Proposed apparatus, proposed method, and program

Abstract

To help a user to create a timetable for broadcast advertisement.SOLUTION: A retrieval unit (11) retrieves information on past matters similar to an entered matter from a database storing information on past matters based on contract conditions of an entered matter. A drafting unit (12) creates a timetable for a second broadcast advertisement for the entered matter based on a timetable for the first broadcast advertisement for the similar past matters. An output unit (13) outputs a timetable of the created second broadcast advertisement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a proposing apparatus, a proposing method, and a program, and particularly relates to a proposing apparatus, a proposing method, and a program that assist creation of a timetable for broadcast advertisements. [Background Art]

[0002] Broadcast slots for broadcast advertisements (CMs) are traded between broadcasting stations such as television broadcasting stations and advertising agencies (see, for example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2). The advertising agency sets contract terms in accordance with the sponsor's intentions. The contract terms include gross rating point (GRP: gross rating point, also called PRP: person rating point), time rank, and the like. A person in charge at the broadcasting station creates a timetable indicating in which broadcast slot during the contract period the broadcast advertisement will be broadcast based on the contract terms presented by the advertising agency, and presents the timetable to the person in charge at the advertising agency. The timetable for broadcast advertisements is also called a "wired table". [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-086082 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-193701 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In order to create a timetable, a person in charge at a broadcasting station usually refers to timetables created for past transactions related to broadcast advertisement slot transactions. However, it is not realistic for the person in charge to check all timetables created for a huge number of past cases.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to assist in creating a timetable for broadcast advertisements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A proposed device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a search means for searching for information on past cases similar to the input case from a database storing information on past cases based on the contract terms of the input case; a drafting means for creating a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for the similar past case; and an output means for outputting the created second broadcast advertisement timetable.

[0007] A proposed method according to one aspect of the present invention involves a computer loading and executing a program to search for information on past cases similar to the input case from a database storing information on past cases based on the contract terms of the input case, creating a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for the similar past case, and outputting the created second broadcast advertisement timetable.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following actions: based on the contract terms of an input case, it searches a database storing information on past cases for information on past cases similar to the input case; it creates a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for the similar past cases; and it outputs the created second broadcast advertisement timetable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to assist in creating a timetable for broadcast advertisements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the proposed device 10 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the proposed device 10 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a broadcast advertising timetable. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of the contract terms for a project. [Figure 6] This graph shows the distribution of GRP (Gross Rating Points) for broadcast advertising. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This figure shows examples of search criteria based on one or more contractual conditions. [Figure 11] The image shows the screen of a terminal device displaying a list of possible timetables for the second broadcast advertisement. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the design unit according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the day-of-the-week alignment between the contract periods of similar past projects and the contract period of the entered project. [Figure 14] This shows the allocation of target GRPs for each block corresponding to the same time rank. [Figure 15] This diagram shows an example of a method to increase the number of times (or broadcasts) a second broadcast advertisement is aired. [Figure 16] This diagram shows an example of a method for determining the day to increase the number of broadcast advertisements. [Figure 17] This diagram shows an example of a method to reduce the number of times (or broadcasts) a second type of broadcast advertisement is aired. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the proposal apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2.

[0012] (Proposal Apparatus 10) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the proposal apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the proposal apparatus 10 includes a search unit 11, a plan drafting unit 12, and an output unit 13.

[0013] The search unit 11 searches, based on the input contract conditions of a case, for information on past cases similar to the input case from a database (not shown) storing information on past cases. The search unit 11 is an example of a search means. Here, the “case” means a case related to a transaction for a broadcasting slot (broadcasting date / time or day of the week) of a broadcast advertisement. Also, “similar” means that, with respect to the contract conditions used for the search by the search unit 11, the input case and a specific past case match or approximate to each other.

[0014] Contract conditions are requirements for realizing a contract related to a broadcast advertisement. Contract conditions are normally presented from an advertising agency to a broadcasting station. For example, the contract amount, contract period, target value of gross rating point, and the industry of the sponsor are included in the contract conditions. Here, the index of the gross rating point is, for example, GRP or PRP. In the following description, a case where the index of the gross rating point is GRP will be described as an example. Also, in the following, the target value of GRP is referred to as a target GRP.

[0015] Information on past projects includes not only the contract terms for those past projects, but also data on the broadcast advertising timetables (hereinafter referred to as the first broadcast advertising timetable) that were created by the broadcasting station's representatives for presentation to the advertising agency's representatives in those past projects. The term "timetable" refers to a schedule or program listing that shows the broadcast schedule of a television or radio program. In the following explanation, a television program will be used as an example. An example of a broadcast advertising timetable (Figure 3) will be shown later.

[0016] The search unit 11 may use one or more contract conditions from all the contract conditions of the input case as search conditions or search keywords to search for information on past cases similar to the input case from a database (not shown). The search unit 11 outputs information on similar past cases as a result of the search to the drafting unit 12. The information that the search unit 11 outputs to the drafting unit 12 includes data on the timetable of the first broadcast advertisement for the similar past case.

[0017] The planning unit 12 creates a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the entered case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for a similar past case. The planning unit 12 is an example of a planning method.

[0018] In one example, the planning unit 12 receives information from the search unit 11 regarding past cases similar to the input case. The planning unit 12 extracts data for the timetable of the first broadcast advertisement from the information regarding similar past cases. Based on the timetable of the first broadcast advertisement, the planning unit 12 creates a timetable for the second broadcast advertisement for the input case.

[0019] For example, the planning unit 12 compares the target GRP included in the contract terms of the input case with the GRP included in the contract terms of similar past cases and calculates the difference between them. Then, the planning unit 12 adjusts the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement based on the timetable for the first broadcast advertisement, adding or subtracting the GRP corresponding to the previously calculated difference. In this way, the planning unit 12 obtains the time schedule for the second broadcast advertisement from the timetable for the first broadcast advertisement. The planning unit 12 outputs the data of the second broadcast advertisement timetable created in this way to the output unit 13.

[0020] The output unit 13 outputs the timetable for the created second broadcast advertisement. The output unit 13 is an example of an output means. In one example, the output unit 13 receives the data for the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement from the planning unit 12. The output unit 13 outputs the data for the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement to an external device (not shown), such as a display device, terminal device, mobile device, or external storage device.

[0021] (Operation of proposed device 10) The operation of the proposed device 10 described above will be explained here.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by each part of the proposed device 10 according to this embodiment 1.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, first, the search unit 11 searches the database for information on past cases similar to the input case based on the contract terms of the input case (S1). As a result of the search, the search unit 11 outputs information on past cases similar to the input case to the drafting unit 12. The information that the search unit 11 outputs to the drafting unit 12 includes data on the timetable of the first broadcast advertisement for the similar past case.

[0024] Next, the planning unit 12 creates a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for a similar past case (S2). The planning unit 12 outputs the data of the created second broadcast advertisement timetable to the output unit 13.

[0025] The output unit 13 outputs the timetable data for the second broadcast advertisement (S3).

[0026] This concludes the operation of the proposed device 10 according to this first embodiment.

[0027] (Example of a timetable) Figure 3 shows an example of a broadcast advertisement timetable created by the planning department 12. In the example shown in Figure 3, the broadcast times for programs (A119, B119, etc.) are determined in a graph with time (19:00-19:00, 20:00-19:00, etc.) on the vertical axis and day of the week on the horizontal axis. The planning department 12, as described above, illustrates the times in which the first and second broadcast advertisements are broadcast on the broadcast advertisement timetable. In Figure 3, the broadcast slots for the first and second broadcast advertisements, that is, the times and days (broadcast slots) in which the first and second broadcast advertisements are broadcast, are simply indicated by diagonal lines. As illustrated in Figure 3, the planning department 12 may also indicate broadcast slots on the broadcast advertisement timetable using different types of diagonal lines for each broadcasting station.

[0028] The timetable illustrated in Figure 3 has the feature of allowing users to see a list of the times and days (broadcast slots) in which the first and second broadcast advertisements will be aired. A user (for example, a representative of a broadcasting station) can present the timetable illustrated in Figure 3 to a representative of an advertising agency. This allows the user to clearly explain the times and days (broadcast slots) in which the broadcast advertisements will be aired.

[0029] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the search unit 11 searches a database containing information on past cases for information on past cases similar to the input case, based on the contract terms of the input case. The planning unit 12 creates a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases. The output unit 13 outputs the created second broadcast advertisement timetable. In this way, a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case is created based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases. The created second broadcast advertisement timetable is then output. Therefore, a user (for example, a person in charge at a broadcasting station) can obtain a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case from the output of the suggestion device 10, thus saving them the trouble of creating the second broadcast advertisement timetable themselves. In this way, the suggestion device 10 can assist in creating a broadcast advertisement timetable.

[0030] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. In Embodiment 2, an example of the configuration of a system to which the proposed device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is applied will be described.

[0031] (System 1) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of System 1 according to this second embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, System 1 includes a proposal device 10, a terminal device 100, and a database 200.

[0032] The proposed device 10 comprises a search unit 11, a design unit 12, and an output unit 13. Each part of the proposed device 10 was described in Embodiment 1. In this Embodiment 2, the description of configurations or processes common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0033] The terminal device 100 is an information processing device equipped with input / output functions. The terminal device 100 is configured to communicate with the proposal device 10. A user (for example, a person in charge at a broadcasting station) uses the terminal device 100 to input the contract terms of a case into the proposal device 10. The information regarding the contract terms of a case entered by the user is received from the terminal device 100 by the search unit 11 of the proposal device 10.

[0034] Database 200 stores information about past projects. Specifically, it stores data such as the GRP allocation table for the first broadcast advertisement for past projects (Figure 6), and data on the contract terms for past projects.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example of contract terms stored in database 200. In the example shown in Figure 5, the contract terms include the (advertising) agency, advertiser (also called sponsor), industry, contract period, contract amount, and target GRP. As mentioned above, target GRP is an example of a target value for total viewership. In one variation, in system 1, target PRP may be used instead of target GRP.

[0036] (An example of a GRP allocation table for the first broadcast advertisement) Figure 6 shows an example of a GRP allocation table for the first broadcast advertisement. This table shows the allocation of the GRP for the first broadcast advertisement based on the day of the week and time (broadcast slot) in which the first broadcast advertisement was aired in similar past cases. In Figure 6, symbols such as "1200T" represent a specific broadcast slot (in this example, 12:00-16:00). In the table shown in Figure 6, the numbers within the boxes (e.g., 5.0%, 15.0%) represent the GRP for the first broadcast advertisement. Generally, GRP is obtained by multiplying the "viewership rating" of the television program in which the broadcast advertisement is aired by the "number of times" (or number of) the broadcast advertisement is aired. The unit of GRP (%) is the same as the unit of viewership rating (%).

[0037] (System 1 operation) Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the proposed device 10 and the terminal device 100, respectively, provided in the system 1 according to this second embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the terminal device 100 inputs the contract terms of the case to the proposal device 10 (P101).

[0039] The search unit 11 of the proposal device 10 searches the database 200 for information on similar past cases based on the contract conditions of the case entered by the terminal device 100 (P102). The search unit 11 outputs the information on similar past cases as a result of the search to the drafting unit 12.

[0040] The planning unit 12 creates a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for a similar past case (P103). An example of the timetable creation process will be explained in Embodiment 4. The planning unit 12 outputs the data of the created second broadcast advertisement timetable to the output unit 13.

[0041] The output unit 13 transmits the data of the second broadcast advertisement timetable created by the planning unit 12 to the terminal device 100 (P104).

[0042] The terminal device 100 displays the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement on a screen (not shown) or the like provided by the terminal device 100 (P105).

[0043] This concludes the operation of System 1 according to this second embodiment.

[0044] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the terminal device 100 inputs information on the contract terms of a case to the proposal device 10. The search unit 11 of the proposal device 10 searches for information on past cases similar to the input case from a database that stores information on past cases, based on the contract terms of the input case. The drafting unit 12 creates a candidate for a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases. The output unit 13 outputs the created candidate for the second broadcast advertisement timetable. In this way, a candidate for a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case is created based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases. The created candidate for the second broadcast advertisement timetable is then output. Therefore, the user (for example, a person in charge at a broadcasting station) can obtain the second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case from the output of the proposal device 10, thus saving the user the trouble of creating the second broadcast advertisement timetable themselves. In this way, the proposal device 10 can assist in creating a broadcast advertisement timetable.

[0045] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. In this embodiment 3, the proposed device 20 presents the user with several candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement.

[0046] (System 2) Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of System 2 according to this third embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, System 2 comprises a proposal device 20, a terminal device 100, and a database 200.

[0047] The proposal device 20 includes a search unit 11, a drafting unit 12, and an output unit 13. The proposal device 20 also includes a registration unit 24.

[0048] The proposed device 20 presents the user with several candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement. In this respect, the operation of the proposed device 20 differs from the operation of the proposed device 10 according to the second embodiment. The processing performed by each part of the proposed device 20 will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram.

[0049] (Operation of proposed device 20) Referring to Figures 9 to 11, the operation of System 2 according to this third embodiment will be described.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, the terminal device 100 inputs the contract terms of the case to the proposal device 20 (P101).

[0051] The search unit 11 of the proposed device 20 selects one or more contract conditions from the input contract conditions of the case as a set of search conditions (P102'-1). Here, the search unit 11 determines three sets containing mutually different search conditions.

[0052] Figure 10 shows three examples of search criteria. Examples No. 1 to No. 3 in Figure 10 differ from each other in both the types and number of search criteria. Example No. 1 in Figure 10 includes four search criteria: agency, advertiser, contract amount, and contract period. Example No. 2 includes three search criteria: agency, advertiser, and contract period. Example No. 3 includes two search criteria: industry and contract period. Note that the sets of search criteria may be pre-set depending on the target.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, following step P102'-1, the search unit 11 searches the database 200 for information on similar past cases based on each set of search conditions (P102'-2). Here, the search unit 11 searches for information on similar past cases for each set of search conditions. As a result of the search, the search unit 11 outputs information on similar past cases to the drafting unit 12.

[0054] The planning unit 12 creates candidate timetables for a second broadcast advertisement for the input case based on the timetables for first broadcast advertisements for similar past cases (P103'). In step P103', the planning unit 12 creates three candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement corresponding to the three sets of search conditions determined by the search unit 11. The planning unit 12 outputs the data of the created candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement to the output unit 13.

[0055] The output unit 13 transmits data for candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement to the terminal device 100 (P104').

[0056] The terminal device 100 displays the candidate timetable for the second broadcast advertisement on the screen provided by the terminal device 100 (Figure 11) (P105'). Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may display the candidate timetable for the second broadcast advertisement on the screen of a display connected to the terminal device 100 wirelessly or by wire, as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0057] Figure 11 shows an example of the screen of terminal device 100 displaying candidate timetables for a second broadcast advertisement. In the example shown in Figure 11, three candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement are displayed side by side on the screen of terminal device 100. The user can compare the three candidates displayed side by side on the screen of terminal device 100. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the GRP (Gross Rating Point, an example of an indicator of cumulative viewership) value and time rank classification are shown in a table format for each candidate timetable for the second broadcast advertisement. The symbols to the right of "Candidate A," "Candidate B," and "Candidate C" are identifiers for similar past cases. The time rank is an indicator that determines the price of the broadcast advertisement slot. The time rank is usually predetermined according to at least one of the day of the week and the time slot.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, after step P105, the terminal device 100 selects one from among several candidates based on user input or other factors (P106). The terminal device 100 transmits information about the selected candidate to the suggestion device 20.

[0059] The registration unit 24 of the proposal device 20 stores the data of one candidate selected by the terminal device 100 from among the candidates for the second broadcast advertisement timetable in the database 200 (P107).

[0060] This concludes the operation of System 2 according to this third embodiment.

[0061] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the terminal device 100 inputs information on the contract terms of a case to the proposal device 20. The search unit 11 of the proposal device 20 searches for information on past cases similar to the input case from a database that stores information on past cases, based on the contract terms of the input case. The drafting unit 12 creates a candidate for a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases. The output unit 13 outputs the created candidate for the second broadcast advertisement timetable. In this way, a candidate for a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case is created based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases. The created candidate for the second broadcast advertisement timetable is then output. Therefore, the user (for example, a person in charge at a broadcasting station) can obtain the second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case from the output of the proposal device 20, thus saving the user the trouble of creating the second broadcast advertisement timetable themselves. In this way, the proposal device 20 can assist in creating a broadcast advertisement timetable. Furthermore, the terminal device 100 selects one of the candidates for the second broadcast advertisement timetable. The registration unit 24 of the proposal device 20 registers the data of the selected timetable candidate in the database 200. As a result, the amount of timetable data stored in the database 200 can be increased.

[0062] [Embodiment 4] This embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 16.

[0063] In this fourth embodiment, an example of the process (step P103 in Figures 6 and 7) related to creating the timetable (Figure 3) or a candidate for it (Figure 11) described in the second and third embodiments will be explained in detail.

[0064] The configuration of the proposed device according to this embodiment 4 is the same as that of the proposed device 10 according to embodiment 2 or the proposed device 20 according to embodiment 3. Hereinafter, the proposed device according to this embodiment 4 will be referred to as "proposed device 10(20)". "Proposed device 10(20)" means either proposed device 10 or proposed device 20.

[0065] Here, we will describe an example of a method for creating a second broadcast advertisement timetable. The timetable creation process described in Embodiment 2 (step P103 in Figure 7) and the timetable candidate creation process described in Embodiment 3 (step P103 in Figure 9) may be implemented as follows.

[0066] (Creating a timetable) Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the process for creating a timetable or a candidate timetable according to this embodiment 4.

[0067] As shown in Figure 12, the proposal unit 12 of the proposal device 10(20) receives information from the search unit 11 regarding past cases similar to the input case (S101).

[0068] The planning unit 12 performs a day-of-the-week matching operation between the contract period of the entered project and the contract periods of similar past projects (S102). Through the "day-of-the-week matching" process, the planning unit 12 establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the days in the contract period of the entered project and the days in the contract periods of similar past projects, ensuring that the same days of the week are matched. Subsequently, the planning unit 12 converts the time schedule of the first broadcast advertisement to the schedule of the second broadcast advertisement between the matched days.

[0069] Referring to Figure 13, an example of the "day of the week matching" process in step S102 will be explained. In Figure 13, the left side shows the contract period and the days within the contract period for similar past cases. The right side shows the contract period for the entered case and the scheduled date on which the second broadcast advertisement will be aired.

[0070] As shown in Figure 13, the first day of the contract period for a similar past case, April 1, 2019, was a Monday. Therefore, in the contract period of the entered case, the first Monday, April 6, 2020, is associated with April 1, 2019. Based on the association for the first day, the association for subsequent days is automatically determined. For example, April 7, 2020 (Tuesday), the day after April 6, 2020, is associated with April 2, 2019 (Tuesday), the day after April 1, 2019.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, after step S102, the planning unit 12 determines the allocation of target GRPs for the second broadcast advertisement in the input case based on the GRP allocation table for the first broadcast advertisement in similar past cases (Figure 6) (S103).

[0072] Figure 14 shows an example of the allocation of target GRPs determined by the planning department 12. In Figure 14, the allocation of target GRPs is shown as a ratio for each block representing the same time rank. The ratio of the allocation of target GRPs in each block is determined by the allocation of GRPs for the first broadcast advertisement in similar past projects (Figure 6). The planning department 12 determines the allocation of target GRPs for the second broadcast advertisement according to the allocation ratio of target GRPs shown in Figure 14.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, after step S103, the planning unit 12 adjusts for any excess or deficiency in the target GRP (S104). For example, if the GRP of the first broadcast advertisement is 220%, and the target GRP of the second broadcast advertisement is 250%, the planning unit 12 adjusts the time schedule of the first broadcast advertisement to compensate for the 30% difference between the target GRP of the second broadcast advertisement and the GRP of the first broadcast advertisement. The planning unit 12 then determines the number of second broadcast advertisements for each block representing the same time rank, according to the target GRP distribution ratio shown in Figure 14.

[0074] As described above, GRP is obtained by multiplying the "viewership rating" of the television program on which the broadcast advertisement is aired and the "number of times" (or number of times) the broadcast advertisement is aired. Therefore, if the GRP of a similar past case is smaller than the target GRP for the input case, the planning unit 12 adds the number of second broadcast advertisements for each block representing the same time rank in the time schedule of the second broadcast advertisement. If the GRP of a similar past case is larger than the target GRP for the input case, the planning unit 12 reduces the number of second broadcast advertisements for each block.

[0075] As long as the contractual conditions of the entered project are met, the planning department 12 may determine the time schedule for the second broadcast advertisement in any way. Furthermore, the planning department 12 may adjust the time schedule for the second broadcast advertisement in any way in order to increase or decrease the number of second broadcast advertisements. However, it is preferable that the planning department 12 determines the time schedule for the second broadcast advertisement in accordance with at least one of the following three criteria. However, the following criteria (1) to (3) are not mandatory in the procedure for determining the time schedule for the second broadcast advertisement.

[0076] (1) The planning department 12 determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement over different days of the same week.

[0077] (2) The planning department 12 determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement across different time slots on the same day.

[0078] (3) The planning department 12 determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement over different days during the contract period of the input case.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferable that the planning department 12 adjusts the time schedule of the second broadcast advertisement in accordance with the same criteria as (1) to (3) above. Below, a specific example of the procedure for adjusting the time schedule of the second broadcast advertisement will be described.

[0080] (Adjusting the Target GRP for the Second Broadcast Advertisement) Referring to Figure 15, an example of how the planning unit 12 determines the day and time to add one second broadcast advertisement within a block is described. First, the planning unit 12 identifies that Friday has the fewest second broadcast advertisements among the days from Monday to Friday in the same block. Next, the planning unit 12 identifies that the 11 o'clock hour has the fewest second broadcast advertisements among the days from 8 o'clock (0800T in Figure 15) to 11 o'clock (1100T in Figure 15) on Friday. Therefore, the planning unit 12 increases the number of second broadcast advertisements in the 11 o'clock hour on Friday. If there are multiple days with the fewest second broadcast advertisements, the planning unit 12 may increase the number of second broadcast advertisements on the latest day.

[0081] Referring to Figure 16, an example of how the planning department 12 determines the date for adding a second broadcast advertisement during the contract period is explained. Here, it is assumed that the day and time for adding the second broadcast advertisement is set to be Friday in the 11 o'clock hour. First, the planning department 12 identifies the Friday during the contract period. Then, the planning department 12 increases the number of second broadcast advertisements in the 11 o'clock hour on the Friday of the last week of the contract period.

[0082] Alternatively, if there is a day during the contract period when the second broadcast advertisement is not broadcast, the production department 12 may increase the number of second broadcast advertisements between 8:00 and 12:00 on that day. However, the time rank between 8:00 and 12:00 on that day must be the same as the time rank between 8:00 and 12:00 on Friday.

[0083] Referring to Figure 17, an example of how the planning department 12 can reduce the number of second broadcast advertisements within a block will be explained. First, the planning department 12 identifies that the number of second broadcast advertisements is highest on Tuesdays within the same block from Monday to Friday. Next, the planning department 12 identifies that the number of second broadcast advertisements is highest in the 9pm hour between 8pm (2000T in Figure 17) and 11pm (2300T in Figure 17) on Fridays. The planning department 12 then reduces the number of second broadcast advertisements in the 9pm hour on Tuesdays. If there are multiple days with the highest number of second broadcast advertisements, the planning department 12 may reduce the number of second broadcast advertisements on the earliest day.

[0084] This explains an example of how the planning department 12 determines the date to reduce the number of second broadcast advertisements by one during the contract period. Here, it is assumed that the day and time to reduce the number of second broadcast advertisements is set for Tuesday in the 9 PM hour. First, the planning department 12 identifies the Tuesday during the contract period. Then, the planning department 12 reduces the number of second broadcast advertisements in the 9 PM hour on the Tuesday of the final week of the contract period.

[0085] Furthermore, the broadcast times of the first and second broadcast advertisements do not necessarily have to be exactly the same. This is because the program schedule may not be identical between the contract period of the entered project and similar past contract periods. In such cases, the programming unit 12 may convert the broadcast time of the second broadcast advertisement from the time of the first broadcast advertisement using any rule. For example, the programming unit 12 may set the broadcast time of the second broadcast advertisement to be the same rank as the broadcast time of the first broadcast advertisement, but later than the time of the first broadcast advertisement.

[0086] This completes the creation of the timetable or its candidates, which is executed by the design unit 12 of the proposed device 10(20).

[0087] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the planning unit 12 adjusts the days of the week between the contract period of similar past cases and the contract period of the entered case. Then, the planning unit 12 increases or decreases the number of second broadcast advertisements in order to adjust the difference between the target GRP of the second broadcast advertisement and the GRP of the first broadcast advertisement. As a result, a timetable or candidate for the second broadcast advertisement can be created according to the target GRP of the second broadcast advertisement.

[0088] [Hardware configuration] Each component of the proposed device 10(20) described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above represents a functional unit block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device 900, for example, as shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900.

[0089] As shown in Figure 18, the information processing device 900 includes, as an example, the following configuration.

[0090] ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)901 • ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 ·RAM(Random Access Memory)903 Program 904 is loaded into RAM903. • Storage device 905 for storing program 904 • Drive device 907 for reading and writing recording medium 906 • Communication interface 908 connected to communication network 909 • Input / output interface 910 for data input / output. • Bus 911 connecting each component Each component of the proposed device 10(20) described in Embodiments 1 to 3 is realized when the CPU 901 reads and executes a program 904 that realizes the functions of each component. The program 904 that realizes the functions of each component is, for example, stored in advance in a storage device 905 or ROM 902, and the CPU 901 loads it into RAM 903 and executes it as needed. The program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via a communication network 909, or it may be stored in advance in a recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0091] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the proposed device 10(20) described in Embodiments 1 to 3 is realized as hardware. Therefore, the same effects as those described in Embodiments 1 to 3 can be achieved.

[0092] One aspect of the present invention can also be described as follows, but is not limited to the following.

[0093] (Note 1) A search means that searches for information on past cases similar to the entered case from a database containing information on past cases, based on the contract terms of the entered case. A drafting means for creating a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for a similar past case, The system comprises output means for outputting the timetable of the second broadcast advertisement that has been created. Proposed device.

[0094] (Note 2) The system further includes a registration means for registering the data of one timetable selected from the outputted timetables into the database as information related to the input case. The proposed apparatus as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0095] (Note 3) The output means outputs, along with the timetable, information regarding at least one of the following: predicted viewership ratings for the second broadcast advertisement, and the classification of the time slot in which the second broadcast advertisement is broadcast. The proposed apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0096] (Note 4) The planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement by adjusting the timetable for the first broadcast advertisement according to the difference between the target value of the total viewership rating for the second broadcast advertisement and the viewership rating for the first broadcast advertisement. The proposed apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized by the features described herein.

[0097] (Note 5) The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement over different days of the same week. The proposed apparatus as described in Appendix 4, characterized by the features described herein.

[0098] (Note 6) The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement across different time slots on the same day. The proposed apparatus according to Appendix 4 or 5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0099] (Note 7) The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement over different days during the contract period of the input case. The proposed apparatus according to Appendix 4 or 5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0100] (Note 8) The search means retrieves information from the database regarding past cases similar to the input case by using one or more specific items included in the contract terms of the input case as search criteria. The proposed apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein.

[0101] (Note 9) The search means switches the search conditions according to the characteristics of the second broadcast advertisement. The proposed apparatus as described in Appendix 8, characterized by the features described herein.

[0102] (Note 10) The aforementioned drafting means is A one-to-one correspondence is established between each day in the contract period of the aforementioned similar past project and each day in the contract period of the aforementioned input project, with the same day of the week being matched. Based on the results of the correspondence, the timetable for the first broadcast advertisement is transferred to the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement. The proposed apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, characterized by the features described herein.

[0103] (Note 11) When a computer loads and executes a program, Based on the contract terms of the entered project, the system searches a database containing information on past projects for information on similar past projects. Based on the first broadcast advertisement timetable for the aforementioned similar past case, a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the entered case is created. Output the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement that was created. Proposal method.

[0104] (Note 12) Based on the contract terms of the entered project, the system searches a database containing information on past projects for information on similar past projects. Based on the first broadcast advertisement timetable for the aforementioned similar past case, a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the entered case is created. Output the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement that was created. A program that causes a computer to perform a task. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 10 Proposed device 11 Search Section 12 Drafting Department 13 Output section 20 Proposed device 24 Registration Department 100 terminal devices 200 databases

Claims

1. A search means that searches for information on past cases similar to the entered case from a database containing information on past cases, based on the contract terms of the entered case. A drafting means for creating a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the input case based on a first broadcast advertisement timetable for a similar past case, A proposed apparatus comprising output means for outputting the timetable of the second broadcast advertisement that has been created, The aforementioned contract terms include the agent, advertiser, and contract term, The output means causes a terminal device configured to communicate with the proposed device to display a plurality of candidates for the second broadcast advertisement timetable, and for each of the plurality of candidates, displays both the total viewership rating and the time rank along with the timetable. Proposed device.

2. The system further includes a registration means for registering the data of one timetable selected from the outputted timetables into the database as information related to the input case. The proposed apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The output means outputs, along with the timetable, information regarding at least one of the following: predicted viewership ratings for the second broadcast advertisement, and the classification of the time slot in which the second broadcast advertisement is broadcast. The proposed apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement by adjusting the timetable for the first broadcast advertisement according to the difference between the target value of the total viewership rating for the second broadcast advertisement and the viewership rating for the first broadcast advertisement. The proposed apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement over different days of the same week. The proposed apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement across different time slots on the same day. The proposed apparatus according to feature 4 or 5.

7. The aforementioned planning means determines the timetable for the second broadcast advertisement so as to equalize the total viewership of the second broadcast advertisement over different days during the contract period of the input case. The proposed apparatus according to feature 4 or 5.

8. The search means retrieves information from the database regarding past cases similar to the input case by using one or more specific items included in the contract terms of the input case as search criteria. The proposed apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. When a computer loads and executes a program, Based on the contract terms of the entered project, the system searches a database containing information on past projects for information on similar past projects. Based on the first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases mentioned above, a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the entered case is created. A proposed method for outputting the timetable of the second broadcast advertisement that was created, The aforementioned contract terms include the agent, advertiser, and contract term, The computer has a terminal device configured to communicate with the computer, The system displays multiple candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement, and for each of the candidate timetables, it displays both the total viewership rating and the time rank along with the timetable. Proposal method.

10. Based on the contract terms of the entered project, the system searches a database containing information on past projects for information on similar past projects. Based on the first broadcast advertisement timetable for similar past cases mentioned above, a second broadcast advertisement timetable for the entered case is created. A program for causing a computer to output the timetable of the second broadcast advertisement that was created, The aforementioned contract terms include the agent, advertiser, and contract term, The computer has a terminal device configured to communicate with the computer, The system displays multiple candidate timetables for the second broadcast advertisement, and for each of the candidate timetables, it displays both the total viewership rating and the time rank along with the timetable. A program to cause the computer to perform the above action.

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