JP2003337907A - System and method for supporting sales promotion, search engine, management server, image forming device, and program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily search for sales promotion contents such as a desired catalog by a sales promotion supporting method and to make the user not feel the cost burden of the printing expenditure of the searched sales promotion contents. <P>SOLUTION: Provided is a storage content database 10 storing a data table in which the storage destination of electronic data of sales promotion contents stored in a data server 5, the property of an article that the electronic data indicate, and the provider of the electronic data are made to correspond to the electronic data. The storage content database 10 is used to specify electronic data matching user's desired conditions by a search server 14. According to the electronic data specified by the search server 14, a distributing server 16 generates print data and distributes the data to a printer 3. A charging data generation part 18 specifies the provider of the data by using the storage content database 10 and generates charging data for performing charging processing for output processing of printed matter for the specified provider. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sales promotion support method and system, a search engine, a management server, an image forming apparatus, a program, and a storage medium used in this system. More specifically, sales promotion contents such as catalogs and PR documents are transmitted to an image forming apparatus such as a printer via a communication network to generate a printed matter,
The present invention relates to a charging method in a method of supporting sales promotion of a product by providing a user with the generated printed matter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When selling products in the market, advertising activities have a great influence on sales. Conventionally, as advertisement media, in addition to television commercials, there are leaflets, catalogs, direct mails, and other media distributed by each customer.

[0003] For example, when a customer purchases a product or service, it is generally performed to obtain catalogs of the respective companies and to compare them. However, in order to obtain a catalog, it is necessary to go to a store and find a catalog in which desired products and services are described. In comparison and comparison, the information required by the customer is often a part of each catalog, and unnecessary pages are not only a hindrance when browsing the catalog, but also waste paper resources.

On the other hand, due to the spread of the Internet and the spread of broadband services in recent years, it has become possible to constantly connect not only WWW servers and the like but also various types of information devices to the Internet. In such a situation, the printer function of the copier installed in a store such as a convenience store can operate by using network resources, and the catalog data acquired via the network based on the request from the customer can be used to store the catalog data. It is conceivable to build a network printing system that prints with installed devices. In this case, for example, it becomes possible for general customers to obtain sales promotion contents such as catalog images provided by a WWW server or the like for the purpose of corporate PR or the like as printed matter by using a device installed in a store.

[0005]

However, a printing cost naturally occurs in the print output using the device installed in the store. And the cost of this printout is
It is common for the user of the device that has instructed the print output, that is, the customer to bear the cost. For this reason, the customer feels a large cost burden for the print output using the device installed in the store, so it is doubtful whether or not the print output will actually be performed, and the print output using the device installed in the store is used for advertisement. Even if they do the activities, they do not always get the PR effect that companies expect.

[0006] Further, when the customer outputs a catalog, there is a possibility that the information of the undesired product is also output at the same time. In addition, finding a desired catalog is more time-consuming than in the case of a conventional paper catalog prepared in a store, and when trying to acquire similar product information of multiple companies, output operation must be performed for each company. It is complicated because it does not happen.

As described above, in the conventional state, even if the company outputs the sales promotion contents such as the catalog image provided as the electronic data as the printed matter by using the device installed in the store, the sales promotion activities of the products are not always supported. There is a problem that it does not lead to what you do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a method capable of supporting a sales promotion activity of a product even when a print output method using an apparatus installed in a store is used. And to provide a system. Specifically, firstly, it is an object to provide a system and method capable of supporting the sales promotion activity of a product by solving the problem of cost burden on the user. Secondly, even when the print output method using the device installed in the store is used, it is possible for the user to print out desired information such as company PR and catalog with a simple operation. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method capable of supporting a sales promotion activity of a product.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a search engine, a management server, or an image forming apparatus used in the above system. A further object of the present invention is to provide a program suitable for realizing a sales promotion support method or system by software using an electronic computer, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems] That is, a sales promotion support method according to the present invention uses electronic data stored in a data server representing sales promotion contents for promoting sales of products in a market via a communication network. In the sales promotion support method for supporting the sales promotion of a product by transmitting the image to the image forming apparatus, generating a printed matter based on electronic data in the image forming apparatus, and providing the generated printed matter to the user. A procedure for distributing print data corresponding to electronic data representing sales promotion content stored in a data server related to a product desired by a user to an image forming apparatus, and a print product generated in the image forming apparatus. The billing data for identifying the provider of the specified electronic data and performing the billing process for the output process of the printed matter to the identified provider. And a procedure for generating.

A sales promotion support system according to the present invention is a system for implementing the sales promotion support method according to the present invention, which prints out on a predetermined recording sheet based on electronic data representing sales promotion contents. Corresponds to an image forming unit that generates printed matter, a data server that stores electronic data that represents sales promotion content, and electronic data that represents sales promotion content that is stored in a data server related to a product that the user desires. A distribution server for distributing print data to the image forming unit, and electronic data corresponding to the print data distributed by the distribution server and used for a printed matter generated in the image forming unit A section for identifying a person who has made a purchase, and generating billing data for performing a billing process for the output process of the printed matter with respect to the identified provider. And a data generation unit.

In the sales promotion support system according to the present invention, the contents for sales promotion stored in the data server relating to the product desired by the user are specified, or the storage destination of the specified electronic data is specified. In addition, as a mechanism for identifying the provider of the electronic data, for the electronic data stored in the data server, the storage destination of the electronic data, the attribute of the product represented by the electronic data, or the provider of the electronic data is specified. It is desirable to have a storage content database that stores the associated data table.

The inventions described in the dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the sales promotion support system according to the present invention. Further, the search engine, the management server, or the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for configuring the sales promotion support system according to the present invention. Further, a program according to the present invention can be applied to a sales promotion support method or system according to the present invention by an electronic computer (computer).
It is suitable to be realized by software using. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be distributed via wired or wireless communication means.

[0014]

In the sales promotion support method and system having the above-described structure, for example, a data server that holds element data used for printing, an image forming apparatus that collects element data to generate a printed matter, and a printing fee are charged. The system is composed of a management server that determines and manages the method, and a communication network that enables mutual communication. The printing fee is charged to a provider corresponding to an advertiser of element data such as catalogs and PR information.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a sales promotion support system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the sales promotion support system 1 of the first embodiment is a copying machine (each a, b, c, ..., N;) having a network printer function installed in a convenience store (hereinafter referred to as a convenience store) or the like. Each element data (such as a catalog image) managed by a provider of sales promotion digital content (hereinafter also referred to as sales promotion content) such as a product catalog or PR data and configuring the sales promotion content (for example, a catalog image). And a data server 5 that holds a sales promotion image).

The sales promotion content and the sales promotion image may be composed of a single object such as an image object, a graphic object or a text object, or may be composed of any combination thereof.

Further, the sales promotion support system 1 has the function of the search server according to the present invention, searches and collects element data of the sales promotion contents such as a catalog according to the output request from the user, and shows the sales promotion contents. A management server 7 that generates print data and transmits it to the printer 3, and manages print charge information when printing out promotional content, and a charge process based on the print charge information managed by this management server 7. And a server 8.
The management server 7 and the billing server 8 are installed in a control center SC that manages the sales promotion support system 1.

The individual printer 3, the individual data server 5, and the control center SC are network-connected by a communication network 9. The communication network 9 may be any one that connects each printer 3, the data server 5, and the control center SC, and may be, for example, a local LAN (local area network) or a wide area network using a public telephone line. (WAN). Also,
It may be one using the Internet (Web). When the communication network 9 is a public telephone line, a modem device as a network interface is provided in the printer 3, the data server 5, and the management server 7 in the control center SC.

In the figure, a plurality of printers 3 and data servers 5 are shown, but the numbers are arbitrary and, for example, one may be provided for each. Also, although one control center SC is shown, a plurality of control centers may be provided. For example, there is a case where a regional control center LSC that controls the printer 3 and the data server 5 is installed in each region.

Further, although a configuration is shown in which each management server 7 is provided with a billing server 8, the billing server 8 does not need to be installed for each management server 7, but for each of a plurality of management servers 7. Alternatively, one charging server 8 may be provided. Further, the charging server 8 is not limited to being installed in the governing center SC, but the charging server 8 is installed outside the governing center SC and is independently connected to the communication network 9, and the management server 7 is connected via the communication network 9. (Control Center SC)
And the charging server 8 may be connected. For example, when the regional control center LSC including the management server 7 is provided for each region, the central control center CSC that controls these (each regional control center LSC) is based on the information obtained from each regional control center LSC. This is the case, for example, when the billing server 8 for billing processing is installed.

The data server 5 holds element data (image data; for example, document data configured in page units) used for network printing. As the data server 5, for example, a WWW server managed by a provider who provides sales promotion contents (electronic data) such as catalogs and PR documents may be used. The data structure is such that each element data (image data) forming the sales promotion content stored in the data server 5 can be searched. This element data is HTML when using the Web.
(Hypertext Markup Language) and SGML (Standard
Generalized Markup Language) or XML (Exte
It is desirable that the electronic document is written in a markup language such as nsible Markup Language). Of course, the document is not limited to the electronic document described in the markup language, and the image may be converted into page image data by reading a catalog of a paper medium with a scanner.

In the case of an electronic document described in a language with markup, “page unit” does not mean “page unit” of paper size, but “page unit” as these electronic documents (so-called hope page data). Means. Therefore, when one element data is a printed matter, it may be printed over a plurality of pages.

In order to search the location of the element data in the data server 5, the management server 7 is equipped with a search engine having index information used for the search and a search function. That is, the entity of each element data is stored in the data server 5, but when the element data is used as print data, the index information and the search function provided in the management server 7 are used.

The index information includes keyword information for each piece of element data and element data, that is, provider information for specifying a provider of the promotional content (advertiser such as a catalog or PR). The keyword information is used for searching when collecting the promotional content (for example, catalog image) desired by the user. Further, the provider information is used when generating billing data for billing processing for printing promotional content such as a catalog image on the printer 3.

Due to these mechanisms, as shown in FIG. 1, the management server 7 stores the image data representing the sales promotion content stored in the data server 5, the attribute of the product represented by the image data, and the image. A storage content database 10 that stores a data table that associates data (ie, sales promotion content) providers with each other, and a desired condition acquisition unit 1 that acquires desired key information representing a product desired by the user.
2, and a search server 14 that specifies image data representing a sales promotion image related to a product that matches the user's request, based on the desired key information acquired by the desired condition acquisition unit 12 and the stored content database 10. .

Further, the management server 7 reads out the image data suitable for the user specified by the search server 14 from the data server 5 based on the stored content database 10, and prints the print data corresponding to this image data to the printer. Distribution server 16 to be distributed to 3 and distribution server 16
The provider of the image data corresponding to the print data distributed by the image data and used in the printed matter generated in the printer 3 is specified based on the stored content database 10, and the printed matter is supplied to the specified provider. And a billing data generation unit 18 that generates billing data for performing the billing process for the output process.

As a commercial act, the provider who actually provides the product may not be the same as the provider who provides the sales promotion content of the product, but in the present embodiment, both of them are substantially the same. You can regard them as the same thing. That is, in the present embodiment, “notifying the provider who provides the sales promotion content of the information regarding the purchasing act by the user” includes the above two types of providers.
Further, in such a case, any provider may be charged.

In the above configuration, for example, first, image data representing a sales promotion image for promoting sales of products in the market is stored in the data server 5. Then, the image data regarding the product desired by the user is read from the data server 5 and transmitted to the management server 7 via the communication network 9,
Based on the transmitted image data, the management server 7 converts the print data into predetermined print data, the management server 7 transmits the print data to the printer 3, and the printer 3 generates a printed matter. Then, the generated printed matter is provided to the user. As a result, a system for supporting the sales promotion of the product that the content provider wants to sell is constructed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the printer 3 used in the sales promotion support system 1 of the first embodiment. The printer 3 uses the print output function of a copying machine having a network connection function installed in a convenience store. That is, the printer 3 connected to the control center SC via such a communication network 9
In addition to realizing a so-called copying function of printing out an image optically read from a document on a predetermined recording sheet, an image (print data) received from the control center SC via the communication network 9 is recorded on the recording sheet. Print out above,
It also has a so-called print function.

As shown in the figure, the printer 3 includes a main control section 30 for controlling the overall operation of each section in the printer 3,
External device connected to communication network 9, that is, control center SC
The communication unit 32 has a communication function with the internal management server 7. In the printer 3 of this example, the print request input by the user is transmitted to the control center SC (specifically, the management server 7), and the print data is received from the management server 7.

Further, the printer 3 has a user interface section 33 for inputting information of print data desired by the user. For example, the user interface unit 33
Is a key operation unit 33a having various keys and buttons such as a numeric keypad and a cursor movement key, an LCD or an organic E
And a display unit 33b having a display device such as L. Key operation unit 33a and display unit 33 such as a touch panel
It may be configured to also serve as b.

The print request input from the user is made by the printer 3
User interface section 33 as an input means included in
Through. The print request input by the user includes information that specifies the data to be printed. Note that the print request from the user may be configured to be received by the centralized control center SC by another means (for example, a telephone request) not via the printer 3.

Further, the printer 3 receives print data via the communication section 32, analyzes the print data, and performs predetermined processing for print output on the print data to generate image forming data. The raster scan-based print engine includes a print processing unit 34 and a data printing unit 36 that forms an image (prints on a printing sheet) based on the image forming data generated by the print processing unit 34. An image forming unit 37 is configured by the print processing unit 34 and the data printing unit 36.

The data printing unit 36 includes a laser light source that emits a light beam, a laser driving unit that controls or modulates the laser light source according to the image forming data output from the print processing unit 34, and a light beam emitted from the laser light source. Is provided with a polygon mirror (rotating polygonal mirror) or the like that reflects the light toward a photosensitive member (photosensitive drum) (all are not shown).

The print processing unit 34, for the image data,
According to a well-known technique, data representing a plurality of separation colors, preferably three or four, is generated and rendered (developed into raster data). For example, YCr represented by digital data
Mapping from the Cb color system to at least three (preferably four) color systems, such as the CMY color system or the CMYK color system, is performed to generate color-separated raster data for print output.

In addition, the print processing unit 34 under-color removal (UCR) for reducing the CMY components of the color image or partially replacing the reduced CMY components with the K components in the process of such raster data conversion. Replace gray component (GCR). Furthermore, the print output processing unit
In order to adjust the toner image of the output image created in response to the output data (CMYK, etc.), color separation linearization or similar processing may be performed.

The data printing unit 36 reflects the light beam generated by the laser light source on a plurality of surfaces on the polygon mirror to expose the photosensitive member, and forms a latent image on the photosensitive member by scan scanning. Once the latent image is formed, the image is developed according to any of numerous methods known in the art, the color image is transferred as a visible image to a predetermined medium and output as a print.

When the user receives the printout service of the sales promotion content using the printer 3, the user first accesses the control center SC via the user interface section 33 of the printer 3 and specifies the desired sales promotion content. , Request print output. When the management server 7 accepts this request, it performs print processing after performing a predetermined search process, and responds to the printer 3 with this print data. This allows the user to obtain a desired product catalog or the like at a store or the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the management server 7 used in the sales promotion support system 1 of the first embodiment. The management server 7 includes a main control unit 50 that controls the overall operation of each unit in the management server 7, and a communication unit 52 that has a communication function with the printer 3 and the data server 5 connected to the communication network 9. Have. For example, the communication unit 52
Accepts a print request input by the user from the printer 3. Further, it receives element data for promotional contents from the data server 5 or sends print data generated based on this element data to the printer 3.
Further, the management server 7 receives the print request information via the response screen generation unit 53 for responding to the printer 3 with the screen corresponding to the information specified by the user, and the print request information via the communication unit 52. Or a request analysis unit 54 that generates search information or the like used when analyzing element data or collecting element data for catalog printing.

The management server 7 also stores a search database 55 in which index information for managing the storage status of element data for sales promotion contents held by the data server 5 is registered, search information generated by the request analysis unit 54, and search. An element data collection unit 56 that collects element data desired by the user based on the index information of the database 55.
With.

The request analysis unit 54 is an example of the search server 14 shown in FIG. The search database 55 is an example of the stored content database 10 shown in FIG. Also,
By the response screen generation unit 53 and the request analysis unit 54, FIG.
The desired condition acquisition unit 12 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the request analysis unit 54, the search database 55, and the element data collection unit 56 configure the search engine 15.

For example, the print request designated by the user is analyzed by the request analysis section 54, and the result is notified to the response screen generation section 53. The response screen generation unit 53 generates screen data according to this notification and responds to the printer 3.
Further, the print request specified by the user is in a format (for example, a search formula) for searching the element data by the request analysis unit 54.
The desired element data is acquired from the data server 5 by the search / collection function of the element data collection unit 56 that is converted into

The management server 7 also includes the element data collection unit 5
A print data generation unit 58 that generates one print data (print document) based on the element data collected by the printer 6 and transmits the generated print data to the printer 3. The distribution server 16 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by the element data collection unit 56 and the print data generation unit 58.

The print data generator 58 generates one print data based on the element data acquired from the element data collector 56. Further, for example, the print data generation unit 58
Is not limited to bundling page-based element data, and may generate search contents, a table of contents page or cover page of each element data, or a cover page including the table of contents, and add it to the collected element data. .

Further, the management server 7 requires the printing fee (total) required to print out by the printer 3 based on the print data generated by the print data generating section 58, and the print fee billing amount for each content provider (book). A charge calculation unit 60 that calculates an example of charging data according to the invention), and a charge information management unit 62 that manages the cumulative value of the print charge amount charged for each content provider calculated by the charge calculation unit 60.
By the charge calculation unit 60 and the charge information management unit 62, FIG.
The charging data generator 18 shown in FIG.

The print data generated by the print data generating unit 58 is transmitted to the printer 3 designated by the user via the communication unit 52 and the communication network 9 and printed out by the printer 3. When printing is completed, the printer 3 notifies the management server 7 to that effect. When the management server 7 receives this notification, the charge calculation unit 60 calculates the print charge amount for each content provider according to a predetermined calculation method, and the print charge amount is registered in the charge information management unit 62. Add to the billing information of the information provider.

The charge information management unit 62 manages information for charging the printing charge to each provider of the element data that constitutes the sales promotion content (that is, the charge amount information).
Holding The amount charged to each provider for each print request is determined according to the amount of element data included in the print data. For example, when printing certain print data, the charge for the entire print data is c, the total number of element pages (provided information print total pages) from each provider included in the print data is n, and the number of element pages from a certain provider ( When the number of pages to be provided) is p, the charge calculation unit 60 calculates the charge amount to a certain provider by the following formula (1) and notifies the charge information management unit 62 of the calculation result (charge amount M). . The charge information management unit 62 adds the print charge charge amount notified to the charge amount information of each registered information provider. As a result, the cumulative value of the print charge amount for each content provider is managed.

[Equation 1]

FIG. 4 is a diagram specifically showing a method of calculating the print charge amount by the charge calculation unit 60. In order for the charge calculation unit 60 to manage the cumulative print amount for each provider ID in the charge information management unit 62, first, the cover sheet, the table of contents, etc.
The total of the element pages (provided information printing total page) n from each provider included in the print data is obtained by excluding those related to the output that does not depend on the specific provided information. Then, according to the degree of use of each provider, that is, the degree of the provided page number p of the provider with respect to the provided information printing total page n,
Allocate the total printing cost c.

In the illustrated example, the total printing page m = 32 pages, unit price @ = 10 yen, printing charge c = @ xn = 10x3.
2 = 320 yen, the total number of pages to print additional information n = 30, and the number of pages to be provided p = 3 with the provider ID “comp001”, the provider ID is “comp00”.
The amount charged to the provider, which is 1 ”, is M001, which is 32 yen according to the following equation (2).

[Equation 2]

Note that the output related to the output that does not depend on the specific provided information, such as the front cover and the table of contents, is an additional output service. Therefore, for example, it is generated only when the user desires, and the desired user It may be configured such that the print output is charged. In this case, if the other conditions are the same as in the previous example, the charge amount M000 to the user is 20 yen, the provider ID is calculated by the following formula (3).
The amount charged to the provider whose “comp001” is “M001”
Will be 30 yen.

[Equation 3]

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a print amount management table (print charge bill amount database) managed by the charge information management unit 62 in the management server 7 of the first embodiment. A provider ID code is assigned to each content provider as an identifier for identifying the provider, and is associated with this provider ID code (that is, for each provider).
Manage the cumulative print amount. In the illustrated example, the provider "comp001" has a cumulative printing amount of 722 yen, and the provider "comp002" has a cumulative printing amount of 1409 yen.

The billing server 8 uses the charge information management unit 62.
Settlement processing is performed periodically with reference to the cumulative printing amount managed by, for example, in a predetermined cycle or on a predetermined date. For example, the billing list is created by summarizing the printing charge status for each provider at a frequency of once a week or once a month. As a result, the management server 7 can claim the cost burden of the printout service of the sales promotion content using each printer 3 in a state in which each provider who provides the sales promotion content bears the cost.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of registration of index information in the search database 55 for managing element data for sales promotion contents held by the data server 5.

This search database 55 is, for example,
Each content provider may be registered and managed by itself, or the management server 7 managed by the control center SC.
In addition, the content provider may register information regarding predetermined element data. The search database 55 is referred to as index information for searching element data desired by the user or as an identifier of a data storage destination at the time of collecting element data when the management server 7 generates print data. .

As shown in FIG. 6A, the search database 55 has a "product identifier" for identifying each product for each record (table data), each document data name regarding the product, that is, a catalog or PR. To identify "contents" indicating sales promotion contents such as documents, "product attributes" indicating the category of products desired by the user, and the provider (for example, advertiser such as a catalog or PR) that provides the contents. Each item of "provider ID" is registered in association with each other.

In this example, the entity of the element data is stored in the data server 5 on the Web managed by the provider or the like, and the "product identifier" indicates the product guide which is the link source to each element data. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location on the web of the top page is used. In addition, as the "contents", "specifications",
Each item of "appearance" and "feature" is prepared. As each item data of “specification”, “appearance”, and “feature”, a reference indicating the link destination from the product top page provided by the content provider to the Web page of each element data is described. Then, in order to correspond to this, the data server 5 has "specifications" for each product,
A single-page document corresponding to each of “appearance” and “feature” is stored.

In the figure, for example, "specifications" indicates "spec" or "shiyou", and appearance indicates "ph".
"oto", "gaikan", or "feature" is "fe"
Although “ature”, “tukucho”, etc. are described as item data, it is sufficient if the link destination (location) of the element data is known, and not limited to these, the provider can freely name.

When the provider cannot prepare these item data of "contents", it is blank (indicated by "-" in the figure). Also, as "contents",
It goes without saying that other items may be prepared. For example, if there is a page of catalog data in which each item of “specification”, “appearance”, and “feature” is arbitrarily summarized, the item of “composite” may be provided.

As described above, the item data "contents" in this example is a reference indicating the link destination (location) of the product top page to the Web page of the element data, so "product identifier" + " The URL of "contents" indicates the storage destination of the contents of the product in the data server 5. Therefore, the management server 7
When collecting element data, for example, in the case of “appearance” of “prod2”, “http: //www.comp”
1. co. Since it is only necessary to refer to the storage location of the element data in the format "jp / prod2 / photo", acquisition of the element data becomes extremely simple.

As the "product attribute", for example, "product type", "price" of TV, video, personal computer, etc.,
Also, in the case of a television, "subdivision items" corresponding to the "product type" such as "size" are prepared. This subdivision item corresponds to the "product type",
It is not limited to the illustrated example.

The item data of “product attribute” is referred to when searching whether or not each element data of the sales promotion content corresponding to the product and the content content desired by the user exists in the data server 5. Further, the item data of “provider ID” identifies each content provider and is referred to when the printing fee is charged.

It should be noted that the search database 55 may be any one as long as it associates and registers each item of “product identifier”, “contents content”, “product attribute”, and “provider ID” for each record. The data file management method is arbitrary so far. For example, in FIG.
As shown in (A), it may be a single file that manages all at once, or as shown in FIG. 6 (B), content in which "product identifier" and "content details" are associated with each other. File, attribute file in which "product identifier" and "product attribute" are associated, "product identifier" and "provider ID"
It may be a combination of individual files such as a provider file in which and are associated with each other. Of course, it may be a file in which these individual files are arbitrarily combined.

The management server 7 uses the registration update section 55a to register the information of the element data stored in the data server 5 in such a management table. At this time, for example, a form in which the provider submits the registered content data to be registered, or a form in which the provider who manages the data server 5 via the communication network 9 registers the data may be used. In the latter case, it is desirable to take measures to prevent the management table from being destroyed, for example, by adopting a method that allows registration on the condition of authentication.

Further, for example, when the registered contents meet the user's desired conditions, it is desirable to make a preliminary search in advance so that they can be extracted at the time of search. In this case, it is desirable to specify an appropriate search key, such as adding a provider name, a product name, or a model number to the search key so that the preliminary search does not burden the processing of the management server 7.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of print data (print document) generated by the print data generating unit 58 in the management server 7 of the first embodiment. Here, of the content contents (promotional contents) shown in FIG. 6, the specification, appearance, and characteristics are specified by the user, and there are a plurality of products corresponding to the desired product, and these belong to a plurality of providers. is doing.

The data server 5 stores single-page documents (element data) corresponding to specifications, appearances, and characteristics for each product, and the element data collection unit 5
Reference numeral 6 collects a document corresponding to the user's request from the data server 5 and passes it to the print data generation unit 58. In response to this, as shown in FIG. 7, the print data generation unit 58 collects them, adds a cover page and a table of contents page, and generates one booklet-shaped product catalog document.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed on the user interface section 33 of the printer 3 of the first embodiment for designating the promotional content desired by the user. Here, the user interface unit 3
The key operation unit 33a and the display unit 33b of No. 3 are shown as an example configured by a touch panel.

Here, the input screen shown in FIG. 8A is an example (basic screen) of a print menu screen for specifying the type of product corresponding to the sales promotion content desired by the user. The product type on this basic screen indicates the product genre of the item data (contents of data) of the "product type" registered in the data server 5 described above. Also, FIG.
FIG. 8B is an example of a detail selection screen corresponding to the product type designated in FIG. 8A. The product type on the detail selection screen corresponds to the item data (contents of data) of the “product type” registered in the data server 5 described above. Further, FIG. 8C is an example of a “product catalog output setting” screen for a product corresponding to the product type specified in FIG. 8B.

On the basic screen of the "product catalog print menu" shown in FIG. 8A, a list of information types (so-called product genres) to be acquired, such as "home appliances", "travel", and "real estate", is displayed. ing. The user touches (presses) the desired type selection button 33c on this basic screen to specify the genre of the product for which catalog printing is desired. Then, the process proceeds to the detail selection screen shown in FIG.

The screen of the "product catalog print menu" detail selection screen shown in FIG. 8B shows a case where "home electric appliance" is selected on the basic screen of FIG. 8A, for example, "TV", A list of detailed examples of information types to be acquired, such as "video" and "refrigerator", is displayed. See also FIG.
A "return" button for returning the display to the basic screen of (A) is also prepared. Here again, the user touches (presses) the desired type selection button 33c on the detailed selection screen to specify the desired product type for the catalog. Then, the screen advances to the "product catalog output setting" screen shown in FIG.

In the "Product Catalog Output Setting" screen shown in FIG. 8C, "Home Appliance" is selected on the basic screen of FIG. 8A, and "TV" is selected on the detail selection screen of FIG. 8B. 7 illustrates an example of a screen displayed after is selected.

Here, a "price" column 331 and a "size" column 332 are prepared as a "commodity condition" area 330, that is, a column (condition input field) for designating the condition of the catalog information to be acquired. There is. here,
The “commodity condition” corresponds to the “price” and the “subdivision item” in the “product attribute” registered in the data server 5 and corresponds to the “product type” in the “product attribute”. If the detail item changes, the "size" column is switched to another display accordingly.

For example, in the "commodity condition" area, the price range and the size of the television can be specified, and the "price"
By inputting numerical values in the two fields of, using a numeric keypad (not shown), the price range of the product desired to be cataloged can be specified. You can also specify a single price by entering the same number in both. Note that the “size” column is the same as the input form of the “price” column, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

In the "catalog content" area 333, a "basic specification" button 334 is provided as a content selection button for selecting and designating the items of the catalog to be printed out.
a, an "appearance" button 335a, and a "product feature" button 336a are prepared. In addition, check box 3 corresponding to each button in the "Catalog contents" area
34b, 335b, 336b are prepared.

By touching (pressing) each button in the "catalog contents" area, the contents to be printed out can be designated. For example, each time the button is touched, selection / non-selection is performed. When the selection is valid, a mark indicating that is displayed in the corresponding check box. In the example of the figure, "basic specifications" and "appearance" are selected.

Further, after the entry in the condition input field for designating the "product condition" and the designation of the catalog contents to be printed are completed, information retrieval corresponding to the set conditions and contents (corresponding product catalog 8) and a search button 338 for instructing the management server 7 of FIG.
A "return" button 339 for returning the display to the detail selection screen of (B) is prepared. When the management server 7 receives this search instruction, the management server 7 searches for product catalog data that matches the conditions desired by the user. Alternatively, the data server 5
Instruct the search. When the search is completed, the management server 7 returns the search result screen to the printer 3.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen returned to the printer 3 by the management server 7 of the first embodiment. Here, "home electric appliance" is selected on the basic screen of FIG. 8 (A), "TV" is selected on the detail selection screen of FIG. 8 (B), and then specified on FIG. 8 (C). The result of searching by the conditions and the catalog contents is illustrated.

This search result screen is provided with a "search result" display area 340 in which the result of the search execution based on the product conditions and the catalog contents specified on the screen of FIG. 8C is shown. The “search result” display area further includes a “search content” area 341 indicating the content specified by the user.
And a “search result details” area 342 showing the number of corresponding products and the total number of required pages when printed out. When the element data corresponding to the condition desired by the user is not stored in the data server 5, a message such as "No corresponding data" is displayed in the "search result details" area.

On the search result screen, a "print" button 344 for printing out the search result, and FIG. 8B.
"Return" button 34 for returning the display to the detail selection screen of
6 is prepared. The user can specify a print request for the printer 3 by touching the “print” button 344 after confirming on the search result screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing procedures of search processing, print processing, and charging processing of sales promotion content corresponding to a product desired by the user in the sales promotion support system 1 of the first embodiment. Is.

For example, the user goes to a convenience store or the like,
The management server 7 is accessed through the printer 3 installed in the convenience store, and the print data request is designated. That is, the user first specifies the catalog print service menu on the user interface unit 33 of the printer 3 (S100). Upon receiving this designation, the printer 3
The main control unit 30 accesses the management server 7. In response to this, the response screen generation unit 53 of the management server 7 causes the response screen generation unit 53 of FIG.
The basic screen of the print menu shown in (A) is returned to the printer 3 (S102).

The user uses the print menu basic screen displayed on the user interface 33 of the printer 3 to
By operating the buttons as shown in the description of FIG. 8A, the product genre for which catalog printing is desired is specified (S104). In response to this, the response screen generation unit 53 of the management server 7 responds to the printer 3 with the detailed selection screen of the print menu shown in FIG. 8B (S106).

The user wants to print the catalog by operating the buttons on the print menu detail selection screen displayed on the user interface section 33 of the printer 3 as shown in the description of FIG. 8B. A product type is designated (S108). In response to this, the response screen generation unit 53 of the management server 7 responds to the printer 3 with the product catalog output setting screen shown in FIG. 8C (S110).

The user can display the output setting screen displayed on the user interface section 33 of the printer 3 as shown in FIG.
As described in the description of (C), desired product conditions and print contents are designated, and a search is instructed (S112). In response to this, the request analysis unit 54 in the management server 7
A print expression for searching the search database 55 is generated by analyzing the print request desired by the user, and the search expression is notified to the element data collection unit 56 (S114). The element data collection unit 56 refers to the search formula received from the request analysis unit 54 and the index information of the search database 55 (particularly the product attribute part indicating the product condition) and determines whether or not the corresponding record exists in the search database 55. Is searched (S115). That is, by searching the record corresponding to the print request desired by the user, it is determined whether or not the promotional content desired by the user exists in the data server 5. Then, the element data collection unit 56 notifies the response screen generation unit 53 of the content of the corresponding record, if any, and the fact that there is no such record. In response to this, the response screen generation unit 53 responds to the printer 3 with the screen showing the search result shown in FIG. 9 (S116).

The user confirms the search result on the search result screen displayed on the user interface section 33 of the printer 3, and if there is no problem, presses the "print" button to instruct the printing (S118). . In response to this, the main control unit 30 of the printer 3 requests the management server 7 to transmit print data (S120).

Upon receiving the print data transmission request from the printer 3, the management server 7 collects the element data of the corresponding record from the data server 5 (S122). That is, the element data collection unit 56 obtains the element data desired by the user from the data server 5 based on the previous search result and the index information of the search database 55 (particularly the content portion indicating the link destination of the element data). collect. For example, the UR obtained from the search database 55
The data server 5 is requested to transmit all the retrieved data with reference to the L information. The data server 5 sends the element data requested by the element data collection unit 56 to the management server 7
(S124). Then, the element data collection unit 5
6 passes the collected element data to the print data generation unit 58.

The print data generator 58 generates print data based on each element data received from the element data collector 56 (S126), and transmits the generated print data to the printer 3 (S128). Also, in parallel with this,
The charge calculation unit 60 calculates an appropriate billing amount for all printing charges for each provider who provided the element data used for the print data (S130). The calculation of this charge is
It suffices that the printing is completed by the printer 3. It should be noted that the print data generation unit 58 may hold the generated print data until the completion of printing in the printer 3, even after transmitting the generated print data to the printer 3. This is to respond to a resend request from the printer 3.

When the printer 3 receives the print data from the management server 7, the printer 3 performs the print processing based on the print data (S132). That is, the print processing unit 34 expands the print data into raster data and transfers it to the data printing unit 36. The data printing unit 36 modulates the laser light based on the raster data received from the print processing unit 34, scans the photosensitive drum with the modulated laser light, and records a latent image corresponding to the print data. . Then, the latent image is transferred onto a predetermined recording paper to complete the printing.

When the printing is completed, the printer 3 notifies the management server 7 to that effect (S134). Management server 7
Upon receiving this notification, the charge calculation unit 60 notifies the charge information management unit 62 of the previously calculated print charge amount for each provider (S136). The charge information management unit 62 updates the charge information by adding the notified print charge amount to the charge amount information of each information provider registered in the print amount management table (S138).
The billing server 8 refers to the charge information of the accumulated print amount managed by the charge information management unit 62, and charges the content provider for the print price at a predetermined timing (S14).
0).

As described above, according to the processing procedure of the above-described embodiment, the element data corresponding to the user's request is searched and the printed matter of the sales promotion content such as the product catalog is output. In addition, a mechanism has been adopted in which the information provider side bears the printing fee.

Therefore, the user is less likely to output undesired merchandise information, and this eliminates the need for complicated output operations and the trouble of finding a desired merchandise. It becomes possible to obtain such information easily and efficiently.

On the other hand, even if the information provider side bears the printing fee, the possibility of outputting the product information that the user does not want is reduced. Therefore, the information provider provides the information that the user does not need. The need to bear the cost (that is, the printing cost) is reduced. Also, as the system as a whole, there is a small risk of printing unnecessary pages,
It is possible to prevent waste of paper resources.

Since the information provider side bears the printing fee, the user does not have to bear the cost. As a result, the number of opportunities for users to print a catalog using this system increases, and the PR effect expected from the content provider side can be expected to improve.
Even if a company, etc. bears the printing cost, the result of the catalog printing by the user increases the chances of the product purchase (sales opportunity for the provider side), and as a result, it promotes the sale of the product. It seems that the inconvenience will disappear.

As described above, according to the sales promotion support system of the above embodiment, information such as company PR and catalog is
It is possible to print out with simple operation without burdening users, and companies can provide information to customers at an appropriate cost. It is possible to build a sales promotion support system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modification of the print document generated by the print data generating unit. In the first embodiment, the element data is held in page units for each element data and printed out in page units, and the content provider bears all of the printing cost. In this case, it may be difficult for the provider to bear all the printing costs. In such a case, the provider may not bear the entire printing fee, but the user may bear a part of the printing fee.

For example, the print fee charged by the content provider may be adjusted according to the print conditions such as the number of prints per print, the paper size, and the monochrome / color print mode. Further, in this case, a means may be provided for registering the condition of the share ratio on the provider side. Furthermore, the printing cost may be reduced by devising the print output mode (layout). Further, in this case, the output layout may be selected by the user, and the proportion of the print fee charged by the user and the content provider may be adjusted accordingly. That is, the burden ratio with respect to the print output may be changed according to the print output mode (layout) or the print condition.

Further, for example, in order to reduce the printing cost,
As shown in FIG. 11, element data may be relayed out within one page according to a predetermined layout condition. At this time, a template may be prepared in advance and each element data may be pasted therein. Further, for example, when preparing the data server 5 for each page of element data about catalog contents such as “appearance”, “basic specifications”, and “features of products”, only “appearance” or “basic specifications” or “ The user may be allowed to specify an arbitrary combination of output forms of the catalog contents such as “appearance” and “basic specifications”. In this case, it is advisable to prepare a template corresponding to each combination so that the layout is appropriate according to the arbitrary combination of the output forms. Also,
A plurality of types of templates may be prepared so that the user can select one. Then, for example, the ratio of the printing fee borne by the provider side is adjusted between the form of printing output for each element data in page units and the form of printing out in re-layout (including those using a template). It is recommended that the printing cost be shared between the provider side and the user side.

When the relayout is performed as described above, the element data stored in the data server 5 is also
It is desirable to make the data structure according to it. This is because if the element data is simply stored in page units, only a process of reducing and pasting can be performed at the time of rearrangement, and it may not necessarily be a printed matter suitable for sales promotion. On the other hand, for example, if the page data of each element data has a data structure that can be extracted on an object-by-object basis, only the objects preferable for information provision will be extracted from the element data desired by the user, By combining them and rearranging the items of “specification”, “appearance”, and “feature” together on a single page, it is possible to provide the user with a printed matter suitable as a product PR. Further, by doing so, in addition to reducing the burden of printing costs on the provider, the data server 5 need only extract element data in object units, so the storage capacity does not increase much. .

For example, a tag and a priority order for extraction are assigned to an image object or a text object for each element data in page units. Further, the information is also registered in the search database 55. Further, a template in which “appearance”, “basic specifications”, and “features” are arbitrarily combined for each product is prepared in the management server 7. Then, as shown in FIG. 11A, the area size of each of the “appearance”, “basic specifications”, and “features” in the template prepared in advance, the extraction object indicated by the tag, and the management table With reference to the extraction priority order, a preferable object is extracted and pasted into a template to generate new page data. At this time, the object may be scaled appropriately and then pasted.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the management server 7 is provided with a template in which "appearance", "basic specifications", and "features" are arbitrarily combined not for each product but for a plurality of products. As described above, new page data may be generated by extracting a predetermined object and pasting it on the template. In this case, the arrangement may be appropriately selected or designated by the user, such as for each provider, price order, or size order.
In this case, when calculating the printing charge borne by each element data provider, for example, the burden ratio may be determined according to the substantial area ratio. Here, “substantial area ratio” means that the area ratio does not have to be exact.

As described above, the element data corresponding to each template may be held independently in the data server 5 instead of having a data structure capable of extracting a desired object. However, in this case, the storage capacity of the data server 5 is increased accordingly.

In the case where the user is also required to bear an appropriate burden, for example, by using a billing processing device (such as a coin slot) connected to the printer 3 (copying device), The printer 3 can be made operable upon the insertion of coins or bills or the insertion of a prepaid card, and the appropriate amount can be charged. Alternatively, payment may be made by electronic money using an IC card, a mobile phone, or the like.

Further, the printer 3 is provided with an authentication function for recognizing the user, and the printer 3 is made operable on the condition that the authentication condition is satisfied, and charging processing such as deduction of the appropriate amount from an account registered in advance is performed. You may. This user recognition uses means for authenticating the user himself / herself, for example, authentication by inputting a magnetic card, an IC card, an ID number and a password, and biological information such as a fingerprint, palm print, or iris. Well-known authentication technology such as authentication (biometrics) may be used.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the sales promotion support system according to the present invention. In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a point that a printed matter usage information input terminal is provided is different. The printed matter use information input terminal 6 is a place for selling the product represented by the sales promotion content provided by the provider,
For example, it is installed in home electronics mass retailers and department stores. Although only one printed matter use information input terminal 6 is shown in the figure, it goes without saying that it is installed at each place where the product is sold.

The printed matter utilization information input terminal 6 is information relating to the purchasing behavior of the product represented by the printed matter printed out by the printer 3 as described in the first embodiment by the user who used the printed matter. To get. For example, in a printed matter, a bar code (including a two-dimensional code; visible / invisible is irrelevant) in which the provider of the promotional content corresponding to the commodity represented by the printed matter and the commodity are shown in association with each other.
Attach a machine-readable identifier such as or a numeric code. When multiple products are displayed on a single print,
An identifier is individually assigned so as to associate each product with its provider.

Therefore, for example, the management server 7 collects the catalog pages of the products that meet the user's search request and
Print as one document. The document describes the ID code that identifies the output catalog document and the ID code of the product that is listed in the catalog document. For example, the catalog of each product is configured on a page-by-page basis, and a barcode including a document identifier and a product identifier is printed on each page. This catalog is a type of coupon ticket, and specifies the expiration date as a coupon. The management server 7 manages the print event information of this catalog document. Here, the print event information includes information that corresponds to the element data of the document, that is, the document identifier and the product identifier of each page, when the printout was performed.

[0108] A user brings a printed matter to which an identifier is attached to a home appliance mass retailer or the like, and presents a catalog document when purchasing a product. When the merchandise represented in the document is purchased (or may be reserved), the store side causes the store clerk to read the identifier using the printed matter use information input terminal 6 equipped with a barcode reader or the like. The printed matter use information input terminal 6 uses the read identifier information via the communication network 9 to the management server 7
Send to. It should be noted that the user may be provided with some privilege (discount, souvenir, etc.) within the above-mentioned expiration date. If the expiration date is not specified in the catalog document,
The response result from the management server 7 may be used to confirm whether the coupon is valid.

The billing data generator 18 of the management server 7
The information of the identifier read by the printed matter usage information input terminal 6 is analyzed to specify the product represented by the identifier read by the printed matter usage information input terminal 6 and the provider thereof. As a result, it is possible to obtain information on the purchasing behavior of the user who uses the printed matter (including not only actual purchasing but also reservation). Then, the billing data generation unit 18 determines the burden ratio for the billing (that is, the printing fee) for the output processing of the printed matter, and calculates the print charge amount for each provider according to the determined burden ratio.

The following two methods are conceivable as methods for calculating the printing charge amount in this case. In the first method, when a plurality of products are displayed on the printed matter obtained by one print job, the provider who provided the sales promotion content corresponding to the product purchased by the user, that is, the print result is The provider of the product linked to the purchase behavior bears the entire printing cost of the one print job.
The so-called winner pays the entire amount (hereinafter also referred to as the winner-pay method).

Contrary to the first method, the second method is the provider who did not provide the sales promotion content corresponding to the product purchased by the user, that is, the print result does not lead to the purchasing behavior of the user. The product provider bears the entire printing cost of the one print job. When there are a plurality of products (providers) that have not been linked to the purchasing behavior, the plurality of products (the providers) are used to approve the entire amount. The so-called loser side bears the full amount (hereinafter also referred to as the loser side law).

When only one product is displayed on the printed matter obtained by one print job, the first or second method may be applied with the loser as the system operator. . In this case, when the second method is applied, the provider bears the full amount, which is substantially equivalent to not using the mechanism of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the management server 7 used in the sales promotion support system 1 of the second embodiment. In this management server 7, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the billing data generation unit 18 includes a printed matter usage information acquisition unit 64. The printed matter usage information acquisition unit 64
By analyzing the information of the identifier read by the printed matter usage information input terminal 6 and identifying the product represented by the identifier read by the printed matter usage information input terminal 6 and the provider thereof,
Acquire information about the purchasing behavior of users who have used printed materials. Then, the printed matter use information acquisition unit 64 notifies the charge calculation unit 60 of the analysis result.

The charge calculation unit 60 determines the share rate of the printing price reflecting (feedback) the purchasing behavior of the user according to the above-mentioned first or second method, and provides it according to the determined share rate. Calculate the print charge amount for each person. Then, the charge calculation unit 60 notifies the charge information management unit 62 of the calculated print charge amount for each provider. The charge information management unit 62 adds the print charge charge amount notified to the charge amount information of each registered information provider. The billing server 8 refers to the cumulative print amount managed by the charge information management unit 62 and performs the payment process periodically.

[0115] Here, as a series of processing methods from when the charge calculation unit 60 determines the burden ratio of the printing fee that reflects the purchase behavior of the user to when the billing server 8 completes the settlement processing, for example, The first method (hereinafter also referred to as the unsettled post-settlement method) that adds to the print charge amount on condition that the purchase activity of the user occurs within a predetermined period after the print event occurs, and the first method when the print event occurs A second method of adding to the printing charge amount in the same manner as in the first embodiment and adding or subtracting the printing charge amount on condition that the purchase of the user occurs within a predetermined period (Also called the adjustment method).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an uncleared printing charge management table managed by the charge information management unit 62 in the management server 7 in the case where the unsettled post-settlement method is adopted in the second embodiment. is there. Here, FIG. 14 (A) is an example of the basic file, and FIG. 14 (B) is an example of a file (file number # F1234) of provisional settlement information for the print document ID = # 1234 in the basic file. For each print output (print event) of the promotional content requested by the user, a print document ID is assigned as an identifier for identifying the printed matter at that time. And
In association with this print document ID (that is, for each print document), the date and time of occurrence of a print event, the time limit for holding the data in this uncleared print charge management table (holding time limit),
And manage provisional settlement information.

Here, as for the provisional settlement information, as shown in FIG. 14B, the table data shown in FIG. 4 calculated by the charge calculation unit 60 by the same calculation method as in the first embodiment is converted into file data, It is managed by replacing the "billing amount" of the data item in 4 with the "provisional billing amount" and recording the file number in the provisional settlement information field.

FIG. 15 is a print amount management table (print charge) charged by the content provider, which is managed by the charge information management unit 62 in the management server 7 in the case where the unsettled post-settlement method is adopted in the second embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a database of a billing amount. It is the same as in the first embodiment that an ID code for identifying a provider is assigned and the accumulated print amount is managed in association with this ID code (that is, for each provider).

When a user purchases a product within a predetermined period after a print event, as shown in FIG. 15A, provisional settlement information generated in advance at the time of print output (see FIG. 14).
The provisional settlement information indicated by (B)) is referred to, and the amount charged to each provider is calculated again in accordance with the above-mentioned winner-side burden method and loser-side burden method. On the other hand, if the user does not purchase the product within a predetermined period after the print event, the provisional settlement information is used as it is.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15B, the printing charge is billed in the billing amount information of each registered information provider managed in association with the provider ID code (that is, for each provider). Add the amount.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the sales promotion support system 1 of the second embodiment when the unpaid later settlement method is applied. Here, a case where the product catalog is generated as a print document will be exemplified.

The processing from the user designating the sales promotion content desired to be printed out to the printing output by the printer 3 and the notification of the result to the management server 7 is the same as in the first embodiment ( S100-S134).

When the management server 7 receives the print completion notification from the printer 3 (S134), the charge calculation unit 60
Notifies the charge information management unit 62 of the information (temporary settlement information) of the print charge provisional charge amount for each provider calculated in advance (S136). In response to this, the charge information management unit 62
In association with the print document ID, the date and time of occurrence of the print document, the data retention period, and the information of the temporary charge for the print charge notified from the charge calculation unit 60 is used as the information of the print event.
It is additionally written in the uncleared printing charge management table shown in FIG. 14 (S150). That is, the print fee settlement method is temporarily calculated at the time of print output, and is managed as uncleared information for which the settlement method is not fixed.

Thereafter, the management server 7 monitors the act of the user using the printed matter to purchase the product (S15).
2). Then, the charging method is determined according to whether or not the product purchase act has been performed within the holding period described in the uncleared printing charge management table (S154). That is, the expiration date of the uncleared information (the expiration date of the coupon from the user's perspective) is managed. For example, if the item is not purchased within the retention period, the provisional settlement amount is charged as it is based on the provisional settlement information in the uncleared printing fee management table (S154-N).
O, S156). On the other hand, if the product is purchased within the retention period, the billing process reflecting the purchase act is performed (S154-).
YES, S158). The billing server 8 refers to the charge information of the accumulated print amount managed by the charge information management unit 62, and charges the content provider for the print price at a predetermined timing.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a detailed example of the charging process (S156) when there is no product purchase within the retention period after printing. In the process shown in FIG. 17, the retention term of the print fee information for which the settlement method is unconfirmed is checked every predetermined time, and if the retention term has expired, the provisional billing is obtained by the calculation method of the first embodiment. The amount of money is confirmed as the official printing price, and the print event information is deleted from the uncleared printing charge management table. Note that this process operates in parallel with other processes.

When the charge information management unit 62 starts monitoring, the charge information management table 62 first displays the uncleared print charge management table in the work memory T.
And the top element (print event information) is checked as the processing target element data X (S200). Then, when the element data X to be processed is empty, the processing is suspended for a predetermined time (for example, about 1 hour) (S202-Y).
ES, S220).

While the work memory T is being loaded, the billing process (S158) when a product is purchased is suspended. This is to prevent inconsistency due to the uncleared printing charge management table being rewritten during this processing.

On the other hand, when there is the element data X to be processed (S202-NO), the "print date and time" of the element data.
Based on each item data of "and retention period", it is determined whether or not the retention period has expired (S204). When it expires (S204-YES), the provisional billing amount indicated by the item data of the provisional settlement information (that is, the provisional settlement information file) of the uncleared printing fee management table T (that is, the provisional settlement information file) is left as it is, and each registered amount in the printing amount management table is registered. The charge information is updated by adding it to the information provision (S206). Then, the processing target element data (print event information) is deleted from the uncleared printing charge management table (S208). That is, for those whose retention period has expired, the printing price is fixed by the settlement method according to the calculation method of the first embodiment, and the fee information (printing amount management table) is updated.

After the deletion of the element data whose retention period has expired (S208), or when the retention period of the processing target element data has not expired (S204-YES), the processing target element data X is set as the next print event information. After switching (S212), it returns to step S202 and repeats the same processing. When the process returns to step S202 after the process of the last print event information of the uncleared print charge management table is finished, the process target element data X becomes empty, so the process is suspended for a predetermined time (S20).
2-YES, S220).

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a detailed example of the process (S158) of performing the charging process reflecting the purchase act when the user purchases the product using the printed matter within the retention period after printing. is there.

At a store, when a user presents a catalog document to purchase a product, the printed document utilization information input terminal 6 reads an identifier such as a barcode attached to the document to specify the catalog document. Information (print document identifier) and information (element data identifier) identifying the product purchased by the user, that is, a document ID and product ID corresponding to product information purchased by the user (the product is purchased by outputting the catalog). (Document usage information indicating that) is input (S300). The printed matter use information input terminal 6 is
These are collectively transmitted to the management server 7 as document usage information (S302). When the management server 7 receives the document usage information from the printed material usage information input terminal 6 (S3
04), the fee information management unit 62 analyzes the document usage information (S306).

Then, the charge information management unit 62 first determines whether or not the print event information corresponding to the catalog document used when the user purchased the product exists in the unsettled management table (S308). As can be seen from the relationship with step S208 in FIG. 17, the absence of print event information indicates that the product purchase using the catalog document was not within the retention period after print output. In this case (S308-NO), the charge information management unit 62 sets the notification content flag to the printed material use information input terminal 6 to "process NG" (S310).

On the other hand, if there is print event information (S308-YES), the charge information management unit 62 displays the information shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), according to the winner's burden method or the loser's burden law, etc., the burden ratio of the printing cost of the catalog document is determined (S320), and the billing amount calculated by this burden ratio is used as the print amount management table. The charge information is updated by adding it to each registered information provision of (S322). Then, the processing target element data (print event information) is deleted from the uncleared printing charge management table (S324). Further, the charge information management unit 62 sets the notification content flag to the printed material use information input terminal 6 to "process OK" (S32).
6).

When the notification content flag is confirmed (S310, S326), the charge information management unit 62 transmits a processing completion notification including the notification content flag to the printed matter use information input terminal 6 via the communication unit 52 (S330). . When the printed matter use information input terminal 6 receives the processing completion notice and the notification content flag is “processing OK” (S332-YE).
S), additional charging processing is performed (S334). For example, when the user is charged the printing fee at the time of printing, a charging process for refunding the actual purchase is performed. Alternatively, the store side may perform processing such as product discount.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the unsettled post-settlement method is adopted, when the management server 7 first receives the fact that the printed matter has been output by the printer 3, the charge calculation section 60 Each data of the print event and the provisional settlement amount are recorded in an unsettled printing fee management table in which the date and time of occurrence of the printing event, the number of printed materials of the printing event, the number of sheets for each provider, or the deadline and the provider are associated with each other. Then, printing is performed for each provider according to a predetermined burden ratio that reflects the purchase behavior of the user, provided that the purchase behavior of the user is present by the deadline recorded in the unpaid print charge management table. The billing amount is calculated, and the printing billing amount is added to the billing amount information of each registered information provider. On the other hand, if the specified period expires without inputting information (purchased material usage information) about the purchasing behavior of the user who used the printed material, the provisional settlement amount is directly used as billing amount information (printed amount management table) of each information provider. to add. If this method is adopted, the burden will increase if sales are made, but there is an advantage that the information providing fee does not have to be paid if sales are made to other information providers.

Further, since the mechanism for monitoring the purchasing behavior of the user who uses the printed matter is adopted, the effect of the advertisement activity can be grasped by the print output using the device installed in the store, and the company can It is possible to properly understand whether or not there was the expected PR effect. In other words, the customer prints out the catalog on a device installed in the store,
The company providing the information can expect the usage promotion of the customer by paying the printing fee, and the cost effectiveness can be grasped by reflecting the usage result in the accounting process.

In the description of the processing procedure of the second embodiment,
Although the example of the management table in the case of applying the unsettled post-settlement payment method has been described, the settlement process may be similarly performed in the already-settlement post-settlement adjustment method using the management table. The detailed explanation is omitted here.

In the above embodiment, the functional portion of the management server 7 installed in the service center SC is described as hardware, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to realize the above processing functions by software by using a so-called electronic computing device such as a processing device) or a personal computer.

In this case, an electronic computing device such as a microcomputer or a personal computer has a function of retrieving user's desired conditions, a function of processing billing data, a function of collecting element data matching user's desired conditions into one document data, etc. Each functional part of is provided as software. That is, a storage medium (for example, a RAM (not shown) that records program code of software that realizes the functions of generating and delivering screen data to the printer 3 and the function of searching and collecting element data desired by the user, as described above. Etc.), the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the apparatus reads and executes the program code, and thereby the effects described in the above-described embodiments are achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment. The program is not limited to one provided via a storage medium, and may be one obtained by downloading program data distributed via wired or wireless communication means.

Further, not only each function is realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code.
May perform a part or all of the actual processing, and each function is realized by the processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion card is instructed based on the instruction of the program code. Alternatively, a CPU or the like included in the function expansion unit may perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the respective functions of the above-described embodiments.

Although the present invention has been described using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment, and a mode in which such changes or improvements are added is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Also,
The above embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the functional portion of the search engine 15 provided in the management server 7 is used to search for element data that matches the desired condition by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, individual data server 5
Also has a search function, and the management server 7 is a data server 5
It may be configured to request the search. Alternatively, the data server 5 and the management server 7 may be configured as a combined server. The structure of the search database 55 included in the search engine 15 is not limited to the mechanism shown in the above embodiment. Further, instead of independently preparing a search engine as the sales promotion support system 1, for example, a search specialized institution such as a search site on the Web may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the element data that matches the user's desired condition is collected by the management server 7 into one document data and then distributed to the printer 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Notifying the data server 5 or the printer 3 of the search result of the element data that matches the user's desired condition, the data server 5 distributes it directly to the printer 3, and the printer 3 collects it into one document data. Good. By doing so, the processing load on the management server 7 can be reduced.

Further, the printer 3 may include a part or all of the management server 7 so that the printer 3 operates independently. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a system configuration example in which the printer operates as a stand-alone device. For example, the hardware of the illustrated printer 3 may be configured by using an existing copying apparatus and a personal computer, and a program recording a processing procedure described later may be installed in the personal computer. In this example, the search function for specifying the sales promotion content related to the product desired by the user uses a search site on the Web equipped with the search engine search engine 15. The printer 3 is provided with a desired condition acquisition unit 12 as a mechanism for accessing the search site and notifying the search engine 15 of the desired condition. When the search engine 15 searches for element data that matches the desired conditions, the search engine 15 returns the result to the image forming unit 3 of the printer 3.
7 and the charge data generation unit 18 of the control center SC. It should be noted that the billing data generation unit 18 is used by the billing server 8
Is equipped with.

The image forming section 37 collects element data from the data server 5 based on the response result from the search site, generates one catalog document, and then generates a printed matter. The printer 3 also includes a print condition transmission unit 19 that notifies the management server 7 of the print product generation conditions in the image forming unit 37. The management server 7 calculates the burden ratio of the printing fee to the user or the provider based on the search result of the element data from the search engine 15 and the printing condition from the printing condition transmitting unit 19 to obtain the content. The cumulative value of the print charge amount for each provider is recorded in the management table. The billing server 8 performs settlement processing based on the information in this management table.

[0146]

As described above, according to the present invention, the printing cost of the promotional content is paid to the provider of the promotional content. In addition, the element data according to the user's request is searched and the printed matter of the sales promotion content such as the product catalog is output. In addition, a mechanism has been adopted in which the information provider side bears the printing fee.

Therefore, the information such as the company PR and the catalog can be printed out by a simple operation without burdening the user with the expense, and the company or the like provides the information to the customer at an appropriate cost. It is possible to build a sales promotion support system in which the effect of providing information and the cost burden can be balanced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a sales promotion support system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed example of a printer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of a management server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram specifically showing a method in which a charge calculation unit in the management server calculates a print charge amount.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a print amount management table managed by a charge information management unit in the management server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of registration of index information in a search database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print document generated by a print data generation unit in the management server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print menu screen displayed on the user interface unit of the printer.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen returned by the management server to the printer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the sales promotion support system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a print document.

[FIG. 12] Second sales promotion support system according to the present invention
It is a block diagram showing an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of a management server used in the sales promotion support system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an unsettled print charge management table when the unsettled post-settlement method is adopted in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a print amount management table managed by a charge information management unit in the management server when the unpaid later settlement method is adopted in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the case where the unpaid later settlement method is applied in the sales promotion support system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a charging process when there is no product purchase within the retention period after printing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process of performing a charging process that reflects a purchase act within a retention period after printing.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in which a printer includes a part of the functions of a management server and operates as a stand-alone device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Sales promotion support system, 3 ... Printer, 5 ... Data server, 6 ... Printed material utilization information input terminal, 7 ... Management server, 8 ... Billing server, 9 ... Communication network, 10 ... Stored content database, 12 ... Desired condition acquisition Department, 14 ... Search server,
15 ... Search engine, 16 ... Distribution server, 18 ... Billing data generation unit, 30 ... Main control unit, 32 ... Communication unit, 33 ... User interface unit, 34 ... Print processing unit, 36 ... Data printing unit, 37 ... Image formation Section, 50 ... Main control section, 52
... communication section, 53 ... response screen generation section, 54 ... request analysis section,
55 ... Search database, 56 ... Element data collection unit, 5
8 ... Print data generation unit, 60 ... Charge calculation unit, 62 ... Charge information management unit, 64 ... Printed material usage information acquisition unit

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Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. Electronic data representing sales promotion content for promoting the sale of products in a market is transmitted through a communication network, a printed matter is generated based on the transmitted electronic data, and the generated printed matter is generated. A sales promotion support system that supports the sales promotion of the product by providing it to a user, and prints out on a predetermined recording sheet based on electronic data representing the sales promotion content to generate the printed matter. An image forming unit, a data server that stores electronic data representing the sales promotion content, a storage destination of the electronic data stored in the data server with respect to the electronic data stored in the data server, Stored content database that stores a data table that associates the attributes of the product represented by the electronic data with the provider of the electronic data A desired condition acquisition unit that acquires desired key information representing the product desired by the user, and the desired key information acquired by the desired condition acquisition unit and the stored content database, based on the user A search server that specifies electronic data representing the sales promotion content related to the product that matches the wish, and electronic data that matches the user's request specified by the search server based on the stored content database. A distribution server that reads the data from the data server, generates printing data based on the read electronic data, and distributes the generated printing data to the image forming unit; and the printing server that is distributed by the distribution server. Of the electronic data corresponding to the data of the electronic device used in the printed matter generated in the image forming unit. And a billing data generation unit that identifies a data provider based on the stored content database and generates billing data for performing a billing process for the output process of the printed matter to the identified provider. A featured sales promotion support system. 2. The billing data generating unit provides the electronic data used in the printed matter generated by the image forming unit, provided that the electronic data is provided by a plurality of providers. The sales promotion support system according to claim 1, wherein the charge burden ratio for the output processing of the printed matter is determined according to the amount of electronic data. 3. Electronic data representing sales promotion content for promoting the sale of products in the market is transmitted through a communication network, a printed matter is generated based on the transmitted electronic data, and the generated printed matter is generated. A sales promotion support system that supports the sales promotion of the product by providing it to a user, and prints out on a predetermined recording sheet based on electronic data representing the sales promotion content to generate the printed matter. An image forming unit, a data server storing electronic data representing the sales promotion content, and electronic data representing the sales promotion content stored in the data server relating to the product desired by the user. A distribution server that distributes corresponding printing data to the image forming unit, and the printing data distributed by the distribution server To specify a provider of the electronic data corresponding to the electronic data used in the printed matter generated in the image forming unit, and to perform a charging process for the output process of the printed matter to the specified provider. And a billing data generation unit that generates billing data of the sales promotion support system. 4. A storage content database that stores a data table in which electronic data stored in the data server and a provider of the electronic data are associated with each other, and the billing data generation unit is used for the printed matter. The sales promotion support system according to claim 3, wherein the provider of the electronic data that has been generated is specified based on the stored content database. 5. The billing data generation unit is provided by each of the providers, provided that there are a plurality of providers of the electronic data used for the printed matter generated in the image forming unit. The sales promotion support system according to claim 4, wherein a charge burden ratio for the output processing of the printed matter is determined according to the amount of electronic data. 6. The image forming unit includes an image showing additional information regarding electronic data representing the sales promotion content used in the printed matter in the printed matter, and the billing data generation unit includes: The burden ratio to the total charge for the output processing of the printed matter including the image showing the additional information is determined according to the amount of the electronic data provided by the provider.
Sales promotion support system described in. 7. The printed matter in which the image forming section rearranges a plurality of images based on the electronic data, provided that there are a plurality of electronic data used for the printed matter generated in the image forming section. And the charge data generation unit determines a charge burden ratio for output processing of the printed matter representing the plurality of images according to a ratio of the plurality of images in the printed matter generated by the image forming unit. Claim 1 characterized by the above.
Or the sales promotion support system described in 3. 8. A print product usage information acquisition unit that acquires information on a purchasing act of the user represented by the print product printed out by the image forming unit by the user, and the charging data generation unit, The sales promotion support system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the burden ratio for the charge for the output processing of the printed matter is determined based on the information regarding the purchasing act acquired by the printed matter use information acquisition unit. 9. A storage content database that stores a data table in which electronic data stored in the data server and a storage destination of the electronic data are associated with each other, and the delivery server causes the image forming unit to deliver the data. The sales promotion support system according to claim 3, wherein electronic data corresponding to the printing data is read out by referring to a storage destination indicated by the storage content database. 10. Electronic data representing sales promotion content for promoting the sale of goods in a market is transmitted through a communication network, a printed matter is generated based on the transmitted electronic data, and the generated printed matter is generated. A sales promotion support system that supports the sales promotion of the product by providing it to a user, and prints out on a predetermined recording sheet based on electronic data representing the sales promotion content to generate the printed matter. An image forming unit, a data server that stores electronic data representing the sales promotion content, a storage destination of the electronic data stored in the data server with respect to the electronic data stored in the data server, A storage content database that stores a data table in which the attributes of the product represented by the electronic data are associated with each other; Based on the desired condition acquisition unit that acquires desired key information representing a product, the desired key information acquired by the desired condition acquisition unit, and the stored content database, the product related to the product that meets the user's request. Corresponding to a search server that specifies electronic data that represents sales promotion content, and electronic data that represents the sales promotion content that is stored in the data server that matches the user's wishes specified by the search server. A sales promotion support system, comprising: a distribution server that distributes printing data to the image forming unit. 11. A data server, which stores electronic data representing sales promotion content for promoting sales of goods in a market, transmits electronic data read from the data server via a communication network, and transmits the electronic data. A search engine used in a sales promotion support system for supporting the sales promotion of the product by generating a printed matter by an image forming unit based on the electronic data and providing the generated printed matter to a user, A storage content database that stores a data table in which electronic data stored in the data server is associated with the attributes of the product represented by the electronic data, and desired key information representing the product desired by the user is acquired. Based on the desired condition information acquisition unit, the desired key information acquired by the desired condition acquisition unit, and the stored content database. And a search server that identifies electronic data representing the sales promotion content related to the product that meets the user's wishes. 12. The storage content database stores a data table in which electronic data stored in the data server and a storage destination of the electronic data are associated with each other, and the storage table is specified by the search server. A distribution server that distributes the print data, which corresponds to the user's wishes and which corresponds to the electronic data representing the sales promotion content stored in the data server, to the image forming unit. It provided with 11,
Search engine described in. 13. Electronic data stored in a data server that represents sales promotion content for promoting the sale of merchandise in the market is transmitted via a communication network, and a printed matter is generated based on the transmitted electronic data. A management server used in a sales promotion support system for supporting the sales promotion of the product by providing the generated printed matter to the user, the data server relating to the product desired by the user. A distribution server that distributes printing data corresponding to electronic data representing the sales promotion content stored in the image forming apparatus that generates the printed matter, to the printing data distributed by the distribution server. Identifying the provider of the corresponding electronic data used in the printed matter generated in the image forming apparatus , The management server, characterized in that a charging data generation unit for generating billing data for performing accounting processing for the output processing of the printed matter relative to the identified provider. 14. A storage content database for storing a data table in which electronic data stored in the data server and a provider of the electronic data are associated with each other, wherein the billing data generation unit is used for the printed matter. The management server according to claim 13, characterized in that the provider of the electronic data thus specified is specified based on the stored content database. 15. The billing data generation unit is provided by each of the providers, provided that there are a plurality of providers of the electronic data used for the printed matter generated in the image forming apparatus. The management server according to claim 14, wherein the charge burden ratio for the output processing of the printed matter is determined according to the amount of electronic data. 16. The image forming unit includes, in the printed matter, an image indicating additional information regarding electronic data representing the sales promotion content used in the printed matter, and the billing data generation unit includes: The load ratio of the output processing of the printed matter including an image showing the additional information to the total billing amount is determined according to the amount of the electronic data provided by the provider. Management server. 17. The printed matter, wherein the image forming apparatus rearranges a plurality of images based on the electronic data, provided that there are a plurality of the electronic data used for the printed matter generated in the image forming unit. Wherein the billing data generation unit charges the output processing of the printed matter representing the plurality of images according to a ratio of the plurality of images in the printed matter generated by the image forming apparatus. The load ratio is determined, and the burden ratio is determined.
The management server described in 3. 18. A print product usage information acquisition unit for acquiring information on a purchasing act of the user represented by the print product printed out by the image forming apparatus by the user, and the charging data generation unit, The management server according to claim 13, wherein the burden ratio for the charge for the output processing of the printed matter is determined based on the information regarding the purchasing act acquired by the printed matter use information acquisition unit. 19. A storage content database that stores a data table in which electronic data stored in the data server and a storage destination of the electronic data are associated with each other, and the distribution server causes the image forming apparatus to distribute the data. 14. The management server according to claim 13, wherein electronic data corresponding to the print data is read out by referring to a storage destination indicated by the storage content database. 20. A data table is stored in which electronic data stored in the data server is associated with a storage destination of the electronic data stored in the data server and an attribute of the product represented by the electronic data. Based on the stored content database, the desired condition acquisition unit that acquires desired key information representing the product desired by the user, the desired key information acquired by the desired condition acquisition unit and the stored content database, A search server that specifies electronic data representing the sales promotion content related to the product that meets the user's wishes, wherein the distribution server matches the user's request specified by the search server. The print data corresponding to the electronic data representing the sales promotion content stored in the data server is used to form the image. The management server according to claim 13, wherein the management server is distributed to the device. 21. The distribution server reads electronic data representing the sales promotion content related to the product desired by the user from the data server, and based on the read electronic data, the printing data is obtained. The management server according to claim 13, further comprising a print data generation unit that generates the print data, and causes the print data generated by the print data generation unit to be distributed to the image forming apparatus. 22. Electronic data stored in a data server that represents sales promotion content for promoting the sale of products in the market is transmitted via a communication network, and a printed matter is generated based on the transmitted electronic data. An image forming apparatus used in a sales promotion support system that supports sales promotion of the product by providing the generated printed matter to a user, based on electronic data representing the sales promotion content. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that prints out on a predetermined recording sheet to generate the printed matter; and the management server according to any one of claims 13 to 21. 23. Electronic data stored in a data server representing sales promotion content for promoting the sale of merchandise in the market is transmitted to an image forming apparatus via a communication network, and the electronic data is stored in the image forming apparatus. A printed matter based on, and a sales promotion support method for supporting the sales promotion of the product by providing the generated printed matter to a user, wherein the data server relating to the product desired by the user A procedure for distributing print data corresponding to stored electronic data representing the sales promotion content to the image forming apparatus, and providing the electronic data used for the printed matter generated in the image forming apparatus. And a charge data for generating a charge process for the output process of the printed matter to the specified provider is generated. Sales promotion support method, characterized in that it comprises a procedure. 24. Electronic data stored in a data server that represents sales promotion content for promoting the sale of merchandise in the market is transmitted to an image forming apparatus via a communication network, and the electronic data is stored in the image forming apparatus. Is a program for performing a sales promotion support process for supporting the sales promotion of the product by generating a printed matter based on the above and providing the generated printed matter to the user, and the computer requests the user to do so. A procedure for distributing print data corresponding to electronic data representing the sales promotion content stored in the data server related to the product to the image forming apparatus, and the printed matter generated in the image forming apparatus. The provider of the used electronic data is specified, and a section for output processing of the printed matter is specified with respect to the specified provider. A program for executing a procedure for generating billing data for performing money processing. 25. Electronic data stored in a data server that represents sales promotion content for promoting the sale of merchandise in the market is transmitted to an image forming apparatus via a communication network, and the electronic data is stored in the image forming apparatus. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for performing a sales promotion support process for supporting the sales promotion of the product by generating a printed matter based on the above and providing the generated printed matter to a user, A step of causing a computer to deliver print data corresponding to electronic data representing the sales promotion content stored in the data server related to the product desired by the user to the image forming apparatus; The provider of the electronic data used for the printed matter generated in the forming apparatus is specified, and the specified supply is specified. A storage medium storing a program for causing a person to execute a procedure for generating accounting data for performing accounting processing for the output processing of the printed matter.