Paint storage management device, paint storage management system, paint storage management method and program

Abstract

To provide a stored paint management device, a stored paint management system, a stored paint management method, and a program capable of easily grasping a paint of another color that can be produced from a stored paint.SOLUTION: The cloud server 1 includes the stored-paint information storage 131 that stores the image information indicating the captured image of the container filled with the paint stored by the painting contractor in association with the paint identification information. And a stored-paint information notifying section 114 that transmits, to the terminal 3, stored-paint information including the captured image of each of the containers filled with the paints, the paint identification information, and the color-chart number information. The stored-paint information managing section 112 causes the stored-paint information storing section 131 to store the color-chart number information indicating the specified color in association with the paint identification information. 113.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a stored paint management device, a stored paint management system, a stored paint management method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A paint effective utilization system has been proposed that includes a server terminal device managed by a paint product sales business operator that sells paint products each containing paint stored in a sealed container, and business operator terminal devices respectively managed by a plurality of business operators that can communicate with the server terminal device via a network and store the paint products as unused surplus inventory items, wherein the server terminal device accumulates information related to the surplus inventory items transmitted from each of the business operator terminal devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] By the way, for a plurality of business operators storing paint products, it is preferable from the perspective of effective utilization of paint to produce and use paint of a color different from the color of the paint they themselves store by mixing the paint they themselves store with paint stored by another business operator or primary color paint sold by a paint distributor. Accordingly, there is a demand for a means by which a business operator can easily grasp the colors of paint that can be produced from the paint they themselves store.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a stored paint management device, a stored paint management system, a stored paint management method, and a program that make it possible to easily grasp paints of other colors that can be produced from stored paint.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the storage paint management device according to the present invention Image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, and paint identification information for each of the at least one paints. Report A storage unit for storing paint information in a corresponding manner, For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores the color-matched color information indicating the specified color after color matching and the color-matched paint quantity information in a stored paint information storage unit, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. A stored paint information notification unit transmits an image of each container filled with at least one of the aforementioned paints, paint identification information for each of the aforementioned paints, the color information after color matching, and the amount of the color-matched paint to a terminal device held by the user. When the stored paint information storage unit newly stores the paint identification information of the paint necessary to achieve the color after mixing desired by the user, which is specified by the user based on the color after mixing information, the newly stored paint identification information includes It includes a recommendation notification unit that generates recommendation information and transmits it to the terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the color identification unit identifies colors that can be achieved by mixing at least one paint using other paints, and the stored paint information management unit stores the color information indicating the identified colors, along with image information indicating an image of a container filled with at least one paint, in the stored paint information storage unit, associating it with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. Furthermore, the stored paint information notification unit transmits the image of each container filled with at least one paint, the paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, and the color information to a terminal device held by the user. As a result, the image information and color information of the paint containers stored by the user can be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, so that the user can easily understand other colors of paint that can be made from the paints they store. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a storage paint management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal device and cloud server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device and cloud server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the information stored by the stored paint information storage unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the paint storage management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a storage paint notification image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the paint storage management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the stored paint information display processing performed by the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9]This is a flowchart showing an example of stored paint management processing executed by the cloud server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device and the cloud server according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the stored paint information storage unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the color adjustment information storage unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the color adjustment information storage unit according to a modified example. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device and the cloud server according to a modified example. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device and the cloud server according to a modified example. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the stored paint information storage unit according to a modified example. [Figure 17] This is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the stored paint management system according to a modified example. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing an example of stored paint management processing executed by the cloud server according to a modified example. [Description of Embodiments]

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a stored paint management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The stored paint management apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a stored paint information storage unit, a color identification unit, a stored paint information management unit, and a stored paint information notification unit. The stored paint information storage unit stores image information indicating a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paint. The color identification unit identifies, for each of the at least one paint, a color that can be realized by color mixing using other paints. The stored paint information management unit causes the stored paint information storage unit to store color information indicating the identified color in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paint. The stored paint information notification unit transmits the captured image of each container filled with the at least one paint, the paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, and the color information to a terminal device possessed by the user. Herein, "other paints" include not only paints stored by other users, but also primary color paints provided by traders that manufacture and sell paints. In addition, the paints stored by other users include paints mainly composed of resin, pigment, additives and solvent, and the primary color paints include paints mainly composed of pigment, additives and solvent.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the stored paint management system according to the present embodiment includes a terminal device 3 possessed by a painting contractor, and a cloud server 1, and the terminal device 3 and the cloud server 1 can communicate with each other via a network NW1. Further, a terminal device 8 possessed by a paint seller and a sales management server 9 that manages a paint sales site are connected to the network NW1, and the cloud server 1 can communicate with the terminal device 8 and the sales management server 9 via the network NW1. Here, the network NW1 is, for example, the Internet. The terminal device 8 is, for example, a personal computer, includes a display unit, and upon acquiring order information indicating the order details when the painting contractor places an order for paint, which is transmitted from the cloud server 1 as will be described later, forms an order detail notification image for notifying the paint seller of the order details based on the acquired order information, and causes the display unit to display the image.

[0011] The sales management server 9 includes a paint listing storage unit (not shown) that stores color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information of paints to be listed on the aforementioned sales site, associating them with each other. When the sales management server 9 receives the listing request information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (described later), it extracts the color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the acquired listing request information and stores them in the paint listing storage unit.

[0012] The terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, and as shown in Figure 2, comprises a CPU 301, a main memory unit 302, an auxiliary memory unit 303, a display unit 304, an input unit 305, a communication unit 306, an imaging unit 307, and a bus 309 connecting these to each other. The main memory unit 302 has volatile memory such as RAM and is used as the working area of ​​the CPU 301. The main memory unit 302 also has an image-dedicated memory (not shown) that temporarily stores image information to be displayed on the display unit 304. The auxiliary memory unit 303 is a non-volatile memory such as semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 301 to execute various processes. The display unit 504 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 305 is, for example, a transparent touchpad placed on top of the display unit 304. The communication unit 306 is connected to the network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 301 to the cloud server 1 via the network NW1, and also transfers various information obtained from the cloud server 1 via the network NW1 to the CPU 301.

[0013] The imaging unit 307 includes a camera and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller. After startup, the DMA controller transfers the photographic image information obtained by the camera to a dedicated image memory in real time. Furthermore, when the imaging unit 307 receives imaging command information from the CPU 301, it generates imaging image information indicating the photograph taken at the time the imaging command information was received and notifies the CPU 301 of this information.

[0014] The CPU 301 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 into the main storage unit 302 and executes it, so as shown in Figure 3, it functions as a reception unit 311, a stored paint information acquisition unit 312, an image forming unit 313, a display control unit 314, an imaging control unit 315, a new stored paint information generation unit 316, a new stored paint information transmission unit 317, a listing request unit 318, and an order request unit 319. The auxiliary storage unit 303 shown in Figure 2 has a stored paint information storage unit 331, an image storage unit 332, and a new stored paint information storage unit 333, as shown in Figure 3. The image-only memory of the main storage unit 502 shown in Figure 2 has a display image storage unit 521 that temporarily stores screen images to be displayed on the display unit 504. The stored paint information storage unit 331 stores the stored paint color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color sample number information, and image information included in the stored paint information acquired from the cloud server 1, associating them with each other. Here, the stored paint color swatch number information is color information indicating the Japan Paint Manufacturers Association (JPMA) number of the paint stored by the painting contractor, for example. The product name information and manufacturer information indicate the product name and manufacturer of the paint, respectively. The post-mixing color swatch number information is color swatch number information indicating the color that can be achieved by the color mixing identified on cloud server 1. Furthermore, the image information shows an image of the container filled with paint stored by the painting contractor.

[0015] The image storage unit 332 stores a base image that serves as the basis for generating various notification images to be displayed on the display unit 304. The newly stored paint information storage unit 333 stores image information showing a photograph of a paint container newly stored by the user, and paint identification information, associating them with each other.

[0016] The reception unit 311 receives the operations performed by the painter using the terminal device 3 on the input unit 305, generates operation information corresponding to the received operations, and notifies the stored paint information acquisition unit 312, the image forming unit 313, the imaging control unit 315, the listing request unit 318, or the order request unit 319. Specifically, when a painter performs a stored paint display operation on the input unit 305 to display the stored paints on the display unit 304 in order to check the storage status of the paints they store, the reception unit 311 receives the stored paint display operation, generates operation information corresponding to that operation, and notifies the stored paint information acquisition unit 312. In addition, when a painter performs a new stored paint registration operation on the input unit 305 to register newly stored paints as stored paints on the cloud server 1, the reception unit 311 receives the new stored paint registration operation, generates operation information corresponding to that operation, and notifies the image forming unit 313 and the new stored paint information generation unit 316. Furthermore, after receiving the aforementioned new stored paint registration operation, the reception unit 311 receives an imaging operation from the painting contractor to the input unit 305 to take a photograph of a container filled with the newly stored paint. The reception unit 311 receives the imaging operation, generates operation information corresponding to that operation, and notifies the imaging control unit 315. Also, when the painting contractor performs an listing operation from the input unit 305 to list the paint they have stored on a paint supplier's sales site, the reception unit 311 receives the listing operation, generates operation information corresponding to that operation, and notifies the listing request unit 318. Furthermore, when the painting contractor performs an order operation from the input unit 305 to order new paint to mix with the paint they have stored, the reception unit 311 receives the order operation, generates operation information corresponding to that operation, and notifies the order request unit 319.

[0017] When the Storage Paint Information Acquisition Unit 312 receives operation information corresponding to the aforementioned Storage Paint Display Operation from the Reception Unit 311, it generates Storage Paint Information Request Information, which includes user identification information to identify the painting contractor, and requests the Cloud Server 1 to transmit Storage Paint Information indicating information about the paints it has stored. The Storage Paint Information Acquisition Unit 312 then transmits the generated Storage Paint Information Request Information to the Cloud Server 1 and acquires the Storage Paint Information transmitted from the Cloud Server 1. The Storage Paint Information Acquisition Unit 312 also extracts the Storage Paint Color Slip Number Information, Product Name Information, Manufacturer Information, Mixed Color Slip Number Information, and Image Information contained in the acquired Storage Paint Information, and stores the extracted information in the Storage Paint Information Storage Unit 331, associating it with each other.

[0018] The image forming unit 313 forms a stored paint notification image, which includes an image of the paint stored by the painter, based on the stored paint color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color sample number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. The image forming unit 313 then stores the formed stored paint notification image in the display image storage unit 321. Furthermore, when the image forming unit 313 receives operation information from the reception unit 311 indicating a new stored paint registration operation, it forms an imaging mode image for imaging the container of the paint to be newly stored, and stores image information indicating the formed imaging mode image in the display image storage unit 321.

[0019] The display control unit 314 displays various images indicated by the various image information stored in the display image storage unit 321 on the display unit 304. The imaging control unit 315 activates the imaging unit 307 when the reception unit 311 receives a new stored paint registration operation. The imaging control unit 315 also forwards the imaging command information to the imaging unit 307 when it receives operation information corresponding to the imaging operation from the reception unit 311. The imaging unit 307 then takes a photograph of the paint container in accordance with the imaging command information and notifies the new stored paint information generation unit 316 of the captured image information of that photograph.

[0020] When the new stored paint information generation unit 316 receives operation information corresponding to the new stored paint registration operation from the reception unit 311, it extracts user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the operation information. Furthermore, when the new stored paint information generation unit 316 receives captured image information from the imaging unit 307, it generates new stored paint information by adding the extracted user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information to the transferred captured image information. The new stored paint information generation unit 316 then stores the generated new stored paint information in the new stored paint information storage unit 333. The new stored paint information transmission unit 317 transmits the new stored paint information stored in the new stored paint information storage unit 333 to the cloud server 1.

[0021] When the Listing Request Unit 318 receives operation information corresponding to a listing operation from the Reception Unit 311, it generates listing request information requesting the listing of the product as a product for sale on the sales site of the Sales Management Server 9 based on the user identification information and paint identification information included in the operation information. Here, the listing request information includes user identification information and product name information and manufacturer information corresponding to the paint identification information. The Listing Request Unit 318 then sends the generated listing request information to the Cloud Server 1. When the Order Request Unit 319 receives operation information corresponding to an order operation from the Reception Unit 311, it generates order request information requesting the order of paint from a paint supplier based on the user identification information, color sample number information, product name information and manufacturer information included in the operation information. The Order Request Unit 319 then sends the generated order request information to the Cloud Server 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, Cloud Server 1 comprises a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, and a bus 109 connecting these units, and functions as a paint storage management device for managing paints stored by painting contractors. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 has volatile memory and is used as the workspace for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 consists of large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of Cloud Server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to the network NW1.

[0023] The CPU 101 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so that it functions as a new stored paint information acquisition unit 111, a stored paint information management unit 112, a color identification unit 113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, a listing request unit 115, and an order unit 116, as shown in Figure 3. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Figure 2 has a stored paint information storage unit 131 and a color matching information storage unit 132, as shown in Figure 3. The stored paint information storage unit 131 stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a painting contractor, associating it with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the stored paint information storage unit 131 stores stored paint information, including image information of paints stored by multiple painting contractors, associating it with user identification information that identifies each of the multiple painting contractors. Here, the stored paint information consists of image information, and the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and color swatch number information associated with the image information.

[0024] Returning to Figure 3, the color information storage unit 132 stores color sample number information indicating the color that can be achieved by mixing each of the pre-set multiple types of colors with other colors, associating it with the color sample number information for each of the pre-set multiple types of colors. For example, the color information storage unit 132 stores color sample number information indicating the paint with color sample number "19-75B" that can be achieved by mixing the paint with color sample number "19-60B", associating it with the color sample number information indicating color sample number "19-80B".

[0025] When the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 acquires new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it extracts user identification information, color tag number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information contained in the acquired new stored paint information and notifies the stored paint information management unit 112. The new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 also notifies the color identification unit 113 of the extracted color tag number information.

[0026] The color identification unit 113 identifies a color that can be achieved by color mixing using other paints for each of the at least one paints corresponding to the newly stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3. Specifically, the color identification unit 113 identifies the color sample number information corresponding to the color sample number information notified by the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 from the color sample number information stored in the color mixing information storage unit 132. Then, the color identification unit 113 notifies the stored paint information management unit 112 of the identified color sample number information.

[0027] The stored paint information management unit 112 stores the user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information notified by the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 in the stored paint information storage unit 131, associating them with each other. In addition, the stored paint information management unit 112 stores the color sample number information notified by the color identification unit 113 in the stored paint information storage unit 131, associating it with the paint identification information of each paint corresponding to that color sample number information.

[0028] The Stored Paint Information Notification Unit 114 transmits Stored Paint Information, which includes an image of each container filled with at least one paint stored in the Stored Paint Information Storage Unit 131, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, and color sample number information, to the terminal device 3 held by the painting contractor. When the Stored Paint Information Notification Unit 114 receives Stored Paint Information Request Information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it identifies the Stored Paint Information corresponding to the user identification information included in the Stored Paint Information Request Information from the Stored Paint Information Storage Unit 131 and transmits the identified Stored Paint Information to the terminal device 3 that sent the Stored Paint Information Request Information. Furthermore, when new Stored Paint Information is added to the Stored Paint Information Storage Unit 131, the Stored Paint Information Notification Unit 114 identifies the Stored Paint Information containing the same user identification information as the newly added Stored Paint Information from the Stored Paint Information Storage Unit 131. The Stored Paint Information Notification Unit 114 then transmits the identified Stored Paint Information to the terminal device 3 that sent the new Stored Paint Information.

[0029] The listing request unit 115, upon receiving listing request information transmitted from terminal device 3, transmits the acquired listing request information to the sales management server 9. The order unit 116, upon receiving order request information transmitted from terminal device 3, identifies the terminal device 8 to which the paint order will be placed based on the manufacturer information contained in the acquired order request information. The order unit 116 then generates order information including user identification information, color sample number information, and product name information, and transmits the generated order information to the identified terminal device 8.

[0030] Next, the operation of the stored paint management system according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7. First, as shown in Figure 5, when a painter performs the aforementioned stored paint display operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 generates stored paint information request information including the user identification information of the painter (step S1). Next, the generated stored paint information request information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S2). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the stored paint information request information from the terminal device 3, it identifies the stored paint information corresponding to the user identification information included in the acquired stored paint information request information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S3). Subsequently, the identified stored paint information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 (step S4). On the other hand, when the terminal device 3 receives the stored paint information, it extracts the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information included in the acquired stored paint information. Then, terminal device 3 stores the extracted stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color swatch number information after color mixing, and image information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 (step S5).

[0031] Subsequently, the terminal device 3 forms a stored paint notification image based on the stored paint color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color sample number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S6). Here, the terminal device 3 displays a stored paint notification image GA1 on the display unit 304, for example, as shown in Figure 6. The stored paint notification image GA1 includes captured images GA01 and GA02 of containers filled with paint stored by the painter, and band images GA011 and GA012 that display the color of the paint. The stored paint notification image GA1 also includes message information M11 and M21 indicating the manufacturer name of the stored paint, message information M12 and M22 indicating the product name, and message information M13 and M23 indicating the color sample number. Furthermore, the stored paint notification image GA1 is displayed overlapping a portion of the band image GA011 and includes message information M24 indicating the color sample number of the paint color that can be achieved by mixing it with the stored paint.

[0032] Returning to Figure 5, when the painter performs the aforementioned new storage paint registration operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 forms an imaging mode image for imaging the container of the paint to be newly stored and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S7). At this time, the painter inputs their user identification information along with the color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information of the paint to be newly stored into the input unit 305. The terminal device 3 also activates the imaging unit 307 to enable imaging by the imaging unit 307. When the painter performs the aforementioned imaging operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 uses the imaging unit 307 to capture a photograph of the container of the paint to be newly stored (step S8). Next, the terminal device 3 generates new storage paint information including image information showing the captured photograph, user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information (step S9). Subsequently, the generated new storage paint information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S10). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 receives new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it extracts user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information contained in the acquired new stored paint information. The cloud server 1 then associates the user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information with each other and stores them in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S11). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 identifies the color sample number information corresponding to the extracted color sample number information from the color sample number information stored in the color matching information storage unit 132. The cloud server 1 then associates the identified color sample number information with the paint identification information of each paint corresponding to that color sample number information and stores it in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S12).

[0033] Next, the cloud server 1 identifies the same stored paint information along with the new stored paint information, along with the associated user identification information (step S13). Subsequently, the identified stored paint information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 (step S14). Meanwhile, when the terminal device 3 acquires the stored paint information, it extracts the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information contained in the acquired stored paint information. The terminal device 3 then stores the extracted stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 (step S15). Next, the terminal device 3 forms a stored paint notification image based on the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331 and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S16).

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when a painting contractor performs a listing operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3 to list the paints they have stored on the sales site of a paint distributor, the terminal device 3 generates the aforementioned listing request information (step S17). Subsequently, the generated listing request information is sent from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S18). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 receives the listing request information sent from the terminal device 3, it sends the acquired listing request information to the sales management server 9 (step S19). Meanwhile, when the sales management server 9 receives the listing request information, it extracts the color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the acquired listing request information and stores them in the aforementioned listed paint storage unit (step S20).

[0035] Furthermore, when a painting contractor places an order with the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3 to order new paint to be mixed with the paint they have in stock, the terminal device 3 generates the aforementioned order request information (step S21). Subsequently, the generated order request information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S22). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 receives the order request information, it identifies the terminal device 8 to which the paint order will be placed based on the manufacturer information contained in the received order request information (step S23). Next, the cloud server 1 generates order information including user identification information, color sample number information, and product name information (step S24). Subsequently, the generated order information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the identified terminal device 8 (step S25). Meanwhile, when the terminal device 8 receives the order information, it forms an order notification image based on the received order information to notify the paint supplier of the paint order details and displays it on the display unit (step S26).

[0036] Next, the stored paint information display process performed by the terminal device 3 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 8. This stored paint information display process is started when power is supplied to the terminal device 3 and a program for performing the stored paint information display process is started in the terminal device 3. First, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned stored paint display operation (step S201). If the reception unit 311 determines that it has not received the stored paint display operation (step S201: No), the process in step S206, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that it has received the stored paint display operation (step S201: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to that operation and notifies the stored paint information acquisition unit 312. Then, the stored paint information acquisition unit 312 generates stored paint information request information, including the user identification information of the painting contractor, according to the notified operation information and sends it to the cloud server 1 (step S202). As a result, the stored paint information acquisition unit 312 acquires the stored paint information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S203). Next, the stored paint information acquisition unit 312 extracts the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information contained in the acquired stored paint information, and stores the extracted information in the stored paint information storage unit 331, associating it with each other (step S204). Subsequently, the image forming unit 313 forms a stored paint notification image, which includes an image of the paint stored by the painter, based on the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and the display control unit 314 displays the formed stored paint notification image on the display unit 304 (step S205).

[0037] Subsequently, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned new stored paint registration operation (step S206). If the reception unit 311 determines that it has not received the stored paint display operation (step S206: No), the process in step S216 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that it has received the new stored paint registration operation (step S206: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to that operation and notifies the image forming unit 313 and the new stored paint information generation unit 316. The image forming unit 313 then forms the aforementioned imaging mode image according to the notified operation information, and the display control unit 314 displays the formed imaging mode image on the display unit 304 (step S207). Next, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned imaging operation (step S208). If the reception unit 311 determines that it has not received the imaging operation (step S208: No), the process in step S216 described later is executed. Meanwhile, when the reception unit 311 determines that it has received an imaging operation (step S208: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to that operation and notifies the imaging control unit 315. The imaging control unit 315 then forwards the imaging command information to the imaging unit 307 according to the notified operation information, causing the imaging unit 307 to execute the imaging operation (step S209).

[0038] Next, the new stored paint information generation unit 316 extracts user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information from the operation information notified from the reception unit 311. Then, the new stored paint information generation unit 316 generates new stored paint information by adding the extracted user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information to the captured image information obtained by the imaging operation of the imaging unit 307 (step 210). At this point, the new stored paint information generation unit 316 stores the generated new stored paint information in the new stored paint information storage unit 333. After that, the new stored paint information transmission unit 317 transmits the new stored paint information stored in the new stored paint information storage unit 333 to the cloud server 1 (step S211). Subsequently, the stored paint information acquisition unit 312 acquires stored paint information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S212), extracts the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information contained in the acquired stored paint information, associates the extracted information with each other, and stores it in the stored paint information storage unit 331 (step S213). Next, the image forming unit 313 forms a stored paint notification image including an image of the paint stored by the painter based on the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and the display control unit 314 displays the formed stored paint notification image on the display unit 304 (step S214).

[0039] Next, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned listing operation (step S215). If the reception unit 311 determines that it has not received the listing operation (step S215: No), the process in step S217 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that it has received the listing operation (step S215: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to that operation and notifies the listing request unit 318. The listing request unit 318 then generates the aforementioned listing request information based on the user identification information and paint identification information included in the notified operation information and sends it to the cloud server 1 (step S216).

[0040] Subsequently, the reception unit 311 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned order operation (step S217). If the reception unit 311 determines that it has not received the order operation (step S217: No), the process in step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that it has received the order operation (step S217: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to that operation and notifies the order request unit 319. The order request unit 319 then generates order request information requesting an order for paint from a paint supplier based on the user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information included in the notified operation information, and sends it to the cloud server 1 (step S218). Next, the process in step S201 is executed again.

[0041] Next, the stored paint management process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 9. This stored paint management process is started when a program for executing the stored paint management process is launched on the cloud server 1. First, the stored paint information notification unit 114 determines whether or not it has received the stored paint information request information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S101). If the stored paint information notification unit 114 determines that it has not received the stored paint information request information (step S101: No), the process in step S103, described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the stored paint information notification unit 114 determines that it has received the stored paint information request information (step S101: Yes), the stored paint information storage unit 131 identifies the stored paint information corresponding to the user identification information included in the stored paint information request information from among the stored paint information stored in it. Then, the stored paint information notification unit 114 transmits the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3, the source of the stored paint information request information (step S102).

[0042] Next, the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S103). If the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has not acquired new stored paint information (step S103: No), the process in step S107, described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired new stored paint information (step S103: Yes), it extracts user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information contained in the acquired new stored paint information and notifies the stored paint information management unit 112. At this time, the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 also notifies the color identification unit 113 of the extracted color sample number information. Then, the stored paint information management unit 112 associates the user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information notified by the stored paint information management unit 112 with each other and stores them in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S104). Next, the color identification unit 113 identifies a color that can be achieved by mixing other paints for each of the new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, and notifies the stored paint information management unit 112 of the color sample number information of the identified color. The stored paint information management unit 112 then stores the color sample number information notified by the color identification unit 113 in the stored paint information storage unit 131, associating it with the paint identification information of each paint corresponding to that color sample number information (step S105).

[0043] Subsequently, the stored paint information notification unit 114 identifies the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 that contains the same user identification information as the newly added stored paint information, and transmits the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3 that sent the new stored paint information (step S106).

[0044] Next, the listing request unit 115 determines whether or not it has received the listing request information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S107). If the listing request unit 115 determines that it has not received the listing request information (step S107: No), the process in step S109, described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the listing request unit 115 determines that it has received the listing request information (step S107: Yes), it sends the received listing request information to the sales management server 9 (step S108).

[0045] Next, the ordering unit 116 determines whether or not it has received the order request information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S109). If the ordering unit 116 determines that it has not received the order request information (step S109: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the ordering unit 116 determines that it has received the order request information (step S109: Yes), it identifies the terminal device 8 to which the paint order will be placed based on the manufacturer information contained in the received order request information (step S110). After that, the ordering unit 116 generates order information including user identification information, color sample number information, and product name information, and transmits the generated order information to the identified terminal device 8 (step S111). Next, the process in step S101 is executed again.

[0046] As described above, according to the cloud server 1 of this embodiment, the color identification unit 113 identifies color sample number information for each paint stored by the painting contractor, for colors that can be created by mixing with other paints. The stored paint information management unit 112 then stores the identified color sample number information in the stored paint information storage unit 131, along with image information showing captured images of the containers filled with the paints stored by the painting contractor, and associating it with the paint identification information of each paint. The stored paint information notification unit 114 then transmits the captured images of each container filled with paint, the paint identification information of each paint, and the color sample number information to the terminal device 3 held by the painting contractor. As a result, the image information and color information of the paint containers stored by the painting contractor can be displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3, making it easy for the painting contractor to understand other colors of paint that can be created from the paints they store.

[0047] (Embodiment 2) This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the stored paint information transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 includes, along with stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color swatch number information, and image information, stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painting contractor and color-matched paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint produced by mixing the stored paint with other paints. Furthermore, this embodiment may also include a function to show the painting contractor the required amount of other paints necessary to produce the desired amount of color-matched paint obtained by mixing the paint stored by the painting contractor with other paints.

[0048] The terminal device 2003 according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the terminal device 3 according to this embodiment, and as shown in Figure 10, it comprises a reception unit 311, a stored paint information acquisition unit 312, an image forming unit 2313, a display control unit 314, an imaging control unit 315, a new stored paint information generation unit 2316, a new stored paint information transmission unit 2317, a listing request unit 318, an order request unit 319, and a required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320. In Figure 10, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3. The terminal device 2003 also comprises a stored paint information storage unit 2331, an image storage unit 332, a new stored paint information storage unit 2333, and a display image storage unit 521. The stored paint information storage unit 2331 stores, in association with each other, stored stored paint quantity information, which indicates the amount of paint stored by the painting contractor, and mixed paint quantity information, which indicates the amount of paint produced by mixing the stored paint with other paints, along with the stored paint color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color sample number information, and image information included in the stored paint information obtained from the cloud server 1.

[0049] The reception unit 311 receives the paint quantity input operation from the painting contractor, who, while referring to the maximum amount of paint that can be produced by mixing the stored paint with other paints as displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 2003, inputs the color sample number information of the color-matched paint obtained by mixing the paint they themselves have stored with other paints, and the required amount, to the input unit 305. The reception unit 311 receives the paint quantity input operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320.

[0050] When the required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320 receives operation information corresponding to the paint quantity input operation, it sends the following to the cloud server 2001: color-matched paint color number information indicating the color-matched paint color number indicated by the notified operation information, required color-matched paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint, and mixed paint color number information indicating the color-matched paint color number of other paints to be mixed with the paint stored by the unit itself. The unit then obtains from the cloud server 2001 mixed paint color number information indicating the color-matched paint color number of the paint that needs to be mixed with the paint stored by the unit itself, and required mixed paint quantity information indicating the required amount of paint for that paint. The required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320 then notifies the image forming unit 2313 of the obtained mixed paint color number information and required mixed paint quantity information.

[0051] The image forming unit 2313 forms a stored paint notification image based on the stored paint quantity information and the color-matched paint quantity information, along with the stored paint color number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. Here, the stored paint quantity notification image includes message information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painter and the amount of color-matched paint produced by mixing that paint with other paints. Furthermore, when the required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320 notifies the image forming unit 2313 of the mixed paint color number information and the required mixed paint quantity information, the image forming unit 2313 forms a stored paint notification image based on the notified mixed paint color number information and required mixed paint quantity information, which includes, for example, message information as a pop-up image, representing the color number of the paint that needs to be mixed to produce paint of another color from the paint it stores, and the required mixing amount of that paint, and stores this image in the display image storage unit 321. As a result, the display control unit 314 displays message information on the display unit 304 that indicates the color sample number and required quantity of other paint colors needed when a painter prepares other desired colors of paint from paints stored in their own inventory.

[0052] When the new stored paint information generation unit 2316 receives operation information corresponding to the new stored paint registration operation from the reception unit 311, it extracts user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painting company from the operation information. Furthermore, when the new stored paint information generation unit 2316 receives captured image information from the imaging unit 307, it generates new stored paint information by adding the extracted user identification information, color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and stored paint quantity information to the transferred captured image information. The new stored paint information generation unit 2316 then stores the generated new stored paint information in the new stored paint information storage unit 333. The new stored paint information transmission unit 2317 transmits the new stored paint information stored in the new stored paint information storage unit 333 to the cloud server 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the cloud server 2001 according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment, and includes a new stored paint information acquisition unit 111, a stored paint information management unit 2112, a color identification unit 113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, a listing request unit 115, an order unit 116, a color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117, a required paint quantity notification unit 2118, and a required paint quantity calculation unit 2119. In addition, the cloud server 2001 has a stored paint information storage unit 2131 and a color-matching information storage unit 2132. As shown in Figure 11, the stored paint information storage unit 2131 stores stored paint information, which includes image information of the paints stored by each of the multiple painting contractors, stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and color swatch number information, as well as stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by each painting contractor, and color swatch quantity information corresponding to each color swatch number information, in association with user identification information that identifies each of the multiple painting contractors.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, the color information storage unit 2132 stores, for each of the pre-set multiple types of colors, color sample number information indicating the color that can be achieved by mixing with the aforementioned other colors, along with mixing ratio information indicating the mixing ratio of primary color paints (red, green, blue, etc.) to achieve that color, in association with the color sample number information for each of the pre-set multiple types of colors.

[0055] When the new stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 acquires new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it notifies the color sample number information extracted from the new stored paint information, along with the color identification unit 113, of the color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117. The new stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 also notifies the color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117 of the stored paint quantity information extracted from the new stored paint information. The color identification unit 113 notifies the color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117, along with the identified color sample number information, along with the stored paint information management unit 112.

[0056] The post-color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117 identifies the mixing ratio information corresponding to the color sample number information notified by the new stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 and the color identification unit 113 from the mixing ratio information stored in the color-matching information storage unit 132, and calculates the amount of paint produced by mixing the paint stored by the painter with other paints as the post-color-matched paint quantity based on the mixing ratio indicated by the identified mixing ratio information. The post-color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117 then notifies the stored paint information management unit 2112 of the post-color-matched paint quantity information indicating the calculated post-color-matched paint quantity.

[0057] The stored paint information management unit 2112 stores the color sample number information notified from the color identification unit 113 and the post-color mixing paint quantity information notified from the post-color mixing paint quantity calculation unit 2117 in the stored paint information storage unit 2131, associating them with the paint identification information for each corresponding paint. The stored paint information notification unit 114 then transmits the stored paint information, including the image of each container filled with at least one paint stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131, the paint identification information for at least one paint, the color sample number information, the stored paint quantity information, and the post-color mixing paint quantity information, to the terminal device 3 held by the painting contractor.

[0058] When the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 receives the color-matched paint color swatch number information, the required color-matched paint quantity information, and the mixed paint color swatch number information transmitted from the terminal device 2003, it notifies the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 of the acquired color-matched paint color swatch number information, the required color-matched paint quantity information, and the mixed paint color swatch number information. The required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 identifies the mixing ratio information from the mixing ratio information stored in the color-matching information storage unit 132 that corresponds to the combination of the color swatch number information indicated by the color-matched paint color swatch number information notified by the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 and the color swatch number information indicated by the mixed paint color swatch number information. Then, based on the mixing ratio indicated by the identified mixing ratio information and the paint quantity indicated by the required color-matched paint quantity information, the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 calculates the amount of other paints to be mixed in order to produce the required amount of color-matched paint. The required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 then notifies the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 of the mixed paint quantity information, which indicates the amount of other paints to be mixed. On the other hand, when the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 receives the mixed paint quantity information from the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119, it transmits the notified mixed paint quantity information to the terminal device 2003.

[0059] According to this embodiment, a painting contractor can determine the amount of paint that can be produced by mixing other paints with the paints they have in stock.

[0060] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as color information, Munsell color system information indicating the hue, lightness, and saturation of the Munsell color system may be used. In this case, the stored paint information should consist of Munsell color system information of the paint, product name information, manufacturer information, Munsell color system information after color matching, and image information. Here, the Munsell color system information after color matching is information indicating the hue, lightness, and saturation of the paint that can be achieved by mixing it with other paints.

[0061] In Embodiment 1, when a painter inputs a desired paint color scheme to the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 may display a stored paint notification image on the display unit 304, which includes images of the paint of the input color scheme and paints that can be mixed with other paints to achieve the input color scheme. In this case, when the terminal device 3 receives color scheme information indicating the input color scheme from the reception unit 311, it may further include a color scheme paint identification unit that identifies a combination of paints that can be mixed with other paints to achieve the notified color scheme and the input color scheme from a combination of stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, post-mixing color swatch number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. The image forming unit 313 then forms a stored paint notification image, which includes images of the paints stored by the painter, based on the stored paint color swatch number information, product name information, manufacturer information, post-mixing color swatch number information, and image information identified by the color scheme paint identification unit.

[0062] In Embodiment 2, for example as shown in Figure 13, the color matching information storage unit 4132 may store, for each of a set of pre-set paints with different colors, color sample number information indicating the color that can be achieved by mixing with the aforementioned other paints, mixing ratio information indicating the mixing ratio of primary color paints (red, green, blue, etc.) to be mixed in order to achieve that paint, and paint type information indicating the type of primary color paint, in association with the color sample number information and paint type information indicating the type of each of the set of pre-set paints. In this case, when the terminal device 2001 receives notification of operation information corresponding to the input operation for the required amount of paint, the terminal device 2001 should send to the cloud server 2001 the following information: color sample number information for the color-matched paint indicated by the notified operation information; type information for the color-matched paint indicated by the type of color-matched paint; required amount of color-matched paint information indicating the amount of paint; color sample number information for the mixed paint to be mixed with the paint it stores; and type information for the mixed paint to be mixed with the other paint. In this case, the terminal device 2001 should receive notification of operation information corresponding to the input operation for the required amount of paint, and when it receives notification of operation information, it should send to the cloud server 2001 the following information: color sample number information for the color-matched paint to be mixed with the paint it stores; type information for the mixed paint to be mixed with the paint it stores; and required amount of mixed paint information indicating the required amount of paint for that paint.

[0063] Here, the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 of the cloud server 2001 acquires the color sample number information of the color-matched paint, the type of color-matched paint, the required amount of color-matched paint, the color sample number information of the mixed paint, and the type of mixed paint from the terminal device 2003, and then notifies the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 of the acquired color sample number information of the color-matched paint, the type of color-matched paint, the required amount of color-matched paint, the color sample number information of the mixed paint, and the type of mixed paint from the mixing ratio information stored in the color information storage unit 132, and identifies the mixing ratio information corresponding to the combination of the color sample number information indicated by the color sample number information of the color-matched paint, the type of paint indicated by the color-matched paint type information, and the color sample number information indicated by the color sample number information of the mixed paint, and the type of paint indicated by the mixed paint type information, from among the mixing ratio information stored in the color information storage unit 132. Then, the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 notifies the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 of the calculated mixed paint quantity information, which indicates the amount of other paints to be mixed, and the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 transmits the notified mixed paint quantity information to the terminal device 2003.

[0064] This configuration allows painting contractors to determine the amount of paint they can produce by mixing other paints with the paints they have in stock.

[0065] In Embodiment 2, the cloud server 1 may further include a paint storage location storage unit that stores paint type information and color sample number information for paints stored by multiple painting contractors, or paint type information and color sample number information for paints stored by a paint distributor, in association with storage location information indicating where the paint is stored. In this case, the stored paint information management unit 2112 should refer to the storage location information stored in the paint storage location storage unit and select the storage location information corresponding to the color sample number information notified from the color identification unit 113. The stored paint management unit 2112 should then store the color sample number information and the amount of paint after color mixing in the stored paint information storage unit 2131, in association with the paint identification information, paint type information, and paint storage location information for each corresponding paint. Furthermore, the stored paint information notification unit 114 transmits stored paint information, which includes an image of each container filled with at least one paint stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, color sample number information, stored paint quantity information, color-matched paint quantity information, and paint storage location information, to a terminal device 2003 held by the painting contractor. Meanwhile, the terminal device 2003 displays the storage location of the paint indicated by the stored paint quantity information, along with the image of the container, on the display unit 304.

[0066] With this configuration, the display unit 304 of the terminal device 2003 displays the storage locations of the primary color paints that can be mixed and the paints that are stored. This allows painting contractors to understand the estimated time required when mixing paints they have in stock with paints they have obtained from other painting contractors. For example, if a painting contractor living in Maizuru City sees on the display unit 304 that the storage location of the paint they want to mix is ​​in Kochi City, the contractor can recognize that it will take a long time to mix the paints and obtain the desired paints. On the other hand, if a painting contractor living in Maizuru City sees on the display unit 304 that the storage location of the paint they want to mix is ​​in Fukuchiyama City, the contractor can recognize that it will take a relatively short time to mix the paints and obtain the desired paints.

[0067] In Embodiment 1, the cloud server 1 may identify the color sample number of another color paint to be produced by mixing the stored paint with the color of the stored paint measured by the colorimeter 2004.

[0068] As shown in Figure 14, the colorimeter 3004 according to this modified example can communicate with the cloud server 3001. It receives reflected light when white light is irradiated onto the paint, and calculates each element of the paint's color as a three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color system space from the wavelength spectrum of the received reflected light. The colorimeter 3004 then generates color measurement result information showing the elements of the calculated three-dimensional vector and transmits it to the cloud server 3001.

[0069] Cloud server 3001 has the same hardware configuration as cloud server 1 according to the embodiment, and includes a new stored paint information acquisition unit 3111, a stored paint information management unit 2112, a color identification unit 3113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, a listing request unit 115, an order unit 116, a color-matched paint quantity calculation unit 2117, a required paint quantity notification unit 2118, and a required paint quantity calculation unit 2119. Note that components similar to those in embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 10. Furthermore, cloud server 2001 includes a stored paint information storage unit 2131, a color-matching information storage unit 2132, and an XYZ color system information storage unit 3133. The XYZ color system information storage unit 3133 stores information indicating a conversion formula for converting a three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color system space into an n-dimensional vector (where n is a positive integer) whose elements are the mixing ratios of a plurality of pre-set types of raw material paints, as shown in formula (1) below.

[0070]

number

[0071] When the new stored paint information acquisition unit 3111 acquires the color measurement result information transmitted from the colorimeter 3004, it notifies the color identification unit 3113 of the acquired color measurement result information. The new stored paint information acquisition unit 3111 also has the same functions as the new stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 according to Embodiment 2.

[0072] When the color identification unit 3113 receives color measurement result information from the new stored paint information acquisition unit 3111, it converts the three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color system space indicated by the notified color measurement result information into a multi-dimensional vector whose elements are the mixing ratios of a predetermined number of types of raw material paints, based on the information indicating the relational expression of equation (1) stored in the XYZ color system information storage unit 3133. The color identification unit 3113 then identifies color sample number information from the color sample number information stored in the color matching information storage unit 2132, in which the ratio of the elements of the converted multi-dimensional vector, whose elements are the mixing ratios of the raw material paints, is the same as the ratio indicated by the raw material paint mixing ratio information. The color identification unit 3113 then notifies the stored paint information management unit 2112 of the identified color sample number information.

[0073] With this configuration, painters can use the colorimeter 3004 to identify the colors of the paints they have in stock, eliminating the need for painters to look up the color sample numbers of their paints, thus improving convenience for painters.

[0074] In each embodiment, an example was described in which color sample number information for paint produced by mixing paint stored by a painting contractor with paint stored by another painting contractor or primary color paint was displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, color sample number information for paint produced by mixing multiple types of paint with paint stored by a painting contractor may also be displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3. For example, the display may show the color sample number for paint produced by mixing other paints stored by the painting contractor with primary color paint or multiple types of paint stored by the painting contractor.

[0075] In Embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function to spontaneously transmit recommendation information to terminal devices, including information about stored paints that are nearing their expiration date, stored paints that have been previously ordered by painting companies, or stored paints that have been pre-registered by painting companies.

[0076] The terminal device 5003 and cloud server 5003 in this modified example have the same hardware configuration as the terminal device 3 and cloud server 1 in the embodiment, so the hardware configuration will be described using the same reference numerals as in Figure 2. In the terminal device 5003 in this modified example, the CPU 301 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 into the main storage unit 302 and executes it, so as shown in Figure 15, it functions as a reception unit 311, a stored paint information acquisition unit 312, an image forming unit 5313, a display control unit 314, an imaging control unit 315, a new stored paint information generation unit 316, a new stored paint information transmission unit 317, a listing request unit 318, an order request unit 319, a pre-registration request unit 5320, and a recommendation information acquisition unit 5321. In Figure 15, the same reference numerals as in Figure 3 are used for components similar to those in Embodiment 1. The auxiliary storage unit 303 also includes a stored paint information storage unit 331, an image storage unit 332, and a new stored paint information storage unit 333. Furthermore, the image-dedicated memory of the main memory unit 502 includes a display image storage unit 521. When a painting contractor performs a pre-registration operation via the input unit 305 to register in advance the paints that they want the cloud server 5001 to recommend to the painting contractor when new stored paint information is registered in the cloud server 5002, the reception unit 311 generates operation information indicating the pre-registration operation and notifies the pre-registration request unit 5320. In the pre-registration operation, the product name information and manufacturer information of the paints to be recommended are input via the input unit 305.

[0077] When the pre-registration request unit 5320 receives operation information indicating the aforementioned pre-registration operation from the reception unit 311, it generates pre-registration request information, including the product name and manufacturer information of the paint to be recommended, based on the operation information, and sends it to the cloud server 5001.

[0078] When the recommendation information acquisition unit 5321 acquires recommendation information transmitted from the cloud server 5001, it extracts the stored paint information included in the acquired recommendation information and notifies the image forming unit 5313. Here, the recommendation information includes stored paint information of stored paints that are nearing their expiration date, paints that painting contractors have ordered in the past, or paints that painting contractors have registered in advance.

[0079] Similar to Embodiment 1, the image forming unit 5313 forms a stored paint notification image, including an image of the paint stored by the painter, based on the stored paint color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, color-matched color sample number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. Furthermore, when the image forming unit 5313 receives stored paint information from the recommendation information acquisition unit 5320, it forms a push notification image based on the notified stored paint information to encourage the painter to place an order or use the paint, and stores it in the display image storage unit 321. The display control unit 314 then displays the push notification image stored in the display image storage unit 321 on the display unit 304.

[0080] Furthermore, in the cloud server 5001 according to this modified example, the CPU 301 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 into the main storage unit 302 and executes it, thereby functioning as a new stored paint information acquisition unit 111, a stored paint information management unit 112, a color identification unit 113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, a listing request unit 115, an order unit 3116, a paint identification unit 5120 that is about to expire, a past ordered paint identification unit 5121, a pre-registered paint determination unit 5122, a recommendation information generation unit 5123, a recommendation information transmission unit 5124, and a pre-registration unit 5125. In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 103 includes a stored paint information storage unit 5131, a color matching information storage unit 132, an order history storage unit 5133, and a pre-registered paint storage unit 5134. As shown in Figure 16, the stored paint information storage unit 5131 stores stored paint information, including image information of the paints stored by each of the multiple painting contractors, stored paint color sample number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and color sample number information after color matching, along with expiration date information indicating the expiration date of the paint, in association with user identification information that identifies each of the multiple painting contractors.

[0081] The order history storage unit 5133 stores the product name and manufacturer information of paints previously ordered by painting contractors, associating them with order date and time information indicating the date and time of the order and the aforementioned user identification information. The pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 stores the product name and manufacturer information of paints that painting contractors want recommended, associating them with the aforementioned user identification information. When the pre-registration unit 5125 obtains pre-registration request information from the terminal device 5003, it extracts the product name information, manufacturer information, and user identification information contained in the obtained pre-registration request information, and stores the extracted product name information, manufacturer information, and user identification information in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134, associating them with each other. The order unit 3116 stores the order information in the order history storage unit 5133, associating it with the order date and time information.

[0082] When the pre-expiration date paint identification unit 5120 arrives, it refers to the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 and identifies stored paint information for which the period from the present time to the expiration date is less than or equal to a pre-set recommendation standard period. Here, the length of the recommendation standard period is not particularly limited, but it can be set to, for example, one week. The pre-expiration date paint identification unit 5120 then notifies the recommendation information generation unit 5123 of the identified stored paint information.

[0083] When a pre-set recommendation period arrives, the Past Order Paint Identification Unit 5121 refers to the order date and time information stored in the Order History Storage Unit 5133 to identify the product name and manufacturer information of paints ordered from the present time to the present time, by going back a pre-set order history reference period from the present time. Here, the length of the order history reference period is not particularly limited, but can be set to several months, for example. Then, the Past Order Paint Identification Unit 5121 identifies the stored paint information that includes the combination of the identified product name and manufacturer information from the stored paint information stored in the Stored Paint Information Storage Unit 5131, and notifies the recommendation information generation unit 5123 of the identified stored paint information.

[0084] When the storage paint information storage unit 5131 stores new storage paint information, the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines whether the newly stored storage paint information includes any combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134. If the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines that the newly stored storage paint information includes any combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134, it notifies the recommendation information generation unit 5123 of the newly stored storage paint information.

[0085] When the recommendation information generation unit 5123 receives notification of stored paint information from the paint identification unit 5120 immediately before expiration, the past order paint identification unit 5121, or the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122, it generates recommendation information that includes the notified stored paint information. The recommendation information transmission unit 5124 then transmits the generated recommendation information to the terminal devices 5003. Here, the recommendation information transmission unit 5124 broadcasts the generated recommendation information to all terminal devices 5003 that are pre-registered with the cloud server 5001 as destinations for recommendation information.

[0086] Next, the operation of the stored paint management system according to this modified example will be explained with reference to Figure 17. In Figure 17, the same reference numerals as in Figures 5 and 7 are used for processes that are the same as in Embodiment 1. First, when the aforementioned recommendation period arrives, the cloud server 5001 refers to the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 and identifies stored paint information for which the period from the present to the expiration date is less than or equal to a preset recommendation standard period (step S5001). Next, the cloud server 5001 refers to the order date and time information stored in the order history storage unit 5133 and identifies the product name information and manufacturer information of paints ordered between the present and a point in time that is a preset order history reference period from the present (step S5002). Subsequently, the cloud server 5001 identifies stored paint information including the combination of the identified product name information and manufacturer information (step S5003). Subsequently, the cloud server 5001 generates recommendation information including the identified stored paint information (step S5004), and the generated recommendation information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the terminal device 5003 (step S5005). Meanwhile, the terminal device 5003 forms a recommendation image based on the stored paint information included in the recommendation information and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S5006).

[0087] Furthermore, the cloud server 5001 acquires the newly stored paint information described in Embodiment 1 from the terminal device 5003 (step S10), and determines that the newly stored paint information includes either the combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5007). In this case, the cloud server 5001 generates recommendation information including recommendation information from the newly stored paint information (step S5008), and the generated recommendation information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the terminal device 5003 (step S5009). Meanwhile, the terminal device 5003 forms a recommendation image based on the stored paint information included in the recommendation information and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S5010). Here, the terminal device 5003 may, for example, form a thumbnail image on the display unit 304 that lists the stored paints managed by the cloud server 5001 based on the stored paint information. Subsequently, when the storage paint labeling operation described in Embodiment 1 is performed, a series of processes from step S1 onward are executed.

[0088] Next, the stored paint management process performed by the cloud server 5001 according to this modified example will be explained with reference to Figure 18. In Figure 18, processes similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 9. First, after the processes in steps S101 and S102 are performed, the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S103: Yes). In this case, after a series of processes from steps S104 to S106 are performed, the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines whether the stored paint information newly stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 includes any combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5101). Here, if the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines that the newly stored paint information in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 does not include the combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5101: No), the processing from step S107 onwards is executed. On the other hand, suppose the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines that the newly stored paint information in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 does include the combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5101: Yes). In this case, the recommendation information generation unit 5123 generates recommendation information that includes the newly stored paint information in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134, and the recommendation information transmission unit 5124 transmits the generated recommendation information to the terminal device 5003 (step S5102). Next, a series of processes from steps S107 to S111 are executed.

[0089] Next, the paint identification unit 5120 determines whether the aforementioned recommendation period has arrived (step S5103). If the paint identification unit 5120 determines that the recommendation period has not yet arrived (step S5103: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the paint identification unit 5120 determines that the recommendation period has arrived (step S5103: Yes), it refers to the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 and identifies stored paint information for which the period from the present to the expiration date is less than or equal to the pre-set recommendation standard period (step S5104). Next, the past ordered paint identification unit 5121 refers to the order date and time information stored in the order history storage unit 5133 and identifies the product name information and manufacturer information of paints ordered from the present to the present, going back a pre-set order history reference period from the present (step S5105). Next, the past order paint identification unit 5121 identifies stored paint information, including the combination of identified product name information and manufacturer information, from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 (step S5106). Then, the recommendation information generation unit 5123 generates recommendation information including the identified stored paint information, and the recommendation information transmission unit 5124 transmits the generated recommendation information to the terminal device 5003 (step S5107). Next, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0090] In this configuration, the cloud server 5001 proactively sends recommendation information to the terminal device 5003, including information on stored paints nearing their expiration date, stored paints previously ordered by painting contractors, or stored paints pre-registered by painting contractors. This allows painting contractors to understand the status of their paint inventory without having to perform a stored paint display operation to check the status of paint inventory managed by the cloud server 5001 via the terminal device 5003, thereby improving convenience for painting contractors. Furthermore, the recommendation information is broadcast to all terminal devices 5003 that are pre-registered with the cloud server 5001 as recipients of recommendation information. Therefore, for example, when multiple painting contractors use the paint inventory, it is possible to suppress bias in the frequency of paint usage among the multiple painting contractors.

[0091] In the aforementioned modification, an example was described in which the recommendation information transmission unit 5124 broadcasts the recommendation information to all at least one terminal device 5003 that is pre-registered with the cloud server 5001 as a destination for the recommendation information. However, the system is not limited to this, and the recommendation information transmission unit 5124 may also transmit the recommendation information to an SNS management server that manages the SNS (Social Network Service) to which the painting contractor is registered.

[0092] Furthermore, the aforementioned modification described an example in which the cloud server 5001 transmits recommendation information to a terminal device 5003 having a new stored paint information generation unit 316 that generates new stored paint information. However, the cloud server 5001 may transmit recommendation information to a terminal device that has, for example, an order request unit 319 that generates order request information for ordering paint, but does not have a new stored paint information generation unit 316.

[0093] In Embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function to spontaneously send reminder information, including information about the newly registered paint, to a terminal device when a paint of a color, type, or system desired by the painting contractor, or a paint that can be colored to achieve the desired color by the painting contractor by mixing it with other paints already registered, is newly registered. Here, other paints include paints already stored by the painting contractor as inventory, or pre-set primary color paints. Furthermore, the cloud server may have a function to spontaneously send reminder information, including information about the newly registered paint, to a terminal device when a paint is newly registered at a paint storage source located in a region pre-registered by the painting contractor.

[0094] In Embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function that, when the remaining amount of stored paint falls below a preset standard amount, spontaneously transmits recommendation information, including information about the stored paint, to the terminal device.

[0095] In Embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function to spontaneously send recommendation information, including information about the paint, to a terminal device when a paint priced below a pre-set standard price is put up for sale. For example, it may send recommendation information, including information about the paint, to a terminal device when a paint priced at 5,000 yen or less is put up for sale. Furthermore, the cloud server may have a function to monitor the purchase status of the listed paint, and when the listed paint is purchased, it may send request information to a terminal device owned by a pre-set transportation company to request pickup of the paint.

[0096] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which, when a painting contractor registers paints to be newly stored, the painting contractor performs a new storage paint registration operation on the input unit 305, inputting color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information of the newly stored paints. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the painting contractor uses the imaging unit 307 to photograph a label attached to the side wall of the container of the paints to be newly stored, which contains the color sample number, product name, and manufacturer name of the paints, the device may have a function to estimate the color sample number, product name, and manufacturer name written on the label included in the photograph. In this case, the terminal device 3 may be equipped with a new storage paint information estimation unit that extracts the label image portion from the photographic image captured by the imaging unit 307, estimates the portion containing the string corresponding to the color sample number, product name, and manufacturer name from the extracted image, and estimates the color sample number, product name, and manufacturer name from the string written in the estimated portion. Here, the new stored paint information estimation unit estimates a string using, for example, a method combining character characteristic analysis and pattern matching technology, or a method using image recognition technology utilizing a convolutional neural network, and extracts strings corresponding to the color sample number, product name, and manufacturer name from the estimated string. Then, the new stored paint information generation unit 316 generates new stored paint information including color sample number information, product name information, and manufacturer information that indicate the color sample number, product name, and manufacturer name estimated by the paint information estimation unit, and stores it in the new stored paint information storage unit 333. Note that the method for acquiring the photographic image of the label is not limited to the method using the imaging unit 307, but may also be a method of scanning the label with an optical scanner.

[0097] This configuration eliminates the need for painters to manually enter color sample numbers, product names, and manufacturer names, thus reducing the effort required for them to register new stored paints.

[0098] In Embodiment 1, when the cloud server 1 receives a request for stored paint information from the terminal device 3 requesting the transmission of stored paint information of paints stored by a user other than the painting contractor who owns the terminal device 3, it may transmit the stored paint information of the paints stored by the other user to the terminal device 3 in response. In this case, the stored paint request information may include the user identification information of the painting contractor who owns the terminal device 3 and the user identification information of the other user. When the cloud server 1 receives the stored paint information request information from the terminal device 3, it may identify the stored paint information corresponding to the user identification information of the other user included in the acquired stored paint information request information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131, and transmit the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, when a painting contractor performs a desired paint display operation by inputting the desired type of paint and the desired purchase price into the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, stored paint information request information, including information indicating the desired type of paint and the desired purchase price, may be transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1. Alternatively, when the cloud server 1 acquires the stored paint information request information, it may extract information indicating the desired type of paint and the desired purchase price from the acquired stored paint request information, and based on the extracted information, transmit the stored paint information of paints that match the type of paint and the desired purchase price of the painting contractor to the terminal device 3. When the terminal device 3 acquires the stored paint information, it may form a paint list notification image showing a list of paints that match the type of paint and the desired purchase price of the painting contractor based on the acquired stored paint information, and display it on the display unit 304. In this case, the painting contractor can refer to the paint list notification image displayed on the display unit 304 and perform an order operation to order new paint.

[0100] Furthermore, the various functions of the cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001, 5001 and terminal devices 3, 2003, 5003 according to the present invention can be implemented using a normal computer system, without requiring a dedicated system. For example, the cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001, 5001 and terminal devices 3, 2003, 5003 that perform the above processing may be configured by distributing a program for performing the above operations to computers connected to a network, stored on a non-temporary recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) that can be read by the computer system, and then installing the program into the computer system.

[0101] Furthermore, the method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches this program and executes it under the control of the operating system (OS), just like any other application. In this way, the computer functions as cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001, 5001 and terminal devices 3, 2003, 5003, performing the processes described above.

[0102] Although embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention includes embodiments and variations that are appropriately combined, and those that are appropriately modified thereto. [Industrial applicability]

[0103] This invention is suitable as a device for managing the storage conditions of paints that painting contractors keep in their own possession. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1,2001,3001,5001: Cloud server, 3,2003,5003: Terminal device, 3a: Operation button, 101,301: CPU, 102,302: Main memory unit, 103,303: Auxiliary memory unit, 106,306: Communication unit, 109,309: Bus, 111,2111,3111: New stored paint information acquisition unit, 112,2112: Stored paint information management unit, 113,3113: Color identification unit, 114: Stored paint information notification unit, 11 5,318: Submission Request Unit, 116,3116: Ordering Unit, 131,331,2131,5131: Stored Paint Information Storage Unit, 132: Color Matching Information Storage Unit, 304: Display Unit, 305: Input Unit, 307: Imaging Unit, 311: Reception Unit, 312: Stored Paint Information Acquisition Unit, 313,2313: Image Forming Unit, 314: Display Control Unit, 315: Imaging Control Unit, 316,2316: New Stored Paint Information Generation Unit, 317,2317: New Stored Paint Information Transmission Unit 319: Order Request Unit, 321: Display Image Storage Unit, 332: Image Storage Unit, 333, 2333: Newly Stored Paint Information Storage Unit, 2117: Paint Amount Calculation Unit after Color Matching, 2118: Required Paint Amount Notification Unit, 2119: Required Paint Amount Calculation Unit, 2320: Required Paint Amount Acquisition Unit, 3004: Colorimeter, 3133: XYZ Color System Information Storage Unit, 5120: Paint Identification Unit Immediately Before Expiration Date, 5121: Past Ordered Paint Identification Unit, 5122: Pre-Registered Paint Identification Unit, 512 3: Recommendation information generation unit, 5124: Recommendation information transmission unit, 5125: Pre-registration unit, 5133: Order history storage unit, 5134: Pre-registered paint storage unit, 5320: Pre-registration request unit, 5321: Recommendation information acquisition unit, GA1: Stored paint notification image, GA01, GA02: Captured image, GA011, GA012: Band image, M11, M12, M13, M21, M22, M23, M24: Message information, NW1: Network

Claims

1. A stored paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the color amount information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. A stored paint information notification unit transmits to a terminal device held by the user the following: an image of each container filled with at least one of the paints, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, color information after color matching, and color amount information after color matching. The system includes a recommendation notification unit that, when the stored paint information storage unit newly stores the paint identification information of the paint necessary to achieve the color-matched color desired by the user, as specified by the user based on the color-matched color information, generates recommendation information including the newly stored paint identification information and transmits it to the terminal device. Storage paint management device.

2. A stored paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paints and price information showing the price for each of the at least one paints stored by the user. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the color amount information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. A stored paint information notification unit transmits the following to a terminal device held by the user: an image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, the color information after color matching, and the amount of paint after color matching. The system includes a recommendation notification unit that, when the stored paint information storage unit newly stores price information and paint identification information indicating a price below a preset standard price, generates recommendation information including the newly stored paint identification information, the color-matched color information, and the color-matched paint quantity information, and transmits it to the terminal device. Storage paint management device.

3. A stored paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the paint quantity information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of at least one of the paints. A stored paint information notification unit transmits to a terminal device held by the user the following: an image of each container filled with at least one of the paints, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, the color information after color matching, and the amount of paint after color matching. A purchase status monitoring unit monitors the purchase status of the paint identified by the paint identification information stored in the stored paint information storage unit, The system further includes a pickup request notification unit that, when the purchase status monitoring unit determines that the paint has been purchased, transmits request information to a terminal device owned by a pre-configured vendor to request the pickup of the purchased paint. Storage paint management device.

4. A storage unit for stored paint information stores image information showing captured images of containers filled with at least one paint stored by each of multiple users, associating paint identification information for each of the at least one paints with user identification information that identifies the user. A color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using color information indicating the color of other paints, for each of the at least one paints stored by the first user among multiple users, A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the color amount information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of at least one of the paints and the user identification information of the first user. The system includes a stored paint information notification unit that, upon receiving stored paint request information from a terminal device owned by a second user different from the first user, requests the transmission of information about the paint, including the user identification information of the first user of the first user transmitted from the terminal device owned by the second user, and transmits to the terminal device owned by the second user the image information, paint identification information, color-matched color information, and color-matched paint quantity information, which are stored in the stored paint information storage unit and correspond to the user identification information of the first user included in the acquired stored paint request information, to the terminal device owned by the second user. Storage paint management device.

5. A stored paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, associating it with paint identification information for each of the at least one paints and storage location information indicating the storage location where the at least one paint is stored. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the amount of paint after color matching, in association with the paint identification information and storage location information for at least one of the paints. The system includes a storage paint information notification unit that transmits an image of each container filled with at least one of the paints, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, color information after color matching, paint quantity information after color matching, and storage location information to a terminal device held by the user. Storage paint management device.

6. A terminal device owned by the user has an imaging unit and, when the imaging unit images the container containing paint newly stored by the user, which includes a label that has a first string representing color information indicating the color of the paint and a second string representing paint identification information identifying the paint, the device estimates the first string and the second string written on the label included in the image obtained from the image, and estimates the color information and the paint identification information from the estimated first string and the second string, A storage paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of the container filled with the paint that the estimated user will newly store, in association with the estimated color information and the paint identification information. A color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using color information indicating the color of other paints to color the paint newly stored by the user, A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores the post-color information indicating the specified post-coloring color and the post-coloring paint quantity information in the stored paint information storage unit in association with the paint identification information. The system includes a stored paint information notification unit that transmits an image of each container filled with at least one of the aforementioned paints, paint identification information for each of the aforementioned at least one paints, color information after color matching, and paint quantity information after color matching to a terminal device held by the user. Paint storage management system.

7. The terminal device owned by the user, A storage unit for stored paint information stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, color information indicating the color of the paint, and price information indicating the price of each of the at least one paints stored by the user. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the color amount information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. When a paint information request information is received from the terminal device, which includes the color information of the paint desired by the user and the desired purchase price information of the paint, the paint identification unit identifies the paint identification information of the paint that matches the color indicated by the color information and the desired purchase price indicated by the desired purchase price information included in the received paint information request information, The system includes a stored paint information notification unit that transmits to the terminal device the identified paint identification information, the captured image corresponding to the identified paint identification information stored in the stored paint information storage unit, the color-matched color information, and the color-matched paint quantity information. Paint storage management system.

8. The terminal device includes a display unit and, based on the identified paint identification information, the captured image corresponding to the identified paint identification information stored in the stored paint information storage unit, the color-matched color information, and the color-matched paint quantity information, forms a paint list notification image showing a list of paints desired by the user and displays it on the display unit. The paint storage management system according to claim 7.

9. The stored paint management device stores image information in a stored paint information storage unit, corresponding to the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints, which is an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user. The stored paint management device includes the step of identifying the color after color mixing that can be achieved by color mixing using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of other paints for each of the at least one paints stored by the user. The storage paint management device includes the step of calculating the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, The stored paint management device stores in the stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the color information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of at least one of the paints. The stored paint management device transmits an image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, the color information after color matching, and the amount of color-matched paint to a terminal device held by the user. The stored paint management device includes the step of generating recommendation information including the newly stored paint identification information and transmitting it to the terminal device when the stored paint information storage unit newly stores the paint identification information of the paint necessary to achieve the color after color matching desired by the user, which is specified by the user based on the color matching information. Storage paint management method.

10. The stored paint management device stores image information in a stored paint information storage unit, which is associated with paint identification information for each of the at least one paints and price information indicating the price for each of the at least one paints stored by the user. The stored paint management device includes the step of identifying the color after color mixing that can be achieved by color mixing using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of other paints for each of the at least one paints stored by the user. The storage paint management device includes the step of calculating the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, The stored paint management device stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the amount of color-matched paint, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. The stored paint management device transmits an image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, the color information after color matching, and the amount of color-matched paint to a terminal device held by the user. The stored paint management device includes the step of, when the stored paint information storage unit newly stores the price information and paint identification information indicating a price below a preset standard price, generating recommendation information including the newly stored paint identification information, the color-matched color information and the color-matched paint quantity information, and transmitting it to the terminal device. Storage paint management method.

11. A stored paint management device comprising the steps of storing image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in a stored paint information storage unit, in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, The stored paint management device includes the step of identifying the color after color mixing that can be achieved by color mixing using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of other paints for each of the at least one paints stored by the user. The storage paint management device includes the step of calculating the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors, A step of storing in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the paint quantity information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of at least one of the paints. The stored paint management device transmits an image of each container filled with at least one of the paints, paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, the color information after color matching, and the amount of paint after color matching to a terminal device held by the user. The stored paint management device includes the step of monitoring the purchase status of the paint identified by the paint identification information stored in the stored paint information storage unit, The stored paint management device includes the step of, when it determines that the paint has been purchased, transmitting request information to a terminal device owned by a pre-configured vendor to request the pickup of the purchased paint. Storage paint management method.

12. Computers, A stored paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors. A stored paint information management unit stores in the stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the color information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of at least one of the paints. A stored paint information notification unit transmits an image of each container filled with at least one of the aforementioned paints, paint identification information for each of the aforementioned paints, color information after color matching, and color amount information after color matching to a terminal device held by the user. When the stored paint information storage unit newly stores the paint identification information of the paint necessary to achieve the color after mixing desired by the user, as specified by the user based on the color after mixing information, the recommendation notification unit generates recommendation information including the newly stored paint identification information and transmits it to the terminal device. A program designed to function as such.

13. Computers, A stored paint information storage unit stores image information showing an image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paints and price information showing the price for each of the at least one paints stored by the user. For each of the at least one of the paints stored by the user, a color identification unit identifies the color after color mixing that can be achieved by using the other paints, using color information indicating the color of the other paints. A color-matched paint quantity calculation unit calculates the amount of color-matched paint that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors. A stored paint information management unit stores in a stored paint information storage unit the color information after color matching, which indicates the specified color after color matching, and the paint quantity information after color matching, in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paints. A stored paint information notification unit transmits the following to a terminal device held by the user: an image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information for each of the at least one paints, the color information after color matching, and the amount of paint after color matching. When the stored paint information storage unit newly stores the price information and paint identification information, which indicate a price below a preset standard price, the recommendation notification unit generates recommendation information including the newly stored paint identification information, the color-matched color information, and the color-matched paint quantity information, and transmits it to the terminal device. A program designed to function as such.

Images