information entered in the input field 261 and various data stored in the storage unit 14. The output unit 103 of the advertisement creation support server 10 outputs the candidates to the store terminal 20, thereby causing them to be output on the image editing screen 265.

[0121] 17 shows a flyer as an example, the image editing screen 265 may also be applied to the creation of a POP. The screen image of the image editing screen 265, the contents of the input field 261, and the candidate presentation field 262 shown in FIG. 17 are merely examples. For example, the generation unit 102 may generate suggestions for creating an advertisement in text.

[0122] By displaying suggestions from the generation unit 102 on the image editing screen 265 as in this modified example, the burden of advertisement creation work can be reduced even for users who perform image editing operations themselves.

[0123] (Variation 2) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the advertisement creation support server 10 has been described as being configured to create either a flyer or a POP, but the advertisement creation support server 10 may also have the functions of both creating flyers and creating POPs.

[0124] (Variation 3) Furthermore, the types of advertisements created by the advertisement creation support server 10 are not limited to flyers and POPs. For example, the type of advertisement may be a poster that is displayed for use. The advertisement creation support server 10 may also create online advertisements, electronic flyers, ESLs (electronic shelf labels), electronic signage advertisements, etc. that are displayed on a web browser or an application on a smartphone or the like. Furthermore, the type of advertisement is not limited to still images, but may be a video.

[0125] (Variation 4) In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the advertisement creation support server 10 and the store terminal 20 are described as separate devices, but the advertisement creation support server 10 and the store terminal 20 may be configured as a single information processing device.

[0126] As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the workload of advertisement creation work can be reduced.

[0127] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Advertising creation support system 10. Advertisement creation support server 14 Storage section 15 Communications Department 20 Store terminals 24 Memory section 25 Control section 26 Display section 27 Communications Department 100 control section 101 Acquisition Department 102 Generation part 103 Output section 141 Programs 142 POS data 143 FMT data 144 product data 145 product image data 146,1402 Past advertising effectiveness data 147 GIS data 148 Selling Price Data 149 Weather Data 150 Trend Information 200 control section 201 Input section 202 Transmission Unit 203 Receiving unit 204 Display control unit 241 Programs 261 input field 262 Candidate presentation column 265 Image editing screen 301, 302, 311~313, 321~323, 331, 332, 341, 342, 351~354 prompt 401,402,411,412,421,422,431,432,442,451,452 Text 501,511,512,521,522 flyer 551 Advertising display area 601~603 POP 1041 Past POP Data N Network [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0129] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-082693

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring an advertisement creation instruction from a user; a generating means for generating an advertisement including an image of the product based on the advertisement creation instruction and information regarding a product arrival schedule; an output means for outputting the generated advertisement, the acquiring means acquires a correction instruction from the user for the output advertisement; The generating means modifies the advertisement based on the acquired modification instruction; The output means outputs the modified advertisement. Information processing device.

2. the advertisement creation instruction includes at least information regarding the purpose of the advertisement to be created; the generation means generates the advertisement according to the purpose based on information regarding past effectiveness of the advertisement. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the advertisement creation instructions and the modification instructions are text prompts; the generating means interactively generates questions for the user and modifies the advertisement in accordance with the answers from the user to the questions; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The generation means determines candidates for at least one of a product and a promotional message to be included in the advertisement; the output means outputs the candidates determined by the generation means onto an image editing screen on which the advertisement can be edited.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. An information processing device and a user terminal, The information processing device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring an advertisement creation instruction from the user terminal; a generating means for generating an advertisement including an image of the product based on the advertisement creation instruction and information regarding the product's arrival schedule; an output means for outputting the generated advertisement to the user terminal; The user terminal input means for receiving the advertisement creation instruction input from the user; a transmitting means for transmitting the advertisement creation instruction to the information processing device; a display control means for displaying the advertisement generated by the information processing device on a display unit; The acquisition means of the information processing device acquires, from the user terminal, a correction instruction from the user regarding the output advertisement; the generating means of the information processing device modifies the advertisement based on the acquired modification instruction; the output means of the information processing device outputs the modified advertisement to the user terminal. system.

Images