JP2018028877A - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to retrieve a template that suites a user's purpose through simpler manipulation compared with a case where the user sets keywords and layout information as a search condition in the form of a character string.SOLUTION: A characteristic extraction unit 48 extracts, from a plurality of templates selected by a user from a group of templates with different designs, a set of characteristics common to the plurality of templates. A secondary search condition setting unit 50 selects characteristics to be included in a search condition from the set of common characteristics extracted by the characteristic extraction unit 48 based on similarity in characteristics among the plurality of templates. A secondary search unit 52 searches for templates using the search condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

  A specific template may be searched from a plurality of templates (templates), and the specific template may be edited by the user.

  In Patent Document 1, the print form, field, and character data associated with the field included in the form storage file are designated as search conditions, and the form storage file is searched from the form storage file group according to the search conditions. An apparatus is disclosed.

JP 2005-84784 A

  Generally, a user inputs a keyword or template layout information as a character string, and searches for a specific template using the input keyword or layout information as a search condition. However, it is not always easy for the user to specify the exact keyword and layout information for searching for a template that matches the user's purpose, using a character string as a search condition. Even if it performs, the template which suits the user's purpose is not necessarily searched. Normally, until the target template is searched, the user performs the search by changing the keyword and layout information as the search conditions many times, and the time and effort required for the search increase.

  An object of the present invention is to search for a template that matches a user's purpose with a simple operation as compared with a case where keywords and layout information are set as search conditions by a character string.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an extraction means for extracting from the plurality of templates a feature group shared by a plurality of templates selected by a user from among template groups having different designs, and the extraction means extracts the feature group. An information processing apparatus comprising: search means for searching for a template by including, in a search condition, a feature selected based on a similarity between features of the plurality of templates from the common feature group is there.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the search means searches for a template by including, in the search condition, a feature selected according to a priority according to the similarity from the common feature group. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the search means includes a template including, in the search condition, a feature in which the similarity between the plurality of templates is equal to or greater than a reference value in the common feature group. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a search is performed.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the search means is used as the search condition based on a common feature value included in each of the plurality of templates and included in the search condition. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a search range is determined and a template having a characteristic value included in the search range is searched. 5.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the template has one or a plurality of editing areas that are permitted to be edited by the user, the features of the template include the characteristics related to the editing areas, and the extracting means includes the plurality of editing areas. The feature relating to the editing region that is shared by the templates is extracted, and the search means searches for the feature relating to the editing region selected based on the similarity between the features of the plurality of templates. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a template is searched for in a condition.

  In the invention according to claim 6, the feature relating to the editing area includes at least one of the number of the editing areas in the template, the position of the editing area in the template, and the size of the editing area, The search means is configured to determine the similarity between features of the plurality of templates from at least one of the number of the editing areas, the position of the editing area, and the size of the editing area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a template is searched by including a feature related to the editing area selected based on the search condition.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the feature of the template includes an impression evoked by the template, and the search means is selected based on the degree of similarity between the plurality of templates. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a template is searched by including an impression in the search condition.

  The invention according to claim 8 further comprises primary search means for searching the template group under a search condition different from the search by the search means. The information processing apparatus described.

  The invention according to claim 9 is an extraction means for extracting a feature group shared by a plurality of templates selected by a user from a group of templates having different designs from the plurality of templates, and the extraction means. A program that functions as a search unit that searches for a template by including, in a search condition, a feature that is selected based on a similarity between features of the plurality of templates from the common feature group extracted by is there.

  According to the first, second, third, fourth, and eighth inventions, the template and the layout information are adapted to the user's purpose with a simple operation as compared with the case where the keyword and the layout information are set as a search condition by the user. Is searched.

  According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, a template that matches the purpose of the user is searched for the features of the editing area.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 7, the template suitable for a user's objective is searched regarding the impression which a template evokes.

It is a block diagram which shows the template management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the template management apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the template registration part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the template search part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows a terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows a template registration process. It is a flowchart which shows a template search process. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a template. It is a figure which shows an example of a primary search setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a primary search result screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the selected template. It is a figure which shows an example of the selected template. It is a figure which shows an example of a characteristic (attribute) table. It is a figure which shows an example of a secondary search result screen. It is a figure which shows another example of a secondary search result screen.

  A template management system as an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of a template management system according to the present embodiment. The template management system includes a template management device 10 and a terminal device 12 as information processing devices. The template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 have a function of communicating with each other via a communication path N. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, one terminal device 12 is included in the template management system, but a plurality of terminal devices 12 may be included in the template management system. Of course, other devices may be included in the template management system.

  The template management apparatus 10 stores template data that defines the design of an object, and provides the template data. The template management apparatus 10 may have a function of editing a template in accordance with a user instruction and outputting an output product (for example, image data or printed material) as the edited product. The object is, for example, a business card, an advertising medium (for example, a flyer), a direct mail (DM), a poster, a postcard, a catalog, other documents, clothes, a car, a building, a bridge, or the like. Further, the template management device 10 has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from other devices. The template management apparatus 10 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication and a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). I have. Of course, the template management apparatus 10 may have a near field communication function such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The terminal device 12 is a device used by a template user (user). The terminal device 12 is a device such as a PC (personal computer), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a mobile phone, and has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from other devices. The terminal device 12 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication and a wired communication function, and a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the terminal device 12 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC or Bluetooth. The terminal device 12 is used, for example, when searching for a template or editing a template.

  The communication path N is a communication path realized by a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the communication path N may be a communication path realized by short-range wireless communication.

  In the present embodiment, a primary search and a secondary search for templates are executed. In the primary search, a template group is searched using a keyword or the like. A plurality of templates are selected by the user from the template group searched by the primary search, and a feature group shared by the plurality of templates is extracted. In the secondary search, a template is selected using a search condition including a feature selected from the common feature group.

  Note that the terminal device 12 may be incorporated into the template management device 10 and the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 may be physically integrated.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the template management apparatus 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the template management apparatus 10.

  The communication unit 14 is a communication interface, and has a function of transmitting data to another device and a function of receiving data from another device. The communication unit 14 has a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication and a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the communication unit 14 may have a short-range wireless communication function. The communication unit 14 transmits, for example, template data, information indicating a template search result, and the like to the terminal device 12, and receives information transmitted from the terminal device 12.

  The UI unit 16 is a user interface unit and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, the UI unit 16 may be a user interface that has both functions of a display unit and an operation unit (for example, a display as a touch panel, a display that electronically displays a keyboard, or the like). The template management apparatus 10 may not include the UI unit 16.

  The storage unit 18 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory, and stores, for example, various control data, various programs, various data, and the like. Of course, they may be stored in different storage devices, or may be stored in the same storage device. The storage unit 18 includes a template storage unit 20.

  The template storage unit 20 stores in advance data of a plurality of templates having different designs. A template is a design template for an object. Data for a plurality of templates having different designs from each other is created in advance and stored in the template storage unit 20 for each object. For example, a plurality of templates with different designs are created in advance for advertising flyers. The same applies to other objects. Each template data is associated with template identification information (for example, a template name or a template ID) for identifying the template. The data of each template includes information indicating the use of the template (target object suitable for the template), a character string (for example, a keyword) indicating the characteristics of the template, information indicating the color of the entire template, and the entire template. May be associated with information indicating a taste (impression) evoked. The template is searched using these pieces of information.

  The color is, for example, an average value of color information (for example, R component, G component, B component) possessed by all pixels of the template.

  The taste is determined, for example, according to a preference model that typifies an impression that a person feels with respect to a certain target. For example, a sensibility score as an impression similarity can be obtained by digitizing the impression evoked by the entire template. The sensitivity score is a value (a value indicating the intensity of the impression) indicating the degree to which the template contributes to the impression. The sensitivity score is obtained by, for example, a sensitivity evaluation experiment according to the type 1 classification. For example, a sensitivity score for the template is determined in advance, a taste of the template is determined in advance based on the sensitivity score, and information indicating the taste (for example, a character string) is associated with the template data. Of course, the sensitivity score may be associated with the template data. Examples of tastes include “warm impression”, “cold impression”, “hard impression”, “soft impression”, and the like. More specifically, examples of taste include “wild”, “natural”, “romantic”, “dynamic”, “pretty”, and the like. Each taste is digitized in advance as a sensitivity score, and a sensitivity score for each taste, that is, a sensitivity score representing each taste is determined in advance. A taste corresponding to the sensitivity score for the template is determined as the taste of the template. Note that the template management apparatus 10 may specify the taste of the template by calculating the sensitivity score of the template and specifying the taste corresponding to the sensitivity score.

  The template data has one or more variable fields (objects, design items, design parts). The variable field corresponds to an example of an editing area in which editing by the user is permitted. In the template, one or more variable fields are arranged in accordance with preset layout conditions. As the variable field, for example, a text field, an image field, a graphic field, and the like are preset in the template. The text field is an area where text information (character string) is input. The image field is an area into which image data having a format such as JPEG, TIFF, or bitmap is input. The graphic field is an area where graphic data having a format such as a vector is input. In a template of an advertising medium (for example, a flyer) for promotion, for example, a text field for a title (title), a text field for body characters, an image field, a graphic field, and the like are set in advance.

  The template registration unit 22 registers a new template. For example, the template registration unit 22 receives template data and causes the template storage unit 20 to store the template data. The template registration unit 22 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The template search unit 24 has a primary search function and a secondary search function, and searches for a template from a group of templates stored in the template storage unit 20. In the primary search, information such as keywords and tastes is used as a search condition. In the secondary search, features (attributes) extracted from a plurality of templates searched in the primary search are used as search conditions. The template search unit 24 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 26 controls the operation of each unit of the template management apparatus 10. The control unit 26 includes a display control unit 28. For example, the display control unit 28 displays the retrieved template on the display device. For example, the display control unit 28 causes the terminal device 12 to display the template via the communication path N. Of course, the display control unit 28 may display the template on the UI unit 16.

  Note that the template management apparatus 10 may not include the template storage unit 20. In this case, the template storage unit 20 is provided in an external device such as a template DB (database). The template registration unit 22 stores the received template data in the template storage unit 20 provided in the external device. The template search unit 24 searches for a template in the template storage unit 20 provided in the external device.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the template registration unit 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the template registration unit 22.

  The registration receiving unit 30 receives template data and information indicating a template registration request. The template data and the information indicating the registration request are transmitted, for example, from the terminal device possessed by the administrator to the template management device 10 via the communication path N, and the registration accepting unit 30 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device. Template data and information indicating a registration request are received. The manager terminal device includes a UI unit. At the time of template registration operation, a GUI (graphical user interface) for template registration is displayed on the UI unit, or a registration screen is displayed by a Web browser. The administrator requests registration by designating a template to be registered via the GUI or Web browser.

  The image conversion unit 32 converts the template data received by the registration reception unit 30 into image data having a format such as JPEG, TIFF, or bitmap, and associates the image data with the template data. This image data may be used as a thumbnail image of the corresponding template.

  The feature extraction unit 34 extracts a feature group (attribute group) of the template from template data or image data obtained by image conversion of the template data, and information indicating each feature (for example, the feature) And the feature value (attribute value) are associated with the template data. Note that the feature group (attribute group) may include only one feature or a plurality of features. That is, the feature extraction unit 34 extracts a feature group (attribute group) including one or more features. Features of the template include, for example, the entire image of the template, the color and taste of the entire template, the number of variable fields that the template has, the size and position of the variable fields in the template, and the text that the template has For example, text information preliminarily input in the field, font type set in the text field, and the like.

  The registration unit 36 stores the template data to be registered, the image data obtained by image conversion of the template data, and information indicating the characteristics of the template in the template storage unit 20 in association with each other. Let

  The image acquisition unit 38 receives image data associated with template data already stored in the template storage unit 20, that is, image data associated with registered template data, from the template storage unit 20. Get from. The image acquisition unit 38 uses, as a search condition, information indicating the characteristics associated with the template data to be registered, thereby obtaining image data associated with the registered template data that matches the search condition. May be acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  When the color of the template is used as a search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 determines that the difference from the color (a numerical value representing the color) of the new template to be registered is less than the allowable value in the template storage unit 20. The template data having the color tone (numerical value representing the color tone) is searched, and the image data associated with the template data is acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  When a template taste is used as a search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 in the template storage unit 20 has a taste whose difference from a taste (sensitivity score representing the taste) of a new template to be registered is an allowable value or less. The data of the template having (the sensitivity score representing the taste) is searched, and the image data associated with the data of the template is acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  When the number of variable fields is used as a search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 selects a total number of variable fields whose difference from the total number of variable fields included in the new registration target template is equal to or less than the allowable value in the template storage unit 20. The template data is searched, and the image data associated with the template data is acquired from the template storage unit 20. As another example, the image acquisition unit 38 has a number of image fields or text fields in the template storage unit 20 that have a difference from the number of image fields or text fields of a new template to be registered that is less than or equal to an allowable value. The template data may be searched, and the image data associated with the template data may be acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  When the size of the variable field is used as the search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 sets the variable field size that is easily noticeable in the new registration target template (for example, the largest title or the largest image is arranged in the template). The template data having a variable field whose size is less than an allowable value is retrieved from the template storage unit 20 and image data associated with the template data is acquired from the template storage unit 20. .

  When the position of the variable field is used as a search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 includes a variable field arranged at a position where the difference from the position of the variable field that is conspicuous in the new registration target template is equal to or less than an allowable value. And the image data associated with the template data is acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  When text information (default character string) preliminarily input in the text field is used as a search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 is a conspicuous text field (for example, a specific size in the template). A text field in which text information preliminarily input to the text field having the same length or more is extracted, and text information having the same or similar meaning as the text information (that is, the same word or synonym) is input in advance. Is retrieved, and image data associated with the template data is acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  When the font type of the text field is used as a search condition, the image acquisition unit 38 is set to a text field that is conspicuous in a new template to be registered (for example, a text field having a specific size in the template). Search for template data having a text field in which the same or similar font is set as the type of font (for example, Gothic, Mincho, handwritten, etc.), and an image associated with the template data Data is acquired from the template storage unit 20.

  The allowable value is, for example, a preset value. Of course, the allowable value may be changed to an arbitrary value by an administrator or the like.

  The similar image extraction unit 40 compares the image data associated with the new registration target template data with the image data group acquired by the image acquisition unit 38, and from among the image data group, Image data that is the same as or similar to the image data associated with the new registration target template data is extracted. That is, the similar image extraction unit 40 extracts image data whose similarity with the image data associated with the new registration target template data is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, a preset value. Of course, the threshold value may be changed to an arbitrary value by an administrator or the like. Hereinafter, image data extracted by the similar image extraction unit 40 is referred to as “similar image data”, and template data associated with the similar image data is referred to as “similar template data”. A well-known technique is used as the calculation processing of the similarity of the image data and the extraction processing of the similar image data.

  The similar template registration unit 42 associates a template to be registered with a similar template. For example, the similar template registration unit 42 associates the template identification information of the similar template with the data of the new registration target template, and associates the template identification information of the new registration target template with the data of the similar template. Thereby, the template storage unit 20 stores the data of the new registration target template in a state in which the template identification information of the similar template is associated, and similarly corresponds to the template identification information of the new registration target template. Similar template data (registered template data) is stored in the attached state. The similar template registration unit 42 may list the template identification information of the similar templates, and associate the similar template list information indicating the list with the data of the template to be registered. Similarly, the similar template registration unit 42 registers the template identification information of the template to be registered in the similar template list information associated with the data of the similar template.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the template search unit 24 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the template search unit 24.

  The search screen generation unit 44 generates information indicating a primary search screen and information indicating a secondary search screen as information indicating a screen for searching for a template. The search screen generation unit 44 includes, for example, information indicating a screen for inputting a primary search condition, information indicating a screen for displaying a result of the primary search, information indicating a screen for inputting a secondary search condition, Information indicating a screen representing the search result is generated. Information indicating each screen is transmitted from the template management apparatus 10 to the terminal apparatus 12 via the communication path N and displayed on the terminal apparatus 12. The terminal device 12 includes a UI unit. When searching for a template, a GUI for inputting a search condition is displayed on the UI part, a GUI representing a search result is displayed, or a screen for inputting a search condition is displayed by a Web browser, A screen for displaying search results may be displayed by the Web browser. The user inputs search conditions via the GUI or Web browser.

  The primary search unit 46 performs a primary search of the template. In the primary search, the primary search unit 46 uses, for example, information such as keywords and tastes as the primary search condition, and selects a template that matches the primary search condition from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for. When the primary search is executed, the search screen generation unit 44 generates information indicating a screen on which the result of the primary search is displayed. The screen is displayed on the terminal device 12.

  The feature extraction unit 48 includes a feature group (attribute group) (for example, the name of the feature and the value of the feature (attribute value)) included in each of a plurality of templates selected by the user from the template group obtained by the primary search. ) Is extracted from each of the plurality of templates. Note that the feature group (attribute group) may include only one feature or a plurality of features. That is, the feature extraction unit 48 extracts a feature group including one or a plurality of features. For example, a secondary search condition setting screen representing a template group obtained by the primary search is displayed on the terminal device 12, and a plurality of templates are selected from the template group on the screen by the user. As described above, since information indicating the template features is associated with the data of each template, the feature extraction unit 48 uses each feature associated with the data of each template obtained by the primary search. The information indicating is extracted. At this time, the feature extraction unit 48 extracts a feature group (attribute group) that the plurality of templates selected by the user have in common. The feature extraction unit 48 extracts, for example, features relating to a variable field as an editing area that the plurality of templates have in common. Features relating to the variable field are, for example, the number of variable fields in the template, the position of the variable field in the template, the size of the variable field, and the like. In addition, the feature extraction unit 48 may extract the taste and color of each of the plurality of templates as features.

  The secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a secondary search condition used for the secondary search. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the similarity of the feature values between the plurality of templates selected by the user for each of the common features, and based on the similarity, A common feature included in the secondary search condition is selected from the feature group. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 selects a common feature included in the secondary search condition from the common feature group according to the priority order according to the similarity. The priority is set so that the priority is higher as the similarity is higher (larger), and the secondary search condition setting unit 50 performs a secondary search for features included in a rank set in advance from the higher priority. Select as a feature included in the condition. The order may be changed by the administrator or the like of the user.

  The secondary search condition setting unit 50 includes, in the secondary search condition, a feature whose similarity is equal to or higher than a reference value among the plurality of templates selected by the user in the common feature group. You may choose as The reference value is a preset value, for example. Of course, the reference value may be changed by a user, an administrator, or the like. In this case, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 may select a feature included in the secondary search condition based on the priority order and the reference value. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 performs a secondary search for common features whose similarity is equal to or greater than a reference value and included in a preset order from a higher priority. You may select as the characteristic contained in conditions.

  In addition, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used as the secondary search condition based on the feature value included in the search condition of each of the plurality of templates. As described above, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 selects a common feature used as the secondary search condition from the common feature group, and determines a search range of the secondary search condition.

  The secondary search unit 52 uses the secondary search condition determined by the secondary search condition setting unit 50 to select a template that matches the secondary search condition from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for. When the secondary search is executed, the search screen generation unit 44 generates information indicating a screen on which the result of the secondary search is displayed. The screen is displayed on the terminal device 12.

  The units included in the template management apparatus 10 may communicate with each other via a communication path such as a network.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the terminal device 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the terminal device 12.

  The communication unit 54 is a communication interface, and has a function of transmitting data to other devices and a function of receiving data from other devices. The communication unit 54 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication and a wired communication function, and has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the communication unit 54 may have a short-range wireless communication function. The communication unit 54 transmits, for example, information indicating search conditions to the template management apparatus 10, and receives template data transmitted from the template management apparatus 10, information indicating template search results, and the like.

  The storage unit 56 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory, and stores, for example, various programs and various data. Of course, they may be stored in different storage devices, or may be stored in the same storage device.

  The UI unit 58 and the user interface unit include a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, the UI unit 58 may be a user interface that has both functions of a display unit and an operation unit (for example, a display as a touch panel, a display that electronically displays a keyboard, or the like).

  The control unit 60 controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 12. For example, the control unit 60 causes the UI unit 58 to display a screen for inputting a template search condition and a screen representing a template search result.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the template management system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a template registration operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation.

  When the new registration target template data and the information indicating the template registration request are sent to the template management apparatus 10, the registration receiving unit 30 receives the new registration target template data and the information indicating the registration request (S01). ). Next, the image conversion unit 32 converts the new registration target template data received by the registration reception unit 30 into image data (S02). Next, the feature extraction unit 34 extracts a feature group (attribute group) of the template from the data or image data of the new registration target template (S03). The registration unit 36 stores the template data to be newly registered, image data, and information indicating the template characteristics in the template storage unit 20 in association with each other (S04). As a result, a new template to be registered is registered in the template storage unit 20. Next, the image acquisition unit 38 acquires image data associated with the registered template from the template storage unit 20 (S05). At this time, the image acquisition unit 38 uses the information indicating the characteristics associated with the new registration target template data as the search condition, thereby obtaining the image data of the registered template that matches the search condition as the template. You may acquire from the memory | storage part 20. FIG. Next, the similar image extraction unit 40 extracts image data that is the same as or similar to the image data of the new registration target template from the image data group acquired by the image acquisition unit 38 (S06). Next, the similar template registration unit 42 associates the template to be registered with the similar template (S07).

  Next, a template search operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart showing the operation.

  The primary search unit 46 receives information indicating the primary search condition input by the user on the screen for inputting the primary search condition (S10), and from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20, A template that matches the primary search condition is searched (S11). The result of the primary search is displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal device 12 (S12). A plurality of templates are selected by the user from the template group obtained by the primary search, and the feature extraction unit 48 accepts the selection (S13). The feature extraction unit 48 extracts a feature group (attribute group) shared by a plurality of templates selected by the user (S14). Next, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the similarity of the feature values between the plurality of templates for each common feature, and based on the similarity, from the common feature group A common feature included in the secondary search condition is selected (S15). Next, the secondary search unit 52 searches the template group stored in the template storage unit 20 for a template that matches the secondary search condition (S16). The result of the secondary search is displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal device 12 (S17).

  Hereinafter, the template management system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  The template will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of a template related to an advertising medium for advertising (for example, a flyer). The template 62 includes, for example, text fields 64, 66, and 68, an image field 70, and graphic fields 72 and 74 as variable fields (objects). The template 62 includes an image 76 that is prohibited from editing. Of course, the template may not include a field (image or text) prohibited from editing. The text fields 64, 66, 68, the image field 70, and the graphic fields 72, 74 are fields (objects) that are permitted to be edited. In the default state, the position and size of each field are set in advance, and the position and size of each field are changed by the user when editing the template. Of course, only editing of information included in each field may be permitted, and changes in the position and size of each field may be prohibited. In the text fields 64, 66, and 68, the font type and font size are preset. The user may be allowed to change the font type and size, or may be prohibited. In the text fields 64, 66, and 68, preset text information is input. Specifically, text information related to the title (title) is input in advance in the text fields 64 and 66, and text information related to the text is input in advance in the text field 68. When the template is edited, arbitrary text information is input to the text fields 64, 66, and 68 by the user. In the image field 70, preset image data (for example, image data having a format such as JPEG, TIFF, or bitmap) is input. Pre-set graphic data (for example, graphic data having a format such as a vector) is input to the graphic fields 72 and 74. At the time of editing the template, the image or graphic is changed or processed by the user.

  Multiple templates are created with different designs for each field. Thereby, a plurality of templates having different designs are created. For example, multiple templates with different information (for example, font type, font size, image, figure, etc.), field size, field position, and number of fields set in each field Create As a result, a plurality of templates having different information set in the field, field size, field position, and number of fields are created. In addition, a plurality of different templates are created for each object. Data for each template is created in advance and stored in the template storage unit 20.

  Hereinafter, the primary search setting screen will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example of the primary search setting screen. The primary search setting screen 78 is a screen for inputting a primary search condition, and is displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal device 12 when performing a primary search. The primary search setting screen 78 is generated by the search screen generation unit 44. For example, text (keyword), color, atmosphere (taste, impression), and similar images correspond to the conditions used for the primary search condition, and the primary search setting screen 78 includes text (keyword), color, An input field for designating an atmosphere (taste, impression) and a similar image is included. At least one condition among text (keyword), color, atmosphere (taste, impression), and similar image is designated by the user as a primary search condition. In the example shown in FIG. 9, “sales flyer” is input by the user as text (keyword), and the text (keyword) is specified as the primary search condition.

  When the primary search condition is input on the primary search setting screen 78, information indicating the primary search condition is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the template management apparatus 10. In the template management apparatus 10, the primary search unit 46 searches for a template that matches the primary search condition from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. When the text (keyword) is included in the primary search condition, the primary search unit 46 searches for a template associated with the text (keyword). When the color is included in the primary search condition, the primary search unit 46 searches for a template having the color. When the primary search condition includes an atmosphere (taste, impression), the primary search unit 46 searches for a template having the taste. When a similar image is included in the primary search condition, the primary search unit 46 searches for a template associated with an image similar to the similar image. When a plurality of conditions are specified, the primary search unit 46 may search for a template that matches all of the plurality of conditions by performing an AND search, or by performing an OR search, A template that matches at least one of a plurality of conditions may be searched. The primary search unit 46 acquires, for example, image data associated with template data that matches the primary search condition from the template storage unit 20. Information indicating the primary search result (for example, information including the image data) is transmitted from the template management apparatus 10 to the terminal apparatus 12 and displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal apparatus 12.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the primary search result. The primary search result screen 80 is a screen on which the primary search result is displayed, and is displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal device 12 after the primary search is executed. The primary search result screen 80 is generated by the search screen generation unit 44. The primary search result screen 80 displays an input field for specifying a primary search condition, and also displays template images (thumbnail images 82 to 96) acquired by the primary search. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, “sales flyer” is input as text (keyword) by the user, and the text (keyword) is designated as the primary search condition. These templates are searched, and thumbnail images 82 to 96 of the respective templates are displayed.

  The primary search result screen 80 also serves as a template selection screen used for the secondary search. On the primary search result screen 80, a plurality of templates are selected by the user from the template group obtained by the primary search. For example, the user selects a template having an impression or layout close to the impression or layout of the template that the user intends to use (a template having an impression or layout close to a required template). In the example shown in FIG. 10, thumbnail images 82 and 92 are selected from the thumbnail images 82 to 96. That is, the template associated with the thumbnail image 82 and the template associated with the thumbnail image 92 are selected. In the primary search result screen 80, keywords of each template may be displayed in the vicinity of each thumbnail image. As other information, the features (eg, the number of variable fields) of each template, information indicating the print size (eg, A4) suitable for each template, imposition information, etc. are displayed on the primary search result screen 80. May be. Further, a variable field may be displayed on each thumbnail image by a broken line or the like. Displaying such information provides the user with information that may be useful for the user to select a template to be used for the secondary search.

  FIG. 11 shows a template 98 corresponding to the thumbnail image 82 selected by the user. The template 98 has seven text fields (variable fields 100 to 112) and one image field (variable field 114) as an example. In each text field, text having a preset font type and size is input. The variable field 102 corresponds to the text field of the title.

  FIG. 12 shows a template 116 corresponding to the thumbnail image 92 selected by the user. The template 116 has, for example, six text fields (variable fields 120 to 130) and two image fields (variable fields 118 and 132). In each text field, text having a preset font type and size is input. The variable field 122 corresponds to the text field of the title, and the variable field 118 corresponds to the image field of the main image.

  When a plurality of templates are selected by the user from the template group obtained by the primary search, in the template management apparatus 10, the feature extraction unit 48 includes a feature group (attribute group) included in each of the plurality of templates selected by the user. ) (For example, the feature name and the feature value (attribute value)) are extracted from each of the plurality of templates. For example, template identification information for identifying each template selected by the user is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the template management device 10, and the feature extraction unit 48 generates template data associated with the template identification information. Is obtained from the template storage unit 20, and features are extracted from the data of the template. At this time, the feature extraction unit 48 extracts a feature group (attribute group) that the plurality of templates have in common. Further, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the degree of similarity between the common features among the plurality of templates. For example, when the templates 98 and 116 are selected, the feature extraction unit 48 extracts a feature group (attribute group) that the templates 98 and 116 have in common, and the secondary search condition setting unit 50 The degree of similarity between the common features is calculated between 116.

  FIG. 13 shows a feature (attribute) table as an example of a common feature (attribute) extracted by the feature extraction unit 48. In the feature table, the values of the features for the templates 98 and 116 are shown. In the feature table, the common feature (attribute), the feature value for the template T1 (template 98), the feature value for the template T2 (template 116), and the features between the templates T1 and T2 The similarity, the search range used in the secondary search condition, the priority order for the feature, and the search conditions 1 and 2 that define the feature used in the secondary search condition are associated with each other.

  Common features (attributes) are features that the templates T1 and T2 (templates 98 and 116) have in common. For example, an image of the entire template, a color of the entire template, and an atmosphere (taste) of the template are extracted as common features regarding the entire template. That is, the data of the templates T1 and T2 are respectively associated with the entire image data of the own template, the information indicating the color, and the information indicating the taste. It has color and taste as common features (attributes).

  Also, the number of text fields included in the template, the number of image fields included in the template, the position of the text field where the title is input in the template, the size (size) of the text field, and the image field where the main image is input in the template The position of the image field, the size (size) of the image field, the character of the title, and the like are extracted as common features regarding the variable field. That is, each of the templates T1 and T2 has a text field and an image field. The templates T1 and T2 have the number of text fields, the position of the text field, the number of image fields, the position of the image field, and the title. It has a character as a common feature (attribute).

  The similarity and the search range are calculated by the secondary search condition setting unit 50. The priority order is determined according to the similarity. The higher the similarity is, the higher the priority is set. The search conditions 1 and 2 are information defining features included in the secondary search condition according to the priority order. Search condition 1 is a condition including a feature having the highest (first) priority, and search condition 2 is a condition not including a feature having the highest (first) priority.

  Similar template list information is associated with the data of the template T1, and the template similar to the template T1 is, for example, the template T3. Similarly, similar template list information is associated with the data of the template T2, and the template similar to the template T2 is, for example, the template T4. The similarity between the image of the template T3 and the image of the template T4 is “0%”. That is, the similarity for the entire image as a common feature is “0%”. A known technique is used as the calculation processing of the similarity of the image data. Since the similarity of images is “0%”, the search range used for the secondary search is not calculated.

  When the similarity between the image of the template T3 and the image of the template T4 is not “0%” and the entire image as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 includes the template storage unit. A template similar to the template T3 is searched from the template group stored in 20, and a template similar to the template T4 is searched. When the template similar to the template T1 is the template T3 and the template similar to the template T2 is the template T3, that is, when the templates similar to the templates T1 and T2 are the same, the secondary search unit 52 selects the template T3. Search for templates similar to.

  Each color of the templates T1 and T2 is expressed by, for example, RGB signals. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the RGB signal value of the template T1 with the RGB signal value of the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the color. For example, the similarity according to the difference between the RGB signals is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the RGB signal value of the template T1 and the RGB signal value of the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the similarity degree regarding the color as a common feature is “30%”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used for the secondary search based on the colors of the templates T1 and T2. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies, for example, the maximum value and the minimum value of the colors of the templates T1 and T2, and uses the range defined by the maximum and minimum values for secondary search for the color. The search range is determined. When the color as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 selects the color included in the search range for the color from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for templates with the value of.

  The taste (atmosphere) of the template T1 is “pop”, and the taste (atmosphere) of the template T2 is “natural”. The taste may be defined by a character string, or may be defined by a numerical value such as a sensitivity score. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the taste of the template T1 and the taste of the template T2, and calculates the similarity between both tastes. For example, when the taste is defined by a numerical value such as a sensitivity score, a similarity according to the difference between the numerical values is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the sensitivity score of the template T1 and the sensitivity score of the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. As another example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 refers to a map in which information indicating each taste is mapped according to the sensitivity score, and sets the positional relationship between the tastes of the templates T1 and T2 mapped to the map. Based on this, the similarity may be calculated. For example, the similarity according to the distance between tastes on the map is set in advance. The similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the distance is shorter. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies the position of each taste of the templates T1 and T2 on the map, calculates the distance between the positions of both tastes, and determines the similarity corresponding to the distance. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the similarity for the taste as a common feature is “0%”, so the search range for the secondary search for the taste is not calculated.

  When the similarity between the tastes of the templates T1 and T2 is not “0%”, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines the tastes based on the tastes of the templates T1 and T2. The search range for the secondary search is determined. The search range is, for example, a sensitivity score range defined by the taste sensitivity score of the template T1 and the taste sensitivity score of the template T2 (the taste sensitivity score of the template T1 to the taste of the template T2). Sensitivity score). As another example, the average value (intermediate value) of the taste sensitivity score of the template T1 and the taste sensitivity score of the template T2 may be used as the search range. When the taste (atmosphere) as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 searches the template group stored in the template storage unit 20 for a search range for a taste (sensitivity score). A template having a taste (sensibility score) included in the search is searched.

  The number of text fields in template T1 is “7”, and the number of text fields in template T2 is “6”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the number of text fields in the template T1 with the number of text fields in the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the number of text fields. For example, the similarity according to the difference in the number of text fields is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the number of text fields in the template T1 and the number of text fields in the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the similarity of the number of text fields as a common feature is “85%”. Further, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used for the secondary search based on the number of text fields of the templates T1 and T2. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies the maximum value and the minimum value of the number of text fields of the templates T1 and T2, and sets a range defined by the maximum value and the minimum value (for example, “6 to 7”). The search range for the secondary search for color is determined. When the number of text fields as a feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 selects the text field included in the search range for the number of text fields from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for templates with numbers.

  The number of image fields of the template T1 is “1”, and the number of image fields of the template T2 is “2”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the number of image fields of the template T1 with the number of image fields of the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the number of image fields. For example, the similarity according to the difference in the number of image fields is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the number of image fields of the template T1 and the number of image fields of the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the similarity of the number of image fields as a common feature is “66%”. Further, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used for the secondary search based on the number of image fields of the templates T1 and T2. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies the maximum value and the minimum value of the number of image fields of the templates T1 and T2, and sets a range defined by the maximum value and the minimum value (for example, “1-2”). The search range for the secondary search for color is determined. When the number of image fields as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 is included in the search range for the number of image fields from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for a template with the number of image fields.

  The position of the title in the template T1 is “50 × 20 (%)”, and the position of the title in the template T2 is “50 × 35 (%)”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the position of the title in the template T1 and the position of the title in the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the position of the title (the position of the text field into which the title is input). For example, the similarity according to the position difference is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the title position in the template T1 and the title position in the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the similarity of the title position as a common feature is “40%”. Further, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used for the secondary search based on the title positions of the templates T1 and T2. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies, for example, the maximum and minimum values of the title positions of the templates T1 and T2, and a range defined by the maximum and minimum values (for example, “50 × (20 to 35). )% ") Is determined as the search range for the secondary search for the title position. When the position of the title as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 is included in the search range for the position of the title from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. A template having a title set in a position (a text field into which a title is input) is searched.

  The size of the title in the template T1 is “95 × 20 (%)”, and the size of the title in the template T2 is “60 × 10 (%)”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the size of the title in the template T1 and the size of the title in the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the title size (text field size into which the title is input). For example, the similarity according to the size difference is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the size of the title in the template T1 and the size of the title in the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the similarity of the title size as a common feature is “55%”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used for the secondary search based on the title sizes of the templates T1 and T2. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 identifies the maximum and minimum values of the title sizes of the templates T1 and T2, and a range defined by the maximum and minimum values (for example, “(60 to 95) × (10-20)% ") is determined as the search range for the secondary search for the size of the title. When the size of the title as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 is included in the search range for the size of the title from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for templates with size titles.

  The template T1 does not have a main image. On the other hand, the template T2 has a main image. In the template T2, the position of the main image (the position of the image field where the main image is input) is “50 × 45 (%)”, and the size of the main image (the size of the image field) is “100 × 85”. (%) ". The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the position of the main image in the template T1 with the position of the main image in the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the positions of the main images. For example, the similarity according to the position difference is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the position of the main image in the template T1 and the position of the main image in the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example shown in FIG. 13, since the similarity of the position of the main image as a common feature is “0%”, the search range for the secondary search for the position of the main image is not calculated. Similarly, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the size of the main image in the template T1 with the size of the main image in the template T2, and calculates the similarity between the sizes of the main images. For example, the similarity according to the size difference is set in advance. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 calculates the difference between the size of the main image in the template T1 and the size of the main image in the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the similarity of the size of the main image as a common feature is “0%”, and therefore the search range for secondary search for the size of the main image is not calculated.

  In the case where the templates T1 and T2 have main images, if the similarity between the positions of the main images is not “0%” between the templates T1 and T2, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 Based on the position of the main image of T1 and the position of the main image of the template T2, the search range for the secondary search for the position of the main image is determined. For example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies the maximum value and the minimum value of the position of the main image of the templates T1 and T2, and sets the range defined by the maximum value and the minimum value for the position of the main image. The search range for the secondary search is determined. When the position of the main image as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 sets the search range for the position of the main image from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. A template having a main image (image field into which the main image is input) set at the included position is searched.

  In the case where the templates T1 and T2 have main images, if the similarity between the sizes of the main images is not “0%” between the templates T1 and T2, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 Based on the size of the main image of T1 and the size of the main image of the template T2, a search range for secondary search for the size of the main image is determined. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 specifies, for example, the maximum value and the minimum value of the size of the main image of the templates T1 and T2, and sets the range defined by the maximum value and the minimum value for the size of the main image. The search range for the secondary search is determined. When the size of the main image as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 sets the search range for the size of the main image from the template group stored in the template storage unit 20. A template having a main image of an included size (image field into which the main image is input) is searched.

  The character string of the title in the templates T1 and T2 is “SALE”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the title character string in the template T1 and the title character string in the template T2, and calculates the similarity of the title character strings. For example, the similarity according to the difference in the meaning of the character string is set in advance. The degree of similarity is set to be higher (larger) as the difference is smaller. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 compares the meaning of the character string of the title in the template T1 with the meaning of the character string of the title in the template T2, and determines the similarity corresponding to the difference in meaning. In the example shown in FIG. 13, since the character string of the title is “SALE” in both templates T1 and T2, and the character strings are the same, the similarity of the character string of the title is “100%”. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines a search range used for the secondary search based on the title character strings of the templates T1 and T2. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the character string “SALE” is determined as the search range for the secondary search. When the character string of the title as a common feature is included in the secondary search condition, the secondary search unit 52 sets the search range for the character string of the title from the templates stored in the template storage unit 20. Search for a template with an included title.

  As described above, the feature similarity between the templates T1 and T2 is calculated for each common feature. The secondary search condition setting unit 50 determines the priority order for each common feature according to the similarity for each common feature. Specifically, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 increases the priority for features with higher (larger) similarity. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the similarity of the title character string is “100%” and the similarity is the highest, so the priority of the feature “title character string” is “first”. Since the similarity of the number of text fields is “85%” and the similarity is the second highest, the priority of the feature “number of text fields” is “second”. Since the similarity of the number of image fields is “66%” and the similarity is the third highest, the priority of the feature “number of image fields” is “third”. Since the similarity of the title size is “55%” and the similarity is the fourth highest, the priority of the feature “title size” is “fourth”. Since the similarity of the title position is “40%” and the similarity is the fifth highest, the priority of the feature “title position” is “fifth place”.

  The secondary search condition setting unit 50 includes, in the secondary search condition, features included in a range of priorities set in advance from the top. The range of the order may be changed to an arbitrary range by a user, an administrator, or the like. As an example, it is assumed that the number of features included in the secondary search condition is “3”.

  A specific example will be described. Search condition 1 shown in FIG. 13 is a condition in which the common features having the first to third priorities are selected as the secondary search conditions. That is, the feature “title character string”, the feature “number of text fields”, and the feature “number of image fields” are included in the search condition 1. When a search is performed using this search condition 1 as a secondary search condition, “SALE” is included as the title character string, 6-7 text fields are included, and 1-2 image fields are selected. The template that has is searched. In this way, a template having a common feature value having a relatively high similarity between the templates T1 and T2 is searched. For example, a template having a common variable field value having a relatively high similarity between the templates T1 and T2 is searched. Since the templates T1 and T2 are templates selected by the user, the template obtained by the secondary search has a value that matches the user's purpose (for example, a variable field feature value that matches the user's purpose). Template). In the search using a keyword, a template having a common feature value that is relatively high in mutual similarity between the templates T1 and T2 is not always searched. According to this embodiment, for example, a keyword is used. Compared to the template search, a template that matches the user's purpose is searched.

  The search condition 2 is a secondary search condition in which the feature having the highest priority is excluded, and the feature having the second to fourth priority is selected as the secondary search condition. That is, the feature “title character string” is excluded, and the feature “number of text fields”, the feature “number of image fields”, and the feature “title size” are included in the search condition 2. When a search is performed using this search condition 2 as a secondary search condition, it has 6 to 7 text fields, 1 to 2 image fields, and a title size of “(60 to 95)”. A template “× (10-20)%” is searched. For the feature having the highest priority, the feature value similarity may happen to be high between the templates T1 and T2, so the feature having the highest priority is used as the secondary search condition. Including it increases the search error. In order to cope with this, the search error is suppressed by excluding the feature having the highest priority and setting the secondary search condition.

  The search condition used as the secondary search condition among the search conditions 1 and 2 may be automatically selected by the secondary search condition setting unit 50 or may be selected by the user.

  As another example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 may include, for example, a feature whose similarity is equal to or higher than a reference value in the secondary search condition. For example, when “50%” is set as the reference value, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 includes a feature having a similarity of “50%” or more in the secondary search condition. As yet another example, the secondary search condition setting unit 50 selects features that are features whose similarity is equal to or higher than a reference value and that are included in a preset priority range from the top. May be included.

  When the secondary search condition is set by the secondary search condition setting unit 50, the secondary search unit 52 searches the template group stored in the template storage unit 20 for a template that matches the secondary search condition. To do. The secondary search unit 52 searches for a template that matches the search range of all the features included in the secondary search condition by performing an AND search. Of course, the secondary search unit 52 may search for a template by including the primary search condition in the secondary search condition. The AND search or OR search may be set in advance, or may be selected by a user, an administrator, or the like. Information indicating the secondary search result is transmitted from the template management apparatus 10 to the terminal apparatus 12 and displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal apparatus 12.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a result of performing a secondary search using the search condition 1 described above. The secondary search result screen 134 is a screen on which the secondary search result is displayed, and is displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal device 12 after the secondary search is executed. The secondary search result screen 134 is generated by the search screen generation unit 44. The secondary search result screen 134 displays an input field for designating a primary search condition, and displays template images (thumbnail images 82, 92, 136, 138, and 140) acquired by the secondary search. Has been. As an example, a template is searched using a secondary search condition including a primary search condition. Since the search condition 1 includes the feature “title character string”, a template including the title character string “SALE” is searched.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a result of performing a secondary search using the search condition 2 described above. The secondary search result screen 142 is a screen on which the secondary search result is displayed. After the secondary search is executed, the secondary search result screen 142 is displayed on the UI unit 58 of the terminal device 12. The secondary search result screen 142 is generated by the search screen generation unit 44. The secondary search result screen 142 displays an input field for designating a primary search condition, and also displays template images (thumbnail images 84, 94, and 96) acquired by the secondary search. As an example, a template is searched using a secondary search condition including a primary search condition. Since the search condition 2 does not include the feature “title character string”, a template including the title character string “SALE” is not searched.

  Note that the secondary search may be repeatedly executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of templates are selected by the user, common features are extracted from the plurality of templates, and common features having a relatively high degree of similarity are used as search conditions. To search for templates. As a result, the user's purpose can be selected by a simple operation of selecting a template as compared with a case where keywords and layout information (for example, the number, size, position, and the like of variable fields) are input as search conditions by a character string. (Eg, a template having variable field feature values that match the user's purpose). That is, in the secondary search, since the user needs to input keywords and layout information as character strings, the secondary search condition is set with fewer operations, and a template suitable for the user's purpose is searched.

  Each of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 is realized by cooperation of hardware and software as an example. Specifically, each of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (not shown). The function of each part of the template management apparatus 10 and the terminal device 12 is implement | achieved when the said 1 or several processor reads and runs the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage device which is not shown in figure. The program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, each part of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor and an electronic circuit. In the realization, a device such as a memory may be used. As another example, each part of the template management device 10 and the terminal device 12 may be realized by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Template management part, 12 Terminal device, 20 Template memory | storage part, 22 Template registration part, 24 Template search part, 46 Primary search part, 48 Feature extraction part, 50 Secondary search condition setting part, 52 Secondary search part

Claims (9)

Extraction means for extracting from the plurality of templates a feature group that a plurality of templates selected by the user from among template groups having different designs from each other;
Search means for searching for a template by including, in a search condition, a feature selected based on the similarity between features of the plurality of templates from the common feature group extracted by the extraction means;
An information processing apparatus. The search means searches for a template by including, in the search condition, a feature selected according to a priority according to the similarity from the common feature group;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The search means searches for a template by including, in the search condition, a feature in which the similarity between the plurality of templates is equal to or higher than a reference value in the common feature group.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The search means determines a search range used as the search condition based on a common feature value included in each of the plurality of templates and included in the search condition, and the search Search for templates with feature values included in the range,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The template has one or more editing areas that are allowed to be edited by the user,
The features that the template has include features relating to the editing area,
The extraction means extracts features relating to the editing area that the plurality of templates have in common,
The search means searches for a template by including, in the search condition, a feature relating to the editing area selected based on the similarity between features of the plurality of templates.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The feature related to the edit area includes at least one of the number of the edit areas in the template, the position of the edit area in the template, and the size of the edit area,
The search means includes the similarity between features of the plurality of templates among at least one of the number of editing areas, the position of the editing area, and the size of the editing area. A template is searched by including the feature relating to the editing area selected based on the search condition.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The features of the template include an impression evoked by the template,
The search means searches for a template by including, in the search condition, an impression selected based on the similarity of impressions between the plurality of templates.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. A primary search means for searching the template group under a search condition different from the search by the search means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. Computer
Extraction means for extracting from the plurality of templates a feature group that a plurality of templates selected by a user from among template groups having different designs from each other;
Search means for searching for a template by including, in a search condition, a feature selected based on the similarity between the plurality of templates among the common feature group extracted by the extraction means,
Program to function as.