JP2009193503A - Information distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution system capable of distributing content information as desired by a user when needed wherein an operation for charging use fees is simple and plain. <P>SOLUTION: The information distribution system comprises: a server for storing content information needed by a user in a storage means; and a client for downloading the content information from the storage means of the server through a network. The server comprises: customer data including at least identification information for user identification, a user name, and billing information; an identification means for identifying the user based on the identification information when accessed by the user; an ordering means for receiving and storing, for the every user, an order for the desired content information and schedule data about the order; and an aggregation means for preparing for content information distribution for the every user based on the schedule data stored in the ordering means, and aggregating to charge a use fee for the every user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server and an information distribution system for distributing content information desired by a user, and more particularly, to billing a usage fee that accompanies information distribution.

  Paid content sales in the conventional data distribution ASP business (Application Service Provider) using the Internet is a mechanism for downloading paid content using an application provided by a vendor, and a user who uses the content before downloading the paid content After the user is charged for the usage fee, and the payment is confirmed for the payment request, the user is allowed to download the paid content to the terminal device to be used.

  The usage fee is charged every time the paid content is downloaded for each terminal, and the usage fee is charged each time the fee is downloaded. Even when the paid content is downloaded and used, the user is requested to pay for the usage fee, and the operation and operation for the payment request are troublesome and troublesome.

In addition, in stores such as supermarkets, printed materials such as cards on which recipes and menu information common to each sales floor are distributed are distributed and provided at each sales floor in order to promote sales of the foods handled. When the distribution of the recipe (menu) is replaced with a terminal using the data distribution, a terminal must be installed for each sales floor of ingredients used for the dish.
For example, in the case of a “meat potato” recipe, at least two terminals must be installed in a meat department that sells cooked ingredients (beef) and a vegetable department that sells cooked ingredients (potato). In addition, when the sales area for selling the cooked food is large, the number of terminals to be installed is increased in accordance with the flow line of the customer who comes to the store.
In the store as described above, when the conventional information distribution system is used, the usage fee is charged for each terminal to be downloaded, and further charged according to the number of times the terminal is downloaded. For this reason, increasing the number of terminals installed will increase the running cost. If the cost is increased, the number of installed terminals will be limited or the number of uses will be reduced. Was not obtained, and a conflicting problem occurred.

Furthermore, when the terminal used is broken and the terminal is replaced, it is necessary to download the paid content downloaded once to the terminal after the replacement. In this case, the same paid content that was downloaded before the failure will be downloaded twice, but there is a problem that you will be asked to pay again even though you have already paid the usage fee. .
For this reason, there has been a demand for an information distribution system that is inexpensive and simple and easy to operate and operate.

JP 2004-21443 A

  In view of the problems of the above-described conventional technology, the purpose is to provide an information distribution system that enables distribution of desired content information when a user needs it. Provides an information distribution system that is simple and clear.

In order to achieve the above object, the information distribution system of the present invention downloads the content information from the storage unit of the server via the network from the server that stores the content information required by the user by the storage unit. An information distribution system consisting of a client (terminal),
The server includes customer data including at least identification information for identifying a user, information on a user name and billing, identification means for identifying the user based on the identification information when the user accesses, and content desired for each user An ordering unit that accepts and stores information orders and schedule data related to the order, and aggregates billing as a usage fee for each user when preparing to distribute content information for each user based on the schedule data stored in the ordering unit And a totaling means. (Claim 1)
The customer data is information for identifying a user, customer number, customer name, department code (classification code), department name, postal code, address, login ID, password, telephone number, IP address number, closing and billing. It consists of items such as information.
Schedule data (customer number, classification code, moving picture name, recipe code, start date, end date, etc.) is set by the ordering means by the user.

According to the above means, content information required by the user is prepared in the server based on the schedule data set according to the ordering means by the user accessing the server. Then, when the content information is prepared, the usage fee is totaled for each user who ordered the content information and charged for each user. Therefore, the user is not required to pay the usage fee when downloading the necessary content information, and can download only the necessary content information without performing an operation for the payment request. It is no longer cumbersome and cumbersome to operate.
If the same user and the same content information are used, even if there are a plurality of terminals used, the service (information) can be provided with the same charge regardless of the number of connected terminals. Therefore, the user can use the same content information at a plurality of terminals at low cost.

The storage means stores product data including a classification code for classifying content information, stores content information for each of the identification information and the classification based on a set period received by the ordering means, and the identification You may make it total the usage fee for every user for every information and the said classification | category (Claim 2).
The merchandise data includes items such as a classification code, a classification name, a merchandise code, a JAN code, a merchandise name, a standard, a unit, a normal selling price, a selling price today, a sales classification (special sale, regular price), and the like.
The set period is a period from the start date to the end date set in the schedule data.

  According to the above means, if the content information used in a plurality of terminals used in each department is the same in the department used, the usage fee for the content information to be used can be provided at the same fee. it can. Accordingly, the store side (user) can use the same content information at a low price on a plurality of terminals used in the same department, and can provide information with a high sales promotion effect to customers who come to the store.

  Further, the server determines, based on the user setting period received by the ordering unit and the date and time of the server, whether the setting period received by the ordering unit has expired, and the determination It is good also as a structure provided with the deletion means which deletes from the said memory | storage means the content information judged that the setting period expired by the means (Claim 3).

  According to the above means, the content information prepared in the server is stored without disappearing until the period set by the ordering means by the user (the period from the start date to the end date) expires. Therefore, even if the same content information is downloaded a plurality of times within the period, there is no charge for each download. Therefore, even if the terminal used by the user is replaced due to a failure or the like, there is no charge even if the same content information downloaded before the failure is downloaded to the terminal after replacement, Content information can be used. Since the content information is deleted when the set period expires, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity from being filled with used and unnecessary content information.

  In addition, the storage unit may store an expiration date that limits the use of the content information (claim 4). In this case, the expiration date is stored and set in a playlist, moving image setting data, or the like.

  According to the above means, the user can use the downloaded content information based on the set expiration date even if the playback (use) start date or the play (use) time limit has passed, while the content information is downloaded. can do.

  Further, the storage unit may store character information, still image information, moving image information, sound source information, or a combination of the information, and output order information for storing the output order of the information. 5).

  According to the above means, the display order and reproduction order of the content information used by the user can be stored and data can be distributed. And the user who received the data can reproduce and display the information sequentially and repeatedly on the terminal used by the user based on a playlist in which a plurality of recipe video information including audio and cooking methods of ingredients are stored, Effective sales promotion activities (information provision) can be performed.

In addition, the server may include a result storage unit that stores a result for each user based on the order unit, and a printing unit that prints the result data stored in the result storage unit.
The record data stored in the record storage means includes, for example, a management number, a customer number, a customer name, a use category (stopped, used, used, etc.), a classification code, a video name, a recipe code, a setting start date, a setting “Usage result file (history)” including items such as end date and access date / time is listed.
The printing means is a printer known today that includes a print head, a paper feed device, and the like. Various printing methods such as a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, an ink jet method, and a laser method can be adopted.

  According to the above means, the performance data (use history information) is stored, so that it is possible to accurately respond to inquiries from the user (number of uses, presence / absence of use, etc.). Then, by printing the result data and sending it to the user together with the charge for the usage fee, the user can check the charge for the usage fee against the actual result, thereby contributing to the reduction of unnecessary inquiries.

  Further, the server has an ASP (Application Service Provider) function for storing product information for each user used by the user, and the terminal used by the user has a web browser (Internet browsing software). Alternatively, the display / printing device or the fee scale may download the product information stored in the server from the server via the network using a fee scale that measures and sells the product (Claim 7).

  According to the above means, since the server has an ASP (Application Service Provider) function for storing product information for each user used by the user, the display printing device or the charge scale (face-to-face scale) that is currently used is transferred to the server. Since direct connection is possible and necessary data can be downloaded by each device, the user (store) does not need to invest in equipment such as a personal computer.

According to the information distribution system of the present invention, the usage fee for the content information is billed when the server completes the preparation of the content information based on the schedule (order) set by the user. Therefore, the user is not required to pay a usage fee each time the necessary content information is downloaded.
If the same user and the same content information are used, even if there are a plurality of terminals used, the service (information) can be provided with the same charge regardless of the number of connected terminals. Therefore, the user can use the same content information at a plurality of terminals at low cost.

  Further, according to the configuration of claim 2, if the content information used in a plurality of terminals used in each department is the same in the department used, the usage fee for the content information to be used is serviced at the same charge. Can be provided. Accordingly, the store side (user) can use the same content information at a low price on a plurality of terminals used in the same department, and can provide information with a high sales promotion effect to customers who come to the store.

  Further, according to the configuration of claim 3, the content information prepared in the server does not disappear until the period set by the user using the ordering unit (the period from the start date to the end date) expires. Since it is stored, even if the same content information is downloaded a plurality of times within the period, there is no charge for each download. Therefore, even if the terminal used by the user is replaced due to a failure or the like, there is no charge even if the same content information downloaded before the failure is downloaded to the terminal after replacement, Content information can be used. Since the content information is deleted when the set period expires, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity from being filled with used and unnecessary content information.

According to the configuration of claim 4, even if the user has downloaded the content information to the terminal and the reproduction (use) start date or the reproduction (use) deadline has passed, the set expiration date is set. The downloaded content information can be used.
Furthermore, according to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the display order and the playback order of the content information used by the user can be stored and distributed. Accordingly, the user who has received the data can sequentially reproduce and display the information on the terminal used by the user based on a playlist in which a plurality of recipe video information including audio and a cooking method of ingredients are stored. Effective sales promotion activities (information provision) can be performed.

According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the performance data (usage history information) is stored, so that it is possible to accurately respond to inquiries from the user (number of times of use, presence / absence of use, etc.). Then, by printing the result data and sending it to the user together with the charge for the usage fee, the user can check the charge for the usage fee against the actual result, thereby contributing to the reduction of unnecessary inquiries.
Furthermore, since the server has an ASP (Application Service Provider) function for storing product information for each user used by the user, the display printing apparatus or the charge scale (face-to-face scale) currently used is provided. ) Can be directly connected to the server and necessary data can be downloaded by each device, so that the user (store) side does not need to install (invest) equipment such as a personal computer (management device).

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, in a store such as a supermarket, a display / printing device equipped with a “web browser” that displays and prints a cooking method and ingredients (foodstuffs) necessary for the cooking at a store entrance or a grocery store. An information distribution system for supplying data to a terminal will be described. In this embodiment, content information used in stores such as supermarkets will be described as an example. However, content information used in drug stores, home centers, side dishes, retail stores selling sweets and bread, restaurants, etc. Can also be provided using the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an information distribution system according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an ASP (Application Service Provider) management device (server) that distributes content information required by a user (a store such as a supermarket). The display device (terminal) 4 installed in a store (user) such as a supermarket via the management device 1 and the communication line 2 (for example, the Internet or an intranet), the wireless router 3, and a face-to-face scale (terminal) 5, the display printing device 4 or the facing scale 5 is configured to download content information stored in the management device from the management device 1 via a network.

FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the management apparatus (server) 1. The CPU 100 controls the operation of the management apparatus in an integrated manner, and the ROM 110, RAM 111, hard disk (storage means) 112, display section 113, printing section ( Printing means) 114, a communication unit 115, a speaker 116, an input unit 117, and an auxiliary storage unit 118 are connected.
The CPU 100 performs overall control of the operation of the management apparatus by performing processing using the work area of the RAM 111 in accordance with the control program of the ROM 110.
The ROM 110 stores a predetermined control program executed by the CPU 100.
The RAM 111 is provided with flags and registers necessary for the operation of the CPU 100, has a plurality of storage areas, and temporarily stores data read from each file.

The hard disk (storage means) 112 is a rewritable storage unit, which is an operation program, journal file, product data (see FIG. 4), recipe data (see FIG. 5), recipe material data (see FIG. 6), playlist ( 7), sound source information (see FIG. 8), customer data (see FIG. 9), video setting data (see FIG. 10), schedule data (see FIG. 11), billing file (see FIG. 12), usage record file (see FIG. (History) (see FIG. 13) and the like are stored, and the stored contents are stored separately for each type.
The display unit 113 displays a schedule and the like, and includes a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal touch panel, and the like.

The printing unit 114 prints performance data, history data, and the like downloaded by the user, and includes a print head, a paper feeding device, and the like. Various printing methods such as a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, an ink jet method, and a laser method can be employed.
The communication unit 115 performs information communication such as accepting access from a client terminal via the Internet or an intranet (LAN).
The speaker 116 notifies an error associated with the operation of the management apparatus.
The input unit 117 includes a keyboard and a mouse connected to the management device.
The auxiliary storage unit 118 is composed of a memory card or a backup magnetic tape.

FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of a store-side display printing apparatus that displays and prints out the content information acquired from the management apparatus 1. The CPU 400 that controls each block is connected to the CPU 400 via a bus, POM410, RAM411, hard disk 412, and liquid crystal touch panel. 413, a card reader unit 414, a printing unit 415, a communication unit 416, and a speaker 417 are connected.
That is, the display printing device 4 is a terminal that goes to the host management device 1 via the wireless router when the power is turned on, and includes setting information (IP address) set in the display printing device, etc. The data set by the user is automatically acquired.
The CPU 400 controls the operation of the display printing apparatus by performing processing using the work area of the RAM 411 according to the control program of the ROM 410.
The ROM 410 stores a predetermined control program executed by the CPU 400.
The RAM 411 is provided with flags and registers necessary for the operation of the CPU, has a plurality of storage areas, and temporarily stores data read from each file.

The hard disk 412 is a rewritable storage unit, which is product data (see FIG. 4) downloaded from the management apparatus 1, recipe data (see FIG. 5), recipe material data (see FIG. 6), playlist (FIG. 7). Reference), sound source information (see FIG. 8), and the like are stored, and the stored contents are stored for each type.
The liquid crystal touch panel 413 sequentially changes the information of the target product based on the information provided to the customer, displays recipe information, product information, etc. in an eye-catching manner, and performs various displays and operations by touching the surface. Switching between various modes, various operations (for example, selection operation for selecting provided information displayed on the display means, selection operation for selecting a desired classification code displayed on the display means from among the classification codes Etc.).

The card reader unit 414 is a reader that reads data stored in a memory card (CF card or the like).
The printer (printing unit) 415 prints out the provided information displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 413 in order to provide it to the customer, and includes a print head, a paper feeding device, and the like. Various printing methods such as a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, an ink jet method, and a laser method can be employed.
The communication unit 416 performs information communication with a management device (server) 1 of an ASP company that distributes data using the Internet via a network such as a LAN.
The speaker 417 reports sound and music or errors associated with operations based on the moving image data and the sound source information.

Next, product data (see FIG. 4), recipe data (see FIG. 5), recipe material data (see FIG. 6), playlist (see FIG. 7), sound source stored in the hard disk (storage means) 112 of the management apparatus 1 Content information such as information (see FIG. 8) and moving image setting data (see FIG. 10) will be described.
Product data is data of products handled and sold at each store (user). As shown in FIG. 4, the classification code, classification name, product code, JAN code, product name, standard, unit, normal selling price, today's selling price for each product as shown in FIG. Items such as special sales category are set. This product data is not only used for display and printing devices, but is also used for face-to-face scales (measurement and sales POS terminals) used in supermarkets, or label printers with measurement values used in backyards for meat, fruits and vegetables, and fresh fish departments. It can also be shared with product data used in packaging weighing value devices.
The classification code (classification information) is a code for classifying handled products for each type. For example, in the case of a supermarket, types such as meat, fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, and daily goods (daily miscellaneous goods) are listed. In addition to the supermarkets described above, examples of the business form using the information distribution system according to the present invention include, for example, a store for cakes and confectionery, a store for side dishes and lunch boxes, a drug store for selling medicines, etc. Therefore, the classification code (classification information) is appropriately set depending on the type of business. The product data is set in advance by an administrator of the management apparatus 1 (including a production company entrusted with production by the administrator). If the file is a file for each user, the user may set the product data.

As shown in FIG. 5, the recipe data is classified by dish code (recipe name) as shown in FIG. 5, and a still image showing the cooking method, cooking time, energy (calorie), cooking contents, cooking state, etc. for each recipe. Alternatively, it is composed of a moving image or the like. And the eye catch display time of each recipe is summarized in about 1 minute.
The recipe data may be set in advance by the administrator of the management apparatus 1 or by a specific contractor entrusted by the administrator, like the product data.

In the recipe material data, as shown in FIG. 6, the ingredients and quantity constituting the recipe (cooking), and comments such as the cooking method relating to the ingredients are stored. The recipe code is linked to the recipe data, and the ingredient (product) code is linked to the product data.
The recipe material data is set by the manager of the management device or a specific vendor as with the recipe data.

The playlist is a table management of recipe codes for each classification code (classification information) for classifying products. As shown in FIG. 7, one or more tables are used so that a plurality of types of recipes can be reproduced continuously. In the table, the management number, video name, classification code (classification information), recipe code, reproduction start date, reproduction deadline, effective number of days, comments regarding the location where the recipe is reproduced and displayed, etc. are stored and set. Has been.
This playlist is automatically created according to the order contents of the user.

The sound source information is for performing recipe explanation and the like, and is linked with recipe data, recipe material data, and a playlist by a recipe code.
Similar to the recipe data, the sound source information may be set in advance by the administrator of the management apparatus 1 or set by a specific contractor entrusted by the administrator.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the moving image setting data includes a classification code, a moving image name, a recipe code, an effective number of days, and the like, and is set in advance by the administrator of the management apparatus 1 in the same manner as the recipe data. Or the specific contractor entrusted by the administrator may set.

  In addition to the content information, customer data (see FIG. 9) for authenticating the user who logs in to the management apparatus 1, schedule data (see FIG. 11) for setting the user's order details, and use of the user's content information A billing file (see FIG. 12) that records the usage charges that are generated, a usage record file (history) (see FIG. 13) that summarizes the usage records for each user, and the like are stored. The schedule data is set and registered by the user who logs in to the management apparatus 1. The billing file is automatically updated by the customer data and user usage, and the usage record file (history) is automatically updated during daily operations.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the customer data includes a customer number, customer name (user name), department code (classification code), department name, postal code, address, login ID, password, telephone number, IP address, etc. In addition to the identification information, the number of months, the billing date, the closing date, and the closing classification (for example, “0”: billed on a fixed date every month, “1”: determined the month after the usage month) Billed on the day, "2" ... billed for the determined number of months).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the schedule data includes a customer number, a classification code, a video name, a recipe code, a start date, an end date, etc., and each item is logged into the management device after the user logs in, The user himself sets and registers based on the ordering means.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the accounting file includes a customer number, a customer name, a current month usage fee, a last month usage fee, a last access date, an access count, a contract basic fee, a current month target management number, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the usage record file (history) has a management number, a customer number, a customer name, a usage category (for example, “Cancel”: data whose use has been canceled, “Used”: used) Data, “in use”... Data currently in use), classification code, video name, recipe code, setting start date, setting end date, access date and time (access date, time), and the like.

Next, the flow from the user content information order to acquisition in the system will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
S100: A user inputs a user identification information for logging in by connecting to a server for distributing information via the Internet or an intranet using a terminal (display printing device, facing scale, etc.) equipped with a web browser.
S101... The server reads the customer data set and registered in the hard disk 112 in advance into the RAM 111.
S102: It is judged (user authentication) whether the identification information registered in the read customer data is the same as the identification information input by the user (identification means). If they are the same (Yes), the process proceeds to S103, and if they are different (No), the process returns to S100 to instruct re-input of the user identification information.
S103: When the user authentication is completed, a history that the user has accessed the server is stored in the hard disk 112.

S104... If the department code (classification code) registered in the customer data of the authenticated user is other than “0000” common to all departments, the department that matches the registered department code (classification code) Automatically selected. In the case of a user whose department code (classification code) is set to “0000” common to all departments, the user starts from the department (classification of meat, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, etc.) displayed on the LCD touch panel of the terminal. Select the desired department.
S105... When a department is selected and determined, a list of “moving image data” belonging to the department is searched and displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel of the terminal.
S106: The user selects desired video data from the video data displayed as a list. When “moving image data” to be confirmed is selected, it is called from the hard disk 112 and can be reproduced and confirmed on the liquid crystal touch panel (screen).
S107: When “moving image data” is selected, a candidate list of “recipe” using the ingredients of “moving image data” is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel of the terminal.
S108... When a desired “recipe” is selected from the displayed “recipe” candidate list, the selected “recipe” is read from the hard disk 112.
S109... “Recipe material data” stored in the hard disk 112 is automatically read into the RAM 111 of the server based on the selected “recipe” information.
S110... "Commodity data" stored in the hard disk 112 is automatically read into the RAM 111 of the server based on the “recipe material data” automatically read.
S111... “Still image data” stored in the hard disk 112 is automatically read into the RAM 111 of the server based on the selected “recipe” information.
S112... “Sound source information” stored in the hard disk 112 is automatically read into the RAM 111 of the server based on the selected “recipe” information.

S113: When all the data has been read into the RAM 111, a schedule setting screen based on the “department” and “moving image data” set by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel of the terminal.
S114: The user inputs and sets the start date and the end date on which the content information is used on the displayed schedule setting screen.
S115: The server determines whether or not the input set period is appropriate. The determination is made by comparing with the date and time (calendar function) of the server (determination means). As a result of the determination, if it is an appropriate period setting (Yes), the process proceeds to S116, and if it is an inappropriate period setting (No), a return input in S114 is instructed. When the input set period is determined to be an appropriate period, the user is instructed to press the “save” button for saving the schedule setting by using the liquid crystal touch panel of the terminal.
S116... When the “Save” button is pressed, the server stores the schedule (order contents) set by the user in the hard disk 112.
S117: The play list is automatically saved in the hard disk 112 as the schedule is saved. For the saving (update) of the playlist, see the flowchart of FIG.
S118 ... When the playlist is automatically saved on the hard disk 112, the history of the usage record file on the hard disk 112 is updated based on the contents set in the schedule.
S119: A screen as to whether or not to continue the next setting (order for another content information) is displayed on the liquid crystal touch sensor of the terminal, and the user selects one of them. If “Continue setting” is selected (Yes), the “Department” selection screen image in S104 is displayed. If the setting is completed (No), the “End” button is pressed.

Next, an outline of the storage means of the management apparatus will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
S200: The processing of this storage means includes both manual processing and automatic processing, and is normally executed automatically. Whether or not to perform the process is whether or not it is an automatic setting, and is executed after confirming whether or not it is a date and time to be executed that day based on the date and time of the server. When it is determined that it should be executed (Yes), the process proceeds to S201, and when it is determined that it is not to be executed (No), the process ends.
S201: The schedule stored in the hard disk 112 is read into the RAM 111.
S202: It is determined whether there is read data. When it is determined that there is data (Yes), the process proceeds to S203, and when there is no data (No), the process ends.
S203: The period in the read schedule is compared with the date and time of the server, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding data exists. When the corresponding data exists (Yes), the process proceeds to S204, and when the corresponding data does not exist, the process returns to S201.

S204... When the corresponding data exists, the customer data of the schedule is read from the hard disk 112 to the RAM 111.
S205: The data storage destination is stored separately for each department (classification) for each user, so it is confirmed whether the storage destination exists in the hard disk 112 or not. If the storage destination exists (Yes), the process proceeds to S207. If the storage destination does not exist (No), a new storage destination is automatically created in the hard disk 112 in S206, and the process proceeds to S207.
S207... "Movie data" is read from the hard disk 112 based on the information set in the schedule temporarily stored in the RAM 111, and stored as content information to be distributed to the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112.
S208... Similarly, “recipe data” is read from the hard disk 112 and stored as content information to be distributed to the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112.
S209... Similarly, “recipe material data” is read from the hard disk 112 and stored as content information to be distributed to the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112.
S210... "Playlist" is similarly read from the hard disk 112 and stored as content information to be distributed to the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112.
S211 ... Similarly, "sound source information" is read from the hard disk 112 and stored as content information to be distributed to the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112.

S212... Similarly, “still image data” is read from the hard disk 112 and stored as content information to be distributed to the specified storage destination of the hard disk 112.
S213: When all the data has been stored, the usage fee is calculated and charged based on the stored content information or the set amount per time (per schedule) (totaling means). Charge calculation is performed and the charge file for each user is updated. The content information may be stored by combining character information, still image information, moving image information, and sound source information as appropriate and storing them in the output order (display order, playback order, etc.).
S214: The history of data update is stored in the hard disk 112. The process is automatically repeated until there is no more data to be read, and the process ends when there is no more data to be read.

Next, an outline of the deleting means of the management apparatus will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
S300: The processing of this storage means includes both manual processing and automatic processing, and is normally executed automatically. Whether or not to perform the process is whether or not it is an automatic setting, and is executed after confirming whether or not it is a date and time to be executed on the current day based on the date and time of the server. When it is determined that it should be executed (Yes), the process proceeds to S301, and when it is determined that it is not to be executed (No), the process ends.
S301... When it is determined that it should be executed, the schedule is read from the hard disk 112 to the RAM 111.
S302: It is determined whether there is read data. When it is determined that there is data (Yes), the process proceeds to S303, and when there is no data (No), the process ends.
S303: The period in the schedule read into the RAM 111 is compared with the date and time of the server, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding data exists. If the corresponding data exists (Yes), the process proceeds to S304, and if the corresponding data does not exist, the process returns to S301.

S304: When the corresponding data exists, the customer data of the schedule is read from the hard disk 112 to the RAM 111.
S305... Is stored separately for each department (classification) for each user, so whether or not the storage destination exists on the hard disk 112 is checked. Since the storage destination has already been created in the hard disk 112 by the storage means, if there is no storage destination (No), the error is continuously notified in S306.
S307... The target “moving image data” in the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112 is deleted based on the information set in the schedule.
S308... Similarly, the target “recipe data” in the storage location of the designated hard disk 112 is deleted.
S309... Similarly, the target “recipe material data” in the storage location of the designated hard disk 112 is deleted.
S310... Similarly, the target “sound source information” in the storage location of the designated hard disk 112 is deleted.
S311 ... Similarly, the target "still image data" in the storage destination of the designated hard disk 112 is deleted.
S312: The play list stored in the hard disk 112 is read, a target record is searched, the corresponding record is deleted, and the hard disk 112 is updated. If there is no other record that needs to be left in the playlist, the playlist itself is deleted from the hard disk 112.
S313: When the deletion of all the target data is completed, the history of the data deletion is stored in the hard disk 112. The process is automatically repeated until there is no data to be read, and the process ends when there is no data to be read.

Next, an outline of playlist update will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
This process is executed in the flowchart (S117) of the schedule means (see FIG. 14).
S400 ... It is confirmed whether or not a playlist including the target “moving image data” exists on the hard disk 112. If there is a playlist (Yes), it is determined in S401 whether or not the departments further match. Yes), the process proceeds to S404. If the playlist does not exist or if the “department (classification)” does not match even if the playlist exists, the process proceeds to S402.
S402 ... A management number is automatically created, and a playlist is newly created on the hard disk 112 in S403.
S404 ... Information is additionally written to the target playlist if the target playlist exists, and information is written to the newly created playlist if there is no playlist.

S405: Set (set) moving image information (moving image data selected in S106 of the schedule means) in the playlist.
S406 ... The recipe information (recipe data selected in S108) is set (set) in the playlist.
S407: Period information (period information set in S114) is set (set) in the playlist.
S408 ... The number of effective days (determined based on selection information of S104 (department selection) and S106 (moving image data selection)) is set (set) in the playlist.
S409 ... A comment (comment regarding a place where a recipe is reproduced and displayed) is set.
S410 ... When all the information has been additionally written, it is updated and stored in the hard disk 112.

With the above configuration, the information distribution system of the present invention allows the user to download the previously ordered content information and display it on the display unit by accessing the server via the network from the terminal equipped with the display unit. Can do. Since the content information distributed from the server is content information that incorporates a product or the like that the user (store) wants to sell, sales of the product or related products can be promoted through provision of the content information. .
And users (stores such as supermarkets) who use this system will receive a handout (flyer) that contains recipes and menu information common to each department in order to promote the sale of foods (products) that they handle. Although distribution is provided at each sales floor, when the distribution of the recipe is replaced with a terminal using the data distribution, a plurality of terminals must be installed at each sales floor. For example, in the case of a “meat potato” recipe, it is necessary to install at least two terminals such as a meat sales area that sells cooking ingredients and a fruit and vegetable sales area. In addition, when the sales area for selling the cooked food is large, the number of terminals to be installed is increased in accordance with the flow of the customer who visits the store. Even in such a store, by using the information distribution system of the present invention, the usage fee is not charged for each terminal to be downloaded, and is additionally charged by the number of times the terminal is downloaded. Without increasing the number of terminals installed, the running cost will not increase, so there is no need to limit the number of installations or reduce the number of uses, and the sales promotion effect expected by the store can be obtained. It becomes possible.

  A plurality of display printing devices installed in the store by the user are terminals that go to the host management device 1 via the wireless router when the power is turned on, and are set in the display printing device. A request signal including a customer number and a classification code is transmitted from the display / printing apparatus to the server by being authenticated by information (IP address) or the like, and data (content information) set by the user is downloaded (automatically acquired). When the data is acquired, automatic reproduction of moving image data or the like automatically starts based on the downloaded playlist (content information). In addition, when the power of the display printing apparatus is turned off and then turned on again, data (content information) is downloaded (automatically acquired) to the upper management apparatus 1 again, but the data is already stored in the display printing apparatus. Data (content information) having the same data name, type, file size, and the like (content information) that is preliminarily referenced and stored for data (content information) data name and type, file size, etc. (Information), download (automatic acquisition) may not be performed. Also, if the browser function is installed in a plurality of face-to-face scales installed in the store, this body scale can be used to connect to an information distributor's server to make an order (schedule) reservation for data (content information). Is possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed without changing the gist of the invention.
(1) In this embodiment, charging is performed when data distribution is prepared based on a schedule set by the user. However, charging may be performed at the time of scheduling. In addition to the above billing method, in order to improve the billing accuracy, the billing collected when data distribution is prepared based on the schedule and the actual downloaded results are collated to confirm the usage fee, and then collation is performed. A method may be used in which billing is calculated based on the recorded results and the user is billed. The preparation for distribution (downloading) is not limited to storing the content information in the storage means for distribution, but may be the time when the distribution request from the terminal (client) is permitted based on the schedule data. .
(2) In this embodiment, a classification code for classifying content information is used to display a list of content information belonging to the category at the time of scheduling. However, all content information is linked in advance. If a certain piece of content information is selected, all may be automatically set without selecting from the list display.
(3) Although there is one [classification code] used in the present embodiment, the schedule and distribution data are classified according to each hierarchy using a classification having a hierarchy such as a major classification, a middle classification, and a minor classification. (4) In this embodiment, a playlist is automatically created in accordance with a schedule setting, and data may be prepared for distribution or charged for each classification. The content information may be displayed as a list based on the set schedule, and the output order may be set manually.
(5) Although the terminal described in the present embodiment is described using a display printing device, the display unit is not limited to this, and the display unit is a vending machine, a face-to-face weighing scale device, a POS register, a charge weighing device, etc. Any terminal device that has a display unit can use the information distribution system of the present invention.

The block diagram which shows the outline of the information delivery system which concerns on this invention. The electrical block diagram of a high-order management apparatus (server). The electric block diagram of a display printing apparatus (terminal). The block diagram of the product data (content information) memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the recipe data (content information) memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the recipe material data (content information) memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the play list (content information) memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the sound source information (content information) memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the customer data memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the moving image setting data memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the schedule data memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the accounting file memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The block diagram of the utilization performance file (history) memorize | stored in a management apparatus. The flowchart which shows the flow of the order (schedule) setting of content information. The flowchart which shows the outline of the memory | storage means of a management apparatus. The flowchart which shows the outline of the deletion means of a management apparatus. The flowchart which shows the play list update of a management apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Server (upper management device)
2 ... Internet 3 ... Wireless router 4 ... Display printing device (terminal)
5 ... Face-to-face scale (terminal)
112 ... Hard disk (storage means, counting means, identification means, deletion means, determination means)
114... Printing section (printing means)

Claims (7)

An information distribution system comprising a server for storing content information required by a user by storage means, and a client for downloading the content information from the server via the network from the storage means of the server,
The server
Customer data including at least identification information to identify the user, user name and billing information;
Identification means for identifying the user based on the identification information at the time of access of the user;
Order means for accepting and storing an order for content information desired for each user and schedule data relating to the order;
Aggregating means for preparing the distribution of the content information for each user based on the schedule data stored in the ordering means and for accounting and accounting as a usage fee for each user;
An information distribution system comprising:   The storage means stores product data including a classification code for classifying content information, stores content information for each classification and the identification information based on a set period received by the ordering means, and the identification information The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein usage fees for each user are tabulated for each classification. The server
Determining means for determining whether or not the setting period received by the ordering unit has expired based on the user setting period received by the ordering unit and the date and time of the server;
A deletion unit that deletes the content information determined by the determination unit as having expired from the storage unit;
The information distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit stores an expiration date for limiting use of the content information.   5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit enables character information, still image information, moving image information, sound source information, or a combination of the information, and stores an output order of the information. The information distribution system described.   4. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: a record storage unit that stores a record for each user based on the ordering unit; and a printing unit that prints record data stored in the record storage unit. The information distribution system according to any one of the above.   The server includes an ASP function for storing product information for each user used by the user, and the terminal used by the user is a display printing device equipped with a web browser or a fee scale that measures and sells the product, The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device downloads the product information stored in the server required by the user from the server via the network.

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